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Alzheimer disease (AD), a common form of dementia, shares several clinical and pathologic features with age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Epidemiologic reports on the association of AMD with subsequent dementia or AD are inconsistent.Systematic review and meta-analysis.The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology reporting guidelines were applied. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale was used to evaluate the risk of bias in the included cohort studies that examined the association of AMD with subsequent dementia or AD. We estimated the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) of dementia or AD using random effects model meta-analysis and subgroup analysis on different follow-up periods, AMD subtype, gender, age, study design, and methods to ascertain dementia or AD.A total of 8 223 581 participants were included in 8 studies published during 2000-2021. The meta-analysis showed that AMD was significantly associated with subsequent dementia (pooled HR 1.22, 95% CI 1.01-1.47) or AD (pooled HR 1.21, 95% CI 1.03-1.43). Our secondary analysis revealed that the association was more noticeable in dry AMD than wet AMD.Patients with AMD have higher risks of developing dementia or AD, and therefore identifying related comorbidities and retinal biomarkers is much warranted for older adults with AMD in ophthalmologic practice.

ImportanceThe associations of atopic dermatitis (AD) with multiple cardiovascular comorbidities have been investigated because of its pathomechanisms regarding chronic systemic inflammation and potential vascular effects. Nevertheless, the association between AD and incident venous thromboembolism (VTE) in adulthood is largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association of AD with incident VTE.ObjectiveTo examine the risk of incident VTE among patients with AD.Design, Setting, and ParticipantsThis population-based nationwide cohort study included adults 20 years or older (adults with AD newly diagnosed between 2003 and 2017 and matched controls) from the National Health Insurance Research Database. Patients with AD were subgrouped according to the severity of the disease. A Cox regression model was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) for VTE. Stratified analyses according to age and sex, and a sensitivity analysis excluding systemic steroid users were performed.Main Outcomes and MeasuresHazard ratios (HRs) for incident VTE associated with AD.ResultsThis analysis included a total of 284 858 participants, with 142 429 participants each in the AD (mean [SD] age, 44.9 [18.3] years; 78 213 women) and non-AD cohorts (mean [SD] age, 44.1 [18.1] years; 79 636 women). During the follow-up, 1066 patients (0.7%) in the AD cohort and 829 patients (0.6%) in the non-AD cohort developed VTE, with incidence rates of 1.05 and 0.82 per 1000 person-years, respectively. Adults with AD had a significantly increased risk of incident VTE (HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.17-1.40) compared with adults without AD. Individual outcome analyses suggested that AD was associated with higher risks of deep vein thrombosis (HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.14-1.40) and pulmonary embolism (HR, 1.30; 95% CI, 1.08-1.57).Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this cohort study suggest that AD in adulthood is associated with an increased risk of VTE; however, the absolute risk difference of VTE between adults with and without AD appears small. Nevertheless, cardiovascular examination and imperative management may be considered for adults with AD who present with symptoms suggestive of VTE. Future research is warranted to elucidate the pathophysiology underlying the association between AD and VTE.

Metformin is a biguanide derivative that is commonly used for the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). It demonstrates antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiangiogenic activity within the ocular tissue and thus may be implicated in the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). However, epidemiological studies have shown conflicting results.The Ovid MEDLINE/Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched from inception through August 3, 2022. Studies reporting the association between metformin use and odds of AMD were enrolled. Adjusted odds ratios (ORs) of AMD were extracted and pooled with random-effects model meta-analysis. Subgroup analyses based on AMD subtypes, ethnicity, study design, sex, and confirmation of AMD diagnosis were conducted.A total of 9 observational studies with 1,446,284 participants were included in the analysis. The meta-analysis showed that metformin use was associated with a significant reduction in the odds of AMD (pooled ORs = 0.81, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.70-0.93). Subgroup analyses revealed that metformin use was not significantly associated with dry or wet AMD. Black (pooled ORs = 0.61, 95% CI = 0.58-0.64) and Hispanic populations (pooled ORs = 0.85, 95% CI = 0.81-0.89) demonstrated significantly lower odds of AMD.This systematic review and meta-analysis found that patients with DM with metformin usage were at lower odds of developing AMD. Future prospective clinical trials are needed to confirm this association.

Women with abnormal uterine bleeding (AUB) have been reported to develop chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU). Nevertheless, whether or not AUB women have an increased risk of CSU has not been examined in large-scale epidemiologic studies. This study aimed to investigate the risk of CSU among reproductive-aged women with AUB. A total of 79 595 patients and 79 107 propensity-score matched controls were recruited from Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database to conduct a nationwide cohort study. The Cox proportional-hazard regression model was applied to examine the adjusted hazard ratios (aHR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) for CSU in relation to AUB. We found that women with AUB had a higher risk for CSU (aHR = 1.83; 95% CI, 1.76-1.90) than women without AUB. Subgroup analyses revealed that AUB with an abnormal bleeding frequency (aHR = 1.70; 95% CI, 1.60-1.79), irregular bleeding (aHR = 1.80; 95% CI, 1.71-1.89), and intermenstrual bleeding (aHR = 1.65; 95% CI, 1.49-1.83) were associated with an increased risk of CSU compared with those without abnormalities. The Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed that the cumulative incidence of developing CSU was consistently higher in the AUB cohort than in the non-AUB cohort during the entire follow-up period (log-rank test, p

Accurate assessment of soil erosion is an important prerequisite for controlling soil erosion. The engineering-control (E) and tillage (T) factors are the keys for Chinese Soil Loss Equation (CSLE) to accurately evaluate water erosion in China. Besides, the E and T factors can reflect the water and soil conservation effects of engineering-control and tillage practices. But in the current full coverage of soil erosion surveys in China (such as soil erosion dynamic monitoring), for the same practice, the E or T factors are assigned the same value across the country. We selected 469 E and T factors data based on runoff plots from 73 publications, and they came from six soil and water conservation regions. Correlation analysis, regression analysis, and nonparametric tests were used to determine the comparability of the data, and it was proved that the runoff plots dimensions are consistent with the local topography. The results of one-way ANOVA and nonparametric tests for E and T factors in different regions showed that the engineering-control practices have good soil and water conservation effects and weaken the regional differences of other environmental factors, so there were no significant differences in E factors between different regions. However, there were significant differences in T factors between different regions, and the geodetector was applied to explore the intrinsic driving force of the spatial distribution of T factors. The results of the geodetector showed that the dominant driving forces of the spatial distribution of different types of tillage practices were not completely the same. When using CSLE to calculate water erosion, the E factor of the same practice can be used uniformly throughout the country, and the T factor needs to be considered and selected according to regional differences. At the same time, when choosing tillage practices in each water and soil conservation region, practices with better sediment reduction benefits should also be selected according to the regional environmental conditions.

Characterizing soil particle-size distribution is a key measure towards soil property. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the multifractal characteristics of soil particle-size distribution among different land-use from a purple soil catchment and to generalize the spatial variation trend of multifractal parameters across the catchment. A total of 84 soil samples were collected from four kinds of land use patterns (dry land, orchard, paddy, and forest) in an agricultural catchment in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, China. The multifractal analysis method was applied to quantitatively characterize the soil particle size distribution. Six soil particle size distribution (PSD) multifractal parameters (D(0), D(1), D(2), Δα(q), Δf[α(q)], α(0)) were computed. Additionally, a geostatistical analysis was employed to reveal the spatial differentiation and map the spatial distribution of these parameters. Evident multifractal characteristics were found. The trend of generalized dimension spectrum of four land use patterns was basically consistent with the range of 0.8 to 2.0. However, orchard showed the largest monotonic decline, while the forest demonstrated the smallest decrease. D(0) of the four land use patterns were ranked as: dry land < orchard < forest < paddy, the order of D(1) was: dry land < paddy < orchard < forest, D(2) presented a rand-size relationship as dry land < forest < paddy < orchard. Furthermore, all land-use patterns presented as Δf[α(q)] < 0. The rand-size relationship of α(0) was same as D(0). The best-fitting model for D(0), D(1), D(2) and Δf[α(q)] was spherical model, for Δα(q) was gaussian model, and for α(0) was exponential model with structure variance ratio was 1.03%, 49.83%, 0.84%, 1.48%, 22.20% and 10.60%, respectively. The results showed that soil particles of each land use pattern were distributed unevenly. The multifractal parameters under different land use have significant differences, except for Δα(q). Differences in the composition of soil particles lead to differences in the multifractal properties even though they belong to the same soil texture. Farming behavior may refine particles and enhance the heterogeneity of soil particle distribution. Our results provide an effective reference for quantifying the impact of human activities on soil system in the Three Gorges Reservoir region.

Care fragmentation in the elderly population prompted the need for integrated health care systems. However, evidence regarding the impact of the integrated care system in Taiwan is unclear. We aimed to conduct a systematic review to evaluate the impact of Taiwan's integrated health care programs on geriatric population.We searched bibliographic databases MEDLINE, Embase, Web of Science, and Airiti Library for relevant publications throughout May 2022. Studies investigating the effectiveness of Taiwan's integrated care programs were included. We used the critical appraisal skills programme (CASP) checklist, to assess the risk of bias of included studies.Thirty-four studies, with a total of 838,026 study subjects, were assessed. The systematic review on 11 subthemes (diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, hepatitis C virus, fractures, cancer, dementia, atrial fibrillation, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, mechanical ventilation, terminal illness, outpatients and community-dwelling patients), demonstrated that the implementation of integrated health care could not only provide benefits on survival, self-care ability, health quality, physical, and functional rehabilitation outcomes, but also significantly reduce medical utilization and expenditures.The integrated health care system for multiple morbidities benefits the Taiwanese geriatric population in physical and functional outcomes. The thematic synthesis provides references for future rigorous clinical trials.

Inflammatory arthritis has been reported to be associated with the development of osteoporosis. Recent research has investigated the mechanisms of bone metabolism in chronic inflammatory arthritis such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). Progress in both animal and clinical studies has provided a better understanding of the osteoclastogenesis-related pathways regarding the receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL), anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs), and Wnt signaling and Dickkopf-related protein 1 (Dkk-1). The complex interplay between inflammatory cytokines and bone destruction has been elucidated, especially that in the interleukin-17/23 (IL-17/23) axis and Janus kinase and signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) signaling. Moreover, advances in biological and targeted therapies have achieved essential modifications to the bone metabolism of these inflammatory arthritis types. In this narrative review, we discuss recent findings on the pathogenic effects on bone in RA and SpA. Proinflammatory cytokines, autoantibodies, and multiple signaling pathways play an essential role in bone destruction in RA and SpA patients. We also reviewed the underlying pathomechanisms of bone structure in biological and targeted therapies of RA and SpA. The clinical implications of tumor necrosis factor inhibitors, abatacept, rituximab, tocilizumab, Janus kinase inhibitors, and inhibitors of the IL-17/23 axis are discussed. Since these novel therapeutics provide new options for disease improvement and symptom control in patients with RA and SpA, further rigorous evidence is warranted to provide a clinical reference for physicians and patients.

Importance Psoriasis, venous thromboembolism (VTE), and peripheral vascular disease (PVD) share similar mechanisms involving chronic inflammation. However, the associations between psoriasis and VTE or PVD are unclear. Objective To determine the association of psoriasis with incident VTE and PVD. Data Sources MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature were systematically searched for relevant publications from their respective inception through May 21, 2021. No restrictions on language or geographic locations were imposed. Study Selection Two authors independently selected cohort studies that investigated the risk for incident VTE or PVD in patients with psoriasis. Any discrepancy was resolved through discussion with 2 senior authors until reaching consensus. Only 13 initially identified studies met the selection criteria for qualitative review, and only 9 of these for quantitative analysis. Data Extraction and Synthesis The Meta-analysis of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (MOOSE) reporting guideline was followed. Two authors independently extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of included studies by using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale. Disagreements were resolved by discussion with 2 other authors. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with the corresponding confidence intervals for incident VTE and PVD. Subgroup analyses based on arthritis status, psoriasis severity, sex, and geographic location were also performed. Main Outcomes and Measures Hazard ratios for incident VTE and PVD associated with psoriasis. Results A total of 13 cohort studies with 12 435 982 participants were included. The meta-analysis demonstrated a significantly increased risk for incident VTE (pooled HR, 1.26; 95% CI, 1.08-1.48) and PVD (pooled HR, 1.27; 95% CI, 1.16-1.40) among patients with psoriasis. Subgroup analyses illustrated increased risk for incident VTE among participants with psoriatic arthritis (pooled HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 1.01-1.53), women (pooled HR, 1.89; 95% CI, 1.36-2.61), and those in Asia (pooled HR, 2.02; 95% CI, 1.42-2.88) and Europe (pooled HR, 1.28; 95% CI, 1.06-1.53). Conclusions and Relevance This systematic review and meta-analysis found an increased risk for incident VTE and PVD among patients with psoriatic disease. Typical presentations of VTE or PVD should not be overlooked in patients with psoriasis. Risk factors, such as obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and varicose veins, should be identified and treated in patients with psoriasis, and medications like hormone-related therapies should be prescribed with caution.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K), atropine eye drops and combined atropine with Ortho-K are proven to be effective ways to prevent myopic progression in many studies, but there is scarce evidence regarding the comparative efficacy of different dosages of atropine,Ortho-K, and combined atropine with Ortho-K for childhood myopia.We performed a network meta-analysis (NMA) to assess the relative efficacy of the aforementioned interventions for myopic progression; moreover, we calculated the surface under cumulative ranking area (SUCRA) to determine the relative ranking of treatments.We identified 19 randomized controlled trials (3435 patients). NMA revealed that 0.01%-1% atropine, Ortho-K, and 0.01% atropine combined with Ortho-K inhibited axial elongation (AL) over one year. For refractive change, SUCRA analysis revealed that the hierarchy was high-dose (0.5%-1%), moderate-dose (0.1%-0.25%), and low-dose (0.01%-0.05%) atropine. Regarding AL, SUCRA analysis revealed the following hierarchy: Ortho-K combined with 0.01% atropine, high-dose atropine, moderate-dose atropine, Ortho-K, and low-dose atropine.In conclusion, we found that atropine (0.01%-1%), Ortho-K, and 0.01% atropine combined with Ortho-K could significantly slow down myopia progression. The atropine efficacy followed a dose-related pattern; moreover, Ortho-K and low-dose atropine showed similar efficacy. There was a synergistic effect of using 0.01% atropine combined with Ortho-K, and it showed comparable efficacy to that of high-dose atropine.

ImportanceThe risk of venous thromboembolism (VTE) among patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), especially when receiving treatment with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, is unclear.ObjectiveTo determine the association of AD with incident VTE and evaluate the risk of incident VTE among patients with AD who were receiving treatment with JAK inhibitors.Data SourcesThe MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases were searched with no restrictions on language nor geographic locations from their respective inception to February 5, 2022.Study SelectionCohort studies examining the association of AD with incident VTE and randomized clinical trials (RCTs) reporting VTE events in participants with AD receiving JAK inhibitors were included. Around 0.7% of initially identified articles met the selection criteria.Data Extraction and SynthesisThe Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guideline was followed. The risk of bias of included cohort studies and RCTs was assessed by the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale and the Cochrane Risk of Bias Tool 2, respectively. A random-effects model meta-analysis was conducted to calculate the pooled hazard ratio (HR) and risk difference for incident VTE.Main Outcomes and MeasuresThe HRs for incident VTE associated with AD and risk difference for incident VTE between participants with AD who were receiving treatment with JAK inhibitors and controls receiving placebo or dupilumab.ResultsTwo cohort studies and 15 RCTs with a total of 466 993 participants were included. The meta-analysis found no significant association of AD with incident VTE (HR, 0.95; 95% CI 0.62-1.45; incidence rate of VTE, 0.23 events/100 patient-years). Overall, 3 of 5722 patients with AD (0.05%) who were receiving treatment with JAK inhibitors experienced VTE compared with 1 of 3065 patients with AD (0.03%) receiving placebo or dupilumab (Mantel-Haenszel risk difference, 0; 95% CI, 0-0). The incidence rate of VTE was 0.15 and 0.12 events per 100 patient-years in participants with AD receiving JAK inhibitors and placebo, respectively. The findings were similar in 4 unique JAK inhibitors (abrocitinib, baricitinib, upadacitinib, and SHR0302).Conclusions and RelevanceThe results of this systematic review and meta-analysis suggest that the currently available evidence does not detect an increased risk of VTE associated with AD or treatment with JAK inhibitors. These findings may provide a reference for clinicians in prescribing JAK inhibitors for patients with AD.

Evidence regarding the effect of a face-down posture (FDP) for large idiopathic macular hole (IMH) is inconsistent. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to determine whether a postoperative FDP is required for the treatment of large IMH. Eligible randomized controlled trials published before September 2021 were retrieved from the Medline, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases. The efficacy outcome was the IMH closure rate and the visual acuity improvement rate. A meta-analysis was performed using a random effects model. The “Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation” approach was implemented, and the numbers needed-to-treat (NNTs) were calculated. Seven studies comprising 640 patients were included. We performed a predefined subgroup analysis of IMH size using a cut-off point of 400 µm. Compared with non-FDP, a significant effect of FDP was found in the IMH > 400 µm group (OR = 3.34; 95% CI = 1.57–7.14; trial sequential analysis-adjusted CI = 1.20–11.58; NNTs = 7.9). After stratifying by the posturing periods, the beneficial effect of FDP lasting at least five days, but not three days was observed for large IMH. Maintaining a FDP for at least five days postoperatively is an effective strategy (certainty of evidence: “moderate”) for treating large IMH.

Several conflicting results regarding the efficacy of 0.01% atropine in slowing axial elongation remain in doubt. To solve this issue and evaluate the safety of 0.01% atropine, we conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis with the latest evidence. The review included a total of 1178 participants (myopic children). The efficacy outcomes were the mean annual progression in standardized equivalent refraction (SER) and axial length (AL). The safety outcomes included mean annual change in accommodative amplitude, photopic and mesopic pupil diameter. The results demonstrated that 0.01% atropine significantly retarded SER progression compared with the controls (weighted mean difference [WMD], 0.28 diopter (D) per year; 95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.17, 0.38; p < 0.01), and axial elongation (WMD, −0.06 mm; 95% CI = −0.09, −0.03; p < 0.01) during the 1-year period. Patients receiving 0.01% atropine showed no significant changes in accommodative amplitude (WMD, −0.45 D; 95% CI = −1.80, 0.90; p = 0.51) but showed dilated photopic pupil diameter (WMD, 0.35 mm; 95% CI = 0.02, 0.68; p = 0.04) and mesopic pupil diameter (WMD, 0.20 mm; 95% CI = 0.08, 0.32; p < 0.01). In the subgroup analysis of SER progression, myopic children with lower baseline refraction (>−3 D) and older age (>10-year-old) obtained better responses with 0.01% atropine treatment. Furthermore, the European and multi-ethnicity groups showed greater effect than the Asian groups. In conclusion, 0.01% atropine had favorable efficacy and adequate safety for childhood myopia over a 1-year period.

BACKGROUND Emerging evidence supports a strong association between the skin and the gut. The association between seborrheic dermatitis (SD) and peptic ulcer disease (PUD) was largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the association of SD and PUD. METHODS This nationwide population-based cohort study was conducted using the Taiwan's National Health Insurance Research Database. A total of 19 445 participants was recruited. Each patient with a diagnosis of incident SD was matched to four patients without SD using propensity scores based on age, gender, index year, insurance amount, urbanisation level, Charlson comorbidity index (CCI), the presence of comorbidities and medication use. The primary endpoint was the development of incident PUD. Hazard ratios (HRs) and corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) for PUD occurrence in relation to the presence of SD were calculated. RESULTS Overall, patients with SD had a significantly higher risk for incident PUD than those without SD in both univariable (crude HR = 1.60, 95% CI 1.38-1.86, P

Introduction: Awareness of psoriasis-related comorbidities has been established in the current guidelines; however, evidence regarding the association of bone density or bone fragility with psoriatic disease remains inconclusive. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to assess bone mineral density and the risk of osteoporosis and fractures in patients with psoriatic disease, including those with cutaneous psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We searched electronic databases for published observational studies. A meta-analysis was performed using the random-effect model. Pooled estimates and their confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. Small-study effects were examined using the Doi plot and Luis Furuya–Kanamori index. Results: The analysis of the standardized mean difference in the absolute value of bone mineral density at different measuring sites (lumbar spine, femoral neck, and total hip) revealed no significant difference between patients with psoriatic disease and non-psoriatic controls. The pooled results of the adjusted odds ratios (ORs) demonstrated no increased risk of osteoporosis in patients with psoriatic disease. Notably, patients with psoriatic disease had a higher OR of developing bone fractures (adjusted OR: 1.09; 95% CI: 1.06 to 1.12; I2: 0%). Conclusion: Patients with psoriatic disease may be more likely to develop fractures compared with non-psoriatic controls. This higher risk for fracture may not necessarily be associated with lower bone mineral density nor a higher risk for osteoporosis.

Vegetarian dietary patterns provide health benefits for cardiovascular health; however, the studies examining the association of vegetarian diets with stroke incidence showed inconsistent findings. We systematically evaluated the risk of incident stroke among vegetarians (diets excluding meat, poultry, fish, and seafood) compared among nonvegetarians. A systematic search of PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science was performed until 20 May 2021. Prospective cohort studies comparing the risk estimates for incident stroke between vegetarians and nonvegetarians were included. Of 398 articles identified in the database search, data from seven cohort studies (408 total stroke cases in 29,705 vegetarians and 13,026 total stroke cases in 627,728 nonvegetarians) were included. The meta-analysis revealed no significant association between adhering to the vegetarian dietary patterns and the risk of incident stroke (HR = 0.86; 95% CI = 0.67–1.11; I2 = 68%, n = 7). Subgroup analyses suggested that studies conducted in Asia and those with a mean baseline age of participants 50–65 years showed a lower risk of stroke in vegetarians. Moreover, no significant association between vegetarian diets and the risk of ischemic stroke (HR = 0.56; 95% CI = 0.22–1.42; I2 = 82%, n = 3) or hemorrhagic stroke (HR = 0.77; 95% CI = 0.19–3.09; I2 = 85%, n = 2) was found. To be conclusive, no strong relationship between vegetarian diets and the incidence of stroke was observed. Given the limited certainty of evidence from NutriGrade, future well-designed studies are warranted to provide solid evidence on this topic.

Bone health in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis has been emphasized in recent years. Novel imaging modalities allow investigations into volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and bone microstructure in psoriatic patients. However, literature regarding vBMD measured by high-resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) is inconclusive. We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to evaluate vBMD in patients with psoriatic disease. We searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library for relevant observational studies. A random-effects meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis (TSA) was performed. The pooled mean difference (MD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. Five studies with 780 patients were included. Patients with psoriatic disease showed a lower average vBMD than controls (MD −14.90, 95% CI −22.90 to −6.89, TSA-adjusted CI −23.77 to −6.03, I2 = 41%). Trabecular vBMD and cortical vBMD results were inconclusive because of the small sample size. Patients recruited in Asia and those whose vBMD were measured at the distal radius exhibited a lower average vBMD than controls. Further research should clarify the association of psoriasis with bone microstructure and the underlying pathophysiology.

The Fe-RE (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy, Lu) binary systems with the experimental data of phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties in the published literature were reviewed firstly. Based on available phase equilibria data and thermodynamic data, the Fe-RE (RE=Gd, Tb, Dy, Lu) binary systems were assessed thermodynamically using the CALPHAD method. As a result, further experimental investigations and thermodynamic calculations would be both required in order to develop thermodynamic database of the RE-Fe-B ternary systems, which is very useful to study the relations between alloy compositions, microstructure and magnetic properties of novel Nd-Fe-B-based permanent magnets.

Adipocyte fatty acid-binding protein (A-FABP) is abundantly found in mature adipocytes and is involved in cardiovascular disease. Our aim is to investigate the association between serum A-FABP levels and endothelial function among kidney transplant (KT) patients. Fasting blood samples were obtained from 80 KT patients. Serum A-FABP levels were measured using a commercially available enzyme immunoassay kit. Endothelial function and vascular reactivity index (VRI) were measured using digital thermal monitoring test. In this study, VRI &lt, 1.0, VRI 1.0&ndash, 1.9, and VRI &ge, 2.0 were defined as poor, intermediate, and good vascular reactivity, respectively. There were 12 (15.0%), 30 (37.5%), and 38 (47.5%) KT patients categorized as having poor, intermediate, and good vascular reactivity, respectively. Increased serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.012), &gamma, glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT, p = 0.032), and A-FABP (p &lt, 0.001) were associated with decreased vascular reactivity. Multivariable forward stepwise linear regression analysis revealed that age (&beta, = &minus, 0.283, adjusted R2 change = 0.072, p = 0.003) and serum log-A-FABP level (&beta, 0.514, adjusted R2 change = 0.268, p &lt, 0.001) were significantly associated with VRI values in KT patients. We concluded that serum fasting A-FABP level is negatively associated with VRI values and plays a role in endothelial dysfunction of KT patients.

The study of the variability of soil erosion in mountainous areas provides the basis for soil and water conservation work and forest ecological construction in a targeted way. In this study, Liangshan Town catchment, a typical catchment in the Hengduan Mountains region, southwest China, was selected to investigate the variation of soil erosion in different vertical zones using the 137Cs tracing technique. The mean 137Cs reference inventories varied between 573.51 and 705.54 Bq/m2, with the elevation increasing from 1600 to 2600 m. The rates of soil erosion exhibited a significant variation. Under the same land cover condition, the average annual soil erosion modulus of high-elevation forest (elevation &gt, 2200 m) was 400.3 t/(km2&middot, a). However, the average annual soil erosion modulus of a low-elevation sparse forest (elevation &lt, 1600 m) was as high as 1756 t/(km2&middot, a). The average annual soil erosion modulus of the sloping farmland, mainly distributed at elevations of 1600&ndash, 2200 m, was estimated to be 2771 t/(km2&middot, a). These results indicate that effective soil management measures need to be implemented on the cultivated sloping land in the future.

Background Adalimumab is used as a first-line biologic agent in the management of moderate-to-severe hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). The objective of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adalimumab in patients with moderate-to-severe HS. Methods We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis according to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Pooled estimates, namely standardized mean difference (SMD) and relative risk (RR), were calculated using random-effect model with trial sequential analysis. Small study effects were examined using the Doi plot. Certainty of evidence (CoE) was assessed using "The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation" approach, and number-needed-to-treat (NNT) was calculated. Results Five randomized controlled trials, involving 1014 patients, were included. We performed subgroup analysis of adalimumab administered subcutaneously both weekly and every other week. Adalimumab administered weekly was associated with better clinical response achievement (RR 1.76, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] 1.35-2.29; trial sequential analysis TSA-adjusted CI 1.01-3.08; CoE: low; NNT = 5) and a significant improvement in modified Sartorius score (SMD = -0.45, 95% CI = -0.76 to -0.13; CoE: very low; NNT = 10) and dermatology life quality index (DLQI) (SMD -0.47, 95% CI -0.61 to -0.32; CoE: low; NNT = 10). Nevertheless, adalimumab administered every other week showed an improvement only in modified Sartorius score. The pooled RRs of adverse events in both groups revealed no statistical significance when compared with the placebo. Conclusions Adalimumab administered weekly resulted in not only better clinical responses than placebo but also significantly improved disease severity and quality of life of patients with moderate-to-severe HS. Our study provides supporting evidence to the current guidelines and aids decision-making in the application of adalimumab in HS management.

Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors are promising treatments for atopic dermatitis (AD). The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy and safety of JAK inhibitors for AD treatment via the “Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation” approach. We identified 15 randomized controlled trials comparing oral or topical JAK inhibitors against placebo to treat AD. A random-effects meta-analysis was performed, and the numbers-needed-to-treat (NNTs)/numbers-needed-to-harm (NNHs) were calculated. Patients treated with JAK inhibitors were associated with higher rates of achieving eczema area and severity index-75 (rate ratio (RR): 2.84; 95% confidence interval (CI): 2.20–3.67; I2: 38.9%; NNT = 3.97), Investigator’s Global Assessment response (RR: 2.99; 95% CI: 2.26–3.95; I2: 0%; NNT = 5.72), and pruritus numerical rating scale response (RR: 2.52; 95% CI: 1.90–3.35; I2: 39.4%; NNT = 4.91) than those treated with placebo. Moreover, patients treated with JAK inhibitors had a higher risk of treatment-emergent adverse events (RR: 1.14; 95% CI: 1.02–1.28; I2: 52%; NNH = 14.80) but not adverse events leading to drug discontinuation. According to the evidence-based results, JAK inhibitors are potentially effective strategies (certainty of evidence: “moderate”) for treating AD with tolerable side effects (certainty of evidence: “low”). Nevertheless, long-term follow-up is required.

In this work, Fe-Pr alloys and Fe-Nd alloys were investigated experimentally by means of thermal analysis. The temperatures of the invariant reactions and liquidus in the Fe-Pr and Fe-Nd binary systems were measured. Based on the experimental results determined in this work and the critical review of the available experimental data in published literature, the Fe-Pr and Fe-Nd binary systems were re-assessed thermodynamically using the CALPHAD method. The solution phases including liquid, bcc, fcc and dhcp are modeled by the substitutional solution model and their excess Gibbs energies are expressed with the Redlich-Kister polynomial. The intermetallic compounds, Fe17Pr2, Fe17Nd2 and Fe17Nd5 are treated as intermetallic compounds. The self-consistent thermodynamic parameters obtained finally to describe the Gibbs energies of various phases in the Fe-Pr and Fe-Nd binary systems can be used to reproduce well the phase equilibria and thermodynamic data.

As the key sub-binary systems in the rare-earth (RE) permanent magnetic materials with excellent magnetic properties (e.g. Nd-Fe-B, Sm-Fe-N magnets), the Fe-RE binary systems were investigated widely due to the industrial applications of permanent magnets. In this work, the experimental data of phase equilibria and thermodynamic properties of the Fe-RE binary systems (RE=La, Ce, Pr, Nd) in the published literature are reviewed firstly. Based on available phase equilibria data and thermodynamic data, the Fe-RE binary systems are assessed thermodynamically using the CALPHAD method. As a result, further experimental information and thermodynamic calculations will be both required in order to develop thermodynamic database of the RE-Fe-B ternary systems, which is very useful to study the relations between alloy composition, microstructure and magnetic properties of novel Nd-Fe-B-based permanent magnets.

The objective of this paper is to integrate five traditional criteria of the dissolved gases analysis published in different standards into a more reliable approach of the fault diagnosis of power transformer for the power supply department of Taiwan power company. The integrated approach is designed with three steps, including the judgment of the fault factor of power transformer, the identifiable factor of fault condition and the hybrid fault factor and identifiable factor. The implementation is based on fuzzy inference system to obtain the last answer. With precision rate and recall rate, simulation results prove that the method is especially useful in cases when the methods reach different conclusion and is more accurate than each traditional method.