1.Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods: a scoping review
PAN Xiang ; TONG Yingge ; LI Yixuan ; NI Ke ; CHENG Wenqian ; XIN Mengyu ; HU Yuying
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):148-153
Objective:
To conduct a scoping review on the types, construction methods and predictive performance of health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods, so as to provide the reference for the improvement and application of such models.
Methods:
Publications on health literacy prediction models conducted using machine learning methods were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2024. The quality of literature was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool. Basic characteristics, modeling methods, data sources, missing value handling, predictors and predictive performance were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 524 publications were retrieved, and 22 publications between 2007 and 2024 were finally enrolled. Totally 48 health literacy prediction models were involved, and 25 had a high risk of bias (52.08%), with major issues focusing on missing value handling, predictor selection and model evaluation methods. Modeling methods included regression models, tree-based machine learning methods, support vector machines and neural network models. Predictors primarily encompassed factors at four aspects: individual, interpersonal, organizational and society/policy aspects, with age, educational level, economic status, health status and internet use appearing frequently. Internal validation was conducted in 14 publications, and external validation was conducted in 4 publications. Forty-two models reported the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.52 to 0.983, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods perform well, but have deficiencies in risk of bias, data processing and validation.
2.Correlation of serum lipid soluble vitamin levels with body fat mass percentage and lifestyle among primary school students
NI Yiping, ZHU Bo, YOU Jie, ZHANG Wen, WANG Li, JI Xiang
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(11):1564-1568
Objective:
To analyze the correlation between the levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E with body fat mass percentage(FMP) as well as lifestyle factors among primary school students, so as to provide references for exploring the vitamin nutritional status of primary school students and its potential influencing factors.
Methods:
From September 1 to October 30, 2021, a cluster sampling method was used to select 750 thirdgrade students from eight primary schools in Luohu District, Shenzhen. Their body composition was measured, and blood samples were collected to detect the serum levels of vitamin A, vitamin D, and vitamin E using a mass spectrometer. Dietary and exercise habits were collected through questionnaires. Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis H rank sum test were used for inter group comparisons, spearman correlation was used for correlation analysis,and Logistic regression model was used to analyze the association between lifestyle and vitamin content.
Results:
The overall level of vitamin A in school aged children was 0.4 (0.4, 0.5) mg/L, with a deficiency rate of 0 and a marginal deficiency rate of 5.1%; the level of vitamin D was 26.0 (22.0, 30.0) ng/mL, with a deficiency rate of 0.4% and an insufficiency rate of 12.7%; the content of vitamin E was 11.8 (10.1, 13.5) mg/L, with an insufficiency rate of 0.8%. Spearman correlation analysis showed that vitamin A was positively correlated with FMP in the total population, boys, girls, and normal weight population ( r =0.18, 0.18, 0.20, 0.10), and vitamin D was positively correlated with FMP in the total population and obese population ( r =0.08,0.16)(all P <0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that marginal deficiency of vitamin A was associated with consumption of animal, snack, and dairy/egg/bean foods ( OR =0.45, 0.55, 0.59); whether vitamin D was deficient was influenced by gender ( OR =2.65) and exercise ( OR = 1.96 ) (all P <0.05).
Conclusion
Vitamin A, vitamin D and vitamin E levels are associated with body fat percentage, with significant variations in vitamin status among individuals of different body types, necessitating targeted supplementation.
3.Study on distribution characteristics of pressure-sensitive points on body surface around acupoints in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain based on Euclidean distance.
Dong LIN ; Shiyi QI ; Youcong NI ; Xin DU ; Zijuan HUANG ; Xiang ZHAO ; Jianguo CHEN ; Lili LIN
Chinese Acupuncture & Moxibustion 2025;45(12):1743-1750
OBJECTIVE:
To explore the pain-location interaction between pressure-sensitive points on the body surface and traditional acupoints in patients with chronic non-specific low back pain (CNLBP) under different disease courses, using Euclidean distance and multivariate statistical analysis.
METHODS:
A pressure-sensitive point detection was performed on 30 CNLBP patients with varying disease courses. A constant pressure was applied using an FDK20 algometer within a designated lumbar area, a total of 50 points were tested, and the tested points were numbered; the visual analogue scale (VAS) pain score was recorded simultaneously. MatlabR2022a9.12. software was used to extract the positions of pressure-sensitive points, and preprocessing and normalization of point location and VAS scores data were conducted. Under constraint conditions (VAS≥8.0 ∩ Euclidean distance to acupoint≤0.5), the proportion of pressure-sensitive points within the Euclidean distance threshold to each acupoint (PVDacupoint) was calculated, followed by multivariate statistical analysis.
RESULTS:
①Constrained analysis of PVDacupoint showed that PVDQihaishu (BL24) and PVDDachangshu (BL25) were positively correlated with disease course (r=0.55, P<0.01). ②Factor analysis and silhouette analysis revealed that PVDShenshu (BL23) and PVDDachangshu (BL25) exhibited trends consistent with disease course progression (P>0.05), with different degree (P<0.01).
CONCLUSION
The PVDacupoint value based on Euclidean distance can characterize the pressure sensitivity features of traditional acupoints associated with disease. Multivariate statistical analysis of PVDacupoint confirms that selecting the acupoint combination of Shenshu (BL23) and Dachangshu (BL25) for CNLBP is associated with the distribution of surrounding pressure-sensitive points and the pathological characteristics of the condition.
Humans
;
Acupuncture Points
;
Low Back Pain/physiopathology*
;
Male
;
Female
;
Middle Aged
;
Adult
;
Aged
;
Acupuncture Therapy
;
Young Adult
;
Pressure
4.Mechanism of Qingrun Decoction in alleviating hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetic rats based on amino acid metabolism reprogramming pathways.
Xiang-Wei BU ; Xiao-Hui HAO ; Run-Yun ZHANG ; Mei-Zhen ZHANG ; Ze WANG ; Hao-Shuo WANG ; Jie WANG ; Qing NI ; Lan LIN
China Journal of Chinese Materia Medica 2025;50(12):3377-3388
This study aims to investigate the mechanism of Qingrun Decoction in alleviating hepatic insulin resistance in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM) rats through the reprogramming of amino acid metabolism. A T2DM rat model was established by inducing insulin resistance through a high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The model rats were randomly divided into five groups: model group, high-, medium-, and low-dose Qingrun Decoction groups, and metformin group. A normal control group was also established. The rats in the normal and model groups received 10 mL·kg~(-1) distilled water daily by gavage. The metformin group received 150 mg·kg~(-1) metformin suspension by gavage, and the Qingrun Decoction groups received 11.2, 5.6, and 2.8 g·kg~(-1) Qingrun Decoction by gavage for 8 weeks. Blood lipid levels were measured in different groups of rats. Pathological damage in rat liver tissue was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and oil red O staining. Transcriptome sequencing and untargeted metabolomics were performed on rat liver and serum samples, integrated with bioinformatics analyses. Key metabolites(branched-chain amino acids, BCAAs), amino acid transporters, amino acid metabolites, critical enzymes for amino acid metabolism, resistin, adiponectin(ADPN), and mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR) pathway-related molecules were quantified using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR), Western blot, and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA). The results showed that compared with the normal group, the model group had significantly increased serum levels of total cholesterol(TC), triglycerides(TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), and resistin and significantly decreased ADPN levels. Hepatocytes in the model group exhibited loose arrangement, significant lipid accumulation, fatty degeneration, and pronounced inflammatory cell infiltration. In liver tissue, the mRNA transcriptional levels of solute carrier family 7 member 2(Slc7a2), solute carrier family 38 member 2(Slc38a2), solute carrier family 38 member 4(Slc38a4), and arginase(ARG) were significantly downregulated, while the mRNA transcriptional levels of solute carrier family 1 member 4(Slc1a4), solute carrier family 16 member 1(Slc16a1), and methionine adenosyltransferase(MAT) were upregulated. Furthermore, the mRNA transcription and protein expression levels of branched-chain α-keto acid dehydrogenase E1α(BCKDHA) and DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein(DEPTOR) were downregulated, while mRNA transcription and protein expression levels of mTOR, as well as ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1(S6K1), were upregulated. The levels of BCAAs and S-adenosyl-L-methionine(SAM) were elevated. The serum level of 6-hydroxymelatonin was significantly reduced, while imidazole-4-one-5-propionic acid and N-(5-phospho-D-ribosyl)anthranilic acid levels were significantly increased. Compared with the model group, Qingrun Decoction significantly reduced blood lipid and resistin levels while increasing ADPN levels. Hepatocytes had improved morphology with reduced inflammatory cells, and fatty degeneration and lipid deposition were alleviated. Differentially expressed genes and differential metabolites were mainly enriched in amino acid metabolic pathways. The expression levels of Slc7a2, Slc38a2, Slc38a4, and ARG in the liver tissue were significantly upregulated, while Slc1a4, Slc16a1, and MAT expression levels were significantly downregulated. BCKDHA and DEPTOR expression levels were upregulated, while mTOR and S6K1 expression levels were downregulated. Additionally, the levels of BCAAs and SAM were significantly decreased. The serum level of 6-hydroxymelatonin was increased, while those of imidazole-4-one-5-propionic acid and N-(5-phospho-D-ribosyl)anthranilic acid were decreased. In summary, Qingrun Decoction may improve amino acid metabolism reprogramming, inhibit mTOR pathway activation, alleviate insulin resistance in the liver, and mitigate pathological damage of liver tissue in T2DM rats by downregulating hepatic BCAAs and SAM and regulating key enzymes involved in amino acid metabolism, such as BCKDHA, ARG, and MAT, as well as amino acid metabolites and transporters.
Animals
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Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage*
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Rats
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Insulin Resistance
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Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/genetics*
;
Male
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Liver/drug effects*
;
Amino Acids/metabolism*
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Rats, Sprague-Dawley
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Humans
;
Metabolic Reprogramming
5.Oxymatrine, a novel TLR2 agonist, promotes megakaryopoiesis and thrombopoiesis through the STING/NF-κB pathway.
Chengyang NI ; Ling ZHOU ; Shuo YANG ; Mei RAN ; Jiesi LUO ; Kui CHENG ; Feihong HUANG ; Xiaoqin TANG ; Xiang XIE ; Dalian QIN ; Qibing MEI ; Long WANG ; Juan XIAO ; Jianming WU
Journal of Pharmaceutical Analysis 2025;15(1):101054-101054
Radiation-induced thrombocytopenia (RIT) faces a perplexing challenge in the clinical treatment of cancer patients, and current therapeutic approaches are inadequate in the clinical settings. In this research, oxymatrine, a new molecule capable of healing RIT was screened out, and the underlying regulatory mechanism associated with magakaryocyte (MK) differentiation and thrombopoiesis was demonstrated. The capacity of oxymatrine to induce MK differentiation was verified in K-562 and Meg-01 cells in vitro. The ability to induce thrombopoiesis was subsequently demonstrated in Tg (cd41:enhanced green fluorescent protein (eGFP)) zebrafish and RIT model mice. In addition, we carried out network pharmacological prediction, drug affinity responsive target stability assay (DARTS) and cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA) analyses to explore the potential targets of oxymatrine. Moreover, the pathway underlying the effects of oxymatrine was determined by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses, Western blot (WB), and immunofluorescence. Oxymatrine markedly promoted MK differentiation and maturation in vitro. Moreover, oxymatrine induced thrombopoiesis in Tg (cd41:eGFP) zebrafish and accelerated thrombopoiesis and platelet function recovery in RIT model mice. Mechanistically, oxymatrine directly binds to toll-like receptor 2 (TLR2) and further regulates the downstream pathway stimulator of interferon genes (STING)/nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), which can be blocked by C29 and C-176, which are specific inhibitors of TLR2 and STING, respectively. Taken together, we demonstrated that oxymatrine, a novel TLR2 agonist, plays a critical role in accelerating MK differentiation and thrombopoiesis via the STING/NF-κB axis, suggesting that oxymatrine is a promising candidate for RIT therapy.
6.Changes in Esophageal Cancer Survival: A Global Review of Survival Analysis from Cancer Registration Data over the Past Three Decades.
Zhuo Jun YE ; Dan Ni YANG ; Yu JIANG ; Yu Xuan XIAO ; Zhuo Ying LI ; Yu Ting TAN ; Hui Yun YUAN ; Yong Bing XIANG
Biomedical and Environmental Sciences 2025;38(5):571-584
OBJECTIVE:
To describe survival trends and global patterns of esophageal cancer (EC) using survival data from population-based cancer registries.
METHODS:
We systematically searched PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, SEER, and SinoMed databases for articles published up to 31 December 2023. Eligible EC survival estimates were evaluated according to country or region, period, sex, age group, pathology, and disease stage.
RESULTS:
After 2010, Jordan exhibited the highest age-standardized 5-year relative survival rates (RSRs)/net survival rates (NSRs) at 41.1% between 2010 and 2014, while India had the lowest, at 4.1%. Survival rates generally improved with diagnostic age across most countries, with significant increases in South Korea and China, of 12.7% and 10.5% between 2000 and 2017, respectively. Survival was higher among women compared to men, ranging from 0.4%-10.9%. Survival rates for adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma were similar, differing by about 4%. In China, the highest age-standardized RSRs/NSRs was 33.4% between 2015 and 2017. Meanwhile, the lowest was 5.3%, in Qidong (Jiangsu province) between 1992-1996.
CONCLUSION
Global EC survival rates have improved significantly in recent decades, but substantial geographical, sex, and age disparities still exist. In Asia, squamous cell carcinoma demonstrated superior survival rates compared to adenocarcinoma, while the opposite trend was observed in Western countries. Future research should clarify the prognostic factors influencing EC survival and tailor prevention and screening strategies to the changing EC survival patterns.
Humans
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Esophageal Neoplasms/mortality*
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Registries
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Male
;
Female
;
Survival Analysis
;
Middle Aged
;
Survival Rate
;
Aged
;
Global Health
7.Effects of Bushen Qianggu Formula on Serum Pref-1,BMP-2,IL-6 and Sex Hormone Indicators in Patients with Postmenopausal Osteoporotic Lumbar Vertebral Compression Fracture of Kidney Deficiency and Blood Stasis Type
Zhijun LAI ; Litao LIU ; Zhimin LI ; Hui LIN ; Xiang NI
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(7):1637-1645
Objective To evaluate the value of Bushen Qianggu Formula(BSQGF)applying in the treatment of patients with postmenopausal osteoporotic lumbar vertebral compression fracture(PM-OLVCF)of kidney deficiency and blood stasis type,and to observe its effects on lumbar function and sex hormone profiles.Methods A total of 162 patients with PM-OLVCF of kidney deficiency and blood stasis type treated at Haikou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from February 2023 to June 2024 were collected.The patients were equally randomized into a control group and an observation group by using a table of random numbers,with 81 cases in each group.Both groups received percutaneous kyphoplasty and conventional western treatment with analgesics and antibiotics after the operation.Moreover,the control group received oral use of Alfacalcidol+Calcium Carbonate D3 Tablets postoperatively,while the observation group received additional BSQGF decoction orally for 12 weeks.Primary outcomes included Cobb angle,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,bone mineral density(BMD),and serum levels of preadipocyte factor 1(Pref-1),thromboxane B2(TXB2),cyclooxygenase 2(COX-2),interleukin 6(IL-6),prostaglandin E2(PGE2),bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP-2),and relative sex hormones.After treatment,therapeutic effects of patients in both groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 12 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was 93.83%(76/81)and that in the control group was 83.95%(68/81),and the observation group showed significantly better therapeutic efficacy than the control group(χ2=8.134,P<0.05).(2)After 12 weeks of treatment,both groups showed reductions in Cobb angle,ODI scores,and total TCM syndrome scores compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the observation group demonstrated significantly greater reductions than the control group(P<0.05).(3)After 6 and 12 weeks of treatment,BMD values were increased in both groups compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the observation group showed significantly greater increase of BMD at both 6 and 12 weeks than the control group(P<0.05).(4)After 2 weeks of treatment,serum TXB2,COX-2,Pref-1,PGE2,and IL-6 levels were decreased while serum BMP-2 level was increased in both groups compared to those before treatment(P<0.05),and the observation group showed significantly greater reductions in TXB2,COX-2,Pref-1,PGE2,and IL-6 levels and greater increase of BMP-2 level than the control group(P<0.05).(5)After 12 weeks of treatment,the control group showed no significant changes in serum levels of luteinizing hormone(LH),estradiol(E2),or follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)(P>0.05),while the observation group showed decreased serum LH and FSH levels(P<0.05)and increased serum E2 level(P<0.05)compared to those before treatment.The intergroup comparison showed that the observation group had more improvements in all these sex hormone indicators than the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion BSQGF combined with conventional western medicine therapy is effective on inhibiting the secretion of inflammatory factors,promoting fracture healing,and improving lumbar function in patients with PM-OLVCF of kidney deficiency and blood stasis type,and enhances the therapeutic efficacy compared to western medicine treatment alone.
8.Clinical Efficacy of Shuxin Jieyu Decoction in Treating Coronary Heart Disease with Angina Pectoris Complicated by Anxiety Disorder
Jiayu CHEN ; Daimei NI ; Xiang REN ; Tianruo PAN ; Hao ZHANG ; Wenjun XIAO ; Ji ZHANG
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(10):2407-2413
Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of Shuxin Jieyu Decoction(composed of Chuangxiong Rhizoma,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Bupleuri Radix,Paeoniae Radix Alba,Paeoniae Radix Rubra,Curcumae Radix,Ziziphi Spinosae Semen,Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle,Platycladi Semen,Polygoni Multiflori Caulis,Polygalae Radix,Toosendan Fructus,Corydalis Rhizoma,and Albiziae Cortex)in treating coronary heart disease(CHD)with angina pectoris complicated by anxiety disorder in patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty patients diagnosed with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome type of CHD with angina pectoris and anxiety disorder were enrolled from the outpatient and inpatient departments of Taihe Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Anhui University of Chinese Medicine between January 2024 and January 2025.Patients were randomly divided into an observation group(n=30)and a control group(n=30)using a random number table method.The control group received conventional CHD treatment and anxiolytic therapy(Flupentixol and Melitracen Tablets),while the observation group additionally received Shuxin Jieyu Decoction.Both groups were treated for 4 weeks.Changes in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores and Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)scores were evaluated before and after treatment.The therapeutic effects of angina pectoris,nitroglycerin reduction/cessation rates,and total adverse event rates were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate in the observation group was 93.33%(28/30),compared to 73.33%(22/30)in the control group.The intergroup comparison(by Fisher's precision probability test)showed that the observation group's efficacy was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.05).(2)After treatment,both groups showed significant reductions in TCM syndrome scores(P<0.05)for symptoms including chest tightness and pain,costal distension,anxiety,palpitations,excessive sighing,irritability,and insomnia.The observation group's reduction was significantly greater than that of the control group(P<0.05).(3)After 4 weeks,the total reduction/discontinuation rate of nitroglycerin was 90.00%(27/30)in the observation group versus 66.67%(20/30)in the control group.The intergroup comparison(by Fisher's precision probability test)showed that the observation group's reduction rate was significantly higher than that of the control group(P<0.05,Fisher's precision probability test).(4)After treatment,both groups exhibited reduced Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale(HAMA)scores(P<0.05),with the observation group showing a significantly greater improvement(P<0.05).(5)The total incidence of adverse reactions was 20.00%(6/30)in the observation group and 23.33%(7/30)in the control group,with no statistically significant difference between groups(P>0.05).Conclusion The combination of Shuxin Jieyu Decoction with conventional western medicine treatment demonstrates superior clinical efficacy compared to conventional western medicine alone in patients with qi stagnation and blood stasis syndrome type of CHD with angina pectoris and anxiety disorder.It effectively alleviates angina symptoms and anxiety disorder,reduces nitroglycerin usage,without increasing adverse effects.
9.Research progress on food literacy assessment tools for children and adolescents
QIAN Jinwei, TONG Yingge, PAN Xiang, YAO Lan, NI Ke, XIN Mengyu, CHENG Wenqian, HU Yuying
Chinese Journal of School Health 2024;45(6):891-894
Abstract
As dietary issues of children and adolescents become increasingly complex, the assessment of food literacy (FL) is increasingly importance. FL involves a comprehensive cognition and practical ability concerning food among children, playing a key role in fostering healthy eating habits and improving health levels. The article explores the definition and connotations of FL, and introduces eight FL assessment tools in terms of theoretical foundations, dimensions, assessment methods, and their reliability and validity. Moreover, it provides a comparative analysis of these tools by examining their dimensional design, evaluation indicators, strengths, and weaknesses, as well as their applicable subjects and scenarios, aiming to offer references for implementing relevant policies and developing more comprehensive and effective FL assessment tools.
10.Associations between the diet-related inflammation indices and digestive system cancer:a narrative review of epidemiological studies
Jing-Yu TAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jun CHEN ; Dan-Ni YANG ; Yi-Xin ZOU ; Wan-Shui YANG ; Yong-Bing XIANG
Fudan University Journal of Medical Sciences 2024;51(3):404-414
The inflammatory effect of dietary is strongly related to the development of cancer,therefore,the diet-related inflammatory index was developed as a methodological tool to investigate the relationship between dietary,inflammation and tumors.In this paper,we summarized the results on diet-related inflammatory indices and common cancers of the digestive system based on relevant cancer epidemiological studies.The available epidemiological evidence suggests that pro-inflammatory diet is associated with an increased risk of gastrointestinal malignancies,with the strongest association with colorectal cancer,followed by esophageal and gastric cancers,and then pancreatic cancer,and the least evidence of studies with liver cancer.Among these studies,the level of evidence for esophageal cancer is lower than colorectal cancer,the study of gastric cancer has gender differences and problems in adjusting for confounders,and the study of pancreatic cancer has heterogeneous results.In view of the current research progress and deficiencies,prospective studies or population-based cohort studies,as well as strengthening nutritional epidemiological studies related to common tumors such as liver cancer could be considered in the future.This review is expecting to provide basic information and scientific basis for strengthening the related healthy eating behavior promotion in the prevention and control of digestive system tumors.


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