[Current status of pubertal sexual characteristics development of 2 704 girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing].

Objective: To understand the current status of pubertal sexual characteristics development of girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing and to compare the differences in sexual characteristics development among girls characterized as thin, normal, overweight, and obese. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 2 844 girls aged 6-18 years in Tongzhou District of Beijing from September 2022 to July 2023. The developmental stages of breast and pubic hair were assessed on site, and menarche status was inquired. Weight and height were measured. The girls were subsequently characterized into thin, normal, overweight and obese groups. Basic information (including family and personal history) was obtained through questionnaires. Probit probability unit regression was applied to calculate the age of each Tanner stage of sexual characteristics development and the age of menarche. The χ2 test was applied to compare the counting data between two or multiple groups. Results: A total of 2 844 girls were surveyed and 2 704 girls met the inclusion criteria, resulting in a valid response rate of 95.1%. Among these girls, 1 105 (40.9%) were aged 6-9 years, 1 053 (38.9%) were aged 10-13 years, and 546 (20.2%) were aged 14-18 years. The of height-for-age Z-score (HAZ), weight-for-age Z-score (WAZ), and body mass index-for-age Z-score (BAZ) were 0.46(-0.23,1.16), 0.69(-0.16,1.67), and 0.67(-0.27,1.73) respectively. The prevalences of thin, overweight, and obesity were respectively 1.7% (45/2 704), 17.3% (467/2 704), and 19.9% (538/2 704), respectively. There were 45 girls in the thin group, 1 654 girls in the normal weight group, 1 005 girls in the overweight and obesity group. The age of Tanner stage breast 2 (B2), Tanner stage pubic hair 2 (P2), and menarche was 9.0 (95%CI 8.9-9.1), 10.5 (95%CI 10.4-10.6), and 11.4 (95%CI 11.3-1.5) years, respectively. The current status of breast and pubic hair maturity in girls with pubertal development shows that 64.6% (1 211/1 874) of these girls had breast development preceding pubic hair development, 32.4% (607/1 874) had concurrent breast and pubic hair development, and 3.0% (56/1 874) had pubic hairs development preceding breast development. The interval age between B2 and B5 was 4.7 (95%CI 4.6-4.8) years, between P2 and P5 was 4.5 (95%CI 4.4-4.6) years, and between B2 and menarche was 2.4 (95%CI 2.3-2.5) years. The ages of sexual characteristics development in overweight and obese groups were earlier than that in normal and thin groups. The ages of B2 in thin, normal, overweight, and obese groups were 10.0 (95%CI 9.5-10.6), 9.3 (95%CI 9.2-9.4), and 8.6 (95%CI 8.4-8.7) years, respectively. The age of menarche in thin, normal, overweight, and obese groups were 13.1 (95%CI 12.4-13.7), 11.6 (95%CI 11.4-11.7), and 11.1 (95%CI 11.0-11.2) years, respectively. The interval ages between B2 and B5 and between P2 and P5 was 4.5 and 4.1 years, respectively in the overweight and obese groups, and those in normal group and thin group was 4.7 and 4.5 years, 4.6 and 4.7 years, respectively. Conclusions: The ages of sexual characteristics development and menarche tend in Tongzhou District of Beijing to be earlier than that being reported of Beijing's survey 20 years ago. Girls characterized as overweight and obese not only start puberty at an earlier age than girls of normal weight, but also have a shorter developmental process.

Correlation between neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 and Crohn's disease.

Neuregulin receptor degradation protein-1 (Nrdp1) is a newly discovered E3 ligase that plays a role in the apoptosis process of multiple diseases. Previous studies has shown that Nrdp1 exerted a proapoptotic effect in cardiac diseases. The purpose of this study is to investigate the potential involvement of Nrdp1 in the pathological processes of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). To create a mouse model of experimental colitis, trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) was administered and the severity of colitis was assessed based on changes in weight and histological scores. Using Western blot and immunohistochemistry, significant increase in Nrdp1 expression was observed in intestinal epithelial cells (IECs). This was accompanied with the up-regulation of cleaved PARP and active caspase-3 in IECs, indicating a potential function in IECs. To study this further, we built an in vitro model of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α)-induced apoptosis using human IEC line HT-29 cells. When Nrdp1 was knocked down, a decrease in apoptosis was observed, suggesting that Nrdp1 may play a proapoptotic role in IEC apoptosis. The mechanism behind this phenomenon is associated with the suppression of downstream targets of Nrdp1, such as protein kinase B (AKT). Furthermore, immunohistochemistry analysis in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and normal controls supported the same results as observed in experimental colitis. We conclude that Nrdp1 may be a promising new therapeutic target for ameliorating IBD in humans.

[Progress on influencing factors of late diagnosis in HIV-infected patients].

At present, the late diagnosis of HIV-infected patients is not optimistic, which has a significant impact on the efficacy, cost, and prognosis of HIV antiretroviral therapy and HIV transmission. Late diagnosis is an important indicator for evaluating HIV testing. This article reviews the influencing factors of late diagnosis of HIV-infected patients and provides a reference for formulating and improving HIV testing strategies and measures in China.

[Survey on monkeypox knowledge awareness, risk perception and vaccination intention in men who have sex with men in five cities in northeast China].

Objective: To understand the monkeypox knowledge awareness, risk perception and vaccination intention in men who have sex with men (MSM) in five cities in northeast China. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted by using electronic questionnaire in MSM selected by convenience sampling in five cities in northeast China (Shenyang, Panjin, Changchun, Harbin and Jiamusi) from June 28 to July 8, 2023 by local centers for disease control and prevention and MSM communities. The sample size was estimated to be 220. Information about their demographics, monkeypox-related knowledge awareness, perceived concern about epidemic risk perception, and monkeypox vaccination intention were collected. Logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors for MSM's monkeypox vaccination intention. Results: In 355 MSM, 63.9% (227/355) had monkeypox vaccination intentions, and 55.5% (197/355) had high awareness of monkeypox related knowledge with a mean knowledge awareness score of 3.7±1.5. MSM with education level of high-school and above (aOR=1.93, 95%CI:1.01-3.69), higher knowledge awareness score (aOR=1.19, 95%CI:1.02-1.40) and higher risk perception of monkeypox infection (aOR=1.82, 95%CI:1.15-2.88), were more willing to receive monkeypox vaccination. The main reasons for willingness to receive monkeypox vaccine were preventing monkeypox (86.3%, 196/227) and worrying about appearance being affected (62.1%, 141/227). The main reasons for unwillingness for the vaccination included concerns about vaccine safety (53.1%, 68/128), clinical progression of AIDS being affected (46.1%, 59/128) and efficacy of antiretroviral therapy being affected (44.5%, 57/128). Conclusions: The levels of knowledge awareness and vaccine intentions still need to be improved among MSM in five cities of northeast China. It is necessary to improve the awareness of monkeypox and intention of monkeypox vaccination, promote protected sex behavior and self-assessment of infection risk, reduce vaccine hesitancy and increase monkeypox vaccination intention in MSM in 5 cities in northeast China.

[Characteristics of mortality density of HIV/AIDS cases after diagnosis in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province, 2010-2020].

Objective: To analyze characteristics of mortality density and the influencing factors of HIV/AIDS after diagnosis in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province. Methods: The data were retrieved from HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information System and selected cases diagnosed with HIV/AIDS in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province during 2010-2020 and aged 15 years or older as the study objects. The method of retrospective cohort study was used to collect baseline and follow-up information, and characteristics of mortality density after HIV diagnosis were described. Death after HIV diagnosis was divided into 1-6 months, 7-12 months, and ≥13 months after HIV diagnosis. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to analyze the associated factors of mortality density within six months after HIV diagnosis. Excel 2019 and SPSS 22.0 software were used for data processing and statistical analysis. Results: A total of 953 HIV/AIDS with 173 deaths were included during the study period. Most HIV/AIDS were men (89.19%, 850/953), single or divorced or widowed (76.50%, 729/953), educated in middle school and lower level (51.84%, 494/953), and men who have sex with men (77.02%, 734/953). There was a cumulative follow-up of 3 944.59 person-years, with an overall mortality density of 4.39 (95%CI: 3.79-5.07)/100 person- years. The mortality density was highest in 21.60 (95%CI: 18.04-25.86) 100 person-years within the first six months after diagnosis, then decreased to 2.02 (95%CI: 1.59-2.58)/100 person-years over 13 months or more after HIV diagnosis. HIV/AIDS who died within the first six months after diagnosis had a higher proportion of first CD4+T lymphocytes (CD4) counts untested (51.61%, 48/93) and AIDS-related deaths (32.26%, 30/93). In the multivariate analysis of the Cox proportional hazards regression model, mortality density within the first six months after HIV diagnosis was greater among HIV/AIDS who were older at diagnosis, detected by medical institutions, with lower first CD4 counts or no testing, and never receiving antiretroviral therapy (ART). Conclusions: Mortality density was generally low in Jiamusi of Heilongjiang province during 2010-2020 and declined over the follow-up time. However, early diagnosis and immediate ART initiation should be strengthened. Attention should also be paid to follow-up care management and referral services for HIV/AIDS within the first six months after HIV diagnosis to reduce the risk of death after HIV diagnosis.

[Multi-state Markov model analysis of disease outcomes and influencing factors in HIV infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in Luzhou of Sichuan province, 2010-2021].

Objective: To construct a multi-state Markov model and analyze the disease outcomes and its influencing factors in HIV infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy. Methods: A retrospective cohort analysis was conducted in HIV infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy in Luzhou of Sichuan province from 2010 to 2021. The disease status was divided into CD4+T lymphocytes (CD4) counts >500 cells/µl, 350-500 cells/µl, 200-349 cells/µl, ≤199 cells/µl and death indicated by S1-S5 in turn. A reversible continuous-time discrete-state multi-state Markov model was constructed for the analysis of disease progression features. Results: A total of 7 542 HIV infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy were included, and the median age (Q1, Q3) was 53.4 (41.2, 64.5) years old. The transition intensity of S3→S2 was higher. During follow-up, the transition probability of S4→S5 increased gradually. Influencing factors analysis of disease outcomes in HIV infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy showed that compared with individuals 15-24 years old, the transition intensities of S2→S1, S3→S2 and S4→S3 were lower and the transition intensity of S3→S4 was higher in individuals ≥45 years old. Compared with single individuals, the transition intensities of S3→S2 and S4→S3 were higher and the transition intensities of S3→S4 and S4→S5 were lower in married individuals. The transition intensity of S1→S2 was higher in individuals with baseline CD4 counts ≤500 cells/µl than in individuals with baseline CD4 counts >500 cells/µl. The transition intensity of S3→S4 in individuals diagnosed during 2011-2015 was lower than that in individuals diagnosed in 2010 and before. Conclusions: HIV infected individuals receiving antiretroviral therapy tended to shift to the previous disease status, suggesting that antiretroviral therapy was conducive to immune reconstitution. Older age (≥45 years old), being married, low baseline CD4 counts and being diagnosed in 2010 and before were the risk factors for disease progression.

[Survival analysis since diagnosis of HIV-positive injecting drug users aged 15 years and above in China].

Objective: To understand death's mortality and risk factors among HIV-positive injecting drug users (IDU) aged 15 or above in China and provide further reference to future prevention and treatment policies. Method: Retrospective cohort study was conducted to calculate the mortality rate of HIV-positive IDU based on HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. Cox proportion hazards regression model was performed to assess the risk factors for deaths. The Excel 2019 and SPSS 22.0 software was used for data cleaning and statistical analysis. Results: Between 2001 and 2020, 119 209 HIV-positive IDU were reported with 59 094 deaths. The all-cause mortality rate was 6.96 per 100 person-years (py), and the AIDS-related mortality rate was 1.91 per 100 py, with a decreasing trend over the years. Multivariate Cox regression indicated for all-cause death risks of HIV-positive IDU, compared with those baseline T+ lymphocyte cells (CD4) counts above 500 cells/µl, the HR (95%CI) of those CD4 counts untested, between 0-199, 200-349, 350-500 cells/µl was 2.85 (2.78-2.93), 2.47 (2.40-2.54), 1.58 (1.53-1.62) and 1.24 (1.21-1.28) respectively. The HR (95%CI) of antiretroviral treatment (ART) naïve was 7.13 (6.99-7.27) compared with those under ART. The HR (95%CI) of methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) naïve was 1.07 (1.04-1.10) compared to those receiving MMT. As for AIDS-related death risks, compared with baseline T+ lymphocyte cell CD4 counts >500 cells/µl, the HR (95%CI) of those CD4 counts untested, between 0-199, 200-349, 350-500 cells/µl was 3.26 (3.08-3.46), 5.54 (5.24-5.85), 2.35 (2.21-2.50) and 1.41 (1.32-1.50). HR (95%CI) of ART naïve was 5.96(5.74-6.18) compared to those under ART. Conclusions: Further efforts should be made timely on diagnosis, treatment, and harm reduction programs such as MMT for improvement compliance to reduce mortality risks of HIV-positive IDU.

[Epidemiological characteristics of newly reported HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school in China, 2011-2019].

Objective: To understand the epidemiological characteristics of HIV-infected adolescents outside school in China and provide reference to targeted prevention and control of HIV infection in this population. Methods: All the HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school reported during 2011-2019 were included this study. The information about their demographics, transmission routes and migration were collected from HIV/AIDS Comprehensive Response Information Management System. The χ2 test was done for comparison among groups. The Joinpoint 4.9.0 software was applied to the annual percent change (APC) for time trends analysis using the Joinpoint regression model. The Excel 2019 and SPSS 22.0 software were used for data cleaning and statistical analysis. Results: A total of 4 919 HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school were reported accumulatively in China between 2011 and 2019, accounting for 63.4% (4 919/7 757) of total reported HIV-infected cases in this age group. Analysis on trend revealed that the new HIV infection diagnosis rate has become stable since 2016 (APC=2.5%, P=0.173) after the increase between 2011 and 2015 (APC=36.4%, P<0.001). The migration across provinces was discovered in 13.9% (684/4 919) of the HIV-infected adolescents outside school. Males, workers, and those diagnosed in detention centers or transmitted by injecting drugs or homosexual contacts accounted for a larger proportion in migrated cases compared with non-migrated cases. The adolescents outside school mainly got HIV infected by sexual contacts route, in which 66.5% (280/421) of the males were infected by homosexual contacts, while 97.8% (182/186) of the females were infected by heterosexual contacts in 2019. Conclusions: HIV-infected adolescents aged 15-17 years outside school were mainly infected by sexual contacts. However, adolescents outside school have low awareness of sexual health and high mobility, to whom close attention should be paid to improve their awareness of sexual health and to provide them with appropriate HIV infection prevention and treatment service.

[A review of global and domestic HIV epidemic estimation].

Due to the latent characteristics of HIV infection, exceptionality of HIV high-risk population, social discrimination and insufficient awareness of AIDS prevention, timely testing and diagnosis of HIV infection is still a challenge worldwide. Until recently, it is difficult to exactly understand the overall HIV epidemic only using routine surveillance data. Therefore, epidemiological and statistical modeling is widely used to address this issue. Almost at the same time when AIDS was firstly discovered firstly, scientists also began to study the methods for the estimation and prediction of HIV infection epidemic. This article summarizes the development of global and domestic HIV epidemic estimation for the further understanding of its current performance and methods applied to provide reference for the future work.

Detection of blaKPC and blaNDM genes by duplex PCR with lateral flow dipsticks from sterile body fluid samples.

Duplex polymerase chain reaction with lateral flow dipsticks (duplex PCR-LFD) was developed for the simultaneous detection of beta-lactamase Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (blaKPC ) and beta-lactamase New Dehli metallo-beta-lactamase (blaNDM ) genes in body fluid samples. This method was validated using well-characterized isolates. The assessment of the specificity of duplex PCR-LFD showed that there was no cross-reactivity with other targets. The detection limit of the duplex PCR-LFD assay was 20 CFU per ml for blaKPC and blaNDM . Among 177 sterile body fluid samples tested by the duplex PCR-LFD assay, 40 were blaKPC -positive and five were blaNDM -positive. The results obtained from 122 corresponding Gram-negative bacteria which were isolated from these clinical samples and tested by duplex PCR-LFD assay showed that there were 37 strains carrying blaKPC genes in 40 blaKPC -positive samples and three strains carrying blaNDM genes in five blaNDM -positive samples. Statistical analysis indicated that there was no significant difference between the direct detection of blaKPC and blaNDM genes in clinical sterile body fluid samples and their corresponding clinical isolates. Therefore, duplex PCR-LFD can be effective for the simultaneous detection of blaKPC and blaNDM in clinical isolates and directly from clinical samples, which may be helpful for the administration of appropriate antimicrobial treatment.

Association between low skeletal muscle mass and subclinical coronary atherosclerosis in asymptomatic individuals evaluated by CT.

AIM: To investigate the associations of skeletal muscle area and density with coronary atherosclerotic plaques and significant stenosis in asymptomatic adults. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 243 consecutive subjects who had voluntarily undergone abdominal unenhanced computed tomography (CT) and coronary CT angiography (CCTA) as part of a general health examination were investigated retrospectively. Skeletal muscle area index (SMI) and skeletal muscle density (SMD) was assessed using CT. Coronary atherosclerotic plaques and stenosis on CCTA were evaluated. The associations of low SMI and low SMD with coronary atherosclerotic plaques and significant stenosis were determined by logistic regression analysis. RESULTS: After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, there were significant associations of low SMI or low SMD with atherosclerotic plaque, total significant stenosis, and significant stenosis caused by calcified or mixed plaques (for all p<0.05). In addition, multivariate regression analysis also showed that low SMI was independently associated with calcified plaque (p=0.038) and non-calcified plaque (p=0.006), and individuals with low SMD were more likely to have mixed plaque (p=0.001). CONCLUSION: Assessment of the skeletal muscle on CT help to identify asymptomatic adults at risk for coronary atherosclerosis.

[Change in obesity status and development of cardiometabolic disorders in school-age children].

Objective: To analyze the influence of obesity status on the development of cardiometabolic disorders in school-age children. Methods: Information about children's body weight, body height and cardiovascular risk factors were collected in baseline survey in 2017 and follow-up survey in 2019. The school-age children were divided into four groups based on their baseline and follow-up obesity status, i.e. sustained non-obesity group, restored obesity group, newly classified obesity group, and persistent obesity group. Analysis of covariance was used to compare the difference of change in levels of cardiometabolic factors among the four groups. The multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze the relationship between obesity status and the incidence risk of cardiometabolic disorders. Results: The present study included 11 379 school-age children (boys accounting for 49.6%). During the 2 years, the incidence of obesity was 3.2% (95%CI: 2.9%-3.5%) with the restoration ratio of obesity of 4.4% (95%CI: 4.0%-4.8%). Compared with the sustained non-obesity group, increases in SBP, DBP, TG, LDL-C and non-HDL-C were much higher in newly classified obesity group and persistent obesity group, but lower in restored obesity groups except for DBP (all P<0.05). In addition, the incidence risk of hypertension, high glucose, dyslipidemia and cardiometabolic disorders (≥2 risks) were much higher in newly classified and persistent obese children than in sustained non-obese children. No difference was found in incidence risks of most cardiovascular disorders between restored obese children and sustained non-obese children, except for hypertension and cardiometabolic risks. Conclusion: Both newly classified obesity and persistent obesity increased the incidence risks for multi cardiovascular disorders, while these risks could be reduced when non-obese status restore.

[Analysis of clinical characteristics of 17 patients with inhalation dimethyl sulfate poisoning].

This paper analyzed the clinical data of 17 patients with inhalation dimethyl sulfate poisoning in Changzhou Third People's Hospital, in order to understand the clinical characteristics, treatment and prognosis of patients with inhalation dimethyl sulfate poisoning, and guide clinicians to make effective measures in time. Dimethyl sulfate poisoning progresses rapidly and dangerously. The prognosis is usually better if the patients are separated from the toxic environment as soon as possible, given glucocorticoids in early and short-term, closely observed respiratory tract injury, and treated with endotracheal intubation and invasive mechanical ventilation when necessary.

MiR-150 inhibits proliferation of mantle-cell lymphoma cells via regulation of MET.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to explore the influences of micro ribonucleic acid (miR)-150 on the proliferation and apoptosis of mantle-cell lymphoma (MCL) cells and to investigate the potential underlying mechanism. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Differentially expressed miRNAs in MCL tissues were excavated via microarray analysis of miRNA expression profiles. Subsequently, the expression of miRNAs were verified by quantitative Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-qPCR). The influence of miRNA expression on the survival of patients was detected based on clinical data. Besides, the potential targets of miRNAs were determined using Luciferase reporter gene assay combined with qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Primary tumor cells were extracted, and the influences of miR-150 expression on cell proliferation were detected via Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) staining assay. Finally, Western blotting and flow cytometry were performed to explore the impact of miR-150 on the apoptosis of primary tumor cells. RESULTS: Microarray analysis of miRNA expression profiles and RT-qPCR verified that the expression levels of hsa-miR-486, hsa-miR-4746, and hsa-miR-3158 rose considerably in MCL tissues, while those of hsa-miR-29b-3p, hsa-miR-150, and hsa-miR-142-5p remarkably declined. According to the results of survival analysis, the survival time was notably prolonged in patients with higher expression levels of miR-150 and miR-486, especially in those with higher expression level of miR-150. Luciferase reporter gene assay and RT-qPCR and Western blotting results demonstrated that miR-150 negatively regulated the expression level of MET. Subsequent CCK-8 assay and EdU staining results revealed that up-regulation of miR-150 significantly suppressed the proliferation of primary MCL cells. Finally, Western blotting and flow cytometry found that increased expression of MET remarkably facilitated the apoptosis of primary MCL cells. CONCLUSIONS: MiR-150 inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of MCL cells by negatively regulating MET expression.

[Estimation of newly HIV infection trend by using the back-calculation method in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture].

Objective: Using the changing patterns of CD(4)(+) lymphocytes (CD(4)) counts of HIV/AIDS cases, we tried to estimate the number of newly infected HIV in Honghe Hani and Yi autonomous prefecture (Honghe prefecture) Yunnan province, and to provide reference for evaluating the trend of local HIV epidemic. Methods: Among diagnosed HIV infections, those who were at ≥15 years old, having available initial CD(4) records of testing, initiating antiviral therapy before the end of 2018, were selected from the case reporting system of Honghe prefecture, Yunnan province. Both Depletion model of the square root on CD(4) and the time of infection were used to back-calculate the seroconversion time of each individual. Both direct probability distribution method and life table method were used to calculate the distribution rates of diagnosis and the weight of delay. The number of diagnoses over the years was used to reversely estimate the total number of newly HIV infections. Results: At the end of 2018, the total number of HIV infections was estimated 35 977 with the rate of diagnosis as 77.50% in Honghe prefecture of Yunnan province. The number of new HIV infections appeared as 23 792 in 2008-2018. Cumulatively, the number of new HIV infections was 12 185 up to 2007. The estimated number of new HIV infections decreased from 2 602 in 2008 to 1 480 in 2018. The weight of diagnostic delay decreased from 5.49 in one year to 1.00 in 20 years, and the diagnosis rate increased from 18.2% to 100.0% during 20 years. Conclusion: In Honghe prefecture of Yunnan province, the number of newly infection showed a declining trend but the diagnostic rate was still far from reaching the "first 90% target" . It is expected to expand the timeliness on detection and case-finding so as to reduce the risk of HIV transmission.