Abstract Background and aims Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multisystem disease closely linked to cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to investigate the connection between early-stage NAFLD and atherosclerosis, as well as the correlation between liver fibrosis and coronary heart disease while exploring underlying inflammatory mechanisms. Methods In this retrospective study, the authors analyzed data from 607 patients who underwent both coronary computed tomography angiography (CCTA) and abdominal ultrasonography (US). Logistic regression was utilized to examine the association between NAFLD and atherosclerosis, while mediation analysis was conducted to explore whether inflammatory markers mediate the link between liver fibrosis and coronary artery disease. Results Among the 607 patients included, 237 (39.0 %) were diagnosed with NAFLD through ultrasonography. After adjusting for traditional cardiovascular risk factors, ALT, and AST, NAFLD demonstrated a significant correlation with carotid intimal thickening (1.58, 95 % CI 1.04‒2.40; p= 0.034) and non-calcified plaque (1.56, 95 % CI 1.03‒2.37; p= 0.038). Additionally, fibrosis predictive markers, including FIB-4 > 1.3 (1.06, 95 % CI 2.30‒5.00; p= 0.035) and APRI (6.26, 95 % CI 1.03‒37.05; p= 0.046), independently correlated with coronary heart disease after adjusting for cardiovascular risk factors. Conversely, among systemic inflammatory markers, only the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) are independently associated with coronary heart disease. ROC curve analysis indicated that combining predictive fibrosis markers or inflammatory markers with traditional cardiovascular risk factors enhanced the predictive accuracy for coronary heart disease. Mediation analysis revealed that NLR fully mediated the effect of liver fibrosis on coronary heart disease. Conclusion NAFLD is associated with carotid intimal thickening and non-calcified plaque, suggesting an increased cardiovascular risk. Furthermore, liver fibrosis independently increases the risk of coronary heart disease in the early-stage NAFLD population, and inflammation may play a fully mediating role in the effect of liver fibrosis on coronary heart disease. Early intervention is crucial for NAFLD patients to mitigate future major adverse cardiovascular events.

Abstract Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) can produce extracellular polysaccharides that can be used as thickeners, emulsifiers, and gels in foods. The immobilization technology can effectively simplify and improve the separation and regeneration of extracellular polysaccharides. In this study, six strains of LAB, including the extracellular polysaccharide-producing strain Lactobacillus plantarum, were screened. The different immobilized carriers of sodium alginate, agar, gelatin-glutaraldehyde, and carrageenan were assessed for fermentation by these six LAB. Different diameters of beads were selected, and the optimum culture temperature, carrier concentration, and inoculum volume were evaluated. The results showed that the agar-embedding method was the best immobilization method and the optimum process conditions were as follows: 3% inoculum of L. plantarum, 30 g/L of agar as immobilization carrier with a particle diameter of 1 cm, and fermentation at 37 °C for 24 h. Through orthogonal experiments, the maximum exopolysaccharide (EPS) yield obtained was 1489.9 mg/L.

ABSTRACT Introduction To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a novel penile circumcision suturing devices PCSD and Shang ring (SR) for circumcision in an adult population. Materials and Methods A total of 124 outpatients were randomly assigned to receive PCSD (n=62) or SR (n=62). Patient characteristics, operative time, blood loss, return to normal activities time (RNAT), visual analogue scale (VAS), scar width, wound healing time, cosmetic result, and complications were recorded. Results There were no significant differences in blood loss, RNAT, or complications between the two groups. There were no significant differences in the VAS scores at the operation, at 6 or 24 hours after surgery (P>0.05). The wound scar width was wider in the SR group than in the PCSD group (P<0.01). Patients in the SR group had significantly longer wound healing time compared with those in the PCSD group (P<0.01). Patients who underwent PCSD were significantly more satisfied with the cosmetic results (P<0.01). Conclusions SR and PCSD are safe and effective minimally invasive techniques for adult male circumcision. Compared with SRs, PCSDs have the advantages of faster postoperative incision healing and a good effect on wound cosmetics.

A subway train-steel spring floating slab track-tunnel coupling dynamic model, considering short and middle-long wavelength random track irregularities, and longitudinal connection between adjacent slabs of steel spring floating slab track, was developed. And the influence of slab length on dynamic characteristics of the system under different track conditions and train speeds are theoretically studied. The calculated results show: (1) In general, the acceleration of each component of the coupled system decreases with the increase of slab length under the perfectly smooth track condition; (2) Slab length has different influence laws on acceleration of each component of subway train-steel spring floating slab track-tunnel coupled system under random irregularity of track condition. The lower the dominant frequency distribution of vibration acceleration is, the higher influence slab length has; (3) With the increase of slab length, the force of rail, fastener and steel spring also decreases significantly, which helps to lengthen the service life of these components; (4) With the increase of slab length, the longitudinal bending moment of slab increases sharply at first, then it begins to drop slightly. When slab length exceeds the distance between two bogies of a vehicle, the longitudinal bending moment of slab changes little; (5) Slab length has significant influence on the dynamic force and displacement of the coupled system when train speed is higher.

The normalized correlation function C(s) and the associated relaxation time Tc of the mutualism system in the presence of noise and time delay are investigated. The effects of noise and time delay on C(s) and Tc for a mutualism system are discussed. Based on the numerical computation, it is found that: (i) The noise intensity D slows down the the fluctuation decay of species density firstly and then enhances it. (ii) The time delay τ slows down the fluctuation decay of species density while the mean nterspecies interaction intensity J speeds up the fluctuation decay of species density.

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the age-specific disability weight of chronic schistosomiasis japonica in China. METHODS: Between October 2004 and January 2005, residents from two schistosome-endemic counties were screened for Schistosoma japonicum infection using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Disability and morbidity were assessed in seropositive individuals using the European quality of life questionnaire with an additional cognitive dimension (known as the "EQ-5D plus") and ultrasonography. The age-specific disability weight of chronic schistosomiasis was estimated based on participants’ self-rated health scores on the visual analogue scale of the questionnaire; the relationships between health status, morbidity and disability weight were explored using multilevel regression models. FINDINGS: Of 2843 seropositive individuals, 1419 (49.9%) were classified as having chronic schistosomiasis. Hepatomegaly was found in 76.3% (1082/1419); hepatic fibrosis was found in 73.3% (1040/1419); and splenomegaly was found in 18.6% (264/1419). Diarrhoea was the most common self-reported symptom (46.0%; 653/1419), followed by abdominal pain (32.6%; 463/1419), impaired capacity to work or study (30.7%; 436/1419), and blood in the stool (11.1%; 157/1419). More than half of the respondents reported impairments in at least one dimension of the EQ-5D plus questionnaire, particularly pain or discomfort (47.9%; 675/1410) and anxiety or depression (39.4%; 555/1410). The overall disability weight was 0.191, and age-specific weights ranged from 0.095 among those aged 5-14 years to 0.246 among those aged > 60 years. Multilevel regression models indicated that the disability weight was significantly associated with the participant’s sex, grade of hepatic fibrosis, the presence of hepatomegaly, abdominal pain, blood in the stool, impaired capacity to work or study, and cognition. CONCLUSION: The disability weight attributable to chronic schistosomiasis japonica is high and increases with age. Our findings call for a reappraisal of the disability weights due to chronic schistosomiasis mansoni and schistosomiasis haematobia as well as a re-estimation of the global burden of schistosomiasis.

OBJETIVO: Estimar el peso de la discapacidad por edades causada por la esquistosomiasis japonica crónica en China. MÉTODOS: Entre octubre de 2004 y enero de 2005, se sometió a cribado mediante una prueba de inmunosorción enzimática a residentes de dos circunscripciones con esquistosoma endémico a fin de detectar los casos de infección por Schistosoma japonicum. En las personas seropositivas, se procedió a evaluar la discapacidad y la morbilidad utilizando el cuestionario sobre calidad de vida europeo con una dimensión cognitiva adicional (el llamado «EQ-5D plus») y técnicas de ultrasonografía. El peso de la discapacidad por edades correspondiente a la esquistosomiasis crónica se calculó a partir de las puntuaciones de salud autoasignadas por los participantes en la escala analógica visual del cuestionario; las relaciones entre el estado de salud, la morbilidad y el peso de la discapacidad se analizaron utilizando modelos de regresión multinivel. RESULTADOS: De 2843 personas seropositivas, se diagnosticó esquistosomiasis crónica a 1419 (49,9%). Se halló hepatomegalia en un 76,3% de esos casos (1082/1419); fibrosis hepática en el 73,3% (1040/1419); y esplenomegalia en el 18,6% (264/1419). La diarrea fue el más común de los síntomas declarados espontáneamente (46,0%; 653/1419), seguido del dolor abdominal (32,6%; 463/1419), el deterioro de la capacidad para trabajar o estudiar (30,7%; 436/1419), y la presencia de sangre en las heces (11,1%; 157/1419). Más de la mitad de los encuestados notificaron trastornos al menos en una dimensión del cuestionario EQ-5D plus, en particular dolor o malestar (47,9%; 675/1410) y ansiedad o depresión (39,4%; 555/1410). El peso de discapacidad general fue del 0,191, y los pesos por edades se situaron entre 0,095 para los enfermos de 5 a 14 años y 0,246 para los de 60 años o más. Los modelos de regresión multinivel mostraron que el peso de la discapacidad estaba relacionado de forma significativa con el sexo del participante y con el grado de fibrosis hepática, la presencia de hepatomegalia, el dolor abdominal, la sangre en las heces, el deterioro de la capacidad para trabajar o estudiar y los problemas cognitivos. CONCLUSIÓN: El peso de la discapacidad atribuible a la esquistosomiasis japonica crónica es alto y aumenta con la edad. Nuestros resultados sugieren que es necesario reevaluar los pesos de la discapacidad por esquistosomiasis mansoni y esquistosomiasis haematobia crónicas, así como la carga mundial de esquistosomiasis.

OBJETIF: Estimer le poids dans l’incapacité par âge de la schistosomiase sino-japonaise chronique. MÉTHODES: Entre octobre 2004 et janvier 2005, des habitants de deux pays d’endémie de la schistosomiase ont été soumis à un dépistage de l’infection à Schistosoma japonicum à l’aide d’un test immunoenzymatique. L’incapacité et la morbidité ont été évaluées chez les individus séropositifs par l’application du questionnaire européen d’évaluation de la qualité de vie, avec détermination d’une dimension cognitive supplémentaire (connu sous l’appellation « EQ-5D plus »), suivie d’une échographie. Le poids dans l’incapacité par âge de la schistosomiase chronique a été estimé à partir des scores d’autoévaluation par les participants de leur état de santé sur l’échelle visuelle analogique du questionnaire. Les relations entre état de santé, morbidité et poids de l’incapacité ont été étudiées au moyen de modèles de régression multiniveaux. RÉSULTATS: Parmi 2843 individus séropositifs pour la schistosomiase sino-japonaise, 1419 (49,9 %) ont été classés comme atteints d’une schistosomiase chronique. On a relevé une hépatomégalie chez 76,3 % (1082/1419) de ces malades chroniques, une fibrose hépatique chez 73,3 % d’entre eux (1040/1419) et une splénomégalie chez 18,6 % (264/1419) d’entre eux. La diarrhée était le symptôme le plus couramment auto-rapporté (653cas /1419, soit 46,0 % des cas). Suivaient, par ordre de fréquence, des douleurs abdominales (463 cas/1419, soit 32,6 % des cas), une diminution de la capacité de travail ou d’étude (436 cas/1419, soit 30,7 % des cas) et la présence de sang dans les selles (157 cas/1419, soit 11,1 % des cas). Plus de la moitié des personnes interrogées ont signalé des troubles dans l’une au moins des dimensions du questionnaire EQ-5D plus, et notamment une douleur ou une gêne (675 cas/1410, soit 47,9 % des cas) et un état anxieux ou déprimé (555 cas/1410, soit 39,4 % des cas). Le poids global de la maladie dans l’incapacité était de 0,191 et la valeur du poids dans l’incapacité par âge allait de 0,095 pour la tranche d’âges 5-14 ans à 0,246 parmi les plus de 60 ans. En utilisant des modèles de régression multiniveaux, on a pu mettre en évidence des associations statistiquement significatives entre le poids de l’incapacité d’une part et le sexe du participant, le grade de son éventuelle fibrose hépatique et la présence éventuelle d’une hépatomégalie, de douleurs abdominales, de sang dans les selles ou d’une diminution de la capacité de travail ou d’étude et de la capacité cognitive.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the psychometric properties of the WHO Quality of Life questionnaire (WHOQOL-100), a multi-dimensional, conceptualized, 100-item quality-of-life instrument. METHODS: A total of 460 patients in China with chronic diseases (including hypertension, schizophrenia, stroke, end-stage renal disease, head and neck cancer and breast cancer) and 418 family members who were their caregivers were assessed at baseline and one year later. FINDINGS: The WHOQOL-100 had acceptable internal consistency (a = 0.76-0.90 across domains). There were strong correlations between the domains of WHOQOL-100 and the dimensions of the General Quality of Life Inventory (a = 0.72-0.82 across related domains). Within domains most facet correlations were satisfactory, although some facets correlated more strongly with a domain other than that to which they had been assigned. Principal component analysis produced four factors accounting for 61% of the total variance. CONCLUSION: The WHOQOL-100 was able to discriminate between the different groups of patients and was sensitive to clinical change in patients' conditions. It proved to be a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the quality of life of patients with chronic diseases and their caregivers in China.

OBJETIVO: Evaluar las propiedades psicométricas del Cuestionario sobre Calidad de Vida de la OMS (WHOQOL-100), un instrumento multidimensional y conceptualizado de medición de la calidad de vida que abarca 100 elementos. MÉTODOS: Al inicio del estudio y un año más tarde se evaluó a un total de 460 pacientes de China afectados por enfermedades crónicas (como hipertensión, esquizofrenia, accidente cerebrovascular, nefropatía terminal, cáncer de cabeza y cuello y cáncer de mama) y a 418 miembros de sus familias que los atendían como cuidadores. RESULTADOS: El cuestionario WHOQOL-100 mostró una coherencia interna aceptable (a = 0,76-0,90 entre dominios). Se observaron estrechas correlaciones entre los dominios del WHOQOL-100 y las dimensiones del Inventario de la Calidad General de Vida (a = 0,72-0,82 entre dominios relacionados). Dentro de los dominios, la mayoría de las correlaciones de facetas fueron satisfactorias, aunque algunas facetas estaban más correlacionadas con un dominio distinto de aquel al que habían sido asignadas. El análisis de componentes principales permitió aislar cuatro factores que explicaban un 61% de la variación total. CONCLUSIÓN: El cuestionario WHOQOL-100 permitió discriminar entre los diferentes grupos de pacientes y fue sensible a los cambios de su estado clínico, lo que hace de él un instrumento fiable y válido para evaluar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con enfermedades crónicas y de sus cuidadores en China.

OBJECTIF: Evaluer les propriétés psychométriques du questionnaire OMS sur la qualité de vie (WHOQOL-100), un outil multidimensionnel et structuré de 100 items pour la mesure de la qualité de vie. MÉTHODES: L'évaluation a été réalisée en Chine sur 460 patients atteints de maladies chroniques (hypertension, schizophrénie, accident vasculaire cérébral, maladie rénale en phase terminale, cancers de la tête et du cou et cancer du sein) et 418 soignants membres de leur famille, interrogés à la date de référence et un an plus tard. RÉSULTATS: Le WHOQOL-100 avait une cohérence interne acceptable (a = 0,76-0,90 entre domaines). Il existait une forte corrélation entre les domaines du WHOQOL-100 et les dimensions de l'inventaire général de la qualité de vie (a = 0,72-0,82 entre domaines connexes). A l'intérieur des domaines, la plupart des corrélations entre facettes étaient satisfaisantes, même si certaines facettes présentaient une corrélation plus forte avec un domaine autre que celui auquel elles appartenaient. L'analyse des principales composantes a donné 4 facteurs expliquant 61 % de la variance totale. CONCLUSION: Le WHOQOL-100 était capable de distinguer les différents groupes de patients et était sensible aux modifications de l'état clinique. Il s'est montré fiable et utile pour évaluer la qualité de vie des patients atteints de maladies chroniques et celle de leurs soignants en Chine.