Incidence and risk factors of depression in patients with metabolic syndrome

BACKGROUND Many studies have explored the relationship between depression and metabolic syndrome(MetS),especially in older people.China has entered an aging society.However,there are still few studies on the elderly in Chinese communities.AIM To investigate the incidence and risk factors of depression in MetS patients in China's Mainland and to construct a predictive model.METHODS Data from four waves of the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study were selected,and middle-aged and elderly patients with MetS(n=2533)were included based on the first wave.According to the center for epidemiological survey-depression scale(CESD),participants with MetS were divided into depression(n=938)and non-depression groups(n=1595),and factors related to depression were screened out.Subsequently,the 2-,4-,and 7-year follow-up data were analyzed,and a prediction model for depression in MetS patients was constructed.RESULTS The prevalence of depression in middle-aged and elderly patients with MetS was 37.02%.The prevalence of depression at the 2-,4-,and 7-year follow-up was 29.55%,34.53%,and 38.15%,respectively.The prediction model,constructed using baseline CESD and Physical Self-Maintenance Scale scores,average sleep duration,number of chronic diseases,age,and weight had a good predictive effect on the risk of depression in MetS patients at the 2-year follow-up(area under the curve=0.775,95%confidence interval:0.750-0.800,P<0.001),with a sensitivity of 68%and a specificity of 74%.CONCLUSION The prevalence of depression in middle-aged and elderly patients with MetS has increased over time.The early identification of and intervention for depressive symptoms requires greater attention in MetS patients.

Zirconium oxide ceramic foam: a promising supporting biomaterial for massive production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor

This study investigated the potential application of a zirconium oxide （ZrO2） ceramic foam culturing system to the production of glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor （GDNF）. Three sets of ZrO2 ceramic foams with different pore densities of 10, 20, and 30 pores per linear inch （PPI） were prepared to support a 3D culturing system. After primary astrocytes were cultured in these systems, production yields of GDNF were evaluated. The biomaterial bio- compatibility, cell proliferation and activation of cellular signaling pathways in GDNF synthesis and secretion in the culturing systems were also assessed and compared with a conventional culturing system. In this study, we found that the ZrO2 ceramic foam culturing system was biocompatible, using which the GDNF yields were elevated and sustained by stimulated cell proliferation and activation of signaling pathways in astrocytes cultured in the system. In conclusion, the ZrO2 ceramic foam is promising for the development of a GDNF mass production device for Parkinson＇s disease treatment.