Medicine
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Observational Study
The genetic relationship of SOX9 polymorphisms with osteoarthritis risk in Chinese population: A case-control study.
This research aimed to reveal the relationship of SRY-type HMG box 9 (SOX9) gene polymorphisms with osteoarthritis (OA) risk in a Chinese population. Polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing were used for genotyping polymorphism in 152 OA patients and 139 controls. Firstly, the conformity of genotype distribution to Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the control group was checked. ⋯ Moreover, the G allele of the polymorphism rs12601701 and the A allele of the polymorphism rs1042667 could significantly elevate the risk of OA (OR = 2.075, 95%CI = 1.021-4.218). SOX9 polymorphism rs1042667 may be a risk factor for OA in Chinese Han population. The interaction between the polymorphisms rs1042667 and rs12601701 also contribute to OA risk.
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Observational Study
Multiple risks analysis for aplastic anemia in Zhejiang, China: A case-control study.
To understand the risks associated with aplastic anemia (AA) in 4 cities of Zhejiang Province, China, with special focus on the joint contributions of multiple risks. Based on an Electronic Data Capture (EDC), a case control study was carried out. Data regarding socio-demographic, diseases history, living habits, and exposures to toxic substances, etc., were collected through survey questionnaires. t Test, chi-square test, or non-parametric rank sum test, and univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were conducted to analyze data. ⋯ Multivariate logistic regression analysis further confirmed that the independent risks related to AA included presence of chemical factory within 3 km of living residence (odds ratio [OR] = 8.73, 95% CI: 1.42-53.74, P = .019), living in a newly decorated house/apartment (OR = 25.37, 95% CI: 4.44-144.81, P < .001), vegetarian diet (OR = 131.60, 95% CI: 3.45-5020.16, P = .009), preference of sugar (OR = 89.38, 95% CI: 7.22-1106.44, P < .001), preference of oily food (OR = 55.68, 95% CI: 5.12-605.26, P = .001), drinking lake water or pond water (OR = 58.05, 95% CI: 3.21-1049.81, P < .001), habit of staying up late (OR = 11.87, 95% CI: 3.43-41.02, P < .001), infection history (OR = 10.08, 95% CI: 2.75-36.93, P < .001). Result of receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis on the joint contribution of multiple risks indicated that AA was 13.835 times likely to occur when exposed to ≥1 risks than those exposed to 0 risks (95% CI: 9.995-19.149). Our study results demonstrated a comprehensive epidemiological pattern, in which the joint contributions of individual inherited health status, environment exposure, and individual behaviors lead to the occurrence of AA.
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Low- and middle-income countries contribute to only a small percentage of publications in multiple medical fields. Editorial bias was reported to be an important reason for this. However, whether this trend exists in leading spine journals remains unclear. ⋯ A lack of international representation on editorial boards exists in leading spine journals. Editorial board members from high-income countries are substantially overrepresented, while editorial board members from low- and middle-income countries are severely underrepresented. The United States is the most represented country on the editorial boards of leading spine journals.
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Observational Study
Anxiolytic treatment but not anxiety itself causes hyponatremia among anxious patients.
The aim of the study was to define whether anxiety itself or only the treatment with anxiolytic medication is risk factor for hyponatremia and overhydration. A case-control study of patients with a diagnosis of anxiety who received a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Serum sodium, urea to creatinine ratio, and odds ratio (OR) of hyponatremia and overhydration before initiation of treatment were compared to those of a control group of participants. ⋯ The OR of hyponatremia was 0.89 for the case group (P = .004). Treatment with SSRIs decreased mean serum sodium (139.3-139.1 mmol/L; P = .0001) and increased by 50% the rate of hyponatremia (2.6-3.9% P = .024). It is the use of SSRIs and not anxiety itself that causes hyponatremia among anxious patients.