Clinical feature and genetic analysis of a patient with Idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism due to a novel variant of CHD7 gene / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the clinical feature and genetic etiology of a patient with normosmic idiopathic hypogonadotropic hypogonadism (nIHH) due to variant of CHD7 gene.@*METHODS@#A patient who had presented at Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital in October 2022 was selected as the study subject. Clinical data of the patient was collected. The patient and his parents were subjected to trio-whole exome sequencing. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.@*RESULTS@#The patient had featured delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics but normal olfactory function. Genetic testing revealed that he has harbored a c.3052C>T (p.Pro1018Ser) missense variant of the CHD7 gene, for which both of his parents were of the wild type. The variant has not been recorded in the PubMed and HGMD databases. Analysis of amino acid sequences suggested that the variant site is highly conserved, and the variant may affect the stability of protein structure. Based on the guidelines from the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics, the c.3032C>T variant was classified as a likely pathogenic (PS2+PM2_Supporting+PP2+PP3+PP4).@*CONCLUSION@#The delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics of the patient may be attributed to the c.3052C>T (p.Pro1018Ser) variant of the CHD7 gene. Above finding has expanded the variation spectrum of the CHD7 gene.

Topological Structure and Biomechanics of Three-Dimensional Printed Height Increasing Insoles for Leg Length Discrepancy / 医用生物力学

Objective To study topological structure of a new type of three-dimensional (3D) printed height increasing insoles for leg length discrepancy (LLD) and its effect on biomechanics of lower limbs. Methods Topological structure for middle and rear part of the insole was optimized by solid isotropic microstructures with penalization (SIMP), the force was loaded and the boundary conditions were set according to force area of the insole, and the height increasing insole with thermoplastic polyurethanes (TPU) materials was printed by selected laser sintering (SLS). The insoles were used in 9 patients with LLD, visual analogue scale (VAS) and Maryland foot function scores were used to compare pain and foot function changes of patients before and after using the insole, and the 3D gait analysis system was used to compare spatiotemporal parameters and vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) of both lower limbs. Result sAfter the patient wore 3D printed insole, VAS scores decreased, Maryland foot function scores increased, vGRF of both lower limbs decreased, and the difference of cadence, stance phase and swing phase in both lower limbs decreased. Conclusions The 3D printed height increasing insole after topology optimization can improve coordination of lower limb movement, reduce ground impact, relieve pain and improve foot function, thus providing an effective personalized orthopedic plan for LLD treatment in clinic.

Expressions of miRNA-146a in peripheral mononuclear cells of children with systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis and its clinical significance / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Objective:To investigate the role of miR-146a in the pathogenesis of systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) and its clinical significance.Methods:This article is a prospective clinical cohort study.Twenty-six patients with sJIA (14 cases of initial active group and 12 cases of stable group), 15 patients with multijoint juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) and 15 patients with oligojoint JIA diagnosed in the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology of Anhui Provincial Children′s Hospital from June 2018 to December 2020 were enrolled.Twenty healthy controls from the out-patient clinic were also recruited.The expression level of miR-146a in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of research objects was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase reaction (qPCR), and the serum levels of interleukin (IL) - 6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) - α and IL-1β in sJIA patients and healthy controls were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The expression levels of miR-146a in PBMCs and cytokines among different groups were compared by analysis of variance. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation of the relative expression level of miR-146a in PBMCs with clinical inflammatory indexes and serum cytokines in sJIA patients. Results:(1) The expression level of miR-146a in PBMCs of early sJIA patients was significantly higher than that in the multijoint JIA group and oligojoint JIA group (8.77±3.15 vs.4.40±1.59, 2.55±1.15, t=6.27, 14.23; all P<0.05). The expression level of miR-146a in PBMCs of sJIA active patients was significantly higher than that in sJIA stable patients (8.77±3.15 vs.3.63±1.37, t=10.27, P<0.05). There was no significant difference in the expression level of miR-146a between the sJIA stable group and healthy control group ( P>0.05). (2) The expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were significantly higher in sJIA active patients group than those in sJIA stable group[(58.56±17.47) ng/L vs.(26.32±10.54) ng/L, (73.72±11.16) ng/L vs.(23.20±9.12) ng/L, (70.93±19.97) ng/L vs.(24.25±9.49) ng/L, all P<0.05]. There was no significant difference in the expression levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α between the sJIA stable group and healthy control group(all P>0.05). (3)The expression of miR-146a in PBMCs of sJIA patients was positively correlated with serum ferritin levels, platelets, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, C-reactive proteins, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α( r=0.542, 0.433, 0.329, 0.306, 0.333, 0.342, 0.319, all P<0.05). Conclusions:miR-146a may be involved in the inflammatory process of sJIA disease.miR-146a can well distinguish sJIA from multijoint JIA and oligojoint JIA.TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 are involved in sJIA inflammatory responses.

Clinical characteristics and genetic analysis of an ethnic Han Chinese child with Keppen-Lubinsky syndrome due to a de novo KCNJ6 mutation / 中华医学遗传学杂志

OBJECTIVE@#To investigate the clinical characteristics and genetic basis for a child with Keppen-Lubinsky syndrome (KPLBS).@*METHODS@#Trio-whole exome sequencing (Trio-WES) was carried out for the proband and her parents. Candidate variant was verified by Sanger sequencing and bioinformatic analysis.@*RESULTS@#The child has featured peculiar facies including large eyes, alar hypoplasia, microretrognathia, premature aging appearance in addition with growth delay and mental retardation. Trio-WES has identified that she has carried a de novo variant of the KCNJ6 gene, namely c.460G>C (p.Gly154Arg). The variant has not been recorded in the database. Prediction of protein structure indicated that the variant may affect the potassium ion selective filtration structure channel in the transmembrane region of KCNJ6 protein, which may result in up regulation of the function of the channel.@*CONCLUSION@#The de novo c.460G>C (p.Gly154Arg) variant of the KCNJ6 gene probably underlay the KPLBS in this child. Above finding has enriched the genotypic and phenotype spectrum of this syndrome.

Application Progress of Plant Growth Regulator in Production of Chinese Medicinal Materials / 中国实验方剂学杂志

Plant growth regulator （PGR） is mostly a class of chemical synthesis substance with physiological activities similar to plant hormones，which can promote cell elongation，induce vascular differentiation or accelerate tissue aging via regulating the physiological processes such as photosynthesis，respiration，transpiration，signal transduction，substance absorption and operation. PGR has the advantages of small dosage，high efficiency，low toxicity and less residue，and it is widely used in the planting of Chinese medicinal herbs. By consulting the relevant literature published in recent years，this paper briefly summarizes the main types of PGR，e.g.auxins，gibberellins，cytokinins，abscisic acid and ethylene，etc. On the other hand，this article analyzes and sums up the specific applications of PGR in the manufacture of Chinese herbal medicine，for instance，promoting seed germination，improving seed setting rate or fruit setting rate，dwarfing plants，inhibiting reproductive growth，regulating gender differentiation，stimulating fruit falling，enhancing resistance and so on. The problems existing in the practical use of PGR are pointed out，non-differentiation of specific species，unreasonable combination，not paying attention to the operation method，arbitrarily increasing the dose，lack of residue limit standard and reducing the content of some effective components，for example.Meanwhile，some feasible suggestions are put forward.Not only the suitable types of PGR should be selected in a reasonable and standardized manner，but also the appropriate concentration，dosage and period of application should be chosen carefully； the dual effects of PGR on plant growth and active ingredients in medicinal organs should be concerned，so as to improve the yield and avoid the loss of effective components on the basis of ensuring the quality of Chinese medicinal materials； it is necessary to strengthen the registration of PGR in the production of Chinese medicinal materials and establish residue limit standards to provide a monitoring basis for ensuring the safety of Chinese medicine in the future.The scientific use of PGR can promote the increase of agricultural yield and farmers' income，and make the healthy development of Chinese herbal medicine planting industry.

The mechanism of curcumin inhibiting the proliferation of clear cell renal cell carcinoma based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To explore and verify the mechanism of curcumin’s inhibition of the proliferation of renal clear cell carcinoma （RCCC） based on network pharmacology and bioinformatics. 【Methods】 We screened common target genes of RCCC and curcumin from PharmMapper and GeneCards databases. We used TCGA database data analysis to screen out common target genes which not only differentially expressed between RCCC tissue samples and normal tissue samples but also affected prognosis. We also used STRING platform to construct curcumin-RCCC targets interaction network， used R software to perform GO biological process analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis based on the above-mentioned screening target proteins. After curcumin and/or active oxygen inhibitor N-acetyl-L-cysteine （NAC） were incubated in renal cancer 786-O and ACHN cells， CCK8 was used to detect the effects of different concentrations of curcumin on cell proliferation and cell viability. Reactive oxygen detection kit （DCFH-DA） was used to detect the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species， and malondialdehyde （MDA） determination kit （TBA method） to detect intracellular malondialdehyde changes. 【Results】 PharmMapper website and GeneCards database screened out 109 common targets of curcumin and RCCC. TCGA database data analysis screened out 37 differentially expressed genes （DEGs） that might affect the overall survival of patients. The core target proteins of curcumin screened out by protein-protein interaction （PPI） that inhibited the biological behavior of RCCC mainly involved CASP3， EGFR， CHEK1， HSP90AA1， and AR. GO enrichment analysis identified 213 items， mainly including reactive oxygen species metabolic process， response to steroid hormones， fibrinolysis and other biologically active processes. KEGG enrichment analysis identified 24 items， which were mainly related to pyruvate metabolism， glycolysis/gluconeogenesis， FoxO signaling pathway， colorectal cancer， tyrosine metabolism， IL-17 signaling pathway， apoptosis and other signaling pathways. Curcumin reduced the cell viability of 786-O and ACHN in a time- and dose-dependent manner （P<0.05）. After curcumin was incubated with kidney cancer cells， the level of reactive oxygen species and MDA increased significantly （P<0.05）. The addition of NAC reversed the effect of curcumin on the cell viability of 786-O and ACHN cells （P<0.05）. 【Conclusion】 Curcumin may participate in the oxidative stress pathway to inhibit the proliferation of renal cell carcinoma.

Application of prognostic model of fatty acid metabolismrelated genes in renal cell carcinoma / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To establish a prognostic model of fatty acid metabolism related genes for predicting the prognosis of renal clear cell carcinoma. 【Methods】 The differentially expressed fatty acid metabolism-related genes in renal clear cell carcinoma samples and normal samples in TCGA database were screened by R language software. The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to select and establish a multigene prognostic model and the prognostic score was calculated. Patients were divided into high-risk group and low-risk group according to the median prognostic score. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to analyze the difference in two groups. The clinical pathological factors and prognostic score factors were included in the Cox regression model to analyze the factors affecting the survival of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma. ROC receiver operating curve analysis was used to evaluate the accuracy of the prognostic prediction model. The prognostic model of fatty acid metabolism-related genes and their correlation with clinical factors were analyzed. GSEA enrichment analysis analyzed the differences of gene sets in risk groups. 【Results】 A total of 4 differential genes (CPT1B, HADH, CYP4A11, and ACADSB) were selected to establish a prognostic model for genes related to fatty acid metabolism in renal cell carcinoma. The prognostic risk score (RS) formula is as follows: RS=0.490×CPT1B-0.428×HADH-0.11 × CYP4A11-0.372 × ACADSB. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis confirmed that the overall survival rate of patients with low-risk prognostic score was significantly higher in patients with overall renal clear cell carcinoma, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Cox regression analysis showed that the prognostic model of genes related to age and fatty acid metabolism is an independent influencing factor for the prognosis of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma (P<0.01). The 5 years’ AUC of the renal clear cell carcinoma ROC curve of the renal cancer fatty acid metabolism related gene model was 0.802. GSEA analysis showed that the difference of 81 gene sets in the low-risk group was statistically significant (P<0.05). 【Conclusion】 The prognostic model of renal cancer fatty acid metabolism-related genes can be used to predict the prognosis of patients with renal clear cell carcinoma, which is conducive to further guide clinical treatment.

Diagnostic value and influencing factors of chylous test of pleural effusion after thoracic surgery / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#Objective    To analyze the results and diagnostic value of postoperative chylous test of pleural effusion and to verify the clinicopathological factors affecting the results of chylous test. Methods    The clinical data of 265 consecutive patients undergoing selective surgery at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shangjin Nanfu Hospital between May and August 2020 were retrospectively analyzed, including 106 males and 159 females with an average age of 53.0±12.2 years. According to the results of the chylous test on the operation day and postoperative first and second days, the patients were divided into two subgroups, including a positive group and a negative group, and the clinical data of the two groups were compared. Sensitivity and specificity of the chylous test were calculated. The influencing factors for chylous test were analyzed by multiple logistic regression analysis. Results    The positive rate of chylous test was 91.7%, 95.8% and 87.9% on the operation day and postoperative first and second days, respectively. There was no statistical difference in age, sex, surgical type, surgical approach, surgical site, surgical time, degree of lymph node dissection, treatment of thoracic duct, 24 hours pleural fluid drainage or 24 hours protein and fat food intake between the positive group and the negative group (P>0.05). The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of the chylous experiment were 100.0%and 4.0%, respectively. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that the surgical site (left/right chest) might be an influencing factor for the results of the chylous test (P=0.043, OR=0.458, 95%CI 0.216-0.974). Conclusion    The positive rate of chylous test of pleural effusion after thoracic surgery is very high. The chylous test produces a high misdiagnosis rate of chylothorax. The surgical site (left/right chest) may be an influencing factor for chylous test. The positive result of chylous test is not recommended as the direct diagnostic basis for postoperative chylothorax and guidance of the subsequent treatment.

Combination of axitinib with dasatinib improves the outcome of a chronic myeloid leukemia patient with BCR-ABL1 T315I mutation / 中南大学学报(医学版)

Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is one of the most common hematological malignancies and characterized by the formation of Philadelphia (Ph) chromosome. Recently, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) treatment greatly improved the prognosis of CML. However, the options may be limited when a patient develops traditional TKI resistance or gene mutation. Herein, we reported a case. A 38-year-old male CML patient developed a BCR-ABL1 gene mutation of T315I after 2.5 years of TKI treatment, including imatinib and dasatinib. We adjusted the treatment with the combined application of dasatinib and axitinib. BCR-ABL1 gene copies dropped down and achieved an early molecular response at 2 months later. Subsequently, he received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Axitinib and dasatinib were applied for another half year after the allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). Two years after the allo-HSCT, the BCR-ABL1 gene was still undetectable. It provided a successful example in treating CML patients carrying BCR-ABL1 T315I mutation via combination of axitinib with conditional TKI.

MiR-92a promotes the invasion and migration of colorectal cancer by targeting RECK.

The up-regulation of miR-92a in human cancer happens frequently, and is related to an increase of metastasis and decreased survival. However, its functions in colorectal cancer (CRC) are largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the regulatory effect of miR-92a on cell invasion and migration in colorectal cancer (CRC). A total of 158 patients with CRC were included, and in situ hybridization was used to predict the expression of miR-92a in the paraffin sections from the patients. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR was used to detect the expression of miR-92a and its target gene. Protein levels were determined by western blotting. Luciferase assays confirmed the direct target of miR-92a. Furthermore, cell invasion and migration were detected using Transwell and wound healing assays. The expression level of miR-92a in tumor tissues was upregulated compared with that of paired normal tissues and negatively correlated with the RECK protein level. The 3-year disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) rates of miR-92a expression in the high group were significantly lower than those in the miR-92a-low group. The RECK 3'-UTR reporter activity assay suggested that the RECK gene was a direct target of miR-92a. After transfection of the miR-92a-mimic, the miR-92a levels were increased in HCT116 and SW620 cell lines, while the protein expression of RECK was decreased instead of the mRNA level, along with downregulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protein expression. Conversely, after transfection with miR-92a-inhibitor, the opposite trend was achieved. In conclusion, miR-92a promotes the invasion and migration of CRC through the RECK-MMP signaling pathway, and the upregulation of miR-92a was associated with poor long-term prognosis in CRC.

Spectacles utilization and its impact on health-related quality of life among rural Chinese adolescents.

PURPOSE: The aims of the study were to assess the magnitude and predictors of the unmet need for spectacles utilization and to quantify its impact on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among rural Chinese adolescents. METHODS: This school-based survey of 2346 grade-7 students (mean age: 13.8 years) was conducted in Southwestern China in 2016. Spectacles need was defined as uncorrected visual acuity (VA) of 20/40 or worse but correctable to 20/40 or better in the better-seeing eye, together with the presence of myopia of less than -0.5 diopters (D), hyperopia of more than +2.0 D, or astigmatism of more than 0.75 D in both eyes. The HRQOL was measured using self-reported versions of 23-item Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Version 4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL 4.0). RESULTS: Among 579 (24.7%) adolescents with an uncorrected VA of 20/40 or less, 483 (83.4%) needed vision corrections and 172 (35.6%) used them. Higher parental education levels (odds ratio (OR) = 2.73; 95% CI, 1.29-5.77), negative attitude regarding spectacles (OR = 0.49; 95% CI, 0.25-0.97), and poorer uncorrected VA (OR = 31.27; 95% CI, 3.76-260.23) were independent determinants for spectacles utilization. Adolescents not using spectacles had a lower HRQOL score compared to those using spectacles in terms of psychosocial health (65.91 vs. 70.59; P = 0.028), emotional health (56.85 vs. 63.24; P = 0.012), and social functioning (72.99 vs. 78.60; P = 0.036). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of spectacles utilization in rural China was low. Adolescents were not accustomed to use spectacles had a worse HRQOL score.

[Characteristics of absorption, utilization, and distribution of 15N-urea for Korla fragrant pear in spring.] / 库尔勒香梨春季施用15N-å°¿ç´ çš„å¸æ”¶ã€åˆ†é å’Œåˆ©ç”¨ç‰¹æ€§.

Six-year-old Korla fragrant pear trees were fertilized with 15N-labelled urea before early bud stage to examine the absorption, distribution, and utilization of urea. Results showed that there was a significant difference of 15N distribution rate in organs at different growth stages. 15N was pre-ferentially distributed in the roots , with Ndff (15N amount absorbed from the fertilizer contribution rate of the total nitrogen organ) being the highest in roots following by new shoots at full-bloom stage. During new shoot growing and fruit expanding stages, 15N absorbed in roots preferentially moved to new organs (leaves and new shoots), with 15N distribution rate to roots being continuously decreased. Fruits became the new distribution center with highest Ndff at harvest stage. The amounts of absorbed 15N in fruits accounted for 19.8% of total absorbed 15N in the tree. The utilization rate of 15N-labelled urea at current season increased gradually with the growth stages. The maximum value of utilization rate was 18.5%, which was observed at harvest stage.

Refractive error in Chinese with type 2 diabetes and its association with glycaemic control.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of refractive errors and their association with glycaemic control among adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in eastern China. METHODS: A community-based survey, including 913 adults with T2DM aged 30 to 89 years, was conducted. Refractive error was assessed by autorefraction, after which subjective refraction was performed. Ocular biometric parameters were measured by non-contact partial coherence laser interferometry. Myopia was defined as spherical equivalent (SE) less than -0.50 dioptres (D), high myopia as SE less than -5.00 D, hyperopia as SE greater than 0.50 D and astigmatism as cylinder less than -0.50 D. RESULTS: After excluding participants who had undergone cataract surgery, 839 were included in the data analyses and 96.1 per cent were found to have refractive errors. The overall prevalences of myopia, high myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism were 28.2 per cent (95 per cent confidence interval [CI] 25.2-31.3), 6.3 per cent (95 per cent CI 4.7-8.0), 46.4 per cent (95 per cent CI 43.0-49.7) and 81.0 per cent (95 per cent CI 78.4-83.7) with no gender differences observed (all p > 0.10). In multivariate analysis, myopia was associated with decreasing age (odds ratio [OR] = 0.86, p = 0.01; per year increase), higher blood levels of haemoglobin A1c (HbA1c ) (OR = 1.12, p = 0.05; per unit increase), higher education levels (OR = 5.10, p < 0.001; university or college versus illiterate or primary school) and the presence of nuclear cataract (OR = 2.36, p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Refractive errors may be associated with glycaemic control among T2DM patients. Longitudinal analyses are warranted to examine the relationship between changes in HbA1c and the development of refractive errors.

Relations between cigarette smoking and chronic diseases of Chinese adults in 2013 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective To explore the relations between the prevalence of multiple chronic diseases and cigarette smoking behavior in the Chinese adults.Methods Based on the results from the 2013 Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (NCD Surveillance),176 534 Chinese residents aged 18 years and above,covering 298 counties (districts) in 31 provinces,was randomly recruited,using the multi-stage stratified clustering sampling method.Information on demographics,cigarette smoking (status,quantity and period) was obtained through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires.Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected and properly stored for analysis.Results In total,175 386 adults were included for statistical analyses,with 42.7％ as males and 57.3％ as females.The prevalence rates of hypertension,high total cholesterol and high triglycerides were 30.4％,7.2％ and 18.0％ in male smokers,35.6％,14.0％,10.3％ and 15.9％ in female smokers respectively,which were all higher than those in the respective non-smokers.Male smokers were found under lower risk on hypertension,but 19％ higher on total glycerides when compared with non-smokers of the same sex (OR=1.19,95％CI:1.10-1.30),when multiple risk factors were under control.Male current smokers with more than 20 cigarettes per day have 41％ (OR=1.41,95％CI:1.28-1.55) higher risk of high TG than non-smokers.Female smokers presented 40％ (OR=1.40,95％CI:1.15-1.70) higher risk in high glycerides than the non-smokers.Specifically,women smoking longer than 20 years have 60％(OR=l.60,95％ CI:1.31-1.95) higher risk of high TG than women smoking less than 20 years.Conclusions Prevalence rates of certain chronic diseases were seen higher in smokers of both genders.People with longer history of smoking or being heavier smokers,appeared at advanced risk on developing chronic diseases.

Multilevel logistic regression analysis on hypercholesterolemia related risk factors among adults in China / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the prevalence of hypercholesterolemia among Chinese adults in different geographic areas, and to analyze the related factors.@*Methods@#China Chronic and Non-Communicable Disease and Risk Factor Surveillance was conducted in 2013, based on 298 counties/districts in 31 provinces of Chinese mainland. The adults aged 18 years old were randomly selected using multi-stage stratified clustering sampling method. Information on chronic disease and risk factors was collected using face-to-face questionnaire interview and physical measurement. Blood samples were collected by local staffs. Serum total cholesterol (TC) was determined using standard method in a central laboratory. After excluding 565 participants missing key variables and 1 558 participants with abnormal TC values, a total of 174 976 participants were included. Weighted prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was calculated. Hypercholesterolemia related individual or geographic determinants were defined using multilevel logistic regression.@*Results@#The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia in Chinese adults age 18 years old and above was 6.9% (95%CI: 6.4%-7.3%), ranged from 3.0% (95%CI: 2.5%-3.4%) in the northwest of China to 14.2% (95%CI: 12.9%-15.5%) in the south (χ2=183.42, P<0.001). The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was higher in 6 provinces including Tianjin, Liaoning, Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Hainan (≥9.0%), but lower in 7 provinces including Shanxi, Shannxi, Gansu, Qinghai, Ningxia, Xinjiang, and Tibet (<3.9%). There was a 1.27 fold variation in hypercholesterolemia prevalence by provincial level, and 72.5% of the geographical variation in hypercholesterolemia prevalence was account for by area-level determinants. With multilevel logistic analysis, the individual risk factors associated with hypercholesterolemia included aging, higher education level or annual household income per capita, regular drinking, too much red meal intake, inactivity, overweight or obesity. For geographic factors, residents living at south China, counties/districts with higher urbanization rates, higher education level or lower standardized death rates were more likely to have hypercholesterolemia (all P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#The prevalence of hypercholesterolemia was high in Chinese adults, it was different between regions and related with characteristics of population, individual behaviors and geographical regions.

Geographical variation and related factors in prediabetes prevalence in Chinese adults in 2013 / 中华预防医学杂志

Objective@#To investigate the geographical variation of prediabetes in adults in different regions of China, and to analyze the related factors of prediabetes.@*Methods@#Data was obtained from China Chronic Disease and Related Risk Factor Surveillance in 2013. The surveillance adopted multiple-stage stratified cluster random sampling method, which sampled 177 099 residents aged above 18 years old among 298 surveillance points in 31 provinces of Chinese Mainland. Questionnaire interview was used to obtain demographic variables, personal living style, and socio-economical information. Physical examination was conducted and fasting venous blood sample and (oral glucose tolerance test-2 hours, OGTT-2 h) venous blood sample were obtained from the participants. A total of 171 567 residents aged 18 and above were included in the analysis. The prevalence of prediabetes was analyzed by provinces and by China's geographical regions, after complex weighting. Multilevel logistic models were established to explore the related factors of prediabetes on the area level and individual level.@*Results@#The prevalence of prediabetes among residents aged 18 and above was 16.6% (95%CI: 15.6%-17.6%) in China. The prevalence of prediabetes was the highest (18.3%) in the south China and lowest (13.1%) in the northwest area. The difference of the prevalence in different areas were not statistically significant (P=0.510). If categorized the prevalence of prediabetes into 5 groups by quintile, Hainan, Jilin, Shandong, Anhui, Hunan and Chongqing were in the highest group of prevalence of prediabetes (18.6%-22.7%), and Tibet, Qinghai, Gansu, Ningxia, Guizhou, and Jiangxi were in the lowest group (7.6%-12.6%). The variance of prevalence of prediabetes on the county level (MOR: 1.60 (95%CI:1.53-1.67)) was more diverse than the province level (MOR: 1.21(95%CI:1.08-1.29)) and higher than the street level (1.23 (95%CI:1.14-1.30)). Several factors increased risk of pre-diabetes, including smoking, hazardous drinking and harmful drinking, drinking in the past 30 days, overweight, obesity, central obesity, sugary drink intake, hypertension, high total cholesterol, high triglycerides, high blood low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low blood high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (all P<0.05). After adjusted the above variables, 92.5% of variance of prediabetes prevalence conld be explained on the provincial level.@*Conclusion@#The geographical distribution of prediabetes in adults in China differed by geographic areas, and it significantly varied on the county level. The related variables included demographic variables, personal behavior, and geographic related variables.

Efficacy and safety of Carbamazepine in treatment of vestibular complications / 中华老年医学杂志

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Carbamazepin (CBZ)compared with Oxcarbazepine (OXC ) therapy for vestibular paroxysmia. Methods Eighty-two patients with vestibular paroxysmia were admitted during June 2013 and June 2017 in this study. According to the agents administered ,all patients were divided into the CBZ group(n＝ 31) ,CBZ+ Betahistine(BMT) group(n＝ 26)and OXC+ BMT group(n＝ 25).The clinical efficacy ,frequency ,vertigo and adverse reactions of three groups were compared after 3 months follow-up. Results In CBZ group ,14 cases were cured ,13 were improved ,and the effective rate was 87.1%.In CBZ+BMT group ,18 cases were cured ,7 were recovered ,and the effective rate was 96.2%.In OXC+BMT group ,15 cases were cured , 8 cases were recovered ,and the effective rate was 92.0% . There was no significantly difference in effective rate among the three groups(χ2＝0.783 ,P＝0.129).Meanwhile ,the CBZ+BMT group had the lowest frequency of vestibular paroxysmia and vertigo degree ,while the CBZ group was the highest ;the difference in the frequency and vertigo degree between groups was statistically significant (P＜ 0.05).Furthermore ,the incidences of side-effects were 51.6%(n＝ 16) ,30.8%(n ＝ 8)and 16.0%(n＝4)in the CBZ group ,CBZ+BMT group and OXC+BMT group ,respectively. Conclusions The effect of Carbamazepine and Oxcarbazepine for vestibular paroxysmia is similar ,and is safely and significantly improved when combined with Betahistine.

Iris colour in relation to myopia among Chinese school-aged children.

PURPOSE: Understanding the association of iris colour and myopia may provide further insights into the role of the wavelength of lights in the pathophysiology of myopia. We aim to assess the association of iris colour and myopia in a school-based sample of Chinese students. METHODS: Two thousand three hundred and forty-six Year 7 students from 10 middle schools (93.5% response rate) aged 13-14 years in Mojiang, a small county located in Southwestern China, participated in the study. We obtained standardised slit lamp photographs and developed a grading system assessing iris colour (higher grade denoting a darker iris). Refractive error was measured after cycloplegia using an autorefractor by optometrists or trained technicians. An IOLMaster (www.zeiss.com) was used to measure ocular biometric parameters including axial length (AL). RESULTS: Of all the study participants, 693 (29.5%) were affected by myopia with the prevalence estimates being higher in girls (36.8%; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 34.0, 39.6) than in boys (22.8%; 95% CI: 20.4, 25.1) (p < 0.001). After adjusting for gender, height, parental history of myopia, time spent on computer, time spent watching TV, time spent outdoors, and time spent reading and writing, participants with a darker iris colour tended to have a higher prevalence of myopia, a more myopic refraction and a longer AL. Dose-response relationships were observed in all regression models (p for trend <0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Darker iris colour was associated with more myopic refractive errors and longer ALs among Chinese school-aged children and this association was independent of other known myopia-related risk factors.

Relations between cigarette smoking and chronic diseases of Chinese adults in 2013 / 中华流行病学杂志

Objective: To explore the relations between the prevalence of multiple chronic diseases and cigarette smoking behavior in the Chinese adults. Methods: Based on the results: from the 2013 Chronic Disease Risk Factor Surveillance (NCD Surveillance), 176 534 Chinese residents aged 18 years and above, covering 298 counties (districts) in 31 provinces, was randomly recruited, using the multi-stage stratified clustering sampling method. Information on demographics, cigarette smoking (status, quantity and period) was obtained through face-to-face interviews and questionnaires. Anthropometric data and blood samples were collected and properly stored for analysis. Results In total, 175 386 adults were included for statistical analyses, with 42.7% as males and 57.3% as females. The prevalence rates of hypertension, high total cholesterol and high triglycerides were 30.4%, 7.2% and 18.0% in male smokers, 35.6%, 14.0%, 10.3% and 15.9% in female smokers respectively, which were all higher than those in the respective non-smokers. Male smokers were found under lower risk on hypertension, but 19% higher on total glycerides when compared with non-smokers of the same sex(OR=1.19, 95%CI:1.10-1.30), when multiple risk factors were under control. Male current smokers with more than 20 cigarettes per day have 41% (OR=1.41, 95%CI: 1.28-1.55) higher risk of high TG than non-smokers. Female smokers presented 40% (OR=1.40, 95%CI: 1.15-1.70) higher risk in high glycerides than the non-smokers. Specifically, women smoking longer than 20 years have 60% (OR=1.60, 95%CI: 1.31-1.95) higher risk of high TG than women smoking less than 20 years. Conclusions: Prevalence rates of certain chronic diseases were seen higher in smokers of both genders. People with longer history of smoking or being heavier smokers, appeared at advanced risk on developing chronic diseases.

Epidemiology of Reduced Visual Acuity among Chinese Multiethnic Students.

SIGNIFICANCE: Data regarding the epidemiology of reduced visual acuity (VA) among multiethnic children and adolescents in China are few. Understanding the vision-related health inequalities among different ethnic groups is crucial for health resource allocations and clinical managements for eye diseases. PURPOSE: We aim to determine the prevalence, main causes, and health inequalities of reduced VA in multiethnic school students in rural China. METHODS: A school-based eye survey including 7681 multiethnic school students aged 5 to 16 years in the southwestern part of China was conducted. Detailed ocular examinations including VA measurements, ocular motility evaluations, bilateral postcycloplegic refractions, and the assessments of the external eye, anterior segment, media, and retinal fundus were carried out by trained research vision professionals. Visual acuity was measured using a logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution E-chart, and reduced VA was defined as a presenting VA of worse than 20/40. Concentration index was initiatively utilized to measure health inequalities among different ethnic groups. RESULTS: The prevalence of reduced VA was 11.4 per 100 children (95% confidence interval, 10.7 to 12.1%) based on the worse-seeing eye data. The prevalence of reduced VA increased with increasing age (P < .001 for trend) and was higher among girls compared with boys (P < .0001). Uncorrected refractive error was the principal cause for reduced VA, which accounted for 87.3% of the participants with reduced VA. The concentration index for reduced VA was 0.07 among different ethnic groups. CONCLUSIONS: Compared with the estimates reported from previous studies on Chinese children and adolescents, a relatively lower prevalence of reduced VA was observed among multiethnic school students in rural China. Ethnic variations and health inequalities of reduced VA were not significant in this study.