Postgraduate medical journal
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Abdominal pain is one of the most prominent symptoms in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and can manifest intermittently or persistently. The mechanism of pain is not yet clear, and no effective treatment is currently available. This study aimed to explore the risk factors for pain in patients with CP, which may provide new insights for developing effective pain control modalities. ⋯ We identified a multifactorial model of pain risk factors for CP and confirmed that modifying these risk factors could influence patient pain symptoms.
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With rising demand for non-invasive body contouring, this study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of non-focused, low-intensity ultrasound for lower abdominal lipolysis. ⋯ Non-focused, low-intensity ultrasound demonstrate its potential of efficacy and safety for reducing superficial abdominal fat, and may maintain the capability for at least two months. Further studies are needed to confirm long-term efficacy and optimize treatment parameters. What is already known on this topic? Non-focused ultrasound with low-intensity is recognized for its potential in non-invasive body contouring, but detailed efficacy and safety data were limited, especially for lower abdominal lipolysis. What this study adds? Our research demonstrated the efficacy and safety of non-focused ultrasound with low-intensity in reducing superficial abdominal fat, with sustained effects for at least two months. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy? This study could guide future researches toward long-term effects and optimization of ultrasound treatments, and influence clinical practice by providing a validated method for non-invasive fat reduction.
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Evidence on the effects of sarcopenic obesity (SO) on incident chronic kidney disease (CKD) and rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) in the Chinese population is limited. This study aimed to prospectively examine the associations of SO with incident CKD and RKFD among middle-aged and older Chinese adults. ⋯ In a population-based cohort of middle-aged and older Chinese adults, SO was independently associated with elevated risks of incident CKD and RKFD, without interaction effects. These findings underscore the importance of timely intervention for SO to prevent adverse kidney outcomes. Key message What is already known on this topic? The relationship between sarcopenic obesity (SO) and the risk of chronic kidney disease (CKD) and renal function decline has been established in Korean and Japanese individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus. However, it is uncertain if these findings apply to other populations, particularly those without diabetes. Additionally, the influence of diabetes on these associations needs further exploration, and the link between SO and rapid kidney function decline (RKFD) remains unestablished. Evidence regarding the effects of SO on incident CKD and RKFD in the Chinese population is limited, highlighting the necessity for this study to fill these gaps in knowledge. What this study adds This study is the first to prospectively explore the association of SO with incident CKD and RKFD in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. We identified SO as a significant risk factor for increased incidence of both CKD and RKFD. These findings expand the understanding of the impact of SO beyond individuals with diabetes mellitus, indicating that SO is a universal risk factor for adverse kidney outcomes in aging populations, irrespective of demographic and health characteristics. How this study might affect research, practice, or policy This study identifies SO as an independent risk factor for incident CKD and RKFD in middle-aged and older Chinese adults. The findings suggest that SO is a modifiable risk factor for kidney health, underscoring the necessity for timely interventions to prevent adverse kidney outcomes. Given the rising prevalence of SO and kidney disease in aging populations worldwide, these results highlight the importance of incorporating SO management into public health and clinical strategies. Questions pending answer What role do specific lifestyle factors (e.g. diet, physical activity) play in mitigating or exacerbating kidney function decline in individuals with SO? Are there genetic markers that predispose individuals with SO to a higher risk of incident CKD and RKFD? What are the underlying molecular mechanisms linking SO to incident CKD and RKFD?