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.

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.

Detection of Asymptomatic Carotid Artery Stenosis in High-Risk Individuals of Stroke Using a Machine-Learning Algorithm

Objective Asymptomatic carotid stenosis(ACS)is closely associated to the incidence of severe cerebrovascular diseases.Early identifying the individuals with ACS and its associated risk factors could be beneficial for primary prevention of stroke.This study aimed to investigate a machine-learning algorithm for the detection of ACS among high-risk population of stroke based on the associated risk factors.Methods A novel model of machine learning was utilized to screen the associated predictors of ACS based on 30 potential risk factors.The algorithm of this model adopted a random forest pattern based on the training data and then was verified using the testing data.All of the original data were retrieved from the China National Stroke Screening and Prevention Project(CNSSPP),including demographic,clinical and laboratory characteristics.The individuals with high risk of stroke were enrolled and randomly divided into a training group and a testing group at a ratio of 4:1.The identification of carotid stenosis by carotid artery duplex scans was set as the golden standard.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve and the area under the curve(AUC)was used to evaluate the efficacy of the model in detecting ACS.Results Of 2841 high risk individual of stroke enrolled,326(11.6%)were diagnosed as ACS by ultrasonography.The top five risk fectors contributing to ACS in this model were identified as family history of dyslipidemia,high level of lowdensity lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-c),low level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-c),aging,and low body.

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.

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.

Intravitreal conbercept injection with panretinal photocoagulation for high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy with vitreous hemorrhage

AIM:To assess the clinical efficacy and safety of combining panretinal photocoagulation(PRP)with intravitreal conbercept(IVC)injections for patients with high-risk proliferative diabetic retinopathy(HR-PDR)complicated by mild or moderate vitreous hemorrhage(VH),with or without diabetic macular edema(DME).METHODS:Patients diagnosed with VH with/without DME secondary to HR-PDR and received PRP combined with IVC injections were recruited in this retrospective study.Upon establishing the patient’s diagnosis,an initial IVC was performed,followed by prompt administration of PRP.In cases who significant bleeding persisted and impeded the laser operation,IVC was sustained before supplementing with PRP.Following the completion of PRP,patients were meticulously monitored for a minimum of six months.Laser therapy and IVC injections were judiciously adjusted based on fundus fluorescein angiography(FFA)results.Therapeutic effect and the incidence of adverse events were observed.RESULTS:Out of 42 patients(74 eyes),29 were male and 13 were female,with a mean age of 59.17±12.74y(33-84y).The diabetic history was between 1wk and 26y,and the interval between the onset of visual symptoms and diagnosis of HR-PDR was 1wk-1y.The affected eye received 2.59±1.87(1-10)IVC injections and underwent 5.5±1.02(4-8)sessions of PRP.Of these,68 eyes received PRP following 1 IVC injection,5 eyes after 2 IVC injections,and 1 eye after 3 IVC injections.Complete absorption of VH was observed in all 74 eyes 5-50wk after initial treatment,with resolution of DME in 51 eyes 3-48wk after initial treatment.A newly developed epiretinal membrane was noted in one eye.Visual acuity significantly improved in 25 eyes.No complications such as glaucoma,retinal detachment,or endophthalmitis were reported.CONCLUSION:The study suggests that the combination of PRP with IVC injections is an effective and safe modality for treating diabetic VH in patients with HR-PDR.

FibroScan-aspartate transaminase:A superior non-invasive model for diagnosing high-risk metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis

BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)with hepatic histological NAFLD activity score≥4 and fibrosis stage F≥2 is regarded as“at risk”non-alcoholic steatohepatitis(NASH).Based on an international consensus,NAFLD and NASH were renamed as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease(MASLD)and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis(MASH),respectively;hence,we introduced the term“high-risk MASH”.Diagnostic values of seven non-invasive models,including FibroScan-aspartate transaminase(FAST),fibrosis-4(FIB-4),aspartate transaminase to platelet ratio index(APRI),etc.for high-risk MASH have rarely been studied and compared in MASLD.AIM To assess the clinical value of seven non-invasive models as alternatives to liver biopsy for diagnosing high-risk MASH.METHODS A retrospective analysis was conducted on 309 patients diagnosed with NAFLD via liver biopsy at Beijing Ditan Hospital,between January 2012 and December 2020.After screening for MASLD and the exclusion criteria,279 patients wereincluded and categorized into high-risk and non-high-risk MASH groups.Utilizing threshold values of each model,sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value(PPV),and negative predictive values(NPV),were calculated.Receiver operating characteristic curves were constructed to evaluate their diagnostic efficacy based on the area under the curve(AUROC).RESULTS MASLD diagnostic criteria were met by 99.4%patients with NAFLD.The MASLD population was analyzed in two cohorts:Overall population(279 patients)and the subgroup(117 patients)who underwent liver transient elastography(FibroScan).In the overall population,FIB-4 showed better diagnostic efficacy and higher PPV,with sensitivity,specificity,PPV,NPV,and AUROC of 26.9%,95.2%,73.5%,72.2%,and 0.75.APRI,Forns index,and aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase ratio(ARR)showed moderate diagnostic efficacy,whereas S index and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase to platelet ratio(GPR)were relatively weaker.In the subgroup,FAST had the highest diagnostic efficacy,its sensitivity,specificity,PPV,NPV,and AUROC were 44.2%,92.3%,82.1%,67.4%,and 0.82.The FIB-4 AUROC was 0.76.S index and GPR exhibited almost no diagnostic value for high-risk MASH.CONCLUSION FAST and FIB-4 could replace liver biopsy as more effectively diagnostic methods for high-risk MASH compared to APRI,Forns index,ARR,S index,and GPR;FAST is superior to FIB-4.

Exploration of cardiac rehabilitation nursing for elderly patients with myocardial infarction based on individualized cardiac rehabilitation

BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction is a high-risk condition prevalent among the elderly population,often leading to adverse clinical manifestations such as reduced cardiopulmonary function,anxiety,and depression post-surgery.Consequently,cardiac rehabilitation holds immense importance in mitigating these complications.AIM To evaluate the effect of individualized cardiac rehabilitation on blood pressure variability(BPV)and baroreflex sensitivity(BRS)in elderly patients with myocardial infarction.METHODS A cohort of 74 elderly patients diagnosed with myocardial infarction and admitted to our hospital between January 2021 and January 2022 were subjected to random selection.Subsequently,all patients were divided into two groups,namely the research group(n=37)and the control group(n=37),utilizing the number table method.The control group received conventional drug treatment and nursing guidance intervention,while the study group underwent individualized cardiac rehabilitation in addition to the interventions received by the control group.All patients were continuously intervened for 12 wk,and the BPV of these two groups in the 1st wk(T0),the 4th wk(T1)and the 12th wk(T2)were compared,BRS,changes in cardiopulmonary function measures,and adverse cardiovascular events.RESULTS Of 24 h diastolic BPV,24 h systolic BPV,carbon dioxide ventilation equivalent slope of the research group were lower than those of the control group at T1 and T2,BRS,peak heart rate and systolic blood pressure product,1 min heart rate recovery were higher than those of the control group,and the incidence of adverse events in the research group was lower than that of the control group,the difference was statistically significant(P<0.05).CONCLUSION In this study,we found that after individualized cardiac rehabilitation in elderly patients with myocardial infarction,BPV and BRS can be effectively improved,cardiac function is significantly enhanced,and a better prognosis is obtained.

Experimental models of high-risk bowel anastomosis in rats:A systematic review

BACKGROUND Anastomotic leaks remain one of the most dreaded complications in gastrointestinal surgery causing significant morbidity,that negatively affect the patients’quality of life.Experimental studies play an important role in understanding the pathophysiological background of anastomotic healing and there are still many fields that require further investigation.Knowledge drawn from these studies can lead to interventions or techniques that can reduce the risk of anastomotic leak in patients with high-risk features.Despite the advances in experimental protocols and techniques,designing a high-quality study is still challenging for the investigators as there is a plethora of different models used.AIM To review current state of the art for experimental protocols in high-risk anastomosis in rats.METHODS This systematic review was performed according to The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines.To identify eligible studies,a comprehensive literature search was performed in the electronic databases PubMed(MEDLINE)and Scopus,covering the period from conception until 18 October 2023.RESULTS From our search strategy 102 studies were included and were categorized based on the mechanism used to create a high-risk anastomosis.Methods of assessing anastomotic healing were extracted and were individually appraised.CONCLUSION Anastomotic healing studies have evolved over the last decades,but the findings are yet to be translated into human studies.There is a need for high-quality,well-designed studies that will help to the better understanding of the pathophysiology of anastomotic healing and the effects of various interventions.

Effects of Health Education with Problem-Based Learning Approaches on the Knowledge, Attitude, Practice and Coping Skills of Women with High-Risk Pregnancies in Plateau Areas

Objective: Given the unique cultural background, way of life, and physical environment of the Tibetan Plateau, this study aims to investigate the effects of health education using problem-based learning (PBL) approaches on the knowledge, attitude, practice, and coping skills of women with high-risk pregnancies in this region. Methods: 76 high-risk pregnancy cases were enrolled at Tibet’s Linzhi People’s Hospital between September 2023 and April 2024. 30 patients admitted between September 2023 and December 2023 were selected as the control group and were performed with regular patient education. 46 patients admitted between January 2024 and April 2024 were selected as the observation group and were performed regular patient education with problem-based learning approaches. Two groups’ performance on their health knowledge, attitude, practice and coping skills before and after interventions were evaluated, and patient satisfaction were measured at the end of the study. Results: There was no statistical significance (P P P Conclusions: Health education with problem-based learning approaches is worth promoting as it can help high-risk pregnant women in plateau areas develop better health knowledge, attitude and practice and healthier coping skills. Also, it can improve patient sanctification.

Application of patient-derived tumor models in anticancer drug development and individualized medicine

Malignant tumor is the second leading cause of death due to its high incidence, lack of effective treatment and poor prognosis. The evaluation of anticancer drugs used to based on NCI-60 cell line models, but the limited heterogeneity and the divorce from clinical practice of models lead to extremely low success rate of novel anticancer drugs during clinical trials (less than 10%). In recent years, because of the high heterogeneity and human derived tumor matrix, patient-derived tumor models have been gradually applied to the preclinical evaluation of various antitumor drugs, which shows certain advantages in predicting the clinical efficacy of antitumor drugs. Optimize the drug combination through patient-derived tumor models to achieve individualized medicine has gradually become an indispensable strategy in clinical cancer therapy. The current review summarized the development of patient-derived tumor models, characterized the application, advantages and challenges of them in preclinical antitumor drug evaluation and clinical precise medicine, which will provide a scientific basis and novel insights for further basic research, drug development and clinical application.

Application Value of NLR,PLR,LMR,HEART score,and POCT in Early Warning and Accurate Graded Diagnosis of High-Risk Chest Pain in Emergency Medicine

Objective: To evaluate the application value of neutrophils/lymphocytes (NLR), platelets/lymphocytes (PLR), lymphocytes/monocytes (LMR), HEART (history, electrocardiogram, age, risk factors, and troponin) score, and point-of- care testing (POCT) in the early warning and precise diagnosis of high-risk chest pain in emergency medicine. Methods: A total of 157 patients with acute chest pain who were admitted to the emergency department and chest pain treatment unit of our hospital between August 2022 and September 2023 were selected. Rapid testing of bedside myocardial markers (ultrasensitive troponin (hs-cTnI), myoglobin (MYO), creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB), D-dimer (D-Dimer), and N-terminal B-type natriuretic peptide precursor (NT-proBNP)) was performed on the patients using a POCT device (ThermoKing BioMQ60proB). A HEART score was used to classify the patients into low (n = 53), intermediate (n = 59), and high-risk (n = 45) groups, and the NLR, PLR, and LMR were calculated. The NLR, PLR, and LMR values were compared among the three groups of patients, and the optimal cutoff values as well as sensitivity and specificity were determined based on receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Results: The HEART scores of patients in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were (2.72 ± 0.24), (4.75 ± 0.56), and (5.32 ± 0.73) respectively, and the differences were statistically significant (P < 0.05). Compared with the low-risk group, the intermediate-risk group and high-risk group had a significantly higher NLR and PLR, and a significantly lower LMR;the high-risk group had higher NLR and PLR and lower values of LMR as compared to the other two groups, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). The ROC curves suggested that the area under the curve, sensitivity, and specificity of the combined diagnosis of NLR, PLR, LMR, HEART score, and POCT were greater than those of LR, PLR, and LMR with HEART score and POCT alone. Conclusion: The combined application of NLR, PLR, LMR, HEART score, and POCT has significant application value in the early warning and precise diagnosis of emergency high-risk chest pain. It provides a more simple, easy-to-access, and efficient assessment index for the clinical prediction and treatment of emergency high- risk chest pain.

Research Progress on Individualized Treatment of Splenic Aneurysm

Splenic artery aneurysm has a hidden onset and atypical symptoms.There are various diagnostic methods for splenic aneurysms,among which ultrasound is the first choice for aneurysm screening.The diagnostic rate of CTA and DSA reaches 100%.In clinical practice,it is necessary to integrate medical history,symptoms and signs,and multiple imaging results to improve the diagnostic rate.In terms of treatment plans,both intervention and surgical procedures have their strengths,and the application of intervention will be more extensive.We need to adhere to the principle of individualization and choose a reasonable treatment plan for patients.At present,there are many reports on pregnant women with large splenic aneurysms both domestically and internationally.Some scholars believe that large splenic aneurysms may be related to hormonal imbalances during pregnancy,and the specific pathogenic mechanism will become a hot topic in future research.

阐释《建设学习型城市北京宣言》的第一承诺——“Empowering Individuals and Promoting Social Cohesion”的意涵和践履

2013年10月"首届国际学习型城市大会"在北京隆重召开。102个国家的500多名代表一致通过了《建设学习型城市北京宣言》。其中有十二项承诺,而第一承诺便是"Empowering Individuals and Promoting Social Cohesion"(促进个体赋权增能和增强社会凝聚)。何谓"赋权增能"和"社会凝聚"不能从简单的汉译来理解,需从词源来准确辨析,更需要从政治学、社会学、法学、心理学等角度领略其深刻的内涵。"赋权增能"与"社会凝聚"有密切的内在联系,其指向目标、目的、效能等核心价值构成完整体系。学习型城市建设与"赋权增能"和"社会凝聚"有着高度的重要关联。在改革开放的今天,践履"第一承诺"已经成为我国唯一选择。怎样践履这一庄严承诺,《北京宣言》指出了基本路向,在表达教育机会、基本能力、社会参与、性别平等、贫富差距、社区建设等兑现承诺的特定语境中,充分揭示了《北京宣言》将"赋权增能"、"社会凝聚"作为第一承诺的理由和重要意义。这应是对《北京宣言》第一承诺的完整理解。

LOCAL GOVERNMENT,ENTERPRISES AND INDIVIDUALS:ECONOMIC TRANSFORMATION IN THE PEARL RIVER DELTA—A Case Study in Beijiao Township,Shunde City

The Pearl River(Zhujiang)Delta(PRD)has been a focal point in reform era ac ademic circles not only for its dramatic industrial growth but a lso the simultaneous agricultural development.Unlike most of existing research on the PRDeconomic development and transformation fromthe whole region level,this paper explored this question f romthe perspec-tive of a township using Beijiao in Shunde City as a case study.Unlike the c onclusions of existing studies whic h attribute the regional economic transition to the macro factors,particularly the influence of external investment,t his research re-veals that at the level of township,t he local government,the town-villa ge owned enterprises and the individ uals have been playing remarkable roles in local economic transformation.In the early stage since the economic reform,Beijiao township government,replacing the central a nd provincial governments before,b egan to manipulate the development o f town-village owned enterprises and lead the local economic transformation from agricultural to industrial dominated.As the town-village owned enterprises grew during the later years,they gra dually acted as the main dominant pla yer leading the local agricultural and industrial growth.At the same time the individuals in Beijiao were playing more in dependent role to gain their most profits.While the local government changed to be t he real manager of local economies.S o the local economic transition was not entirely externally driven.In another word,the“driven from outsidemodel can not totally explain the economic fact in this specific region.

Fatty acid analysis in the seeds of 50 Paeonia ostii individuals from the same population

Tree peony seeds are rich in α-linolenic acid(ALA), and the peony seed oil is now being produced in China. Paeonia ostii is the most widely used tree peony species for oil extraction, which is commercially called Fengdan and treated as a single cultivar. Here, 50 P. ostii individuals from the same population in northern China were randomly selected for fatty acids(FAs) analysis. Thirteen FAs were isolated, and the most abundant five were palmitic acid(5.31–6.99%), stearic acid(1.22–2.76%), oleic acid(18.78–28.15%), linoleic acid(11.86–26.10%), and ALA(41.11–57.51%). There were significant individual differences of plants in FA quality and quantity and the linoleic acid content in Plant No. 48 even exceeded the scope of 1–99%. Further statistical analysis indicated that most of the individual FAs, saturated FAs, unsaturated FAs, and total FAs levels showed significant positive correlations to each other, whereas the seed yield per plant was independent and not correlated to the factors mentioned above. Ward’s hierarchical clustering results grouped the 50 plants into four clusters based on FA contents and seed yield, and the seven plants in Cluster IV were identified as good candidates for oil production. Our results confirmed that the individual differences did occur in P. ostii and Fengdan cannot be simply treated as one uniform cultivar. Also, these results may help simplify the selection of plants for oil peony breeding and accelerate the development of the oil peony industry.

Short Form of Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale(NSS-SF): Reliability, Validity and Gender Invariance among Chinese Individuals

Objective Independent from noise exposure, noise sensitivity plays a pivotal role in people＇s noise annoyance perception and concomitant health deteriorations. The present study empirically investigated the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the Weinstein Noise Sensitivity Scale-Short Form （CNSS-SF）, the widely used inventory measuring individual differences in noise perception.Methods In total, 373 Chinese participants （age = 21.41 ± 3.36） completed the online, anonymous questionnaire package. Examination of the CNSS-SF＇s reliability （internal consistency）, factorial validity through validation and cross-validation, nomological validity and measurement invariance across gender groups were undertaken.Results The Cronbach alpha coefficients and composite reliabilities indicated sufficient reliability of the CNSS-SF. Two confirmatory factor analyses （CFA）, in two randomly partitioned groups of participants, substantiated the factorial validity of the scale. The nomological validity of the scale was also corroborated by the significant positive association of its score with the trait anxiety score. Measurement invariance of the CNSS-SF was also found across genders via multi-group CFA.Conclusion Though not without limitations, findings from the present research provide promising evidence for the utility of the scale in measuring noise sensitivity among the Chinese population. The availability of the CNSS-SF can promote research related to environmental noise and health in China, as well as facilitate cross-cultural comparisons.

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.

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.

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.