A new method for identification of traditional Chinese medicine constitution based on tongue features with machine learning.

BACKGROUND: The theory of Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution contributes to the optimisation of individualised healthcare programmes. However, at present, TCM constitution identification mainly relies on inefficient questionnaires with subjective bias. Efficient and accurate TCM constitution identification can play an important role in individualised medicine and healthcare. OBJECTIVE: Building an efficient model for identifying traditional Chinese medicine constitutions using objective tongue features and machine learning techniques. METHODS: The DS01-A device was applied to collect tongue images and extract features. We trained and evaluated five machine learning models: Support Vector Machine (SVM), Decision Tree (DT), Random Forest (RF), LightGBM (LGBM), and CatBoost (CB). Among these, we selected the model with the best performance as the base classifier for constructing our heterogeneous ensemble learning model. Using various performance metrics, including classification accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, and area under curve (AUC), to comprehensively evaluate model performance. RESULTS: A total of 1149 tongue images were obtained and 45 features were extracted, forming dataset 1. RF, LGBM, and CB were selected as the base learners for the RLC-Stacking. On dataset 1, RLC-Stacking1 achieved an accuracy of 0.8122, outperforming individual classifiers. After feature selection, the classification accuracy of RLC-Stacking2 improved to 0.8287, an improvement of 0.00165 compared to RLC-Stacking1. RLC-Stacking2 achieved an accuracy exceeding 0.85 for identifying each TCM constitution type, indicating excellent identification performance. CONCLUSION: The study provides a reliable method for the accurate and rapid identification of TCM constitutions and can assist clinicians in tailoring individualized medical treatments based on personal constitution types and guide daily health care. The information extracted from tongue images serves as an effective marker for objective TCM constitution identification.

Gut microbiome and metabolome alterations in traditional Chinese medicine damp-heat constitution following treatment with a Chinese patent medicine and lifestyle intervention.

BACKGROUND: The gut microbiota is crucial in human health and diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution (TCMC) divides people into those with a balanced constitution (Ping-he [PH]) and those with an unbalanced constitution. Dampness-heat constitution (Shi-re [SR]) is a common unbalanced constitution in the Chinese population and is susceptible to diseases. However, unbalanced constitutions can be regulated by Chinese medicine and lifestyle interventions in clinical practice. Ermiao Pill (EMP) is a Chinese medicine known for clearing heat and draining dampness and improving SR. However, the efficacy and mechanism of EMP are unclear. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE: To determine alterations in the gut microbiota and metabolome in SR and any changes after EMP treatment combined with lifestyle intervention. STUDY DESIGN: Randomized clinical trial. METHODS: We enrolled 112 healthy SR individuals and evaluated the efficacy of EMP along with lifestyle interventions. We further assessed serum cytokine levels, serum and urinary metabolomes, and the gut microbiota by 16S rRNA gene sequencing analysis before and after the EMP and lifestyle interventions. RESULTS: 107 SR individuals (55 in the intervention group and 52 in the control group) completed the 1-month-intervention and 1-year-follow-up. The intervention group significantly improved their health status within 1 month, with a reduced SR symptom score, and the efficacy lasted to the 1-year follow-up. The control group needed a further 6 months to reduce the SR symptom score. The gut microbiota of PH individuals was more diverse and had significantly higher proportions of many bacterial species than the SR. Microbiota co-occurrence network analysis showed that SR enriches metabolites correlating with microbial community structure, consistent with traits of healthy SR-enriched microbiota. CONCLUSION: EMP combined with lifestyle intervention produced health benefits in SR individuals. Our study indicates a pivotal role of gut microbiota and metabolome alterations in distinguishing between healthy SR and PH. Furthermore, the study reveals structural changes of gut microbiota and metabolites induced by EMP and lifestyle intervention. The treatment enriched the number of beneficial bacteria, such as Akkermansia muciniphila and Lactobacillus in the gut. Our findings provide a strong indication that several metabolite factors are associated with the gut microbiota. Moreover, the gut microbiome and metabolome might be powerful tools for TCMC diagnosis and personalized therapy.

The effect of smartphone addiction on adolescent health: the moderating effect of leisure physical activities.

BACKGROUND: Smartphone addiction is a growing concern, especially among adolescents, due to its negative impact on health. This study examines how leisure physical activity influence this relationship. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between smartphone addiction and adolescent health, examining the mediating role of loneliness and the moderating effect of leisure physical activity. METHODS: A survey of 1271 Chinese university students was conducted using the PAPS Health and Fitness Scale, Smartphone Addiction Scale, and Leisure Time Exercise Scale. RESULTS: Smartphone addiction negatively affects adolescent health. Loneliness mediates this relationship, while leisure physical activity moderates it. High levels of physical activity reduce the negative impact of loneliness on health (bsimple = -0.49, P < 0.001), whereas low levels enhance this impact (bsimple = -0.21, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: These research have practical implications for preventing and reducing smartphone addiction and offer a theoretical foundation for promoting healthier lifestyles among adolescents.

The regulation of intestinal flora on host's genes may play an essential role in the development of endometrial hyperplastic processes in yang deficiency individuals.

Yang-deficiency constitution (YADC) is linked to a higher vulnerability to various diseases, such as cold coagulation and blood stasis (CCBS) syndrome and infertility. Endometrial hyperplastic processes (EHPs) are a leading cause of infertility in women and are characterized by CCBS. However, it remains unclear whether YADC is related to the development of EHPs. METHODS: We recruited 202 EHPs patients including 147 with YADC (YEH group) and 55 with non-YADC (NYEH group). Fecal samples were collected from 8 YEH patients and 3 NYEH patients and analyzed using 16S rRNA V3-V4 sequencing for gut microbiota analysis. We obtained constitution survey data and a differential gut microbiota dataset from the literature for further analysis. Bioinformatics analysis was conducted using gut microbiota-related genes from public databases. RESULTS: YADC was significantly more prevalent in EHPs than non-YADC (P < 0.001), suggesting it as a potential risk factor for EHPs occurrence (ORpopulation survey = 13.471; ORhealthy women = 5.173). The YEH group had higher levels of inflammation, estrogen, and tamoxifen-related flora compared to NYEH and healthy YADC groups. There was an interaction between inflammation, estrogen, differential flora, and EHPs-related genes, particularly the TNF gene (related to inflammation) and the EGFR gene (related to estrogen), which may play a crucial role in EHPs development. CONCLUSION: YEH individuals exhibit significant changes in their gut microbiota compared to NYEH and healthy YADC. The interaction between specific microbiota and host genes is believed to play a critical role in the progression of EHPs.

Development of an interpretable machine learning model associated with genetic indicators to identify Yin-deficiency constitution.

BACKGROUND: Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) defines constitutions which are relevant to corresponding diseases among people. As one of the common constitutions, Yin-deficiency constitution influences a number of Chinese population in the disease onset. Therefore, accurate Yin-deficiency constitution identification is significant for disease prevention and treatment. METHODS: In this study, we collected participants with Yin-deficiency constitution and balanced constitution, separately. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) and logistic regression were used to analyze genetic predictors. Four machine learning models for Yin-deficiency constitution classification with multiple combined genetic indicators were integrated to analyze and identify the optimal model and features. The Shapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpretation was developed for model explanation. RESULTS: The results showed that, NFKBIA, BCL2A1 and CCL4 were the most associated genetic indicators with Yin-deficiency constitution. Random forest with three genetic predictors including NFKBIA, BCL2A1 and CCL4 was the optimal model, area under curve (AUC): 0.937 (95% CI 0.844-1.000), sensitivity: 0.870, specificity: 0.900. The SHAP method provided an intuitive explanation of risk leading to individual predictions. CONCLUSION: We constructed a Yin-deficiency constitution classification model based on machine learning and explained it with the SHAP method, providing an objective Yin-deficiency constitution identification system in TCM and the guidance for clinicians.

Development of D-π-A organic dyes for discriminating HSA from BSA and study on dye-HSA interaction.

HSA (human serum albumin), a most abundant protein in blood serum, plays a key role in maintaining human health. Abnormal HSA level is correlated with many diseases, and thus has been used as an essential biomarker for therapeutic monitoring and biomedical diagnosis. Development of small-molecule fluorescent probes allowing the selective and sensitive recognition of HSA in in vitro and in vivo is of fundamental importance in basic biological research as well as medical diagnosis. Herein, we reported a series of new synthesized fluorescent dyes containing D-π-A constitution, which exhibited different optical properties in solution and solid state. Among them, dye M-H-SO3 with a hydrophilic sulfonate group at electron-acceptor part displayed selectivity for discrimination of HSA from BSA and other enzymes. Upon binding of dye M-H-SO3 with HSA, a significant fluorescence enhancement with a turn-on ratio about 96-fold was triggered. The detection limit was estimated to be âˆ¼ 40 nM. Studies on the interaction mechanism revealed that dye M-H-SO3 could bind to site III of HSA with a 1:1 binding stoichiometry. Furthermore, dye M-H-SO3 has been applied to determine HSA in real urine samples with good recoveries, which provided a useful method for HSA analysis in biological fluids.

Development and testing of a new Tibetan medicine constitutional self-assessment tool.

Previous studies have attempted to develop measurement tools for constitutional identification in Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM), but they have limitations. We developed a new constitution self-assessment tool that is more firmly grounded in the Gyüzhi, the foundational text of Tibetan Medicine. This new self-assessment tool takes the form of a questionnaire in which the items represent the diagnostic criteria of the three central elemental dynamics of Tibetan medicine (rLung, Tripa, Béken) and are related to the body, psychology, and diet preferences. We tested versions of the new questionnaire in three samples of Tibetan adults (total n = 973) in Qinghai Province and evaluated its validity in 90 respondents randomly selected from the main samples. These respondents completed the questionnaire and were independently evaluated by Tibetan Medicine experts using traditional methods of constitution identification. A comparison of the results led us to revise the original questionnaire. Based on expert advice, we combined similar and overlapping items to simplify and improve the scale. Cronbach's alpha was used to assess internal consistency and indicated that the final scale is reliable. There was 80-93 % agreement between experts' identifications and self-assessment responses in the survey when both types of data were available. The Traditional Tibetan Medicine (TTM) constitution scale developed in this paper has a strong basis in theory and TTM practice. It can be used by Tibetan medical practitioners, other health care providers, researchers, and the lay public to identify individual constitution and help determine appropriate treatment.

La débil garantía constitucional del derecho a la protección de la salud en España: una propuesta de reforma / A frágil garantia constitucional do direito à proteção da saúde na Espanha: uma proposta de reforma / The weak constitutional guarantee of the right to health protection in Spain: a reform proposal

Objetivo: discutir el derecho a la protección de la salud en España y su no inclusión en la categoría de derecho fundamental. Metodología: Revisión crítica de documentos normativos españoles e internacionales - Constitución, leyes y tratados internacionales - desde la perspectiva del análisis de la salud como un derecho fundamental. Resultados: La garantía y efectividad del derecho a la salud en España no son satisfactorias, ya que a partir de la regulación legislativa y, a menudo, administrativa del tema, surgen reclamaciones jurídicas bien definidas y exigibles ante los órganos jurisdiccionales, como derechos subjetivos individuales. Esto faculta al legislador introducir retrocesos significativos en la determinación del alcance del derecho a la salud. Conclusión: Se impone una reforma constitucional que signifique la reconfiguración de un derecho y su inclusión en la lista de aquellos considerados fundamentales en la Sección 1ª del Capítulo II del Título I de la Constitución, a fin de dotarlo de un contenido esencial, vinculante para el legislador y para que él mismo sea beneficiario de una garantía jurisdiccional directa y máxima, tanto ordinaria como extraordinaria ante el Tribunal Constitucional.

Objetivo: discutir o direito à proteção da saúde na Espanha e o seu não enquadramento na categoria de direito fundamental. Metodologia: revisão crítica de documentos normativos espanhóis e internacionais ­ Constituição, Leis e tratados internacionais na perspectiva de análise da saúde como um direito fundamental. Resultados: a garantia e efetividade do direito à saúde na Espanha não são satisfatórios visto que a partir da regulamentação legislativa e, muitas vezes, administrativa do tema, surgem reivindicações jurídicas bem definidas e exigíveis perante os órgãos judiciais, como direitos subjetivos individuais. Isso permite ao legislador introduzir retrocessos significativos na determinação do alcance do direito à saúde. Conclusão: Impõe-se uma reforma constitucional que signifique a reconfiguração de um direito e sua inclusão na lista daqueles considerados fundamentais na Seção 1ª do Capítulo II do Título I da Constituição, a fim de dotá-lo de um conteúdo essencial, vinculativo para o legislador e para que ele mesmo seja beneficiário de uma garantia jurisdicional direta e máxima, tanto ordinária quanto extraordinária perante o Tribunal Constitucional.

Objective: to discuss the right to health protection in Spain and its non-inclusion in the category of fundamental rights. Methodology: Critical review of Spanish and international normative documents - Constitution, laws, and international treaties - from the perspective of analyzing health as a fundamental right. Results: The guarantee and effectiveness of the right to health in Spain are not satisfactory, as from the legislative and often administrative regulation of the topic, well-defined and enforceable legal claims arise before judicial bodies, as individual subjective rights. This allows the legislator to introduce significant setbacks in determining the scope of the right to health. Conclusion: A constitutional reform is necessary to reconfigure a right and include it in the list of those considered fundamental in Section 1 of Chapter II of Title I of the Constitution, in order to endow it with an essential content, binding for the legislator, and so that it itself benefits from direct and maximum jurisdictional guarantee, both ordinary and extraordinary, before the Constitutional Court.

Study on Ce2Fe14B-based sintered magnets with Ce/RE> 80.

Up to now, the development of Ce/RE> 80% sintered permanent magnets still faces a challenge, owing to their seriously deteriorated microstructure. In this article, the Ce25.5∼31.5Nd0∼5Febal.B1.25M1.15 (wt.%) sintered magnets with Ce/RE > 80% were investigated, the roles of minor Nd substitution were explored. The typical island-like phase common existed in the grain-boundary (GB) regions of Ce2Fe14B-based SC alloys (which destroys the continuity of RE-rich GB phase), was confirmed as a tetragonal B-rich phase (fct-RE5Fe18B18), and probably generated by the peritectic reaction of "L + Ce2Fe14B → CeFe2 + B-rich" at 797 °C. It was found that: the deteriorated microstructures of high Ce sintered magnets were hardly improved (Nd element was not enriched in the main phase as it was expected), and the coercivity increments were far below expectations by directly adding 3-5% Nd in alloy designs. However, the GB phase distribution was more uniform and continuous, Nd-rich shells formed, and magnetic properties were remarkably promoted by blending 2% NdHx powders into the Ce27.5Nd3Febal.B1.25M1.15 (Ce27.5Nd3) magnet during JM milling, compared with the Ce25.5Nd5Febal.B1.25M1.15 (Ce25.5Nd5) magnet with similar composition. The good comprehensive magnetic properties of Hcj = 1.714 kOe, Br = 9.395 kG, and (BH)max = 11.16 MGOe have been reached in the Ce27.5Nd3+2% (NdHx) magnet (Ce accounted for 84.5 wt% of total rare earth). The present work deepens our understanding of metallurgical behavior, process/microstructure designing for Ce/RE> 80% sintered magnets, and shed a light on the large-scale utilization of Ce element in a permanent magnet.

Parliamentary question: Insights from the Federal National Council in the UAE.

This paper highlights the paramount role of parliamentary questioning as a control mechanism exercised by the Federal National Council (FNC) in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The surge in its utilization, attributed to heightened awareness among FNC members and ministers, has significantly enhanced the Council's control capabilities, especially in the absence of alternative parliamentary control instruments such as interpellations. The paper underscores the simplicity and adaptability of parliamentary questioning, which spans diverse topics and addresses everyday state matters, rectifies errors, monitors law implementation, and fills legislative gaps. The structure of the paper comprises two sections: the first scrutinizes procedural requirements within the UAE's Constitution and the FNC's Bylaw, while the second section explores practical examples, offering insights into the distinctive nature of the FNC's parliamentary questioning compared to regional practices.

Study on the related factors of TCM constitution and hemodynamics in patients with coronary heart disease.

Background: The concepts of "individualization" and "preventive treatment" should be incorporated into the precise diagnosis and treatment of coronary heart disease (CHD). Both hemodynamics and Chinese medicine constitution studies align with these two concepts. Methods: This study utilized data from 81 patients with CHD, including 12 patients with balanced constitution (BC), 20 patients with blood stasis constitution (BSC), 17 patients with phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC), 15 patients with qi-deficiency constitution (QDC), and 17 patients with other constitutions. Clinical data provided information on the patients' blood property, heart function, degree of coronary stenosis, coronary hemodynamics, and so on. These parameters were compared between patients with balanced constitution vs. biased constitutions as well as between those with blood stasis constitution, phlegm-dampness constitution, and qi-deficiency constitution. Results: Compared to biased constitution (BC), patients with balanced constitution exhibited lower total cholesterol (TC) levels and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) levels. Additionally, they had lighter stenosis degrees in the Left anterior descending branch (LAD) and Left circumflex branch (LCX) branches. The hemodynamic condition of the LAD and LCX was better for those with balanced constitution; however there was no difference in heart function. Among the groups categorized by blood stasis, phlegm dampness or qi deficiency constituions, patients classified under phlegm dampness had higher levels of LDL compared to those classified under blood stasis or qi deficiency, while patients classified under qi deficiency had higher levels of blood glucose compared to those classified under blood stasis or phlegm dampness. Hemodynamic environments also differed among the LAD and LCX for each group but there were no significant differences observed in heart function or degree of coronary stenosis among these three groups. Conclusion: The balanced constitution demonstrates superior blood property, degree of coronary artery stenosis, and coronary hemodynamics compared to the biased constitution. Furthermore, among the three constitutions with CHD, variations in blood property and certain hemodynamic parameters are observed. These findings emphasize the significant clinical value of incorporating physical factors into the diagnosis and treatment of patients with CHD.

Nepal's experience in implementing the federal government system: Assessment of law-making by the local governments of Kaski district, Nepal.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nepal 2015 institutionalizes the sovereign right of the people and the right to autonomy, shared rule and self-rule via the three levels of government: federal, provincial, and local. Accordingly, to deliver service to the local residents and to assure the residents of the practice of self-rule, the constitution has given state powers to the local levels with 22 exclusive mandates and 15 concurrent competencies and mandates. However, being the new practice in the Nepalese context, for implementing the delegated authority, related laws are to be formulated by the concerned local level. In this study, I assessed if the five local levels of Kaski district: Pokhara Metropolitan, Annapurna Rural Municipality, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality, Madi Rural Municipality, and Rupa Rural Municipality in the first five years of their establishment formulated the requisite laws concerning the 22 local-level powers. I conducted a questionnaire survey and in-person interviews with the elected members of the local levels. The result revealed that during the first five years of operation (2017-2022), Pokhara Metropolitan formulated 98 laws, Annapurna Rural Municipality made 34 laws, Machhapuchhre Rural Municipality made 54 laws, Madi Rural Municipality made 88 laws, and Rupa Rural Municipality made 56 laws. The laws formed by the five local levels were of mainly two categories. The laws of the first category were related to the legal set-up of the local governments for the smooth functioning of administrative affairs which were almost identical across the five local levels. The laws of the second category were specific to the local level and thus apparently distinctive from each other, however, those laws were aimed towards providing service to the local residents, meeting the distinctive development aspirations of the local people and fulfilling the needs of local self-governance. Despite the deficiency of expertise in law-making and the limitation of resources, the local levels have laid a foundation for the functioning of local-level government. Although the local units of the Kaski district have put their best effort into formulating laws, they are yet insufficient to ensure the delivery of all the 22 constitution-delegated rights of the local residents. Therefore, the newly elected government should keep priority in formulating the remaining laws not only for the smooth functioning of the local government but also to assure the residents of the aspiration of self-governance and the constitution-granted rights.

Association between the traditional Chinese medicine constitution and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in older people: A cross-sectional study.

Background: Few studies have focused on the relationship between the traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in older populations. We sought to investigate the distribution of MAFLD and the TCMC in older people, and provide a theoretical basis for TCMC-based management of MAFLD in this population. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among older (≥65 years) individuals in Zhongshan, China. Information on common sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements, and the TCMC was collected. The chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and inverse probability weighting of the propensity score were used to explore the relationship between MAFLD and the TCMC. Results: Of 7085 participants, 1408 (19.9 %) had MAFLD. The three most common TCMC types in MAFLD patients were "phlegm-dampness", "gentleness", and "yin-deficiency". After adjustment for gender, age, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, abnormal waist-to-hip ratio, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, MAFLD was positively associated with the phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC) (ORadjusted (95 % CI) = 1.776 (1.496-2.108), P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with the qi-depression constitution (0.643 (0.481-0.860), 0.003). A stronger correlation between the PDC and MAFLD was observed in men compared with women (ORadjusted = 2.04 (95%CI = 1.47-2.84) vs. 1.70 (95%CI = 1.39-2.08), Pinteraction = 0.003) as well as between people who smoked tobacco and non-tobacco-smoking individuals (2.11 (1.39-3.21) vs. 1.75 (1.45-2.12), 0.006). Conclusions: A positive relationship was observed between MAFLD and the PDC in older people living in Zhongshan. Early detection and treatment of the PDC (especially in men and smokers) could prevent the occurrence and development of MAFLD.

Characterization, mechanical properties, corrosion behavior and bone-like apatite formation ability of fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite coating.

Hydroxyapatite (HA) is a non-bioceramic commonly used in human implants in the form of coatings, which are limited in their application by mechanical and wear resistance properties, as well as biodegradability. In this study, fluorine substituted hydroxyapatite (FHA) coatings were prepared on Ti-6Al-4V surfaces by plasma spraying method using a mixture of calcium fluoride and hydroxyapatite powders. The prepared coatings were characterized by X-ray diffraction and fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy at different levels of calcium fluoride (3 wt%, 6 wt%, 9 wt%, and 12 wt%). The biocompatibility of the coatings was evaluated by in vitro mineralization experiments. Experimental results showed that at 9 wt% of calcium fluoride, the prepared FHA coatings had better mechanical properties, with improved bond strength (28.2 MPa). The X-ray diffraction patterns of the coatings reflect the fluorine substitution during the spraying process and the 9FHA has the highest crystallinity according to the XRD analysis, which is closely related to the biological activity of the coating. In addition, Potentiodynamic polarisation showed that the sample coated with the 9FHA coating had the highest Ecorr and lowest Icorr, indicating the best corrosion resistance. The FHA coating exhibits faster apatite deposition in simulated body fluid, and the efficiency of apatite deposition increases with the increase of CaF2.

Differences in vascular endothelial function and serum proteome between obese people with phlegm-dampness constitution and balanced constitution.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the extent of vascular endothelial dysfunction and preliminary identify serum protein biomarkers associated with obese individuals at risk for cardiovascular disease (CVD). METHODS: Fifteen obese volunteers with the phlegm-dampness constitution or balanced constitution were recruited for this study respectively. The clinical baseline data was collected, and the vascular endothelial function was evaluated using the EndoPATTM. Blood samples were collected for the serum proteome analysis. The differences in the serum protein expression levels between the two groups were detected and the protein interaction network analysis, correlation analysis, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and random forest model investigation were conducted. RESULTS: There were no statistical differences found in the baseline data. For vascular endothelial function, the reactive hyperemia index (RHI) of the phlegm-dampness constitution obese group was significantly lower than that of the balanced constitution obese group (1.46 ± 0.30 vs 2.82 ± 0.78, P < 0.0001), indicating vascular endothelial dysfunction. There are 66 differentially expressed serum proteins between the two groups. apolipoprotein A2 (ApoA2), angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE-2), interleukin-33 (IL-33), and forkhead box P3 (FoxP3) showed significant differences and area under curve values of their ROC curves were greater than 0.7 and correlated significantly with RHI. CONCLUSION: Vascular endothelial dysfunction was present in the phlegm-dampness constitution obese group. Thus, alterations in the expression levels of key serum proteins, including ApoA2, ACE-2, IL-33, and FoxP3 could serve as potential biomarkers in the obese population at risk of CVD.

Correlation analysis of hypertension, traditional Chinese medicine constitution, and LPL gene polymorphism in the elderly in communities in Shanghai.

BACKGROUND: Research on the genetic mechanisms of hypertension has been a hot topic in the cardiovascular field. OBJECTIVE: To study the correlation between senile hypertension and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution and lipoprotein lipase (LPL) gene polymorphism and to provide the theoretical basis for TCM prevention and treatment of hypertension. METHODS: The elderly population in communities in Shanghai (hypertensive: 264 cases; non-hypertensive: 159 cases) was taken as the research object. Essential data and information on TCM constitution were collected. The LPL gene mutation was detected using the second-generation sequencing method. Statistical analysis was performed to clarify the relationship between hypertension and senile hypertension. The correlation of TCM constitution with risk factors and LPL gene polymorphisms was studied. RESULTS: The primary TCM constitutions in the hypertension group were phlegm-dampness constitution (51.52%), yin-deficiency constitution (17.42%), balanced constitution (15.53%), and yin-deficiency (9.43%). Logistic regression analysis showed that the phlegm-dampness constitution (P< 0.05, OR = 2.587) and yin-deficiency constitution (P< 0.01, OR = 2.693) were the risk constitutions of hypertension in the elderly. A total of 37 LPL gene mutation loci (SNP: 22; new discovery: 15) were detected in the LPL gene, and the mutation rates of rs254, rs255, rs3208305, rs316, rs11570891, rs328, rs11570893, and rs13702 were relatively high, which were 26.24%, 26.24%, 16.08%, 14.66%, 13.24%, 12.06%, and 10.64%. In the phlegm-dampness group, the proportion of rs254 CC type, rs255 TT type, and rs13702 TT type in the hypertensive group (77.21%, 77.21%, and 93.38%) was higher than that in the non-hypertensive group (56.41%, 56.41%, and 82.05%), The difference was statistically significant (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The phlegm-dampness constitution and yin-deficiency constitution are the risk factors of hypertension in the elderly; in the phlegm-dampness population, rs254 CC type, rs255 TT type, and rs13702 TT type are the risk factors for elderly hypertension.

Corpos transmasculinos negros em intersecções estéticas: entrevista com Leonardo Peçanha / Black transmasculine bodies in aesthetic intersections: an interview with Leonardo Peçanha

Resumo Este artigo de opinião consiste em uma entrevista realizada com Leonardo Peçanha, um homem negro trans, ativista no campo dos direitos humanos e dos direitos das pessoas trans e pesquisador do campo da Saúde Coletiva. Na conversa que se segue Leonardo Peçanha, de forma interseccional, reflete sobre o lugar da beleza, modificações corporais e atividade física no processo de transição de gênero de sujeitos homens trans e transmasculinos, como também toca no tema das (im)possibilidades das pessoas trans no campo dos esportes de alto rendimento e nos conta sobre o concurso de beleza Mister Trans Brasil.

Abstract This opinion article consists of an interview with Leonardo Peçanha, a Black trans man, a human rights and trans people rights activist and a researcher in Collective Health. In this interview, he reflects intersectionally on the place of beauty, body changes, and physical activity in the gender transition process of trans and transmasculine men. He discusses the (im)possibilities of trans people in high-performance sports and tells us about the Mister Trans Brazil beauty pageant contest.

Development and implications of physical fitness assessment for children and adolescents in Japan / 中国学校卫生

Abstract@#To help children and adolescents grow up healthily, using literature, comparative analysis and other research methods, the historical development of Japan s physical fitness assessment system for children and adolescents are analyzed for the content structure of the latest version of its physical fitness assessment system (Sports adaptability assessment Ⅱ). On the basis of this analysis, some practical suggestions are proposed for improving the National Physical Fitness Standards for Students in China, such as adding a physical fitness assessment system for preschoolers, grouping the test subjects by age and setting common test indicators for males and females. Thus, the improved National Student Physical Fitness Standard is more aligned with the physical and mental growth patterns of Chinese children and adolescents.

Correlation between daily exercise load and physical fitness among primary school students / 中国学校卫生

Objective@#To understand the relationship between daily exercise load and physical fitness of primary school students, so as to provide relevant theoretical basis for the development of on campus physical education plans and the improvement of procedural physical health management for elementary school students.@*Methods@#A total of 223 students from 6 classes in a primary school in Beijing were selected by a stratified random cluster sampling method from May to June 2023. The daily exercise load of the students was monitored by Polar Verity Sense heart rate armband. The duration of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and daily Training Impulse (TRIMP) value were calculated, and the related indexes of daily exercise load were analyzed. Chi square test and univariate Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the correlation between daily exercise load and physical fitness assessment levels, and multi factor ordinal Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the influencing factors of physical fitness assessment levels.@*Results@#The average time spent in MVPA was (21.65±17.48) min. The TRIMP value was (361.47±124.81). The time spent in MVPA of primary school students in outdoor class, zero point sports, recess and after class PE were ( 8.86 ±8.56, 9.41±10.47, 1.97±3.12, 2.46±2.57) min, respectively. TRIMP values were (68.89±20.84, 72.83±30.27, 51.68±18.23, 19.99±5.78) in outdoor class, zero point sports, recess and after class PE, respectively. The results of univariate analysis showed that there were statistically significant differences in physical fitness levels among students with different genders, grades, and BMI ( χ 2=7.13, 19.04, 32.98, P <0.05). The duration of daily MVPA, along with TRIMP value during outdoor class, zero point sports, recess, and after PE class were all statistically significant with physical fitness levels ( OR =1.07, 1.05, 1.02, 1.03, 1.11, P <0.05). The results of multi factor ordinal Logistic regression analysis showed that the primary school grade (lower grade: OR =9.24, middle grade: OR =7.81), BMI (abnormal: OR =0.21), duration of daily MVPA in school ( OR =1.06), and TRIMP value during outdoor class ( OR =1.05) were statistically significant with physical fitness levels ( P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#There is a positive correlation between physical fitness and different grades, BMI, daily exercise load, and outdoor exercise load. Increasing daily exercise load can improve students physical health. It is suggested to tailor the school sports program to suit primary school students, increase both the intensity and duration of school daily sports, and promote procedural physical health management for elementary school students.

Supreme Court Impacts in Public Health Law: 2022-2023.

In another tumultuous term of the United States Supreme Court in 2022-2023 a series of critical cases implicate instant and forthcoming changes in multiple fronts that collectively shift the national public health law and policy environment.