Defining indicators for the scoping stage of health impact assessment to evaluate tobacco control policy in the city of Beijing.

INTRODUCTION: Beijing initiated the nation's most comprehensive tobacco control program that adheres to the WHO Framework Convention on Tobacco Control. This study aimed to identify a set of indicators for the scoping of an Health Impact Assessment (HIA) to assess this policy. METHODS: This study used a modified Delphi process. It proposed a tobacco control health impact framework based on the Driving forces- Pressure- State- Exposure- Effect- Action model and the Determinants of Health Theory. After a review of current surveillance system and literature, a working group of 13 experts with multidisciplinary background was established to formulate indicator evaluation criteria and conduct indicator scoring. Each indicator was scored by experts according to four evaluation criteria chosen. Indicators that obtained a total score above 80% and with standard error less than 5 were selected as the final set of indicators. Kendall's coefficient of concordance was calculated. RESULTS: Twenty-three out of 36 indicators were selected. Smoking prevalence, mortality rate, hospital admission rate, tobacco consumption and hospital admission fees of smoking related diseases achieved more than 90% of total scores and ranked as the top five. Kendall's concordance coefficient was 0.218 for all indicators. For all model composition, Kendall's concordance coefficients were statistically significant. CONCLUSION: This study identified a set of twenty-three indicators for scoping of HIA of a comprehensive tobacco control policy in Beijing based on a tobacco control health impact conceptual framework. The set of indicators achieved high scores and statistically significant consistency and has great potential to promote the evaluation of tobacco control policy in a global city. Further study might use the set of indicators for HIA on tobacco control policy to analyze empirical data.

Smoking reduced in urban restaurants: the effect of Beijing Smoking Control Regulation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of Beijing Smoking Control Regulation, occurrence of smoking in restaurants was compared before and after the law took effect. METHODS: A cohort study design was used in a randomly selected sample of 176 restaurants in two districts of Beijing. Undercover visits were paid by investigators to the same restaurants at lunch or dinner time 5 months before the law took effect and 1-month after. The occurrence of smoking and presence of no-smoking signs were observed. RESULTS: Much less smoking was observed (14.8%) in restaurants compared to that before the law took effect (40.3%). The drop in smoking occurrence was more evident in open dining areas (from 32.4% to 5.1%) compared to the men's restrooms of the restaurants (23.8% to 18.8%). No intervention from restaurant staff was observed whenever smoking occurred. Posting of no-smoking signage increased considerably after the law came into effect (from 52.6% to 82.4%), but very few no-smoking signs included the symptom hotline number (38.5%) or the amount of penalty (5.6%). CONCLUSIONS: The Beijing Smoking Control Regulation achieved one of its intended goals of reducing smoking occurrences in restaurants, but further effort of strengthening implementation is still needed and should focus on boosting compliance with no-smoking sign requirements, reducing smoking in restrooms of the restaurants and mobilising the restaurant staff to intervene in case of violations.

[Analysis of influence of inflammatory factor in patients with ovarian endometriosis follicular fluid on the outcome of in vitro fertilization].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of follicular fluid IL-6, TNF-α on the clinical outcome of in vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) in patients with ovarian endometriosis. METHOD: From June 2013 to June 2014, the data of 64 (from Tangshan Maternal and Child Health Hospital IVF center) ovarian endometriosis patients was analyzed retrospectively. 58 infertility cases caused by male side were used as control group. Oocyte retrieval rate, M II oocytes rate, fertilization rate, recovery-intracytoplasmic sperm injection (R-ICSI) rate, good quality embryo rate, biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate were analyzed and compared between two groups. Changes in the expression of follicular fluid IL-6, TNF-α were detected. RESULTS: Oocyte retrieval rate, M II oocytes rate, fertilization rate, good quality embryo rate, biochemical pregnancy rate and clinical pregnancy rate in ovarian endometriosis group were significantly lower than those in the control group (all P < 0.05), while R-ICSI rate increased in ovarian endometriosis group compared with control group (P < 0.05). IL-6, TNF-α expressions of follicular fluid were higher in affected side of ovarian endometriosis patients than those in the unaffected side and those in control group. CONCLUSION: Inflammation microenvironment of the follicular fluid may influence IVF-ET outcomes in ovarian endometriosis patients.

Comparative Effectiveness of Mobile Health-Based Comprehensive Smoking Cessation Modalities and Traditional Clinic-Delivered Treatments - Beijing Municipality, China, May 2022 to April 2024.

What is already known about this topic?: Most Chinese smokers have not accessed professional help due to a lack of sufficient smoking cessation services. Mobile health (mHealth) can mitigate obstacles related to time and transportation, thereby providing effective support for smokers seeking to quit. What is added by this report?: This study offers real-world evidence supporting the effectiveness of mHealth-based comprehensive smoking cessation interventions. The findings indicate that these modalities can significantly enhance abstinence rates, albeit to a lesser extent compared to traditional clinic-based treatments. Adherence to the intervention was identified as a critical factor influencing the effectiveness of smoking cessation strategies. What are the implications for public health practice?: The mHealth-based comprehensive smoking cessation modalities, with or without mailing cessation medications, present a promising approach to enhancing access to and utilization of smoking cessation services. This strategy addresses the significant challenge of limited smoking cessation resources in China.

[Impact of the waist circumference change on new onset of diabetes in the population with impaired fasting glucose].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the impact of the waist circumference change on new onset diabetes (NOD) in the impaired fasting glucose (IFG) population. METHODS: A total of 12 657 subjects who took part in the health examination from 2006 to 2007 and from 2010 to 2011 from the employees of Kailuan Group and met the inclusion criteria were selected as the observation cohort.Of the 12 657 subjects, 10 697 were male, 1960 were female, with age of (49.9 ± 11.3) years old. According to the baseline waist circumference (WC) measurements and its quartile in the health examinations during 2006 to 2007, the observation population was divided into four groups (first, second, third and the fourth quartile groups) . Multiple logistic regression analysis was used to test the relation between the increasing of WC and NOD. RESULTS: The incidences in the IFG population of NOD were 4.27% (1884/12 657) in the total population;4.25% (1581/10 697) in male and 4.44% (303/1960) in females, respectively (P < 0.05) . Along with increasing WC in the 4 quartile groups, the incidences of NOD was progressively increased, which were 2.19% (235/3083) , 3.07% (333/3114) , 4.47% (473/3037) and 7.08% (843/3423) , respectively;2.34% (213/2626) , 3.06% (282/2645) , 4.37% (393/2582), 7.00% (693/2844) in males and 1.38% (22/457) , 3.12% (51/469) , 5.05% (80/455) , 7.45% (150/579) in female (P < 0.05) . Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that compared with the first quartile group, the second, third and fourth quartile group had increased risk of NOD after adjusting for age, gender and other risk factors, the OR (95%CI) values were 1.38(1.13-1.68), 1.79 (1.47-2.09) and 3.10 (2.57-3.75), respectively. CONCLUSION: The incidence of NOD in the IFG population increased as the WC increased.

[Association between blood pressure level and incidence of carotid artery plaque in middle-aged and elderly people].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the association between blood pressure level and incidence of carotid arterial plaque in middle-aged and elderly people. METHODS: A total of 5852 individuals were randomly stratified from the 101 510 health examination survey participants in Tangshan Kailuan Company community during 2006-2007. A total of 5440 people (age above 40 years old, free of stroke, TIA and myocardial infarction) were enrolled in the final analysis. A questionnaire survey, blood biochemical analysis and carotid artery ultrasound examination were finished by trained medical staff. Sixteen individuals without carotid artery plaques information and 35 individuals without blood pressure information were excluded. Finally, a total of 5389 participants [3235 male, mean age: (54.7 ± 11.8) years] were analyzed. According to 2010 Chinese guideline to prevention and treatment of hypertension and blood pressure level classification, participants were divided into normotensive group (n = 1377), high normal blood pressure group (n = 1971) and hypertensive group (n = 2041). Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors of the carotid artery plaques. RESULTS: Age, male gender, BMI, IMT, TG, FBG, smoking and alcohol drinking rate were significantly higher in high normal blood pressure group than in normotensive group (all P < 0.05), LDL-C, HDL-C, hs-CRP and TC were similar between these two groups. Incidence of carotid artery plaques in normotensive, high normal blood pressure and hypertensive groups was 24.8%, 37.4%, 60.2% respectively. The risk of carotid artery plaques was increased to 38% and 163% in high normal and hypertensive groups compared to normotensive group, the OR ratio was 1.38 (95%CI: 1.15-1.66) and 2.63 (95%CI: 2.18-3.18), respectively. After adjusting gender, age, smoking, alcohol consumption, TG, TC, HDL-C, FBG, hs-CRP and BMI, the risk of developing carotid artery plague was increased in proportion to increasing blood pressure and the OR value was 1.24 (95%CI:1.01-1.52) , 1.69 (95%CI:1.34-2.15) and 2.66 (95%CI:2.20-3.21) in high normal group I [SBP/DBP 121-129/80-84 mm Hg(1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa)] and high normal group II (SBP/DBP 130-139/85-89 mm Hg) and hypertensive group, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The cardiovascular risk factors and prevalence of carotid artery plague increase in proportion to blood pressure level in this cohort. The detection rate of carotid artery plague is already significantly increased in individuals with high normal blood pressure.

[Impact of baseline pulse pressure on new-onset cardio-and cerebrovascular events in diabetic population].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the association between baseline pulse pressure (PP) level and new-onset cardio-cerebrovascular events in diabetic population. METHODS: Physical examination data between July 2006 to October 2007 from a total of 101 510 employees of Kailuan Group were reviewed, 8306 subjects with a fasting plasma glucose level of ≥ 7.0 mmol/L or with confirmed diabetes diagnosis and were enrolled in this prospective cohort study. Subjects were followed up for 38-53 (48.1 ± 3.1) months and the cardio-cerebrovascular events were obtained every six months, association between baseline PP and new-onset cardio-cerebrovascular events in the diabetic population were analyzed. RESULTS: (1) Incidences of total cardio-cerebrovascular events in the PP groups were 3.4%, 2.8%, 4.5%, 6.4%, respectively. Incidences of cerebral infarction events and myocardial infarction were 2.1%, 1.6%, 2.9%, 3.9% and 1.1%, 0.7%, 1.0%, 1.7%, respectively. (2) Multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that baseline PP group was the risk factor for total cardio-cerebrovascular events, cerebral infarction events and myocardial infarction, and the risk for all the events of the PP ≥ 60 mm Hg (1 mm Hg = 0.133 kPa) group was increasing. The values of RR(95%CI) were 1.88 (95%CI 1.34-2.65, P < 0.01), 1.92 (95%CI 1.23-2.99, P < 0.01) and 1.52 (95%CI 0.82-2.81, P > 0.05) after adjust the other factors.(3) In line with increasing level of baseline PP, age, BMI, SBP, DBP, HDL-C, and hs-CRP levels significantly increased in this diabetic population (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: The level of high baseline PP is a risk factor for new-onset cardio-cerebrovascular events in diabetic population.

Effectiveness and Acceptability of a Comprehensive Mobile Health-Based Modality for Smoking Cessation - Beijing Municipality, China, 2022.

What is already known on this topic?: Mobile health interventions have been demonstrated to be effective in aiding smoking cessation among smokers. Nevertheless, research on this topic remains limited in China. What is added by this report?: Following two months of utilizing the services of a comprehensive mobile health (mHealth)-based modality ("Way to Quit" modality) which integrated three online interventions through the WeChat application, 29.1% of participating smokers successfully quit smoking. Participants who used a greater number of online services were more likely to cease smoking. All services were scored highly for satisfaction among smokers. What are the implications for public health practice?: This study presents a practical and feasible method to assist Chinese smokers in quitting smoking. The results of this research suggest a promising direction for enhancing the accessibility and utilization of smoking cessation services. Additionally, these findings serve as a critical reference for addressing the obstacles faced by smoking cessation services in China.

[The prevalence and distribution of ideal cardiovascular health behavior in employees of Kailuan Group cohort].

OBJECTIVE: To observe the prevalence and distribution of ideal cardiovascular health behavior. METHODS: Health examination data between 2008 to 2009 from the employees of Kailuan Group were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 101 333 subjects took part in the health examination, subjects with previous myocardial infarction (n = 871), stroke (n = 2255), myocardial infarction and stroke (n = 162) and subjects with incomplete examination data (n = 9311) were excluded and 88 534 subjects were included for final analysis [mean age (50.6 ± 12.3) years, male 69 916]. (1) Body mass index (BMI), systolic and diastolic pressure, cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride were significantly higher in males than in females (all P < 0.05), women's income and the education lever were significantly higher than men (P < 0.05). (2) The distribution of ideal cardiovascular health behavior (smoking, BMI, physical exercise, salt intake) was 55.8%, 41.4%, 18.9% and 14.0% respectively among the population; the ideal cardiovascular factors (fasting blood glucose, TC, blood pressure) was 80.9%, 61.8% and 18.5%, respectively. (3) The subjects with distribution of seven, six, five, four ideal cardiovascular health behavior and factors was 0.1%, 1.9%, 9.1%, 20.3%, respectively. (4) Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that female, age < 55 and high education level were associated with the ideal cardiovascular health status with a RR value (95%CI) of 4.52 (4.32 - 4.72), 1.46 (1.39 - 1.53) and 2.23 (2.10 - 2.37), respectively. CONCLUSION: The prevalence of ideal cardiovascular health is extremely low in the study population, most persons were not in the ideal cardiovascular health behavior and factors and female, age < 55 and high education level are linked with ideal cardiovascular health status.

Early-phase insulin hypersecretion associated with weight loss outcome after LSG: a prospective cohort study in Asian patients with BMI ≥28 kg/m2.

BACKGROUND: Obesity has become a global problem that poses a serious threat to human health. Laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (LSG) is an effective long-term treatment. However, the weight loss of some patients after LSG is still insufficient. It is necessary to investigate the factors associated with inadequate weight loss after LSG. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to explore whether preoperative insulin secretion could be associated with weight loss after LSG in patients with obesity. SETTING: This is a single-center prospective cohort study conducted in a university hospital. METHODS: Patients from a prospective database who underwent LSG were analyzed. All 178 participants underwent a 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) to assess preoperative insulin and c-peptide secretion before LSG. The areas under the curve (AUCs) for glucose, insulin, and c-peptide were determined in the OGTT. The percentage of excess weight loss (%EWL) and the percentage of total weight loss (%TWL) were used to estimate the effect of weight loss after LSG. Regression models were used to assess the correlation between preoperative insulin and c-peptide secretion with %EWL ≥75% and TWL ≥35% at 12 months after LSG. RESULTS: The AUCs of insulin and c-peptide were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥75% and %TWL ≥35% groups at 0-30 minutes, 0-60 minutes, and 0-120 minutes during the OGTT. At 30, 60, and 120 minutes during the OGTT, c-peptide levels were significantly lower in the %EWL ≥75% group and %TWL ≥35% group. The preoperative c-peptide level at 30 minutes during the OGTT (C30) was significantly negatively correlated with %EWL (ß = -.37, P < .001) and %TWL (ß = -.28, P = .011). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that preoperative C30 was associated with %EWL ≥75% and %TWL ≥35% after LSG. According to multiple logistic regression analysis, patients with a low preoperative C30 had an 8-fold higher %TWL ≥35% after LSG than those with a high C30 (odds ratio: 8.41 [95% confidence interval: 1.46-48.58], P = .017). Similarly, patients with a low preoperative C30 had a 7-fold higher EWL% ≥75% after LSG than patients with a high C30 (odds ratio: 7.25 [95% confidence interval: 1.11-47.50], P = .039). CONCLUSIONS: The rate of weight loss after LSG is low among patients with preoperative hyperinsulinemia. The preoperative c-peptide level at 30 minutes during the OGTT is associated with weight loss after LSG.

[Association between baseline high sensitivity C-reactive protein level and the first cardio-cerebral vascular event in diabetic population: a prospective cohort study].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the predictive value of baseline serum high sensitivity C-reactive protein for the first cardio-cerebral vascular event in the population with diabetes. METHOD: In this prospective cohort study, a total of 101 510 employees of Kai Luan Group, who received healthy examination from July 2006 to October 2007, were screened and 7865 subjects with fasting plasma glucose ≥ 7.0 mmol/L or known diabetes mellitus and under insulin or hypoglycemic drugs therapy were followed up for 38 - 53 (48.02 ± 3.14) months. RESULTS: (1) Incidence rates of total cardio-cerebral vascular events, cerebral infarction and myocardial infarction increased in proportion to increased levels of baseline hsCRP (P < 0.01). After adjusting for age, gender, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and cigarette smoking, multivariate Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis indicated that the individuals in the highest quartile of hsCRP levels group (hsCRP ≥ 2.50 mg/L) had an increased risk of total cardio-cerebral vascular events (RR: 1.64, 95% CI: 1.20 - 2.24), cerebral infarction (RR: 1.52, 95% CI: 1.03 - 2.24), myocardial infarction (RR: 2.57, 95% CI: 1.34 - 4.91) compared with those in the lowest quartile group (hsCRP < 0.41 mg/L). (2) Higher baseline hsCRP levels were associated with aging, female gender, higher BMI, SBP, DBP, fasting blood glucose, TC, TG, LDL-C levels and lower HDL-C levels (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Baseline hsCRP level is associated with increased first cardio-cerebral vascular event in the population with diabetes.

[Clinical features and serologic analysis of latent syphilis].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the clinical features and analyze the serologic test results of latent syphilis. METHODS: The clinical data of 601 patients with latent syphilis who were treated in the sexually transmitted disease centre of Peking Union Medical College Hospital between January 2001 and November 2007 were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Of the 601 cases of latent syphilis, there were 174 cases of early latent syphilis(EL), 170 cases of late latent syphilis(LL), and 257 cases of unknown latent syphilis. Male to female ratio was 0.74:1256 males and 345 females, respectively). Patients aged 20-39 years accounted for the largest proportion. Non-marital sexual intercourse was the main route of infection. Forty-six patients (7.65%) were co-infected with other sexually transmitted diseases. A total of 251 cases of latent syphilis (41.76%) were confirmed when the patients were receiving tests for other sexually transmitted diseases or suspected sexually transmitted diseases. Of the 601 patients with EL, LL and unknown latency, the proportion of serum rapid plasma reagin(RPR) titers higher than or equal to 8 were 72.99% (127/174), 52.94% (90/170), and 60.31%(155/257), respectively. Compared with the early syphilis, serological negative conversion rate was significantly lower after treatment for l2 months in the early latent syphilis patients (P=0.044). CONCLUSION: Education and awareness raising on syphilis should be strengthened to lower the prevalence of latent syphilis.

[Analysis of 1125 syphilis cases].

OBJECTIVE: To summarize the epidemiological, clinical and serological features of syphilis. METHOD: The clinical data of 1125 patients with syphilis were retrospectively analyzed. RESULTS: Non-marital sexual intercourse is the main route of infection. The 129 cases of primary syphilis were featured by extragenital chancres and the 357 cases of secondary syphilis were featured by scaling macules on the palms and soles and condylomata lata. Early latent syphilis were detected in 178 cases, late latent syphilis in 174 cases, and latent syphilis of unknown duration in 285 cases. Concurrent infection with other sexually transmitted diseases were noted in 107 cases (9.51%). Most patients were treated with benzathine penicillin, and only 31 patients (2.75%) were allergic to this therapy. Except for the primary syphilis, the sensitivity of syphilis serological tests (including rapid plasma regain test, treponema pallidum particle agglutination, treponema pallidum hemagglutination assay, and fluorescent treponemal antibody-absorption) were higher than 97%. CONCLUSIONS: The incidence of latent syphilis is high, while the incidence of late syphilis is low. Penicillin remains the treatment of choice for syphilis.

Investigation of Health Literacy Status in Beijing, China.

BACKGROUND: The Chinese government uses health literacy as an evaluation to estimate population health status in national strategic planning. A health literacy survey system for the city of Beijing, China was established in 2012 with triennial surveys to obtain representative data for the whole city. OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine results of the 2015 Beijing Health Literacy Survey and to identify population subgroups that may warrant intervention due to high risk for not having adequate health literacy. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study in which participants were selected by multistage stratified cluster sampling. The information was collected in 2015 in face-to-face interviews on the Chinese Citizen Health Literacy Questionnaire. A total of 12,876 interviews were included in the final analyses. Weighting was conducted in all statistical analyses to obtain representative estimates, and multiple logistic regression was applied to examine the independent influencing factors on health literacy level (adequate/inadequate). KEY RESULTS: Overall, 28% of participants had adequate health literacy. Urban residents had a higher proportion of participants with adequate health literacy compared to rural residents (29.5% vs. 19%, p < .01). Women (29.7%) had a higher proportion of participants with adequate health literacy compared to men (29.7% vs. 26.4%, p < .01). The proportion of participants with adequate health literacy was significantly different among age groups (χ2 = 332.9, p < .01). Residents age 25 to 34 years had the highest rate of adequate health literacy (33.9%). The proportion of participants with adequate health literacy increased as participants obtained more education (χ2 = 818.4, p < .01). Residents in households with higher income had a higher rate of adequate health literacy (χ2 = 462.4, p < .01). Gender, age, education, and household income were independently associated with the level of health literacy. CONCLUSIONS: Substantial variation exists in health literacy level among age groups, gender groups, and education groups. Taking these disparities into account is important when developing health policies and allocating resources. [HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice. 2020;4(3):e174-e184.] PLAIN LANGUAGE SUMMARY: The results of this investigation revealed the health literacy status of residents in Beijing, China, and the high-risk population that may be more likely to have low health literacy. Targeted health education interventions may be helpful to improve health literacy.

Early-onset type 2 diabetes: A high-risk factor for proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in patients with microalbuminuria.

We aim to explore the relationship between early-onset diabetes and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with microalbuminuria.A total of 461 T2DM patients with microalbuminuria were enrolled. Subjects were defined as early-onset or late-onset based on the age at which they were diagnosed with diabetes (<40 and ≥40 years, respectively). Medical history, anthropometry, and laboratory indicators were documented. PDR was defined as the presence of any of the following changes on fundus photography: neovascularization, vitreous hemorrhage, or preretinal hemorrhage.The prevalence of PDR was 6-fold higher in patients with early-onset than late-onset T2DM [(6.1% vs 1.0%), P = .004]. Univariate correlation analysis showed that early-onset diabetes, use of oral hypoglycemic drugs, and insulin therapy were risk factors for PDR. In multivariate logistic analysis, patients with early-onset diabetes exhibited a 7.00-fold [(95% confidence interval 1.40-38.26), P = .019] higher risk of PDR than subjects with late-onset diabetes after adjusting for sex; T2DM duration; systolic blood pressure; total triglyceride; glycated hemoglobin; insulin therapy; and the use of oral hypoglycemic drugs, antihypertensive drugs, and lipid-lowering drugs.In T2DM patients with microalbuminuria, early-onset diabetes is an independent risk factor for the development of PDR.

5-aminolaevulinic acid-photodynamic therapy for the treatment of cervical condylomata acuminata.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with topical 5-aminolaevulinic acid (ALA) on cervical condylomata acuminata. METHODS: Patients with cervical condylomata (n=30) were allocated into primary and recurrent group, and were given topical ALA under occlusive dressing for 3 hours followed by irradiation with semiconductor laser at a dose of 100 Jcm(-2) and a power of 100 mW. The treatment was repeated 7 days later if the lesion was not completely removed after the first treatment. Complete response rate and recurrence rate of wart lesions as well as rate of adverse reaction were analyzed. RESULTS: The total complete response rate of PDT was 100% and the total recurrence rate was 5% after 3 months of follow-up. Recurrence rate of recurrent group was significantly lower than that of prior managements (100%, P<0.01). The side effects of PDT in patients mainly included mild burning and/or stinging restricted to the illuminated areas, and was significant lower than their own control (25% vs. 100%, P<0.05). CONCLUSION: Compared with conventional therapies, topical application of ALA-PDT is a simple, effective, safe, well-tolerated, and low recurrence rate treatment for cervical condylomata acuminata.

[Clinical analysis and study of immunological function in syphilis patients with seroresistance].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relevant factors of seroresistance of syphilis by clinical analysis and study of immunological function. METHODS: The clinical data of 172 patients with syphilis were analyzed to observe the correlation of seroresistance with the factors including original titer of rapid plasma regain (RPR), disease course, and medication. Flow cytometry was used to analyze the proportions of T-lymphocyte subset and NK cells in the peripheral blood of 40 untreated syphilitic patients at various stages, 20 syphilitic patients whose serology turned negative after treatment, 20 serum resistance patients, and 18 healthy controls. RESULTS: The seroresistance rate was 8.7% in the primary syphilis patients (2/23), significantly lower than that of the latent syphilis patients (42.2%, 38/90, P = 0.001). The seroresistance rate of the patients treated with benzathine penicillin was 26.4% (42/159), significantly lower that of the patients treated with macrolides (76.9%, 10/13, P = 0.000). The proportion of CD8(+) T cells of the untreated syphilitic patients was (30% +/- 8%), significantly higher than that of the normal controls [(24% +/- 4%), P < 0.01]. The proportion of NK cells of the untreated syphilitic patients was (13% +/- 5%), significantly lower than that of the normal controls (16% +/- 6%, P < 0.05). The proportion of CD3(+) T cells of the patients whose serology turned negative after treatment was (71% +/- 7%), significantly higher than that of the normal controls (65% +/- 7%, P < 0.05). The proportion of CD8(+) T cells of the patients whose serology turned negative after treatment was (29% +/- 7%), significantly higher than that of the normal controls (24% +/- 4%, P < 0.01). There were not significant differences in the proportions of different cells among the patients with seroresistance, serological negative conversion, and normal controls. CONCLUSION: Syphilis patients with a high baseline RPR titer, a latent course and macrolide therapy are prone to be seroresistant. Whether the occurrence of serum resistance is related to the inhibition of cell-mediated immunity requires further exploration.

The appropriate remodeling of extracellular matrix is the key molecular signature in subcutaneous adipose tissue following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass.

AIMS: We sought to reveal the key molecular signature in subcutaneous adipose tissue (scAT) following Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB), through bioinformatics analysis and further verification in vivo. MAIN METHODS: We obtained a transcriptome data of scAT from RYGB and sham-operated rats from the Gene Expression Omnibus. The differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were screened and the DEGs-related Gene ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways were analyzed. Also, the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed among the DEGs. Furthermore, we established an experimental rat model to verify the bioinformatics findings. KEY FINDINGS: Using the method of bioinformatics, a total of 602 genes were found to be differentially expressed in scAT between the RYGB group and the sham-operated group. GO analysis showed that DEGs were significantly enriched in extracellular matrix(ECM) -associated functions or processes. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that the protein digestion and absorption pathway and ECM-receptor interaction pathway were the most significantly enriched pathways. The genes encoding ECM components and ECM remodeling-related proteins interact substantially in the PPI network. Then the results of rat experimental verified that the gene expression levels of ECM components(Collagen I and III) and ECM cross-linking related proteins(lysyl oxidase and lysyl oxidase-like 1) decreased and ECM dagradation-related proteins increased in scAT following RYGB. These beneficial results were positively associated with improved insulin resistance (IR). SIGNIFICANCE: Appropriate ECM remodeling, primarily the reduction of ECM deposition and cross-linking and the increase of ECM dagradation, may be the key molecular signature in scAT following RYGB.

[Relationship between CCR5 gene polymorphism and condyloma acuminata].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between CCR5 delta32 gene polymorphism and condyloma acuminata. METHODS: We used polymerase chain reaction to amplify the CCR5 gene fragments in 60 patients with condyloma acuminata and 50 age- and sampling date-matched controls, and compared the difference of genotypes between these two groups. RESULTS: No genotype difference was found between these two groups. CONCLUSION: Condyloma acuminata are not associated with genetic polymorphism of CCR5 delta32 gene.

[Incidence of seroresistance of syphilis and its relevant factors].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the incidence of seroresistance of syphilis and analyze its relevant factors. METHODS: The clinical data of 131 patients with syphilis were retrospectively analyzed. The incidence of seroresistance was investigated and the correlation between seroresistance and factors including age, gender, original titer, disease course, and medications were analyzed. RESULTS: The incidence of seroresistance was not significantly different among patients with different ages and genders, but was significantly different among patients with different disease courses, antibody titers, and medications. Patients with a baseline serum rapid plasma reagin (RPR) titer of greater than 1: 8, a latent course, or a macrolide therapy history had higher incidences of seroresistance (i. e., 61%, 45.6%, and 72.7% respectively) than those who had a lower RPR titer, a primary course, or a benzathine penicillin therapy history. CONCLUSION: Syphilis patients with a high baseline RPR titer, a latent course, and a macrolides therapy are prone to be seroresistant.