Impact of asymptomatic infected individuals on epidemic transmission dynamics in multiplex networks with partial coupling

The theory of network science has attracted great interest of many researchers in the realm of biomathematics and public health,and numerous valuable epidemic models have been developed.In previous studies,it is common to set up a one-to-one correspondence between the nodes of a multi-layer network,ignoring the more complex situations in reality.In the present work,we explore this situation by setting up a partially coupled model of a two-layer network and investigating the impact of asymptomatic infected individuals on epidemics.We propose a self-discovery mechanism for asymptomatic infected individuals,taking into account situations such as nucleic acid testing in the community and individuals performing self-antigen testing during the epidemic.Considering these factors together,through the microscopic Markov chain approach(MMCA)and extensive Monte Carlo(MC)numerical simulations,we find that the greater the coupling between the networks,the more information dissemination is facilitated.In order to control the epidemics,more asymptomatic infected individuals should be made aware of their infection.Massive adoption of nucleic acid testing and individual adoption of antigenic self-testing can help to contain epidemic outbreaks.Meanwhile,the epidemic threshold of the proposed model is derived,and then miscellaneous factors affecting the epidemic threshold are also discussed.Current results are conducive to devising the prevention and control policies of pandemics.

Characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine constitution types among elderly individuals in China:A national multistage cluster random study Author links open overlay panel

Objective:To reveal the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution among elderly individuals in China.Methods: Elderly individuals from seven regions in China were selected as samples in this study using a multistage cluster random sampling method.The basic information questionnaire and Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire(Elderly Edition)were used.Descriptive statistical analysis,chi-squared tests,and binary logistic regression analysis were used.Results: The single balanced constitution(BC)accounted for 23.9%.The results of the major TCM constitution types showed that BC(43.2%)accounted for the largest proportion and unbalanced constitutions ranged from 0.9%to 15.7%.East China region(odds ratio[OR]=2.097;95%confidence interval[CI],1.912 to 2.301),married status(OR=1.341;95%CI,1.235 to 1.457),and managers(OR=1.254;95%CI,1.044 to 1.505)were significantly associated with BC.Age>70 years was associated with qi-deficiency constitution and blood stasis constitution(BSC).Female sex was significantly associated with yang-deficiency constitution(OR=1.646;95%CI,1.52 to 1.782).Southwest region was significantly associated with phlegm-dampness constitution(OR=1.809;95%CI,1.569 to 2.086).North China region was significantly associated with inherited special constitution(OR=2.521;95%CI,1.569 to 4.05).South China region(OR=2.741;95%CI,1.997 to 1.3.763),Central China region(OR=8.889;95%CI,6.676 to 11.835),senior middle school education(OR=2.442;95%CI,1.932 to 3.088),and managers(OR=1.804;95%CI,1.21 to 2.69)were significantly associated with BSC.Conclusions: This study defined the distribution characteristics and demographic factors of TCM constitution in the elderly population.Adjusting and improving unbalanced constitutions,which are correlated with diseases,can help promote healthy aging through the scientific management of these demographic factors.

Intracranial magnetic resonance venography in healthy individuals:normal anatomy and variations of the cerebral venous system

Objective:To evaluate the basic appearance and variation of the venous sinuses and veins in healthy individuals.Methods:Prospectively-recruited healthy volunteers completed a questionnaire and underwent magnetic resonance imaging plus contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance venography(CE-MRV)to measure their sinus diameters.Anatomical variations of cerebral venous sinuses were evaluated.Results:Fifty-eight individuals were included.The mean diameter of the left transverse sinus(LTS)(5.37±1.35 mm)was significantly smaller than that of the right transverse sinus(RTS)(6.65±1.57 mm)(P<0.001),and the average discrepancy was 19.2%.RTS dominance was noted in 55.1%of cases.Four superior sagittal sinus(SSS)anatomical variations were found.Type A was the most common and was present in 43 participants(74.1%).The SSS preferentially drained into the RTS in 32 patients(55.2%),and arachnoid granulation was observed in the transverse sinus(TS)and SSS in patients.According to our reclassification combined with Osborn’s previous research,we found that the SSS commonly drained into the RTS and that the straight sinus(StS)branched into both TSs.Conclusions:A 19%difference between the LTS and RTS provides a threshold for TS lateral dominance instead of a TS abnormality.Clinicians and radiologists should not ignore the influence of acquired pathology when the SSS drains in a non-RTS-dominant manner.Anatomical variations of the torcular herophili are frequent;the most commonly observed was the StS branching into both TSs,with the SSS draining into the RTS.

The Conflict between Individuals and Society in Seize the Day

This paper explores the existential problem in Seize the Day-the conflict between individuals and society in modern society.With a brief introduction of Saul Bellow and the novel,the paper emphasizes the analysis of the conflict and the sources of the conflict.Besides,Saul Bellow uses many rhetorical devices to intensify the conflict.The analysis of these rhetorical devices is beneficial for us to interpret and understand the true meaning of the novel.Through the study of Bellow’s vision and the novel’s metaphorical meaning,we may find an effective solution to the conflict that our human being is involved in,and realize the social values of this novel.

Edible mushrooms as a potent therapeutics of subclinical thyroid dysfunction among adults,especially in obese individuals:a prospective cohort study

Background:Mushrooms are a good source of many nutrients which are potentially beneficial for chronic diseases.We speculated that due to its abundant nutrients edible mushrooms might have a beneficial effect on the prevention of subclinical thyroid dysfunction(SCTD).Therefore,we designed a large-scale cohort study to examine whether mushrooms consumption is a protective factor for SCTD in adults.Methods:This prospective cohort study investigated 6631 participants(mean age:(45.0±10.2)years;55.1%men).Edible mushrooms consumption was measured at baseline using a validated food frequency questionnaire.SCTD was defined as abnormal serum thyroid-stimulating hormone levels and normal free thyroxine.Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the association of edible mushrooms consumption with incident SCTD.Results:During follow-up period,a total of 262 new cases of SCTD were identified,the incidence rate of subclinical hypothyroidism was 8.9/1000 person-years and subclinical hyperthyroidism was 7.2/1000 person-years.After adjusting potential confounding factors,the multivariable hazard ratios(95%confidence intervals)for subclinical hypothyroidism were 1.00(reference)for almost never,0.53(0.29,0.97)for 1-3 times/week and 0.30(0.10,0.87)for≥4 times/week(P for trend=0.02).It also showed edible mushrooms consumption was inversely associated with subclinical hypothyroidism in obese individuals but not non-obese individuals,the final hazard ratios(95%confidence intervals)were 0.14(0.03,0.73)(P for trend<0.01).Conclusions:This population-based prospective cohort study has firstly demonstrated that higher edible mushrooms consumption was significantly associated with lower incidence of subclinical hypothyroidism among general adult population,especially in obese individuals.

Characterization of Atypical Individuals of Lannea in Burkina Faso

Background and Objectives: The species to the Lannea genus are trees, shrubs with compound leaves. Thus, individuals called atypical Lannea with single leaves and of socio-economic interests have been identified in the central plateau region (Burkina Faso). This study aimed to contribute to the identification of atypical species. Material and Methods: The Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) method using specific primers was performed and consisted of extracting DNA from young leaves of Lannea individuals, amplifying and then sequencing portions of discriminating DNA (matK, rbcL and rps16). Results: It was shown that individuals belong to the Lannea genus, but are subdivided into three subgroups: a first subgroup containing Lannea microcarpa and two subgroups with no previously identified Lannea species. Conclusion: These atypical individuals are ecotypes or mutants of Lannea microcarpa.

Research on Tissue Culture and Rapid Propagation Technology of Superior Individuals of Lonicera edulis Turcz

[Objective] This paper aimed to study the tissue culture and rapid propagation technology of superior individuals of Lonicera edulis Turcz. [Method] Several superior individuals of Lonicera edulis Turcz were used as materials for selecting the primary medium, subculture medium, rooting medium and acclimatization substrate during the tissue culture and rapid propagation. [Result] 6-BA was the optimal cytokinin for tissue culture of Lonicera edulis Turcz, compared with ZT; modified MS＋1.0 mg/L of 6-BA ＋ 0.2 mg/L of IBA was the optimal medium as primary and subculture medium, modified MS＋ 1.5 mg/L of IBA was the optimal medium for rooting of Lonicera edulis Turcz, the rooting rate had achieved 100% after cultured for 30 d. The optimal substrate for transplanting plantlets of Lonicera edulis Turcz was composed of humus and perlite （1∶ 1, V/V）, survival rate was as high as 95% after 30 d. [Conclusion] This study provided basis for the rapid propagation of superior seedlings of Lonicera edulis Turcz, as well as the establishment of industrialized breeding technical system and the implementation of scale production.

Screening for pancreatic cancer in familial high-risk individuals: A systematic review

AIM:To analyze the benefits and harms of pancreatic cancer screening in familial high-risk individuals(HRIs).METHODS:Studies were identified by searching PubMed,EBSCO,ClinicalTrials.gov and the Cochrane database from database inception to June 2014.We also obtained papers from the reference lists of pertinent studies and systematic reviews.Englishlanguage trials and observational studies were searched.The key words used as search terms were "screening" and "surveillance".Cost-effectiveness,diagnostic rate,survival rate,mortality and adverse events were the outcomes of interest.Age,sex,lifestyle and other confounding factors were also considered.However,anticipating only a few of these studies,we also included observational studies with or without control groups.We also included studies concerning the anxiety associated with pancreatic cancer risk and other psychological changes in familial HRIs.We extracted details on study design,objectives,population characteristics,inclusion criteria,year of enrollment,method of screening,adjusted and unadjusted mortality,cost-effectiveness and adverse events from the included studies.Studies were assessed using the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology(STROBE) checklist.RESULTS:Sixteen studies on pancreatic cancer screening were included.Five studies included control groups,nine were observational studies without control groups,and the other two studies investigated the worry associated with pancreatic cancer risk.We found that pancreatic cancer screening resulted in a high curative resection rate(60%vs 25%,P = 0.011),longer median survival time(14.5 mo vs 4 mo,P < 0.001),and higher 3-year survival rate(20%vs 15.0%,P =0.624).We also found that familial HRIs had a higher diagnostic rate of pancreatic tumors than controls(34%vs 7.2%,P< 0.001).In patients who underwent regular physical examinations,more stage I pancreatic cancers were observed(19%vs 2.6%,P= 0.001).In addition,endoscopic ultrasonography,which was the main means of detection,diagnosed 64.3%of pancreatic cancers.In comparison,endoscopic retrograde cannulation of the pancreas,magnetic resonance imaging,and computed tomography diagnosed 28.6%,42.9%,and21.4%,respectively.For mass lesions,instant surgery was recommended because of the beneficial effects of post-operative chemotherapy.However,in patients with intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms,we did not find a significant difference in outcome between surgery and follow-up without treatment.Moreover,pancreatic cancer screening in familial HRIs had a greater perceived risk of pancreatic cancer(P< 0.0001),higher levels of anxiety regarding pancreatic cancer(P< 0.0001),and increased economic burden.CONCLUSION:Pancreatic cancer screening in familial HRIs is associated with a higher detection rate and longer survival,although screening may influence psychological function and increase the economic burden.

Methods and outcomes of screening for pancreatic adenocarcinoma in high-risk individuals

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC) is a lethal neoplasia, for which secondary prevention(i.e., screening) is advisable for high-risk individuals with "familiar pancreatic cancer" and with other specific genetic syndromes(Peutz-Jeghers, p16, BRCA2, PALB and mismatch repair gene mutation carriers). There is limited evidence regarding the accuracy of screening tests, their acceptability, costs and availability, and agreement on whom to treat. Successful target of screening are small resectable PDAC, intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasms with high-grade dysplasia and advanced pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia. Both magnetic resonance imaging(MRI) and endoscopic ultrasound(EUS) are employed for screening, and the overall yield for pre-malignant or malignant pancreatic lesions is of about 20% with EUS and 14% with MRI/magnetic resonance colangiopancreatography. EUS performs better for solid and MRI for cystic lesions. However, only 2% of these detected lesions can be considered a successful target, and there are insufficient data demonstrating that resection of benign or low grade lesions improves survival. Many patients in the published studies therefore seemed to have received an overtreatment by undergoing surgery. It is crucial to better stratify the risk of malignancy individually, and to better define optimal screening intervals and methods either with computerized tools or molecular biomarkers, possibly in large multicentre studies. At the moment, screening should be carefully performed within research protocols at experienced centres, offering involved individuals medical and psychological advice.

Shifting perspectives-interplay between non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and insulin resistance in lean individuals

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has become a significant public health burden affecting not only obese individuals but also people with normal weight.As opposed to previous beliefs,this particular subset of patients has an increased risk of all-cause mortality and worse outcomes than their obese counterparts.The development of NAFLD in lean subjects seems to be interconnected with metabolic phenotype,precisely visceral fat tissue,sarcopenia,and insulin resistance.Here,we summarize available data focusing on the co-dependent relationship between metabolic phenotype,insulin resistance,and development of NAFLD in lean individuals,suggesting more appropriate tools for measuring body fat distribution for the screening of patients at risk.

Modelling the Effect of Self-Immunity and the Impacts of Asymptomatic and Symptomatic Individuals on COVID-19 Outbreak

COVID-19 is one of themost highly infectious diseases ever emerged and caused by newly discovered severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2).It has already led the entire world to health and economic crisis.It has invaded the whole universe all most every way.The present study demonstrates with a nine mutually exclusive compartmental model on transmission dynamics of this pandemic disease(COVID-19),with special focus on the transmissibility of symptomatic and asymptomatic infection from susceptible individuals.Herein,the compartmental model has been investigated with mathematical analysis and computer simulations in order to understand the dynamics of COVID-19 transmission.Initially,mathematical analysis of the model has been carried out in broadly by illustrating some well-known methods including exactness,equilibrium and stability analysis in terms of basic reproduction number.We investigate the sensitivity of the model with respect to the variation of the parameters’values.Furthermore,computer simulations are performed to illustrate the results.Our analysis reveals that the death rate from coronavirus disease increases as the infection rate increases,whereas infection rate extensively decreases with the increase of quarantined individuals.The quarantined individuals also lead to increase the concentration of recovered individuals.However,the infection rate of COVID-19 increases more surprisingly as the rate of asymptomatic individuals increases than that of the symptomatic individuals.Moreover,the infection rate decreases significantly due to increase of self-immunity rate.

Lewin Behavior Model-Based Study on Influence Factors of Individuals to Mobile Service Demand

How to fmd main influence factors of individuals to mobile service demand is investiga- ted. The empirical research is conducted in the sample of high-value customers in China mobile market. Based on Lewin behavior model, this pa- per establishes factors-matrix from personal and environmental dimensions. Relationships among multiple factors are tested in the structural equa- tion model and their impacts on customers＇ de- mands are elaborated. Findings indicate that opera- tional convenience and business brand image have significant effects on sample users＇ demands. Fur- thermore, annual income, gender, occupation, the needs of access to information and the needs of enriching and improving social relationships are al- so important factors for high-value users. The re- suits may provide further insights into mobile service demand and the model can be popularized to other behavior researches.

Screening for Melanocortin 4 Receptor Mutations in Chinese Extremely Obese Individuals

Accumulating evidence indicates that overweight and obesity are the major international public health concern. Obesity is a major independent risk factor for chronic diseases, such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, stroke, and certain cancer. Disease burden due to obesity has been dramatically increasing in many countries including China in the past years. According to the Nationwide Health and Nutrition Survey （CHNS）, the prevalence of overweight and obesity among men and women in China increased by 27.6% and 8.8%, respectively, from 1993 to 2009.

Incidence of Interpersonal Violence among Individuals with Drug Addiction Receiving Compulsory Treatment: A Survey at Two Drug Detention Centers in Hunan, China

Drug dependence is a serious global health problem.To assist individuals with drug addiction,China alone has established 678 Compulsory Detoxification Detention Centers （CDDCs） that treat over300,000i ndividuals who are required by national law to receive compulsory treatment;because community-based outpatient treatment failed.

Mutagenicity of Urine From Individuals Exposed to LPG Combustion Products

The mutngenicity of urine from individua1s exposed to the combustion products of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) was detected with Salmonella typhimurium TA98 and its newly developed derivatives YG1021 (nitroreductase overproducing) and YG1024 (O-acetyltransferase overproducing). The detection showed significantly increased mutagenicity for the two YG strains and increased positive rates for all three stralns in the presence of both rat liver S9 and β-glucuronidase. Further analysis demonstrated that urine samples taken from smoking and non-smoking exposed individuals exhibited significantly higher mutagenic potency (revertants/10 μl urine concentrate) than their corresponding controls. These results indicate that the increased urine mutagenicity is caused by the exposure to LPG combustion products or smoking. The mutagenic potency of urine samples of all exposed individuals tested with YG1024 was found to be about 7 times higher than with TA98. The difference in mutagenic potency was smaller for the sarne samples when comparison was made between YG1021 and TA98. This suggests that the mutagenic compounds present in the urine samples contaln mainly arotnatic compounds as glucuronide conugates. our results demonstrate that YG1024 is more sensitive than TA98 in detecting the mutagenicity of these samples. In addition, no significant difference in the mutagenic poency between the' pure' exposed (non-srnokers') and the ' pure' smokers' (unexpeed) samples was found in all three tester strains. This might mean that the exopure extent Of mutagens/carcinogens in LPG combustion products for exmped individuals roughly corresponds to the smoking level of smokers who smoke 20-40 cigarettes per day. Furthermore, the results also suggest that sguergism might exist in the mutagenic effects of exposure to LPG combustion products and cigarette smoking.

THE ALTERNATIVE PATHWAY OF HUMAN T CELL ACTIVATION BY MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES(A COMPARATIVE STUDY BETWEEN NORMAL INDIVIDUALS AND CANCER PATIENTS)

This paper described T cell proliferative response by an alternative pathway in normal subjects and In patients with malignant diseases. Two McAbs, Anti-CCTl and Lo-CD2-act recognizing two distinct epitopes on E-receptor (CD2) were used to costimulate PBMC. Proliferative responsiveness was measured by 3H-thymidine incorporation. It was found that 82% of 72 nonnal subjects gave proliferative response whereas only 23% of the 93 patients did. The average cpm±SD in patients with bladder cancer (118±2314), kidney cancer (1619±2719) or lymphoma (2518±4057) was significantly lower than that in normal subjects (4935±2314), (P<0.001). These results indicate that T cell proliferation through the alternative pathway was significantly depressed in patients with cancer, and this can be used as a new parameter to monitor the immune status of cancer patients.

Comment on “The diurnal variation pattern of choroidal thickness in macular region of young healthy female individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography”

Dear Editor,We have read and reviewed the article entitled＂The diurnal variation pattern of choroidal thickness in macular region of young healthy female individuals using spectral domain optical coherence tomography＂by Zhao et al^（[1]）with great interest.

Quantitative Structural Models to Assess Credit Risk on Individuals

Default Probabilities quantitatively measures the credit risk that a borrower will be unable or unwilling to repay its debt. An accurate model to estimate, as a function of time, these default probabilities is of crucial importance in the credit derivatives market. In this work, we adapt Merton’s [1] original works on credit risk, consumption and portfolio rules to model an individual wealth scenario, and apply it to compute this individual default probabilities. Using our model, we also compute the time depending individual default intensities, recovery rates, hazard rate and risk premiums. Hence, as a straight-forward application, our model can be used as novel way to measure the credit risk of individuals.

Genotyping and Antifungal Susceptibility Profile of Sequential Candida albicans Isolated from the Oral Cavity of HIV-Infected Individuals

Objective： The study aimed to evaluate the genotypic profiles of C. albicans （Candida albicans） sequentially isolated throughout the course of HIV infections, and to determine its MIC （minimal inhibitory concentrations） to AMB （amphotericin B）, FLC （fluconazole）, KTC （ketoconazole）, and ITC （itraconazole）. Design： samples were collected from the oral cavity of HIV-positive individuals during 4 years, with a sterilized swab. MIC was performed by using the microdilution method AFST/EUCAST. The genetic similarities within and between sequential clones of C. albicans were assessed by DNA fingerprinting using the random amplification ofpolymorphic DNA technique. Results： A total of 142 oral samples were isolated from 59 HIV-infected individuals who attempted up to five visits each, with or without symptoms of oropharyngeal candidiasis. Profile analysis revealed that yeasts isolated over sequential visits from symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals showed 78% or 87% relatedness, respectively. The degree of similarity among C. albicans was higher for isolates from colonization than for those from infection. Genetically identical C. albicans samples also formed connected subelusters in sequential visits. In regard to susceptibility profile, all isolates were susceptible to AMB, FLC, KTC, and ITC and maintained this pattern all along, no differences in MICs of any given antifungal compound were observed for sequential C. albicans isolates. Conclusions： These data suggest that genotype and susceptibility to antifimgal drugs were maintained over time in sequentially isolates of C. albicans colonization and a diverse evolutionary genetic trend in C. albicans sequentially isolated from the oral eandidiasis of HIV infected individuals.

Reproducibility of Heart Rate Recovery in Individuals with Low Heart Rate Recovery Response

Objective: To examine the reproducibility of HRR in healthy individuals with slow HRR response undergoing routine annual checkups. Method: HRR data (>18 b/min;Group 1 and 18 b/min;Group 2) were analyzed using a fixed-effects regression model adjusted for age and gender, including random effects group-specific slopes on age. Results: One hundred and thirteen individuals (56.5 ± 9.2 y), underwent 573 cumulative ESTs with an average of 5.1 ± 1.6 tests per individual during a 21-year retrospective follow-up. No differences were found in anthropometric measurements and blood variables. All individuals achieved 94% ± 7.7% of age-predicted HR max at peak EST. Group 2 demonstrated 38% of inconsistent HRR. Regression analysis demonstrated a decrease of 0.5 b/min, on average across individuals, in HRR per each extra year of age. The random effects showed an inter-subject SD level of 9.91 b/min and an SD on the age slope of 0.40 b/min/year. Conclusion: HRR showed low reproducibility in nearly 40% of tests, which was not reflected by the variation of HR nor in the slope of age during a 21-year retrospective follow-up.