1
2023, 36(8): 669-701.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.106
In the past 30 years, the accessibility and quality index of medical care have made remarkable progress in China, ranking the first among middle-income countries. Many cardiovascular technologies are at or near the world's leading level, and significant progress has been achieved in China solving the problem of “treatment difficulty” of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). However, due to the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles among Chinese residents, a huge population with CVD risk factors, accelerated population aging, and other reasons, the incidence and mortality rate of CVD are still increasing, and the turning point of the decline in disease burden has not appeared yet in China. In terms of proportions of disease mortality among urban and rural residents, CVD still ranks the first. In 2020, CVD accounted for 48.00% and 45.86% of the causes of death in rural and urban areas, respectively; two out of every five deaths were due to CVD. It is estimated that the number of current CVD patients in China is around 330 million, including 13 million stroke, 11.39 million coronary heart disease, 8.9 million heart failure, 5 million pulmonary heart disease, 4.87 million atrial fibrillation, 2.5 million rheumatic heart disease, 2 million congenital heart disease, 45.3 million peripheral artery disease, and 245 million hypertension cases. China has entered a new stage of transformation from high-speed development to high-quality development, and the prevention and control of CVD in China should also shift from previous emphasis on scale growth to strategies focusing more on strategic and key technological development in order to curb the trend of increasing incidence and mortality rates of CVD.
2
2015, 28(1): 57-71.
doi: 10.3967/bes2015.006
3
2024, 37(8): 811-822.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.125
Objective Air pollution is a leading public health issue. This study investigated the effect of air quality and pollutants on pulmonary function and inflammation in patients with asthma in Shanghai. Methods The study monitored 27 asthma outpatients for a year, collecting data on weather, patient self-management [daily asthma diary, peak expiratory flow (PEF) monitoring, medication usage], spirometry and serum markers. To explore the potential mechanisms of any effects, asthmatic mice induced by ovalbumin (OVA) were exposed to PM2.5. Results Statistical and correlational analyses revealed that air pollutants have both acute and chronic effects on asthma. Acute exposure showed a correlation between PEF and levels of ozone (O3) and nitrogen dioxide (NO2). Chronic exposure indicated that interleukin-5 (IL-5) and interleukin-13 (IL-13) levels correlated with PM2.5 and PM10 concentrations. In asthmatic mouse models, exposure to PM2.5 increased cytokine levels and worsened lung function. Additionally, PM2.5 exposure inhibited cell proliferation by blocking the NF-κB and ERK phosphorylation pathways. Conclusion Ambient air pollutants exacerbate asthma by worsening lung function and enhancing Th2-mediated inflammation. Specifically, PM2.5 significantly contributes to these adverse effects. Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms by which PM2.5 impacts asthma.
4
2022, 35(7): 573-603.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.079
In 2019, cardiovascular disease (CVD) accounted for 46.74% and 44.26% of all deaths in rural and urban areas, respectively. Two out of every five deaths were due to CVD. It is estimated that about 330 million patients suffer from CVD in China. The number of patients suffering from stroke, coronary heart disease, heart failure, pulmonary heart disease, atrial fibrillation, rheumatic heart disease, congenital heart disease, lower extremity artery disease and hypertension are 13.00 million, 11.39 million, 8.90 million, 5.00 million, 4.87 million, 2.50 million, 2.00 million, 45.30 million, and 245.00 million, respectively. Given that China is challenged by the dual pressures of population aging and steady rise in the prevalence of metabolic risk factors, the burden caused by CVD will continue to increase, which has set new requirements for CVD prevention and treatment and the allocation of medical resources in China. It is important to reduce the prevalence through primary prevention, increase the allocation of medical resources for CVD emergency and critical care, and provide rehabilitation services and secondary prevention to reduce the risk of recurrence, re-hospitalization and disability in CVD survivors. The number of people suffering from hypertension, dyslipidemia and diabetes in China has reached hundreds of millions. Since blood pressure, blood lipids, and blood glucose levels rise mostly insidiously, vascular disease or even serious events such as myocardial infarction and stroke often already occured at the time of detection in this population. Hence, more strategies and tasks should be taken to prevent risk factors such as hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, and smoking, and more efforts should be made in the assessment of cardiovascular health status and the prevention, treatment, and research of early pathological changes.
5
2024, 37(8): 834-849.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.127
Objective Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a novel vasculogenic process integral to glioma stem cells (GSCs) in glioblastoma (GBM). However, the relationship between VM and ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM) serine/threonine kinase activation, which confers chemoradiotherapy resistance, remains unclear. Methods We investigated VM formation and phosphorylated ATM (pATM) levels by CD31/GFAP-periodic acid-Schiff dual staining and immunohistochemical staining in 145 GBM specimens. Glioma stem-like cells (GSLCs) derived from the formatted spheres of U87 and U251 cell lines and their pATM level and VM formation ability were examined using western blot and three-dimensional culture. For the examination of the function of pATM in VM formation by GSLCs, ATM knockdown by shRNAs and deactivated via ATM phosphorylation inhibitor KU55933 were studied. Results VM and high pATM expression occurred in 38.5% and 41.8% of tumors, respectively, and were significantly associated with reduced progression-free and overall survival. Patients with VM-positive GBMs exhibited higher pATM levels (rs = 0.425, P = 0.01). The multivariate analysis established VM as an independent negative prognostic factor (P = 0.002). Furthermore, GSLCs expressed high levels of pATM and formed vascular-like networks in vitro. ATM inactivation or knockdown hindered VM-like network formation concomitant with the downregulation of pVEGFR-2, VE-cadherin, and laminin B2. Conclusion VM may predict a poor GBM prognosis and is associated with pATM expression. We propose that pATM promotes VM through extracellular matrix modulation and VE-Cadherin / pVEGFR-2 activation, thereby highlighting ATM activation as a potential target for enhancing anti-angiogenesis therapies for GBM.
6
Objective This study aims to explore the complex relationship between social engagement and depressive symptoms among older adults in China, focusing particularly on the moderating role of marital status. Methods This study used data from the latest Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS). The analysis used the latent class analysis to delineate personality clusters and hierarchical linear regression, supplemented by the PROCESS macro, to investigate the effects of social engagement and marital status on depressive symptoms. Results The analysis encompassed 7,789 respondents (mean age: 82.53 [s = 11.20] years), with 54% female. The personality analysis categorized participants into four clusters, with the majority (77.60%) classified as Confident Idealists, who exhibited the lowest levels of depressive symptoms. Hierarchical linear regression analysis yielded several significant findings: Higher levels of social engagement were significantly associated with fewer depressive symptoms (t = –7.932, P < 0.001, B = –0.463). Marital status was a significant factor; married individuals reported fewer depressive symptoms compared to their unmarried counterparts (t = –6.368, P < 0.001, B = –0.750). There was a significant moderating effect of marital status on the relationship between social engagement and depressive symptoms (t = –2.092, P = 0.037, B = –0.217). Conclusion This study demonstrates that, among Chinese older adults, both social engagement and marital status significantly influence depressive symptoms. Higher social engagement, particularly in leisure activities like household chores, gardening, reading, and playing cards or Mahjong, is associated with fewer depressive symptoms, especially among married individuals.
7
ZHANG Yu Tong,
HUANG Tao,
ZHOU Fang,
HUANG Ao Di,
JI Xiao Qi,
HE Lu,
GENG Qiang,
WANG Jia,
MEI Can,
XU Yu Jia,
YANG Ze Long,
ZHAN Jian Bo,
CHENG Jing
2022, 35(7): 648-651.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.084
8
2024, 37(7): 762-773.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.079
Objective To systematically summarize the published literature on the genetic variants associated with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Methods Literature from Web of Science, PubMed, and Embase between January 1980 and September 2022 was systematically searched. Meta-analyses of the genetic variants were conducted using at least five data sources. The epidemiologic credibility of the significant associations was graded using the Venice criteria. Results Based on literature screening, 399 eligible studies were included, comprising 381 candidate gene association, 16 genome-wide association, and 2 whole-exome sequencing studies. We identified 465 genetic variants in 173 genes in candidate gene association studies, and 25 genetic variants in 17 genes were included in the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis identified 11 variants in 10 genes that were significantly associated with NAFLD, with cumulative epidemiological evidence of an association graded as strong for two variants in two genes (HFE, TNF), moderate for four variants in three genes (TM6SF2, GCKR, and ADIPOQ), and weak for five variants in five genes (MBOAT7, PEMT, PNPLA3, LEPR, and MTHFR). Conclusion This study identified six variants in five genes that had moderate to strong evidence of an association with NAFLD, which may help understand the genetic architecture of NAFLD risk.
9
2023, 36(4): 353-366.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.041
Objective This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a mindfulness-based psychosomatic intervention on depression, anxiety, fear of childbirth (FOC), and life satisfaction of pregnant women in China. Methods Women experiencing first-time pregnancy (n = 104) were randomly allocated to the intervention group or a parallel active control group. We collected data at baseline (T0), post-intervention (T1), 3 days after delivery (T2), and 42 days after delivery (T3). The participants completed questionnaires for the assessment of the levels of depression, anxiety, FOC, life satisfaction, and mindfulness. Differences between the two groups and changes within the same group were analyzed at four time points using repeated-measures analysis of variance. Results Compared with the active control group, the intervention group reported lower depression levels at T2 (P = 0.038) and T3 (P = 0.013); reduced anxiety at T1 (P = 0.001) and T2 (P = 0.003); reduced FOC at T1 (P < 0.001) and T2 (P = 0.04); increased life satisfaction at T1 (P < 0.001) and T3 (P = 0.015); and increased mindfulness at T1 (P = 0.01) and T2 (P = 0.006). Conclusion The mindfulness-based psychosomatic intervention effectively increased life satisfaction and reduced perinatal depression, anxiety, and FOC.
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2024, 37(8).
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2023, 36(11): 1005-1014.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.131
Objective To evaluate the effect of intense pulsed light (IPL) in the treatment of chronic hordeolum. Methods Patients with chronic hordeolum who underwent IPL treatment were enrolled in this study. According to the severity of hordeolum, the patients were treated with IPL 3 to 5 times. Patients' satisfaction and visual analog scale scores for ocular discomfort symptoms before and after treatment were collected. The number, congestion, long diameter, short diameter and area of nodules were also recorded and measured. Finally, eyelid margin signs, meibum quality, meibomian gland expressibility, meibomian gland dropout, tear meniscus height, and corneal fluorescein staining were scored. Results 20 patients were enrolled in this study. The eyelid margins were congestive and swollen, with blunt rounding or irregularity. The meibum was cloudy or toothpaste-like. The meibomian gland expressibility, meibomian gland dropout and tear meniscus height were reduced. The cornea showed scattered fluorescein staining. After treatment, score of visual analog scale, congestion and size of nodules were significantly reduced. Eyelid margin signs, meibum quality, meibomian gland expressibility, tear meniscus height and corneal fluorescein staining scores were improved. Meibomian gland dropout had no significant change. No side effects occurred during treatment. Conclusions IPL is beneficial for the treatment of chronic hordeolum.
12
2022, 35(11): 1025-1037.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.131
Objective This study was designed to provide the evidences on the toxicokinetics of microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) in the bodies of mammals. Methods 100 nm, 3 μm, and 10 μm fluorescent polystyrene (PS) beads were administered to mice once by gavage at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight. The levels and change of fluorescence intensity in samples of blood, subcutaneous fat, perirenal fat, peritesticular fat, cerebrum, cerebellum, testis, and epididymis were measured at 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 h after administration using an IVIS Spectrum small-animal imaging system. Histological examination, confocal laser scanning, and transmission electron microscope were performed to corroborate the findings. Results After confirming fluorescent dye leaching and impact of pH value, increased levels of fluorescence intensity in blood, all adipose tissues examined, cerebrum, cerebellum, and testis were measured in the 100 nm group, but not in the 3 and 10 μm groups except in the cerebellum and testis at 4 h for the 3 μm PS beads. The presence of PS beads was further corroborated. Conclusion After a single oral exposure, NPs are absorbed rapidly in the blood, accumulate in adipose tissues, and penetrate the blood-brain/testis barriers. As expected, the toxicokinetics of MPs is significantly size-dependent in mammals.
13
2024, 37(8): 823-833.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.083
Objective In recent decades, China has implemented a series of policies to address air pollution. We aimed to assess the health effects of these policies on stroke burden attributable to ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5). Methods Joinpoint regression was applied to explore the temporal tendency of stroke burden based on data from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study. Results The age-standardized rates of disability-adjusted life year (DALY) for stroke attributable to ambient PM2.5 in China, increased dramatically during 1990−2012, subsequently decreased at an annual percentage change (APC) of −1.98 [95% confidence interval (CI): −2.26, −1.71] during 2012−2019. For ischemic stroke (IS), the age-standardized DALY rates doubled from 1990 to 2014, and decreased at an APC of −0.83 (95% CI: −1.33, −0.33) during 2014−2019. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) showed a substantial increase in age-standardized DALY rates from 1990 to 2003, followed by declining trends, with APCs of −1.46 (95% CI: −2.74, −0.16) during 2003−2007 and −3.33 (95% CI: −3.61, −3.06) during 2011−2019, respectively. Conversely, the age-standardized DALY rates for subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) generally declined during 1990−2019. Conclusion Our results clarified the dynamic changes of the ambient PM2.5−attributable stroke burden in China during 1990−2019, highlighting the health effects of air quality improvement policies.
14
2016, 29(5): 315-322.
doi: 10.3967/bes2016.041
ObjectiveChlamydia psittaci is an avian respiratory pathogen and zoonotic agent.The wide prevalence ofC. psittaci poses a threat to the poultry industry and its employees. However, few commercial kits are available for detecting avian antibodies excluding the in-house ELISA kit. In this study, we developed a novel ELISA kit for detecting antibodies againstC. psittaci based on the N-terminal fragment of polymorphic outer membrane protein D (PmpD-N) as the coating antigen.
Methods The antigen concentrations, primary antibody, and cut-off value were determined and optimized. The ELISA, designated PmpD-N ELISA, was assessed for sensitivity, specificity, and concordance using sera samples from 48 experimentally infected and 168 uninfected SPF chickens.
Results The sensitivity and specificity of PmpD-N ELISA were 97.9%, 100%, respectively, while the concordance was 98.1% as compared to that of MOMP-ELISA. No cross-reaction with positive sera for other avian pathogens was found. Using PmpD-N ELISA, 799/836 clinical samples were positive, including 93.0% and 98.1% positivity in layers and broilers, respectively.
Conclusion These data indicate that indirect ELISA with PmpD-N as the antigen candidate is a promising approach for the surveillance ofC. psittaci infection.
15
2023, 36(1): 24-37.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.003
Objective To analyze the association between exposure to second-hand smoke (SHS) and 23 diseases, categorized into four classifications, among the Chinese population. Methods We searched the literature up to June 30, 2021, and eligible studies were identified according to the PECOS format: Participants and Competitors (Chinese population), Exposure (SHS), Outcomes (Disease or Death), and Study design (Case-control or Cohort). Results In total, 53 studies were selected. The odds ratio (OR) for all types of cancer was 1.79 (1.56–2.05), and for individual cancers was 1.92 (1.42–2.59) for lung cancer, 1.57 (1.40–1.76) for breast cancer, 1.52 (1.12–2.05) for bladder cancer, and 1.37 (1.08–1.73) for liver cancer. The OR for circulatory system diseases was 1.92 (1.29–2.85), with a value of 2.29 (1.26–4.159) for stroke. The OR of respiratory system diseases was 1.76 (1.13–2.74), with a value of 1.82 (1.07–3.11) for childhood asthma. The original ORs were also shown for other diseases. Subgroup analyses were performed for lung and breast cancer. The ORs varied according to time period and were significant during exposure in the household; For lung cancer, the OR was significant in women. Conclusion The effect of SHS exposure in China was similar to that in Western countries, but its definition and characterization require further clarification. Studies on the association between SHS exposure and certain diseases with high incidence rates are insufficient.
16
2022, 35(11): 1001-1011.
doi: 10.3967/bes2022.129
Objective We aimed to clarify the association between estimated pulse wave velocity (ePWV) and the changes in ePWV with all-cause mortality among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. Methods Data were obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) from 2011–2018. The ePWV was calculated using an equation that included age and mean blood pressure (MBP). The ΔePWV was assessed as the difference in ePWV between the first two waves. Cox proportional hazard models were used to determine the association between ePWV and ΔePWV with all-cause mortality after adjustment for potential confounders. Results Of 13,116 participants during a median follow-up of 7.0 years, 1,356 deaths occurred. An increased ePWV was independently associated with all-cause mortality. The hazard ratio [95% confidence interval (CI)] for participants from the 1st–4th quartile groups was 1.00, 1.69 (1.31–2.18), 3.09 (2.44–3.91), and 8.54 (6.78–10.75), respectively. Each standard deviation (SD) increment of ePWV increased the risk of all-cause mortality by 132%. Furthermore, the ΔePWV was significantly associated with a 1.28-fold (95% CI, 1.18–1.38) risk of all-cause mortality per SD increment. Conclusion This cohort study provided novel evidence from a Chinese population that an increased ePWV or progression of the ePWV was independently associated with all-cause mortality, which highlighted the importance of mitigating ePWV progression in clinical practice.
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SHAO Nan,
LI Fan,
NIE Kai,
FU Shi Hong,
ZHANG Wei Jia,
HE Ying,
LEI Wen Wen,
WANG Qian Ying,
LIANG Guo Dong,
CAO Yu Xi,
WANG Huan Yu
2018, 31(3): 208-214.
doi: 10.3967/bes2018.026
Objective To detect Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV) rapidly and distinguish its genotypes, a TaqMan-based reverse transcriptase quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) detection system was developed. Methods By aligning the full-length sequences of JEV (G1-G5), six sets of highly specific TaqMan real-time RT-PCR primers and probes were designed based on the highly conserved NS1, NS2, and M genes of JEV, which included one set for non-specific JEV detection and five sets for the detection of specific JEV genotypes. Twenty batches of mosquito samples were used to evaluate our quantitative PCR assay. Results With the specific assay, no other flavivirus were detected. The lower limits of detection of the system were 1 pfu/mL for JEV titers and 100 RNA copies/μL. The coefficients of variation of this real-time RT-PCR were all < 2.8%. The amplification efficiency of this method was between 90% and 103%. Conclusion A TaqMan real-time RT-PCR detection system was successfully established to detect and differentiate all five JEV genotypes.
18
2024, 37(6): 647-660.
doi: 10.3967/bes2024.071
Abstract: Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii or Tg), is an obligatory intracellular parasite with humans as its intermediate hosts. In recent years, significant correlations between T. gondii infection and schizophrenia have been reported, including the possible mediating mechanisms. Currently, mechanisms and hypotheses focus on central neurotransmitters, immunity, neuroinflammation, and epigenetics; however, the exact underlying mechanisms remain unclear. In this article, we review the studies related to T. gondii infection and schizophrenia, particularly the latest research progress. Research on dopamine (DA) and other neurotransmitters, the blood-brain barrier, inflammatory factors, disease heterogeneity, and other confounders is also discussed. In addition, we also summarized the results of some new epidemiological investigations.
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2023, 36(9): 850-861.
doi: 10.3967/bes2023.075
Objective No consensus exists on the relative risk (RR) of lung cancer (LC) attributable to active smoking in China. This study aimed to evaluate the unified RR of LC attributable to active smoking among the Chinese population. Methods A systematic literature search of seven databases was conducted to identify studies reporting active smoking among smokers versus nonsmokers in China. Primary articles on LC providing risk estimates with their 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for “ever” “former” or “current” smokers from China were selected. Meta-analysis was used to estimate the pooled RR of active smoking. Results Forty-four unique studies were included. Compared with that of nonsmokers, the pooled RR (95% CI) for “ever” “former” and “current” smokers were 3.26 (2.79–3.82), 2.95 (1.71–5.08), and 5.16 (2.58–10.34) among men, 3.18 (2.78–3.63), 2.70 (2.08–3.51), and 4.27 (3.61–5.06) among women, and 2.71 (2.12–3.46), 2.66 (2.45–2.88), and 4.21 (3.25–5.45) in both sexes combined, respectively. Conclusion The RR of LC has remained relatively stable (range, 2–6) over the past four decades in China. Early quitting of smoking could reduce the RR to some extent; however, completely refraining from smoking is the best way to avoid its adverse effects.
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