Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is a major contributor to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), the leading cause of death globally. HCM can precipitate heart failure (HF) by causing the cardiac tissue to weaken and stretch, thereby impairing its pumping efficiency. Moreover, HCM increases the risk of atrial fibrillation, which in turn elevates the likelihood of thrombus formation and stroke. Given these significant clinical ramifications, research into the etiology and pathogenesis of HCM is intensifying at multiple levels. In this review, we discuss and synthesize the latest findings on HCM pathogenesis, drawing on key experimental studies conducted both in vitro and in vivo. We also offer our insights and perspectives on these mechanisms, while highlighting the limitations of current research. Advancing fundamental research in this area is essential for developing effective therapeutic interventions and enhancing the clinical management of HCM.
Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic/physiopathology* ; Humans ; Animals

Objective To analyze the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control policies in different regions and populations in China,as well as the impact of perceptions of tobacco control policies on individual smoking behavior and quit intentions,to promote the fairness of policy implementation and protection for vulnerable groups.Methods A multivariable regression model was constructed utilizing raw data from the China Adult Tobacco Survey to analyze disparities in perceived MPOWER policy implementation among various social demographics and its impact on smoking behavior and quitting intentions.Results Regarding protection from tobacco smoke(P),local economic level,urban-rural divide were significantly correlated with awareness of comprehensive smoking bans.For offering help to quit smoking(O),local tobacco industry revenue and individual age were associated with the doctor's advice for quitting.As to the warning about the harm of tobacco(W),economic level,geography and urban-rural disparity were correlated with the visibility of health warnings.About the tobacco advertising,promotion and sponsorship(E),geography was related to the exposure to tobacco advertisements,local tobacco industry revenue was associated with the tobacco promotion.For tobacco taxes(R),education level and age were significantly correlated with tobacco affordability.People who perceived comprehensive smoking bans(OR=0.69,95%CI:0.59-0.81)was associated with less smoking behavior,while people perceiving tobacco promotional activities(OR=2.51,95%CI:2.00-3.17)were more likely to smoke.Additionally,people who perceived comprehensive smoking bans(OR=1.70,95%CI:1.25-2.31)and health warning(OR=2.09,95%CI:1.48-3.01)had higher intention to quit smoking.Conclusion In economically disadvantaged regions and among specific socially vulnerable groups(such as low-income individuals,rural residents,and the elderly)in China,the perception of tobacco control policy implementation is relatively low,the perception of tobacco control policies can influence smoking behavior and quitting intentions.Legislative and enforcement efforts should be increased targeting these groups with lower perceptions of the policies to enhance the fairness of tobacco control measures.

Objective: To analyze the changes in homologous immunity after RhCE-matched transfusion in positive patients with RhCE blood group antibodies, and to provide precise transfusion strategies for chronic anemia patients. Methods: Patients with chronic anemia in our hospital from January 2020 to March 2024 (continuously receiving blood transfusions for more than 6 months) were enrolled, and 63 cases of unexpected antibody screening positive and identified as RhCE blood group antibodies were selected as the research subjects. The changes in unexpected antibody yield rate after ABO and RhCcDEe isotype blood transfusion were observed. Patients with MNS, Kidd, or Lewis blood group antibodies were screened for corresponding negative donors using monoclonal antibodies for extended typing transfusion based on RhCcEe typing, and the changes in unexpected antibody yield rate after transfusion were observed. Blood group genotyping was performed when serological techniques failed to resolve discrepancies or detect abnormal antigen expression. Results: After RhCcDEe-matched transfusions, RhCE antibodies disappeared in 62 patients, while 1 patient developed anti-Ce. The latter did not develop blood type isotype immunity after receiving RhccEE donor blood. Among the 62 patients, 9 developed unexpected antibodies against other systems: anti-M (4 cases), anti-Mur (2), anti-S (1), anti-Jka (1), and anti-Lea (1). No additional alloimmunization occurred after extended antigen-matched transfusions. A patient with serologically weak e phenotype was genotyped as DCe/DcE, with gene sequencing revealing an 827C>A mutation in exon 6 of the RHCE gene, forming the RHCE 01.31 allele. Conclusion: Precise transfusion strategies incorporating RhCE, MNS, Kidd, and Lewis blood group antigen typing can reduce the probability of blood group homologous immunity. RhCE complex antibodies and RhCE variants pose difficulties for clinical RhCE typing transfusion, which can be addressed through cross-matching and genetic analysis.

Objective: To evaluate the feasibility of exempting Asian-type DEL pregnant women from anti-D monitoring and RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis injections by comparing and analyzing the clinical incidence of anti-D alloimmunization between Asian-type DEL pregnant women and true RhD-negative pregnant women. Methods: A total of 165 pregnant women who were initially screened as RhD negative by the saline method and received medical treatment in our hospital from December 2022 to August 2024 were collected as the research subjects. Absorption and elution tests, DEL genotyping, and gene sequencing were used to divide the pregnant women into the Asian-type DEL group and the true negative group. After obtaining informed consent, the following clinical management plan was implemented for pregnant women with Asian-type DEL: exemption from routine anti-D antibody detection, exemption from RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis, and transfusion of RhD-positive red blood cells. Blood samples of newborns were sent for examination of hemolytic disease of the fetus and newborn (HDFN). The routine management plan was implemented for true negative pregnant women. The incidence of alloimmunization and HDFN was comparatively analyzed between the two groups. Results: Among 165 initially screened RhD negative pregnant women, serological testing and genotyping confirmed 42 as Asian-type DEL, 9 as D variant, and 114 as true negative. Among 42 pregnant women with Asian-type DEL, 3 cases tested positive for HDFN due to receiving RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis injection. The remaining 39 cases were exempted from anti-D testing after being fully informed of the risk, and did not receive RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis. The HDFN tests were all negative. In the true negative group, anti-D antibodies were detected in 20 cases, of which 6 cases tested positive for HDFN. A pregnant woman with Asian -type DEL did not show RhD homologous immune response after receiving 2 units of RhD positive red blood cells. Statistical analysis revealed a significantly lower risk of anti-D alloimmunization in Asian-type DEL carriers compared to true D-negative pregnant women (P<0.05). Conclusion: Pregnant women with Asian-type DEL can be exempted from routine anti-D antibody testing and do not require routine RhD immunoglobulin prophylaxis injections.

Objective To analyze the implementation of MPOWER tobacco control policies in different regions and populations in China,as well as the impact of perceptions of tobacco control policies on individual smoking behavior and quit intentions,to promote the fairness of policy implementation and protection for vulnerable groups.Methods A multivariable regression model was constructed utilizing raw data from the China Adult Tobacco Survey to analyze disparities in perceived MPOWER policy implementation among various social demographics and its impact on smoking behavior and quitting intentions.Results Regarding protection from tobacco smoke(P),local economic level,urban-rural divide were significantly correlated with awareness of comprehensive smoking bans.For offering help to quit smoking(O),local tobacco industry revenue and individual age were associated with the doctor's advice for quitting.As to the warning about the harm of tobacco(W),economic level,geography and urban-rural disparity were correlated with the visibility of health warnings.About the tobacco advertising,promotion and sponsorship(E),geography was related to the exposure to tobacco advertisements,local tobacco industry revenue was associated with the tobacco promotion.For tobacco taxes(R),education level and age were significantly correlated with tobacco affordability.People who perceived comprehensive smoking bans(OR=0.69,95%CI:0.59-0.81)was associated with less smoking behavior,while people perceiving tobacco promotional activities(OR=2.51,95%CI:2.00-3.17)were more likely to smoke.Additionally,people who perceived comprehensive smoking bans(OR=1.70,95%CI:1.25-2.31)and health warning(OR=2.09,95%CI:1.48-3.01)had higher intention to quit smoking.Conclusion In economically disadvantaged regions and among specific socially vulnerable groups(such as low-income individuals,rural residents,and the elderly)in China,the perception of tobacco control policy implementation is relatively low,the perception of tobacco control policies can influence smoking behavior and quitting intentions.Legislative and enforcement efforts should be increased targeting these groups with lower perceptions of the policies to enhance the fairness of tobacco control measures.

Background: Rates of return to work (RTW) after an occupational injury vary considerably according to a range of factors. Limited studies have been conducted on the specific correlation between RTW and functional assessments, including activities of daily living (ADL) and instrumental activities of daily living (IADL). This prospective cohort study aims to determine if a relationship exists between ADL/IADL and RTW among injured workers in Taiwan. Methods: We recruited 162 workers who reported work-related injuries from January 2023 to May 2024. The assessment of ADL was evaluated using the Barthel Index, whereas IADL was evaluated using the Lawton Instrumental Activities of Daily Living scale. ADL/IADL were assessed immediately after the injury, at 3 and 6 months postinjury. Logistic regression models were used for the connections between ADL, IADL, and RTW while considering various confounding factors. Results: The mean ADL and IADL improved significantly at both 3 and 6 months postinjury. Logistic regression analysis indicated that IADL scores at 3 and 6 months postinjury were significantly linked to RTW. ADL scores lost significance after adjustment. Age was negatively associated with RTW, whereas sex and labor insurance status showed no significant association. Conclusion Short-term improvements in IADL are linked to successful RTW, rather than ADL for occupationally injured workers. Evaluations of IADL should be incorporated into rehabilitation plans to predict and improve RTW. Thorough rehabilitation approaches that address various aspects of functional abilities may be crucial to support successful RTW. Further studies are required to validate these results.

BACKGROUND: Metabolic Dysfunction-associated Steatotic Liver Disease (MASLD) has become a global epidemic, and air pollution has been identified as a potential risk factor. This study aims to investigate the non-linear relationship between ambient air pollution and MASLD prevalence. METHOD: In this cross-sectional study, participants undergoing health checkups were assessed for three-year average air pollution exposure. MASLD diagnosis required hepatic steatosis with at least 1 out of 5 cardiometabolic criteria. A stepwise approach combining data visualization and regression modeling was used to determine the most appropriate link function between each of the six air pollutants and MASLD. A covariate-adjusted six-pollutant model was constructed accordingly. RESULTS: A total of 131,592 participants were included, with 40.6% met the criteria of MASLD. "Threshold link function," "interaction link function," and "restricted cubic spline (RCS) link functions" best-fitted associations between MASLD and PM_2.5, PM₁₀/CO, and O₃ /SO₂/NO₂, respectively. In the six-pollutant model, significant positive associations were observed when pollutant concentrations were over: 34.64 µg/m³ for PM_2.5, 57.93 µg/m³ for PM₁₀, 56 µg/m³ for O₃, below 643.6 µg/m³ for CO, and within 33 and 48 µg/m³ for NO₂. The six-pollutant model using these best-fitted link functions demonstrated superior model fitting compared to exposure-categorized model or linear link function model assuming proportionality of odds. CONCLUSION Non-linear associations were found between air pollutants and MASLD prevalence. PM_2.5, PM₁₀, O₃, CO, and NO₂ exhibited positive associations with MASLD in specific concentration ranges, highlighting the need to consider non-linear relationships in assessing the impact of air pollution on MASLD.
Humans ; Nitrogen Dioxide ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Air Pollution/analysis* ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Particulate Matter/analysis* ; Liver Diseases ; Environmental Exposure/analysis*

Objective To develop a health belief model(HBM)based adolescent alcohol-related cognition scale to measure adolescent alcohol-related cognition and test its reliability and validity.Methods The adolescents'alcohol-related cognitive scale was developed based on HBM model.By using purposive sampling,three general high schools in Qingpu District,Shanghai were selected.One-third of the classes from grades 10 and 11 in each school were randomly selected,and the students from these classes were surveyed as the research subjects.Exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis were used to analyze its reliability(internal consistency reliability and combination reliability)and validity(structural validity,convergent validity,discriminative validity and criterion validity).Results A total of 970 questionnaires were collected,of which 948 were valid,with an effective rate of 97.7%.The adolescents'alcohol-related cognitive scale contained 22 items.Five common factors were extracted from exploratory factor analysis,including perceived susceptibility,perceived severity,perceived benefits,perceived obstacles,and self-efficacy.The cumulative variance contribution rate reached 83.89%.The results of confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the overall fit of the model.The average variance extracted value(AVE)of each dimension was greater than 0.5,and the convergent validity of the model was ideal.The AVE square root of each dimension of the scale was greater than its correlation coefficient,indicating good discrimination validity.Cronbach's α coefficient of the total volume table was 0.892,indicating good overall reliability.Conclusion The adolescents'alcohol-related cognitive scale developed in this study has good reliability and validity,which can be used to measure adolescents'alcohol-related perceptions.

Metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is an increasingly common liver disease worldwide. MAFLD is diagnosed based on the presence of steatosis on images, histological findings, or serum marker levels as well as the presence of at least one of the three metabolic features: overweight/obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and metabolic risk factors. MAFLD is not only a liver disease but also a factor contributing to or related to cardiovascular diseases (CVD), which is the major etiology responsible for morbidity and mortality in patients with MAFLD. Hence, understanding the association between MAFLD and CVD, surveillance and risk stratification of MAFLD in patients with CVD, and assessment of the current status of MAFLD management are urgent requirements for both hepatologists and cardiologists. This Taiwan position statement reviews the literature and provides suggestions regarding the epidemiology, etiology, risk factors, risk stratification, nonpharmacological interventions, and potential drug treatments of MAFLD, focusing on its association with CVD.

Background/Aims: Despite the high efficacy of direct-acting antivirals (DAAs), approximately 1–3% of hepatitis C virus (HCV) patients fail to achieve a sustained virological response. We conducted a nationwide study to investigate risk factors associated with DAA treatment failure. Machine-learning algorithms have been applied to discriminate subjects who may fail to respond to DAA therapy. Methods: We analyzed the Taiwan HCV Registry Program database to explore predictors of DAA failure in HCV patients. Fifty-five host and virological features were assessed using multivariate logistic regression, decision tree, random forest, eXtreme Gradient Boosting (XGBoost), and artificial neural network. The primary outcome was undetectable HCV RNA at 12 weeks after the end of treatment. Results: The training (n=23,955) and validation (n=10,346) datasets had similar baseline demographics, with an overall DAA failure rate of 1.6% (n=538). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that liver cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma, poor DAA adherence, and higher hemoglobin A1c were significantly associated with virological failure. XGBoost outperformed the other algorithms and logistic regression models, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 1.000 in the training dataset and 0.803 in the validation dataset. The top five predictors of treatment failure were HCV RNA, body mass index, α-fetoprotein, platelets, and FIB-4 index. The accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and negative predictive value of the XGBoost model (cutoff value=0.5) were 99.5%, 69.7%, 99.9%, 97.4%, and 99.5%, respectively, for the entire dataset. Conclusions Machine learning algorithms effectively provide risk stratification for DAA failure and additional information on the factors associated with DAA failure.