The Diagnostic Value of Carnett's Test with Chronic Abdominal Pain: A Narrative Review.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW: Chronic abdominal wall pain is a poorly recognized cause of chronic abdominal pain, and patients frequently go misdiagnosed despite a battery of medical tests. The Carnett's test is a diagnostic tool used to distinguish between abdominal wall pain and visceral pain. This review synthesizes the current literature on the Carnett's test, merges the viewpoints of diverse writers, and evaluates and reports on the Carnett's test's applicability. RECENT FINDINGS: Several clinical investigations have established the usefulness of the Carnett's test in the diagnosis of chronic abdominal wall pain. Furthermore, the Carnett's test is quite useful in determining the depth of the mass and detecting psychogenic abdominal pain. However, its diagnostic use for acute abdominal pain is limited. The Carnett's test is a simple and safe point-of-care diagnostic technique, with several studies supporting its usefulness. Early detection of abdominal wall pain is critical for chronic abdominal wall pain therapy. Carnett's test is very useful in patients with chronic, unexplained local abdominal discomfort who are compliant and do not have a clear rationale for surgery.

[Adsorption Characteristics of Tetracycline by CuFeO2-modified Biochar].

CuFeO2-modified biochars were prepared through co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods, and the composites had high efficiency removal for tetracycline (TC) from water. The CuFeO2-modified biochar with a 2:1 mass ratio of CuFeO2 to BC450 (CuFeO2/BC450=2:1) demonstrated the best adsorption performance. The kinetic process of TC adsorption by CuFeO2/BC450=2:1 was well fitted with the intraparticle diffusion model, suggesting that the adsorption process was controlled by film and pore diffusion. Under the condition of neutral pH and 298 K, the maximum adsorption capacity of the Langmuir model of CuFeO2/BC450=2:1 was 82.8 mg·g-1, which was much greater than that of BC450 (13.7 mg·g-1) and CuFeO2(14.8 mg·g-1). The thermodynamic data suggested that TC sorption onto CuFeO2/BC450=2:1 was a spontaneous and endothermic process. The removal of TC by CuFeO2/BC450=2:1 increased first and then decreased with increasing pH, and the maximum adsorption occurred under the neutral condition. The strong adsorption of TC by CuFeO2/BC450=2:1 could be attributed to better porosity, larger specific surface area, and more active sites (e.g., functional groups and charged surfaces). This work provided an efficient magnetic adsorbent for removing antibiotics.

Epidemiology of Diabetes in Adults Aged 35 and Older from Shanghai, China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the epidemiology of diabetes in adults from Shanghai, aged 35 and older, in 2013. METHODS: We estimated the diabetes prevalence in a representative sample of 18,736 adults who were selected through a multistage stratified cluster sampling process. A standard questionnaire containing questions about demographic characteristics and lifestyle factors was distributed. After an overnight fast of at least 10 hours, a venous blood sample was collected from each participant. For each patient without a history of diabetes, another blood sample was drawn 120 min after an oral glucose tolerance test to identify undiagnosed diabetes and prediabetic condition. RESULTS: Among Shanghai residents aged 35 and above, the overall weighted prevalence of diabetes was 17.6% [95% confidence interval (CI): 16.4%-18.8%]. The prevalences were 19.3% in men and 15.8% in women as well as 19.1%, 15.4%, and 16.1% in urban, suburban, and rural residents, respectively. In addition, the weighted prevalence of prediabetes was 16.5% (95% CI: 15.3%-17.8%), with the prevalences of 16.5% in men, 16.6% in women, 15.2% in urban residents, 18.0% in suburban residents, and 18.5% in rural residents. Among all patients with diabetes, 68.1% (95% CI: 64.3%-71.6%) were aware of their status, 63.5% (95% CI: 60.0%-66.9%) received diabetes treatment, but only 35.1% (95% CI: 32.4%-37.8%) had adequate glycemic control. CONCLUSION: In Shanghai, diabetes and prediabetes are highly prevalent. However, 1/3rd of diabetes cases are undiagnosed, and the rate of glycemic control is low.

[Study on risk factors and behavior features related to chronic diseases among adults in Shanghai].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk factors and behavior features related to chronic diseases among adults in Shanghai. METHODS: A total of 15 516 subjects aged over 18 years old were selected from the investigation project on chronic diseases and relevant risk factors in Shanghai in 2010. Questionnaire were used to investigate the general information of the subjects, such as behavior features as smoking, drinking, diet, physical activity as well as the prevalence and control of chronic diseases as hypertension and diabetes. The physical examination included height, weight, waist circumference, blood pressure, blood glucose and blood lipids. RESULTS: Being preprocessed by complex weighting method, the data showed that the overweight rate of Shanghai adults aged above 18 was 32.4% (5288), separately 32.2% (2506) and 32.5% (2782) (χ(2) = 0.10, P = 0.844) in urban and rural areas; the obesity rate was 8.8% (1538), separately 8.7% (738) and 8.8% (800) (χ(2) = 0.06, P = 0.901) in urban and rural areas. The overweight rate was separately 36.0% (2888) in males and 28.6% (2400) in females (χ(2) = 96.61, P < 0.01); while the obesity rate was separately 8.7% (745) in males and 8.9% (793) in females (χ(2) = 0.06, P = 0.851). Abdominal obesity rate was 44.3% (7419), separately 47.8% (3892) in males and 40.6% (3527) in females (χ(2) = 81.23, P < 0.01), 46.5% (3703) in urban areas and 42.6% (3716) in rural areas (χ(2) = 24.37, P = 0.069). Current smoking rate was 25.0% (3813), separately 48.4% (3722) and 1.2% (91) in males and females (χ(2) = 4572.06, P < 0.01); 23.6% (1609) and 26.0% (2204) in urban and rural areas (χ(2) = 11.92, P = 0.018). The regular smoking rate was 22.1% (3402). The rate of having the habit of drinking at least once a month in males was 39.5% (3102), separately 35.1% (1262) and 42.7% (1840) in urban and rural areas (χ(2) = 45.98, P = 0.012). The rate of drinking almost every day was 16.3% (1380), and the percentage of excessive alcohol consumption was 28.9% (2483). The percentage in group of subjects aging between 45-59 years old was 38.5% (1191), which was higher than that in any other groups (22.8% (641) in group aging 18-44 years old and 22.9% (651) in group aging ≥ 60 years old) (χ(2) = 241.38, P < 0.01). The percentage of over-drinking in rural area was higher than that in urban area, which was 33.5% (1578) and 22.8% (905) respectively (χ(2) = 117.12, P < 0.01). The percentage of once over-drinking was 11.3% (903). It was higher in group aging between 45-49 years old (15.3% (461)) than in other groups (9.0% (222) in group aging 18-44 years old and 8.2% (220) in group aging ≥ 60 years old) (χ(2) = 78.21, P < 0.01). It was also higher in rural area (13.5% (605)) than in urban area (8.3% (298)) (χ(2) = 51.74, P < 0.01). There were 75.0% (11 993) of the Shanghai adults never took physical activity. And the most important problems in dietary habit were insufficient intake of dairy products (98.0%, 15 218), vegetables (53.0%, 7864) and fruits (84.6%, 13 372), excess consumption of sodium (52.0%, 8257) and oil (51.7%, 7884). CONCLUSION: The risk factors of chronic diseases were highly prevalent in Shanghai. The prevalence of risk factors as overweight or obesity, lack of physical activity, smoking, over-drinking and unhealthy dietary habits were higher among adults living in suburban areas than those living in urban areas; the prevalence was also higher among the young adults than that among the elderly people, higher among males than that among females.

Associations between risk perception, spontaneous adaptation behavior to heat waves and heatstroke in Guangdong province, China.

BACKGROUND: In many parts of the world, including in China, extreme heat events or heat waves are likely to increase in intensity, frequency, and duration in light of climate change in the next decades. Risk perception and adaptation behaviors are two important components in reducing the health impacts of heat waves, but little is known about their relationships in China. This study aimed to examine the associations between risk perception to heat waves, adaptation behaviors, and heatstroke among the public in Guangdong province, China. METHODS: A total of 2,183 adult participants were selected using a four-stage sampling method in Guangdong province. From September to November of 2010 each subject was interviewed at home by a well-trained investigator using a structured questionnaire. The information collected included socio-demographic characteristics, risk perception and spontaneous adaptation behaviors during heat wave periods, and heatstroke experience in the last year. Chi-square tests and unconditional logistic regression models were employed to analyze the data. RESULTS: This study found that 14.8%, 65.3% and 19.9% of participants perceived heat waves as a low, moderate or high health risk, respectively. About 99.1% participants employed at least one spontaneous adaptation behavior, and 26.2%, 51.2% and 22.6% respondents employed <4, 4-7, and >7 adaptation behaviors during heat waves, respectively. Individuals with moderate (OR=2.93, 95% CI: 1.38-6.22) or high (OR=10.58, 95% CI: 4.74-23.63) risk perception experienced more heatstroke in the past year than others. Drinking more water and wearing light clothes in urban areas, while decreasing activity as well as wearing light clothes in rural areas were negatively associated with heatstroke. Individuals with high risk perception and employing <4 adaptation behaviors during heat waves had the highest risks of heatstroke (OR=47.46, 95% CI: 12.82-175.73). CONCLUSIONS: There is a large room for improving health risk perception and adaptation capacity to heat waves among the public of Guangdong province. People with higher risk perception and fewer adaptation behaviors during heat waves may be more vulnerable to heat waves.

Cloning and expression of a novel antifreeze protein AFP72 from the beetle Tenebrio molitor.

A novel antifreeze protein AFP72 cDNA (GenBbank accession No. AY929389) was obtained by RT-PCR from Tenebrio molitor. The 216 bp fragment encodes a protein of 72 amino acid residues. Sequence analysis revealed that the cDNA displays a high degree of homology with T. molitor antifreeze proteins, ranging up to 90.78%. Recombinant plasmids pMAL-p2X-afp72 and pMAL-c2X-afp72 were transferred into E. coil TBI to induce a MBP fusion protein by IPTG. The target fusion protein was released from the periplasm and cytoplasm by the cold osmotic shock procedure and sonication respectively. The content of the fusion protein came up to 38.9 and 41.5% of the total dissolved protein, respectively. The fusion protein was purified through an amylose affinity column, and incised by factor Xa. Molecular sieve chromatography was used to achieve a high state of purity of the target protein. The purified target protein displayed a single band in SDS-PAGE. The fusion protein was shown to increase resistance to low temperatures in bacteria. This finding could help in further investigations of the properties and function of antifreeze proteins.

[Investigation on the perception of risk level of heat wave and its related factors in Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the risk perception of heat wave, and further explore its related factors in Guangdong province. METHODS: A total of 2183 adults were selected by a multi-stage sampling method in Guangdong province. Each subject was interviewed in their home with a structured questionnaire by a well trained investigator from September to November, 2010. The questionnaire contained socio-demographic characteristics, heat wave related knowledge, risk perception of heat wave, etc. Chi-square test and multivariate logistic regression were employed in this study. RESULTS: The average age of total 2183 participants was (39.31 ± 14.16) years, among which 53.37% (1165/2183) were males, and 48.74% (1064/2183) were selected from urban. About 38.11% (832/2183) of participants heard about heat wave, and 38.52% (841/2183) of subjects thought the heat wave had higher impact on their health (risk perception score of heat wave ≥ 5 points). About 81.91% (1788/2183) of all participants thought the weather in most recent years was hotter than several years ago. Among these people, 30.48% (545/1788) thought the main reason of weather becoming hotter was due to emission of carbon dioxide, and 26.51% (474/1788) thought it was due to air pollution. Results from the multivariate logistic regression showed that the risk perception score of heat wave were higher in subjects with higher education (OR = 2.16, 95%CI: 1.41 - 3.30), from urban(OR = 1.37, 95%CI: 1.10 - 1.72), with higher score of trust(OR = 1.08, 95%CI: 1.01 - 1.14) and participants with higher score of heat wave related knowledge (OR = 1.39, 95%CI: 1.27 - 1.52). Furthermore, compared to hierarchist, egalitarian (OR = 1.73, 95%CI: 1.30 - 2.29), individualist (OR = 1.93, 95%CI: 1.41 - 2.65) and fatalist (OR = 1.80, 95%CI: 1.41 - 2.29) also had higher risk perception score of heat wave. CONCLUSION: There is a lack of knowledge and risk perception to heat wave among the residents in Guangdong province. Risk perception of heat wave was higher in people who were from urban, had higher level of trust on government, experts and media, had higher health-related knowledge score, and non-hierarchists.

[Association between distorted weight perception and suicide ideation among normal weight adolescents].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the relationship between distorted weight perception and suicide ideation among normal weight adolescents in Guangdong province. METHODS: This study used the data of Guangdong Provincial Youth Health Risk Behavior Survey in 2004 and 2007. To identify the association between distorted weight perception and suicide ideation, a logistic regression analysis was performed. The effects of age, economic status, mother's education, mental health, and depression were also adjusted. RESULTS: A total of 12 729 people participated in this study, 6096 males and 6633 females. The prevalence of suicide ideation among normal weight adolescents was 13.58% (1729/12 729) in the past 12 months, with higher prevalence in girls (16.15%, 1071/6633) than that in boys (10.79%, 658/6096) (χ(2) = 77.71, P = 0.00). It was common that the adolescents misperceived their weight. Only 44.93% (5719/12 729) of normal weight students correctly perceived their body weight while 43.52% (5540/12 729) of them overestimated their weight and 11.43% (1455/12 729) underestimated their weight. The distorted weight perception in girls (65.58%, 4350/6633) was higher than that in boys (43.39%, 2645/6096) (χ(2) = 993.91, P = 0.00). Distorted weight perception was significantly associated with suicide ideation after controlling for factors age, economic status, mother's education, mental health, and depression. The students who overestimate their body weight were more likely to have suicide ideation than that who correctly perceived their weight (OR = 1.43, 95%CI: 1.27 - 1.61). CONCLUSION: The prevalence of distorted weight perception was high and it significantly associated with suicide ideation.

[Association between temperature and daily mortality in Guangzhou, 2006-2009: a time-series study].

OBJECTIVE: To study the association between temperature and daily mortality from June 1, 2006 to December 31, 2009 in Guangzhou. METHODS: Time series approach was used to estimate the impact of temperature on the rates of total and cause-specific daily mortality. We fitted generalized additive Poisson regression using non-parametric smooth functions to control for the long-term time trend, day of week, air pollution and other weather variables. RESULTS: A slight sloping U-like relationship between the total mortality and temperature was found, with an optimum average temperature (temperature with lowest mortality risk) value of 19.7°C in Guangzhou. For temperature above the optimum value, the relative risk of total mortality increased by 3.0% (RR=1.030, 95%CI: 1.011-1.050) for each increase of degree in Celsius. For average temperature below the optimum value, the relative risk of total mortality and diseases of circulatory system had a 3.3% (RR=0.967, 95%CI: 0.936-0.997) decrease and a 3.6% (RR=0.964, 95%CI: 0.935-0.994) increase, for each degree of Celsius increase, respectively. CONCLUSION: Our findings showed that the temperature had an impact on the daily mortality in Guangzhou. Countermeasures needed to be taken to reduce the temperature related mortality.

[Features on suicide attempts and its influencing factors among residents in Guangdong province].

OBJECTIVE: To understand the prevalence of suicide attempts and its related risk factors in Guangdong province to provide scientific basis information for suicide intervention. METHODS: Multi-stage stratified random sampling method was used to select the sample. 42 streets or towns were selected from 21 counties or districts through randomly sampling. 4 communities were then chosen from every selected town or district, followed by 40 families chosen from every village or community. Questionnaire was used to collect data on suicide attempts and its related risk factors. SPSS 16.0 was used for data analysis. RESULTS: 6625 peoples were participated in the study. The 12-month incidence of suicidal attempts was 0.8%. It was higher for females (1.1%) than that for males (0.5%), and the 25 - 35 years (1.6%) age group was among the highest. There was no significant difference between the prevalence rates in urban or rural residents. RESULTS: from multivariate analysis showed that factors as: being female (OR = 2.1), experienced negative events of life (OR = 15.5), in poor sleeping condition (OR = 1.6), feeling lonely (OR = 1.5) and anxiety (OR = 1.8) were high risk for suicide attempts. CONCLUSION: Suicide attempts in Guangdong province exhibited a high prevalence with complicated influencing factors. Comprehensive countermeasures are needed to prevent and reduce suicidal behaviors.

Research progress in computer-aided diagnosis of multidimensional medical images / 中国医疗器械杂志

In this paper, we review and summarize some progresses achieved in last few years in computer-aided diagnosis of multi-dimensional medical images for breast tumors, micro-calcification, lung nodules, colonic polyps and coronary arterial diseases.

VTK-based free multi-planar reformation / 中国医疗器械杂志

This paper introduces the development of the Free-MPR module, based on VC++6.0 environment and VTK5.0, and on Windows XP platform. The Free-MPR module can adjust freely the display plane according to the change of the visual angle, and implement the free multi-planar reformation.

Correlation between the lung pixel indexes of multi-slice spiral CT and pulmonary function test / 中国医学科学院学报

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To study the correlation between the lung pixel indexes of multi-slice spiral CT (MSCT) and pulmonary function test (PFT), and to explore the CT features of histograms of lung attenuation.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>MSCT scan and pulmonary function test (PFT) were separately performed in 127 subjects within one week. The total lung was scanned with MSCT at full inspiration, full expiration, and normal respiration. The lung pixel indexes were measured by Pulmo pulmonary quantitative software. These indexes include PI(-910Huin), PI(-960HUEX), PI(-910Huin), PI(-960Huex), PI(-910(Hun), PI(-960Hun), PI(910Huex/in), and the histograms of lung attenuation.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>Correlation existed between all the lung pixel indexes of MSCT and PFT. PI(-910Huex/in showed the best correlation with FEV1/FVC (r = 0.901, P < 0.01). Three distribution patterns were found in the histograms of lung attenuation of total lung, including double-peak distribution (n = 28), similar normal distribution (n = 81), and partial distribution (n = 18).</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>The lung pixel indexes of MSCT have significant correlation with PFT and can be used to assess the pulmonary function.</p>

Value of spiral CT in diagnosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma / 中华肿瘤杂志

<p><b>OBJECTIVE</b>To investigate the image features and the diagnostic value of spiral CT for cystic renal cell carcinoma.</p><p><b>METHODS</b>The clinical data and CT manifestations of 17 operated and pathologically proven cystic renal cell carcinoma were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males and 5 females with an average age of 47.3 years (33 - 82 years). Plain and contrast CT scan (Siemens somatom) single layer sensation 16 layer spiral CT had been performed before operation. The image of artery phase (30 - 40 s), venous (60 - 70 s) and excretory (120 - 180 s) were respectively obtained after contrast administration. Various image reconstructions were done using Siemens Wizard workstation based on the raw images.</p><p><b>RESULTS</b>It was found that 5 cystic renal cell cancers located in the right kidney and 12 in the left kidney. The long dimension of the tumor arranged from 21 - 100 mm with an average of 57 mm. The tumor looked like a round or round-like shape with density similar to fluid on plain CT scan. Some cystic renal carcinomas had a thick wall. Some had single or multiple cystic spaces filled with fluid of different densities. Some had infiltrated out of kidney surface or into renal sinus. Some showed enhanced nodules on the wall.</p><p><b>CONCLUSION</b>Cystic renal cell carcinoma has its own specific morphologic features in spiral CT scan. Spiral CT may be very helpful in the diagnosis of cystic renal cell carcinoma before operation.</p>

Multi-sfice CT pulmonary function evaluation in emphysema / 中华放射学杂志

Objective To explore the feasibility of evaluating the lung function by MSCT in emphysema.Methods The MSCT scan and pulmonary function tests(PFF)were respectively performed in 147 receptors within one week.They were randomly divided into 2 groups:group A(120 receptors), including normal,mild,moderate and severe abnormal pulmonary function based on the PFT,for comparing the correlation between pulmonary quantitative indexes of MSCT pulmonary function and PFT and settingup the primary grade criteria of abnormal pulmonary function in emphysema,group B(27 receptors)for evaluating the diagnostic accuracy in group A.The total lung was respectively scanned at the full inspiration and full expiration with MSCT.The pulmonary quantitative indexes of MSCT were measured with Siemens Pulmo pulmonary quantitative software.Results There was correlation between pulmonary quantitative indexes of MSCT and PFF.The Piex/in_(-910)showed best correlation with FEV_1%(r=-0.905,P