Objective: To explore the characteristics of distribution on Chinese adult body mass index (BMI) in different age groups and genders and to provide reference related to obesity and related chronic diseases. Methods: Data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey in 2009 were used. Sequential sample cluster method was used to analyze the characteristics of BMI distribution in different age groups and genders by SAS. Results: Our results showed that the adult BMI in China should be divided into 3 groups according to their age, as 20 to 40 years old, 40 to 65 years old, and> 65 years old, in females or in total when grouped by difference of 5 years. For groupings in male, the three groups should be as 20 to 40, 40 to 60 years old and>60 years old. There were differences on distribution between the male and female groups. When grouped by difference of 10 years, all of the clusters for male, female and total groups as 20-40, 40-60 and>60 years old, became similar for the three classes, respectively, with no differences of distribution between gender, suggesting that the 5-years grouping was more accurate than the 10-years one, and BMI showing gender differences. Conclusions: BMI of the Chinese adults should be divided into 3 categories according to the characteristics of their age. Our results showed that BMI was increasing with age in youths and adolescents, remained unchanged in the middle-aged but decreasing in the elderly.
Adolescent ; Adult ; Age Distribution ; Aged ; Asian People/statistics & numerical data* ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Nutrition Surveys ; Obesity/ethnology* ; Sex Distribution ; Sex Factors ; Young Adult

Radiation dose escalation and acceleration improves local control but also increases toxicity. Proton radiation is an emerging therapy for localized cancers that is being sought with increasing frequency by patients. Compared with photon therapy, proton therapy spares more critical structures due to its unique physics. The physical properties of a proton beam make it ideal for clinical applications. By modulating the Bragg peak of protons in energy and time, a conformal radiation dose with or without intensity modulation can be delivered to the target while sparing the surrounding normal tissues. Thus, proton therapy is ideal when organ preservation is a priority. However, protons are more sensitive to organ motion and anatomy changes compared with photons. In this article, we review practical issues of proton therapy, describe its image-guided treatment planning and delivery, discuss clinical outcome for cancer patients, and suggest challenges and the future development of proton therapy.
Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; radiotherapy ; Female ; Four-Dimensional Computed Tomography ; Head and Neck Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Humans ; Liver Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Lung Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Male ; Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Photons ; therapeutic use ; Prostatic Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Protons ; therapeutic use ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; methods ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; methods ; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms ; radiotherapy

<p>AIMTo determine the long-term outcome, effectiveness and patient satisfaction of congenital penile curvature correction by plication of tunica albuginea.p><p>METHODSFrom January 1992 to January 2002, 106 young patients underwent surgical correction of congenital penile curvature by corporeal plication. Indications for operation were difficult or impossible vaginal penetration and cosmetic problems. The technique of corporeal plication consists of placing longitudinal plication sutures of 2-zero braided polyester on the convex side of the curvature until the curvature is corrected when erection is artificially induced. Results of this procedure were obtained by retrospective chart reviews and questionnaires via mail. Long-term follow-up ranged from 11 to 132 (mean 69.3) months and data were available for 68 patients.p><p>RESULTSPenile straightening was excellent in 62 patients (91 %) and good with less than 15 degree of residual curvature in 6 patients (9 %). Sixty-seven patients reported no change in erectile rigidity or maintenance postoperatively, while 1 described early detumescence. Shortening of the penis without functional problems was noted by 26 patients (38 %). Thirty-Five patients (51 %) reported feeling palpable indurations (suture knots) on the penis. Temporary numbness of glans penis was described in 3 patients. Overall, 60 patients were very satisfied, 6 satisfied, 2 unsatisfied.p><p>CONCLUSIONCorporeal plication is an effective and durable procedure with a high rate of patient satisfaction.p>
Adolescent ; Adult ; Follow-Up Studies ; Humans ; Male ; Penile Erection ; Penis ; abnormalities ; surgery ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Procedures, Operative ; Treatment Outcome

Asthma, Occupational ; Breath Tests ; Exhalation ; Humans ; Lung ; Nitric Oxide ; ROC Curve

Objective: To understand the relationship between AOX1, IRF4 gene methylation status in peripheral blood leukocyte DNA, as well as its interaction with environmental factors, and the risk of breast cancer. Methods: A case-control study was conducted among 401 breast cancer patients and 555 cancer-free controls selected from 2010 to 2014. Methylation sensitive-high resolution melting curve analysis was used to detect the methylation status of AOX1 and IRF4. The multiplication interaction effect between genes' methylation and environmental factors on the risk of breast cancer was analyzed by using unconditional logistic regression, and Excel software was used to analyze the additive interaction effect. Results: Individuals without AOX1 methylation had a 1.37-fold (95%CI: 1.02-1.84) higher breast cancer risk compared to individuals with AOX1 methylation. AOX1 methylation interacted with fungi intake (OR=2.06, 95%CI: 1.12-3.79) and physical activity (OR=2.18, 95%CI: 1.16-4.09) synergistically, on the risk for breast cancer, but no additive interaction effects were observed. Non-methylation of IRF4 could increase the risk for breast cancer, with statistical significance (OR=1.71, 95%CI: 0.99-7.43). Neither multiplication nor additive interactions were observed between IRF4 methylation and environmental factors. Conclusion: Non-methylation of AOX1 and IRF4 were a risk factors for breast cancer.
Aldehyde Oxidase/genetics* ; Breast Neoplasms/genetics* ; Case-Control Studies ; DNA Methylation/genetics* ; Female ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Humans ; Interferon Regulatory Factors/genetics* ; Leukocytes/metabolism*

Objective: To assess the prevalence of blood donation and associated factors in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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

Objective: To understand the seasonal distribution of patient hospitalization due to asthma exacerbation in 7 geographic areas in China. Methods: 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. Results: 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). Conclusion: 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

Objective: To establish a dynamic compartmental model to predict the impact of HIV testing and treatment and pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) on the annual incidence of HIV infection in men who have sex with men (MSM) in China from 2018 to 2037. Methods: A dynamic compartmental model was developed to describe the HIV epidemic in MSM in China. The model was parameterized using data from the literature available. We used MATLAB 7.0 software for data simulation and graphics rendering. We analyzed HIV transmission among MSM and estimated the impact of expanded HIV testing and treatment and PrEP on HIV elimination in MSM. Results: Under the current policy, the number of new HIV infections would reach 770 000, the infection rate would reach 11.1% and the incidence rate would reach 0.72/100 person years in MSM in the next 20 years. Under the 90%-90%-90% goal, 440 000 new infections (57.7%) would be reduced, the HIV infection rate would decline to 5.7% and the incidence rate would decline to 0.24/100 person years in the next 20 years, but it is still unlikely to achieve the goal of HIV elimination. With 100% PrEP compliance, the required PrEP coverage rates for achieving HIV elimination in the next 10, 15 and 20 years would be 65%, 32% and 19%, respectively. Conclusion: It is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive intervention in MSM, continue to expand HIV testing and treatment, and improve PrEP adherence and coverage to further control and eliminate the epidemic of HIV/AIDS in MSM.
China ; Goals ; HIV ; HIV Infections/transmission* ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Models, Theoretical ; Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis

OBJECTIVES: To establish multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci, and explore its application value for the degraded materials in forensic medicine. METHODS: The multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci was established using a six-dye fluorescence labeling technology and its application value in forensic medicine was assessed. RESULTS: A six-dye fluorescence labeling miniSTR amplification kit was developed, which enabled 15 autosomal STR loci, Amelogenin locus and DYS391 to be typed simultaneously. This method showed good specificity and could provide stable and accurate typing results with a sensitivity of 50 pg. This system also provided a good test result for the normal biological sample of actual cases. CONCLUSIONS The multiplex system of 16 miniSTR loci has application value for degraded and trace materials with the advantages of high sensitivity and database compatibility, which can be used for forensic casework.
Amelogenin ; DNA Fingerprinting ; DNA Primers ; Forensic Medicine/methods* ; Microsatellite Repeats/genetics* ; Polymerase Chain Reaction

Objective: Total mesorectal resection (TME) is difficult to perform for rectal cancer patients with anatomical confines of the pelvis or thick mesorectal fat. This study aimed to evaluate the ability of pelvic dimensions to predict the difficulty of TME, and establish a nomogram for predicting its difficulty. Methods: The inclusion criteria for this retrospective study were as follows: (1) tumor within 15 cm of the anal verge; (2) rectal cancer confirmed by preoperative pathological examination; (3) adequate preoperative MRI data; (4) depth of tumor invasion T1-4a; and (5) grade of surgical difficulty available. Patients who had undergone non-TME surgery were excluded. A total of 88 patients with rectal cancer who underwent TME between March 2019 and November 2021 were eligible for this study. The system for scaling difficulty was as follows: Grade I, easy procedure, no difficulties; Grade II, difficult procedure, but no impact on specimen quality (complete TME); Grade III, difficult procedure, with a slight impact on specimen quality (near-complete TME); Grade IV: very difficult procedure, with remarkable impact on specimen quality (incomplete TME). We classified Grades I-II as no surgical difficulty and grades III-IV as surgical difficulty. Pelvic parameters included pelvic inlet length, anteroposterior length of the mid-pelvis, pelvic outlet length, pubic tubercle height, sacral length, sacral depth, distance from the pubis to the pelvic floor, anterior pelvic depth, interspinous distance, and inter-tuberosity distance. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify the factors associated with the difficulty of TME, and a nomogram predicting the difficulty of the procedure was established. Results: The study cohort comprised 88 patients, 30 (34.1%) of whom were classified as having undergone difficult procedures and 58 (65.9%) non-difficult procedures. The median age was 64 years (56-70), 51 patients were male and 64 received neoadjuvant therapy. The median pelvic inlet length, anteroposterior length of the mid-pelvis, pelvic outlet length, pubic tubercle height, sacral length, sacral depth, distance from the pubis to the pelvic floor, anterior pelvic depth, interspinous distance, and inter-tuberosity distance were 12.0 cm, 11.0 cm, 8.6 cm, 4.9 cm, 12.6 cm, 3.7 cm, 3.0 cm, 13.3 cm, 10.2 cm, and 12.2 cm, respectively. Multivariable analyses showed that preoperative chemoradiotherapy (OR=4.97,95% CI: 1.25-19.71, P=0.023), distance between the tumor and the anal verge (OR=1.31, 95% CI: 1.02-1.67, P=0.035) and pubic tubercle height (OR=3.36, 95% CI: 1.56-7.25, P=0.002) were associated with surgical difficulty. We then built and validated a predictive nomogram based on the above three variables (AUC = 0.795, 95%CI: 0.696-0.895). Conclusion: Our research demonstrated that our system for scaling surgical difficulty of TME is useful and practical. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy, distance between tumor and anal verge, and pubic tubercle height are risk factors for surgical difficulty. These data may aid surgeons in planning appropriate surgical procedures.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Laparoscopy/methods* ; Pelvis/pathology* ; Rectal Neoplasms/pathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Treatment Outcome