INTRODUCTION: As part of infection control measures for COVID-19, individuals have been encouraged to adopt both preventive (such as handwashing) and avoidant behavioural changes (e.g. avoiding crowds). In this study, we examined whether demographics predicted the likelihood that a person would adopt these behaviours in Singapore. METHODS: A total of 1,145 participants responded to an online survey conducted between 7 March and 21 April 2020. We collected demographic information and asked participants to report which of 17 behaviour changes they had undertaken because of the COVID-19 outbreak. Regression analyses were performed to predict the number of behavioural changes (preventive, avoidant, and total) as a function of demographics. Finally, we sought to identify predictors of persons who declared that they had not undertaken any of these measures following the outbreak. RESULTS: Most participants (97%) reported at least one behavioural change on account of the pandemic, with changes increasing with the number of local COVID-19 cases ( CONCLUSION Our characterisation of behavioural changes provides a baseline for public health advisories. Moving forward, health authorities can focus their efforts on encouraging segments of the population who do not readily adopt infection control measures against COVID-19.
Adult ; Age Factors ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; COVID-19/psychology* ; Female ; Follow-Up Studies ; Hand Disinfection/trends* ; Health Behavior ; Health Policy ; Health Surveys ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Pandemics ; Physical Distancing ; Risk-Taking ; Self Report ; Sex Factors ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Socioeconomic Factors

Disinfection ; Escherichia coli ; isolation & purification ; Hospitals ; Medical Waste ; Sewage ; Waste Products ; Water Microbiology

Objective: To explore the effect of vaginal micro-environment alterations and HPV16 infection and their interaction in the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: The participants of this study came from the cervical lesions study cohort in Shanxi province, including 623 women with normal cervical (NC), 303 patients with pathogenically diagnosed low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CINⅠ) and 93 patients with pathogenically diagnosed high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CINⅡ/Ⅲ). The data of the demographic characteristics of the study subjects and factors related to cervical intraepithelial neoplasia were collected, and HPV16 infection were detected by using flow-through hybridization technology and H(2)O(2), β-glucuronidase, clotting enzyme, neuraminidase and leucocyte esterase in vaginal secretions were detected by using the combined detection kit of aerobic vaginitis and bacterial vaginosis. pH value and vaginal cleanliness were also detected at the same time. The database was established and analyzed by SPSS statistical software (version 22.0). Results: The HPV16 infection rate (trend χ(2)=55.45, P<0.001) and the abnormal rates of H(2)O(2) (trend χ(2)=26.19, P<0.001), pH (trend χ(2)=5.06, P=0.024), vaginal cleanliness (trend χ(2)=19.55, P<0.001), β-glucuronidase (trend χ(2)=17.52, P<0.001) and neuraminidase (trend χ(2)=14.90, P<0.001) increased gradually along with the severity of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, but the abnormal rates of clotting enzyme and leucocyte esterase showed no same trend. The results of GMDR model analysis showed that there was interaction between HPV16 infection and abnormalities of H(2)O(2), β-glucuronidase, clotting enzyme and neuraminidase in CINⅠ group, and the interaction between HPV16 infection and the abnormalities of vaginal cleanliness, H(2)O(2), β-glucuronidase and neuraminidase in CIN Ⅱ/Ⅲ group. Conclusion: Our findings indicated that the vaginal micro-environment alterations and HPV16 infection could increase the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia, and they might have an important synergistic effect in the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Female ; Human papillomavirus 16/isolation & purification* ; Humans ; Hydrogen Peroxide ; Papillomavirus Infections/virology* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology* ; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/virology*

Butanedioic acid was isolated from the ethyl alcohol extract of Hedysarum polybotrys. The methylated carboxylic acid was identified by GC-MS method.
Carboxylic Acids ; chemistry ; isolation & purification ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; chemistry ; Succinates ; chemistry ; isolation & purification

INTRODUCTIONIncidental reports collected in clinical trials suggest that amongst participants, omega-3 fatty acids derived from fish oil ('omega-3') may be difficult to blind.

MATERIALS AND METHODSWe conducted a systematic evaluation of blinding success in a 24-week trial of omega-3 versus an oil-based placebo. Within 1 week of supplement commencement (Week 1), a blinding questionnaire was completed by 131 children enrolled in a trial of omega-3 for the treatment of disruptive behaviour disorders. A version of the questionnaire was also completed by their parents at Week 1, and by the children at the end of supplement administration (Week 24).

RESULTSParticipants were unable to differentiate omega-3 from placebo, and accuracy did not improve as a function of: the confidence of guesses, reason for guesses, notice of any change, beliefs about what should change, or time. Child and parent guesses also showed high concordance.

CONCLUSIONTaken together, these data provide strong evidence that the identity of omega-3 can be blinded to participants.

Adolescent ; Attention Deficit and Disruptive Behavior Disorders ; diet therapy ; Child ; Dietary Supplements ; Fatty Acids, Omega-3 ; therapeutic use ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Parents ; Single-Blind Method ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective: To investigate the effect of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein K (hnRNP K) and its interaction with human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) on cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN). Methods: The participants included 67 women with normal cervix (NC), 69 women with CINⅠ and 68 women with CINⅡ/Ⅲ in a community cohort of pathologically diagnosed women established in Jiexiu of Shanxi province, from June 2014 to June 2015. A structured questionnaire was used to collect the demographic data of the subjects and the related factors of cervical lesions. Cervical exfoliated cells and cervical tissues from biopsy or surgery were selected. The infection status of HPV16 was detected by flow-through hybridization. The protein expression levels of hnRNP K were evaluated by Western blot. SPSS 23.0 software was used to collate and analyze the data. To study the differences in demographic characteristics, related factors, hnRNP K protein and HPV16 infection among NC, CINⅠand CINⅡ/Ⅲgroups, χ(2) test, trend χ(2) test, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were conducted. Multiple comparisons of hnRNP K protein in three groups were completed by using the Bonferroni method. The OR and its 95%CI of hnRNP K, HPV16 and CIN were calculated by using the unconditional logistic regression models. Two-way interactions between hnRNP K protein and HPV16 infection on CIN were analyzed by using additive model and related indicators. Results: HPV16 infection rates were 10.4% in women with normal cervix, 14.5% in women with CINⅠ and 41.2% in women with CINⅡ/Ⅲ, respectively. The differences among three groups were significant (P<0.001). Moreover, the infection rates of HPV16 gradually increased with the increasing severity of CIN (trend χ(2)=18.512, P<0.001). The differences in protein expression of hnRNP K among three groups were significant (H=48.138, P<0.001) and the expressionincreased with the development of cervical lesionss (trend χ(2)=21.765, P<0.001). Results from the interaction analysis indicated that there were additive effects between high expression of hnRNP K protein and HPV16 in CINⅡ/Ⅲ group compared with normal group (API=0.639, 95%CI: 0.083-1.196). In contrast, no such additive effect was found in CINⅠ group. Conclusions: HPV16 infection and over-expression of hnRNP K protein were associated with the increased risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. There might be interaction between hnRNP K protein overexpression and HPV16 infection existed on the progress of CINⅡ/Ⅲ.
Case-Control Studies ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Heterogeneous-Nuclear Ribonucleoprotein K/metabolism* ; Human papillomavirus 16 ; Humans ; Papillomavirus Infections ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology* ; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/virology*

Objective: To understand the characteristics of HIV infected persons without long term disease progress [also known as long term non-progressors (LTNPs)], and related factors in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region (Guangxi). Methods: Data of persons living with HIV and receiving no antiretroviral therapy in Guangxi by the end of 2016 were collected from the national HIV/AIDS comprehensive control and prevention information system of China. Results: By the end of 2016, there were 313 LTNPs in Guangxi, accounting for 2.3% of those being reported for more than 10 years, 5.4% of those being reported for more than 10 years and surviving, and 26.6% of those being reported for more than 10 years, surviving and receiving no antiretroviral therapy. Among the LTNPs, 87.2%(273) were men, 94.9% (297) were aged ≤ 40 years, 32.3% (101) were farmers, 55.6% (174) were single, divorced or widowed, 69.3% (217) were of Han ethnic group, 68.1% (213) were injecting drug users, and 52.1% (163) were from custody facilities. Multiple logistic regression analysis indicated that factors associated with delayed disease progression included age ≤40 years (compared with age >40 years, aOR=1.55, 95%CI: 1.31-3.12) and injection drug use (compared with sexual transmission, aOR=1.23, 95%CI: 1.10-1.74). Conclusions: A number of LTNPs existed in HIV-infected individuals in Guangxi. Further research are needed to identify the related factors, and it is necessary to conduct large sample size studies on host immunology, genetics and the virology of HIV to explore the related mechanism.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; China/epidemiology* ; Drug Users/statistics & numerical data* ; Ethnicity/statistics & numerical data* ; HIV Infections/ethnology* ; Humans ; Male ; Socioeconomic Factors

Objective: To investigate the rates on prevalence, awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in population older than 15 years of age in Beijing, 2013-2014. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Beijing between 2013-2014. Stratified multistage random sampling method was used to select representative sample of 13 057 Chinese individuals aged over 15 years, from the general population. Blood pressure was measured for three readings at sitting position after resting for at least five minutes with an average reading recorded. A standardized structured questionnaire was developed to collect history of hypertension and antihypertensive treatment. Results: A total of 4 663 community residents aged over 15 years were hypertensive among the 13 057 individuals, with the standardized prevalence rate as 32.7%, in Beijing area. The age-standardized prevalence rates of hypertension appeared 34.6% in men and 30.8% in women. The age-and sexstandardized prevalence of hypertension rates were 33.3% in urban and 24.6% in rural areas. The prevalence of hypertension increased with age and appeared higher in men than in women, in urban than in rural residents. Among the hypertensive patients, rates of awareness, treatment and control were 66.8%, 64.6% and 31.6%, respectively. Conclusion: High prevalence of hypertension with low rates on awareness and treatment and control, appeared in the general population of Beijing. Related strategies should be developed regarding prevention, control and management of hypertension, to reduce the burden of this disease.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Antihypertensive Agents/therapeutic use* ; Asian People/statistics & numerical data* ; Awareness ; Blood Pressure ; Blood Pressure Determination ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Health Knowledge, Attitudes, Practice ; Humans ; Hypertension/epidemiology* ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Prevalence ; Rural Population ; Sex Distribution ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Urban Population ; Young Adult

Objective: To evaluate the effects of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and high risk human papillomavirus (HR-HPV) infection and their interaction on the progression of cervical intraepithelial neoplasia. Methods: A total of 486 patients, including 208 women with normal cervix (NC), 154 patients with low-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CINⅠ), 124 patients with high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasm (CINⅡ/Ⅲ), were selected from the cervical lesions cohort from June to December, 2014. HR-HPV was detected by using flow-through hybridization technology and the urine concentration of 1-hydroxypyrene (1-OHP) was detected with high performance liquid chromatography. By using software SPSS 22.0, the χ(2) test, trend χ(2) test, Kruskal-Wallis H test, Nemenyi rank test and Spearman rank correlation analysis were performed. And the interaction effects were evaluated by additive model. Results: The HR-HPV infection rates in NC, CINⅠ and CINⅡ/Ⅲ groups were 27.9%, 37.0% and 58.9%, respectively. The urine concentrations of 1-OHP (μmol/molCr) were 0.07±0.09, 0.11±0.10 and 0.17±0.15, respectively. With increasing severity of the cervical lesions, the HR-HPV infection rate gradually increased (trend χ(2)=29.89, P<0.001) and the high exposure rate of PAHs gradually increased (trend χ(2)=27.94, P<0.001). HR-HPV infection was positively correlated with 1-OHP exposure (r=0.680, P<0.001). There was a positive additive interaction between HPV infection and PAHs exposure in CIN Ⅱ/Ⅲ group, but it was not found in CIN Ⅰ group. Conclusion: Both HR-HPV infection and high exposure of PAHs might increase the risk of cervical intraepithelial neoplasm, and might have a synergistic effect on the progression of high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia.
Case-Control Studies ; Cohort Studies ; Disease Progression ; Female ; Humans ; Papillomaviridae/isolation & purification* ; Papillomavirus Infections/virology* ; Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons/pharmacology* ; Pyrenes/urine* ; Severity of Illness Index ; Uterine Cervical Dysplasia/virology* ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms/virology*

Objective: To explore the sampling method in China National Human Biomonitoring Program (HBP) and the related errors, so as to calculate and evaluate the study design in sampling. Methods: The sampling method of HBP is of multistage nature. Taking the results of sampling method from Guizhou province as an example, results related to sampling error and variation coefficient were calculated, using the multistage unequal probability sampling error method. Results: The HBP covered 152 monitoring sites in 31 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities) and with 21 888 residents selected. The replacement rates at various stages were 5.26%, 6.35% and 40.6% respectively. The sampling error in Guizhou province was 3 207 594, and the coefficient of variation was 0.097. Conclusions: According to the multi-stage unequal probability sampling method, the sampling coefficient variability appeared small with high precision, in Guizhou province. However, this method did not consider the weight adjustment of non-sampling errors such as population missing rate and response rate. Methods related to the calculation on multi-stage sampling error among large-scale public health monitoring projects need to be further studied.
China ; Cities ; Environmental Monitoring ; Humans ; Research Design