Sample Of Chinese Subjects Research Articles

Cognitive deficits in subjects at risk for psychosis, first-episode and chronic schizophrenia patients

Background: Identifying the types and characteristics of cognitive deficits before the onset of schizophrenia and during its subsequent course could improve early detection and contribute to our understanding of the evolution of the core behavioral deficits underlying this disorder. Methods: This study used the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition In Schizophrenia (MATRICS) battery to identify cognitive deficits and their progression during the course of schizophrenia from genetic high risk (HRF) subjects, subjects with prodromal symptoms (prodromal), and patients with first episode (FSCZ) and multi-episode (CSCZ) schizophrenia, compared to controls, in a Chinese Han population of 267 subjects. Results: There were statistically significant cognitive deficits which first appeared in prodromal subjects which were also present in FSCZ and CSCZ. There were no statistically significant differences between controls and HRF on any cognitive measure. Deficits in Visual Learning, Speed of Processing, and Overall Cognition were significantly correlated with some symptom measures on PANSS or SIPS. There were no statistically significant differences in cognitive deficits between FSCZ and CSCZ, and on most measures the patients with schizophrenia did not show a progression to more severe cognitive deficits than the prodromal subjects. Conclusions: In this sample of Chinese subjects, prodromal subjects showed significant cognitive deficits which were similar in most domains to those found in patients with schizophrenia. Whether the pattern of cognitive deficits on the MATRICS battery found in prodromal subjects will help predict conversion to diagnosed schizophrenia or other psychotic disorders would help determine how useful this profile of cognitive deficits is as a potential endophenotype for schizophrenia.

Comments on “Inverse relationship between macular pigment optical density and axial length in Chinese subjects with myopia”

Macular pigment (MP) has been the focus of much attention in recent years, due to its protective effect against macular degenerations. In this study, we investigated the association between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and axial length (AL) in Chinese subjects with myopia. In total, 173 myopes (mean spherical equivalent [MSE] ≤ -1.00D) were recruited for this prospective observational study. MPOD was measured in both eyes of each subject using a macular metrics densitometer. AL was measured in eyes using an IOL-Master. A raw coefficient of correlation analysis and a partial correlation analysis were used to investigate the relationship between MPOD and AL. The age of the subjects ranged from 18 to 67 years. The overall mean MPOD for the cohort was 0.412 ± 0.119 (range, 0.105–0.812). The mean AL was 25.18 ± 1.08 mm (range, 23.14–28.19 mm). Using a raw coefficient of correlation, a significant inverse correlation was found between MPOD and AL (r = −0.134, p = 0.012). When using a partial correlation analysis to eliminate the impact of covariant, a significant inverse correlation was also found between MPOD and AL (r = −0.142, p = 0.008). Furthermore, when AL was divided into two groups: AL > 26 mm and AL ≤ 26 mm, a significant inverse correlation was observed between MPOD and AL in the former (r = −0.253, p = 0.029), but no significant relationship was observed between these in the latter (r = 0.104, p = 0.067). MPOD correlated inversely with AL in this sample of Chinese subjects with myopia.

Inverse relationship between macular pigment optical density and axial length in Chinese subjects with myopia

Macular pigment (MP) has been the focus of much attention in recent years, due to its protective effect against macular degenerations. In this study, we investigated the association between macular pigment optical density (MPOD) and axial length (AL) in Chinese subjects with myopia. In total, 173 myopes (mean spherical equivalent [MSE] ≤-1.00D) were recruited for this prospective observational study. MPOD was measured in both eyes of each subject using a macular metrics densitometer. AL was measured in eyes using an IOL-Master. A raw coefficient of correlation analysis and a partial correlation analysis were used to investigate the relationship between MPOD and AL. The age of the subjects ranged from 18 to 67 years. The overall mean MPOD for the cohort was 0.412 ± 0.119 (range, 0.105-0.812). The mean AL was 25.18 ± 1.08 mm (range, 23.14-28.19 mm). Using a raw coefficient of correlation, a significant inverse correlation was found between MPOD and AL (r= -0.134, p=0.012). When using a partial correlation analysis to eliminate the impact of covariant, a significant inverse correlation was also found between MPOD and AL (r= -0.142, p=0.008). Furthermore, when AL was divided into two groups: AL>26 mm and AL ≤ 26 mm, a significant inverse correlation was observed between MPOD and AL in the former (r= -0.253, p=0.029), but no significant relationship was observed between these in the latter (r=0.104, p=0.067). MPOD correlated inversely with AL in this sample of Chinese subjects with myopia.

Alcohol study on blood concentration estimation: Reliability and applicability of Widmark formula on Chinese male population

Widmark formula suggests estimating blood alcohol concentration level (BAC) on a given amount of alcohol administrated with knowledge of subject’s body weight and sex. The idea has been referenced extensively in forensic science with application in drink driving prosecution. A sample of Chinese subjects was collected in the drinking experiment, and in this study we mainly focus on the verification of the validity of Widmark formula on Chinese male population. A promising result is obtained where the extrapolated BAC measurement is directly proportional to the amount of alcohol administrated, and inversely to the subject’s body weight. The results noted in the general linear model is further supported by the nonlinear regression analysis and a concordant argument reaches by deploying the concept to the BAC level attained at peak.

Lack of Association Between the rs2664538 Polymorphism in the MMP-9 Gene and Primary Angle Closure Glaucoma in Singaporean Subjects

A recent study identified the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) rs2664538 within the MMP-9 gene with risk for acute primary angle closure glaucoma (PACG). The aim of this study was to confirm this association in Singaporean Chinese subjects with both acute and chronic PACG. This was an observational cross-sectional study. Genomic DNA was extracted from leukocytes of peripheral blood and genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and direct sequencing. The association of the SNP with PACG was evaluated using chi tests. A total of 217 subjects with PACG (consisting of 85 acute and 132 chronic PACG), and 83 normal control Chinese subjects were studied. There was no significant difference in the rs2664538 SNP allele frequencies for acute or chronic PACG subjects compared with controls. This study did not find an association between the rs2664538 polymorphism within the MMP-9 gene and PACG in this sample of Chinese subjects.

Lack of Association between Interleukin-1 Gene Cluster Polymorphisms and Glaucoma in Chinese Subjects

A recent study identified single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the IL-1 gene cluster at chromosomal locus 2q13 that were associated with reduced risk for primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) in whites. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between IL-1 SNPs and glaucoma in Chinese patients with either POAG or primary-angle closure glaucoma (PACG). Patients with POAG with a mean IOP without treatment that was consistently <21 mm Hg on diurnal testing were classified as having normal-tension glaucoma (NTG) and those with higher IOP were classified as having high-tension glaucoma (HTG). Subjects with PACG had at least 180 degrees of angle closure on gonioscopy. Genotypes were determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction digest enzymes at the following loci: IL1A (-889C/T), IL1B (+3953C/T), and IL1B (-511C/T). The association of individual SNPs with glaucoma was evaluated by using chi(2) testing. Haplotype analysis was performed with the PHASE program, with haplotype frequency estimated for combined cases and controls, assuming Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (HWE) of haplotypes. Of the Chinese subjects studies, 194 had POAG (94 NTG and 100 HTG), 125 had PACG, and 79 were normal control subjects. There was no significant difference in IL-1 SNP or allele frequencies for in subjects with POAG or PACG compared with control subjects, or between NTG and HTG. None of the common haplotypes showed any significant difference between the HTG, NTG, PACG, and normal control subjects. This study did not find an association between IL-1 gene cluster polymorphisms and glaucoma in this sample of Chinese subjects.

Recognition of depressive symptoms by Chinese subjects: The influence of acculturation and depressive experience

BackgroundWe have previously found that the level of acculturation in Chinese subjects influences reporting of depression. It is not clear to what extent such differences in reporting are a consequence of differences in the recognition of depressive symptoms. This study examined the influence of acculturation and personal depressive experience on recognition of depressive symptoms in a sample of Chinese subjects and controls in a western region. MethodA 35-item Depressive Symptom Questionnaire was given to 385 Chinese subjects, grouped according to their language preference, and 143 non-Chinese Controls all recruited from general practices. Subjects rated recognition of symptoms on a 3-point scale according to the likelihood of someone who had depression experiencing each of the 35 symptoms. Three symptom dimensions were extracted using factor analysis: core, cognitive and somatic symptoms. The influence of acculturation and previous experience of depression on these symptom dimensions was examined. ResultsThe level of acculturation in the Chinese influenced the recognition of ‘somatic’ and ‘cognitive’ symptoms, but the Chinese groups did not differ from Controls in recognition of ‘core’ symptoms. Previous experience of depression led to greater recognition of all three dimensions of symptoms, regardless of level of acculturation. ConclusionsWesternized Chinese, despite varying levels of acculturation, appeared capable of recognizing depressive symptoms as well as Control subjects. This suggests that the influence of acculturation on reporting on depressive symptoms may be due to factors other than the recognition of depression. This study has implications for the early detection of depression among the Chinese in differing geographical regions.

Macular Pigment Optical Density in a Chinese Sample

Purpose: Extensive efforts have been devoted to determining the macular pigment optical density (MPOD) in Caucasian subjects. Unfortunately, no such data in ethnic groups with naturally dark irises are currently available. In this study, we report the values in a sample of Chinese subjects. Methods: The MPOD was measured psychophysically using a densitometer at 0.25°, 0.50°, 1.00°, and 2.00° eccentricity from the foveal center in 92 Chinese subjects. Results: The spatial profile for the averaged MPOD was approximately exponential in form and showed a decline with age (r = −0.23). Subjects aged below 60 years had significantly higher averaged MPOD than those aged 60 years or above. Significant gender differences, in favor of males, were also found in the middle-age groups. Conclusions: Our study reports for the first time the MPOD in a Chinese population. Baseline information on MPOD would aid future research in preventive measures against age-related macular degeneration.