In the studies of modern epidemiology, exposure in a short term cannot fully elaborate the mechanism of the development of diseases or health-related events. Thus, lights have been shed on to life course epidemiology, which studies the exposures in early life time and their effects related to the development of chronic diseases. When exploring the mechanism leading from one exposure to an outcome and its effects through other factors, due to the existence of time-variant effects, conventional statistic methods could not meet the needs of etiological analysis in life course epidemiology. This paper summarizes the dynamic path analysis model, including the model structure and significance, and its application in life course epidemiology. Meanwhile, the procedure of data processing and etiology analyzing were introduced. In conclusion, dynamic path analysis is a useful tool which can be used to better elucidate the mechanisms that underlie the etiology of chronic diseases.
Chronic Disease/epidemiology* ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Humans ; Models, Theoretical ; Risk Factors ; Time

Humans ; Pathology, Molecular ; Urinary Bladder Neoplasms/genetics*

<b>Objective:b> To understand the prevalence of major human parasitic diseases and related factors in Henan province. <b>Methods:b> This stratified sampling survey was carried out according to the requirement of national survey protocol of major human parasitic diseases, 2014-2015. The prevalence of soil-transmitted helminths infection, taeniasis and intestinal protozoiasis were surveyed in 104 sites selected from 35 counties (districts) and the prevalence of clonorchiasis was surveyed in 62 sites selected from 37 townships. In each survey spot, 250 persons were surveyed. A total of 26 866 persons and 15 893 persons were surveyed. Modified Kato-Katz thick smear was used to detect the eggs of intestinal helminthes. Tube fecal culture was used to identify the species of hookworm. The Enterobius eggs were detected in children aged 3 to 6 years by using adhesive tape. The cyst and trophozoite of intestinal protozoa were examined with physiological saline direct smear method and iodine stain method. <b>Results:b> The overall infestation rate of intestinal parasites was2.02% in Henan, and the worm infection rate was higher than protozoa infection rate. Fourteen kinds of intestinal parasites were found, including nematode (5 species), trematode (2 species), and protozoan (7 species). The infection rate of Enterobius vermicularis was highest, and Qinba Mountain ecological area had the highest infestation rate of intestinal parasites in 4 ecological areas of Henan. There was no significant difference in intestinal parasite infection rate between males and females (χ(2)=3.630, P=0.057), and the differences in intestinal parasite infection rate among different age groups had significance (χ(2)=124.783, P=0.000 1). The infection rate reached the peak in age group ≤9 years and the major parasite was Enterobius vermicularis. Furthermore the overall human infection rate of parasite showed a downward trend with the increase of educational level of the people (χ(2)=70.969, P=0.000 1), the differences had significance (χ(2)=120.118, P=0.000 1). For different populations, the infection rate of intestinal parasites was highest among preschool children. The infection of intestinal helminth was mainly mild, only 2 severe cases were detected. The infection rate of Clonorchis sinensis in urban residents was only 0.006%. Logistic regression analysis showed that being preschool children (χ(2)=15.765, P=0.000 1) and drinking well water (χ(2)=45.589, P=0.000 1) were the risk factors for intestinal parasite infection, and annual income per capita of farmers was the protective factor against intestinal parasite infection. The infection rates of protozoa and intestinal parasites decreased sharply compared with the results of previous two surveys, and the rate of intestinal helminth infection also dropped sharply compared with the second survey. The numbers of protozoa, helminth and intestinal parasites detected in this survey were all less than the numbers found in the previous two surveys. <b>Conclusions:b> Compared the results of three surveys in Henan, the infection rate of protozoa and intestinal parasites showed a downward trend. The prevention and treatment of Enterobius vermicularis infection in children should be the key point of parasitic disease control in the future.
Animals ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Clonorchiasis/epidemiology* ; Farmers ; Feces/parasitology* ; Female ; Helminthiasis/epidemiology* ; Helminths ; Humans ; Intestinal Diseases, Parasitic/parasitology* ; Male ; Prevalence ; Protective Factors ; Risk Factors ; Rural Population ; Soil Microbiology ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Taeniasis/epidemiology* ; Trematode Infections/parasitology* ; Urban Population ; Water Wells

Non-syndromic oral clefts (NSOC) are among the most common birth defects. The prevalence of NSOC is 1.13-1.30 per 1 000 live births in China, which is higher than those in other major ethnic groups. The etiology of NSOC is complex and heterogeneous, which involves both genetic and environmental risk factors. Although genome-wide association studies have identified a number of risk loci, these loci can only account for a small proportion of the heritability of NSOC. The next-generation sequencing research provides new ideas for further exploring the genetic risk factors of NSOC. This paper summaries the progress in the next-generation sequencing research of NSOC.
Asian People/genetics* ; China ; Cleft Lip/genetics* ; Cleft Palate/genetics* ; Ethnicity/genetics* ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing ; Humans ; Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the prevalence of Echinococcus infections in wild carnivores in Serthar County, Sichuan Province, so as to provide insights into echinococcosis control in local areas. METHODS: Stool samples were collected from wild carnivores in Serthar County, Sichuan Province in May 2021, and the host sources of stool samples and Echinococcus infections were identified using PCR assays. The prevalence of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus infections was estimated in different hosts. RESULTS: A total of 583 stool samples were collected from wild carnivores, including 147 stool samples from fox, 154 from wolf, 227 from wild dogs and 11 from lynx. The overall prevalence of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus infections was 5.68%, 0.19% and 14.20% in canine stool samples, and no E. granulosus infection was detected in fox stool samples, while the prevalence of E. multilocularis and E. shiquicus infections was 0.68% and 47.62% in fox stool samples (χ² = 88.41, P < 0.001). No E. granulosus or E. shiquicus infection was detected in wolf stool samples, and the prevalence of E. multilocularis infection was 10.39% in wolf stool samples. The prevalence of E. multilocularis, E. granulosus and E. shiquicus infections was 5.73%, 0.44% and 2.20% in canine stool samples (χ² = 12.13, P < 0.01). In addition, the prevalence of E. multilocularis infections was significantly higher in wolf stool samples than in canine and fox stool samples (χ² = 13.23, P < 0.01), and the prevalence of E. shiquicus infections was significantly higher in fox stool samples than in canine and wolf stool samples (χ² = 187.01, P < 0.001). No Echinococcus infection was identified in 11 lynx stool samples. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Echinococcus infections is high in wild canines in Serthar County, Sichuan Province. Wolf, wild dog and fox all participate in the wild life cycle of E. multilocularis in Serthar County, and wolf and wild dogs may play a more important role.
Animals ; Dogs/microbiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; DNA, Helminth/genetics* ; Echinococcosis/veterinary* ; Feces ; Foxes/microbiology* ; Lynx/microbiology* ; Prevalence ; Wolves/microbiology* ; Carnivora/microbiology*

<b>Objective:b> To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China. <b>Methods:b> This was a retrospective study which involved patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation in 29 hospitals throughout 7 geographic areas in the mainland of China (northeast, north, central, east, south, northwest and southwest). The numbers of asthmatic patients and total inpatients of the respiratory department of each hospital were recorded. The monthly ratio of asthmatic patients to the total inpatients in every area was calculated and compared. <b>Results:b> During the study period, 6 480 patients were admitted for asthma exacerbation, accounting for 3.14% of all the 206 135 patients admitted to the respiratory departments in the 29 hospitals. The ratio of asthmatic patients to total inpatients in the northeast area (5.61%) was highest, and the ratio in east area was lowest (1.97%). Statistical analysis showed that the difference among different areas was significant (P<0.000 1). In most areas, both the number and proportion of hospitalized asthmatic patients peaked in spring (February-April) and autumn (September-October). In the northeast area, east area and south area, the peaks in spring were more obvious, while in the north area and southwest area, the peaks in autumn were more obvious. In the northwest area the peaks occurred in winter (December-January) and summer (June-August), respectively. The differences in hospitalization due to asthma among different months were significant in the northeast, north, and southwest areas (P<0.005). <b>Conclusion:b> The number of patients hospitalized for asthma exacerbation fluctuated with season in different areas in China. In most areas, more asthmatic patients were admitted to hospitals in spring and autumn.
Asthma ; China/epidemiology* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Seasons

<b>Objective:b> To explore the long-term effects of maternal pregnancy bisphenol A (BPA) exposure on emotional and behavioral problems appeared in their preschool children. <b>Methods:b> The study sample was a subset of the China-Anhui Birth Cohort Study (C-ABCS). A unified questionnaire was used to collect basic information on both pregnant women and their children. Free BPA concentration in maternal serum was determined by high-performance liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). The parent-report version of the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ) was used to estimate the emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children. A total of 1 713 pairs of mothers and children were included in this study. Association between BPA exposure during pregnancy and the emotional and behavioral problems in preschool children was evaluated with multinomial logistic regression model. <b>Results:b> Prevalence rates in 1 713 preschool children appeared as: 6.48% of emotional problems, 8.11% for conduct problems, 8.35% for hyperactivity/inattention, 2.86% for peer problems, 11.38% for prosocial behaviors and 7.94% for total difficulties. Subjects were divided according to the degrees of exposure and the results showed as: low exposure group (≤0.120 ng/ml), medium exposure group (0.120OR=1.876, 95% CI: 1.161-3.029), more obvious in boys (OR=2.291, 95%CI: 1.126-4.661). <b>Conclusion:b> Maternal exposure to high level of BPA during pregnancy might increase the detrimental effects of abnormal conducts in their preschool children, more obviously seen in boys.
Benzhydryl Compounds/toxicity* ; Child Behavior Disorders/etiology* ; Child, Preschool ; China/epidemiology* ; Cohort Studies ; Emotions/physiology* ; Environmental Exposure ; Environmental Pollutants ; Female ; Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry ; Humans ; Male ; Maternal Exposure ; Mothers ; Phenols/toxicity* ; Pregnancy ; Prenatal Exposure Delayed Effects ; Prevalence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; Tandem Mass Spectrometry

<b>Objective:b> To investigate the relationship of pregnancy-related anxiety of pregnant women in second/third trimesters and autism-like behaviors in their offspring at 18 months of age. <b>Methods:b> Based on a prospective cohort study design, we evaluated the situation of pregnancy-related anxiety of women during second and third trimesters through a Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire. Subjects under study were classified into three groups, 1) those with pregnancy- related anxiety during both trimesters, 2) those with pregnancy-related anxiety at one trimester and 3) those without pregnancy-related anxiety in either trimester. When their children were 18 months, autism-like behaviors (ALB) were evaluated, using the part A of Checklist for Autism in Toddlers-23, and then classified into three groups as non-ALB group, minor ALB group and major ALB group. Multi-nominal logistic Regression was used to analyze the relationship of pregnancy-related anxiety with autism-like behaviors. <b>Results:b> Compared with non-ALB group, children whose mother with pregnancy-related anxiety during both trimesters presented significant higher risk on ALB than children whose mother without pregnancy-related anxiety in these two periods (relative risk, RR=2.43, 95% CI: 1.21-4.86, P=0.012), major factors as pregnant women's IQ and gestational diabetes mellitus, premature delivery and education levels of fosterers on these pregnant women were under control. Our results from the stratified analysis showed: when in the subgroup that mother was the main fosterer of the child, there was an significant increase of risk in children whose mothers with pregnancy-related anxiety during both trimesters (RR=4.22, 95%CI: 1.73-10.32, P=0.002). <b>Conclusion:b> The association between pregnancy-related anxiety and autism-like behavior was not strong but influenced by the fosterer of the child.
Anxiety/psychology* ; Autistic Disorder/epidemiology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Logistic Models ; Mothers/psychology* ; Pregnancy ; Pregnancy Complications/psychology* ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Pregnancy Trimesters/psychology* ; Pregnant Women/psychology* ; Prospective Studies ; Surveys and Questionnaires

<b>Objective:b> To assess the prevalence of blood donation and associated factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. <b>Methods:b> Our observational study was conducted between January and August, 2017 in 3 cities: Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Wuxi. Eligible participants were MSM (≥18 years old) who had either ≥2 male sex partners or unprotected anal sex with casual partners, or had been diagnosed with STI in the past 6 months. A self-completed tablet-based questionnaire was used to collect the information about MSM's socio-demographic characteristics, sexual behaviors and blood donation history. <b>Results:b> A total of 603 MSM were enrolled in our study, including 302 in Guangzhou, 152 in Shenzhen and 149 in Wuxi, with a mean age of 27.9 years (SD=7.8). Overall, 29.2% (176/603) of the MSM reported a history of blood donation, and 33.1% (100/302)in Guangzhou, 27.6% (42/152) in Shenzhen and 22.8% (34/149) in Wuxi, the differences were not significant (χ(2)=6.421, P=0.093). Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that MSM had ever tested for HIV for ≥2 times in the past 12 months (vs. MSM tested for HIV one time, aOR=1.49, 95%CI: 1.08-2.19) or who had ever used gay dating app (vs. MSM who not used gay dating app, aOR=2.13, 95%CI: 1.12-4.44) were more likely to donate blood. <b>Conclusions:b> Blood donation was common in MSM in China. Health education about blood donation in MSM should be strengthened to ensure the blood safety.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Blood Donors ; China ; Cities ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Homosexuality, Male/statistics & numerical data* ; Humans ; Male ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexual Partners ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Different miRNAs are involved in the life cycles of Schistosoma japonicum. The aim of this study was to examine the expression profile of miRNAs in individual S. japonicum of different sex before and after pairing (18 and 24 dpi). The majority of differential expressed miRNAs were highly abundant at 14 dpi, except for sja-miR-125b and sja-miR-3505, in both male and female. Moreover, it was estimated that sja-miR-125b and sja-miR-3505 might be related to laying eggs. sja-miR-2a-5p and sja-miR-3484-5p were expressed at 14 dpi in males and were significantly clustered in DNA topoisomerase III, Rap guanine nucleotide exchange factor 1 and L-serine/L-threonine ammonia-lyase. Target genes of sja-miR-2d-5p, sja-miR-31- 5p and sja-miR-125a, which were expressed at 14 dpi in males but particularly females, were clustered in kelch-like protein 12, fructose-bisphosphate aldolase, class I, and heat shock protein 90 kDa beta. Predicted target genes of sja-miR-3483-3p (expressed at 28 dpi in females but not in males) were clustered in 26S proteasome regulatory subunit N1, ATPdependent RNA helicase DDX17. Predicted target genes of sja-miR-219-5p, which were differentially expressed at 28 dpi in females but particularly males, were clustered in DNA excision repair protein ERCC-6, protein phosphatase 1D, and ATPase family AAA domaincontaining protein 3A/B. Moreover, at 28 dpi, eight miRNAs were significantly up-regulated in females compared to males. The predicted target genes of these miRNAs were significantly clustered in heat shock protein 90 kDa beta, 26S proteasome regulatory subunit N1, and protein arginine N-methyltransferase 1. To sum up, differentially expressed miRNAs may have an essential role and provide necessary information on clarifying this trematode’s growth, development, maturation, and infection ability to mammalian hosts in its complex life cycle, and may be helpful for developing new drug targets and vaccine candidates for schistosomiasis.