Analysis of clinical features of heart failure in children with cardiomyopathy and improved ejection fraction.

Background: The prognosis of children with heart failure varies considerably. After treatment, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) can be improved in some children. The aim of this study was to analyze the clinical features of children with heart failure accompanied by cardiomyopathy and recovered ejection fraction [heart failure with recovered ejection fraction (HFrecEF)] and to identify the predictors of improved LVEF. Methods: Children diagnosed with heart failure in Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from 2018 to 2021 were retrospectively enrolled. According to the baseline and change of LVEF, the patients were divided into two groups: a reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) group and an HFrecEF group. The t-test was used to evaluate the difference between the two groups. The predictive factors of ejection fraction improvement were analyzed with a logistic regression model. Results: A total of 72 children were included in this study, including 31 (43.1%) in the HFrEF group and 41 (56.9%) in the HFrecEF group. Compared with children in the HFrEF group, children in the HFrecEF group were younger and had faster resting heart rates, lower creatinine, lower suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (ST2) expression, a lower platelet-to-lymphocyte (PLT:LYM) ratio, and smaller left atrial diameter. After a mean follow-up of 35.87 months, 26 cases returned to normal ejection fraction. In the HFrEF group, sudden cardiac death occurred in two cases, and four cases received heart transplantation. Logistic analysis showed that virus infection [odds ratio (OR) =1.279; 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.374-4.379; P=0.007], low ST2 expression (cutoff value =1.89 ng/mL: OR =1.042; 95% CI: 1.007-1.082; P=0.032), and treatment with intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) (OR =5.077; 95% CI: 1.458-17.684; P=0.011) were predictors of improvement in LVEF in patients with heart failure after treatment. Conclusions: In some patients with HFrecEF, LVEF eventually returned to normal. The combination of viral infection, low ST2 expression, and the application of IVIG therapy were found to be independent predictors of LVEF improvement in patients with heart failure after treatment.

Enhanced corrosion of 2205 duplex stainless steel by Acetobacter aceti through synergistic electron transfer and organic acids acceleration.

Acetobacter aceti is a microbe that produces corrosive organic acids, causing severe corrosion of industrial equipment. Previous studies have focused on the organic acid corrosion of A. aceti, but neglected the possibility that it has electron transfer corrosion. This study found that electron transfer and organic acids can synergistically promote the corrosion of 2205 duplex stainless steel (DSS). Electrochemical measurement results showed that corrosion of 2205 DSS was more severe in the presence of A. aceti. Surface analysis indicated a thick biofilm formed on the steel surface, with low pH and dissolved oxygen concentrations under the biofilm. Corrosion intensified when A. aceti lacked a carbon source, suggesting that A. aceti can corrode metals by using metallic substrates as electron donors, in addition to its acidic by-products.

Effect of ß-Blocker Therapy on the Level of Soluble ST2 Protein in Pediatric Dilated Cardiomyopathy.

Background and Objectives: A prognosis for kids with pediatric dilated cardiomyopathy (PDCM) is urgently needed to identify high-risk patients. This study aimed to determine the association of levels and soluble suppression of tumorigenicity 2 (sST2) and medical therapy of ß-blocker inhibitors with the risk of adverse events in PDCM. Materials and Methods: A total of 124 patients with PDCM were enrolled after admission from 2 centers in China and followed up for adverse events (death, cardiac transplantation, and heart-failure-related rehospitalization). Based on a median sST2 level and the usage of ß-blocker inhibitors, patients were divided into four groups. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to assess the risk of incident adverse events. Results: The median level of sST2 was 23.77 ng/mL, and 53 (42.7%) patients received ß-blocker treatment. Over a median follow-up of 678 days, 37 (29.8%) adverse events occurred. Compared with patients with sST2 < median and without ß-blocker, patients with sST2 ≥ median and without ß-blocker (HR: 7.01; 95% CI: 1.21−40.45), followed by those with sST2 ≥ median and use of ß-blocker had the highest risk of adverse events (hazard ratio (HR): 5.51; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.17−25.84). However, a significant association was not observed in patients with sST2 < median and use of ß-blocker. These associations were consistent across different subgroups. Conclusions: A higher level of sST2 was associated with a higher risk of adverse events in patients with PDCM, and ß-blocker treatment for children with high levels of sST2 can effectively avoid adverse events.

Influence Exerted by the Solvent Effect on the Mobility Peak of 1,8-Naphthalic Anhydride in Ion Mobility Spectrometry.

The collision cross-section (CCS) values of ions determined by ion mobility-mass spectrometry (IM-MS) can be used to deduce the shape and size of the ions. For each compound, as well as its isomer or tautomer, a unique arrival time peak was obtained in extracted ion mobility (EIM) spectra, which corresponded to a specific CCS value. However, the generation of solvated ions by electrospray ionization (ESI) increases the number of mobility peaks, which makes the EIM spectra difficult to interpret. In this study, solvent clusters formed by acetonitrile and methanol around 1,8-naphthalic anhydride (1,8-NA) cations ([C12H6O3 + H]+1,8-NA) were investigated using trapped ion mobility spectrometry-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (TIMS-TOF MS). The effects of infusion flow rate, nebulizer gas pressure, drying gas rate, and drying gas temperature on the formation of solvent clusters from acetonitrile and methanolic solution were systematically studied. The formation of solvent clusters was observed with infusion flow rates increased, which was manifested by the larger experimental CCS values of [C12H6O3 + H]+1,8-NA. Acetonitrile tended to form solvent clusters around ions more readily than methanol. These solvent clusters were stable enough to be detected by TIMS, but they cannot survive under ion activation conditions of mass spectrometry (MS). Increasing the nebulizer gas pressure seems to be a better way to eliminate the formation of solvent clusters in TIMS-TOF MS and give a "cleaner" EIM spectra. The current research demonstrates that more attention should be paid to the solvent effect on CCS values and their interpretation.

Molecular characterization of organic aerosol in winter from Beijing using UHPLC-Orbitrap MS.

The urban organic aerosol (OA) may pose a serious threat to human health and ecological environment. In order to understand the molecular characteristics of organic compounds in aerosols, atmospheric PM2.5 samples were collected in Beijing and the extracts were analyzed by liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry combined with negative-ion electrospray ionization, positive-ion electrospray ionization, and positive-ion atmospheric pressure photoionization sources. The combination of multiple ionization sources realized the comprehensive molecular characterization of organic compounds in OA, and 1976 (+APPI), 3038 (-ESI), and 4376 (+ESI) molecular formulas were identified in this study. Significant differences in the species, abundance, and number of subgroups (CHO, CHN, CHON, CHONS, CHOS, and CH compounds) were clarified. Chemical fingerprinting of organics in the PM2.5 extract were investigated by high-throughput non-target compound analytical methods. Structure induction of organic compounds was realized through fragmentation prediction of MS/MS spectra with Sirius software. Furthermore, a total of 50 nitroaromatic formulas, 285 organosulfates (OS) formulas, 57 nitrooxy-OS formulas, 228 CHO- formulas with carboxyl groups, and 36 monoketone formulas were determined based on diagnostic fragmentation filtering. Our results provide important insights into the molecular composition and structural characteristics of OA, and establish foundation for exploring the interaction between composition and physicochemical properties.

Abundance of organosulfates derived from biogenic volatile organic compounds: Seasonal and spatial contrasts at four sites in China.

Atmospheric organosulfates (OSs) derived from biogenic volatile organic compounds (BVOCs) encode chemical interaction strength between anthroposphere and biosphere. We report BVOC-derived OSs in the summer of 2016 and the winter of 2017 at four locations in China (i.e., Hong Kong (HK), Guangzhou (GZ), Shanghai (SH), and Beijing (BJ)). The spatial coverage of three climatic zones from the south to the north in China is accompanied with a wide range of aerosol inorganic sulfate (4.9-13.8 µg/m3). We employed a combined targeted and untargeted approach using high-performance liquid chromatography-Orbitrap mass spectrometry to quantify/semi-quantify ~200 OSs and nitrooxy OSs derived from four types of precursors, namely C2-C3 oxygenated VOCs, isoprene, monoterpenes (MT), and sesquiterpenes (ST). The seasonal averages of the total quantified OSs across the four sites are in the range of 201-545 (summer) and 123-234 ng/m3 (winter), with the isoprene-derived OSs accounting for more than 80% (summer) and 57% (winter). The C2-3 OSs and isoprene-derived OSs share the same seasonality (summer >winter) and the same south-north spatial gradient as those of isoprene emissions. In contrast, the MT- and ST-derived OSs are of either comparable abundance or slightly higher abundance in winter at the four sites. The spatial contrasts for MT- and ST-derived OSs are not clearly discernable among GZ, SH, and BJ. HK is noted to have invariably lower abundances of all groups of OSs, in line with its aerosol inorganic sulfate being the lowest. These results indicate that BVOC emissions are the driving factor regulating the formation of C2-3 OSs and isoprene-derived OSs. Other factors, such as sulfate abundance, however, play a more important role in the formation of MT- and ST-derived OSs. This in turn suggests that the formation kinetics and/or pathways differ between these two sub-groups of BVOCs-derived OSs.

Long-term outcomes of percutaneous closure of patent ductus arteriosus associated with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate the long-term outcomes of patients with patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) associated with unilateral absence of a pulmonary artery (UAPA). METHODS: Patients diagnosed with PDA associated with UAPA between January 2005 and June 2019 were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Demographic and clinical characteristics, treatments, and follow-up information were evaluated. RESULTS: A total of 11 patients were diagnosed with PDA associated with UAPA. Percutaneous closure was successfully conducted in nine patients. The mean diameters of the PDA measured by aortogram and occluders were 5.3 ± 1.8 mm and 11.5 ± 3.9 mm, respectively. The median pulmonary systemic flow ratio (Qp:Qs) in five patients was 1.41, and the median total lung resistance was 12 Wood Units. The mean systolic pulmonary artery (PA) pressure was 68.3 ± 19.1 mmHg. In five patients with pre- and postprocedure catheter data, the systolic pulmonary arterial pressure decreased significantly after closure (from 77.0 ± 20.2 to 58.8 ± 17.5 mmHg; p = .024), as did the mean pulmonary arterial pressure (from 58.2 ± 14.6 to 39.0 ± 14.1 mmHg; p = .18). The PA pressure and heart size gradually decreased to normal levels in eight patients, and their quality of life was significantly improved. The ratio of lung to systemic circulation pressure was less than 0.75. CONCLUSIONS: In appropriate patients with PDA associated with UAPA, transcatheter closure of PDA has the potential to improve PA hypertension. A ratio of lung to systemic circulation pressure less than 0.75 may be an important reference index for predicting whether PA pressure can be reduced to a normal level after occlusion.

Pretreatment with Ochrobactrum immobilizes chromium and copper during sludge pyrolysis.

To increase the degree of immobilization of heavy metals subjected to sludge pyrolysis, we investigated the effects of pretreating sludge with Ochrobactrum supplementation on the immobilization of chromium (Cr) and copper (Cu) during sludge pyrolysis. The sequential extraction procedure was used to test the metallic forms of Cr and Cu. The immobilization of Cr and Cu was characterized with X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, etc. Results show that: 1) the addition of Ochrobactrum (1-8%) can accelerate the mineralization process in blank sludge and can accelerate the conversion of the oxidizable forms of Cr and Cu into the residual forms subjected to pyrolysis; 2) pretreatment with Ochrobactrum supplementation can inhibit the volatilization of Cr and Cu during sludge pyrolysis, particularly in the case of a high concentration of Cu. Notably, the pretreatment with Ochrobactrum can reduce 20.38-85.09% of the potential ecological risk of Cr and Cu. The pretreatment with Ochrobactrum contributes to the immobilization of Cr and Cu subjected to sludge pyrolysis and thus can prevent pollution of the environment. The results of this study can be used for harmless disposal of municipal sludge.

Sludge aging stabilizes heavy metals subjected to pyrolysis.

In this study, we analyzed the effects of sludge aging pre-treatment on the stabilization mechanisms of heavy metals during sludge pyrolysis. First, the form of copper (Cu) and chromium (Cr) was conducted using the sequential extraction procedure proposed by the European Community Bureau of Reference (BCR). The stabilization mechanisms for the sludge pyrolysis of Cu and Cr were then analyzed using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). Results indicate the following: 1) with aging pre-treatment, the improvement in adsorption performance and the formation of newly crystallized materials, like polyhydroxy copper phosphate and chromium phosphate minerals, occur concurrently with the stabilization of heavy metals during pyrolysis; 2) after four weeks of aging, active functional groups like amino and carboxyl groups were significantly sharpened, and caused sustained complexation of the heavy metals. Results suggested that the aging pre-treatment aided the stabilization of heavy metals during sludge pyrolysis. Notably, the aging effect can decrease the potential ecological risk of heavy metals.

The effects of biodegradation on the characteristics and disinfection by-products formation of soluble microbial products chemical fractions.

Soluble microbial products (SMPs) discharged into rivers from sewage treatment plants may increase the health risk for downstream drinking water by acting as a precursor of DBPs. Biotransformation or biodegradation could alter the characteristics of SMPs and affect the subsequent formation of DBPs. This study observed the relative contribution of chemical fractions in SMPs and explored the biodegradation of each fraction and their effect on disinfection by-products (DBPs) formation in surface water. The hydrophilic acid (HPIA) and hydrophobic acid (HPOA) constituted the major portion of the SMPs, which were dominated by fulvic acid and humic acids. The transphilic acid (TPIA) and hydrophobic bases (HPOB) were relatively minor but it contained a relative substantial portion of protein-like materials in SMPs. TPIA and HPOB produced insignificant amounts of DBP corresponding to 13% and 14% in the original samples, but they were collectively responsible for 50% of the DBPs yield. Much larger amounts of hydrophobic fractions were utilized than hydrophilic fractions after biodegradation. The increase in SUVA values indicating aromatic structures, except for HPOA fraction, was observed after biodegradation. The protein-like materials in both the HPOA and HPIA fractions and polycarboxylate-type humic acid in the HPIA fraction decreased but the enrichment of HPOA (MW > 100 kDa) and TPIA (MW < 1 kDa) was observed after biodegradation. The production of = C-H in HPIA fraction and the appearance of double peak at 1100 cm-1 in TPIA and HPOB fractions occurred after biodegradation. In overall level, microorganisms effectively utilized DBP precursors from HPIA, HPOA and HPOB fractions but increased the DBPs precursors from the TPIA fraction. TPIA and HPOB fractions had higher DBP yield with chlorine but the DBPs yield of HPIA and HPOA changed little after biodegradation.

Impaired heart rate recovery as a predictor for poor health-related quality in patients with transient ischemic attack.

We aimed to investigate heart rate recovery (HRR) in patients with transient ischemic attack (TIA) and the relationship between HRR and health-related quality of life (HRQOL).All available patients were enrolled during the enrollment period. A total of 120 patients with TIA and 120 healthy controls were included in this study. A treadmill stress test was performed to calculate the HRR. The HRR were calculated as follows: HRR 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes = heart rate at peak during exercise - heart rate at 1, 2, 3, and 5 minutes at rest. All patients enrolled were asked to fill in the Short Form 36 Health Survey to calculate HRQOL.We found that the maximum heart rate of TIA patients was significantly higher than that of healthy controls (166 ±â€Š11 vs. 162 ±â€Š14 beats/min, P = .015). Similarly, maximum systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) were higher in TIA group compared with healthy control group (SBP: 172 ±â€Š15 vs. 165 ±â€Š14 mm Hg, P < .001; DBP: 102 ±â€Š12 vs. 93 ±â€Š16 mm Hg, P < .001). The HRR were significantly lower in TIA group compared with control group (TIA vs. controls, HRR1: 17 ±â€Š7 vs. 30 ±â€Š8 beats/min, HRR2: 32 ±â€Š11 vs. 49 ±â€Š9 beats/min, HRR3: 43 ±â€Š13 vs. 63 ±â€Š12 beats/min, HRR5: 54 ±â€Š16 vs. 73 ±â€Š15 beats/min, all P < .001). Multivariate analysis showed that older age (P = .03) and high BMI (P = .04) were risk factors associated with abnormal HRR in patients with TIA. With regard to HRQOL, we found that role limitations due to physical problems, general health, vitality, and role limitations due to emotional problems were significantly lower in patients with abnormal HRR compared with patients with normal HRR. Multivariate analysis showed that older age (P = .04) and abnormal HRR (P = .03) were predictors for poor HRQOL in TIA patients.HRR was impaired in patients with TIA. In addition, TIA patients with abnormal HRR suffered from a significantly poorer HRQOL. Hence, given the prognostic value of HRR, patients with TIA should be monitored to prevent cardiovascular events and to improve HRQOL.

Probing size characteristics of disinfection by-products precursors during the bioavailability study of soluble microbial products using ultrafiltration fractionation.

Soluble microbial products (SMPs) discharged into surface water may increase the formation of disinfection by-products (DBPs) in downstream drinking water treatment plants. In this study, ultrafiltration (UF) fractionation was used to separate SMPs into homogenous components. An aerobic microbial experiment was conducted to evaluate the bioavailability of individual molecular weight (MW) fractions of SMPs in surface water and the impact on their DBP formation, facilitating the interpretation of SMPs characterization and DBPs reactivity. For SMPs, organics with MW < 1 kDa were the primary fraction, containing the most abundant humic substances. The 30 kDa < MW < 100 kDa fraction was the lowest in SMPs but had the highest SUVA values. After biodegradation, the bioavailability of physical fractions increased with the increasing MW size. However, the SUVA value, except for MW < 1 kDa, increased in individual fraction after biodegradation. Low molecular weight SMPs fractions (MW<10 kDa) were major precursors for DBP in which trichloromethane (TCM) was the most abundant. The 10 kDa  100KDa had relative abundant dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) formation. After biodegradation, TCM precursors with MW < 1 kDa were removed by approximately 20%, whereas the increase of TCM formation was observed in 1 kDa < MW < 100 kDa fraction. CH formation from 1 kDa < MW < 10 kDa increased considerably, but those from 10 kDa < MW < 30 kDa decreased after biodegradation, as a result of the biotransformation of large organic acids to small organic acids. In terms of DBP reactivity, the TCM yield for the MW < 1 kDa fraction had no significant change while the 30 kDa < MW < 100 kDa fraction exhibited the greatest increase (approximately 8 times) in TCM yield.

Adsorption of soluble microbial products by sediments.

As major precursors of disinfection by-products (DBPs), soluble microbial products (SMPs) generated by sewage discharge can adversely affect drinking water quality. It is essential to understand the adsorption behaviours of SMPs onto sediments and the effect of DBPs formation. In this study, the adsorption ability of sediments was evaluated by adsorption isotherms with respect to temperature and salinity. Adsorption behaviours were investigated using X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, electron microscopy analysis, and excitation emission matrix fluorescence analysis. Chlorination was also employed to explore the influence of sediment adsorption on drinking water quality. The results indicated that the maximum adsorption potential of sediments to SMPs was 1.60 mg/g, which involved exothermic processes. SMPs adsorption declined with increasing temperature and salinity, and fulvic acid and protein in SMPs were more readily adsorbed on sediments than was humic acid. Correlation analysis results indicated that adsorption behaviours of sediments to SMPs could significantly reduce the generation potential of DBPs (r = 0.882-0.938, p < 0.01). In addition, the decrease of C-DBPs was considerably greater than that of N-DBPs. These research findings are of importance to assessments of the fate and transport of SMPs in water-sediment systems, as well as the effect of following DBPs formation in the drinking water supply.

Biosorption behavior of the Ochrobactrum MT180101 on ionic copper and chelate copper.

To study the biosorption behaviors of bacteria on heavy metal chelators, the biosorption kinetics, biosorption thermodynamics and pH influence tests of the Ochrobactrum MT180101 on ionic and chelate copper were investigated. Furthermore, the biosorption mechanisms of the Ochrobactrum MT180101 on ionic copper and chelate copper were explained by means of an excitation emission matrix as well as infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The results indicated the following. 1) The biosorption on chelate copper was needed to destroy the complexation group first through metabolic and secretory activities. 2) The biosorption mechanism of the Ochrobactrum MT180101 on copper involved surface biosorption, extracellular chelation and bienzyme-mediated biotransformation. The results suggested that Ochrobactrum had a superior biosorption efficiency to ionic and chelate copper.

Bioavailability of soluble microbial products as the autochthonous precursors of disinfection by-products in aerobic and anoxic surface water.

Soluble microbial products (SMPs), as a major part of the effluent organic matter discharged into surface water, may affect the formation of disinfection by-products (DBP) in downstream drinking water treatment plants. In this study, excitation emission matrix fluorescence with parallel factor analysis (EEM-PARAFAC), infrared spectroscopy (IR), high performance size-exclusion chromatography (HPSEC) and 16SrRNA high-throughput sequencing were used to investigate the aerobic and anoxic bioavailability of SMPs in surface water and evaluate their influences on DBP formation upon chlorination in a subsequent drinking water plant. In this study, SMPs were utilized by enriched microbial communities such as Bacteroidetes and Proteobacteria, but the accumulation of SUVA was pronounced during the two oxygen conditions. Biodegraded SMPs had higher humic substructures and lower protein-like components. Due to the presence of SMPs, microbial community compositions were influenced during biodegradation. Moreover, DO was the main factor in biodegradation of SMPs, thus affecting a series of processes, such as microbial compositions, properties of SMPs, DBP formation and reactivity. DBP formation potential decreased after anoxic and aerobic incubations. However, SMPs after aerobic degradation had higher DBP reactivity meanwhile the opposite was found for anoxic incubation. Based on the analysis of IR and HPSEC, it was found that some new substrates or intermediates with MW (220 KDa, <1 KDa) during microbial incubation may contribute to the formation of trihalomethane (THMs), chloral hydrate (CH), dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN) and trichloronitromethane (TCNM) in each DBP sampling episode.

Copper-resistant mechanism of Ochrobactrum MT180101 and its application in membrane bioreactor for treating electroplating wastewater.

It is necessary to study the mechanism of resistance to heavy metals in microbiological processes. In this study, Ochrobactrum MT180101 was used as the microbial source of an membrane bioreactor to investigate its degradation efficiency for electroplating wastewater and the copper-resistant mechanism. Meanwhile, excitation emission matrix-parallel factor, scanning electron microscope, atomic force microscope, fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and proteome analyses were applied to explain the comprehensive mechanism of the Ochrobactrum MT180101 resisting heavy metal toxicity. The results indicated that the Ochrobactrum MT180101 resisted heavy metal toxicity with the following pathways: i) binding metal cations on cell wall surfaces, ii) generating microbial products such as protein to chelate and stabilize the metal cations, iii) bio-transporting heavy metals from the intramembrane to the outer membrane by means of intracellular transport, and iv) reducing heavy metals through enzyme-mediated biotransformation. The results ensure that Ochrobactrum MT180101 was a copper-resistant bacterium that can be used in the pretreatment or deep treatment of electroplating wastewater.

Solar photolysis of soluble microbial products as precursors of disinfection by-products in surface water.

In the Pearl River Delta area, the upstream municipal wastewater is commonly discharged into rivers which are a pivotal source of downstream drinking water. Solar irradiation transforms some of the dissolved organic matter discharged from the wastewater, also affecting the formation of disinfection by-products in subsequent drinking water treatment plants. The effect of simulated solar radiation on soluble microbial products extracted from activated sludge was documented in laboratory experiments. Irradiation was found to degrade macromolecules in the effluent, yielding smaller, more reactive intermediate species which reacted with chlorine or chloramine to form higher levels of noxious disinfection by-products. The soluble microbial products were found to be more active in formation of disinfection by-products regard than naturally-occurring organic matter. The results show that solar irradiation induced the formation of more trihalomethane (THMs), chloral hydrate (CH) and trichloronitromethane (TCNM), causing greater health risks for downstream drinking water.

Incidence and clearance of oral human papillomavirus infection: A population-based cohort study in rural China.

The natural history of oral human papillomavirus (HPV) infection which is linked with the increased incidence of oropharyngeal squamous cell cancer (OPSCC) has been incompletely studied. Oral swab specimens and questionnaire data were obtained bi-annually for up to 6 visits from 4314 healthy adults aged 25-69 in rural Anyang, China. HPV infection status was evaluated with PCR-based sequencing. Participants with at least two consecutive valid HPV results within the study period were included in the incidence and clearance analysis. Among 3289 participants included in this analysis (median follow-up time 18.3 months), incidence rates of mucosal HPV, oncogenic mucosal HPV and cutaneous HPV were 0.53 (95% CI: 0.39-0.73), 0.30 (95% CI: 0.20-0.46), and 4.17 (95% CI: 3.70-4.70) per 1,000 person-months respectively. Most newly acquired infections were cleared within one year. Recent practice of oral sex increased the risk of incident infection with mucosal HPV (Adjusted HR, 5.03; 95% CI, 1.16-21.73) and oncogenic mucosal HPV (Adjusted HR, 10.13; 95% CI, 2.14-48.06). Newly acquired oral mucosal HPV infections are rare and most are cleared within one year in rural Chinese. This study expands understanding of the natural history of oral HPV in countries with a lower incidence of HPV-OPSCC.

The epidemiological profile of hysterectomy in rural Chinese women: a population-based study.

OBJECTIVES: Hysterectomy is one of the most common surgical procedures performed on women in developed countries; however, little is known about the epidemiology of hysterectomy in low-income to middle-income regions. This study seeks to evaluate the prevalence of hysterectomy and its risk factors in rural China. METHODS: Questionnaires were collected from 3328 female adults aged 25â€"69 years in rural Anyang, China, in 2009â€"2011. Hysterectomy status was ascertained by the gynaecologist at the time of cytological test. Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were performed to assess the risk factors for hysterectomy. RESULTS: The overall prevalence of hysterectomy was 3.31% (110/3328). Women above the age of 40 years had a higher prevalence of prior hysterectomy, compared with those aged 25â€"39 years (5.01% vs 0.33%). Obesity was marginally related with a higher risk of hysterectomy (adjusted OR=1.59; 95% CI 0.99 to 2.56; body mass index (BMI) ≥28.0 vs 18.5 ≤ BMI <24.0). History of prior pregnancy loss conferred a greater risk for hysterectomy (adjusted OR=1.51; 95% CI 1.02 to 2.23). Of the 75 (68.18%, 75/110) cases who provided further information on hysterectomy, 84.00% (63/75) had undergone total abdominal hysterectomy and 70.67% (53/75) had received surgery for leiomyoma. CONCLUSIONS: Rural Chinese women had a relatively low prevalence of hysterectomy, and the majority of reported hysterectomies were performed abdominally for leiomyoma. Hysterectomy prevalence differed significantly by age, BMI and history of pregnancy loss. This study expands the current understanding of the epidemiology of hysterectomy in lower resource areas.

Epidemiology of self-rated health in rural China: a population-based cross-sectional study.

Self-rated health (SRH) has been shown to be a good predictor of mortality. Data on SRH and its associated factors in the Chinese general population are limited. This study aims to assess the epidemiology of SRH in rural Anyang, China. SRH (categorized as "healthy", "fair" or "unhealthy") was measured in a population-based study of 2,814 adults (including 697 couples) aged 25 to 69 who were recruited from rural Anyang in 2014. Of 2,814 subjects, 63.1% rated their health as "healthy", whereas 28.1% and 8.8% rated their health as "fair" and "unhealthy". Compared to males, females had a higher likelihood of reporting a better SRH. Health ratings declined with increasing age, unmarried status, lower education levels. Poor SRH was positively correlated with medical history as well as high levels of fasting plasma glucose and total cholesterol, but not with unhealthy lifestyle indicators including smoking, drinking, and obesity. High household income was predictive of better SRH in men but not in women. Among couples, a positive spousal SRH concordance was observed, although the strength of this concordance was low. These findings will be useful for formulation of appropriate strategies for improving risk perception and promoting general health in economically developing regions.