Baseline Information Research Articles

Background: Educational inequality is associated with a higher risk of mortality. However, studies exploring its association with premature cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality and the potential mediating mechanisms remain limited. Purpose: To examine the association between educational inequality and premature CVD mortality, explore its heterogeneity across subgroups, and assess the mediating roles of risk factors. Population attributable fractions will be estimated for specific mediation pathways. Methods: Based on the ChinaHEART (Health Evaluation And risk Reduction through nationwide Teamwork), a nationwide, population-based cohort study, 1,884,487 participants living in 20,159 communities or villages were passively followed for death records. Standardized face-to-face interviews was conducted by trained personnel to collect baseline information on educational attainment and other socioeconomic characteristics, lifestyle factors and medical history. Educational was classified into four categories: primary school or below, middle school, high school, and college or above. The Cox frailty models were fitted to calculate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% CIs with the site as a random effect, assessing the association between education and the risk of premature CVD mortality and its variations across different subgroups. We explored the potential mediating role of individual factors and calculated pathway-specific population attributable fractions for the identified mediators. Results: During the follow-up with a median of 5 years, 8,276 premature CVD mortality cases were confirmed. Compared to participants with college or above, individuals with high school were significantly associated with an increased risk of premature CVD mortality (HR=1.42, 95% CI: 1.22-1.65), individuals with middle school education were 1.49 (1.29-1.72), and individuals with elementary school or below were 1.88 (1.62-2.19). Stronger associations were observed among women and rural populations. The association between education and premature CVD mortality was mediated by a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal body weight (including underweight, overweight, and obesity), and smoking, with hypertension contributing the most and accounted for the largest PAF. Conclusion: Educational inequality was significantly associated with an increased risk of premature CVD mortality, with a history of hypertension, dyslipidemia, abnormal body weight, and smoking acting as mediators.

Background: Thoracic aortic aneurysms and dissections (TAAD) are primarily associated with acquired factors. However, 20% of cases exhibit familial clustering, indicating a genetic contribution. Although multiple causative genes have been identified, there may be as yet unknown etiologic variants, and it remains to be determined how these may affect prognosis. Research Questions: To explore the possibility that the discovery of minor alleles with new pathological significance may lead to early detection and personalized preventive aortic therapy based on individual risk profiles. Whether the presence of rare single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in TAAD-related genes established in a prospective regional cohort affects long-term outcome and may be an independent risk factor for TAAD-related mortality. Methods: The Yamagata cohort is a longitudinal study of 25000 residents who participated in community health screenings. Of 5948 individuals with whole-genome data, 5722 with complete baseline information were analyzed (median age: 65 years; 45.9% male; smoking history: 32.4%; hypertension: 43.5%; diabetes mellitus: 19.2%; dyslipidemia: 50.7%; obesity: 27.7%). Based on the Japanese Circulation Society guidelines, SNPs in genes categorized as Strong/Definitive for TAAD association were comprehensively screened. Individuals harboring homozygous minor alleles with <5% frequency in the cohort were defined as the carrier group and compared to the non-carrier group. Results: Fourteen SNPs were identified, all located in regions related to smooth muscle contraction or TGF-β signaling. None had previously been reported as pathogenic. There were 1499 carriers and 4223 non-carriers. Median follow-up duration was 4984 days. TAAD-related deaths occurred in 8 individuals (0.53%) in the carrier group and 4 individuals (0.09%) in the non-carrier group. Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed a significantly higher mortality risk in the carrier group (P = 0.001). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis demonstrated that SNP carriage was an independent risk factor for TAAD-related death (HR = 2.27, 95% CI: 1.24-4.14, P = 0.0056). Conclusion: Carriage of rare SNPs not previously reported as pathogenic was significantly associated with TAAD-related death, suggesting the existence of novel genetic risk factors. These findings support the importance of further variant discovery and the potential utility of early genetic screening to facilitate pre-symptomatic therapeutic intervention.

BackgroundFalls impose a substantial disease burden on older adults, yet whether ADL impairment mediates the pain-falls pathway remains unclear. This study investigates whether ADL impairment acts as a mediator in the relationship between pain and incident falls among Chinese community-dwelling older adults.MethodsWe conducted a prospective cohort study using data from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) on respondents aged ≥ 60 years. Baseline and follow-up information was obtained through structured interviews. Logistic regression first quantified the pairwise associations among pain, ADL impairment, and falls. Subsequently, bootstrap-based mediation analysis was applied to test whether ADL impairment mediated the pain-falls relationship, restricting the model to variates that were significant in all three logistic regressions.ResultsA total of 6,280 participants was included in the analysis. Pain frequency (PF) (OR = 1.16, 95% CI: 1.10 to 1.22) and number of pain sites (NPS) (OR = 1.22, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.31) were significantly associated with falls. PF (OR = 1.56, 95% CI: 1.49 to 1.63) and NPS (OR = 1.96, 95% CI: 1.83 to 2.11) were significantly associated with ADL impairment. ADL impairment was significantly associated with falls. Mediation analysis revealed that ADL impairment mediated the association between PF (mediation effect = 6.06e-03, proportion = 22.47%) and falls, and between NPS (mediation effect = 1.10e-02, proportion = 25.01%) and falls. Specifically, the mediating effect of impairments in dressing, bathing and toileting were significant.ConclusionOur study illuminates the mechanistic cascade from pain to falls via ADL impairment and offer concrete, modifiable targets for fall-prevention programs tailored to Chinese community-dwelling older adults. Coupling effective pain management with targeted support for dressing, bathing, and toileting is likely to curtail fall risk and enhance quality of life in older adults.Supplementary InformationThe online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12877-025-06505-4.

Abstract Cleaning products constitute ubiquitous commodities in contemporary domestic applications, manufactured from diverse complex chemical compositions that may potentially contain radioactive constituents. Consequently, this investigation aims to quantify radioactivity concentrations within 24 soap samples procured from Iraqi Kurdistan, representing products extensively utilized by the local population for hygiene purposes. Activity concentrations were determined employing sodium iodide scintillation detection methodology utilizing NaI(Tl) detectors. The measured activity concentrations of 238U, 232Th, and 40K ranged from 11.0 to 33.4, 4.2 to 27.4, and 71.0 to 678.4 Bq kg-1, with corresponding mean values of 21.5, 14.1, and 394.4 Bq kg-1, respectively. Multiple samples demonstrated elevated 40K concentrations, attributed to the inherent occurrence of potassium isotopes within soap manufacturing constituents. These findings suggest that specific examined products may pose potential health risks to consumers, recommending that individuals exercise caution when selecting soap products with elevated 40K concentrations to mitigate radiological exposure hazards. The natural radioactivity levels within soap specimens were assessed through established radiological parameters including radium equivalent (Req), air absorbed dose rate (D˙), internal hazard index (Hin), external hazard index (Hex), annual effective dose (AED), and excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR). Comprehensive statistical analysis was conducted on radionuclide concentrations and associated radiological hazard parameters. All calculated radiological hazard indices remained below international threshold values. The generated dataset provides valuable baseline information for environmental radiation monitoring protocols, specifically regarding soap products, and contributes to the assessment of radiation exposure implications for human health protection.

Huangkui capsules for diabetic nephropathy: Comprehensive review of efficacy and molecular mechanisms.

ABSTRACT Plant‐parasitic nematodes pose a major constraint in fruit tree nurseries, adversely affecting the health and vigor of seedlings. The present study was undertaken to assess the community structure of plant‐parasitic nematodes associated with tropical and subtropical fruit tree nursery crops in the north‐western Himalayan state of India, Himachal Pradesh. A total of 280 soil and root samples were collected during 2023–2024 from 20 commercial nurseries located in six districts. The analysis revealed the presence of nine plant‐parasitic nematode taxa, with the following relative abundances: Meloidogyne spp. (51.29%), Helicotylenchus spp. (23.83%), Hoplolaimus spp. (7.52%), Tylenchorhynchus spp. (7.08%), Mesocriconema spp. (6.95%), Pratylenchus spp. (2.23%), Tylenchulus semipenetrans (0.86%), Xiphinema spp. (0.17%) and Tylenchus spp. (0.01%). Interestingly, no visible above‐ground symptoms were observed in the sampled plants, except for citrus seedlings infested with T. semipenetrans , which showed stunted growth, chlorotic leaves and dieback symptoms. These findings offer baseline information on the assemblage and distribution of plant‐parasitic nematodes in fruit nurseries of this region and underscore the need for further investigation and the development of effective nematode management strategies.

ABSTRACT Instillation with Bacillus Calmette‐Guérin (BCG) is recommended as adjuvant treatment in non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer. It is well recognized that intravesical immunotherapy with BCG might cause side effects, commonly affecting the patient´s well‐being. To enable detection of any symptoms important for decisions on the further treatment it is important to keep records of the patient's bladder and voiding status before and during the treatment. Management of side effects may be required and occasionally instillation must be postponed or stopped. We aimed to develop a validated instrument to capture and grade symptoms in patients with non‐muscle invasive bladder cancer undergoing intravesical instillation therapy with BCG. Intravesical immunotherapy with BCG commonly results in side effects, that negatively affect the patient´s well‐being. There is currently no validated instrument for follow‐up of patients during long‐term intravesical instillation treatment. Many individual reports as well as guideline recommendations, describe that intravesical instillation treatment with BCG can cause local or systemic side effects of both mild and severe character. Recommendations on how to treat various side effects exist and it is emphasized that patients with bladder cancers need continuous support during the instillation treatment. There is, however, shortage of information about how to best detect the patient's symptoms to give optimal support. A qualitative study design was used to gain knowledge about patients' symptoms and side effects during the instillation treatment. We used a previous study protocol to study questions, answer options and open‐ended questions. In Sweden, different unvalidated forms have been applied to detect symptoms during instillation therapy. Those symptom forms were collected and analyzed. Dialogues were held with patients and representatives from various professions with knowledge in the field. All qualitative data were structured and categorized and subsequently used for the construction of a bladder instillation therapy form. The face‐to‐face validity method was used in the process. We developed and validated an instrument: Bladder Instillation Therapy Form (BITF), for use by patients who receive intravesical instillations with BCG. The form separately considered local and systemic symptoms. The answer options were adapted to the question and formulated to enable follow‐up of the patient's symptoms. An instrument, BITF, was developed and validated for assessment of symptoms during intravesical instillation BCG therapy. BITF was designed to provide baseline information at the start of treatment as well as before each instillation. BITF can also be used for future research. The BITF enables assessment of side‐effects during intravesical BCG instillation therapy and accordingly appropriate measures can be taken to support the patient throughout the treatment period. The BITF instrument will improve patient care as well as laying ground for future research.

Differential response patterns of bacterial communities in seawater and sediments to the Chaetomorpha valida bloom in sea cucumber Apostichopus japonicus aquaculture ponds.

This study investigates health risks associated with radon (222Rn) in groundwater from Vamanapuram River Basin (VRB), Southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India. The annual effective dose (AED) attributable to 222Rn in groundwater (n = 40) was quantified for different age groups - infants, children and adults, yielding ranges of 1.95-243.74µSv a-1, 1.74-217.01µSv a-1 and 1.78-221.87µSv a-1 respectively. The mean AED is found to be within the recommended limit proposed by WHO (100µSv a-1). The analysis of Health Risk Factor (HRF) indicates that infants exhibit the highest vulnerability to radiation exposure. The estimated excess lifetime cancer risk (ELCR), ranged from 0.01 to 0.78 × 10-3, reveals that 17.5% of groundwater samples surpass the threshold limit set by the USEPA. As no prior data on 222Rn related dose exposure exists for the study area, this investigation constitutes a novel contribution, offering essential baseline information for future radiological assessments. By integrating both deterministic and probabilistic methods for dose estimation, this study not only enhances the reliability of risk evaluation but also emphasizes the importance of establishing regulatory frameworks to safeguard groundwater resources and public health.

Occurrence and distribution of glyphosate and aminomethylphosphonic acid in surface water, drinking water, wastewater and other water types from New York State, USA.

Odontocetes rely on vocalizations for navigation, foraging, and communication. Their vocalization patterns are associated with environmental conditions and behavioral contexts, particularly in captive populations. This study investigated the vocalization behaviors of captive bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) and rough-toothed dolphins (Steno bredanensis) using continuous acoustic monitoring. The focus was on their responses to human-involved training and feeding activities. Comparative analyses revealed that rough-toothed dolphins produced significantly more clicks and fewer whistles than bottlenose dolphins (p < 0.05). During training, bottlenose dolphins reduced their click rate by 41% but increased whistle production by 125%. In contrast, rough-toothed dolphins showed no significant change in click emissions (from 643.9/min to 597.4/min, p > 0.05), but significantly reduced whistles by 56% (p < 0.05). Neither species exhibited significant changes in vocalization during feeding. However, rough-toothed dolphins shifted their predominant whistle type from “constant” to “sinusoidal”, while bottlenose dolphins changed from “constant” to “upsweep” during feeding. These findings offer valuable insights expanding current knowledge of dolphin vocal patterns under captivity and establish baseline information potentially supporting acoustic assessment of captive dolphin welfare, particularly for the understudied rough-toothed dolphin.

This study investigated the ecological and demographic characteristics of Synodontis koensis (Pellegrin, 1934), an endemic species of the Sassandra River Basin (Côte d’Ivoire), in order to provide baseline data for its conservation and sustainable habitat management. Sampling was conducted from November 2024 to March 2025 at five stations along the N’Zo River, a major tributary of the Sassandra. Physico-chemical parameters of the water (temperature, pH, conductivity, total dissolved solids, and depth) were measured in situ, and a total of 329 individuals were collected for morphometric and weight analyses. Results revealed favorable environmental conditions for aquatic life, with water temperature ranging from 27.3 to 29.5 °C, slightly alkaline pH (7.65–7.95), and low conductivity (51–68 µS/cm). Standard lengths of fish ranged from 35 to 110 mm (mean = 77.48 ± 13.63 mm) and body weights from 2 to 31 g (mean = 11.71 ± 5.73 g), indicating a unimodal size structure dominated by medium-sized classes (60–90 mm). The length–weight relationship followed the model P=aLbP, with b=1.93b = 1.93b=1.93, showing a negative allometric growth pattern (b &lt; 3), meaning that body length increases faster than weight. The condition factor (K) ranged from 1.10 to 9.26 (mean = 2.59 ± 1.57), suggesting good overall physiological condition. These findings indicate that S. koensis inhabits an environment that remains favorable but is increasingly affected by anthropogenic pressures. The study provides essential baseline information to guide conservation strategies and sustainable management of endemic fish populations within the Sassandra Basin.

Seasonal dynamics and driving factors of habitat for two small-size shark species in the northern South China Sea.

Background/Objectives: Mandibular advancement oral appliances (MAOAs) for obstructive sleep apnea syndrome treatment can be rendered more convenient by adopting a separate and movable design; however, concerns regarding possible weakening of effect have been raised. This study had the aim to clarify the factors associated with the longevity of separate and movable MAOAs. Methods: Information on 466 MAOAs from 230 patients was collected from medical records, including baseline information, apnea–hypopnea indexes, transcutaneous oxygen saturation, component connection method, and initial fabrication status (new fabrication or repair). MAOAs were evaluated in clinical practice, and breakage was considered a failure. Failures were classified into three types: Type A, breakage anywhere in MAOA; Type B, connector breakage (thermoplastic component breakage was censored); and Type C, thermoplastic component breakage (connector breakage was censored). Survival time of MAOA for all types was analyzed using a shared frailty model. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were determined, with the statistical significance at p &lt; 0.05. Results: Type A failures were significantly linked to patient sex, age, and connection method; Type B failures were associated with sex and age; and no variables were linked to Type C failures. Younger male patients showed lower survival rate except for Type C, with no correlation between apnea symptom severity and survival status. Conclusions: MAOA connector strength was significantly associated with the MAOA survival rate. Connectors were more likely to break in younger patients, and this tendency was particularly pronounced in males. Therefore, age and sex should be considered when choosing the MAOA connection method.

The present study was undertaken to assess the land suitability of forest, barren land, agricultural and horticultural land use systems within the Bada micro watershed of Haveri district, which lies in the Northern Transition Zone (Zone 8) of Karnataka. Utilizing a base map (1:7,920) in conjunction with satellite imagery total of eight profiles, two from each land use system were identified and excavated. The morphological attributes of soil profiles were recorded and horizon wise soil samples were analyzed for their physical and chemical properties by employing standard procedures. Subsequently, the potential of these land use systems for the cultivation of key horticulture crops, namely chilli, tomato, coconut, mango, sapota and guava were assessed by using the limitation method by considering oxygen availability to roots, nutrient availability, rooting conditions, soil toxicity and erosion as primary criteria. The crop suitability maps were generated by utilizing ArcGIS software. The results indicated that across the forest, agriculture and horticulture land use systems suitability for crops were classified from moderately suitable (S2) to marginally suitable (S3). In the study area, 90.34%, 90.34%, 39.45%, 50.89%, 84.06% and 84.06% of the total area was classified as moderately suitable (S2) for the cultivation of chilli, tomato, coconut, mango, sapota and guava, respectively. Conversely, 1.36%, 1.36%, 52.25%, 39.45%, 6.28% and 6.28% of the study area identified as marginally suitable (S3) for these crops, respectively. Whereas, the barren land use (1.36% of total geographical area) was classified as not suitable (N) for mango, sapota and guava cultivation due to pronounced physical limitations that affecting the rooting of crops. Conversely, the barren land exhibits marginal suitability (S3) for the production of chilli, tomato and coconut. These outcomes provides an essential baseline information for identifying specific soil constraints and support the formulation of sustainable crop production strategies within the study region.

Rhinoplasty enhances nasal aesthetics and function but faces challenges in thick-skinned patients due to limited contour definition and higher risks of scarring and complications. Isotretinoin shows promise in reducing skin thickness and improving healing, but its side effects necessitate careful monitoring. To consolidate existing evidence on isotretinoin efficacy, safety, and impact on satisfaction to guide decision-making for this patient population. We retrieved relevant articles up to December 2024 from PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Data were extracted from eligible studies by two independent reviewers, including baseline information, type of surgery, isotretinoin regimen, study outcomes, and complications. Higher satisfaction was found with isotretinoin use post-rhinoplasty at three and six months post-op; however, satisfaction often declined by 12 months. Isotretinoin improved cosmetic results, reducing skin thickness and enhancing nasal definition for up to six months. Nonetheless, differences in outcomes between intervention and control groups diminished by one year. Complications like dryness were common but manageable, while systemic side effects were rare. Isotretinoin offers short-term benefits after rhinoplasty for thick-skinned patients, with diminishing effects by one year. Similar efficacy was noted for both oral and topical formulations, favoring topical formulations for their milder side effects. This journal requires that authors assign a level of evidence to each article. For a full description of these Evidence-Based Medicine ratings, please refer to the Table of Contents or the online Instructions to Authors www.springer.com/00266 .

Aluterus monoceros, commonly known as the Unicorn leatherjacket filefish, has a circumglobal distribution and was infrequently recorded in Indian trawl landings prior to 2008. In recent years, substantial catches have been reported from major fish landing centres along the Indian coast, establishing it as a targeted fishery. Despite its growing commercial importance, the population structure of this species remains largely unexplored. This study assesses the genetic diversity of A. monoceros along the Indian coastline using mitochondrial DNA markers. The analysis revealed high haplotype diversity, indicating considerable genetic variation within the species. Results from the Analysis of Molecular Variance (AMOVA) showed minimal genetic differentiation among populations. Low ΦST values suggested extensive gene flow among populations across the Indian coast. Neutrality tests further indicated signals of recent population expansions or selective sweeps. This study provides baseline information on the genetic diversity and population structure of A. monoceros, supporting the existence of a predominantly panmictic population with minor regional variation. The findings highlight the feasibility of managing populations along the Indian coast as a single genetic management unit.

Lichens, fungi-cyanobacterial or algae-fungi symbiotic groups, are bioindicators of high sensitivity with important ecological functions. Systematic information on their diversity and habitat habits in forest-fringe ecosystems of central India is limited. The present study was conducted to evaluate the occurrence, richness, and habitat specificity of lichen genera in a few forest-fringe villages of Dhamtari district, Chhattisgarh. Field surveys were carried out in four villages- Demar, Singpur, Dugli, and Bhiterras- over three tahsils with four sampling sites. Thirty-six lichen specimens were collected from different substrates and identified at genus level based on morphological and taxonomical characteristics. The genera were grouped according to family, growth form, and habitat association. 30 genera in 15 families were documented, of which Parmeliaceae dominated (eight genera). Corticolous lichens were more diverse than saxicolous lichens, and Shorea robusta and Mangifera indica were the dominant phorophytes. Bhiterras were most diverse (18 genera) followed by Demar with minimum diversity, which reflects environmental stress and restricted niches. The occurrence of cosmopolitan and habitat-specific species reveals ecological heterogeneity. These findings furnish imperative baseline information for biodiversity conservation and highlight lichens as bioindicators of environmental quality and ecosystem modification.

BackgroundFor patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), the type of nursing care during targeted therapy may significantly impact treatment efficacy and quality of life. This study evaluated the effects of routine care and comprehensive care on biomarkers, treatment response, and patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) in patients with CLL undergoing targeted therapy.MethodsA total of 260 patients with CLL were enrolled, with 150 receiving routine care and 110 receiving comprehensive care. Baseline characteristics of the two groups were compared, and differences in biomarkers at diagnosis were assessed. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to analyze the impact of baseline information and care methods on treatment response. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to evaluate trends in PROMs (SF-36, ECOG, and HADS scores) over the follow-up period.ResultsBaseline analysis showed no significant differences between the two groups in terms of age, gender, smoking, alcohol consumption, comorbidities, and Rai stage. Drug response analysis showed that age, diabetes, Rai stage and nursing mode significantly affected the treatment effect. Comprehensive nursing significantly increased the effectiveness of targeted drug therapy and reduced the risk of disease progression. During the follow-up period, the lymphocyte count, white blood cell count, ESR, β2-microglobulin, and LDH levels of patients in the comprehensive nursing group significantly decreased, while immunoglobulin levels significantly increased. In addition, comprehensive nursing significantly improves patients’ quality of life, improves physical fitness, reduces anxiety and depression levels, especially in the six months and one year after treatment.ConclusionComprehensive care significantly improved treatment outcomes, reduced disease progression, and enhanced the quality of life in patients with CLL undergoing targeted therapy, making it suitable for long-term management of patients with CLL.

The incidence of lung adenocarcinoma in women is gradually increasing, but the prognostic factors affecting this group of patients have not been systematically studied, so we hope that we can construct a prognostic prediction model for this group of patients to provide a more accurate survival prediction. We performed a retrospective analysis of female patients with pathologically diagnosed lung adenocarcinoma, constructed nomograms of overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) at 1, 3, and 5 years using COX regression analyses, and evaluated the prediction using the consistency index (C-index), calibration curves, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) model performance with internal and external validation. We included a total of 11,562 patients, which were divided into 2 groups in a ratio of 7:3 Analysis using the chi-square test revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in the baseline information between the 2 data groups (P > .05). Age, race, marital status, AJCC stage, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and distant metastasis were found to be influential factors for OS using COX regression analysis, and we used these influences to construct prognostic nomograms for OS. The same method was then used to screen the independent prognostic influences affecting CSS were age, marital status, AJCC stage, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and distant metastasis, and prognostic nomograms for CSS were constructed using these factors. The prognostic models for OS and CSS were validated using ROC curves, C-indexes, correction curves, and DCA curves after the construction was completed, proving the accuracy and reliability of our models. This prediction model can more accurately predict the prognosis of female lung adenocarcinoma patients.