BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

Objective: To investigate the awareness of knowledge about hepatitis C prevention and control among outpatients in Ningbo City, Zhejiang Province, and its influencing factors, so as to provide the evidence for strengthening health education on hepatitis C prevention and control. Methods: Based on sentinel surveillance of hepatitis C, the outpatients aged 15 to 65 years at seven hospitals in Yinzhou District, Cixi City and Xiangshan County of Ningbo City were selected using the convenient sampling method from April to June during 2020 and 2022. Demographic information, knowledge and behaviors related to hepatitis C prevention and control were collected through questionnaire surveys. The influencing factors for knowledge about hepatitis C prevention and control were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 2 792 participants were surveyed, including 1 157 males (41.44%) and 1 635 females (58.56%). The awareness rate of knowledge about hepatitis C prevention and control was 56.23%, and was lower in knowledge about hepatitis C vaccine and treatment. The awareness rates of knowledge about hepatitis C prevention and control among outpatients from 2020 to 2022 were 47.11%, 53.22% and 70.65%, respectively, showing an upward trend (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that participants aged 25 to <50 years (OR=1.358, 95%CI: 1.073-1.719), with an educational level of high school or junior college (OR=1.431, 95%CI: 1.134-1.806) or above junior college (OR=3.728, 95%CI: 2.958-4.699), with household monthly income per capita of 3 000 to <5 000 yuan (OR=1.828, 95%CI: 1.344-2.486) or ≥5 000 yuan (OR=1.858, 95%CI: 1.366-2.526), without a history of invasive treatments such as pedicure in public places (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.024-1.618), without a history of contact with family members' blood-contaminated items (OR=2.050, 95%CI: 1.552-2.707), and always using condoms during sexual contacts (OR=1.740, 95%CI: 1.273-2.378) had higher awareness of knowledge about hepatitis C prevention and control. Conclusions The awareness of knowledge about hepatitis C vaccine and treatment among outpatients in Ningbo City needs to be improved. Age, educational level, household monthly income per capita, history of invasive treatments such as pedicure in public places, history of contact with family members' blood-contaminated items and frequency of condom use during sexual contacts are associated with outpatients' awareness of knowledge about hepatitis C prevention and control.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

BACKGROUND: The contraction behaviors of cardiomyocytes (CMs), especially contraction synchrony, are crucial factors reflecting their maturity and response to drugs. A wider field of view helps to observe more pronounced synchrony differences, but the accompanied greater computational load, requiring more computing power or longer computational time. METHODS: We proposed a method that directly correlates variations in optical field brightness with cardiac tissue contraction status (CVB method), based on principles from physics and photometry, for rapid video analysis in wide field of view to obtain contraction parameters, such as period and contraction propagation direction and speed. RESULTS: Through video analysis of human induced pluripotent stem cell (hiPSC)-derived CMs labeled with green fluorescent protein (GFP) cultured on aligned and random nanofiber scaffolds, the CVB method was demonstrated to obtain contraction parameters and quantify the direction and speed of contraction within regions of interest (ROIs) in wide field of view. The CVB method required less computation time compared to one of the contour tracking methods, the LucasKanade (LK) optical flow method, and provided better stability and accuracy in the results. CONCLUSION This method has a smaller computational load, is less affected by motion blur and out-of-focus conditions, and provides a potential tool for accurate and rapid analysis of cardiac tissue contraction synchrony in wide field of view without the need for more powerful hardware.

Early-onset colorectal cancer (EOCRC) shows a different epidemiological trend compared to later-onset colorectal cancer, with its incidence rising in most regions and countries worldwide. However, the reasons behind this trend remain unclear. The etiology of EOCRC is complex and could involve both genetic and environmental factors. Apart from Lynch syndrome and Familial Adenomatous Polyposis, sporadic EOCRC exhibits a broad spectrum of pathogenic germline mutations, genetic polymorphisms, methylation changes, and chromosomal instability. Early-life exposures and environmental risk factors, including lifestyle and dietary risk factors, have been found to be associated with EOCRC risk. Meanwhile, specific chronic diseases, such as inflammatory bowel disease, diabetes, and metabolic syndrome, have been associated with EOCRC. Interactions between genetic and environmental risk factors in EOCRC have also been explored. Here we present findings from a narrative review of epidemiological studies on the assessment of early-life exposures, of EOCRC-specific environmental factors, and their interactions with susceptible loci. We also present results from EOCRC-specific genome-wide association studies that could be used to perform Mendelian randomization analyses to ascertain potential causal links between environmental factors and EOCRC.
Humans ; Colorectal Neoplasms/etiology* ; Risk Factors ; Genome-Wide Association Study ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease/genetics*

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum leptin level and body mass index(BMI)in in-fants with cyanosis congenital heart disease,and the relationship between leptin and Ob gene receptor(Ob-R)and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α(HIF-1α)in myocardium.Methods A total of 52 children under 6 months of age with congenital heart disease who underwent surgical treatment in the Department of Congenital Heart Surgery,Fuwai Hospital from January 2019 to October 2020 were included in this study.According to the arterial partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2)of 90 mmHg,they were divided into cyanotic group(n=30)and acyanotic group(n=22).Their height and weight were collected to calculate BMI.The serum leptin level was measured by ELISA.The ex-pressions of HIF-1α and Ob-R in myocardial tissue were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot.In animal mod-el,SD rats were divided into normoxia group and hypoxia intervention group,which were subjected to continuous hypoxia(10％ O2)for 4 weeks.The hypoxia intervention group received intraperitoneal injection of HIF-1α in-hibitor digoxin(2 mg/kg)daily from the 14 th to 21st day of hypoxia,respectively.The body weight of rats was recorded,and the expressions of HIF-1α and Ob-R were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot.Results Com-pared with the acyanosis group,the cyanosis group had a significantly lower BMI(P<0.05)and a lower leptin/BMI ratio(leptin/BMI)(P<0.05).Spearman correlation analysis confirmed that serum leptin in the circulatory system was positively correlated with BMI(P<0.05).In the cyanosis group,the expression of Ob-R increased with the upregulation of HIF-1α,showing a positive correlation.In animal model,with the down-regulation of HIF-1α expression in digoxin injection,the Ob-R level was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05),the trend of weight loss was significantly inhibited(P<0.05).The right ventricular hypertrophy in-dex was significantly lower than that in the control group(P<0.05).Conclusions HIF-1α regulates the expres-sion of Ob-R in myocardial tissue,and the mechanism of its association with leptin and Ob-R may help to find new therapeutic target for improving the prognosis of infants with congenital heart disease.

Objective To investigate the influence factors of abnormal posterior corneal surface elevation of myopia patients under normal corneal biomechanical state.Methods A retrospective case-control study was conducted.A total of 99 myopia patients(99 right eyes)who were going to undergo refractive surgery in Nanjing Aier Eye Hospital from April 2022 to December 2022 were included.All patients received routine preoperative examinations,and the corneal morphologi-cal and biomechanical examinations were performed by Pentacam combined with Corvis ST.For patients with normal Cor-vis biomechanical index(CBI,corneal biomechanical indexes measured by Corvis ST),corneal back difference(BD,difference between the enhanced posterior surface elevation and the normal posterior surface elevation)obtained by BADⅢ-Belin/Ambrósio Enhanced Ectasia Display(BAD)of the Pentacam 3D anterior segment analysis system was used to di-vide the posterior corneal surface elevation into group A(BD＜12 μm,33 patients,33 eyes,control group),group B(12μm≤BD≤16 μm,32 patients,32 eyes,suspicious corneal abnormality group),and group C(BD＞16 μm,34 patients,34 eyes,corneal abnormality group).Basic information about the patients,such as gender and age,was collected;ocular pa-rameters,such as intraocular pressure,spherical equivalent(SE),thinnest pachymetry(THP)and anterior chamber depth(ACD),were included;corneal morphological parameters obtained by Pentacam,such as corneal horizontal diameter(HWTW),BD,anterior Sim Ks(ASK),posterior Sim Ks(PSK),BAD system-related indicators[including deviation of normality of the front elevation(Df),deviation of normality of pachymetric progression(Dp),deviation of normality of corneal thinnest point(Dt),and overall deviation of normality(Do)]and pachymetric progression index(PPI),were en-rolled;corneal biomechanical integration parameters obtained by Corvis ST,such as stiffness parameters,integrated radius(IR,area under the inverse concave radius curve),Ambrósio relational thickness to the horizontal profile(ARTh,THP/thickness change rate)and deformation amplitude ratio,were included.The comparison between groups was conducted with one-way ANOVA test and H test,Spearman Correlation was used to analyze the correlation between the BD and ocular parameters in each group,and a multivariate logistic regression model was used to explore the main factors affecting the classification of BD values under normal corneal biomechanical state.The probability distribution of abnormal posterior corneal surface elevation under normal corneal biomechanical state was plotted according to the logistic regression equa-tion,and then the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the diagnostic efficiency of the logistic regression equation.Results There were statistically significant differences in THP,HWTW,PSK,Df,Dp,Dt,Do,PPImin,PPIavg,ACD,Db and ARTh among the three groups(all P＜0.05);in pairwise comparisons,only PSK(F=11.385),Db(H=87.107),Do(F=50.051)and PPImin(F=16.556)showed statistically significant differences(allP＜0.01),and the other parameters only showed statistically significant differences between Group A and Group B,Group A and Group C(all P＜0.05).The BD of the three groups were highly positively correlated with Db(r=0.957,0.914 and 0.952,all P＜0.05).In addition,the BD in Group A was slightly negatively correlated with PSK(r=-0.437,P＜0.05)and slightly positively correlated with Do(r=0.432,P＜0.05);the BD in Group C showed a low degree of negative corre-lation with SE(r=-0.399,P＜0.05)and a moderate negative correlation with HWTW(r=-0.482,P＜0.05).Using BD as the dependent variable and other parameters as covariates for multivariate logistic regression,the results showed that the influencing factors of BD in Group B were THP,HWTW and ARTh,the influencing factors of BD in Group C were THP,HWTW,ARTh and IR,and the overall percentage of model classification was 72.7％.According to ROC curve analysis,the new parameter Logistic(C)in multivariate logistic regression could improve the diagnostic efficiency of normal corneal bio-mechanical parameters with abnormal corneal posterior surface elevation,and its area under the curve(sensitivity,speci-ficity)was 0.975(100.0％,90.9％).Conclusion THP,HWTW,ARTh and IR are the main influencing factors of ab-normal posterior corneal surface elevation in myopic patients under normal corneal biomechanical state;the influence of corneal morphological and biomechanical parameters should be considered when diagnosing the abnormal posterior corneal surface elevation.

Objective:To assess the influence of extreme temperature events on the mortality risk of nervous system diseases in residents of Jiangsu Province and identify patients with nervous system diseases who are susceptible to extreme temperature events.Methods:Acase-crossover design was used to investigate the cumulative lagged effects of extreme temperature events on the mortality risk of nervous system disease in local residents by using the data on causes of death from nervous system diseases in Jiangsu from 2014 to 2020 with conditional logistic regression model. The final definition of extreme temperature events was established using Akaike information criterion. The heat wave was defined as 4 or more consecutive days with daily mean temperatures above the 92.5 th percentile of annual daily mean temperatures, and the cold spell was defined as 2 or more consecutive days with daily mean temperatures below the 10 th percentile of annual daily mean temperatures. Furthermore, stratified analyses was conducted to compare the effects of extreme temperature events on mortality risk in populations in different gender, age and marital status groups to identify susceptible populations to extreme temperature event. Results:Statistical results showed that the effect values of heat wave and cold spell on the mortality risk of nervous system diseases all peaked at the 7 th day of the cumulative lag, with OR of 1.60 (95% CI: 1.44-1.76) and 1.33 (95% CI: 1.13-1.56), respectively. Heat wave exposure increased mortality risk for individuals with Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, while cold spell exposure increased the mortality risk for those with Alzheimer's disease. Stratified analyses showed that the mortality risk for nervous system disease and Alzheimer's disease was higher in partnerless population after heat wave exposure. Conclusions:Heat wave and cold spell were associated with increased mortality risks for nervous system disease, highlighting the need for improved early warning systems for extreme temperature event. In the context of heat wave, interventions to protect individuals with nervous system disease should prioritize partnerless population.