Ethnic Differences in Body Mass Index and Prevalence of Obesity in School Children of Urumqi City, Xinjiang, China

Objective To investigate the prevalence of obesity and distribution of body mass index （BMI） in school children of four ethnic groups in Urumqi, Xinjiang, China. Methods A total of 55 508 school children of Han, Hui, Uygur and Kazak nationalities aged 8-18 years were selected by a cluster sampling from a districts of Urumqi City for anthropometrie measurement and demographic survey. Prevalence of obesity and overweight and distribution of body mass index （BMI） by gender, age, and nationality were analyzed and compared. Cutoff points of BMI for defining obesity and overweight were based on the proposal set by the Working Group on Obesity in China （WGOC） to assess age-, gender- and nationality-specific prevalence of obesity and overweight. Results Prevalence of obesity was 5.34%, 6.78%, 3.39 %, and 1.22% for boys and 2.61%, 1.83%, 1.78%, and 1.40% for girls of Han, Hui, Uygur and Kazak nationalities, respectively. Prevalence of obesity tended to decrease with age overall, whereas that of overweight increased with age in Han children. Conclusions Prevalence of obesity in school children in Urumqi varies with their nationalities and is lower than that of an average national level and a level of western countries. Obesity is more prevalent in boys than in girls of Urmuqi overall, which is just the opposite in Kazak children. Han boys and Hui girls have the highest prevalence of obesity and Kazak boys and girls have the lowest ones. Prevalence of obesity decreases with age, but that of overweight shows a different trend.     

Risk factors for age-related macular degeneration in elderly Chinese population in Shenyang of China

Objective The paper aims to evaluate the risk factors for age‐related macular degeneration (AMD) in elderly Chinese population in Shenyang,a northeast city of China.Methods A case‐control study was conducted to investigate the risk factors for the prevalence of AMD.Ninety three AMD patients diagnosed by a complete ophthalmic examination were recruited as cases from the outpatient departments of two eye hospitals in Shenyang,while 108 normal subjects of similar age and sex were recruited as controls.A questi...     

A Retrospective and Comparative Study of Familial and Non-familial Bullous Lichen Planus

In order to compare the clinical characteristics of familial and non-familial bullous lichen planus (BLP), the archival data of 36 BLP patients with positive family history and 21 BLP patients with negative family history diagnosed according to the clinical features and histopathology were collected in our department from 1956 to 2003. The clinical features were analyzed and compared. There were significant differences between familial and non-familial BLP in age of onset, duration of disease and extension of eruption (P<0.01). It was concluded that familial BLP appeared to differ from the non-familial form in its earlier age of onset, longer duration of the disease, more extensive eruption and more tendency to involve nails. Hereditary factors may play a role in the pathogenesis of familial BLP.     

Empirical Changes in the Prevalence of Overweight and Obesity among Chinese Students from 1985 to 2010 and Corresponding Preventive Strategies

Objective To determine the extent of the obesity epidemic in school‐aged Chinese children in 2010 and track the increasing trend in different socioeconomic regions over the preceding 25 years. Strategies for preventing childhood obesity are suggested. Methods We used a dataset provided by the Chinese National Survey on Students’ Constitution and Health from 1985‐2010. Subjects were 7‐18‐year‐old students randomly selected from urban and rural areas in 30 provinces. Eight subgroups were created according to region and socioeconomic status. Results Increased rates of the epidemic (overweight and obesity combined) were greatest in large coastal cities‐32.6% and 19.1% among males and females, respectively. These rates has neared that of developed countries. Similar increases were found in all other regions, including the once poverty‐stricken rural west. The epidemic in most of the rural areas began after 2000, but has spread swiftly over the last decade. In 2010, it was estimated that 9.9% of Chinese school‐aged children and adolescents were overweight and that an additional 5.1% were obese, representing an estimated 30.43 million individuals. Conclusion The prognosis for China’s childhood‐obesity epidemic is dire. To prevent childhood obesity, we suggest several strategies, including reasonable dietary intake, increase physical activity, a change in sedentary lifestyles and corresponding behavioral modifications.     

Physical Growth of Children in Urban,Suburban and Rural Mainland China：A Study of 20 Years＇ Change

Objective To describe secular trends on physical growth of children in China during the year of 1985‐2005 and to analyze the urban‐suburban‐rural difference and its change. Methods The measurements of height, weight and chest circumference obtained from two serial national cross‐sectional surveys for children aged 0 to 7 years in China were used to analyze the secular trends, and the growth differences among urban, suburban and rural children were compared. Results The average weight and height for both boy...     

HIV, HCV, and HBV co-infections in a rural area of Shanxi province with a history of commercial blood donation

Background:Unhygienic blood collection in the early 1990s led to blood‐borne infections in Central China.This study aimed to estimate human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) co‐infection with hepatitis C and B viruses (HCV and HBV) and their risk factors in a rural area of Shanxi Province with a history of commercial blood donation.Methods:A cross‐sectional study was conducted in 2004.All adult residents in the target area were invited to participate in the study.Face‐to‐face interviews were completed and blood ...     

Prevalence of growth hormone deficiency of children in Beijing.

103,753 (male 51,994, female 51,759) primary and middle school students aged 6-15 years in two districts in Beijing city were surveyed from October 1987 to April 1989. The heights of the students were measured. According to the height standard of northern cities in China, 202 students with heights below the 3rd percentile for age were requested for detailed history, physical examination, screening GH test bone age, T4, SGPT, chest X-ray, routine urine test and sex chromatin (in female). If GH less than 10 micrograms/L, two provocative tests (L-dopa or clonidine and insulin hypoglycaemia test) were done. Then the heights of the short students were observed for 1/2-2 years. GHD was diagnosed in 12 cases based on the GH peak levels less than 10 micrograms/L in two provocative tests, whose growth velocity was slower than that for students of the same age and sex. Of these subjects with GHD, total GHD (GH less than 5 micrograms/L) was present in 7 and partial GHD (GH = 5-9.9 micrograms/L) in 5. The 12 GHD students (male 9, female 3) aged 8.9-15.7 years accounted for 1/8,646 in the total surveyed students. The male and female GHD accounted for 1/5,777 and 1/17,253 in the total males and females respectively.

     

Methylation of RAR-β2, RASSF1A, and CDKN2A Genes Induced by Nickel Subsulfide and Nickel-carcinogenesis in Rats

Objective To investigate the expression variation of RAR‐β2, RASSF1A, and CDKN2A gene in the process of nickel‐induced carcinogenesis. Methods Nickel subsulfide (Ni 3 S 2 ) at dose of 10 mg was given to Wistar rats by intramuscular injection. The mRNA expression of the three genes in induced tumors and their lung metastasis were examined by Real‐time PCR. The methylation status of the 5’ region of these genes were detected by Quantitative Real‐time methylation specific PCR. Results The mRNA expressions of t...     

Coping as a mechanism linking stressful life events and mental health problems in adolescents

Objective Although stressful life events represent an etiologic factor of mental health problems in adolescents,few studies have been conducted to address mechanisms linking the stress‐psychopathology relation.The present study was designed to examine coping as a mediate factor on the relationship between stressful life events and symptoms of anxiety and depression.Methods The participants were 13 512 students from eight cities of China,who participated in a school‐based survey.Data were collected by a ques...     

Hypertension prevalence and status of awareness, treatment and control in China.

A nation-wide survey of blood pressure (BP) and high BP was made in China in 1991, using standardized methods and covering 950 356 men and women aged 15 years and above, from 30 provinces, autonomous regions, and municipalities. The purpose of the study was to estimate the prevalence and the status of awareness, treatment, and control of hypertension. The overall prevalence rate of hypertension defined as systolic BP> 140 or diastolic BP> 90 mmHg or currently on antihypertensive medication was 13.6%, and was higher in urban (16.3%) than in rural (11.1%) setting. The rate was 6.6% if a BP cut-point of 160 / 95 mmHg was used. Rates were low in younger age-groups but rose sharply after age 45. The total number of hypertensives in 1990 was estimated to be close to 90 millions. Of all hypertensives, about 1/4 were aware of their high BP, half of these were on medication, and only 3% had their BP controlled. All the rates were higher if the BP cut-point was 160 / 95 mmHg. Higher rates were found in urban than     

The epidemic tendency of dental caries prevalence of school students from 1991 to 2005 in China

The epidemic tendency of dental caries of school students over the past 15 years in China was analyzed in order to provide bases for prevention of dental caries.Data sets of boys and girls at the age of 7,9,12 years(deciduous caries)and 7,9,12,14,17 years(permanent caries)were collected from the series of Chinese National Surveillance on Students' Constitution and Health(CNSSCH)between 1991 to 2005,a survey that covers 30 provinces of and autonomous regions of China,with Tibet Autonomous Region and Taiwan P...     

Drug-abusing Offenders with Co-morbid Mental Disorders: Gender Differences in Problem Severity, Treatment Participation, and Recidivism

Objective This study examined the gender differences in drug‐related problems and predictors of recidivism among a sample of 1444 offenders with co‐morbid drug abuse and mental disorders participating in California’s Proposition 36 Program.Methods Background characteristics and problem severity in multiple key life areas were assessed at intake by using Addiction Severity Index,and drug treatment participation,mental health diagnoses and arrests were based on official records.Results Women demonstrated greater problem severity than men in family relationships,health,psychological health,and sexual and physical abuse history.Men on the other hand had greater criminal history,high rates of attention disorder,and psychotic disorder.More men than women were rearrested during the year after treatment admission.Logistic regression analyses showed that for the combined sample,male,young age,cocaine use(relative to methamphetamine),drug abuse severity,methadone treatment,arrest history and fewer prior treatment history were associated with higher recidivism at 12‐month follow‐up;lower education,cocaine use,and arrest history were related to women’s recidivism,while young age,outpatient treatment,and arrest history were predictors of men’s recidivism.Conclusion Although the specific type of mental disorder did not seem to be predictive of recidivism,the high rates of mental health disorder and arrest of this population is problematic.Intervention strategies taking into consideration gender‐specific problems and needs can improve outcomes for both.     

Prevalence of rheumatic symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, and gout in Shanghai, China: A COPCORD study

Objective: To carry out a cross-sectional survey on prevalence of musculoskeletal symptoms, rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS), and gout. Methods: Four communities comprising 7 603 inhabitants over 15 years of age in an urban population were randomly selected from 13 communities in Shanghai. Interviews were conducted from September 1997 to March 1998 by trained physicians using the COPCORD Core Questionnaire. Physical and radiographic examinations and serologic tests were carried out when required to classify categories of rheumatic diseases. The diagnosis of RA, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and gout were based on American Rheumatism Association criteria. The diagnosis of AS strictly followed the modified New York criteria of 1984. Crude prevalence rates were standardized according to a standard Chinese population for age and sex structure. Results: A total of 6 584 adults (3 394 women, 3 190 men) were interviewed, and response rate was 86. 6%. The age and sex standardized pre     

The Investigation of the Correlation between Metabolic Syndrome and Chinese Medicine Constitution Types in Senior Retired Military Personnel of the People’s Liberation Army

Objective:To investigate the incidence of metabolic syndrome(MS) and the distribution of constitutional pattern in elderly retired personnel of the People’s Liberation Army.Methods:Adopting the method of cross-sectional field investigation,from June to December in 2008,the investigation questionnaires were completed by the aged over 60 and collected from 69 military retired residences in the 4 cities of Shanghai,Nanjing,Hangzhou and Qingdao.Other data,including demographic characteristics,physiological characteristics,life style and former medical history,were collected and analyzed.The statistical analysis for the database was drawn up by the software Epidata 3.0.Results:A total of 4,502 people were included in this study,and 35.3%of them were diagnosed with MS.There was no obvious difference in mobility among ages (60 to 69,70 to 79 and over 80,P>0.05).Referring to the MS patients in the 70s age group,both the phlegmdampness and dampness-heat constitutional types were evidently higher than those in the 60s age group (P=0.019,P=0.008);while MS patients in 80s and older showed a significantly lower incidence of dampnessheat constitution than those in the 60s(P=0.00);and qi-deficiency constitution was obviously higher in the 80s age group than those in the other two groups(P=0.00).The top 3 constitutions in MS people were, respectively,phlegm-dampness,dampness-heat and qi-deficiency constitution;while in non-MS people,the top 3 constitutions were gentleness,qi-deficiency and phlegm-dampness.When the patient’s body mass index(BMI) was more than 25 kg/m~2,the rate of phlegm-dampness and dampness-heat constitution significantly increased, while the rate of qi-deficiency constitution declined;the discrepancy was significant(P=0.00).Conclusions:The prevalence rate of MS in military senior people was 35.3%,which did not vary among the three age groups. Phlegm-dampness,dampness-heat and qi-deficiency constitution were the three dominant constitutional types seen in the MS patients.The distribution of constitution formation was different in MS people and non-MS people.For different dimensions of BMI,the proportion of each kind of constitutions was varied.     

Colnparison of Morphology and Microstructurai Components of Hepatic Portal Vein between Human and Pig

Summary： In order to provide morphological data and theoretical basis for pig-to-human hepatic xenotransplantation, the difference in morphological parameters and vessel wall structural factors between human and porcine hepatic portal vein was studied. From human subjects and pigs of varying ages, hepatic portal veins were collected, paraffin-embedded and cut into sections. The histological structures were stained with HE, and elastin, collagen and smooth muscles were stained with Weigert, Aniline blue and orange G, respectively. Morphological parameters and relative contents of structural components were determined under microscopy and by computer image analysis system, respectively. The results showed that histological structures of human and porcine hepatic portal vein wall were similar. Caliber, wall thickness, lumen and wall area in pigs increased with age, all in linear correlation to months. Morphological parameters of 6-month-old pigs were similar to those of human. In pigs, collagen content increased gradually with months, elastin content remained relatively stable, smooth muscle content reached the peak at the 3rd month, and collagen/elastin （C/E） rose gradually. The contents of collagen and elastin in porcine hepatic portal vein wall were lower, while the content of smooth muscle was higher than in human, and C/E at the 5th and 6th month was similar to that in human. It is concluded that morphological parameters and contents of structural components of porcine hepatic portal vein vary with age. At the 6 month, its caliber, wall thickness, lumen and wall area are similar to those of human. There are differences in contents of structural components between human and pigs. However, in terms of C/E, mechanic properties of pigs at the 5th and 6th month mimic those of human, hence inosculation is viable in xenotransplantation between pigs and human.     

Acute Pesticide Poisoning in Jiangsu Province,China, from 2006 to 2015

This study aimed to investigate the characteristics of pesticide poisoning in Jiangsu Province, China, and to provide a scientific basis for developing effective interventional measures and preventive strategies. From 2006 to 2015, a total of 35,308 cases of pesticide poisoning were reported in Jiangsu Province. Non‐occupational poisoning accounted for 73.79% of all poisoning cases. A comparison of the data collected before(2006) and after(2015) this study showed a decrease in non‐occupational pesticide poisoning. Pesticide poisoning showed an age central tendency of 30 to 44 years, area central tendency for northern Jiangsu, and seasonal central tendency of occupational pesticide poisoning in autumn. Pesticide poisoning remains a major health concern in China. Government agencies together with scientists should focus their efforts on the prevention of potential threats to vulnerable groups such as the elderly, women, and children.     

A multi-center study of hemodynamic characteristics exhibited by children with unexplained syncope

Background Syncope is common in children and adolescents, with 15% estimated to have had at least one syncopal episode by age 18. In recent years, an increasing number of children, especially girls at their school age, have developed unexplained syncope. The mechanism of an unexplained syncope exhibited by children is incompletely studied; the association between different hemodynamic patterns and clinical features is also not clear. The aim of the study was to investigate the hemodynamic patterns of children with unexplained syncope and to examine the clinical relevance.Methods Two hundred and eight children [87 boys, 121 girls, aged 3－19 years, mean (11.66±2.72) years] were selectively recruited from May 2000 to April 2006 when they presented syncope as their main complaint at the Multi-center Network for Childhood Syncope in Beijing, Hunan Province, Hubei Province, and Shanghai of China. All of the patients underwent head-up tilt tests; data were analyzed using SPSS version 10.0 for Windows. Continuous variables were expressed as the mean±standard deviation. Dichotomous variables were compared through a χ(2) test. A value of P&lt;0.05 (two sided) was regarded as statistically significant.Results The age distribution of children with syncope was approximately normal. Head-up tilt tests was positive in 155 children, and the incidence of positive response of the baseline head-up tilt test for diagnosing unexplained syncope was 50.48%. The sensitivity value and diagnostic value of sublingual nitroglycerin head-up tilt test were both 74.52%. The hemodynamic pattern was normal in 53 children. The 155 children, who were positive in head-up tilt tests, showed signs of postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (60, 28.8%), the vasoinhibitory pattern (72, 34.6%), the cardioinhibitory pattern (5, 2.4%), and the mixed pattern (18, 8.7%). The gender distribution between the two age groups (age &lt; 12 years vs age ≥ 12 years) was not different (P&gt;0.05). The distribution of hemodynamic patterns between the children of the two age groups (age &lt; 12 years vs age ≥ 12 years), and the children with different complaints (dizziness vs syncope) was significantly different (P&lt;0.05), while the distribution between the children of different sexes and different lasting time of syncope (≤ 5 minutes vs&gt; 5 minutes) was not significantly different (P&gt;0.05). Different hemodynamic patterns were differentiated by differing syncope inducements, presymptoms, and complicated symptoms during and after syncope.Conclusion The tested girls were more prone when compared with the boys to have unexplained syncope, and the peak age was around twelve years old. The incidence of positive response of head-up tilt tests was also relatively higher for the girls. The distribution of hemodynamic patterns for different ages was different. For children with unexplained syncope, we should use head-up tilttests to distinguish the hemodynamic patterns in order to adopt rational therapeutic measures.     

Clinical analysis of 121 patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy

Objective:Several studies have analyzed the clinical profiles of patients diagnosed with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM). We sought to identify its characteristics in a regional cohort of Nanjing and its adjacent region. Methods:Clinical profiles of 121 referred patients were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Data including family history, clinical symptoms, electrocardiography and recent echocardiography were collected. Results: The mean age of this population was 42±17 years(range from 6 to 76) at diagnosis of HCM. Most patients were male(60%). 48 patients(39.7%) has a family history, 19 had a sudden death in a first degree relative and 96(79.3%) were recognized with cardiac symptoms. Left ventricular outflow obstruction(gradient≥30 mmHg at rest) was presented in 26(21.5%) patients. ECG abnormalities comprised of arrhythmia in 54(51.4%) and abnormal T wave in 72(68.6%) patients. FS were higher in female than male(P = 0.001). Among younger patients(age≤50 years), LVDd and LVWP were smaller in females than males(P = 0.042 & 0.023 respectively). In older patients(age＞50 years), LVDs was higher in male(P = 0.016) and EF was higher in female(P = 0.048). Conclusion:HCM patients in the region are almost diagnosed with the presentation of cardiac symptoms; those without any symptoms could be recognized by ECG and family screening. Most cardiac hypertrophy affects the interventricular septum. LVDd, LVWP, LVDs, FS and EF showed significant differences related to age and gender.     

LncRNA H19 and Target Gene-mediated Cleft Palate Induced by TCDD

This study investigated the role of long non‐coding RNAs(lnc RNAs) in the development of the palatal tissues. Cleft palates in mice were induced by 2,3,7,8‐tetrachlorodibenzo‐p‐dioxin(TCDD). Expression levels of long non‐coding RNA H19(lncR NA H19) and insulin‐like growth factor 2(IGF2) gene were measured by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction(q RT‐PCR). The rate of occurrence of cleft palate was found to be 100% by TCDD exposure, and TCDD could cause short upper limb, cerebral fissure, webbed neck, and short neck. The expression levels of lnc RNA H19 and IGF2 gene specifically showed embryo age‐related differences on E13, E14, and E15 in the palatal tissues. The expression levels of lnc RNA H19 and IGF2 gene showed an inverse relationship on E13, E14, and E15. These findings demonstrated that lnc RNA H19 and IGF2 can mediate the development of mouse cleft palate.