Clustering of Non-communicable Diseases Risk Factors in Healthy Adults Aged 35 Years and Older in Shenzhen,China

We assessed the prevalence of non‐ communicable diseases（NCDs） risk factors with a focus on their clustering among healthy adults in Shenzhen, China. Data from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey, comprising a regionally representative sample of 806 healthy adults aged 35 years or older, were obtained to determine the prevalence of five risk factors for NCDs. The prevalence of current smoking, central obesity, impaired fasting glucose, borderline hypertension, and borderline high total cholesterol was 19.97%, 28.29%, 4.47%, 10.55%, and 36.10%, respectively. A total 63.77% of participants had at least one risk factor. Upon examination of risk factor clustering, we observed that 7.57% of participants had at least three risk factors. Using this threshold as a cutoff, clustering of risk factors was associated with sex [odds ratio（OR） = 3.336, 95% confidence interval（CI）： 1.782 to 6.246], physical activity（OR = 1.913, 95% CI： 1.009 to 3.628）, and BMI（OR = 7.376, 95% CI： 3.812 to 14.270）. The prevalence of risk factors for NCDs is fairly high among healthy adults in Shenzhen, with a clustering tendency.

Assessment of Awareness and Understanding of Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn in the Beninese Population

Background: Hemolytic Disease of the Fetus and Newborn (HDFN) arises from blood group incompatibility, especially the RhD antigen. In Benin, systematic ABO RhD blood grouping is poorly understood by many midwives and nurses. Nearly one in ten women risk having children with HDFN. This study aimed to determine the level of knowledge of the Beninese population on HDFN. Methods: Data were collected from June 2023 to March 2024. Participants completed a Kobotoolbox questionnaire on WhatsApp, with in-person assistance for illiterate participants. The study involved 521 participants from across Benin. Data were analyzed using SigmaPlot version 14.0. Results: Among the 521 participants, 298 were women (57.20%) aged 18 to 77 years. The majority (40.69%) were aged 26 - 35. Over a third (35.51%) did not know their RhD blood group. Most (59.12%) were unaware of the risks for RhD discordant couples. Among those with a partner, 25.16% were in at-risk couples for HDFN, and over half (59.12%) were unaware of this risk. There was no significant association between being in a high-risk union and knowledge of the risk or education level. Conclusion: Only 40.88% of the Beninese population are aware of HDFN, indicating a low level of knowledge.

Burden of Cirrhosis and Other Chronic Liver Diseases Caused by Specific Etiologies in China, 1990-2016:Findings from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016

Objective To estimate the burden of cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases caused by specific etiologies in China.Methods Data from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016(GBD 2016)were used.We evaluated the burden by analyzing age-sex-province-specific prevalence,mortality,and disability-adjusted lifeyears(DALYs)of 33 provinces in China.Results From 1990 to 2016,prevalence cases in thousands increased by 73.7%from 6833.3(95%UI:6498.0–7180.6)to 11869.6(95%UI:11274.6–12504.7).Age-standardized mortality and DALY rates per100,000 decreased by 51.2%and 53.3%,respectively.Male and elderly people(aged≥60 years)preponderance were found for prevalence,mortality,and DALYs.The number of prevalence cases,deaths,and DALYs due to hepatitis C virus(HCV)increased by 86.6%,8.7%,and 0.9%,respectively.Also,age-standardized prevalence rates decreased in 31 provinces,but increased in Yunnan and Shandong.The Socio-demographic Index(SDI)values were negatively correlated with age-standardized mortality and DALY rates by provinces in 2016;the correlation coefficients were-0.817 and-0.828,respectively.Conclusion Cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases remain a huge health burden in China,with the increase of population and the aging of population.Hepatitis B virus(HBV)remains the leading cause of the health burden in China.

From liver to hormones:The endocrine consequences of cirrhosis

Hepatocrinology explores the intricate relationship between liver function and the endocrine system.Chronic liver diseases such as liver cirrhosis can cause endocrine disorders due to toxin accumulation and protein synthesis disruption.Despite its importance,assessing endocrine issues in cirrhotic patients is frequently neglected.This article provides a comprehensive review of the epidemiology,pathophysiology,diagnosis,and treatment of endocrine disturbances in liver cirrhosis.The review was conducted using the PubMed/Medline,EMBASE,and Scielo databases,encompassing 172 articles.Liver cirrhosis is associated with endocrine disturbances,including diabetes,hypoglycemia,sarcopenia,thyroid dysfunction,hypogonadotropic hypogonadism,bone disease,adrenal insufficiency,growth hormone dysfunction,and secondary hyperaldosteronism.The optimal tools for diagnosing diabetes and detecting hypoglycemia are the oral glucose tolerance test and continuous glucose monitoring system,respectively.Sarcopenia can be assessed through imaging and functional tests,while other endocrine disorders are evaluated using hormonal assays and imaging studies.Treatment options include metformin,glucagon-like peptide-1 analogs,sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors,and insulin,which are effective and safe for diabetes control.Established standards are followed for managing hypoglycemia,and hormone replacement therapy is often necessary for other endocrine dysfunctions.Liver transplantation can address some of these problems.

Burden of digestive system diseases in China and its provinces during 1990-2019:Results of the 2019 Global Disease Burden Study

Background:Evaluating the impact of digestive system diseases is vital for devising effective prevention strategies.However,comprehensive reports on the burden of digestive system diseases in China are lacking.Our study aimed to provide an overview of the burden and trends of digestive system diseases from 1990 to 2019 in China and its provinces.Methods:This cross-sectional study utilized the Global Disease Burden Study 2019 to estimate the incidence,mortality rate,disability-adjusted life years(DALYs),years of life disability,years of life lost,and changes in the burden of digestive diseases across Chinese provinces from 1990 to 2019.The analysis of disease burden primarily examines the characteristics of sub-disease distribution,time trends,age distribution,and sex distribution.Additionally,we compared provincial age-standardized DALYs for digestive diseases with the expected rates based on the socio-demographic index(SDI).Results:In 2019,there were 499.2 million cases of digestive system diseases in China,resulting in 1,557,310 deaths.Stomach cancer,colon and rectal cancer,and esophageal cancer are the top three diseases associated with mortality and DALY related to digestive system diseases.Meanwhile,cirrhosis and other chronic liver diseases,gastroesophageal reflux disease,and gallbladder and biliary diseases are the top three kinds of diseases with the highest prevalence among digestive system diseases.The risk of gastric cancer sharply increases among men after the age of 40 years,leading to a significant disparity in burden between men and women.As the SDI increased,the DALYs associated with digestive system diseases in China and its provinces showed a downward trend.Conclusion:Our study highlights the inverse correlation between DALYs associated with digestive system diseases and the SDI.

Insufficient Physical Activity among Students Aged 6-17 Years in China,2016-2017

Regular physical activity of sufficient duration and intensity can provide health benefits such as improved physical fitness,which promotes bone health,prevents hypertension,improves mental health,and reduces adiposity^([1]).Furthermore,the benefits of regular physical exercise during youth may persist into adulthood^([2]).

Silencing of the long non-coding RNA LINC00265 triggers autophagy and apoptosis in lung cancer by reducing protein stability of SIN3A oncogene

Background:Long non-coding RNAs are important regulators in cancer biology and function either as tumor suppressors or as oncogenes.Their dysregulation has been closely associated with tumorigenesis.LINC00265 is upregulated in lung adenocarcinoma and is a prognostic biomarker of this cancer.However,the mechanism underlying its function in cancer progression remains poorly understood.Methods:Here,the regulatory role of LINC00265 in lung adenocarcinoma was examined using lung cancer cell lines,clinical samples,and xenografts.Results:We found that high levels of LINC00265 expression were associated with shorter overall survival rate of patients,whereas knockdown of LINC00265 inhibited proliferation of cancer cell lines and tumor growth in xenografts.Western blot andflow cytometry analyses indicated that silencing of LINC00265 induced autophagy and apoptosis.Moreover,we showed that LINC00265 interacted with and stabilized the transcriptional co-repressor Switch-independent 3a(SIN3A),which is a scaffold protein functioning either as a tumor repressor or as an oncogene in a context-dependent manner.Silencing of SIN3A also reduced proliferation of lung cancer cells,which was correlated with the induction of autophagy.These observations raise the possibility that LINC00265 functions to promote the oncogenic activity of SIN3A in lung adenocarcinoma.Conclusions:Ourfindings thus identify SIN3A as a LINC00265-associated protein and should help to understand the mechanism underlying LINC00265-mediated oncogenesis.

Time trends and disparities of obesity and related national policies and programs in Nepal:a systematic review

Objective Overweight and obesity prevalence has increased in low-income countries.This study systematically reviewed the obesity trend,disparities,and prevention and control efforts in Nepal.Methods We searched PubMed and Google Scholar for articles and reports published between January 1,2004 and December 31,2022.Additional information on National policies and programs related to obesity prevention was retrieved from governmental websites and consultation with relevant experts.Overweight and obesity were defined using the World Health Organization body mass index cut points.Thirty-two studies and reports were included.Results Overall,overweight and obesity rates increased in all groups in Nepal although nationally representative data remained limited.The combined overweight and obesity(OW/OB)and obesity rates in women aged 15-49 years increased from 8.5%to 22.2%and from 0.9%to 5.1%between 2006 and 2016,respectively.OW/OB and obesity rates in men were 17.1%and 2.5%based on data from the 2016 Demographic and Health Survey.OW/OB rate in under-five children increased from 0.6%to 2.8%between 2006 and 2016.Obesity rates for school-age(5-9 years)boys and girls in 2016 were 2.4%and 2.8%,respectively,and were 1.1%and 1.4%for male and female adolescents aged 10-19 years,respectively.OW/OB prevalence was much higher among women,residents in urban areas and central provinces,and in higher socioeconomic status groups.Projected prevalence of OW/OB and obesity for 2030 in adults aged 15-49 was 44.7%and 8.3%,respectively,while it was 2.2%for OW/OB in preschool children.Policies and direct interventions that specifically focused on obesity prevention and control are limited.Conclusions OW/OB prevalence in Nepal has increased during the past 1.8 decades,disproportionately affecting population groups.Existing interventions mostly focused on undernutrition with some indirect implications for obesity prevention.In the future,Nepal needs to develop population-based programs for obesity prevention.

Diabetes Screening and Cardiovascular Risk in Tuberculosis Patients in Conakry and Surrounding Towns

Objective: To determine the prevalence of diabetes and the level of cardiovascular risk in tuberculosis patients treated in Conakry and surrounding towns. Method: This was a cross-sectional study carried out at tuberculosis treatment centers in Conakry and surrounding towns (Coyah and Dubréka) on World TB Day, November 14, 2022, among 350 tuberculosis patients. We determined the proportion of TB patients with diabetes and high hyperglycemia. We determined the Chi-square to identify the factors associated with the occurrence of diabetes in tuberculosis patients, and a significance threshold with p Results: The average age of participants was 33.5 ± 14.5 years, and they were predominantly male (59.7%). The majority of participants lived in Conakry (96.3%). 5.7% were known diabetics and 4.6% were known hypertensives. We found a prevalence of diabetes of 9.4%. Among diabetics, 39% were diabetes discoveries. 30% were hypertensive or had high blood pressure. Of these hypertensive patients, 26.4% were unrecognized hypertensives. Age and hypertension were statistically significantly associated with the onset of diabetes in tuberculosis patients. Medium, high and very high levels of cardiovascular risk were present in 23.4%, 8.9% and 3.4% respectively. Conclusion: Diabetes is common in tuberculosis patients. Cardiovascular risk factors, notably hypertension and cardiovascular risk level, are frequently associated with tuberculosis. Tuberculosis patients with cardiovascular risk factors should be screened for diabetes.

Diabetes and Hypertension Are Associated with Food Insecurity in a Cameroonian Population: A Case-Control Study

Diabetes and hypertension are the most prevalent cardiovascular risk factors. Recent studies showed an increase in the prevalence of food insecurity in our country. The aim of this study was to assess how food insecurity affects the dietary habits, socio-demographic characteristics and metabolic profile of individuals with diabetes or hypertension. This case-control study was conducted among diabetic and hypertensive participants (cases) and diabetic and hypertensive normal (controls) during the screening campaigns for nutrition-related chronic diseases. The sociodemographic, clinical and biochemical parameters of the participants were analyzed. Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify factors associated with diabetes and hypertension in the study population. Bivariate analyses showed that male gender (OR = 1.972;95% CI: 1.250 - 3.089), regular alcohol consumption (OR = 2.012;95% CI: 1.294 - 3.130), low fruit consumption (OR = 1.590;95% CI: 1.016 - 2.488), low dietary diversity (OR = 2.915;95% CI: 1.658 - 5.127) and abdominal obesity (OR = 1.893, CI 95% 1.203 - 2.978) were significantly associated with hypertension. In addition, low fruit consumption (OR = 1.829;95% CI 1.092 - 3.064), low legume consumption (OR = 3.515;95% CI 1.861 - 6.635), and hypertriglyceridaemia (OR = 2.241, 95% CI 1.139 - 4.408) were significantly associated with diabetes. The indirect association observed between food insecurity and diabetes and hypertension suggests the need for nutritional policies aimed at popularizing the production and consumption of fruits and legumes. Similarly, health services need to be aware and informed of the important role that food insecurity can play in the development of diabetes and hypertension.

Analysis of Trends of Cancer Epidemiology in Two Provinces of the Western and Eastern China

In this paper, the literature on the incidence and death of malignant tumors in the Chongqing and Jiangsu provinces from 2014-2016 was collected through a literature review. The overall incidence, mortality, tumor spectrum, and possible risk factors of malignant tumor incidence and death in the Chongqing and Jiangsu provinces were compared and analyzed. This aims to provide references and suggestions for the prevention and control of malignant tumors in China.

Global Burden of Disease, Injury and Risk Factor Study 2010: Its Policy Implications for China

Results of the Global Burden of Disease, Injury and Risk Factor Study 2010 （GBD 2010） were released on December 13, 2012 in London, a series of papers concerning the project have been published in the Lancet[1]. Research findings of the project have been reported in the United States, the United Kingdom, Indonesia, China[2] and Australia, and widely applied across the world. In addition, the GBD 2010 will see more countries report their project research findings and implement these findings in the near future. The GBD 2010 provides researchers, administrators and policymakers with new and critical sources for their research, teaching and policymaking.

CCR5A32 mutation does not influence the susceptibility to HCV infection, severity of liver disease and response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C

AIM： To study whether CCR5△32 mutation was associated with viral infection and severity of liver disease. METHODS： Two hundred and fifty two histologically proven, chronic HCV patients （mean age： 41±14 years; M/F： 164/88） were genotyped. PCR based genotyping of 32 bp deletion at the CCR5 locus was done. Fourhundred and eight matched healthy controls were studied to assess susceptibility to HCV infection. To assess correlation of immune gene polymorphism with severity of HCV related liver disease, patients with chronic HCV infection were divided into those with a fibrosis score of ≤ 2 （mild） or 〉 2 （severe） and histological activity index （HAI） of ≤ 5 or 〉 5. For correlation between CCR5△32 mutations and response to therapy, 129 patients who completed therapy were evaluated. RESULTS： The majority （89.4%） of the patients were infected with genotype 3. The frequency of homozygous CCR5△32 mutants was comparable to HCV patients as compared to the healthy controls （0.7% vs 0%, P = 0.1）. Further more, the frequency of CCR5△32 mutation was comparable in patients with mild or severe liver disease.（P = NS）. There was also no association observed with response to therapy and CCR5△32 mutation. CONCLUSION： CCR5△32 mutation does not have a role in disease susceptibility, severity or response to therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis C infection.

Role of herbal medicines to treat the symptoms of COVID-19 disease

The need for effective therapeutic options for patients has received increasing attention in response to the prevalence of COVID 19.Although there are several options for the prevent of COVID-19,including vaccines,monoclonal antibodies,oligonucleotide-based therapies,peptides,and interferon therapies,no treatment for coronaviruses has yet been approved[1].

Geographic Variations in the Prevalence,Awareness,Treatment,and Control of Dyslipidemia among Chinese Adults in 2018–2019:A Cross-sectional Study

Objective To investigate the spatial patterns of the prevalence,awareness,treatment,and control rates of dyslipidemia at the provincial level in China.Methods A national and provincial representative cross-sectional survey was conducted among 178,558 Chinese adults in 31 provinces in China's Mainland in 2018–2019,using a multi-stage,stratified,cluster-randomized sampling design.Subjects,as households,were selected,followed by a home visit to collect information.Both descriptive and linear regression procedures were applied in the analyses.Results The overall prevalence of dyslipidemia was 35.6%,and wide geographic variations of prevalence,treatment,and control rates of dyslipidemia were identified among 178,558 eligible participants with a mean age of 55.1±13.8 years.The highest-lowest difference regarding the provincial level prevalence rates were 19.7%vs.2.1%for high low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,16.7%vs.2.5%for high total cholesterol,35.9%vs.5.4%for high triglycerides,and 31.4%vs.10.5%for low high-density lipoprotein cholesterol.The treatment rate of dyslipidemia was correlated with the socio-demographic index(P<0.001),urbanization rate(P=0.01),and affordable basic technologies and essential medicines(P<0.001).Conclusion Prevailing dyslipidemia among the Chinese population and its wide geographic variations in prevalence,treatment,and control suggest that China needs both integrated and localized public health strategies across provinces to improve lipid management.

Pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction in type 2 diabetes:Implications of inflammation and oxidative stress

Insulin resistance and pancreaticβ-cell dysfunction are major pathological mechanisms implicated in the development and progression of type 2 diabetes(T2D).Beyond the detrimental effects of insulin resistance,inflammation and oxidative stress have emerged as critical features of T2D that defineβ-cell dysfunction.Predominant markers of inflammation such as C-reactive protein,tumor necrosis factor alpha,and interleukin-1βare consistently associated withβ-cell failure in preclinical models and in people with T2D.Similarly,important markers of oxidative stress,such as increased reactive oxygen species and depleted intracellular antioxidants,are consistent with pancreaticβ-cell damage in conditions of T2D.Such effects illustrate a pathological relationship between an abnormal inflammatory response and generation of oxidative stress during the progression of T2D.The current review explores preclinical and clinical research on the pathological implications of inflammation and oxidative stress during the development ofβ-cell dysfunction in T2D.Moreover,important molecular mechanisms and relevant biomarkers involved in this process are discussed to divulge a pathological link between inflammation and oxidative stress duringβ-cell failure in T2D.Underpinning the clinical relevance of the review,a systematic analysis of evidence from randomized controlled trials is covered,on the potential therapeutic effects of some commonly used antidiabetic agents in modulating inflammatory makers to improveβ-cell function.

Dual function of fungi-derived cytokines in inflammatory bowel diseases:protection or inflammation

Inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)is an immune-mediated inflammatory condition involving both the innate and adaptive immune systems.Recently,the role of intestinal fungal flora and their downstream immune pathways has been highlighted in the pathogenesis of IBD.Cytokines as primary immune mediators require a delicate balance for maintaining intestinal homeostasis.Although most cytokines have a predictable role in either amplifying or attenuating inflammation in IBD,a few cytokines have shown a dual function in the inflammatory state of the intestine.Some of these dual-faced cytokines are also involved in mucosal anti-microbial defense pathways,particularly against intestinal fungal residents.Here,we reviewed the role of these cytokines in IBD pathogenesis to achieve a better understanding of the fungal interactions in the development of IBD.

The Burden of Hypertension-Related Chronic Kidney Disease—China,2010–2019

What is already known about this topic?The global burden of chronic kidney disease(CKD)is on the rise.What is added by this report?In 2019,5.58 million individuals in China were affected by CKD related to hypertension,leading to 70,260 fatalities and 1.69 million disability-adjusted life years(DALYs).The most affected groups were men,older individuals,and residents of western China.Over the period from 2010–2019,the age-standardized prevalence rate(ASPR)remained constant,and the agestandardized mortality rate(ASMR)and agestandardized DALY rate(ASDR)showed a decreasing trend.However,there was an increase in the number of cases,deaths,and DALYs associated with this condition.What are the implications for public health practice?Hypertension significantly contributes to the burden of CKD;therefore,raising awareness and implementing early screening measures are essential.

Effect of Age and Sex on Stroke Mortality of Young and Middle-aged Adults in China,2002–2019,and Predictions to 2030

Objective This study aimed to examine the trends in stroke mortality among young and middle-aged adults in China.Methods Data were obtained from the China national vital registration system.Significant changes in mortality were assessed by Joinpoint regression.Age-period-cohort analysis was used to explain the reasons for the changes.Future mortality and counts were predicted by the Bayesian age-period-cohort model.Results Between 2002 and 2019,a total of 6,253,951 stroke mortality in young and middle-aged adults were recorded.The age-adjusted mortality rates(AAMRs)of women showed a downward trend.The annual percent changes(APC)were-3.5%(-5.2%,-1.7%)for urban women and-2.8%(-3.7%,-1.9%)for rural women.By contrast,the AAMRs per 100,000 for rural men aged 25–44 years continued to rise from 9.40 to 15.46.The AAMRS for urban men aged 25–44 years and urban and rural men aged 45–64years did not change significantly.Between 2020 and 2030,the projected stroke deaths are 1,423,584 in men and 401,712 in women.Conclusion Significant sex and age disparities in the trends of stroke mortality among young and middle-aged adults were identified in China.Targeted health policy measures are needed to address the burden of stroke in the young generation,especially for rural men,with a focus on the prevention and management of high risk factors.

Obesity is positively Associated with Depression in Older Adults:Role of Systemic Inflammation

Objective We aimed to explore the association between obesity and depression and the role of systemic inflammation in older adults.Methods Adults≥65 years old(n=1,973)were interviewed at baseline in 2018 and 1,459 were followed up in 2021.General and abdominal obesity were assessed,and serum C-reactive protein(CRP)levels were measured at baseline.Depression status was assessed at baseline and at follow-up.Logistic regression was used to analyze the relationship between obesity and the incidence of depression and worsening of depressive symptoms,as well as the relationship between obesity and CRP levels.The associations of CRP levels with the geriatric depression scale,as well as with its three dimensions,were investigated using multiple linear regressions.Results General obesity was associated with worsening depression symptoms and incident depression,with an odds ratio(OR)[95%confidence interval(CI)]of 1.53(1.13-2.12)and 1.80(1.23-2.63),especially among old male subjects,with OR(95%CI)of 2.12(1.25-3.58)and 2.24(1.22-4.11),respectively;however,no significant relationship was observed between abdominal obesity and depression.In addition,general obesity was associated with high levels of CRP,with OR(95%CI)of 2.58(1.75-3.81),especially in subjects free of depression at baseline,with OR(95%CI)of 3.15(1.97-5.04),and CRP levels were positively correlated with a score of specific dimension(life satisfaction)of depression,P<0.05.Conclusion General obesity,rather than abdominal obesity,was associated with worsening depressive symptoms and incident depression,which can be partly explained by the systemic inflammatory response,and the impact of obesity on depression should be taken more seriously in the older male population.