Correlation Between Lipoprotein-Related Phospholipase A2 and Metabolic Syndrome.

Background: Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) has been recognized as a valuable biomarker for identifying the risk of cardiovascular diseases and inflammation. Furthermore, there is strong evidence to suggest that metabolic syndrome is closely associated with chronic inflammation. Accordingly, the present study endeavors to examine the potential correlation between metabolic syndrome and the levels of Lp-PLA2. Methods: To explore the relationship between Lp-PLA2 levels and metabolic syndrome, and to establish the predictive cut-off value of Lp-PLA2, a retrospective analysis was conducted using medical data from a sample of 3549 Chinese adults (comprising 2182 men and 1367 women) aged between 18 and 50 years, who had undergone health check-ups. In addition, the study also sought to investigate any potential differences in Lp-PLA2 levels based on sex and age. Results: The analysis of the data indicated that participants had a mean age of 44.2 years, a mean Lp-PLA2 level of 589 IU/L, and a metabolic syndrome prevalence of 22%. Lp-PLA2 levels were significantly different between males and females, and a significant correlation was observed between Lp-PLA2 levels and clinical and metabolic characteristics, including BMI, cholesterol, and triglycerides. Interestingly, Lp-PLA2 demonstrated potential as an indicator of metabolic syndrome, particularly in females, despite other biomarkers, such as TG/HDL-C and WHR, exhibiting better area under the curve. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that Lp-PLA2 may serve as a useful biomarker for identifying individuals at risk of developing metabolic syndrome, particularly in females. Further research is needed to explore the potential of Lp-PLA2 as a diagnostic and therapeutic target for metabolic syndrome.

Diastereo- and Enantioselective Synthesis of Functionalized Dihydropyrans via an Organocatalytic Claisen Rearrangement/Oxa-Michael Addition Tandem Sequence.

A straightforward diastereo- and enantioselective Claisen rearrangement/oxa-Michael addition tandem sequence with a cinchona squaramide catalyst was described, which afforded a practical and atom-economical approach to access a range of valuable dihydropyrans in good to excellent yields with excellent stereoselectivities. The organo-bifunctional catalyst played a key role in enhancing stereoselectivity in this asymmetric tandem sequence. Moreover, the asymmetric catalytic sequential processes of the hydroalkoxylation/Claisen rearrangement/cyclization sequence and Claisen rearrangement/aza-Michael addition tandem sequence have also been afforded good yields and moderate stereoselectivities.

Sex differences in the association between vitamin D and early-stage chronic kidney disease: A population-based study.

Vitamin D deficiency (VDD) is commonly observed in people with late-stage chronic kidney disease (CKD) and end-stage renal disease; it has also been associated with the progression of kidney disease. We hypothesized that VDD played a role in early-stage chronic kidney disease as well. Thus, this cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the association between serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D concentration and CKD stages 1 through 3 (early-stage CKD) in a relatively healthy population in China. A total of 3142 Chinese individuals were included in this cross-sectional study. VDD was observed in 108 (5.6%) males and 307 (25.33%) females. We found a significant inverse association between serum 25(OH)D concentration with CKD stages in both sexes. Furthermore, VDD was associated with CKD stages 1 through 3 in males (adjusted odds ratio, 15.84; 95% confidence interval, 7.85-31.98; P < .001), but not in females. Vitamin D status should be evaluated in people who are newly diagnosed with CKD stages 1 through 3 or decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate, especially in males.

Age- and Sex-Specific Association between Lipoprotein-Related Phospholipase A2 and Cardiometabolic Risk Factors.

(1) Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) is a risk factor for predicting cardiovascular diseases. Metabolic syndrome is characterized by a state of chronic inflammation that is related to an increased risk of cardiovascular events and death. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the correlation between cardiometabolic risk factors and Lp-PLA2 levels. (2) We collected the related retrospective medical data of Chinese adults, of which 3983 were men and 2836 were women (aged ≥ 18 years), who underwent health check-ups, and discussed the sex and age-related differences. (3) Data analysis showed that Lp-PLA2 was significantly related to lipoproteins and glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT), and that a linear trend was observed with increasing Lp-PLA2 levels for all ages and sexes. However, fasting glucose was significantly related to Lp-PLA2 only in the younger population. The two obesity-related parameters (waist-to-height ratio and waist circumference) also had a greater correlation with Lp-PLA2 levels in the younger groups; however, the correlation weakened in the elderly population. Meanwhile, the correlation between mean arterial pressure and creatinine level and Lp-PLA2 was significant only in younger men. (4) The results show that the expression patterns of Lp-PLA2 differ between sexes and across age groups.

Peptic Ulcer Disease Associated with Central Obesity.

This retrospective cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate associations between peptic ulcer disease (PUD), bone mineral density, and metabolic syndrome (MetS) and its components in healthy populations. Data were collected from the health examination database of a tertiary medical center in southern Taiwan from January 2015 to December 2016. Subjects who had undergone metabolic factors assessment, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, and dual energy X-ray absorptiometry scans were enrolled. In total, 5102 subjects were included, with mean age 52.4 ± 12.0 years. Among them, 1332 (26.1%) had PUD. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that age (OR 1.03, p < 0.001), male (OR 1.89, p < 0.001), diabetes (OR 1.23, p = 0.004), BMI (OR 1.03, p = 0.001), and GOT (OR 1, p = 0.003) are risk factors for PUD. Regarding MetS parameters, larger waist circumference (OR 1.26, p = 0.001) is associated with PUD, and high triglycerides (OR 1.20, 95% CI 1.01−1.43) is associated with gastric ulcer, while low HDL (OR 1.31, 95% CI 1.07−1.59) and osteoporosis (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.08−1.91) are associated with duodenal ulcer. In conclusion, central obesity is associated with PUD in a middle-aged healthy population. Subjects with high triglycerides are prone to gastric ulcers, and those with osteoporosis and low HDL are prone to duodenal ulcers.

Gender differences in the association between insulin resistance and chronic kidney disease in a Chinese population with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Insulin resistance (IR) was reported to be associated with renal function impairment, but little is known about the gender difference. Hence, our study aimed to investigate the relationship between IR (estimated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) index) and chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a Chinese population with metabolic syndrome (MetS) and discern whether there was any gender disparity or not. METHODS: This retrospective cross-sectional study enrolled 13,638 men and 10,450 women who received health examinations from 2013 to 2016 at Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital. Among the participants, 3,253 men (64.3%) and 1,808 women (35.7%) who had MetS and met the inclusion criteria were included for analysis. Spearman's correlation was conducted to analyze the relationship between HOMA-IR and cardio-metabolic risk factors. Multivariable linear regression was analyzed to explore the relationship between HOMA-IR and cardio-metabolic variables. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the association between HOMA-IR and CKD. RESULTS: The median HOMA-IR and prevalence of CKD was 2.2 and 11.31%, respectively, for men and 2.09 and 15.93%, respectively, for women. In multivariable linear regression analysis, HOMA-IR was significant associated with estimated GFR, albumin/creatinine ratio in men. Multivariable logistic regression revealed a significant difference between HOMA-IR value and the prevalence of CKD in men but not in women (odds ratio in male = 1.21; 95% CI 1.14-1.28, p ≤ 0.001; odds ratio in female = 1.01; 95% CI 0.99-1.02, p = 0.38). CONCLUSIONS: HOMA-IR was independently associated with CKD among men with MetS but not in women.

Association between metabolic body composition status and vitamin D deficiency: A cross-sectional study.

This study aimed to investigate the risk of vitamin D deficiency in a relatively healthy Asian population, with (i) metabolically healthy normal weight (MHNW) (homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance [HOMA-IR] < 2. 5 without metabolic syndrome [MS], body mass index [BMI] < 25), (ii) metabolically healthy obesity (MHO) (HOMA-IR < 2.5, without MS, BMI ≥ 25), (iii) metabolically unhealthy normal weight (MUNW) (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5, or with MS, BMI < 25), and (iv) metabolically unhealthy obesity (MUO) (HOMA-IR ≥ 2.5, or with MS, BMI ≥ 25) stratified by age and sex. This cross-sectional study involved 6,655 participants aged ≥ 18 years who underwent health checkups between 2013 and 2016 at the Chang Gung Memorial Hospital. Cardiometabolic and inflammatory markers including anthropometric variables, glycemic indices, lipid profiles, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D levels, were retrospectively investigated. Compared to the MHNW group, the MHO group showed a higher odds ratio (OR) [1.35, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05-1.73] for vitamin D deficiency in men aged < 50 years. By contrast, in men aged > 50 years, the risk of vitamin D deficiency was higher in the MUO group (OR 1.44, 95% CI 1.05-1.97). Among women aged < and ≥ 50 years, the MUO group demonstrated the highest risk for vitamin D deficiency, OR 2.33 vs. 1.54, respectively. Our study revealed that in women of all ages and men aged > 50 years, MUO is associated with vitamin D deficiency and elevated levels of metabolic biomarkers. Among men aged < 50 years, MHO had the highest OR for vitamin D deficiency.

MiR-183-5p-PNPT1 Axis Enhances Cisplatin-induced Apoptosis in Bladder Cancer Cells.

OBJECTIVE: It has been reported that intrinsic apoptosis is associated with the progression of bladder cancer (BC). Recent evidence suggests that polyribonucleotide nucleotidyltransferase 1 (PNPT1) is a pivotal mediator involved in RNA decay and cell apoptosis. However, the regulation and roles of PNPT1 in bladder cancer remain largely unclear. METHODS: The upstream miRNA regulators were predicted by in silico analysis. The expression levels of PNPT1 were evaluated by real-time PCR, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry (IHC), while miR-183-5p levels were evaluated by qPCR in BC cell lines and tissues. In vitro and in vivo assays were performed to investigate the function of miR-183-5p and PNPT1 in apoptotic RNA decay and the tumorigenic capability of bladder cancer cells. RESULTS: PNPT1 expression was decreased in BC tissues and cell lines. Overexpression of PNPT1 significantly promoted cisplatin-induced intrinsic apoptosis of BC cells, whereas depletion of PNPT1 potently alleviated these effects. Moreover, oncogenic miR-183-5p directly targeted the 3' UTR of PNPT1 and reversed the tumor suppressive role of PNPT1. Intriguingly, miR-183-5p modulated not only PNPT1 but also Bcl2 modifying factor (BMF) to inhibit the mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) in BC cells. CONCLUSION: Our results provide new insight into the mechanisms underlying intrinsic apoptosis in BC, suggesting that the miR-183-5p-PNPT1 regulatory axis regulates the apoptosis of BC cells and might represent a potential therapeutic avenue for the treatment of BC.

Radical Alkene-Trifluoromethylation-Triggered Nitrile Insertion/Remote Functionalization Relay Processes: Diverse Synthesis of Trifluoromethylated Azaheterocycles Enabled by Copper Catalysis.

A copper-catalyzed alkene-trifluoromethylation-triggered nitrile insertion/remote functionalization relay process has been achieved, in which "interrupted" remote 1,n-difunctionalizations of alkenes with nitrile insertion can deliver iminyl radical intermediates instead of C-based radicals, followed by subsequent 1,n-HAT to furnish corresponding remote functionalization. This relay protocol enables a straightforward approach to streamline the assembly of structurally diverse trifluoromethylated azaheterocycles.

Gender-specific and age-specific associations of the homoeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR) with albuminuria and renal function impairment: a retrospective cross-sectional study in Southeast China.

OBJECTIVES: The study aimed to investigate the association of insulin resistance (IR), which was estimated by the homoeostasis model assessment for IR (HOMA-IR), with albuminuria and renal function impairment in a general Chinese population. DESIGN: A retrospective cross-sectional study. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS: A total of 13 742 adults (age: ≥18 years) who underwent a health check-up at a hospital in Southeast China during 2013-2014 were enrolled. 216 subjects were excluded due to lack of enough fasting time, be pregnant, have chronic diseases influencing metabolic functions or have glomerulonephritis, renal cancer, kidney transplant. Eventually, 7552 men and 5974 women were included for the present analysis. PRIMARY OUTCOME MEASURES: The association of HOMA-IR with albuminuria and renal function impairment were analysed. The HOMA-IR cut-off value for detecting albuminuria and renal function impairment were determined. RESULTS: An increase in the HOMA-IR quartile was significantly associated with the prevalence of albuminuria and renal function impairment in all men and women aged >45 years. The multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed a significant association of the HOMA-IR with albuminuria and renal function impairment in subjects aged >45 years of the fourth quartiles compared with those of the first quartile after adjusting for potential confounders (albuminuria: men OR, 2.39; 95% CI 1.51 to 3.79, p<0.001; women OR, 2.40; 95% CI 1.44 to 4.01; p=0.001; renal function impairment: men OR, 2.30; 95% CI 1.50 to 3.51; p<0.001; women OR, 2.20; 95% CI 1.35 to 3.58; p=0.002). The optimal cut-off value of HOMA-IR for detecting albuminuria and renal function impairment was 2.69 in men aged ≤45 years, 1.60 in men aged >45 years and 1.86 in women aged >45 years. CONCLUSIONS: Our study revealed that HOMA-IR was significantly associated with albuminuria and renal function impairment in individuals aged >45 years.

The correlation between lipoprotein associated phospholipase A2 and central overweight status.

OBJECTIVE: Being overweight is associated with an increased risk of diabetes mellitus, hypertension, and cardiovascular disease. Lipoprotein-associated phospholipase A2 (Lp-PLA2) can independently predict the risk of cardiovascular disease. This study is aimed to investigate whether Lp-PLA2 was associated with an overweight status. METHODS: This was a cross-sectional study that enrolled 3760 Chinese adults (age, 18-50 years) who underwent medical examination department of Xiamen Chang-Gung Hospital (XCGH) from 2018 to 2020. To explore the distribution of overweight classifications in the Chinese population, we evaluated the correlation of the overweight status with Lp-PLA2, after correcting for possible influencing factors. RESULTS: The Lp-PLA2 level was greater in male than in female subjects (p < 0.001). Subjects with a central overweight status had a greater Lp-PLA2 level than those with normal weight and a peripheral overweight status, in both male and female cohorts. The Lp-PLA2 level was significantly greater in those with additional comorbidities (namely diabetes mellitus (DM), hypertension (HTN), overweight, and metabolic syndrome (MetS)). The age-adjusted and LDL-adjusted Lp-PLA2 level also was significantly higher in the DM (+) and HTN (-) subgroups than in the DM (-), HTN (-), DM (-), and HTN (+) subgroups. CONCLUSION: Lp-PLA2 is associated with sex, central overweight status, diabetes, hypertension, and MetS in adults aged < 50 years and the age-adjusted and LDL-adjusted Lp-PLA2 was significantly higher in the DM (+) and HTN (-) subgroups than in the DM (-) and HTN (-) and DM (-) and HTN (+) subgroups.

Hypoxic acclimation improves mitochondrial bioenergetic function in large yellow croaker Larimichthys crocea under Cu stress.

The purpose of this study was to investigate how pre-hypoxia exposure affected the mitochondrial structure and bioenergetic function of large yellow croaker in responding to Cu stress. Fish were acclimated to normoxia and 3.0 mg DO L-1 for 48 h, then subjected to 0 and 120 µg Cu L-1 for another 48 h. Hypoxic acclimation did not affect mitochondrial ultrastructure and reactive oxygen species (ROS), but reduced oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) efficiency. Cu exposure impaired mitochondrial ultrastructure, increased ROS generation and inhibited OXPHOS efficiency. Compared with Cu exposure alone, hypoxic acclimation plus Cu exposure reduced ROS production and improved OXPHOS efficiency by enhancing mitochondrial respiratory control ratio, mitochondrial membrane potential, and activities and gene expressions of electron transport chain enzymes. In conclusion, hypoxic acclimation improved the mitochondrial energy metabolism of large yellow croaker under Cu stress, facilitating our understanding of the molecular mechanisms regarding adaptive responses of hypoxia-acclimated fish under Cu stress.

Repurposing existing medications for coronavirus disease 2019: protocol for a rapid and living systematic review.

BACKGROUND: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has no confirmed specific treatments. However, there might be in vitro and early clinical data as well as evidence from severe acute respiratory syndrome and Middle Eastern respiratory syndrome that could inform clinicians and researchers. This systematic review aims to create priorities for future research of drugs repurposed for COVID-19. METHODS: This systematic review will include in vitro, animal, and clinical studies evaluating the efficacy of a list of 34 specific compounds and 4 groups of drugs identified in a previous scoping review. Studies will be identified both from traditional literature databases and pre-print servers. Outcomes assessed will include time to clinical improvement, time to viral clearance, mortality, length of hospital stay, and proportions transferred to the intensive care unit and intubated, respectively. We will use the GRADE methodology to assess the quality of the evidence. DISCUSSION: The challenge posed by COVID-19 requires not just a rapid review of drugs that can be repurposed but also a sustained effort to integrate new evidence into a living systematic review. TRIAL REGISTRATION: PROSPERO 2020 CRD42020175648.

Optimal Threshold of Homeostasis Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance to Identify Metabolic Syndrome in a Chinese Population Aged 45 Years or Younger.

Background: Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is regarded as a major risk factor for diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular disease (CVD). The optimal threshold of the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) has been established for predicting MetS in diverse populations and for different ages. This study assessed the serum HOMA-IR level in a healthy Chinese population aged ≤45 years to determine its relationship with metabolic abnormalities. Methods: Cross-sectional study data were collected from health checkup records of Chinese adults aged ≥18 years between 2013 and 2016 at Xiamen Chang Gung Hospital. Participants completed a standardized questionnaire, which was followed by a health examination and blood sample collection. Exclusion criteria were as follows: history of known CVDs; liver, kidney, or endocrine diseases or recent acute illness; hypertension; hyperlipidemia; and pregnancy or lactation. Results: The clinical and laboratory characteristics of 5954 men and 4185 women were analyzed. Significant differences were observed in all assessed variables (all P < 0.05). The optimal cutoff point of HOMA-IR for predicting MetS was 1.7 in men and 1.78 in women. Conclusions: We aimed to determine the optimal cutoff point of HOMA-IR for predicting MetS in a healthy Chinese population aged ≤45 years. The findings of this study would provide an evidence-based threshold for evaluating metabolic syndromes and further implementing primary prevention programs, such as lifestyle changes in the target population.

Microporous Carbon and Carbon/Metal Composite Materials Derived from Bio-Benzoxazine-Linked Precursor for CO2 Capture and Energy Storage Applications.

There is currently a pursuit of synthetic approaches for designing porous carbon materials with selective CO2 capture and/or excellent energy storage performance that significantly impacts the environment and the sustainable development of circular economy. In this study we prepared a new bio-based benzoxazine (AP-BZ) in high yield through Mannich condensation of apigenin, a naturally occurring phenol, with 4-bromoaniline and paraformaldehyde. We then prepared a PA-BZ porous organic polymer (POP) through Sonogashira coupling of AP-BZ with 1,3,6,8-tetraethynylpyrene (P-T) in the presence of Pd(PPh3)4. In situ Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and differential scanning calorimetry revealed details of the thermal polymerization of the oxazine rings in the AP-BZ monomer and in the PA-BZ POP. Next, we prepared a microporous carbon/metal composite (PCMC) in three steps: Sonogashira coupling of AP-BZ with P-T in the presence of a zeolitic imidazolate framework (ZIF-67) as a directing hard template, affording a PA-BZ POP/ZIF-67 composite; etching in acetic acid; and pyrolysis of the resulting PA-BZ POP/metal composite at 500 °C. Powder X-ray diffraction, thermogravimetric analysis, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) measurements revealed the properties of the as-prepared PCMC. The PCMC material exhibited outstanding thermal stability (Td10 = 660 °C and char yield = 75 wt%), a high BET surface area (1110 m2 g-1), high CO2 adsorption (5.40 mmol g-1 at 273 K), excellent capacitance (735 F g-1), and a capacitance retention of up to 95% after 2000 galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) cycles; these characteristics were excellent when compared with those of the corresponding microporous carbon (MPC) prepared through pyrolysis of the PA-BZ POP precursors with a ZIF-67 template at 500 °C.

68Ga-PSMA PET/CT targeted biopsy for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer compared with transrectal ultrasound guided biopsy: a prospective randomized single-centre study.

PURPOSE: 68Ga-prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA) positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT) is valuable for detecting primary and recurrent prostatic lesions. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT as a triage tool for prostate biopsy (PSMA-TB) and compare with transrectal ultrasound-guided biopsy (TRUS-GB) for the diagnosis of clinically significant prostate cancer (csPCa). METHODS: This single-centre study randomly allocated 120 patients with elevated serum prostate-specific antigen (PSA) levels (> 4 ng/ml) to PSMA-PET or TRUS group. Patients with PSMA-avid lesions (SUVmax ≥ 8.0) underwent PSMA-TB via a single-puncture percutaneous transgluteal approach (n = 25), whilst patients with negative PSMA-PET underwent systematic TRUS-GB (n = 35). All patients in the TRUS group underwent TRUS-GB directly (n = 60). RESULTS: PCa and csPCa were detected in 26/60 (43.3%) and 24/60 (40.0%) patients in the PSMA-PET group and 19/60 (31.6%) and 15/60 (25.0%) in the TRUS group, respectively. In the PSMA-PET group, the detection rate of PCa and csPCa were significantly higher in PSMA-PET-positive than negative patients (PCa, 23/25 (92.0%) vs 3/35 (8.6%), P < 0.01; csPCa, 22/25 (88.0%) vs 2/35 (5.7%), P < 0.01). PSMA-TB detected significantly more PCa and csPCa than TRUS-GB in the TRUS controls (PCa, 21/25 (84.0%) vs 19/60 (31.6%), P < 0.01; csPCa, 20/25 (80.0%) vs 15/60 (25.0%), P < 0.01). PSMA-PET detected significantly more cases of csPCa amongst patients with PSA 4.0-20.0 ng/ml than TRUS (27.02% vs 8.82%, P < 0.05). No haematuria, urinary retention or pelvic infection was observed after PSMA-TB compare with TRUS-GB. CONCLUSIONS: 68Ga-PSMA-11 PET/CT is a feasible imaging technique that may serve as a triage tool for prostate biopsy, and may improve the detection rate of csPCa compared with TRUS-GB, especially in patients with serum PSA 4.0-20.0 ng/ml.

The Association between Metabolic Syndrome and Related Factors among the Community-Dwelling Indigenous Population in Taiwan.

The aim of this study was to conduct a community-based study with a view to construct a detailed analysis about metabolic syndrome and the related risk factors of the indigenous population. This was an observational, population-based and cross-sectional study that was conducted in remote villages of an indigenous community in northern Taiwan between 2010 and 2013. A total of 586 participants, 275 men and 311 women, were eligible for analysis. The participants underwent a questionnaire survey that included demographic and health behavior issues. An anthropometric assessment and measurements of blood pressure were carried out including serum biochemical variables. Metabolic syndrome (MetS) was defined by following the criteria provided by the modified Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III) criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP). Univariate and multiple logistic regressions were used to identify the risk factors for metabolic syndrome. The standardized prevalence rates of substance use (cigarette smoking, alcohol drinking and betel nut chewing) were significantly higher than the general population regardless of whether it was northern, central or southern Taiwan and this was especially the case with betel nut chewing in women. The prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome was 42.9% in the indigenous population with 41.3% in men and 44.4% in women, which was higher than for urban Taiwanese. In the multiple logistic regression models, we found that the significant associated factors for metabolic syndrome were older age, lower education level, high levels of uric acid, alanine transaminase (ALT), gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) and creatinine. A higher prevalence rate of metabolic syndrome and substance use were observed in the indigenous population compared with urban Taiwanese, especially in women.

The Association between Insulin Resistance and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: A Community-Based Cross-Sectional Study among Taiwanese People Aged over 50 Years.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Previous studies have implied that insulin resistance (IR) could represent a major underlying abnormality leading to cardiovascular disease (CVD). The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationships between IR (estimated by the homeostasis model assessment of IR (HOMA-IR) index) and CVD risk among middle-aged and elderly Taiwanese individuals. METHODS: In this cross-sectional, community-based study, a total of 320 participants were interviewed to collect demographical parameters and blood samples. The recruited participants were divided into tertiles according to their levels of HOMA-IR. The Framingham risk score (FRS) was calculated according to the 2008 general CVD risk model from the Framingham Heart Study. RESULTS: The HOMA-IR index was significantly correlated with the FRS, with a Pearson's coefficient of 0.22. In the multiple logistic regression model, a higher HOMA-IR level was significantly associated with a high FRS (FRS ≥ 20%) (highest tertile vs. lowest tertile of HOMA-IR, crude OR = 3.69; 95% CI = 1.79-7.62), even after adjusting for smoking, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), and systolic blood pressure (SBP) (highest tertile vs. lowest tertile of HOMA-IR, adjusted OR = 11.51; 95% CI = 2.55-51.94). The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for the HOMA-IR index as the predictor of high FRS was 0.627, and the optimal HOMA-IR cutoff value was 1.215 (sensitivity = 83.6%, specificity = 42.9%). CONCLUSIONS: We considered that HOMA-IR is an independent factor but that it cannot be used solely for evaluating the CVD risk due to the low AUC value. Further prospective cohort studies are warranted to better assess the relationship between CVD risk and insulin resistance.

Are Body Composition Parameters Better than Conventional Anthropometric Measures in Predicting Pediatric Hypertension?

Body composition (BC) parameters are associated with cardiometabolic diseases in children; however, the importance of BC parameters for predicting pediatric hypertension is inconclusive. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the difference in predictive values of BC parameters and conventional anthropometric measures for pediatric hypertension in school-aged children. A total of 340 children (177 girls and 163 boys) with a mean age of 8.8 ± 1.7 years and mean body mass index (BMI) z-score of 0.50 ± 1.24 were enrolled (102 hypertensive children and 238 normotensive children). Significantly higher values of anthropometric measures (BMI, BMI z-score, BMI percentile, waist-to-height ratio) and BC parameters (body-fat percentage, muscle weight, fat mass, fat-free mass) were observed among the hypertensive subgroup compared to their normotensive counterparts. A prediction model combining fat mass ≥ 3.65 kg and fat-free mass ≥ 34.65 kg (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.688; sensitivity = 66.7%; specificity = 89.9%) performed better than BMI alone (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.649; sensitivity = 55.9%; specificity = 73.9%) in predicting hypertension. In conclusion, BC parameters are better than anthropometric measures in predicting pediatric hypertension. BC measuring is a reasonable approach for risk stratification in pediatric hypertension.

Deep-learning-based single-photon-counting compressive imaging via jointly trained subpixel convolution sampling.

The combination of single-pixel-imaging and single-photon-counting technology can achieve ultrahigh-sensitivity photon-counting imaging. However, its applications in high-resolution and real-time scenarios are limited by the long sampling and reconstruction time. Deep-learning-based compressive sensing provides an effective solution due to its ability to achieve fast and high-quality reconstruction. This paper proposes a sampling and reconstruction integrated neural network for single-photon-counting compressive imaging. To effectively remove the blocking artefact, a subpixel convolutional layer is jointly trained with a deep reconstruction network to imitate compressed sampling. By modifying the forward and backward propagation of the network, the first layer is trained into a binary matrix, which can be applied to the imaging system. An improved deep-reconstruction network based on the traditional Inception network is proposed, and the experimental results show that its reconstruction quality is better than existing deep-learning-based compressive sensing reconstruction algorithms.