Analysis of Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancy in a Referral Hospital for High Risk

Introduction: The incidence of twin pregnancies has increased significantly in recent decades. These pregnancies require more attention due to their worse outcomes than singleton pregnancies. Objective: To analyze the characteristics and perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies at the Caxias do Sul General Hospital. Methods: This is a descriptive and retrospective study that included all births related to twin pregnancies between March 1998 and June 2018. Maternal and perinatal variables were analyzed. Descriptive analyses were carried out using measures of central tendency and dispersion for continuous variables (mean and standard deviation or median and interquartile range), according to a prior assessment of distribution using the Shapiro-Wilk test, and absolute (n) and relative (n%) frequencies for categorical variables. Results: 172 pairs of twins/21,972 births (0.8%) were identified. There was a high percentage of interpartum interval of less than 12 months, adherence and prenatal visits, body mass index, and need for neonatal intensive care. Stillbirth and neomortality rates were within acceptable parameters. Conclusion: The sample studied showed a percentage similar to that in the literature, a high rate of maternal and perinatal complications, characterizing it as a high-risk fetal pregnancy.

Germline pathogenic variants among high hereditary risk patients with breast and ovarian cancer and unaffected subjects in Lebanese Arab women

BACKGROUND The prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in high hereditary risk breast and/or ovarian cancer patients and unaffected subjects referred for testing is an unmet need in low and middle-income countries.AIM To determine the prevalence of germline pathogenic variants in high hereditary risk patients with breast and/or ovarian cancer and unaffected individuals.METHODS We retrospectively reviewed records of patients and unaffected subjects referred for germline pathogenic variant testing due to high hereditary risk between 2010-2020.Data was collected and analyzed on Excel sheet.RESULTS In total,358 individuals were included,including 257 patients and 101 unaffected individuals with relatives with breast or ovarian cancer.The prevalence of breast cancer susceptibility gene(BRCA)1/2 pathogenic variants was 8.63%(19/220)in patients with breast cancer,and 15.1%(5/33)in those with ovarian cancer.Among the 25 of 220 patients with breast cancer tested by next-generation sequencing,3 patients had pathogenic variants other than BRCA1/2.The highest risk was observed in those aged 40 years with breast cancer and a positive family history,where the BRCA1/2 prevalence was 20.1%(9/43).Among the unaffected subjects,31.1%(14/45)had the same BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants in their corresponding relatives.Among the subjects referred because of a positive family history of cancer without known hereditary factors,5.35%(3/56)had pathogenic variants of BRCA1 and BRCA2.The c.131G>T nucleotide change was noted in one patient and two unrelated unaffected subjects with a BRCA1 pathogenic variant.CONCLUSION This study showed a 8.63%prevalence of pathogenic variants in patients with breast cancer and a 15.1%prevalence in patients with ovarian cancer.Among the relatives of patients with BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants,31%tested positive for the same variant,while 5.3%of subjects who tested positive due to a family history of breast cancer had a BRCA pathogenic variant.

Prevalence of Precancerous Lesions Based on Digital Cervicography with VIA/VILI among Women Positive for High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Serotypes: A Screening Center-Based Study in Cameroon

Background: Since 2021, high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HR-HPV) testing has been the recommended screening test for cervical cancer for all settings;either used alone in a “test and treat” strategy, or with a triage test, with or without biopsy, before treatment. Cameroon has rolled out immunization against HPV 16 and 18, but studies show a higher prevalence of non-16/18 HR-HPV types. Objectives: Determine the prevalence of precancerous lesions, in women with HR-HPV infection and evaluate association of digital cervicography (DC) VIA/VILI positivity with HPV serotype, as a measure of their contribution to precancer and cancer incidence. Methodology: The study was cross-sectional, descriptive, and analytic. It took place at the Etoug-Ebe and Ekoudoum Baptist Hospitals in Yaoundé, during the period April-September 2022. We reviewed the records of women screened for cervical cancer between February 2020 and December 2021 and evaluated the prevalence of lesions on digital cervicography (DC) with VIA/VILI for women positive for HR-HPV serotypes. The data were analyzed using SPSS version 20.0 for Windows. P values Results: We identified 315 cases with a positive HR-HPV deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) test, 224 (71.1%) had a DC VIA/VILI triage test done. Of these, 30 (13.4%) women had a positive DC VIA/VILI, with five women (2.2%) having lesions suggestive of cancer. Out of 11 cases positive for HPV 16 alone, 05 (45.5%) had a positive DC VIA/VILI test. Of the 14 cases positive for HPV 18 alone, 03 (21.4%) had a positive VIA/VILI, meanwhile only 19 (10.7%) of the 177 cases positive for non-16/18 HPV had a positive VIA/VILI test. Conclusion: A high proportion of women (13.4%) with HR HPV had a positive DC VIA/VILI, with a significant proportion (2.2%) having lesions suggestive of invasive cervical cancer HR-HPV serotype was associated with DC VIA/VILI positivity;HPV 16 had the strongest association (45.5%), followed by HPV 18 (21.4%), and non-16/18 HR-HPV (10.7%), suggesting a decreasing order of oncogenicity.

Effects of Health Education with Problem-Based Learning Approaches on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Coping Skills of Women with High-Risk Pregnancies in Plateau Areas

Objective: Given the unique cultural background, way of life, and physical environment of the Tibetan Plateau, this study aims to investigate the effects of health education using problem-based learning (PBL) approaches on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and coping skills of women with high-risk pregnancies in this region. Methods: 76 high-risk pregnancy cases were enrolled at Tibet’s Linzhi People’s Hospital between September 2023 and April 2024. 30 patients admitted between September 2023 and December 2023 were selected as the control group and were performed with regular patient education. 46 patients admitted between January 2024 and April 2024 were selected as the observation group and were performed regular patient education with problem-based learning approaches. Two groups’ performance on their health knowledge, attitude, practice and coping skills before and after interventions were evaluated, and patient satisfaction were measured at the end of the study. Results: There was no statistical significance (P P P Conclusions: Health education with problem-based learning approaches is worth promoting as it can help high-risk pregnant women in plateau areas develop better health knowledge, attitude and practice and healthier coping skills. Also, it can improve patient sanctification.

Phenolic Profile,Antioxidant,Antihyperlipidemic and Cardiac Risk Preventive Effect of Pigmented Black Rice Variety Chakhao poireiton in High-Fat High-Sugar Induced Rats

The present study aimed to investigate the hypolipidemic,antioxidant and cardiac risk-suppressing effects of Chakhao poireiton(CP),a GI-tagged pigmented black rice from India.In vitro and ex vivo studies confirmed that whole rice extracts of CP have potent antioxidant,3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase,cholesterol esterase inhibitory,and antilipase effects.An in vivo study was conducted to evaluate the effects of the ethanol extracts of CP on high-fat high-sugar induced hyperlipidemic rats.The ethanol extract significantly ameliorated lipid parameters and liver enzymes to normal.Levels of lactate dehydrogenase,creatine kinase-N-acetyl cysteine,C-reactive protein,and lipoprotein a were significantly lower in the extract-treated groups than those in the disease control group.A marked reduction of ApoB/ApoA1 and other atherogenic indices were observed in extract-treated groups.Twelve phenolic compounds,i.e.rosamarinic acid,gallic acid,protocatechuic acid etc.,were quantified in CP.This study provided the first evidence of the antihyperlipidemic and cardiac risk inhibitory effects of CP,which would be beneficial in preventing and managing hyperlipidemia,associated oxidative stress,and cardiac complications.

Clinical Significance of Serum Uric Acid Combined with Cystatin C Detection in Patients with Different Levels of Hypertension with High Risk Degree and Above

Objective: To explore the clinical significance of serum uric acid combined with cystatin C detection in high risk degree of hypertension of different grades. Methods: The patients who were treated in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine of our hospital from January to December 2022 were selected as the study subjects, and the high risk and extremely high risk groups of grade I, II and III hypertension were selected for comparative analysis to explore their clinical significance. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the number of patients with extremely high risk of grade II hypertension between men and women (P 0.05), which showed that there was no specificity in the concentration detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C in different grades of hypertension;there was no significant difference in serum uric acid concentration between grade II and grade III of hypertension with high risk grade and cystatin C concentration between grade I and grade III of hypertension with high risk grade (P > 0.05), but there was significant difference in the concentration detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C between the other groups (P < 0.05), which indicates that the detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C has important clinical significance in the high risk degree of hypertension. Conclusion: In the comparison of the detection of blood uric acid and cystatin C in different levels of hypertension with extremely high risk, the difference of cystatin C in grade I and grade III was not statistically significant, and the rest were statistically significant;therefore, the detection of serum uric acid and cystatin C can provide reliable laboratory data for clinical diagnosis and treatment of the extremely high risk degree of different levels of hypertension.

Improving a Patient’s CVD Risk Assessment—Updating the Interpretation of the Lipid Profile

The lipid profile remains an important laboratory assessment to prevent cardiovascular disease. Interpretation of the non-fasting lipid profile has significantly changed based on new information concerning the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. In particular, the assessment of risk from cholesterol containing particles following triglyceride metabolism (termed remnant cholesterol) can now be done from a lipid profile. In addition, non-HDL cholesterol as calculated from the lipid profile will provide a complete assessment of total circulating cholesterol containing particles. Furthermore, the formula for measurement of LDL cholesterol from a lipid profile has now been revised so that triglyceride levels exert less interference. Finally, the old concept that the “higher the HDL-c, the better” is no longer tenable. New data indicate that the optimal high density lipoprotein level is below 100 mg/dl for both male and female patients. Correct interpretation of the lipid profile will optimize anti-atherosclerotic therapy and reduce the number one cause of death in the United States.

Application Analysis of High Risk HPV Detection Combined with Cervical Cytology, Colposcopy and Pathology in Cervical Lesions of Women in Tiandeng County

Purpose: To understand the application of high-risk HPV detection combined with cervical cytology, colposcopy and pathology in cervical lesions of women in Tiandeng County. Method: Women in the outpatient and inpatient departments of our hospital from January 2021 to October 2022 were collected for high-risk HPV testing, TCT, colposcopy and pathological examination according to their personal wishes, to understand the application of relevant examinations in cervical lesions. Result: In 2021, the number of patients was 5801, among whom 1743 patients had received cervical cancer examination in the past, accounting for 30.05% of the total number of patients, and 5795 who had volunteered for TCT examination this time, accounting for 99.90% of the total;A total of 289 cases of atypical squamous cells with unclear significance (ASC-US) were detected, excluding 11 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), 122 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 16 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and 4 cases of atypical adenocyte (AGC);Atypical cervical adenocytosis and cervical carcinoma in situ were not detected. The number of people who volunteered for high-risk HPV testing was 4237, and the number of positive cases was 740, accounting for 17.47% of the screening population;Among 740 HPV-positive patients, 488 high-risk HPV-positive patients were selected for TCT examination, and 87 patients were found to be TCT positive;From 401 high-risk HPV-positive and TCT negative patients, 287 patients with possible lesions were screened out for colposcopy;The results showed that 60 patients may have certain cervical lesions and need further pathological examination and the results showed that 28 patients had CTN1 and 18 patients had CIN2 - 3. In 2022, 8840 patients received medical treatment, among which 3188 patients had received cervical cancer examination in the past, accounting for 36.06% of the total number of patients, and 8314 patients voluntarily underwent TCT examination, accounting for 94.05% of the total number of patients. 434 cases of atypical squamous cells with ambiguous meaning (ASC-US) were detected, excluding 13 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (ASC-H), 217 cases of low-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (LSIL), 35 cases of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions (HSIL), 1 case of squamous cell carcinoma, and 4 cases of atypical adenocarcinoma (AGC);Atypical cervical adenocytosis and cervical carcinoma in situ were not detected. The number of volunteers for high-risk HPV testing was 3871 cases, and the number of positive cases was 654 cases, accounting for 16.89% of the screening number. 527 high-risk HPV-positive patients were selected from 654 HPV-positive patients for TCT examination, and the number of TCT-positive patients was found to be 49. From 478 high-risk HPV-positive patients with TCT negative, 276 patients with possible lesions were screened out for colposcopy;The results showed that 66 patients may have certain cervical lesions and need further pathological examination;and then the results showed that 31 cases of CTN1 and 6 cases of CIN2 - 3. Conclusion: Gynecological high-risk HPV examination can provide better etiological sources for cervical cancer screening;Cervical cytology examination has high sensitivity;Colposcopy examination has high specificity;Pathological examination can be used as an effective supplement for cervical cytology examination and colposcopy;So high-risk HPV combined with cytology examination, colposcopy examination and pathological examination has high clinical application value;It is worth popularizing and applying.

Distribution of High-Risk Human Papillomavirus Genotypes among Women with Colposcopic Diagnosis of Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia in Bangladesh

Background: The incidence of cervical cancer is high in Bangladesh and there is a high prevalence of preinvasive lower genital tract disease among women of reproductive age. Persistent high-risk Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) infection is the main underlying cause of cervical cancer and its precursor, cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Objective: The aim of the study was to identify the subtypes of high-risk HPV infection among women with the colposcopic diagnosis of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia in Bangladesh. Methods: This cross-sectional observational study was conducted in the colposcopy clinic of Dhaka Medical College Hospital over a six-month period. A total of 100 participants were enrolled. Married women, between 30 - 60 years of age with colposcopically diagnosed cervical intra epithelial neoplasia were enrolled. Women with chronic illness, pregnancy, and women unable to consent were excluded from this study. After counselling, colposcopically directed punch biopsies were taken from each CIN case concurrently with high-risk HPV testing by polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Results: The mean age of the patients was 38.69 (SD ±7.76) years. CIN 1 was diagnosed in 57% of participants, while 24% had CIN II and 19% had CIN III lesions. High-risk HPV was present in 52 patients. HPV 16 was the most common identified in 28 (53.84%) and HPV 18 was the second most common with 20 (38.46%) either singly or in combination with other high-risk subtypes. The other HPV strains, HPV 31, 33, 35, 52, 56 and 58, were also detected either as mono or co-infections. Out of the 52 HPV positive cases, 29 (55.8%) had mono infection and 23 (44.2%) had co-infection with several subtypes. The highest incidence (50%) of oncogenic HPV infections was present among women aged 35 - 45 years. Risk factors associated with HPV positive cases were high parity (P 0.05), early age at marriage (P = 0.754) and early age of first child. Conclusion: This study identified a high prevalence of HPV 16 and 18 genotypes. HPV vaccination with the current 9-valent HPV vaccine, which contains HPV types 6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52, and 58. Will be an effective public health measure to eradicate cervical cancer in Bangladesh.

Effects of High Risk Pregnancy Factors on Pelvic Floor Muscle Weakness and Changes of PG, ACTH and CRP

Objective: To investigate the effects of different delivery modes on perinatal pelvic floor muscle strength, PG, ACTH and CRP of high-risk pregnant women. Methods: 380 high-risk pregnant women who gave birth in our hospital from March 2021 to February 2022 were selected as subjects, including 100 vaginal natural delivery, 156 forceps assisted delivery and 124 cesarean section. Pelvic floor pressure, PG, ACTH, CRP, IL-6, TNF-α and IL-4, IL-10 levels were evaluated and compared. The perinatal occurrence of pelvic floor functional disease (PFD) in high-risk pregnant women in each group was analyzed and evaluated. Results: There were statistical differences in the amount of postpartum blood loss (P 0.0001, F = 99.01), postpartum blood loss 24 h (P = 0.0004, F = 19.54) and hospital stay (P 0.0001, F = 70.81) among the three groups of high-risk women in natural vaginal delivery, forceps delivery and cesarean section. In addition, there were 72, 134 and 70 cases of abnormal pelvic floor fatigue in natural vaginal delivery, forceps assisted delivery and cesarean section (P 0.0001, χ2 = 30.16). There were 36, 79 and 21 cases of muscle injury, respectively (P 0.0001, χ2 = 34.16). There were 49, 98 and 43 cases of dysmuscular contraction, respectively (P 0.0001, χ2 = 21.94). There were 65, 120 and 41 cases with vaginal dynamic pressure 80 cm H2O (P 0.0001, χ2 = 56.86), respectively. The.

A survey of high risk factors affecting retinopathy in full-term infants in China

AIM: To investigate the possible relationship between the influencing factors occurring before and during birth in full-term infants and the outcome of retinopathy. METHODS: Totally 816 full-term infants admitted in the neonate intensive unit of Boai Hospital of Zhongshan between 1 May, 2008 and 30 June, 2011 were included in the study. Fundus examination was performed and evaluated individually on them at the age of 48 hours after delivery, 2 weeks and 1 month. Some possible risk factors happening prenatally or during delivery such as pregnant related hypertension, placenta previa, placental abruption etc, as well as some neonatal risk factors such as neonatal asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), low birth weight etc, were recorded and evacuated. Then the effect of the risk factors of full-term infants on retinopathy was studied. RESULTS: The incidence of retinal hemorrhage of full-term infants with prenatal pregnant related hypertension (PRH) of the mother (43.6%) was significantly higher than that of full-term infants without (8.0%). (P<0.001). The incidence of retinal hemorrhage of full-term infants with neonatal asphyxia and /or hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE)(29.3%) was significantly higher than that of those without (15.7%), but correlation was not found between the severity of retina hemorrhage and the degree of hypoxic disease. A pale color of optic disc was associated with a low birth weight of full-term infant. Full-term infants with birth weigh-less than 2500g had a significant higher incidence of retinopathy than those with birth weight equal or more than 2500g( P<0.001). CONCLUSION: The main influencing factors which lead to retinopathy of high risk full-term infants are prenatal factors such as PRH, and some neonatal risk factors such as asphyxia, hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, and low birth weight.

Risk Factors of Precancerous Gastric Lesions in A Population at High Risk of Gastric Cancer

Objective： In cancer prevention, the targeting of precancerous lesions has been recognized as the most promising method. However, little attention has been paid to the risk factors of precancerous gastric lesions, especially in rural China where there is high prevalence of precancerous gastric lesions. We therefore conducted a cross-sectional study in Liaoning province, China, to investigate the potential risk and protective factors of these precancerous gastric lesions. Methods： A total of 1,179 subjects with high risk of gastric cancer from Zhuanghe County were included in this study. Standard questionnaires were used in collecting epidemiological factors and the data were then analyzed by the unconditional logistic regression model. Results： Smoking and drinking were the risk factors for the precancerous gastric lesions among rural subjects, and the association of smoking or drinking and the precancerous gastric lesions increased in strength with the daily consumption and duration. As the factors such as age, gender, smoking, alcohol were controlled, a multivariable analysis revealed that there was a significant correlation between the deep-fry food intake and the gastric epithelial dysplasia with the odds ratio （OR） of 1.78 [95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.01-3.12]. Garlic eating was shown to confer protection against the development of gastric ulcer （OR=0.55, 95% CI： 0.33-0.92）. Conclusion： Smoking and drinking were the risk factors for the precancerous gastric lesions among rural subjects. Deep-fry food intake might be one of the risk factors for the precancerous gastric lesions and garlic eating was shown to confer protection against the development of gastric ulcer among rural Chinese population.

Ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystostomy in high-risk patients for surgical intervention

AIM: To assess the efficacy and safety of ultrasound guided percutaneous cholecystostomy (PC) in the treatment of acute cholecystitis in a well-defined high risk patients under general anesthesia. METHODS: The data of 27 consecutive patients who underwent percutaneous transhepatic cholecystostomy for the management of acute cholecystitis from January 1999 to June 2003 was retrospectively evaluated. All of the patients had both clinical and sonographic signs of acute cholecystitis and had comorbid diseases. RESULTS: Ultrasound revealed gallbladder stones in 25 patients and acalculous cholecystitis in two patients. Cholecystostomy catheters were removed 14-32 d (mean 23 d) after the procedure in cases where complete regression of all symptoms was achieved. There were statistically significant reductions in leukocytosis, (13.7 × 103 ± 1.3 × 103 μg/L vs 13 × 103 ± 1 × 103 μg/L, P < 0.05 for 24 h after PC; 13.7 × 103 ± 1.3 × 103 μg/L vs 8.3 × 103 ± 1.2 × 103 μg/L, P < 0.0001 for 72 h after PC), C -reactive protein (51.2 ± 18.5 mg/L vs 27.3 ± 10.4 mg/L, P < 0.05 for 24 h after PC; 51.2 ± 18.5 mg/L vs 5.4 ± 1.5 mg/L, P < 0.0001 for 72 h after PC), and fever (38 ± 0.35℃ vs 37.3 ± 0.32℃, P < 0.05 for 24 h after PC; 38 ± 0.35℃ vs 36.9 ± 0.15℃, P < 0.0001 for 72 h after PC). Sphincterotomy and stone extraction was performed successfully with endoscopic retrograde cholangio-pancreatography (ERCP) in three patients. After cholecystostomy, 5 (18%) patients underwent delayed cholecystectomy without any complications. Three out of 22 patients were admitted with recurrent acute cholecystitis during the follow-up and recoveredwith medical treatment. Catheter dislodgement occurred in three patients spontaneously, and two of them were managed by reinsertion of the catheter. CONCLUSION: As an alternative to surgery, percutan- eous cholecystostomy seems to be a safe method in critically ill patients with acute cholecystitis and can be performed with low mortality and morbidity. Delayed cholecystectomy and ERCP, if needed, can be performed after the acute period has been resolved by percutaneous cholecystostomy.

Electrocardiographic predictors of cardiovascular events in patients at high cardiovascular risk: a multicenter study

Background There are limited data on the prevalence of electrocardiographic (ECG) abnormalities, and their value for predicting a major adverse cardiovascular event (MACE) in patients at high cardiovascular risk. This study aimed to determine the prevalence of ECG abnormalities in patients at high risk for cardiovascular events, and to identify ECG abnormalities that significantly predict MACE. Methods Patients aged ≥ 45 years with established atherosclerotic disease (EAD) were consecutively enrolled from the outpatient clinics of the six participating hospitals during April 2011 to March 2014. The following data were collected: demographic data, cardiovascular risk factors, history of cardiovascular event, physical examination, ECG and medications. ECG was analyzed using Minnesota Code criteria. MACE included cardiovascular death, non-fatal myocardial infarction, and hospitalization due to unstable angina or heart failure. Results A total of 2009 patients were included, 1048 patients (52.2%) had established EAD, and 961 patients (47.8%) had multiple risk factors (MRF). ECG abnormalities included atrial fibrillation (6.7%), premature ventricular contraction (5.4%), pathological Q-wave (Q/QS)(21.3%), T-wave inversion (20.0%), intraventricular ventricular conduction delay (IVCD)(7.3%), left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH)(12.2%), and AV block (12.5%). MACE occurred in 88 patients (4.4%). Independent predictors of MACE were chronic kidney disease, EAD, and the presence of atrial fibrillation, Q/QS, IVCD or LVH by ECG. Conclusions A high prevalence of ECG abnormalities was found. The prevalence of ECG abnormalities was high even among those with risk factors without documented cardiovascular disease.

High risk populations and HIV-1 infection in China

China is currently experiencing one of the most rapidly expanding HIV epidemics in the world. Although the overall prevalence rate is still low, with a population of 1.3 billion, high-risk factors which have contributed to the HIV/AIDS epidemics worldwide continue to prevail in China, including a high rate of injecting drug use and needle sharing, commercial sex with low rates of condom use, and concurrent sex with both commercial sex workers and noncommercial casual or steady sex partners. In addition, there are increasing “double risk” populations overlapping drug users and sex workers, as well as increasing rates of STDs and HIV among high-risk populations. Sexual transmission, therefore, may serve as a bridge connecting high-risk populations with general populations. There is an urgent need to prevent the spread of HIV from these high-risk oooulations into the general oooulation of China.

High myopia as a risk factor in primary open angle glaucoma

Glaucoma, one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness in the adult population worldwide, is a progressive optic neuropathy. Primary open angle glaucoma (POAG) is the most commonly reported type of glaucoma in population based prevalence studies worldwide. Elevated intraocular pressure is a well-known major risk factor for POAG. In addition, there is growing evidence that other risk factors like age, gender, race, refractive error, heredity and systemic factors may play a role in glaucoma pathogenesis. Many studies found that high myopia has been associated with POAG, however, direct and convincing evidences are still lacking. The aim of this review is to summarize the evidences implicating high myopia as a risk factor in the pathogenesis of POAG.

Colonoscopy surveillance for high risk polyps does not always prevent colorectal cancer

AIM To determine the frequency and risk factors for colorectal cancer(CRC) development among individuals with resected advanced adenoma(AA)/traditional serrated adenoma(TSA)/advanced sessile serrated adenoma(ASSA). METHODS Data was collected from medical records of 14663 subjects found to have AA, TSA, or ASSA at screening or surveillance colonoscopy. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease or known genetic predisposition for CRC were excluded from the study. Factors associated with CRC developing after endoscopic management of high risk polyps were calculated in 4610 such patients who had at least one surveillance colonoscopy within 10 years following the original polypectomy of the incident advanced polyp. RESULTS84/4610(1.8%) patients developed CRC at the polypectomy site within a median of 4.2 years(mean 4.89 years), and 1.2%(54/4610) developed CRC in a region distinct from the AA/TSA/ASSA resection site within a median of 5.1 years(mean 6.67 years). Approximately, 30%(25/84) of patients who developed CRC at the AA/TSA/ASSA site and 27.8%(15/54) of patients who developed CRC at another site had colonoscopy at recommended surveillance intervals. Increasing age; polyp size; male sex; right-sided location; high degree of dysplasia; higher number of polyps resected; and piecemeal removal were associated with an increased risk for CRC developmentat the same site as the index polyp. Increasing age; right-sided location; higher number of polyps resected and sessile endoscopic appearance of the index AA/TSA/ASSA were significantly associated with an increased risk for CRC development at a different site. CONCLUSION Recognition that CRC may develop following AA/TSA/ASSA removal is one step toward improving our practice efficiency and preventing a portion of CRC related morbidity and mortality.

Screening and early detection of pancreatic cancer in high risk population

Pancreatic cancer is a serious growing health issue in developed countries.For patients diagnosed with pancreatic cancer,the five year survival rate is below 5%.One major important reason leads to the poor survival rate is lack of early detection of pancreatic cancer.Over 80% of the patients are diagnosed in advanced disease stages.Screening for pancreatic cancer is a desirable option for high risk individuals to allow early detection and treatment of curable pancreatic neoplasms at a pre-invasive stage.This article highlights the need,endpoint,population,method,diagnostic yield,and the problems of current screening programs.

Contamination of Fungi and Mycotoxins in Foodstuffs in High Risk Area of Esophageal Cancer

Fungal and mycotoxin contamination has been found in fordstuffs from Cixian County, an area with a high incidence of esophageal carcinoma (Eca). To set a scientific foundation for the prevention of Eca at the etiological level, fungal and mycotoxin contaminations of local foodstuffs in Cixian County were analyzed using classical fungal culture methods and HPLC. From 1990 to 1994, 220 corn/wheat samples and 34 corn samples were studied. As a control, 26 corn samples collected from a relatively low incidence area of Eca in Zanhuang County were analyzed for mycotoxins in 1990. The results showed that fungal contamination in corn and wheat was severe and that several of the predominant contaminating fungi such as Furasium moniliforme, etc. were carcinogenic. HPLC results showed that the detection rate and mean content of the mycotoxin sterigmatocystin (ST) in the mountainous area (5/8; 9. 14 μg/kg) were significantly higher than those in the hilly (0; 0) and plain areas (1/18; 1. 29 μg/kg) as well as in low risk area control samples (3/26; 0. 76 μg/kg). Detection rates of deoxynivalenol (DON) in mountainous and hilly areas (5/8, 4/8 respectively) were slightly higher than that in plain area (8/18), while the mean content of DON in the plain area was significantly higher (90. 45-170. 22 vs 50. 56 and 46. 45 μg/kg).Among the different aflatoxins, AFB1 was detected in samples from the two villages in the plain area for the subsequent two years. The mean content of AFB1 was 0. 0183μg/kg, and the highest level was 0. 0497 μg/kg. No AFB1 was detected in the samples from mountainous and hilly areas. AFG1 was detected in more than half of all the samples, and its concentration ranged from 8. 77 to 46. 51 ng/kg. No AFG2 was found in the samples. Thus, the results suggest that at present, fungal and mycotoxin contamination of foodstuffs in Cixian County are quite common.

ESTABLISHMENT OF HIGH RISK POPULATION AND PRECANCEROUS LESION OF NASOPHARYNGEAL CARCINOMA(NPC)

A prospective study was done by the examination of nasopharyngoscope, reaction of EB virus's antigens and antibodies, nasopharyngofibroscope, pathological and EB virus's DNA, EBERs, etc. of about 100000 persons in high risk area of NPC in Guangdong Province, China from 1986 to 1995. If any one of the following four conditions is present in some persons, i.e., (1) EBV VCA/IgA titer>1:80, (2) EBV EDAb>60%, (3) Dual or triple positiveness in VCA/IgA, EA/IgA and EDAb, (4) Any one of VCA/IgA, EA/IgA and EDAb keeps high titer or going up, they should be regarded as in precancerosis of NPC. The moderate or severe heteroplasia and heterometaplasia of nasopharyngeal mucosa are the precancerous lesions of NPC. Some individual who is in precancerosis or with precancerous lesion should be regarded as the high risk population of NPC. The results are of important scientific basis for screening and second degree prevention of NPC.