Ye-Huan Sun

Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase polymorphisms and susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese populations: a meta-analysis.

Genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene are thought to have significant effects on folate metabolism and, thus, on cancer risk, but the reported results are not always consistent. In this meta-analysis including 2165 patients and 3279 controls, we assessed reported studies of associations between polymorphisms of MTHFR and susceptibility to gastric cancer in Chinese populations. An increased risk was found for MTHFR C677T in the meta-analysis [odds ratio (OR): 1.42; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.24–1.62]. No association resulted for MTHFR A1298C (OR: 0.95; 95% CI: 0.78–1.17). Results from the subgroup analyses showed an increased risk for individuals with low (OR: 1.50; 95% CI: 1.18–1.91) versus high (OR: 1.21; 95% CI: 0.98–1.51) folate levels. The sensitivity analysis and publication bias diagnostics confirmed the reliability and stability of this meta-analysis. Overall, these findings support the hypothesis that folate plays a role in gastric carcinogenesis. Regarding cardia or noncardia gastric cancer, more studies are required for definite conclusions, as the number of studies is relatively small.

Internet addiction, adolescent depression, and the mediating role of life events: Finding from a sample of Chinese adolescents

The aim of this study is to examine the mediating role of life events in the relation between Internet addiction and depression using an adolescent sample in China. A total of 3507 urban adolescent students were asked to complete the questionnaires including Youngs Internet Addiction Scale, Adolescent Self-Rating Life Events Checklist, and Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale, Parent-Child Conflict Tactics Scales, and demographic characteristics. Path analyses demonstrated that life events fully mediated the relationship between Internet addiction and adolescent depression. Specificity for the mediating role of life events was demonstrated in comparison to alternative competing mediation models. The findings support our hypothesis that the effect of Internet addiction on adolescent depression is mediated by the life events. Further research is required to test the temporal relationship between Internet addiction and adolescent depression and explore mechanisms underlying the pathways leading to adolescent depression.

Correlations between Psychological Symptoms and Social Relationships among Medical Undergraduates in Anhui Province of China

Objectives: To assess the prevalence of psychological symptoms (depression, anxiety) among Chinese medical students and to find the possible relationships between psychological symptoms and social relationships. Methods: A sample of 10,140 medical students was investigated with a structured questionnaire, that included the Beck Depression Inventory, Beck Anxiety Inventory, Social Support Rating Scale, and Family APGAR Index (adaptability, partnership, growth, affection, resolve). Results: The present study revealed that 16.8% of the medical students suffered from depressive symptoms and 14.1% from anxiety symptoms. Female students were more likely to have anxiety, the second-year students had higher levels of psychological symptoms than the first-year students. Likewise, significant differences were found among college, satisfaction of specialty, and economic condition of the family in anxiety and depression symptoms. Social support, family function, and all dimensions were significantly negatively associated with depression and anxiety symptoms. Multivariable ordinal logistic regression showed that less social support, poor family function, the second-year students, and unsatisfactory specialty were associated with more psychological symptoms, after adjusting the effects of sex, age, and college. Conclusions: Medical students have a relatively high level of depression and anxiety symptoms. These findings support the hypothesis that if medical students are better supported and cared for, negative psychosocial consequences might be prevented or at least reduced.

Associated factors for HIV and syphilis infection among men who have sex with men only and men who have sex with both men and women in cities of China

Summary The aims of this paper were to find out the status of HIV and syphilis infection and to examine the sexual behaviours between men who have sex with men only (MSM/M) and men who have sex with both men and women (MSM/W), as well as to determine the correlates for HIV and syphilis infection among MSM/M and MSM/W, respectively. Among 1693 MSM who participated in the study, the proportions of MSM/M and MSM/W were 82.1% and 17.9%, respectively. The prevalences of HIV infection were 7.0% in MSM/M and 6.6% in MSM/W and the prevalences of syphilis infection were 11.9% and 13.2%, respectively. Among the MSM/M subset, the correlates both for HIV and syphilis infection included having more sexual partners, and being receptive or both insertive and receptive for anal sex. Among the MSM/W subset, living in Chengdu was associated with HIV infection and using condoms inconsistently during anal sex was associated with syphilis infection. The findings of this survey call for interventions tailored according to the needs of different subsets of MSM.