BackgroundPancreatic β-cell dysfunction resulting from inflammation has been recognized to contribute to type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Netrin-1 is a new indicator of subclinical inflammation and it has a role in β-cell apoptosis. This study evaluated the level of netrin-1 in newly diagnosed T2DM patients and explored whether netrin-1 is a reliable marker or a key factor in the development of T2DM.MethodsNetrin-1 level was determined using a commercially available human enzyme-linked immune sorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) was used as an index to measure insulin resistance. The sample consisted of 30 patients with newly diagnosed T2DM who had a glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) level ranging from 7.5 % (58 mmol/mol) to 10.5 % (91 mmol/mol). The control group consisted of 26 healthy individuals matched for age and body mass index.ResultsThe netrin-1 level of T2DM patients was significantly lower than that of healthy controls (p < 0.01). Logistic regression analysis showed that the level of netrin-1 was negatively correlated with HOMA-IR, fasting blood glucose, postprandial blood glucose, fasting insulin and HbA1c.ConclusionsPlasma netrin-1 levels were decreased in patients with newly diagnosed T2DM, and the levels of netrin-1 were negatively associated with IR and glucose homeostasis. Future studies on the precise mechanism will offer new insights into the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

BackgroundHyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. Animal studies have shown that homocysteine (Hcy) inhibits hepatic expression of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI). Our recent clinical study showed that increased plasma Hcy levels were associated with decreased apoAI levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. In this study, we assessed a potential association between Hcy and apoAI levels in normal healthy people.MethodsA total of 1768 normal healthy individuals were divided into two groups: the control group (subjects without HHcy) and the HHcy group (subjects with HHcy).ResultsHHcy subjects exhibited significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoAI levels than the control group (HDL-C: 1.18 ± 0.25 vs. 1.29 ± 0.32 mmol/L; apoAI: 1.38 ± 0.19 vs. 1.47 ± 0.25 g/L; all P < 0.01). Plasma Hcy levels were negatively associated with HDL-C and apoAI levels after adjustments for age, BMI and TG (HDL-C: r = –0.10; apoAI: r = –0.11; all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the plasma Hcy levels were an independent influencing factor for apoAI (β = –0.065, P < 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased plasma Hcy levels were associated with decreased apoAI levels in normal healthy people, and the inhibition of apoAI synthesis might be a mechanism through which Hcy is linked with the development of atherosclerosis in HHcy subjects.

BackgroundThe human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines have been widely introduced in immunization programs worldwide, however, it is not accepted in mainland China. We aimed to investigate the awareness and knowledge about HPV vaccines and explore the acceptability of vaccination among the Chinese population.MethodsA meta-analysis was conducted across two English (PubMed, EMBASE) and three Chinese (China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wan Fang Database and VIP Database for Chinese Technical Periodicals) electronic databases in order to identify HPV vaccination studies conducted in mainland China. We conducted and reported the analysis in accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.ResultsFifty-eight unique studies representing 19 provinces and municipalities in mainland China were assessed. The pooled awareness and knowledge rates about HPV vaccination were 15.95 % (95 % CI: 12.87–19.29, I2 = 98.9 %) and 17.55 % (95 % CI: 12.38–24.88, I2 = 99.8 %), respectively. The female population (17.39 %; 95 % CI: 13.06–22.20, I2 = 98.8 %) and mixed population (18.55 %; 95 % CI: 14.14–23.42, I2 = 98.8 %) exhibited higher HPV vaccine awareness than the male population (1.82 %; 95 % CI: 0.50–11.20, I2 = 98.5 %). Populations of mixed ethnicity had lower HPV vaccine awareness (9.61 %; 95 % CI: 5.95–14.03, I2 = 99.0 %) than the Han population (20.17 %; 95 % CI: 16.42–24.20, I2 = 98.3 %). Among different regions, the HPV vaccine awareness was higher in EDA (17.57 %; 95 % CI: 13.36–22.21, I2 = 98.0 %) and CLDA (17.78 %; 95 % CI: 12.18–24.19, I2 = 97.6 %) than in WUDA (1.80 %; 95 % CI: 0.02–6.33, I2 = 98.9 %). Furthermore, 67.25 % (95 % CI: 58.75–75.21, I2 = 99.8 %) of participants were willing to be vaccinated, while this number was lower for their daughters (60.32 %; 95 % CI: 51.25–69.04, I2 = 99.2 %). The general adult population (64.72 %; 95 % CI: 55.57–73.36, I2 = 99.2 %) was more willing to vaccinate their daughters than the parent population (33.78 %; 95 % CI: 26.26–41.74, I2 = 88.3 %). Safety (50.46 %; 95 % CI: 40.00–60.89, I2 = 96.6 %) was the main concern about vaccination among the adult population whereas the safety and efficacy (68.19 %; 95 % CI: 53.13–81.52, I2 = 98.6 %) were the main concerns for unwillingness to vaccinate their daughters.ConclusionsLow HPV vaccine awareness and knowledge was observed among the Chinese population. HPV vaccine awareness differed across sexes, ethnicities, and regions. Given the limited quality and number of studies included, further research with improved study designis necessary.

BackgroundThere are many studies about the prognosis and possible predictive factors of mortality for pediatric allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) recipients requiring pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) treatment, but the related study in China is lacking. This study investigates the data of these special patients in our center.MethodsThis retrospective analysis is based on data from bone marrow center and PICU of our hospital. A total of 302 patients received allogeneic HSCT from January 2000 to December 2012, 29 of them were admitted to PICU because of various complications developed after transplantation. We collected the clinical data, identified the reasons why the patients to PICU, analyzed the mortality of these patients in PICU, and the prognostic factors of these patients.ResultsThe main reasons for admission were: respiratory failure (62.07 %), neurological abnormities (13.79 %), renal failure (13.79 %) and others (10.35 %). Twenty-one cases (72.41 %) died. Compared with survivors, the deaths cases had lower pediatric critical illness score (77 vs. 88, p = 0.004); higher levels of lactic acid and serum urea nitrogen (4.02 vs. 1.19 mmol/L, P = 0.008;11.56 vs. 7.13 m moll /L, P = 0.045); more organs damaged (2.05 vs. 1.38, P = 0.01), and required more supportive treatments (1.52 vs. 0.63, P = 0.02). Univariate analysis identified pediatric critical illness score, use of mechanical ventilation, and the number of supportive treatment as the significant predictors to prognosis. Multivariate analysis by regression showed that pediatric critical illness score was the only independent prognostic factor (P = 0.035).ConclusionsIn our study, pediatric allogeneic HSCT recipients who had PICU care had a high rate of mortality. Pediatric critical illness score was the independent prognostic factor for these patients.

BackgroundNeovascular glaucoma is a refractive glaucoma. Recently, anti-VEGF factors have been used alone or in combination for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma. However, the medium- and long-term efficacy of such drugs remains to be evaluated. This study was to determine the efficacy of intravitreal ranibizumab combined with Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation for the treatment of neovascular glaucoma.MethodsIn this prospective non-randomized study, 43 neovascular glaucoma patients (43 eyes) were assigned to receive either 0.5 mg intravitreal ranibizumab for three to 14 days before Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation (injection group, n = 21) or Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation alone (control group, n = 22). The patients were followed up for six to 12 months. Differences in surgical success rate, intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, anti-glaucoma medications and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Surgical success was defined as IOP > = 6 mm Hg and < = 21 mm Hg, with or without the use of anti-glaucoma medications, and without severe complications or reoperation.ResultsOf the 43 patients, 40 completed the 6-month follow-up and 37 completed the 1-year follow-up. Success rate was 73.7 % vs. 71.4 % at six months and 72.2 % vs. 68.4 % at 12 months in the injection group and the control group respectively. No significant difference was noted between the two groups (six months: P = 0.87, 12 months: P = 1.00). There were no significant differences in the two groups with respect to intraocular pressure, best corrected visual acuity, anti-glaucoma medications or postoperative complications at six months or 12 months.ConclusionsSingle intravitreal ranibizumab (0.5 mg) before surgery has no significant effect on the medium- or long-term outcomes of neovascular glaucoma treated with Ahmed glaucoma valve implantation.Trial registrationChinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR-OOC-14005709, Trial registration date: 2014-12-01)

BackgroundHyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) is an independent risk factor for various cardiovascular diseases. Animal studies have shown that homocysteine (Hcy) inhibits hepatic expression of apolipoprotein AI (apoAI). Our recent clinical study showed that increased plasma Hcy levels were associated with decreased apoAI levels in patients with impaired glucose tolerance. In this study, we assessed a potential association between Hcy and apoAI levels in normal healthy people.MethodsA total of 1768 normal healthy individuals were divided into two groups: the control group (subjects without HHcy) and the HHcy group (subjects with HHcy).ResultsHHcy subjects exhibited significantly lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and apoAI levels than the control group (HDL-C: 1.18 ± 0.25 vs. 1.29 ± 0.32 mmol/L; apoAI: 1.38 ± 0.19 vs. 1.47 ± 0.25 g/L; all P < 0.01). Plasma Hcy levels were negatively associated with HDL-C and apoAI levels after adjustments for age, BMI and TG (HDL-C: r = –0.10; apoAI: r = –0.11; all P < 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the plasma Hcy levels were an independent influencing factor for apoAI (β = –0.065, P < 0.05).ConclusionsIncreased plasma Hcy levels were associated with decreased apoAI levels in normal healthy people, and the inhibition of apoAI synthesis might be a mechanism through which Hcy is linked with the development of atherosclerosis in HHcy subjects.