Fluconazole susceptibility of 3,056 clinical isolates of Candida species from 2005 to 2009 in a tertiary-care hospital.

In recent years, Candida infections have been increasing significantly. This study was to investigate the distribution and fluconazole susceptibility of such infections. Totally, 3,056 clinical isolates were analysed, C. albicans was the most prevalent species from respiratory and vaginal specimens. However, non-albicans species constituted the majority of isolates from blood, urine, intensive care unit (ICU), organ transplant and burned patients. Similarly, Candida spp. from different specimens and clinical services had different degrees of susceptibility to fluconazole. Isolates from vagina and burned patients had the highest resistance rate, while all of the isolates from ascites and dermatological services were susceptible to fluconazole.

Association of adult weight gain and nonalcoholic fatty liver in a cross-sectional study in Wan Song Community, China

Our objective was to examine associations of adult weight gain and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Cross-sectional interview data from 844 residents in Wan Song Community from October 2009 to April 2010 were analyzed in multivariate logistic regression models to examine odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) between NAFLD and weight change from age 20. Questionnaires, physical examinations, laboratory examinations, and ultrasonographic examination of the liver were carried out. Maximum rate of weight gain, body mass index, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, fasting blood glucose, cholesterol, triglycerides, uric acid, and alanine transaminase were higher in the NAFLD group than in the control group. HDL-C in the NAFLD group was lower than in the control group. As weight gain increased (measured as the difference between current weight and weight at age 20 years), the OR of NAFLD increased in multivariate models. NAFLD OR rose with increasing weight gain as follows: OR (95%CI) for NAFLD associated with weight gain of 20+ kg compared to stable weight (change <5 kg) was 4.23 (2.49-7.09). Significantly increased NAFLD OR were observed even for weight gains of 5-9.9 kg. For the “age 20 to highest lifetime weight” metric, the OR of NAFLD also increased as weight gain increased. For the “age 20 to highest lifetime weight” metric and the “age 20 to current weight” metric, insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) increased as weight gain increased (P<0.001). In a stepwise multivariate regression analysis, significant association was observed between adult weight gain and NAFLD (OR=1.027, 95%CI=1.002-1.055, P=0.025). We conclude that adult weight gain is strongly associated with NAFLD.

The survey of HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among migrant peasant workers in Middle City in China / Encuesta de conocimientos, actitudes, y comportamientos en relación con el VIH/SIDA entre los trabajadores campesinos migratorios de la Ciudad Media en China

OBJECTIVES: To explore HIV/AIDS related knowledge, attitude and behaviour among migrant peasant workers in Changsha, which is a inland city in central China, and to provide evidence that educating this population may help to prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS in China. METHODS: A total of 1782 migrant peasant workers participated in the study. A questionnaire was used to determine their knowledge ofHIV/AIDS and related attitude and behaviour items. RESULTS: The majority of the respondents had a rather low level of overall HIV/AIDS knowledge and its prevention, had what constituted risky behaviour in this regard and a generally low acceptance of HIV-infected persons. Furthermore, their behaviour and attitude were analysed with respect to their educational level, occupational class and score ofHIV/AIDS related knowledge. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this investigation will help healthcare professionals develop a sensitive and specific educational programme for migrant peasant workers. Educating this population will be a very important aspect ofHIV/AIDS prevention in China.

OBJETIVOS: Explorar los conocimientos, las actitudes, y el comportamiento en relación con el VIH/SIDA, entre los trabajadores campesinos migratorios en Changsha - una ciudad del interior en China central -y proporcionar evidencias en cuanto al hecho de que educar a esta población puede ayudar a prevenir la diseminación del VIH/SIDA en China. MÉTODOS: Un total de 1782 trabajadores campesinos migratorios participó en el estudio. Se usó un cuestionario a fin de determinar sus conocimientos sobre el VIH/SIDA, así como aspectos relacionados con la actitudy el comportamiento hacia este último. RESULTADOS: La mayoría de los encuestados tenían un nivel bastante bajo de conocimientos generales sobre el VIH/SIDA y su prevención, poseían lo que pueden considerarse como una conducta riesgosa al respecto, y manifestaban una aceptación generalmente baja de las personas infectadas con el VIH. Además, se analizaron su comportamiento y actitud con respecto a su nivel educacional, clase ocupacional y puntuación en cuanto a conocimientos en relación con el VIH/SIDA. CONCLUSIONES: Los resultados de esta investigación ayudarán a los profesionales de la salud a desarrollar un programa educativo sensible y específico para los trabajadores campesinos migratorios. Educar a esta población será un aspecto muy importante para la prevención del VIH/SIDA en China.