Iron deficiency anemia (IDA) and beta-thalassemia trait (beta-TT) are the most common microcytic anemia. Kinds of discrimination indices have been established as simple, fast, and inexpensive means since 1970s. This study evaluates the validity of 12 indices in differentiation between IDA and beta-TT for Chinese children. The 12 discrimination indices were red blood cell (RBC) count, RBC distribution width, Mentzer Index, Green and King Index, RBC distribution width Index, England and Fraser Index, Shine and Lal Index, Srivastava Index, Ricerca Index, Ehsani Index, Sirdah Index, and Huber-Herklotz-Index. A total of 300 children (beta-TT, n=127 and IDA, n=173) were enrolled in the study. We calculated the sensitivity and specificity, positive and negative predictive values, and Youden's index for each index. We also established new cut-off values by receiver operating characteristic curves. Green and King Index showed the highest reliability, as it had the largest area under the curve (AUC=0.947), whereas Srivastava Index and Shine and Lal Index showed the lowest reliability (AUC=0.679 and 0.532, respectively). We concluded Green and King Index, Ricerca Index, and England and Fraser Index could be used in discrimination between IDA and beta-TT in Chinese children.

Background More lung cancer cases are becoming diagnosed earlier in recent years. The diagnosis is often accompanied by fear of progression (FoP). There is a clear research gap in the existing literature on FoP and the most frequent concerns in newly diagnosed lung cancer patients. Objective To identify the status and factors related to FoP in newly diagnosed Chinese lung cancer patients undergoing thoracoscopic lung cancer resection. Methods A cross-sectional design with convenience sampling was used in this study. Participants (N = 188) with newly diagnosed lung cancer (≤ 6 months) at one hospital in Zhengzhou were recruited. A demographic questionnaire, Fear of Progression Questionnaire-Short Form, Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS), Simplified Coping Style Questionnaire, and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire were used to assess characteristics, FoP, social support, coping style, and patient illness perceptions. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors associated with FoP. Results The mean score of FoP was 35.39 ± 8.03. There are 56.4% of the patients (scores ≥ 34) have a clinically dysfunctional level of FoP. FoP was higher in young (18–39 years) than middle-aged patients (40–59 years) and elderly patients (≧60 years) (P = 0.004). Patients aged 40–59 years showed significantly higher fear of family-related concerns (P < 0.001), a fear of potential harm from medications (P = 0.001); Patients aged 18–39 years and 40–59 years showed significantly higher fears of work-related concerns (P = 0.012). Multiple logistic regression analyses showed that patients’ age, the time from surgery and SSRS score were found to be independently associated with higher FoP. Conclusions High FoP is a frequently reported problem among newly diagnosed lung cancer patients, especially those less than 60 years old. Professional psychoeducation, psychological interventions, and personalized support are needed for patients with a high FoP.