Atherosclerosis subclinical lesion environment risk assessment tool

Abstract

The atherosclerosis subclinical lesion environment risk assessment tool comprises an environment exposure system evaluation module, an environment exposure variable screening module, an environment exposure risk assessment module and a risk interpretation module. According to the method, multi-source and multi-dimensional environmental data can be integrated, and the environmental exposure factors related to the atherosclerosis subclinical outcome are identified from the large-scale environmental data by utilizing an advanced data processing and analysis algorithm, so that the environmental exposure risk of the individual atherosclerosis subclinical lesion can be evaluated more accurately.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention belongs to the field of medical technology, relates to cardiovascular disease epidemiology, and specifically to an environmental risk assessment tool for subclinical atherosclerotic lesions. Background Art

[0002] Subclinical atherosclerosis is an early stage of cardiovascular disease, and its early warning is crucial for early intervention and prevention of cardiovascular disease. Previous medical early warning systems mainly focused on biomarkers, genetic markers, etc., which do play a key role in early warning of cardiovascular disease. However, previous studies on the identification of environmental markers have some obvious limitations.

[0003] First, previous environmental marker identification methods are often oversimplified, focusing on only a few environmental factors, while ignoring the comprehensiveness and diversity of environmental factors. It is difficult to determine which environmental exposure factors are significant protective or risk factors through prior knowledge. Therefore, a tool that can comprehensively and systematically collect and analyze various environmental factors is needed to more accurately assess individual environmental exposure risks.

[0004] Secondly, environmental data are usually large in scale and high in dimension, and previous environmental marker identification tools also have limitations in data processing and analysis. Traditional statistical methods and models often have difficulty processing large-scale, high-dimensional environmental data, and it is difficult to deeply explore the complex relationship between environmental exposure and subclinical atherosclerotic lesions. Therefore, it is necessary to use advanced algorithms and models to improve the accuracy of data processing and analysis, so as to more accurately screen out environmental exposures related to subclinical atherosclerotic lesions.

[0005] In summary, previous methods and tools for identifying environmental markers of subclinical atherosclerosis have obvious limitations. Therefore, it is urgent to develop a new environmental marker identification method and environmental risk assessment tool for early warning of subclinical atherosclerosis to improve the accuracy of early warning. This tool should have the ability to comprehensively and systematically collect and analyze environmental data, use advanced algorithms and models for data processing and analysis, and follow a unified standard and evaluation system. By using this tool, we can have a deeper understanding of the mechanism of environmental factors affecting subclinical atherosclerosis, and provide a strong scientific basis for early warning and intervention of cardiovascular diseases. Summary of the invention

[0006] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention provides an environmental risk assessment tool for subclinical atherosclerosis, which can integrate multi-source and multi-dimensional environmental data, and use advanced data processing and analysis algorithms to identify environmental exposure factors related to subclinical outcomes of atherosclerosis from large-scale environmental data, thereby more accurately assessing the environmental exposure risk of individual subclinical atherosclerosis lesions.

[0007] In one aspect, the present invention provides a method for assessing the environmental risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, comprising the following steps:

[0008] S1) Address analysis and positioning: Analyze the address information to obtain the corresponding coordinates;

[0009] S2) Construction of exposure indicator system: Construction of exposure indicator system including indicators related to subclinical lesions of atherosclerosis in natural environment, built environment, social environment and lifestyle;

[0010] S3) Exposure measurement and evaluation: quantitatively measure the exposure of the research subjects within the measurement range and evaluate the exposure level;

[0011] S4) Environmental exposure variable screening: Deletion / substitution / addition (DSA) algorithm was used to nest the linear regression model for variable screening;

[0012] S5) Construction of multivariate model: The screened exposure variables were included in the linear regression model, with subclinical atherosclerotic lesions as the outcome event and covariates adjusted;

[0013] S6) Risk assessment: By judging the p-value of the regression coefficient, the exposure variables that have a significant impact on subclinical atherosclerosis events are determined, and the strength of the association between the exposure variables and subclinical atherosclerosis events is evaluated.

[0014] In a preferred implementation scheme, in the address resolution and positioning step, Datamap software is used to resolve the address information based on the Amap to obtain the GCJ-02 coordinate system coordinates corresponding to the address of the research object, and the obtained GCJ-02 coordinate system coordinates are imported into the GeoSharp coordinate conversion tool to obtain the coordinates of the WGS84 coordinate system.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, the exposure indicators of the built environment include population density, functional density, building density, floor area ratio, functional mix, land use mix, road network density, existence of main roads, distance to main roads, normalized vegetation index, existence of green space, green space ratio, walking index, green view rate, spatial disorder, existence of subway stations, existence of subway lines, distance to subway stations, bus station density, distance to bus stations, distance to parks, distance to large green spaces, fast food restaurant density, dessert / beverage / pastry shop density, supermarket density, vegetable and fruit market density, pharmacy density, restaurant density and sports venue density.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, in the exposure measurement and evaluation step, a measurement range of a 300m, 500m or 1000m buffer zone around the residence is used to comprehensively measure and evaluate the individual's environmental exposure level.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, in the environmental exposure variable screening step, the DSA algorithm is run 50 times to obtain the screened environmental indicators and their frequencies of occurrence, and the environmental indicators with custom frequencies of occurrence are used as candidate variables.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, in the risk assessment step, the strength of association between the exposure variable and subclinical atherosclerotic lesion events and its 95% confidence interval are assessed.

[0019] In another aspect, the present invention provides an environmental risk assessment system for subclinical atherosclerotic lesions, comprising a module for executing the steps described in the following method:

[0020] 1) Address parsing and positioning module: parse the address information to obtain the corresponding coordinates;

[0021] 2) Exposure index system construction module: Construct an exposure index system including indicators related to subclinical lesions of atherosclerosis in the natural environment, built environment, social environment and lifestyle;

[0022] 3) Exposure measurement and evaluation module: quantitatively measure the exposure of the research subjects within the measurement range and evaluate the exposure level;

[0023] 4) Environmental exposure variable screening module: using DSA algorithm nested linear regression model for variable screening;

[0024] 5) Multivariate model construction module: the screened exposure variables were included in the regression model, subclinical atherosclerosis was used as the outcome event, and covariates were adjusted;

[0025] 6) Risk assessment module: By judging the p-value of the regression coefficient, the exposure variables that have a significant impact on subclinical atherosclerosis events are determined, and the strength of the association between the exposure variables and subclinical atherosclerosis events is evaluated.

[0026] On the other hand, the present invention provides an individual atherosclerotic subclinical lesion risk assessment tool, comprising: an environmental exposure system evaluation module, an environmental exposure variable screening module, an environmental exposure risk assessment module, and a risk interpretation module. The atherosclerotic subclinical lesion environmental risk assessment system comprises three modules for executing the steps described in the above method: an environmental exposure system evaluation module, an environmental exposure variable screening module, and an environmental exposure risk assessment module.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the risk interpretation module includes prompts for the severity of environmental exposure variables, classification of possible sources, and preventability.

[0028] The present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0029] 1) Improve the accuracy of early warning: Through the application of the tool of the present invention, it is possible to achieve a systematic evaluation and comprehensive measurement of environmental exposure factors, and then accurately screen out environmental markers that have a significant impact on subclinical lesions. This greatly improves the accuracy and reliability of early warning of subclinical lesions, and helps to timely discover and intervene in potential health risks.

[0030] 2) Promote the integration and application of interdisciplinary technologies: The research and development of the tool of the present invention involves knowledge and technologies from multiple disciplines, such as epidemiology, urban and rural planning, etc. By integrating and applying technologies from these different fields, the tool of the present invention achieves a comprehensive assessment and early warning of the risk of subclinical lesions. This interdisciplinary technology integration not only promotes the development and progress of related technologies, but also provides new ideas and means for solving complex health problems.

[0031] 3) Reduce medical costs: The early warning and prevention of the tool of the present invention can reduce the occurrence and development of subclinical lesions, thereby reducing the incidence and treatment costs of related diseases. This is of great significance for reducing the medical burden on individuals and society.

[0032] 4) Improving the quality of life of residents: By optimizing the environment and reducing environmental exposure risks, the application of the tool of the present invention helps to improve the living environment and quality of life of residents, and improve their health level and sense of happiness.

[0033] 5) Promote sustainable social development: The application of the tool of the present invention helps guide the scientific and rational urban planning, construction and management, promote the sustainable development of society, and achieve harmonious coexistence between man and nature by improving the environment and protecting the ecology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0034] The environmental risk assessment tool for subclinical atherosclerosis of the present invention can integrate multi-source and multi-dimensional environmental data, and use advanced data processing and analysis algorithms to identify environmental exposure factors related to subclinical outcomes of atherosclerosis from large-scale environmental data, thereby more accurately assessing the environmental exposure risk of individual subclinical atherosclerosis lesions.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, the environmental risk assessment tool for subclinical atherosclerosis of the present invention comprises:

[0036] 1. Environmental Exposure System Evaluation

[0037] Function: To realize the spatial positioning of individual addresses, build an environmental exposure index system, and comprehensively measure and evaluate individual environmental exposure.

[0038] step:

[0039] 1) Address resolution and spatial positioning: Combine address resolution technology and manual review to accurately obtain the address information of community residents and perform spatial positioning.

[0040] 2) Construction of exposure index system: Based on the comprehensive characteristics of the exposure group, an exposure index system with 42 sub-categories in four major categories, namely natural environment, built environment, social environment and lifestyle, was constructed. The included indicators are shown in Table 1.

[0041] Table 1. Candidate environmental exposure indicators

[0042]

[0043]

[0044] 3) Exposure measurement and evaluation: Three buffer zones were used (300m around the individual residence,

[0045] The measurement range is 500m and 1000m buffer zone) to comprehensively measure and evaluate the individual's environmental exposure level.

[0046] 2. Screening of environmental exposure variables

[0047] Function: Through the exposure group analysis method, the environmental exposure variables that are significantly associated with subclinical lesions of atherosclerosis are screened out.

[0048] Steps: Run the DSA algorithm 50 times to obtain the screened environmental indicators and their frequencies of occurrence, and use the environmental indicators with a frequency of at least 3 times (6%) as candidate variables.

[0049] 3. Environmental Exposure Risk Assessment

[0050] Function: The screened environmental exposure variables were included in the multivariate regression model for association analysis, and the risk of subclinical atherosclerotic lesions associated with environmental exposure variables was quantified.

[0051] step:

[0052] 1) Construction of multivariate model: The final determined environmental exposure variables were included in the multivariate regression model, with subclinical atherosclerosis events as the outcome events and covariates adjusted.

[0053] 2) Risk assessment: By judging the p-value of the regression coefficient, the exposure variables that have a significant impact on subclinical atherosclerosis events are determined, and the strength of the association between the exposure variables and subclinical atherosclerosis events is evaluated.

[0054] 4. Risk Interpretation Module

[0055] Function: It indicates the severity of environmental exposure variables, classification of possible sources and preventability. It can quickly identify the main risk sources, key risk points and effectiveness of prevention strategies, and provide strong support for the formulation of precise environmental health management measures.

[0056] step:

[0057] 1) Severity: The degree of impact is assessed based on the strength of the association between environmental exposure variables and the risk of subclinical atherosclerotic lesions.

[0058] 2) Source classification: Classify the screened environmental exposure variables according to their sources and characteristics.

[0059] 3) Preventability: For each environmental exposure variable, assess its preventability, that is, whether it can be effectively intervened through existing technical means or management measures.

[0060] The DSA algorithm is an iterative algorithm for variable selection. It limits the set of potential models through three specified constraints, including the maximum order of interactions between predictors, the maximum power of a given predictor, and the maximum size of the model. In each iteration, the following measures are allowed: delete one term, replace the current term with another term, and add one term to the current model. The final model is selected by minimizing the root mean square error value. DSA can screen out most of the true predictor variables, has better statistical performance, and has the characteristics of high sensitivity and low false discovery rate. In the association study between environmental exposure groups and health outcomes, the DSA algorithm can efficiently and accurately select real relevant environmental exposure variables, reduce redundant variables, avoid overly complex models, ensure that the model can capture the true exposure-health association, and provide strong statistical support for revealing the exposure-health association, which has significant advantages.

[0061] The present invention uses advanced algorithms and models to improve the accuracy and efficiency of data processing and analysis. This includes developing efficient data preprocessing techniques, such as data cleaning, dimensionality reduction, and feature extraction, and using agnostic variable screening algorithms to identify environmental exposure factors associated with subclinical outcomes of atherosclerosis from large-scale environmental data.

[0062] The technical solution of the present invention is clearly and completely described below in conjunction with specific embodiments. The embodiments given are only for better illustrating the present invention rather than for limiting the scope of the present invention.

[0063] Example 1

[0064] This example aims to explore the association between environmental exposure groups and carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) progression, which is a continuous variable defined as the difference in the mean maximum IMT between two surveys.

[0065] 1. Implementation Methods of Environmental Exposure System Assessment Module

[0066] 1. Address resolution and spatial positioning

[0067] 1) Address standardization: The residential address text information of the individual level of the research subjects collected during the investigation in the embodiment is standardized into a standard format: Building XX, XX Community / Residential Quarter / Road, XX Street, XX District, XX City, XX Province.

[0068] 2) Address analysis: Datamap software was used to parse the address information based on the Amap, and the GCJ-02 coordinate system coordinates corresponding to the research object’s address were obtained. The obtained GCJ-02 coordinate system coordinates were imported into the GeoSharp coordinate conversion tool to obtain the WGS84 coordinate system coordinates.

[0069] 3) Address visualization: Import geographic information system (ArcGIS) software for analysis to achieve accurate spatialization and visualization of people’s addresses, providing basic data for subsequent exposure assessment.

[0070] 2. Construction of exposure indicator system

[0071] According to the research purpose and characteristics of exposure factors in the examples, the framework and classification of the exposure index system were determined, and the exposure indicators were refined, including 42 sub-categories in four categories: natural environment, built environment, social environment and lifestyle (Table 1).

[0072] 3. Exposure measurement and evaluation

[0073] According to the embodiment, the exposure of the research subjects is quantitatively measured in a 500m buffer zone around the research subjects to comprehensively evaluate the environmental exposure level of the residents.

[0074] 2. Implementation Methods of Environmental Exposure Variable Screening Module

[0075] The optimal algorithm DSA algorithm was selected to nest the linear regression model for variable selection. The DSA algorithm was run 50 times to obtain the screened environmental factors and their frequencies of occurrence. Environmental factors with a frequency of at least 3 times (6%) were selected as candidate variables.

[0076] With IMT progression as the dependent variable, the results showed that a total of six variables were screened, including population density, functional density, road network density, supermarket density, drug store density, and sports venue density within the 500-m buffer zone ( Table 2 ).

[0077] III. Implementation Methods of Environmental Exposure Risk Assessment Module

[0078] 1. Multi-factor model construction

[0079] The screened exposure factors were included in the regression model, the covariates were adjusted, and a multi-factor association analysis model was constructed. In this embodiment, the above 6 environmental factors were included in the regression model. Age, gender, education level, per capita monthly income of the family, occupation, marital status, smoking, drinking, physical activity, SBP, diabetes, LDL-C, HDL-C, taking antihypertensive drugs, taking statins and BMI were adjusted at the same time.

[0080] 2. Risk Assessment

[0081] The exposure factors that have a significant impact on the progression of IMT were identified by p-value judgment, providing a basis for subsequent risk quantification. In this example, the results showed that population density (P = 0.008), functional density (P < 0.001), supermarket density (P = 0.017), drugstore density (P < 0.001), and sports venue density (P = 0.025) were significantly correlated with the progression of carotid IMT (Table 2).

[0082] The strength of association between each IQR level increase in the exposure factor and IMT progression and its 95% confidence interval were calculated to quantify the effect of the exposure factor on IMT progression. In this example, the results showed that higher population density (β = 0.015, 95% CI: 0.004, 0.027; P = 0.008), pharmacy density (β = 0.020, 95% CI: 0.009, 0.031; P < 0.001) and sports venue density (β = 0.016, 95% CI: 0.002, 0.030; P = 0.025) were significantly positively correlated with an increased risk of carotid IMT progression. Functional density (β=-0.029, 95%CI:-0.044,-0.013; P<0.001) and supermarket density (β=-0.013, 95%CI:-0.024,-0.003; P=0.017) were significantly negatively correlated with the risk of carotid IMT progression (Table 2).

[0083] Table 2 Results of association analysis between environmental factors and multiple exposure factors for progression of carotid intima-media thickness

[0084]

[0085] Note: The regression coefficient β is the result of each environmental factor increasing by 1 IQR level. For a few environmental factors with an IQR of 0, the result is calculated for each increase of 1 unit. Model 1 adjusted age (continuous variable) and sex (male / female). Model 2 was based on model 1 and additionally adjusted for education level (college or above / less than college), monthly household income (>3000 yuan / ≤3000 yuan), occupation (cadre / other) and marital status (married / other). Model 3 was based on model 2 and additionally adjusted for smoking (yes / no), drinking (yes / no), physical activity (yes / no), systolic blood pressure (continuous variable, every change of 10 mmHg), diabetes (yes / no), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (continuous variable), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (continuous variable), taking antihypertensive drugs (yes / no), taking statins (yes / no) and body mass index (continuous variable). DSA is the deletion / substitution / addition algorithm; CI is the confidence interval; IQR is the interquartile range. #After running the DSA algorithm 50 times, the frequency of occurrence of each screened environmental factor was obtained, and environmental factors with a frequency of at least 3 times (6%) were included in the association analysis of multiple exposure factors.

[0086] 4. Implementation Methods of Risk Interpretation Module

[0087] 1. Source classification

[0088] The screened exposure factors are classified by source, and in this embodiment, they all belong to the density category:

[0089] 1) Population density: indirectly reflects the urbanization level and human activity intensity of a region.

[0090] 2) Pharmacy density: indirectly reflects the health needs and distribution of medical resources in a region.

[0091] 3) Density of sports venues: indirectly reflects the sports and fitness habits of residents in an area.

[0092] 4) Supermarket density: indirectly reflects the commercial activities and shopping convenience of residents in a region.

[0093] 5) Functional density: It may indirectly reflect the overall quality of life and functional diversity of an area.

[0094] 2. Severity

[0095] Population density, drugstore and sports venue density were positively correlated with carotid IMT progression, while functional density and supermarket density were negatively correlated with them. Among them, functional density had the strongest correlation with carotid IMT progression.

[0096] 3. Preventability

[0097] For high-risk factors, it is suggested to control population density, standardize pharmacy management, and promote healthy exercise. For protective factors, it is suggested to increase functional density and optimize supermarket layout.

Claims

1. A method for assessing the environmental risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, characterized in that The following steps are involved: S1) Address analysis and positioning: Analyze the address information to obtain the corresponding coordinates; S2) Construction of exposure indicator system: Construction of exposure indicator system including indicators related to subclinical lesions of atherosclerosis in natural environment, built environment, social environment and lifestyle; S3) Exposure measurement and evaluation: quantitatively measure the exposure of the research subjects within the measurement range and evaluate the exposure level; S4) Environmental exposure variable screening: The DSA algorithm nested linear regression model was used for variable screening; S5) Construction of multivariate model: The screened exposure variables were included in the regression model, subclinical atherosclerosis was used as the outcome event, and covariates were adjusted; S6) Risk assessment: By judging the p-value of the regression coefficient, the exposure variables that have a significant impact on subclinical atherosclerosis events are determined, and the strength of the association between the exposure variables and subclinical atherosclerosis events is evaluated.

2. The method for environmental risk assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the address parsing and positioning step, Datamap software was used to parse the address information based on the Amap to obtain the GCJ-02 coordinate system coordinates corresponding to the research object's address. The obtained GCJ-02 coordinate system coordinates were imported into the GeoSharp coordinate conversion tool to obtain the coordinates of the WGS84 coordinate system.

3. The method for environmental risk assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis according to claim 1, characterized in that: The exposure indicators of the built environment include population density, functional density, building density, floor area ratio, functional mix, land use mix, road network density, existence of main roads, distance to main roads, normalized difference vegetation index, existence of green space, green space ratio, walkability index, green view rate, spatial disorder, existence of subway stations, existence of subway lines, distance to subway stations, bus station density, distance to bus stations, distance to parks, distance to large green spaces, fast food restaurant density, dessert / beverage / pastry shop density, supermarket density, vegetable and fruit market density, pharmacy density, restaurant density and sports venue density.

4. The method for environmental risk assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the exposure measurement and evaluation step, a measurement range of 300m, 500m or 1000m buffer zone around the address is used to comprehensively measure and evaluate the individual's environmental exposure level.

5. The method for environmental risk assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the environmental exposure variable screening step, the DSA algorithm was run 50 times to obtain the screened environmental indicators and their frequencies of occurrence, and the environmental indicators with custom frequencies were used as candidate variables.

6. The method for environmental risk assessment of subclinical atherosclerosis according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the risk assessment step, the exposure variables that have a significant impact on subclinical atherosclerosis events are determined by judging the p-value of the regression coefficient, and the association strength between the exposure variables and subclinical atherosclerosis events is evaluated.

7. A system for assessing the environmental risk of subclinical atherosclerosis, characterized in that include: 1) Address parsing and positioning module: parse the address information to obtain the corresponding coordinates; 2) Exposure index system construction module: Construct an exposure index system including indicators related to subclinical lesions of atherosclerosis in the natural environment, built environment, social environment and lifestyle; 3) Exposure measurement and evaluation module: quantitatively measure the exposure of the research subjects within the measurement range and evaluate the exposure level; 4) Environmental exposure variable screening module: using DSA algorithm nested linear regression model for variable screening; 5) Multivariate model construction module: The screened exposure variables were included in the linear regression model, with subclinical atherosclerosis as the outcome event and covariates adjusted; 6) Risk assessment module: By judging the p-value of the regression coefficient, the exposure variables that have a significant impact on subclinical atherosclerosis events are determined, and the strength of the association between the exposure variables and subclinical atherosclerosis events is evaluated.

8. An environmental risk assessment system for subclinical atherosclerosis, characterized in that A method comprising: performing the steps of any one of the methods of claims 1 to 6.

9. A risk assessment tool for subclinical atherosclerosis in individuals, characterized in that include: Environmental exposure system evaluation module, environmental exposure variable screening module, environmental exposure risk assessment module, risk interpretation module. The environmental risk assessment system for subclinical atherosclerosis includes three modules for executing the steps described in the above method: environmental exposure system evaluation module, environmental exposure variable screening module, and environmental exposure risk assessment module.

10. The risk assessment tool for subclinical atherosclerosis in an individual according to claim 9, characterized in that: The risk interpretation module includes the severity of environmental exposure variables, classification of possible sources and preventability.

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