Community engagement is increasingly promoted to strengthen the ethics of medical research in low-income countries. One strategy is to use community advisory boards (CABs): semi-independent groups that can potentially...Community engagement is increasingly promoted to strengthen the ethics of medical research in low-income countries. One strategy is to use community advisory boards (CABs): semi-independent groups that can potentially safeguard the rights of study participants and help improve research. However, there is little published on the experience of operating and sustaining CABs. The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) has been conducting research and providing healthcare in a population of refugees, migrant workers, and displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border for over 25 years. In 2009 SMRU facilitated the establishment of the Tak Province Community Ethics Advisory Board (T-CAB) in an effort to formally engage with the local communities both to obtain advice and to establish a participatory framework within which studies and the provision of health care can take place. In this paper, we draw on our experience of community engagement in this unique setting, and on our interactions with the past and present CAB members to critically reflect upon the CAB’s goals, structure and operations with a focus on the practicalities, what worked, what did not, and on its future directions.展开更多
Machine learning(ML)is a type of artificial intelligence that assists computers in the acquisition of knowledge through data analysis,thus creating machines that can complete tasks otherwise requiring human intelligen...Machine learning(ML)is a type of artificial intelligence that assists computers in the acquisition of knowledge through data analysis,thus creating machines that can complete tasks otherwise requiring human intelligence.Among its various applications,it has proven groundbreaking in healthcare as well,both in clinical practice and research.In this editorial,we succinctly introduce ML applications and present a study,featured in the latest issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The authors of this study conducted an analysis using both multiple linear regression(MLR)and ML methods to investigate the significant factors that may impact the estimated glomerular filtration rate in healthy women with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Their results implicated age as the most important determining factor in both groups,followed by lactic dehydrogenase,uric acid,forced expiratory volume in one second,and albumin.In addition,for the NAFLD-group,the 5th and 6th most important impact factors were thyroid-stimulating hormone and systolic blood pressure,as compared to plasma calcium and body fat for the NAFLD+group.However,the study's distinctive contribution lies in its adoption of ML methodologies,showcasing their superiority over traditional statistical approaches(herein MLR),thereby highlighting the potential of ML to represent an invaluable advanced adjunct tool in clinical practice and research.展开更多
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women globally,with its incidence continuing to rise,particularly in low-and middle-income countries,presenting a significant public health challenge w...Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women globally,with its incidence continuing to rise,particularly in low-and middle-income countries,presenting a significant public health challenge worldwide[1].According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation(IHME)and the World Health Organization(WHO),the gap in access to healthcare services between high-and low-income countries contributes to delayed detection,increased incidence of advanced-stage disease,and,consequently,higher mortality rates(up to 50%higher compared to high-income countries)[1,2].This translates into inequalities in access to screening and early diagnosis methods,which exacerbate the burden of this disease in low-resource settings where infrastructure,funding,and access to trained professionals are limited[3].展开更多
Background:Stretching has wide appeal,but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows.There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications,but for others,...Background:Stretching has wide appeal,but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows.There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications,but for others,the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive.The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews,possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies.This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations.Methods:A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled.The panel meticulously reviewed existing systematic reviews,defined key terminologies(e.g.,consensus definitions for different stretching modes),and crafted guidelines using a Delphi consensus approach(minimum required agreement:80%).The analysis focused on 8 topics,including stretching's acute and chronic(long-term)effects on range of motion,strength performance,muscle hypertrophy,stiffness,injury prevention,muscle recovery,posture correction,and cardiovascular health.Results:There was consensus that chronic and acute stretching(a)improves range of motion(although alternatives exist)and(b)reduces muscle stiffness(which may not always be desirable);the panel also agreed that chronic stretching(c)may promote vascular health,but more research is warranted.In contrast,consensus was found that stretch training does not(a)contribute substantively to muscle growth,(b)serve as an allencompassing injury prevention strategy,(c)improve posture,or(d)acutely enhance post-exercise recovery.Conclusion:These recommendations provide guidance for athletes and practitioners,highlighting research gaps that should be addressed to more comprehensively understand the full scope of stretching effects.展开更多
The global burden of bacterial infections,exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance(AMR),necessitates innovative strategies.Bacterial protein vaccines offer promise by eliciting targeted immunity while circumventing AMR...The global burden of bacterial infections,exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance(AMR),necessitates innovative strategies.Bacterial protein vaccines offer promise by eliciting targeted immunity while circumventing AMR.However,their clinical translation is hindered by their inherently low immunogenicity,often requiring potent adjuvants and advanced delivery systems.Biomembrane nanostructures(e.g.,liposomes,exosomes,and cell membrane-derived nanostructures),characterized by superior biocompatibility,intrinsic targeting ability,and immune-modulating properties,could serve as versatile platforms that potentiate vaccine efficacy by increasing antigen stability,enabling codelivery of immunostimulants,and facilitating targeted delivery to lymphoid tissues/antigen-presenting cells.This intrinsic immunomodulation promotes robust humoral and cellular immune responses to combat bacteria.This review critically reviews(1)key biomembrane nanostructure classes for bacterial protein antigens,(2)design strategies leveraging biomembrane nanostructures to enhance humoral and cellular immune responses,(3)preclinical efficacy against diverse pathogens,and(4)translational challenges and prospects.Biomembrane nanostructure-driven approaches represent a paradigm shift in the development of next-generation bacterial protein vaccines against resistant infections.展开更多
Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed...Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed to in creasing concentrations of PC(0,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,and 200μg/mL).Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method,apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining,reactive oxygen species accumulation,and theΔψm drop were also assessed.In the in vivo study,mice were divided into 5 groups:the normal control group,the CT26 tumor-bearing group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group,and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group.Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were assessed.Results:Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect,allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis,increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients,reduced tumor volume,and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.Conclusions:PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects.展开更多
In this study,the design,analysis,manufacturing,and testing of a 3D-printed conformal microstrip array antenna for high-temperature environments is presented.3D printing technology is used to fabricate a curved cerami...In this study,the design,analysis,manufacturing,and testing of a 3D-printed conformal microstrip array antenna for high-temperature environments is presented.3D printing technology is used to fabricate a curved ceramic substrate,and laser sintering and microdroplet spraying processes are used to add the conductive metal on the curved substrate.The problems of gain loss,bandwidth reduction,and frequency shift caused by high temperatures are addressed by using a proper antenna design,with parasitic patches,slots,and metal resonant cavities.The antenna prototype is characterized by the curved substrates and the conductive metals for the power dividers,the patch,and the ground plane;its performance is examined up to a temperature of 600℃in a muffle furnace and compared with the results from the numerical analysis.The results show that the antenna can effectively function at 600℃and even higher temperatures.展开更多
Medicinal plants are part and parcel of human society to combat diseases from the dawn of civilization.Terminalia chebula Retz.(Fam.Combretaceae),is called the‘King of Medicine??in Tibet and is always listed at the l...Medicinal plants are part and parcel of human society to combat diseases from the dawn of civilization.Terminalia chebula Retz.(Fam.Combretaceae),is called the‘King of Medicine??in Tibet and is always listed at the lop of the list of‘Ayurvedic Materia Medica??because of its extraordinary power of healing.The whole plant possesses high medicinal value and traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments for human beings.Some of the folklore people used this plant in the treatment of asthma,sore throat,vomiting,hiccough,diarrhea,dysentery,bleeding piles,ulcers,gout,heart and bladder diseases.The plant has been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological and medicinal activities,such as antioxidant,antimicrobial,antidiabetic,hepatoprotective,anti-inflammatory,antimutagenic,antiproliferative,radioprotective,cardioprotective,antiarthritic,anticaries,gastrointestinal motility and wound healing activity.But no systematic updated information on the therapeutic effectiveness of Terminalia chebula,a popular herbal remedy in India and South-East Asia has so far been reported.This review highlights an updated information particularly on the phytochemistry and various pharmacological and medicinal properties of Terminalia chebula Retz.and some of its isolated compounds,along with their safety evaluation.This may provide incentive for proper evaluation of the plant as medicinal agent against the human diseases and also to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and future scope which may offer immense opportunity for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective botanical medicine.展开更多
Neural stem cells(NSCs)have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation,and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases.However,only 1%-10%of transplanted NSCs sur...Neural stem cells(NSCs)have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation,and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases.However,only 1%-10%of transplanted NSCs survive in the ischemic and hypoxic microenvironment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.^(Sox2)is an important factor for NSCs to maintain proliferation.Therefore,^(Sox2)-overexpressing NSCs(NSC^(Sox2))may be more successful in improving neurological dysfunction after posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.In this study,human NSC^(Sox2)was transplanted into a posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus mouse model,and retinoic acid was administered to further promote NSC differentiation.The results showed that NSC^(Sox2)attenuated the ventricular enlargement caused by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and improved neurological function.NSC^(Sox2)also promoted nerve regeneration,inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted M2 polarization(anti-inflammatory phenotype),thereby reducing cerebrospinal fluid secretion in choroid plexus.These findings suggest that NSC^(Sox2)rescued ventricular enlargement and neurological dysfunction induced by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus through neural regeneration and modulation of inflammation.展开更多
Research concerning the psychosocial aspects of infertility and infertility treatment focuses more often on women than men. The aim of this review was to synthesize the English-language evidence related to the psychol...Research concerning the psychosocial aspects of infertility and infertility treatment focuses more often on women than men. The aim of this review was to synthesize the English-language evidence related to the psychological and social aspects of infertility in men and discuss the implications of these reports for clinical care and future research. A structured search identified 73 studies that reported data concerning the desire for fatherhood and the psychological and social aspects of diagnosis, assisted reproductive technology （ART） treatment and unsuccessful treatment among men with fertility difficulties. The studies are diverse in conceptualisation, design, setting and data collection, but the findings were reasonably consistent. These studies indicated that fertile and infertile childless men of reproductive age have desires to experience parenthood that are similar to those of their female counterparts; in addition, diagnosis and initiation of treatment are associated with elevated infertility-specific anxiety, and unsuccessful treatment can lead to a state of lasting sadness. However, rates of clinically significant mental health problems among this patient population are no higher than in the general population. Infertile men who are socially isolated, have an avoidant coping style and appraise stressful events as overwhelming, are more vulnerable to severe anxiety than men without these characteristics. Men prefer oral to written treatment information and prefer to receive emotional support from infertility clinicians rather than from mental health professionals, self-help support groups or friends. Nevertheless, structured, facilitated psycho-educational groups that are didactic but permit informal sharing of experiences might be beneficial. There are gaps in knowledge about factors governing seeking, persisting with and deciding to cease treatment; experiences of invasive procedures; parenting after assisted conception; adoption and infertility-related grief and shame among men. Few resource-constrained countries have any data concerning male experiences of infertility.展开更多
AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science....AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science.METHODS: Over the last 15 years, the number of Internet users has increased by 1000%, and at the same time, research on addictive Internet use has proliferated. Internet addiction has not yet been understood very well, and research on its etiology and natural history is still in its infancy. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Internet Gaming Disorder in the appendix of the updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders(DSM-5) as condition that requires further research prior to official inclusion in the main manual, with important repercussions for research and treatment. To date, reviews have focused on clinical and treatment studies of Internet addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. This arguably limits the analysis to a specific diagnosis of a potential disorder that has not yet been officially recognised in the Western world, rather than a comprehensive and inclusive investigation of Internet-use related addictions(including problematic Internet use) more generally. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified a total of 46 relevant studies. The included studies used clinical samples, and focused on characteristics of treatment seekers and online addiction treatment. Four main types of clinical research studies were identified, namely research involving(1) treatment seeker characteristics;(2) psychopharmacotherapy;(3) psychological therapy; and(4) combined treatment. CONCLUSION: A consensus regarding diagnostic criteria and measures is needed to improve reliability across studies and to develop effective and efficient treatment approaches for treatment seekers.展开更多
Pien Tze Huang(PTH)was documented as an imperial prescription composed of Notoginseng Radix,Calculus Bovis,Snake Gallbladder,and Musk.It is famous in China and Asian countries due to its excellent effects in heat clea...Pien Tze Huang(PTH)was documented as an imperial prescription composed of Notoginseng Radix,Calculus Bovis,Snake Gallbladder,and Musk.It is famous in China and Asian countries due to its excellent effects in heat clearing,detoxifying,swelling reduction,and pain relieving.Modern pharmacological studies demonstrate that PTH shows excellent effects against various inflammatory diseases,liver diseases,and cancers.This review summaries the pharmacological effects,clinical applications,and mainchemical components of PTH.More importantly,its potential quality markers(Q-markers)were then analyzed based on the“five principles”of Q-markers under the guidance of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory,including transfer and traceability,specificity,efficacy,compatibility,and measurability.As a result,ginsenosides Rb1,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Rd,ginsenoside Re,notoginsenoside R1,dencichine,bilirubin,biliverdin,taurocholic acid,and muscone are considered as the Q-markers of PTH.These findings will provide guidance and assistance for the construction of a quality control system for PTH.展开更多
Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa,Asia, India Ocean and America ...Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa,Asia, India Ocean and America suddenly, causing major regional epidemics recently and becoming a notable global health problem. Infection by CHIKV results in a spectrum of clinical diseases including an acute self-limiting febrile illness in most individuals, a chronic phase of recurrent join pain in a proportion of patients, and long-term arthralgia for months to years for the unfortunate few. No specific anti-viral drugs or licensed vaccines for CHIKV are available so far. A better understanding of virus-host interactions is essential for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. To this end, we reviewed the existing knowledge on CHIKV's epidemiology, clinical presentation, molecular virology, diagnostic approaches, host immune response, vaccine development, and available animal models. Such a comprehensive overview, we believe, will shed lights on the promises and challenges in CHIKV vaccine development.展开更多
AIM：To evaluate the association between visual impairment（VI） and mental health or social engagement in older adults living in rural Thailand.METHODS：Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from a community...AIM：To evaluate the association between visual impairment（VI） and mental health or social engagement in older adults living in rural Thailand.METHODS：Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from a community survey conducted in 2015 in Saraburi Province,Thailand.Participants were 327 adults aged ≥50 y.VI was assessed using presenting distance visual acuity.Mental health and social engagement were evaluated in face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires.After determining the prevalence of VI and relevant sociodemographic characteristics,multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of VI on mental health and social engagement.RESULTS：The prevalence of VI was 18.3%.Major causes were refractive error（58.3%） and cataract（35%）.Factors associated with VI in the crude analysis were：older age [odds ratio（OR） 8.08],unemployment（OR 2.72）,widowhood（OR 2.47）,being divorced/separated（OR 3.27）,smoking（OR 2.09） and disability in activities of daily living（OR 2.35）.Protective factors were undergoing eye screening at least once a year（P=0.029） and obesity（P=0.005）.VI was significantly associated with low social engagement（adjusted OR 4.13） but not with poor mental health（P〉0.05）.CONCLUSION：Although VI older adults reported less participation in social activities,there is no significant association between VI and poor mental health.Annual eye examinations may prevent VI in older adults.Information about employment and anti-smoking should be targeted to older adults with VI.展开更多
Objective:To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities.Methods:A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays ...Objective:To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities.Methods:A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon,Camarines Sur,Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method.Results:Of the soil samples examined,141(44.48%)were contaminated by Ascaris spp.,Toxocara spp.,and Trichuris spp.with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites(P<0.01).Ascaris spp.was predominant in all study sites,followed by Toxocara spp.and Trichuris spp.with a prevalence of 41.96%,7.57%,and 5.36%,respectively.Interestingly,Toxocara pp.has the highest intensity of contamination,followed by Ascaris spp.and Trichuris spp.in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample(34.25,21.45,and 11.85 respectively).Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs,which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection,particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites.Conclusions:The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.展开更多
AIM To assess the viability of orthotopic and heterotopic patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts implanted into nude mice.METHODS This study presents a prospective experimental analytical follow-up of the develo...AIM To assess the viability of orthotopic and heterotopic patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts implanted into nude mice.METHODS This study presents a prospective experimental analytical follow-up of the development of tumours in mice upon implantation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples. Specimens were obtained surgically from patients with a pathological diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Tumour samples from pancreatic cancer patients were transplanted into nude mice in three different locations(intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and pancreatic). Histological analysis(haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining) and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptosis(TUNEL), proliferation(Ki-67), angiogenesis(CD31) and fibrogenesis(α-SMA) were performed. When a tumour xenograft reached the target size, it was reimplanted in a new nude mouse. Three sequential tumour xenograft generations were generated(F1, F2 and F3).RESULTS The overall tumour engraftment rate was 61.1%. The subcutaneous model was most effective in terms of tissue growth(69.9%), followed by intraperitoneal(57.6%) and pancreatic(55%) models. Tumour development was faster in the subcutaneous model(17.7 ± 2.6 wk) compared with the pancreatic(23.1 ± 2.3 wk) and intraperitoneal(25.0 ± 2.7 wk) models(P = 0.064). There was a progressive increase in the tumour engraftment rate over successive generations for all three models(F1 28.1% vs F2 71.4% vs F3 80.9%, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in tumour xenograft differentiation and cell proliferation between human samples and the three experimental models among the sequential generations of tumour xenografts. However, a progressive decrease in fibrosis, fibrogenesis, tumour vascularisation and apoptosis was observed in the three experimental models compared with the human samples. All three pancreatic patient-derived xenograft models presented similar histological and immunohistochemical characteristics.CONCLUSION In our experience, the faster development andgreatest number of viable xenografts could make the subcutaneous model the best option for experimentation in pancreatic cancer.展开更多
Objective In 2006,Alzheimer's Association Victoria Australia funded the authors to conduct a systematic review of the community education literature in order to assist the development of their own community educat...Objective In 2006,Alzheimer's Association Victoria Australia funded the authors to conduct a systematic review of the community education literature in order to assist the development of their own community education strategy.Methods This paper draws upon this research project to convey the predominant messages arising consistently across the evidence base relating to key national health priority areas.Particular attention is given to exploring the needs of minority groups.Results The evidence reviewed indicates the need for multi-faceted intervention approaches that are carefully planned and assessed to ensure sufficient exposure of the target audience to the health messages.Conclusion Such approaches remain to be empirically tested within the context of dementia risk reduction.Nevertheless,there are consistent models in the evidence base that can be applied with confidence to community education in the current domain.展开更多
Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal de...Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling older adults(≥65 years).The survey comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire,SIS,Geriatric Depression Scale-4(GDS-4),6-item Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS-6),a loneliness self-assessment question,and Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).Construct validity(confirmatory factor analysis)and convergent validity were analyzed,and ISI internal reliability(composite reliability),external reliability(test-retest,intraclass correlation coefficient)and inter-rater reliability(Cohen’s kappa coefficient)were evaluated.Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed a two-factor model with an excellent index of fit.The SIS showed significant correlations with LSNS-6(rs=0.47),SWLS(rs=0.26),the loneliness self-assessment question(rs=0.35),and GDS-4(rs=−0.16).SIS composite reliability was good(0.708).The inter-class correlation coefficient varied from 0.84 to 0.98.The Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranged from 0.936 to 1.Conclusions SIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social isolation among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Healthcare professionals,particularly nurses working in community settings,can use SIS to assess social isolation in older adults to design,implement,and evaluate interventions.展开更多
An extreme （weather and climate） event does not only mean that an extreme occurs at a location, but more generally it can impact a certainarea and last a certain period of time, which is defined as a regional extrem...An extreme （weather and climate） event does not only mean that an extreme occurs at a location, but more generally it can impact a certainarea and last a certain period of time, which is defined as a regional extreme event （REE） with a certain impacted area and duration. The conceptof REE has been defined to allow mainly objective assessment of the events without a pre-determined boundary and duration. This paper reviewsthe studies on REEs published during the past 20 years, especially recent years. Mainly in view of methodology, these studies can be divided intothree types studies focusing on spatial simultaneity, studies focusing on temporal persistence, and studies identifying REEs. The methodsidentifying REEs include two kinds, e.g., type-I methods stressing REE＇s temporal persistence within a relatively certain area and type-IImethods focusing on catching a complete REE. Identification methods proposed in this paper could provide valuable information for variouspurposes, such as real-time monitoring, estimating long-term changes, mechanism diagnosis, forecasting study and even attribution analysis.Research on REEs is important for objectively defining extreme weather and climate events, which depends on the spatial and temporal scales ofinterest. Such an objective definition will support ongoing climate monitoring and improve the assessment of how regional extreme events havechanged over time.展开更多
文摘Community engagement is increasingly promoted to strengthen the ethics of medical research in low-income countries. One strategy is to use community advisory boards (CABs): semi-independent groups that can potentially safeguard the rights of study participants and help improve research. However, there is little published on the experience of operating and sustaining CABs. The Shoklo Malaria Research Unit (SMRU) has been conducting research and providing healthcare in a population of refugees, migrant workers, and displaced people on the Thai-Myanmar border for over 25 years. In 2009 SMRU facilitated the establishment of the Tak Province Community Ethics Advisory Board (T-CAB) in an effort to formally engage with the local communities both to obtain advice and to establish a participatory framework within which studies and the provision of health care can take place. In this paper, we draw on our experience of community engagement in this unique setting, and on our interactions with the past and present CAB members to critically reflect upon the CAB’s goals, structure and operations with a focus on the practicalities, what worked, what did not, and on its future directions.
文摘Machine learning(ML)is a type of artificial intelligence that assists computers in the acquisition of knowledge through data analysis,thus creating machines that can complete tasks otherwise requiring human intelligence.Among its various applications,it has proven groundbreaking in healthcare as well,both in clinical practice and research.In this editorial,we succinctly introduce ML applications and present a study,featured in the latest issue of the World Journal of Clinical Cases.The authors of this study conducted an analysis using both multiple linear regression(MLR)and ML methods to investigate the significant factors that may impact the estimated glomerular filtration rate in healthy women with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD).Their results implicated age as the most important determining factor in both groups,followed by lactic dehydrogenase,uric acid,forced expiratory volume in one second,and albumin.In addition,for the NAFLD-group,the 5th and 6th most important impact factors were thyroid-stimulating hormone and systolic blood pressure,as compared to plasma calcium and body fat for the NAFLD+group.However,the study's distinctive contribution lies in its adoption of ML methodologies,showcasing their superiority over traditional statistical approaches(herein MLR),thereby highlighting the potential of ML to represent an invaluable advanced adjunct tool in clinical practice and research.
文摘Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women globally,with its incidence continuing to rise,particularly in low-and middle-income countries,presenting a significant public health challenge worldwide[1].According to data from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation(IHME)and the World Health Organization(WHO),the gap in access to healthcare services between high-and low-income countries contributes to delayed detection,increased incidence of advanced-stage disease,and,consequently,higher mortality rates(up to 50%higher compared to high-income countries)[1,2].This translates into inequalities in access to screening and early diagnosis methods,which exacerbate the burden of this disease in low-resource settings where infrastructure,funding,and access to trained professionals are limited[3].
文摘Background:Stretching has wide appeal,but there seems to exist some mismatch between its purported applications and what the evidence shows.There is compelling evidence for some stretching applications,but for others,the evidence seems heterogeneous or unsupportive.The discrepancies even affect some systematic reviews,possibly due to heterogeneous eligibility criteria and search strategies.This consensus paper seeks to unify the divergent findings on stretching and its implications for both athletic performance and clinical practices by delivering evidence-based recommendations.Methods:A panel of 20 experts with a blend of practical experience and scholarly knowledge was assembled.The panel meticulously reviewed existing systematic reviews,defined key terminologies(e.g.,consensus definitions for different stretching modes),and crafted guidelines using a Delphi consensus approach(minimum required agreement:80%).The analysis focused on 8 topics,including stretching's acute and chronic(long-term)effects on range of motion,strength performance,muscle hypertrophy,stiffness,injury prevention,muscle recovery,posture correction,and cardiovascular health.Results:There was consensus that chronic and acute stretching(a)improves range of motion(although alternatives exist)and(b)reduces muscle stiffness(which may not always be desirable);the panel also agreed that chronic stretching(c)may promote vascular health,but more research is warranted.In contrast,consensus was found that stretch training does not(a)contribute substantively to muscle growth,(b)serve as an allencompassing injury prevention strategy,(c)improve posture,or(d)acutely enhance post-exercise recovery.Conclusion:These recommendations provide guidance for athletes and practitioners,highlighting research gaps that should be addressed to more comprehensively understand the full scope of stretching effects.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(82573571)the Shanghai 2025 Basic Research Plan Natural Science Foundation(25ZR1401393)the First Batch of Open Topics of the Shanghai Key Laboratory of Nautical Medicine and Translation of Drugs and Medical Devices(2025QN13)。
文摘The global burden of bacterial infections,exacerbated by antimicrobial resistance(AMR),necessitates innovative strategies.Bacterial protein vaccines offer promise by eliciting targeted immunity while circumventing AMR.However,their clinical translation is hindered by their inherently low immunogenicity,often requiring potent adjuvants and advanced delivery systems.Biomembrane nanostructures(e.g.,liposomes,exosomes,and cell membrane-derived nanostructures),characterized by superior biocompatibility,intrinsic targeting ability,and immune-modulating properties,could serve as versatile platforms that potentiate vaccine efficacy by increasing antigen stability,enabling codelivery of immunostimulants,and facilitating targeted delivery to lymphoid tissues/antigen-presenting cells.This intrinsic immunomodulation promotes robust humoral and cellular immune responses to combat bacteria.This review critically reviews(1)key biomembrane nanostructure classes for bacterial protein antigens,(2)design strategies leveraging biomembrane nanostructures to enhance humoral and cellular immune responses,(3)preclinical efficacy against diverse pathogens,and(4)translational challenges and prospects.Biomembrane nanostructure-driven approaches represent a paradigm shift in the development of next-generation bacterial protein vaccines against resistant infections.
基金funded by The Tunisian Ministry of Research and Higher Education.
文摘Objective:To study the potential of Pituranthos chloranthus essential oil(PC)as a chemoprotective agent.Methods:In the in vitro study,cell proliferation were determined in CT26,SW620,and SW480 cells.Cells were exposed to in creasing concentrations of PC(0,6.25,12.5,25,50,100,and 200μg/mL).Combination index was calculated by applying the Chou-Talalay method,apoptopsis was analyzed by annexin V/propidium iodide staining,reactive oxygen species accumulation,and theΔψm drop were also assessed.In the in vivo study,mice were divided into 5 groups:the normal control group,the CT26 tumor-bearing group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+PC group,the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin group,and the CT26 tumor-bearing mice+cisplatin+PC group.Organ coefficients and tumor volume were calculated.Alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and tumor necrosis factor-αlevels were assessed.Results:Cisplatin with PC induced a synergistic effect,allowing for reduced cisplatin dose while maintaining the same therapeutic efficacy.PC-cisplatin combinations inhibited cell viability by significantly inducing apoptosis,increasing reactive oxygen species accumulation and reducing mitochondrial membrane potential.Co-treatment with cisplatin and PC restored organ coefficients,reduced tumor volume,and alleviated nephrotoxicity in CT26 tumor-bearing mice by restoring kidney function markers and ameliorating kidney inflammation status.Conclusions:PC shows a chemoprotective potential by enhancing the antitumor effect of cisplatin while alleviating its side effects.
基金National Natural Science Foundation of china(No.U2241205)the Natural Science Basic Research Program of Shaanxi(Nos.2022JC-33,2023-GHZD-35,and 2024JC-ZDXM-25)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universitiesthe National 111 Project to provide fund for conducting experiments。
文摘In this study,the design,analysis,manufacturing,and testing of a 3D-printed conformal microstrip array antenna for high-temperature environments is presented.3D printing technology is used to fabricate a curved ceramic substrate,and laser sintering and microdroplet spraying processes are used to add the conductive metal on the curved substrate.The problems of gain loss,bandwidth reduction,and frequency shift caused by high temperatures are addressed by using a proper antenna design,with parasitic patches,slots,and metal resonant cavities.The antenna prototype is characterized by the curved substrates and the conductive metals for the power dividers,the patch,and the ground plane;its performance is examined up to a temperature of 600℃in a muffle furnace and compared with the results from the numerical analysis.The results show that the antenna can effectively function at 600℃and even higher temperatures.
基金Supported by Indian Statistical Institute,Kolkata,India(GrantNo,Project A/C No.5613)
文摘Medicinal plants are part and parcel of human society to combat diseases from the dawn of civilization.Terminalia chebula Retz.(Fam.Combretaceae),is called the‘King of Medicine??in Tibet and is always listed at the lop of the list of‘Ayurvedic Materia Medica??because of its extraordinary power of healing.The whole plant possesses high medicinal value and traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments for human beings.Some of the folklore people used this plant in the treatment of asthma,sore throat,vomiting,hiccough,diarrhea,dysentery,bleeding piles,ulcers,gout,heart and bladder diseases.The plant has been demonstrated to possess multiple pharmacological and medicinal activities,such as antioxidant,antimicrobial,antidiabetic,hepatoprotective,anti-inflammatory,antimutagenic,antiproliferative,radioprotective,cardioprotective,antiarthritic,anticaries,gastrointestinal motility and wound healing activity.But no systematic updated information on the therapeutic effectiveness of Terminalia chebula,a popular herbal remedy in India and South-East Asia has so far been reported.This review highlights an updated information particularly on the phytochemistry and various pharmacological and medicinal properties of Terminalia chebula Retz.and some of its isolated compounds,along with their safety evaluation.This may provide incentive for proper evaluation of the plant as medicinal agent against the human diseases and also to bridge the lacunae in the existing literature and future scope which may offer immense opportunity for researchers engaged in validation of the traditional claims and development of safe and effective botanical medicine.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China,Nos.82473334(to LZ),82401629(to XL)the Major Scientific and Technological Achievements Transformation Project of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region,No.2022CJE09013(to LZ)+4 种基金Mianyang Science and Technology Bureau(Mianyang Science and Technology Program),No.2023ZYDF097(to LZ)NHC Key Laboratory of Nuclear Technology Medical Transformation(Mianyang Central Hospital),No.2023HYX001(to LZ)Spinal Cord Diseases Clinical Medical Center of Yunnan Province,No.2024JSKFKT-16(to BG)the Natural Science Foundation of Sichuan Province,No.2024NSFSC1646(to XL)the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation,Nos.GZC20231811(to XL),2024T170601(to XL)and 2024M76228(to XL).
文摘Neural stem cells(NSCs)have the potential for self-renewal and multidirectional differentiation,and their transplantation has achieved good efficacy in a variety of diseases.However,only 1%-10%of transplanted NSCs survive in the ischemic and hypoxic microenvironment of posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.^(Sox2)is an important factor for NSCs to maintain proliferation.Therefore,^(Sox2)-overexpressing NSCs(NSC^(Sox2))may be more successful in improving neurological dysfunction after posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus.In this study,human NSC^(Sox2)was transplanted into a posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus mouse model,and retinoic acid was administered to further promote NSC differentiation.The results showed that NSC^(Sox2)attenuated the ventricular enlargement caused by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus and improved neurological function.NSC^(Sox2)also promoted nerve regeneration,inhibited neuroinflammation and promoted M2 polarization(anti-inflammatory phenotype),thereby reducing cerebrospinal fluid secretion in choroid plexus.These findings suggest that NSC^(Sox2)rescued ventricular enlargement and neurological dysfunction induced by posthemorrhagic hydrocephalus through neural regeneration and modulation of inflammation.
文摘Research concerning the psychosocial aspects of infertility and infertility treatment focuses more often on women than men. The aim of this review was to synthesize the English-language evidence related to the psychological and social aspects of infertility in men and discuss the implications of these reports for clinical care and future research. A structured search identified 73 studies that reported data concerning the desire for fatherhood and the psychological and social aspects of diagnosis, assisted reproductive technology （ART） treatment and unsuccessful treatment among men with fertility difficulties. The studies are diverse in conceptualisation, design, setting and data collection, but the findings were reasonably consistent. These studies indicated that fertile and infertile childless men of reproductive age have desires to experience parenthood that are similar to those of their female counterparts; in addition, diagnosis and initiation of treatment are associated with elevated infertility-specific anxiety, and unsuccessful treatment can lead to a state of lasting sadness. However, rates of clinically significant mental health problems among this patient population are no higher than in the general population. Infertile men who are socially isolated, have an avoidant coping style and appraise stressful events as overwhelming, are more vulnerable to severe anxiety than men without these characteristics. Men prefer oral to written treatment information and prefer to receive emotional support from infertility clinicians rather than from mental health professionals, self-help support groups or friends. Nevertheless, structured, facilitated psycho-educational groups that are didactic but permit informal sharing of experiences might be beneficial. There are gaps in knowledge about factors governing seeking, persisting with and deciding to cease treatment; experiences of invasive procedures; parenting after assisted conception; adoption and infertility-related grief and shame among men. Few resource-constrained countries have any data concerning male experiences of infertility.
基金Supported by A grant from the European Commission("Tech Use Disorders"Grant ID:FP7-PEOPLE-2013-IEF-627999)awarded to Olatz Lopez-Fernandez
文摘AIM: To provide a comprehensive overview of clinical studies on the clinical picture of Internet-use related addictions from a holistic perspective. A literature search was conducted using the database Web of Science.METHODS: Over the last 15 years, the number of Internet users has increased by 1000%, and at the same time, research on addictive Internet use has proliferated. Internet addiction has not yet been understood very well, and research on its etiology and natural history is still in its infancy. In 2013, the American Psychiatric Association included Internet Gaming Disorder in the appendix of the updated version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders(DSM-5) as condition that requires further research prior to official inclusion in the main manual, with important repercussions for research and treatment. To date, reviews have focused on clinical and treatment studies of Internet addiction and Internet Gaming Disorder. This arguably limits the analysis to a specific diagnosis of a potential disorder that has not yet been officially recognised in the Western world, rather than a comprehensive and inclusive investigation of Internet-use related addictions(including problematic Internet use) more generally. RESULTS: The systematic literature review identified a total of 46 relevant studies. The included studies used clinical samples, and focused on characteristics of treatment seekers and online addiction treatment. Four main types of clinical research studies were identified, namely research involving(1) treatment seeker characteristics;(2) psychopharmacotherapy;(3) psychological therapy; and(4) combined treatment. CONCLUSION: A consensus regarding diagnostic criteria and measures is needed to improve reliability across studies and to develop effective and efficient treatment approaches for treatment seekers.
基金the Leading Technology Foundation Research Project of Jiangsu Province(No.BK20192005)the Sanming Project of Medicine in Shenzhen(No.SzSM201801060)+1 种基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.82073928)CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(No.021-I2M-5-011).
文摘Pien Tze Huang(PTH)was documented as an imperial prescription composed of Notoginseng Radix,Calculus Bovis,Snake Gallbladder,and Musk.It is famous in China and Asian countries due to its excellent effects in heat clearing,detoxifying,swelling reduction,and pain relieving.Modern pharmacological studies demonstrate that PTH shows excellent effects against various inflammatory diseases,liver diseases,and cancers.This review summaries the pharmacological effects,clinical applications,and mainchemical components of PTH.More importantly,its potential quality markers(Q-markers)were then analyzed based on the“five principles”of Q-markers under the guidance of Traditional Chinese Medicine theory,including transfer and traceability,specificity,efficacy,compatibility,and measurability.As a result,ginsenosides Rb1,ginsenoside Rg1,ginsenoside Rd,ginsenoside Re,notoginsenoside R1,dencichine,bilirubin,biliverdin,taurocholic acid,and muscone are considered as the Q-markers of PTH.These findings will provide guidance and assistance for the construction of a quality control system for PTH.
基金supported in part by the National Key Program Project Grant from MOST #2016YFC1201000
文摘Chikungunya virus(CHIKV) is an arbovirus transmitted by Aedes mosquitos in tropical and subtropical regions across the world. After decades of sporadic outbreaks, it re-emerged in Africa,Asia, India Ocean and America suddenly, causing major regional epidemics recently and becoming a notable global health problem. Infection by CHIKV results in a spectrum of clinical diseases including an acute self-limiting febrile illness in most individuals, a chronic phase of recurrent join pain in a proportion of patients, and long-term arthralgia for months to years for the unfortunate few. No specific anti-viral drugs or licensed vaccines for CHIKV are available so far. A better understanding of virus-host interactions is essential for the development of therapeutics and vaccines. To this end, we reviewed the existing knowledge on CHIKV's epidemiology, clinical presentation, molecular virology, diagnostic approaches, host immune response, vaccine development, and available animal models. Such a comprehensive overview, we believe, will shed lights on the promises and challenges in CHIKV vaccine development.
文摘AIM：To evaluate the association between visual impairment（VI） and mental health or social engagement in older adults living in rural Thailand.METHODS：Data for this cross-sectional study were drawn from a community survey conducted in 2015 in Saraburi Province,Thailand.Participants were 327 adults aged ≥50 y.VI was assessed using presenting distance visual acuity.Mental health and social engagement were evaluated in face-to-face interviews using validated questionnaires.After determining the prevalence of VI and relevant sociodemographic characteristics,multivariate regression analysis was used to evaluate the impact of VI on mental health and social engagement.RESULTS：The prevalence of VI was 18.3%.Major causes were refractive error（58.3%） and cataract（35%）.Factors associated with VI in the crude analysis were：older age [odds ratio（OR） 8.08],unemployment（OR 2.72）,widowhood（OR 2.47）,being divorced/separated（OR 3.27）,smoking（OR 2.09） and disability in activities of daily living（OR 2.35）.Protective factors were undergoing eye screening at least once a year（P=0.029） and obesity（P=0.005）.VI was significantly associated with low social engagement（adjusted OR 4.13） but not with poor mental health（P〉0.05）.CONCLUSION：Although VI older adults reported less participation in social activities,there is no significant association between VI and poor mental health.Annual eye examinations may prevent VI in older adults.Information about employment and anti-smoking should be targeted to older adults with VI.
基金the Commission on Higher Education K12 Scholarship Program for the funding
文摘Objective:To provide baseline data on the prevalence and intensity of soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination in the soil among indigenous communities.Methods:A total of 317 soil samples from three barangays of indigenous communities communities in Tigaon,Camarines Sur,Philippines were examined for soil-transmitted helminthiasis egg contamination using optimized sugar flotation method.Results:Of the soil samples examined,141(44.48%)were contaminated by Ascaris spp.,Toxocara spp.,and Trichuris spp.with cumulative prevalence varying across the study sites(P<0.01).Ascaris spp.was predominant in all study sites,followed by Toxocara spp.and Trichuris spp.with a prevalence of 41.96%,7.57%,and 5.36%,respectively.Interestingly,Toxocara pp.has the highest intensity of contamination,followed by Ascaris spp.and Trichuris spp.in term of geometric mean soil-transmitted helminthiasis eggs recovered per one gram soil sample(34.25,21.45,and 11.85 respectively).Each study site harbors significant amount of soiltransmitted helminthiasis eggs and zoonotic Toxocara eggs,which present high risk of soil-transmitted helminthiasis infection,particularly among children observed to play and cohabitate with animals known to be hosts of these parasites.Conclusions:The alarming rate of soil-transmitted helminthiasis and Toxocara egg contamination reported in this study suggests that additional measures should be undertaken to control soil-transmitted helminthiasis and zoonotic intestinal infections in the country.
基金Supported by the Andalusian Public Foundation for the Management of Health Research in Seville(FISEVI)
文摘AIM To assess the viability of orthotopic and heterotopic patient-derived pancreatic cancer xenografts implanted into nude mice.METHODS This study presents a prospective experimental analytical follow-up of the development of tumours in mice upon implantation of human pancreatic adenocarcinoma samples. Specimens were obtained surgically from patients with a pathological diagnosis of pancreatic adenocarcinoma. Tumour samples from pancreatic cancer patients were transplanted into nude mice in three different locations(intraperitoneal, subcutaneous and pancreatic). Histological analysis(haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome staining) and immunohistochemical assessment of apoptosis(TUNEL), proliferation(Ki-67), angiogenesis(CD31) and fibrogenesis(α-SMA) were performed. When a tumour xenograft reached the target size, it was reimplanted in a new nude mouse. Three sequential tumour xenograft generations were generated(F1, F2 and F3).RESULTS The overall tumour engraftment rate was 61.1%. The subcutaneous model was most effective in terms of tissue growth(69.9%), followed by intraperitoneal(57.6%) and pancreatic(55%) models. Tumour development was faster in the subcutaneous model(17.7 ± 2.6 wk) compared with the pancreatic(23.1 ± 2.3 wk) and intraperitoneal(25.0 ± 2.7 wk) models(P = 0.064). There was a progressive increase in the tumour engraftment rate over successive generations for all three models(F1 28.1% vs F2 71.4% vs F3 80.9%, P < 0.001). There were no significant differences in tumour xenograft differentiation and cell proliferation between human samples and the three experimental models among the sequential generations of tumour xenografts. However, a progressive decrease in fibrosis, fibrogenesis, tumour vascularisation and apoptosis was observed in the three experimental models compared with the human samples. All three pancreatic patient-derived xenograft models presented similar histological and immunohistochemical characteristics.CONCLUSION In our experience, the faster development andgreatest number of viable xenografts could make the subcutaneous model the best option for experimentation in pancreatic cancer.
文摘Objective In 2006,Alzheimer's Association Victoria Australia funded the authors to conduct a systematic review of the community education literature in order to assist the development of their own community education strategy.Methods This paper draws upon this research project to convey the predominant messages arising consistently across the evidence base relating to key national health priority areas.Particular attention is given to exploring the needs of minority groups.Results The evidence reviewed indicates the need for multi-faceted intervention approaches that are carefully planned and assessed to ensure sufficient exposure of the target audience to the health messages.Conclusion Such approaches remain to be empirically tested within the context of dementia risk reduction.Nevertheless,there are consistent models in the evidence base that can be applied with confidence to community education in the current domain.
基金supported by national funds through FCT-Fundaçao para a Ciencia e a Tecnologia,I.P.,within CINTESIS R&D Unit(UIDB/4255/2020 and UIDP/4255/2020)within the scope of the project RISE(LA/P/0053/2020).
文摘Objectives The aim of this study was to analyze the psychometric properties(reliability and validity)of the Social Isolation Scale(SIS)in a sample of Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Methods A transversal descriptive study was carried out with a convenience sample of 250 community-dwelling older adults(≥65 years).The survey comprised a sociodemographic questionnaire,SIS,Geriatric Depression Scale-4(GDS-4),6-item Lubben Social Network Scale(LSNS-6),a loneliness self-assessment question,and Satisfaction with Life Scale(SWLS).Construct validity(confirmatory factor analysis)and convergent validity were analyzed,and ISI internal reliability(composite reliability),external reliability(test-retest,intraclass correlation coefficient)and inter-rater reliability(Cohen’s kappa coefficient)were evaluated.Results Confirmatory factor analysis showed a two-factor model with an excellent index of fit.The SIS showed significant correlations with LSNS-6(rs=0.47),SWLS(rs=0.26),the loneliness self-assessment question(rs=0.35),and GDS-4(rs=−0.16).SIS composite reliability was good(0.708).The inter-class correlation coefficient varied from 0.84 to 0.98.The Cohen’s kappa coefficient ranged from 0.936 to 1.Conclusions SIS has been shown to be a valid and reliable instrument for assessing social isolation among Portuguese community-dwelling older adults.Healthcare professionals,particularly nurses working in community settings,can use SIS to assess social isolation in older adults to design,implement,and evaluate interventions.
文摘An extreme （weather and climate） event does not only mean that an extreme occurs at a location, but more generally it can impact a certainarea and last a certain period of time, which is defined as a regional extreme event （REE） with a certain impacted area and duration. The conceptof REE has been defined to allow mainly objective assessment of the events without a pre-determined boundary and duration. This paper reviewsthe studies on REEs published during the past 20 years, especially recent years. Mainly in view of methodology, these studies can be divided intothree types studies focusing on spatial simultaneity, studies focusing on temporal persistence, and studies identifying REEs. The methodsidentifying REEs include two kinds, e.g., type-I methods stressing REE＇s temporal persistence within a relatively certain area and type-IImethods focusing on catching a complete REE. Identification methods proposed in this paper could provide valuable information for variouspurposes, such as real-time monitoring, estimating long-term changes, mechanism diagnosis, forecasting study and even attribution analysis.Research on REEs is important for objectively defining extreme weather and climate events, which depends on the spatial and temporal scales ofinterest. Such an objective definition will support ongoing climate monitoring and improve the assessment of how regional extreme events havechanged over time.
