Here we report on MELD-SCH (MEgastudy of Lexical Decision in Simplified CHinese), a dataset that contains the lexical decision data of 1,020 one-character, 10,022 two-character, 949 three-character, and 587 four-character simplified Chinese words obtained from 504 native Chinese users. It also includes a number of word-level and character-level variables. Analyses showed that the reliability of the dataset is satisfactory, as indicated by split-half correlations and comparisons with other datasets. Item-based regression showed that both word-level and character-level variables contributed significantly to the reaction times and error rates of lexical decision. Moreover, we discovered a U-shape relationship between word-length and reaction times, which has not been reported in Chinese before. MELD-SCH can facilitate research in Chinese word recognition by providing high quality normative data and information of different linguistic variables. It also encourages researchers to extend their empirical findings, which are mostly based on one-character and two-character words, to words of different lengths.

Atherosclerosis represents a significant cause of morbidity and mortality in both the developed and developing countries. Animal models of atherosclerosis have served as valuable tools for providing insights on its aetiology, pathophysiology and complications. They can be used for invasive interrogation of physiological function and provide a platform for testing the efficacy and safety of different pharmacological therapies. Compared to studies using human subjects, animal models have the advantages of being easier to manage, with controllable diet and environmental risk factors. Moreover, pathophysiological changes can be induced either genetically or pharmacologically to study the harmful effects of these interventions. There is no single ideal animal model, as different systems are suitable for different research objectives. A good understanding of the similarities and differences to humans enables effective extrapolation of data for translational application. In this article, we will examine the different mouse models for the study and elucidation of the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying atherosclerosis. We also review recent advances in the field, such as the role of oxidative stress in promoting endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial DNA damage, which can result in vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Finally, novel therapeutic approaches to reduce vascular damage caused by chronic inflammation using microRNA and nano-medicine technology, are discussed.

BACKGROUND: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is prevalent in Southeast Asia. Over the last decade, plasma Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) DNA has been developed as a tumor marker for NPC. In this study, the authors investigated whether plasma EBV DNA analysis is useful for NPC surveillance. METHODS: In total, 1318 volunteers ages 40 to 60 years were prospectively recruited. Plasma EBV DNA and serology for viral capsid antigen immunoglobulin A (IgA) were measured. Participants who had detectable plasma EBV DNA or positive IgA serology underwent nasal endoscopic examination and a follow-up plasma EBV DNA analysis in approximately 2 weeks. All participants were followed for 2 years to record the development of NPC. RESULTS: Three individuals with NPC were identified at enrolment. All of them were positive for EBV DNA and remained positive in follow-up analysis. Only 1 of those patients was positive for EBV serology. In 1 patient who had NPC with a small tumor confined to the mucosa, the tumor was not detectable on endoscopic examination. Because of a 2-fold increase in plasma EBV DNA on the follow-up analysis, that patient underwent magnetic resonance imaging, which revealed the tumor. Among the participants who did not have NPC but had initially positive plasma EBV DNA results, approximately 66% had negative EBV DNA results after a median of 2 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: Plasma EBV DNA analysis proved useful for detecting early NPC in individuals without a clinical suspicion of NPC. Repeating the test in those who had initially positive results differentiated those with NPC from those who had false-positive results.

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