Analysis of disease burden due to high body mass index in childhood asthma in China and the USA based on the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019.

BACKGROUND: Currently, there is a growing concern about the disease burden of child asthma particularly due to high body mass index (BMI). The prevalence and disease burden of asthma differ between developing and developed countries, with implications on disease intervention. Therefore, we provide a comparative analysis of childhood asthma between China and the United States of America (USA). METHODS: Using the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2019 data, we estimated and compared the age-standardized prevalence, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), years of life lost (YLLs), years of lost due to disability (YLDs), DALYs due to high BMI of asthma in children aged 1-14 years in China and the USA. Joinpoint regression analysis was applied to assess changes in temporal trends. RESULTS: DALYs due to high BMI and the ratio of DALYs to DALYs due to high BMI in children with asthma showed a significant upward trend in both countries and were higher in males than in females. Almost all epidemiological indicators of asthma showed a hump of curve from 2014 to 2019, and peaked in 2017. There was a decreasing trend of YLLs for asthma in children both countries, while China has a saliently greater decreasing trend. CONCLUSION: The disease burden caused by high BMI of childhood asthma was on the rise in children with asthma in both China and the USA. High BMI needs to be taken more into account in the development of future policies for the prevention, control, and treatment of childhood asthma. However, the increasing trend of this disease burden in American children was significantly lower than that in Chinese children. We recommend learning from the American government to impose a high-calorie tax, increase physical exercise facilities, and provide better health care policies.

Association of blood lead with estradiol and sex hormone-binding globulin in 8-19-year-old children and adolescents.

Background: Metals can interfere with hormonal functioning through indirect mechanisms and by binding at the receptor site; thus, they may be associated with hormonal changes. However, there have been few studies on the health impact of metal exposure among children and adolescents. Thus, we aimed to examine the associations of blood lead level (BLL) with estradiol (E2) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) among children and adolescents aged 8-19 years in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) database. Methods: This was a cohort study of 2188 individuals from the NHANES. BLL was taken as independent variables, E2 and SHBG as dependent variable. We conducted weighted multivariate linear regression models and smooth curve fittings to evaluate the association between them. Results: The BLL was significantly positively associated with serum SHBG level in females, especially when the LnBLL quartiles are between Q3 and Q4. There was an inverted U-shaped association between BLL and E2 with the point of inflection at 1.86 µg/L and a U-shaped association between BLL and SHBG with the point of inflection at 1.86 µg/L in female adolescents aged 16-19 years. Meanwhile, In males, there was a positive trend of correlation between BLL and E2 in the 8-11 years, and 16-19 years groups. Conclusions: This study found an inverted U-shaped association of BLL with E2 and a U-shaped association between BLL and SHBG in female adolescents aged 16-19 years. This indicates that adjusting blood lead exposure to mitigate the effects of lead on growth and development is important for adolescents aged 16-19 years. Controlling the BLL below 1.86 µg/L may minimize the damage to E2.

The efficacy of mometasone furoate for children with asthma: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

INTRODUCTION: The influence of mometasone furoate for paediatric asthma remains controversial. AIM: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to explore the efficacy and safety of mometasone furoate for paediatric asthma. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We have searched PubMed, Embase, Web of science, EBSCO, and Cochrane library databases through October 2019 for randomized controlled trials assessing the effect of mometasone furoate versus placebo for paediatric asthma. This meta-analysis was performed using the random-effects model. RESULTS: Four RCTs were included in the meta-analysis. Overall, as compared to placebo for paediatric asthma, mometasone furoate is associated with substantially increased predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) (mean difference (MD) = 7.53; 95% CI: 7.02-8.04; p < 0.00001), FEV1 (MD = 0.11; 95% CI: 0.10-0.12; p < 0.00001), and morning peak expiratory flow (AM PEF) (MD = 17.70; 95% CI: 9.91-25.49; p < 0.00001), but demonstrates no obvious effect on pharyngitis (RR = 0.96; 95% CI: 0.59-1.58; p = 0.89), upper respiratory tract infections (RR = 0.73; 95% CI: 0.50-1.05; p = 0.09), or adverse events (RR = 1.05; 95% CI: 0.84-1.31; p = 0.69). CONCLUSIONS: Mometasone furoate may be effective and safe for paediatric asthma.

The Effects of Different Modes of Delivery on the Structure and Predicted Function of Intestinal Microbiota in Neonates and Early Infants.

Several studies have shown that an increased risk of metabolic and immune disorders associated with cesarean section mode of delivery may exist. However, such studies have not been conducted in the Chinese population. Stool sample sequencing of the gene encoding the 16S rRNA of 82 prospectively enrolled 3- and 30-42-day-old vaginal and cesarean section delivered newborns was performed to study the composition and predicted function of the intestinal microbiota. In the samples from the 3-day-old neonates, the levels of Escherichia-Shigella in the two groups were similar. The genera Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, and Bacteroides were more prominent in the vaginal delivery than in the cesarean section group, which showed a predominance of Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, and Corynebacterium. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (p < 0.05). In the samples from 30- to 42-day-old infants, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Escherichia-Shigella, and Bacteroides were the main genera present in the vaginal delivery group, while in the cesarean section delivery group; the predominant genera were Escherichia-Shigella, Bifidobacterium, Bacteroides, and Staphylococcus. Predicted functions of the vaginal delivery group revealed higher metabolic and biodegradation rates of carbohydrates, vitamins, and xenobiotics than those in the cesarean section group, which contributed to the stability of the microbiota in the former. The abundance of probiotic bacteria such as Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus, and the negative correlation between obesity and Bacteroides presence were higher in vaginally delivered infants than in cesarean-delivered infants at both studied time points.

Associations between serum calcium, 25(OH)D level and bone mineral density in adolescents.

BACKGROUNDS: It is important to improve our understanding of the roles of calcium and vitamin D in bone health for preventing osteoporosis. We aimed at exploring the associations between serum calcium, vitamin D level, and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001-2006. METHODS: Weighted multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of serum calcium, 25(OH)D level with total BMD. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore the potential non-linear relationship. RESULTS: A total of 5990 individuals aged between 12 and 19 years were included in this study. The fully-adjusted model showed serum calcium positively correlated with total BMD. However, an inverted U-shaped relationship was found when we performed the smooth curve fitting method, and the inflection point was calculated at 9.6 mg/dL using the two-piecewise linear regression model. In contrast, there was a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D and total BMD after adjusting for potential confounders. CONCLUSIONS: The present study revealed a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D level and total BMD, and an inverted U-shaped relationship between serum calcium and total BMD.

Associations between serum calcium, 25(OH)D level and bone mineral density in adolescents

Abstract Backgrounds: It is important to improve our understanding of the roles of calcium and vitamin D in bone health for preventing osteoporosis. We aimed at exploring the associations between serum calcium, vitamin D level, and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents included in the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001 - 2006. Methods: Weighted multivariate linear regression models were used to estimate the associations of serum calcium, 25(OH)D level with total BMD. Smooth curve fitting was used to explore the potential non-linear relationship. Results: A total of 5990 individuals aged between 12 and 19 years were included in this study. The fully-adjusted model showed serum calcium positively correlated with total BMD. However, an inverted U-shaped relationship was found when we performed the smooth curve fitting method, and the inflection point was calculated at 9.6 mg/dL using the two-piecewise linear regression model. In contrast, there was a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D and total BMD after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusions: The present study revealed a positive correlation between serum 25(OH)D level and total BMD, and an inverted U-shaped relationship between serum calcium and total BMD.(AU)

Association of Serum Uric Acid Status With Bone Mineral Density in Adolescents Aged 12-19 Years.

Aims: Evidence linking serum uric acid (sUA) and bone mineral density (BMD) in adolescents is very limited. To the best of our knowledge, only one report has focused on the relationship between sUA and BMD in adolescents. Thus, this study aimed to determine the association between sUA and total BMD in adolescents aged 12-19 years. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample composed of non-institutionalized US population from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Weighted multivariate linear regression models were used to evaluate the association between sUA and total BMD. Subgroup analyses were further performed. Results: sUA positively correlated with total BMD in the multiple regression model after adjusting for potential confounders. However, in the subgroup analyses stratified by sex, age, or race/ethnicity, the association between sUA and total BMD followed an inverted U-shaped curve in female adolescents, adolescents aged 16-19 years, and other race/ethnicity. Conclusions: Our results suggested that the correlation between sUA level and total BMD differed by sex. The increased sUA level would be beneficial to bone health in adolescents with low sUA levels, but for female adolescents, a higher sUA level (turning point, 3.9 mg/dL) may have an adverse effect on bone health.

Association between dietary calcium intake and BMD in children and adolescents.

AIM: Ensuring adequate calcium (Ca) intake during childhood and adolescence is critical to acquire good peak bone mass to prevent osteoporosis during older age. As one of the primary strategies to build and maintain healthy bones, we aimed to determine whether dietary Ca intake has an influence on bone mineral density (BMD) in children and adolescents. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional study composed of 10,092 individuals from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). Dietary Ca intake and total BMD were as independent and dependent variables, respectively. To evaluate the association between them, we conducted weighted multivariate linear regression models and smooth curve fittings. RESULTS: There was a significantly positive association between dietary Ca intake and total BMD. The strongest association was observed in 12-15y whites, 8-11y and 16-19y Mexican Americans, and 16-19y other race/ethnicity, in whom each quintile of calcium intake was increased. We also found there were significant inflection points in females, blacks, and 12-15y adolescents group, which means that their total BMD would decrease when the dietary Ca intake was more than 2.6-2.8 g/d. CONCLUSIONS: This cross-sectional study indicated that a considerable proportion of children and adolescents aged 8-19 years would attain greater total BMD if they increased their dietary calcium intake. However, higher dietary calcium intake (more than 2.6-2.8 g/d) is associated with lower total BMD in females, blacks, and 12-15y adolescents group.

Efficacy of pentoxifylline treatment for neonatal sepsis: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies.

INTRODUCTION: Pentoxifylline may be an important approach to treat neonatal sepsis. However, its use has not been well established. We conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate the efficacy of pentoxifylline treatment for neonatal sepsis. METHODS: PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials are searched. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the influence of pentoxifylline treatment on neonatal sepsis are included. Two investigators independently have searched articles, extracted data, and assessed the quality of included studies. This meta-analysis is performed using the random-effect model. RESULTS: Seven RCTs involving 439 patients are included in the meta-analysis. Compared with control intervention for neonatal sepsis, pentoxifylline treatment is associated with reduced hospital stay (Std. MD = -0.61; 95% CI = -0.93 to - 0.29; P = 0.0002) and metabolic acidosis (RR = 0.38; 95% CI = 0.22 to 0.66; P = 0.0006), but has no remarkable impact on mortality (RR = 0.59; 95% CI = 0.30 to 1.16; P = 0.13), serum TNF-α (Std. MD = -0.38; 95% CI = -1.29 to 0.52; P = 0.41), serum CRP (Std. MD = -0.25; 95% CI = -0.92 to 0.42; P = 0.47), plasma IL-6 (Std. MD = -0.13; 95% CI = -0.41 to 0.15; P = 0.37), disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (RR = 0.55; 95% CI = 0.25 to 1.21; P = 0.14), and oliguria/anuria (RR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.28 to 2.16; P = 0.62). In addition, pentoxifylline treatment can significantly reduce mortality (RR = 0.50; 95% CI = 0.29 to 0.88; P = 0.02) after excluding the study conducted by Akdag during the sensivity analysis. CONCLUSIONS: Pentoxifylline treatment may be associated with reduced mortality and hospital stay in neonatal sepsis.

Multiple species of wild tree peonies gave rise to the 'king of flowers', Paeonia suffruticosa Andrews.

The origin of cultivated tree peonies, known as the 'king of flowers' in China for more than 1000 years, has attracted considerable interest, but remained unsolved. Here, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of explicitly sampled traditional cultivars of tree peonies and all wild species from the shrubby section Moutan of the genus Paeonia based on sequences of 14 fast-evolved chloroplast regions and 25 presumably single-copy nuclear markers identified from RNA-seq data. The phylogeny of the wild species inferred from the nuclear markers was fully resolved and largely congruent with morphology and classification. The incongruence between the nuclear and chloroplast trees suggested that there had been gene flow between the wild species. The comparison of nuclear and chloroplast phylogenies including cultivars showed that the cultivated tree peonies originated from homoploid hybridization among five wild species. Since the origin, thousands of cultivated varieties have spread worldwide, whereas four parental species are currently endangered or on the verge of extinction. The documentation of extensive homoploid hybridization involved in tree peony domestication provides new insights into the mechanisms underlying the origins of garden ornamentals and the way of preserving natural genetic resources through domestication.

[Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) inhibits human cytomegalovirus infection of human MD-DC].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the inhibitory effect of different sources, different concentrations of Mannose-binding lectin (MBL) on human cytomegalovirus infection of human MD-DC cells. METHODS: The recombinant MBL was acquired by vector construction, and the natural MBL was purified from human plamsa. MD-DC were pre-exposed to several dilutions of the hMBL/rMBL for 30 min, then HCMV suspensions were added to MD-DC for 2 h to compare the inhibitory effect of hMBL/rMBL on the HCMV infection of MD-DC. MD-DC infected by HCMV co-culture with hMBL/rMBL to compare the inhibitory effect of hMBL/rMBL on the HCMV diffusion between MD-DC. HCMV-DNA in MD-DC was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR. HCMV-PP65 in MD-DC was analyzed with flow cytometry, the ability of MD-DC to capture HCMV was observed with immunofluorescence confocal microscope. RESULTS: In hMBL/rMBL inhibition the ability of MD-DC capture HCMV experiments, the fluorescent quantitative PCR demonstrated that the amount of HCMV-DNA in 1 microg/mL of hMBL/rMBL treated cells was not significantly different from that of control group (P < 0.05). But the HCMV-DNA in 5 microg/mL and 10 microg/mL hMBL/rMBL treated group were significantly lower than that of control group (P < 0.05). The significant inhibit effects of 10 microg/mL hMBL/rMBL on the ability of MD-DC capture HCMV were observed by immunofluorescence confocal microscopy and flow cytometry. The inhibit effects of hMBL/rMBL on HCMV diffusion between MD-DC were also observed in 5 microg/mL and 10 microg/mL hMBL/rMBL treated groups at 72 hours. CONCLUSION: The hMBL/rMBL in physiological concentration range (5-10 microg/mL) can significantly inhibit human cytomegalovirus infection of human MD-DC cells, and the hMBL is more effective than rMBL.

Inhibitive effects of anti-oxidative vitamins on mannitol-induced apoptosis of vascular endothelial cells.

OBJECTIVE: Study blood vessel injury and gene expression indicating vascular endothelial cell apoptosis induced by mannitol with and without administration of anti-oxidative vitamins. METHODS: Healthy rabbits were randomly divided into four groups. Mannitol was injected into the vein of the rabbit ear in each animal. Pre-treatment prior to mannitol injection was performed with normal saline (group B), vitamin C (group C) and vitamin E (group D). Blood vessel injury was assessed under electron and light microscopy. In a second experiment, cell culture specimen of human umbilical vein endothelial cells were treated with mannitol. Pre-treatment was done with normal saline (sample B), vitamin C (sample C) and vitamin E (sample D). Total RNA was extracted with the original single step procedure, followed by hybridisation and analysis of gene expression. RESULTS: In the animal experiment, serious blood vessel injury was seen in group A and group B. Group D showed light injury only, and normal tissue without pathological changes was seen in group C. Of all 330 apoptosis-related genes analysed in human cell culture specimen, no significant difference was seen after pre-treatment with normal saline, compared with the gene chip without pre-treatment. On the gene chip pre-treated with vitamin C, 45 apoptosis genes were down-regulated and 34 anti-apoptosis genes were up-regulated. Pre-treatment with vitamin E resulted in the down-regulation of 3 apoptosis genes. CONCLUSION: Vitamin C can protect vascular endothelial cells from mannitol-induced injury.