ISSN 2960-1290(Online) Editor: Shibin Cheng (Brown University), Alexei (Columbia University), Aytek Erdil (University of Cambridge), Cosimo Arnesano (University of Southern California), Freya Baetens (Cambridge University), Osman (Carnegie Mellon University) MedScien upholds a rigorous review process to ensure that only high-quality studies are published, providing readers with reliable and well-researched content. The journal offers a comprehensive platform covering a diverse range of topics, from fundamental medical sciences such as anatomy, physiology, and pharmacology to clinical specialties including cardiology, oncology, and pediatrics. This broad scope keeps readers informed about the latest advancements across various medical fields. Additionally, MedScien places a strong emphasis on the practical applications of research findings, promoting studies that have real-world relevance for clinical practice and healthcare policy-making. By bridging theoretical research with practical implications, the journal serves as an invaluable resource for healthcare professionals and medical researchers alike.
The Double-Edged Sword of AI Medical Consultation Tools: Navigating Between Empowerment and Exacerbated Health Anxiety
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into healthcare, particularly through AI-based medical consultation tools (AIMCTs) like symptom checkers and health chatbots, represents a significant shift in patient engagement. These tools promise to democratize access to health information, reduce clinician burden, and empower users. However, this convenience carries a profound psychological risk: the potentiation of health anxiety. This paper explores the dual-edged nature of AIMCTs, analyzing how they alleviate uncertainty while simultaneously acting as catalysts for health anxiety, or “cyberchondria.” By synthesizing evidence on their benefits, the mechanisms of anxiety exacerbation including risk amplification, AI hallucinations, and the patterns identified in cyberchondria research, evidence-based approach to the design and deployment of AIMCTs to mitigate adverse effects and ensure they serve as responsible aids in healthcare.
How Technological Innovation Reshapes the Paradigm of Disease Prediction and Treatment
This paper adopts a macro perspective spanning the philosophy of technology and the history of medicine to systematically argue that the technological innovation cluster—comprising big data, artificial intelligence, and biotechnology—has disrupted the traditional medical paradigm. We first deconstruct the old paradigm characterized by “reactive diagnosis and treatment, standardized protocols, and physician-centered care” along with its inherent limitations. We then delve into the synergistic disruptive mechanisms generated by the technology cluster through three dimensions: “data-driven cognition,” “intelligent algorithms reshaping decisionmaking,” and “biotechnology redefining interventions.” This reveals three defining features of the new paradigm: At the practice level, it enables precision prediction and dynamic intervention based on individualized data; At the agency level, it establishes a collaborative relationship among physicians, AI, and patients. The study also highlights the new paradigm’s ethical challenges, including data privacy and algorithmic fairness, providing crucial insights for understanding contemporary medical transformation and planning future healthcare systems.
Study on Diagnosis of Fetal Chromosomal Abnormalities by Ultrasound Screening and Ultrasound-Guided Amniocentesis
With advancements in modern medical technology, prenatal diagnosis has become increasingly crucial. This review focuses on exploring the clinical value, application status, and research progress of two key prenatal diagnostic methods—ultrasound screening and ultrasound-guided amniocentesis—in the detection of fetal chromosomal abnormalities. By systematically summarizing relevant literature and clinical studies, the review analyzes the effectiveness, safety, and applicable scenarios of these two methods, compares their advantages and limitations with other common prenatal screening and diagnostic techniques, and identifies the core indications for their clinical application. The study reveals significantly higher detection rates of chromosomal abnormalities in the ultrasound screening abnormal group compared to the Down syndrome screening group. Key indications for amniocentesis include abnormal Down syndrome screening results, ultrasound screening abnormalities (such as NT thickening), and advanced maternal age. This research demonstrates the clinical significance of early pregnancy ultrasound screening in detecting fetal chromosomal abnormalities, while ultrasound-guided amniocentesis proves to be a safe and reliable diagnostic method.
Small RNAs in Bacterial Outer Membrane Vesicles
Outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) from Gram-negative bacteria exhibit selective enrichment for small RNAs (sRNAs), including tRNA fragments, as opposed to randomly reflecting cellular RNA pools. Building on well-established RNase-detergent controls and ddRTPCR quantification, we summarise delivery stoichiometry (≈1% of vesicle RNA reaching recipient cytoplasm) and propose reporting standards (vesicles per cell, RNA copies per vesicle, delivery per cell). Functionally, OMV RNAs signal via two main routes: cytosolic Argonaute-dependent silencing and endosomal TLR7/8 sensing in both pathogenic and commensal bacterial species. We highlight evidence that OMVs can travel along the gut–brain axis and activate astrocytic NF-κB, thereby exacerbating amyloidassociated pathology, and we outline the experimental controls needed to attribute these effects specifically to RNA cargo. Finally, we consider how these principles could guide the engineering of probiotic-derived OMVs to tune immune tone within a quantitative mechanistic framework. This review identifies key methodological gaps and puts forth quantitative frameworks for studying RNA delivery.
Application of Multi-Omics Analysis in Periodontitis
Periodontitis is a highly prevalent chronic inflammatory disease characterized by the progressive destruction of the tooth-supporting tissues and is closely associated with systemic health conditions. The complex and heterogeneous pathogenesis of periodontitis necessitates the adoption of comprehensive approaches to elucidate its molecular mechanisms. The advent of high-throughput omics technologies has revolutionized biomedical research, thereby enabling integrative multi-omics analysis to provide a holistic view of biological systems. This review aims to synthesize recent advances in the application of multi-omics strategies—including genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics—in periodontitis research. This paper discusses how these approaches have elucidated the etiopathogenesis, identified novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers, and revealed potential therapeutic targets. Furthermore, this research explores the emerging role of artificial intelligence in integrating and interpreting complex multi-omics datasets. The conclusion underscores that multi-omics integration is pivotal for advancing personalized dentistry and precision medicine in periodontitis management, albeit challenges in data standardization and clinical translation remain to be addressed.
The capability humans adapting hearing in extreme conditions
“Adaptation is an essential feature of auditory neurons, which reduces their responses to unchanging and recurring sounds and allows their response properties to be matched to the constantly changing statistics of sounds that reach the ears. As a consequence, processing in the auditory system highlights novel or unpredictable sounds and produces an efficient representation of the vast range of sounds that animals can perceive by continually adjusting the sensitivity and, to a lesser extent, the tuning properties of neurons to the most commonly encountered stimulus values. Together with attentional modulation, adaptation to sound statistics also helps to generate neural representations of sound that are tolerant to background noise and therefore plays a vital role in auditory scene analysis. In this review, we consider the diverse forms of adaptation that are found in the auditory system in terms of the processing levels at which they arise, the underlying neural mechanisms, and their impact on neural coding and perception. We also ask what the dynamics of adaptation, which can occur over multiple timescales, reveal about the statistical properties of the environment. Finally, we examine how adaptation to sound statistics is influenced by learning and experience and changes as a result of aging and hearing loss.”
Research Progress and Application of Mung Bean Protein in 3D Food Printing: Performance Regulation and Application Expansion
3D food printing technology has opened up a new manufacturing path for personalized food customization. Mung bean protein, with its high nutritional value and excellent functional properties, has broad application prospects in this field. This paper reviews the extraction process and modification techniques of mung bean protein, focusing on the intrinsic connection between its key properties and 3D printing performance. It also explores the impact of pretreatment methods, printing parameter settings, and additive usage on the final 3D printing effect. By comparing mung bean protein with other legume proteins through evidence-based data, the paper demonstrates its application potential in areas such as meat product analogues, antioxidant functional snacks, and infant complementary foods. At the same time, it points out the current research deficiencies, such as the destruction of protein secondary structure due to high-temperature printing, the disruption of gel networks by freeze-thaw cycles, low sensory acceptance, and immature large-scale production control. Finally, it looks forward to future development directions, providing theoretical support for the scientific research and “tailored nutrition” of plant protein-based 3D printed foods.
Multi-omics Integration in AMD: the CFH Gene Case Study
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a progressive retinal disease and a leading cause of irreversible blindness in older adults, imposing a substantial global health burden. Genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified over 50 loci associated with AMD, yet most lie in non-coding regions, obscuring the underlying molecular mechanisms. This paper highlights the application of multiomics integration—a framework that combines genetic associations with regulatory and functional outcomes across molecular layers—to elucidate the genetic risk of AMD, with a particular focus on the CFH gene, a central player in AMD pathogenesis. This study first summarizes key omics data types (genomics, transcriptomics, epigenomics) and core analytical tools, such as colocalization analysis and expression quantitative trait loci (eQTL) mapping. This then examines CFH-centered multi-omics findings, including evidence of shared causal variants between AMD GWAS and CFH eQTLs, and tissue-specific regulatory effects observed in the liver and retinal pigment epithelium. The discussion further extends to other AMD loci (e.g., ARMS2/HTRA1, C3) and outlines technical challenges such as data heterogeneity, tissue accessibility and translational potential. Overall, despite existing complexities, multi-omics integration provides an essential bridge between genetic associations and disease mechanisms, offering a roadmap for improved risk prediction and the development of mechanism-driven, biomarker-based therapeutics for AMD.
The Analysis of BCI Technology and its Influences on Human-being
With the rapid advancement of neuroscience, computer science, and material science, the studies of the human brain are entering a new era. Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) technology aims to create a direct link between a person’s brain and external devices for more convenient communication. This area is attracting more investigation that falls squarely at the meeting point of neural engineering and artificial intelligence. This article starts with exploring the basics, how BCIs work, and their types, all based on a review of current research. This paper concludes that BCI is a creative way in which humans can connect with computers, with very much potential to benefit human beings in various fields.
The Role of Single-Leg Vertical Jump in Return-to-Sport Evaluation After ACL Reconstruction — A Critical Review Based on Optical Motion Capture
Anter ior cruciate l igament (ACL) injuries and reconstruction surgeries are very common in sports medicine. Scientific evaluation and documentation of return-to-sport (RTS) readiness are key steps to reduce the risk of re-injury. This paper builds on research published in the British Journal of Sports Medicine (2022), explaining the use of optical motion capture in evaluating functional performance after ACL reconstruction. The study found that while horizontal hop tests often appear symmetrical, the single-leg vertical jump (SLJ) more effectively reveals deficits in knee joint function. This review summarizes the contributions of the research, critically analyzes its limitations, and proposes directions for future improvement. In addition, ACL injuries are common in sports requiring single-leg deceleration, cutting, and landing movements, such as basketball, soccer, handball, and skiing, with most being non-contact injuries. As competition levels rise, ACL injuries and reconstructions are increasingly frequent, highlighting the necessity of establishing sensitive and reproducible RTS evaluation indicators.
The Association between Family History and the Risk of Hereditary Cardiovascular Disease: A Cohort Study Based on UK Biobank
Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are leading causes of morbidity and mortality globally, with genetic and familial factors significant affecting their development. Understanding the impact of family history on the risk of CVD is crucial for early intervention and prevention. This study aims to explore the association between family history and the risk of hereditary CVD according to the data from the UK Biobank. The records of adult participants with complete family history data were analyzed, excluding those with pre-existing hereditary CVD. The results show that individuals with a family history of CVD have a significantly higher incidence of hereditary CVD compared to those without such a history. Further analysis revealed that this association is influenced by gender and lifestyle factors, with males and individuals with unhealthy lifestyles showing a higher risk. These findings highlight the importance of family history as an independent predictor of hereditary risk of CVD and emphasize the need for personalized preventive strategies. Future research should focus on longitudinal cohort studies and the integration of wearable devices and mobile health applications to enhance risk prediction and management.
Molecular Mechanisms of Active Compounds in Goji Berries: From Bioinformatics Screening to Target Pathway Analysis
Lycium barbarum(goji berry) paired with traditional Chinese tea are known for their rejuvenating effects on the liver and kidneys, improving eyesight, and moisturizing the lungs. However, its multi-component, multi-target pharmacological mechanisms remain to be fully elucidated. Bioinformatics approaches provide powerful tools for systematically unraveling the complex mechanisms of traditional medicines. The purpose of this article is to systematically predict the active compounds in Lycium barbarum through bioinformatics methods, explore the potential pharmacological mechanisms of Lycium barbarum, and determine their potential targets. According to analysis, 45 potential active compounds have been identified, including quercetin, β-sitosterol, and stigmasterol, were screened from the TCMSP database based on oral bioavailability (OB ≥ 30%) and druglikeness (DL ≥ 0.18) criteria. Their corresponding target proteins were predicted and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, identifying AKT1, TP53, and VEGFA as core target proteins. From the results of GO and KEGG analysis, it can be seen that these targets play important roles in some human life activities, such as responding to external stimuli and regulating the MAPK cascade, and were enriched in pathways like Some cancerrelated pathways and AGE-RAGE signaling pathways. Molecular docking simulations further validated strong binding interactions between the core active compounds and targets. This study systematically reveals the multi-target mechanisms of Lycium barbarum through integrated bioinformatics, providing a scientific basis for its further application in preventing diabetes, cancer and cardiovascular diseases.
Epigenetics Complements and Challenges Darwinian Evolution: From Gene Regulation to the Study of Species Adaptation
This paper delves into the role of epigenetics in complementing and challenging Darwinian evolution theory within the field of evolution. Epigenetics has revealed new sources of genetic variation, with epigenetic variations such as DNA methylation and histone modifications capable of influencing gene expression without altering DNA sequences. These variations can spread and accumulate within populations, exhibiting reversibility and dynamism, enabling species to rapidly adapt to environmental changes. Additionally, epigenetics expands the scope of natural selection, revises the patterns of genetic information flow, and highlights the need for updated evolutionary predictive models. Researchers have proposed theoretical integration pathways such as the Extended Evolutionary Synthesis framework, multilevel selection theory, and gene-epigenome coevolution models, offering new perspectives and directions for evolutionary biology research.
A Review of the Effects of ApoE3 and the Principle of Treating Alzheimer’s Disease
The onset of Alzheimer ’s disease is related to genetics, abnormal deposition of beta amyloid (Aβ), hyperphosphorylation of Tau protein, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, neurotransmitter disorders, age and other factors. In recent years, the global population aging has intensified, and the prevalence of Alzheimer’s disease has continued to rise. It is estimated that the number of patients around the world will reach 78 million by 2030. This paper starts with the polymorphism of the genetic pathogenic gene of Alzheimer’s disease, apolipoprotein E (ApoE), breaks the previous research inertia that focused solely on the “pathogenic mechanism” of ApoE4, and discusses some pathogenic genes in Alzheimer’s disease by focusing on the specific blocking effect of ApoE3 R136S mutation on tau pathology. From molecular mechanisms, cellular models, and animal experiments to clinical translation, this paper demonstrates that the ApoE3 R136S mutation exerts a neuroprotective effect against AD through multiple pathways, including inhibiting tau propagation, regulating immune responses, and promoting tau degradation.
The Role of Mucosal Immunity in the Control of Respiratory Infectious Diseases
Respiratory infectious pathogens such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and SARS-CoV-2 persist as significant threats to global health. Most of the pathogens come in through the respiratory mucosa, with the local immune mechanisms as the first line of defense. Here, we explore the role of mucosal immunity, such as secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), tissue-resident memory T cells (TRM), and inducible bronchus-associated lymphoid tissue (iBALT), in the management of respiratory infections in this research. The mechanistic part illustrates how mucosal vaccination achieves these reactions by protecting within the zone of pathogen entry. There is now experimental data on live attenuated influenza vaccination (LAIV), studies on preclinical SARS-CoV-2 mucosal vaccine, and early human trials that demonstrate the possible role of mucosal vaccination in limiting viral replication and transmission. But the translational challenge is still with various aspects, such as uniform mucosal immune correlates, heterogeneity in formulation and delivery, and regulatory obstacles. Mucosal vaccines provide a compelling complement to systemic immunization but remain challenging to implement. By acting via both systemic and local immunity, these vaccines are likely to play a role in comprehensive respiratory disease control as well as preparing populations for pandemics. These results highlight the necessity for mucosal immunity to be considered as a pillar of future vaccine development and public health policy framework.
Effects of High Dietary Fiber Intake on Glucose and Lipid Metabolism in Obese Individuals
Obesity has emerged as a pressing public health concern worldwide, characterized by disrupted glucose and lipid metabolism. This dysregulation often results in severe conditions, including insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and cardiovascular disorders. Besides genetic predispositions, unhealthy eating habits play a pivotal role. Recent research underscores the benefits of dietary fiber, an enzyme-resistant carbohydrate, in enhancing glucose and lipid metabolism. By incorporating fiber-rich foods into diets, individuals can mitigate these metabolic disturbances and work towards better health outcomes. comprehensively examines the impact of high-fiber diets on glucose and lipid metabolism in obese individuals, exploring the intricate physiological and molecular pathways involved. Dietary fiber alters the gut microbiota composition, fostering the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). These SCFAs bolster intestinal barrier function, enhance insulin sensitivity, and refine energy metabolism. Consequently, embracing a high-fiber diet emerges as a scientifically grounded and clinically valuable nutritional approach for managing obesity and associated metabolic disorders.
Current Application Status of low glycemic load (LGL) Diet in Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM)
During pregnancy, gestational diabetes is the most common metabolic disorder disease, it has a serious impact on mothers and infants, and the rate of illness is also showing an up trend year by year. Although the traditional antiglycation drugs can control the blood sugar level, but it has certain limitations and it is no conducive to monitor the conditions about mothers and infants in real time. In recent years, new treatment options such as dietary therapy keep emerging, which provides more choices for patients with gestational diabetes. This thesis summarizes the research progress of low glycemic load (LGL) diets in GDM. According to current research, LGL diet can modify blood glucose levels, lipid profiles and nutritional intake in GDM patients and alter the consequence about mothers and infants, thereby revealing promising application prospects. However, the LGL diet plan has shortcomings at the research and practice levels. There is a lack of high-quality evidence-based evidence to support it. There is a standard consensus on constituting an ideal LGL/LGI diet, and there are significant individual differences among patients. These issues need to be further addressed. In the future, it is necessary to enhance clinical research on LGL diet and optimize treatment plans to improve the therapeutic effect and safety of GDM.
The Relationship Between Alcohol Consumption and Liver Status, For US People in Age 18-64, Contr ol Sex and Modified by BMI And Age
Alcohol consumption and liver function have become increasingly important issues in modern society. Numerous studies have investigated their relationship; this study focuses on U.S. adults from 2017 to 2020 to examine the association between alcohol consumption and liver function, assessed by alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), while controlling for sex and evaluating modification by body mass index (BMI) and age. Linear regression models were applied to estimate associations. The results indicate that alcohol consumption is strongly associated with liver enzyme levels, and this relationship is confounded by sex and modified by BMI. These findings emphasize the importance of considering demographic and metabolic factors when evaluating alcohol-related liver injury and provide new evidence for targeted prevention and intervention strategies in public health. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to clarify causal pathways and quantify the potential benefits of integrated prevention strategies.
Synergistic Effects of Occupational Noise and Aging on Hearing Loss: A Nationwide Industry-Based Analysis
Due to the underestimation of the combined effects of aging and occupational noise exposure, hearing loss is a significant global public health problem. This study looked at how age and noise exposure from the workplace affected hearing loss in American workers. The pure-tone average (0.5–4 kHz) across twelve industry categories categorized by the North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) was used to define hearing thresholds using more than 1.1 million de-identified audiometric records (2000–2008) from the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). Industry×age interactions, betweenindustry differences, and within-industry age effects were evaluated using logistic regression models. Age-related hearing deterioration is made worse by occupational noise, according to a substantial interaction between age and industry that suggests a synergistic rather than additive connection. These results demonstrate the increased risk among older workers in high-exposure jobs and offer extensive evidence of varying vulnerability to hearing loss across industries. To reduce cumulative auditory impairment in the aging workforce, it may be crucial to integrate wearable or mobile health devices and strengthen targeted hearing conservation initiatives.
The Impact of Emulsifiers in Ultra Processed Foods on Intestinal Health, Exacerbating Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease, and Intervention Strategies
The damage of emulsifiers in super processed foods to intestinal health aggravates the impact of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and intervention strategies. the incidence rate of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease remains high. Artificial emulsifiers (such as polysorbate 80 and carboxymethyl cellulose) are commonly used additives in the food industry. They can disrupt the diversity of gut microbiota, increase intestinal mucosal permeability, promote endotoxin entry into the bloodstream, activate the “gut liver axis”, induce liver inflammation and lipid accumulation, and exacerbate the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The research findings of this paper this article reviews the damage mechanism of emulsifiers on intestinal microbiota and intestinal barrier, elucidates their pathway of regulating the occurrence and development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through the “gut liver axis”, and summarizes targeted intervention strategies such as improving diet and enhancing body metabolism, providing theoretical reference for the prevention and clinical management of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease.
Dietary Determinants of Hypertension: Trends in Ultra-Processed Food Consumption and Blood Pressure Control in U.S. Adults, 2013–2023
Hypertension is one of the major global contributors to cardiovascular illness and death, with its occurrence closely linked to eating behaviors. Although medical treatments have improved, effective control of high blood pressure at the population level remains limited, emphasizing the need to identify dietary factors that can be changed. This research utilized data from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES), a nationally representative dataset, to analyze dietary habits, hypertension awareness, management, and control. The main dietary variables assessed included the consumption of ultra-processed products, processed meats, sugarsweetened drinks, preserved foods, fruits, vegetables, and potassium levels. Hypertension status was determined through standardized blood pressure assessments or participants’ self-reported medical diagnoses. Findings indicated that ultra-processed foods made up more than 60% of total energy intake among adolescents and over 50% among adults from 2013–2014 to 2021–2023, showing little sign of reduction. Awareness and treatment of hypertension remained relatively unchanged between 2017–2020 and 2021–2023, while the control rate declined from 22.2% to 20.7%. These results highlight key dietary elements contributing to hypertension risk in the general population and reinforce the urgency of implementing public health strategies that support healthier food choices and environments.
Seasonal Influenza Transmission Patterns and Predictive Modeling
Seasonal influenza is a recurring public-health burden that peaks in winter and tests outpatient and hospital capacity. Accurately predicting its seasonality and near-term activity is crucial to preventing avoidable hospitalisations and activating and timing season-appropriate preparedness actions. This article distils salient evidence on environmental drivers and data streams for multi-faceted surveillance and operational prediction, as well as modelling families that complement the latter. It overviews laboratory and epidemiologic evidence that absolute humidity modulates viral survival and transmissibility, thus partly explaining influenza’s robust winter seasonality in temperate climates. It then discusses surveillance systems ranging from the global WHO FluNet/GISRS to national dashboards such as CDC FluView and ECDC ERVISS that provide timely, standardised indicators and prediction targets. It subsequently reviews main method families (statistical time-series, mechanistic compartmental models, machine learning) and highlights that multimodel ensembles often outperform single approaches at predicting onset, peak week, and intensity. It also presents case studies from Europe, the U.S. and China that illustrate prediction skill, the importance of climate-aware forcing, and of practical factors such as reporting lags. Generally, robust and interpretable forecasts require well-aligned targets, hybrid/ensemble frameworks, adaptive weighting and drift monitoring, and hold promise to support earlier warnings, intervention scenario analysis, and efficient resource planning.
Socioeconomic Inequalities in the Economic Burden of Chronic Diseases: Evidence from NHANES 2011–2018
Chronic noncommunicable diseases impose substantial and unequally distributed financial pressure on households, yet evidence on how income scarcity interacts with chronic disease complexity to shape the economic burden remains limited. This study analyzes nationally representative data to quantify whether the financial burden borne by adults with multimorbidity rises disproportionately at the lower end of the income distribution. Leveraging NHANES 2011–2018 for sociodemographic and clinical profiles and MEPS for annual medical spending, we estimate a survey-weighted log-expenditure model in MEPS that includes an income × disease interaction and then map the coefficients to NHANES individuals to obtain predicted annual expenditure; we compute the expenditure-to-income ratio (EIR), catastrophic spending at 10% and 20% of income, EIR quantiles, and Gini coefficients to profile affordability and concentration. Results show a clear two-dimensional gradient: within each disease stratum, EIRs are systematically higher in lower-income groups, and within each income stratum, EIRs increase from no chronic disease to single condition and then to multimorbidity; the lowest-income adults with multimorbidity exhibit the highest catastrophic-spending prevalence and the most unequal expenditure distributions. The interaction terms are jointly significant, indicating compounding disadvantage at the intersection of low income and multimorbidity. These findings underscore the need to pair integrated multimorbidity management with income-linked financial protection so that recurrent out-of-pocket outlays do not translate into unsustainable household burdens.
Monoclonal Antibodies and Clinical Use in the Field of Cancer Treatment
Monoclonal antibody-based cancer therapy has now been proven successful and effective in the therapeutic treatment of both haematological malignancies and solid tumours. Antibodies are proteins that bind to specific antigens naturally circulating in the body, and monoclonal antibodies are designed to mimic this biological process. Possessing high specificity, monoclonal antibodies can be engineered to directly target cancerous cells, making them highly valuable in clinical settings as they cause minimal damage to non-cancerous cells. As an emerging technology in cancer treatment, they are used alongside established methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. This paper explores the historical development of monoclonal antibodies, detailing their production processes and examining current clinical applications in cancer treatment, along with the controversies surrounding their use. It also assesses the balance between the economic costs associated with monoclonal antibody therapies and their clinical success, while drawing comparisons with other newly emerging therapeutic technologies in the field. By synthesizing these elements, the paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the role of monoclonal antibodies in cancer treatment and their position within the broader landscape of oncology therapies.
Sedentary Behavior and Cardiovascular Disease Risk: An Analysis of NHANES 2011–2018
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a leading global cause of death, with modifiable factors like physical inactivity and sedentary behavior being critical. This study utilized NHANES 2011–2018 data to explore the associations of physical activity, sedentary behavior, and diet quality with CVD risk. Results showed regular moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) significantly reduced CVD risk, while prolonged sedentary time increased it; MVPA could partially offset sedentary harm, and poor diet quality was independently linked to higher CVD risk. These findings inform targeted interventions for cardiovascular health improvement, emphasizing the combined promotion of active lifestyles and healthy eating. Future research should evaluate long-term behavioral changes and integrated public health strategies to prevent CVD across diverse populations. In addition, incorporating longitudinal tracking, objective activity measurement, and social determinants of health could improve causal inference. Policymakers should integrate environmental, behavioral, and dietary interventions into community-level programs to achieve sustainable cardiovascular health equity. Interdisciplinary collaboration will be essential to translate these insights into effective global prevention frameworks.
A Synthetic Biology Strategy: Genetic and Metabolic Orthogonality for Overcoming the Immunogenicity of Therapeutic Proteins
With the widespread application of therapeutic protein drugs, numerous issues associated with these medications have been increasingly serious. The most prevalent one is immunogenicity, that is antigens stimulate an immune response in the body. It would limit efficacy and safety. To overcome this challenge, this paper built a dual orthogonal system via synthetic biology to reduce protein drug immunogenicity without interfering with host cellular functions. It includes both genetic and metabolic orthogonality. Codon reprogramming was employed to mask drug immunogenic epitopes for concealing immune recognition sites, enabling the drug to achieve “molecular invisibility” in the body. Furthermore, by reconstructing glycosylation to modify non-human glycans and establishing a human glycan synthesis pathway, the potential for immunogenicity caused by xenogeneic glycans was reduced. Using insulin as a model, this strategy produced modified molecules capable of evading MHC-II binding and antibody-mediated neutralization. The dual orthogonal framework therefore offers a promising route to generate therapeutic proteins that are functionally active yet immunologically “invisible”. Besides insulin, this approach also can be extended to other biotherapeutics. Taken these, this finding establish safer, de-immunized therapeutic proteins through synthetic biology contributing to the future of biologic drug design and personalized therapy.
Predicting and Customizing Development of Bird-Building Collision Prevention Measures in China Based on Research in North America
With the development of urbanization, bird collisions with buildings have become increasingly frequent, resulting in significant bird deaths worldwide each year. In North America, hundreds of millions of birds die annually from collisions with buildings. The risks posed by building collisions have already jeopardized bird species diversity. Bird collisions are particularly common during migratory periods. Fatalities from bird-window collisions have a significant impact on ecosystems. Researchers in North America have conducted extensive research and experimentally validated bird collision prevention measures in various regions, which can effectively reduce avian mortality rates from collisions with buildings. While precise national statistics are lacking in China, existing research indicates that a significant number of birds also die from collisions with buildings. However, relevant research is limited in China and there is a lack of effective mitigation strategies. Therefore, this paper aims to develop bird collisions prevention measures applicable to Chinese avian populations, drawing on existing research on bird collisions in North America and incorporating it into existing research in China.
An Analysis of Health Insurance Disparities and Treatment Adherence in Chronic Diseases
With societal and technological development, people’s lifestyles and living environments have changed significantly, leading to an increasing prevalence of chronic diseases at younger ages. Poor lifestyle habits can result in the onset of chronic diseases within just a few months; however, the treatments are often long and costly. Even in societies with well-developed health insurance systems, many patients with chronic diseases are still unable to afford long-term treatment due to gaps or inefficiencies in coverage. This study focuses on the relationship between different types of health insurance and individuals with chronic diseases, aiming to explore disparities in coverage and treatment adherence. Using data from 18,919 individuals, descriptive analyses, Pearson correlations, and multivariate logistic regression were conducted, revealing that Medicare coverage is strongly associated with chronic disease presence, private insurance shows a modest positive association, and Medicaid shows no significant independent effect. These findings highlight the differential relationships between insurance coverage and chronic disease prevalence.
Epidemiological Characteristics, Transmission Dynamics, and Integrated Control Strategies of Chikungunya Fever
Chikungunya fever (CHIKF) is a re-emerging mosquito-borne viral disease with an expanding global and regional footprint. This study investigates its epidemiological trends, molecular evolution, and control strategies, with a particular focus on recent developments in China. Drawing on data from 2010–2025, it integrates spatial, temporal, and genomic analyses to elucidate transmission dynamics and adaptive mutations. Globally, cyclical outbreaks occur every 3–5 years, driven primarily by the East/Central/South African (ECSA) lineage’s enhanced transmissibility via Aedes albopictus. In China, chikungunya has progressed from sporadic importations to limited local circulation, especially in Guangdong and Fujian provinces. Molecular evidence reveals ECSA-derived variants carrying adaptive mutations (E1:A226V, E2:L210Q) that confer improved vector adaptation. Persistent challenges—including misdiagnosis, fragmented surveillance systems, and inconsistent genomic monitoring—continue to hinder effective control. This study highlights the urgent need for integrated vector management, strengthened molecular surveillance, and regional cooperation to prevent endemic establishment and reduce chikungunya’s long-term public health and socioeconomic impacts.
Beyond Biology: Assessing the Effectiveness and Limitations of SSRIs in Major Depressive Disorder
Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a complex condition influenced by biological, genetic, and environmental factors. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) remain one of the most commonly prescribed treatments because of their effectiveness and safety. Research shows that SSRIs significantly reduce depressive symptoms and help prevent relapse when taken consistently. However, since they mainly act on serotonin regulation, their impact is limited to the biological side of depression and does not fully address environmental or cognitive influences. Genetic studies, such as those examining the 5-HTTLPR polymorphism, further suggest that individual differences can affect treatment outcomes. Cognitive therapy (CT), on the other hand, focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns that often lead to relapse. When combined, antidepressant medication (ADM) and CT provide both immediate symptom relief and more lasting recovery. ADM stabilizes brain chemistry, while CT helps patients build psychological resilience. This integrated approach not only reduces relapse rates but also addresses the broader causes of depression. Overall, combining pharmacological and psychological treatments offers a more balanced and comprehensive strategy for managing MDD and improving long-term mental health outcomes.