BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with an alarming rise in early-onset CRC(eoCRC)over the past several decades.Unlike late-onset CRC,the drivers behind eoC...BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with an alarming rise in early-onset CRC(eoCRC)over the past several decades.Unlike late-onset CRC,the drivers behind eoCRC remain less clear.While certain risk factors such as obesity and smoking have demonstrated a relatively strong association with eoCRC in the literature,some studies have challenged these associations,emphasizing the need for additional studies.METHODS This cross-sectional study used de-identified data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(1999-2023),including 30321 United States adults aged 18 to 49 years.Participants with missing key variables were excluded.Standardized protocols were used to collect demographic,lifestyle,anthropo-metric[body mass index(BMI),body roundness index(BRI),waist circumference(WC)],and self-reported CRC data.Logistic regression and propensity score matching assessed associations between obesity-related parameters and eoCRC.Statistical analyses were performed in R and Stata,with P<0.05 defined as significant.RESULTS Of 30321 participants,48 received a diagnosis of eoCRC.Patients with eoCRC were older(mean age 39.96 years vs 34.36 years;P<0.001)and had higher WC and BRI.None of the eoCRC patients were heavy drinkers(P=0.006).Unadjusted models demonstrated significant associations of eoCRC with BRI quartiles,as well as BMI-defined obesity,WC,and smoking.In unadjusted models,BRI remained the strongest independent predictor;those in the highest BRI quartiles had over 10-fold greater odds of eoCRC.In fully adjusted models,BRI remained significant,but BMI-and waist-based obesity were not.CONCLUSION BRI is a stronger predictor of eoCRC risk compared to other obesity indices and is a superior tool for identifying young individuals at higher risk of CRC.展开更多
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively impacted healthcare around the world. The increasing need for readily available mental health services, coupled with the swift advancement of novel technologies, prompts ...Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively impacted healthcare around the world. The increasing need for readily available mental health services, coupled with the swift advancement of novel technologies, prompts conversations over the viability of psychotherapy approaches using engagements with AI. Despite the positive impacts, there are recognizable drawbacks associated with the application of AI in psychotherapy. Establishing a therapeutic alliance is difficult for non-human entities. Psychotherapy is a task too complex for limited artificial intelligence. AI appears capable of handling jobs that are clearly defined and relatively straightforward. Besides, AI malfunctions, data confidentiality, informed consent, and risk of bias are potential concerns. We present a literature update of possible solutions to overcome these concerns.展开更多
Methylobacterium radiotolerans is a ubiquitous organism found in the environment and is considered an opportunistic pathogen of low virulence in humans.Most human infections from M.radiotolerans have been reported in ...Methylobacterium radiotolerans is a ubiquitous organism found in the environment and is considered an opportunistic pathogen of low virulence in humans.Most human infections from M.radiotolerans have been reported in immunocompromised hosts and have been reported mainly as bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters.We present the first known case of M.radiotolerans as a causative agent of multiple brain abscesses in an immunocompromised host.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Colorectal cancer(CRC)is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide with an alarming rise in early-onset CRC(eoCRC)over the past several decades.Unlike late-onset CRC,the drivers behind eoCRC remain less clear.While certain risk factors such as obesity and smoking have demonstrated a relatively strong association with eoCRC in the literature,some studies have challenged these associations,emphasizing the need for additional studies.METHODS This cross-sectional study used de-identified data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey(1999-2023),including 30321 United States adults aged 18 to 49 years.Participants with missing key variables were excluded.Standardized protocols were used to collect demographic,lifestyle,anthropo-metric[body mass index(BMI),body roundness index(BRI),waist circumference(WC)],and self-reported CRC data.Logistic regression and propensity score matching assessed associations between obesity-related parameters and eoCRC.Statistical analyses were performed in R and Stata,with P<0.05 defined as significant.RESULTS Of 30321 participants,48 received a diagnosis of eoCRC.Patients with eoCRC were older(mean age 39.96 years vs 34.36 years;P<0.001)and had higher WC and BRI.None of the eoCRC patients were heavy drinkers(P=0.006).Unadjusted models demonstrated significant associations of eoCRC with BRI quartiles,as well as BMI-defined obesity,WC,and smoking.In unadjusted models,BRI remained the strongest independent predictor;those in the highest BRI quartiles had over 10-fold greater odds of eoCRC.In fully adjusted models,BRI remained significant,but BMI-and waist-based obesity were not.CONCLUSION BRI is a stronger predictor of eoCRC risk compared to other obesity indices and is a superior tool for identifying young individuals at higher risk of CRC.
文摘Artificial Intelligence (AI) has progressively impacted healthcare around the world. The increasing need for readily available mental health services, coupled with the swift advancement of novel technologies, prompts conversations over the viability of psychotherapy approaches using engagements with AI. Despite the positive impacts, there are recognizable drawbacks associated with the application of AI in psychotherapy. Establishing a therapeutic alliance is difficult for non-human entities. Psychotherapy is a task too complex for limited artificial intelligence. AI appears capable of handling jobs that are clearly defined and relatively straightforward. Besides, AI malfunctions, data confidentiality, informed consent, and risk of bias are potential concerns. We present a literature update of possible solutions to overcome these concerns.
文摘Methylobacterium radiotolerans is a ubiquitous organism found in the environment and is considered an opportunistic pathogen of low virulence in humans.Most human infections from M.radiotolerans have been reported in immunocompromised hosts and have been reported mainly as bloodstream infections related to central venous catheters.We present the first known case of M.radiotolerans as a causative agent of multiple brain abscesses in an immunocompromised host.