1.Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods: a scoping review
PAN Xiang ; TONG Yingge ; LI Yixuan ; NI Ke ; CHENG Wenqian ; XIN Mengyu ; HU Yuying
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(2):148-153
Objective:
To conduct a scoping review on the types, construction methods and predictive performance of health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods, so as to provide the reference for the improvement and application of such models.
Methods:
Publications on health literacy prediction models conducted using machine learning methods were retrieved from CNKI, Wanfang Data, VIP, PubMed and Web of Science from inception to May 1, 2024. The quality of literature was assessed using the Prediction Model Risk of Bias ASsessment Tool. Basic characteristics, modeling methods, data sources, missing value handling, predictors and predictive performance were reviewed.
Results:
A total of 524 publications were retrieved, and 22 publications between 2007 and 2024 were finally enrolled. Totally 48 health literacy prediction models were involved, and 25 had a high risk of bias (52.08%), with major issues focusing on missing value handling, predictor selection and model evaluation methods. Modeling methods included regression models, tree-based machine learning methods, support vector machines and neural network models. Predictors primarily encompassed factors at four aspects: individual, interpersonal, organizational and society/policy aspects, with age, educational level, economic status, health status and internet use appearing frequently. Internal validation was conducted in 14 publications, and external validation was conducted in 4 publications. Forty-two models reported the areas under the receiver operating characteristic curve, which ranged from 0.52 to 0.983, indicating good discrimination.
Conclusion
Health literacy prediction models based on machine learning methods perform well, but have deficiencies in risk of bias, data processing and validation.
2.Development of a new paradigm for precision diagnosis and treatment in traditional Chinese medicine
Jingnian NI ; Mingqing WEI ; Ting LI ; Jing SHI ; Wei XIAO ; Jing CHENG ; Bin CONG ; Boli ZHANG ; Jinzhou TIAN
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(1):43-47
The development of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) diagnosis and treatment has undergone multiple paradigms, evolving from sporadic experiential practices to systematic approaches in syndrome differentiation and treatment and further integration of disease and syndrome frameworks. TCM is a vital component of the medical system, valued alongside Western medicine. Treatment based on syndrome differentiation embodies both personalized treatment and holistic approaches; however, the inconsistency and lack of stability in syndrome differentiation limit clinical efficacy. The existing integration of diseases and syndromes primarily relies on patchwork and embedded systems, where the full advantages of synergy between Chinese and Western medicine are not fully realized. Recently, driven by the development of diagnosis and treatment concepts and advances in analytical technology, Western medicine has been rapidly transforming from a traditional biological model to a precision medicine model. TCM faces a similar need to progress beyond traditional syndrome differentiation and disease-syndrome integration toward a more precise diagnosis and treatment paradigm. Unlike the micro-level precision trend of Western medicine, precision diagnosis and treatment in TCM is primarily reflected in data-driven applications that incorporate information at various levels, including precise syndrome differentiation, medication, disease management, and efficacy evaluation. The current priority is to accelerate the development of TCM precision diagnosis and treatment technology platforms and advance discipline construction in this area.
3.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
4.Breastfeeding social support and postpartum depression from childbirth through 6 months postpartum in postpartum women: a longitudinal study
Youdi XIN ; Junfeng MA ; Lihua ZHOU ; Qianqian NI ; Guizhi CHENG
Chinese Journal of Practical Nursing 2025;41(1):35-40
Objective:To explore the trajectories of breastfeeding social support and postpartum depression from childbirth through 6 months postpartum in postpartum women.Methods:A longitudinal survey method was adopted. Using convenience sampling method, postpartum women who were hospitalized and delivered in the First Affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China from June to July 2023 were selected. The Hughes Breastfeeding Support Scale (HBSS) and Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS) were used to collect data at three times including departure (T1), 42 days postpartum (T2), and 6 months postpartum (T3). Repeated analysis of variance was used to explore the trajectories of breastfeeding social support and postpartum depression at different times, and LSD test was used for pairwise comparison. Pearson correlation analysis was used to analyze the relationship between the HBSS and EPDS.Results:Finally, 435 postpartum women completed the survey. There were 171 cases aged 20-29 years old, 237 cases aged 30-39 years old, and 27 cases aged ≥ 40 years old.The rate of exclusive breastfeeding for 6 months after delivery was 41.1%(179/435). The total score of HBSS in parturients was at a high level at T1, with a score of (84.08 ± 14.14) points, but at T2 and T3, it was at a moderate level with scores of (77.45 ± 15.29), (78.42 ± 15.97) points, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant at different time points ( F=36.59, P<0.01). The total score of EPDS in parturients at T1, T2, and T3, were (8.53 ± 4.81), (8.29 ± 5.52), (7.71 ± 5.02) points, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant at different time points ( F=6.44, P<0.01). The scores of HBSS were negatively correlated with the scores of EPDS at three times ( r=-0.345, -0.458, -0.578, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The level of breastfeeding social support and postpartum depression showed a dynamic change trend, and these two variables were negatively related. Nursing staff should strengthen the construction of social support network for breastfeeding, and implement personalized intervention measures according to the psychological characteristics of postpartum women in different stages to improve the current situation of breastfeeding.
5.Ethical dilemmas and solutions of informed consent in psychological counseling
Cheng YANG ; Xiaoai ZHANG ; Ni NI ; Zhaoyang CHEN ; Boyuan ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(2):220-226
Informed consent in psychological counseling is the first step for clients to initiate the counseling process, and the degree and effectiveness of informed consent are important factors that determine the subsequent effectiveness and development of psychological counseling. By elaborating on the connotation and importance of informed consent in psychological counseling, the ethical dilemmas of the issue of informed consent in psychological counseling were classified and summarized. There were ethical dilemmas, such as the lack of consensus, procedural guarantee mechanisms, special clients procedures and informed consent principles, as well as non-standard informed consent procedures in online psychological counseling. The paper also proposed to clarify the explanatory obligations of counselors, strengthen procedural ethical constraints, formulate special norms for informed consent for special subjects, and enhance the ethical education and capacity building of psychological counselors.
6.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 promote skin wound healing in mice
Taotao HU ; Bing LIU ; Cheng CHEN ; Zongyin YIN ; Daohong KAN ; Jie NI ; Lingxiao YE ; Xiangbing ZHENG ; Min YAN ; Yong ZOU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(7):1343-1349
BACKGROUND:Neuregulin 1 has been shown to be characterized in cell proliferation,differentiation,and vascular growth.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells are important seed cells in the field of tissue engineering,and have been shown to be involved in tissue repair and regeneration. OBJECTIVE:To construct human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 and investigate their proliferation and migration abilities,as well as their effects on wound healing. METHODS:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were in vitro isolated and cultured and identified.(2)A lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1 was constructed.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells were divided into empty group,neuregulin 1 group,and control group,and transfected with empty lentivirus and lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin 1,or not transfected,respectively.(3)Edu assay was used to detect the proliferation ability of the cells of each group,and Transwell assay was used to detect the migration ability of the cells.(4)The C57 BL/6 mouse trauma models were constructed and randomly divided into control group,empty group,neuregulin 1 group,with 8 mice in each group.Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells transfected with empty lentivirus or lentivirus overexpressing neuregulin-1 were uniformly injected with 1 mL at multiple local wound sites.The control group was injected with an equal amount of saline.(5)The healing of the trauma was observed at 1,7,and 14 days after model establishment.Histological changes of the healing of the trauma were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The expression of CD31 on the trauma was observed by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin-1 were successfully constructed.The mRNA and protein expression of intracellular neuregulin 1 was significantly up-regulated compared with the empty group(P<0.05).(2)The overexpression of neuregulin 1 promoted the migratory ability(P<0.01)and proliferative ability of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(P<0.05).(3)Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing neuregulin 1 promoted wound healing in mice(P<0.05)and wound angiogenesis(P<0.05).The results showed that overexpression of neuregulin 1 resulted in an increase in the proliferative and migratory capacities of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells,significantly promoting wound healing and angiogenesis.
7.Safety and Efficacy of Radiofrequency Ablation for Superficial Parotid Pleomorphic Adenoma
Chih-Ying LEE ; Wei-Che LIN ; Sheng-Dean LUO ; Pi-Ling CHIANG ; An-Ni LIN ; Cheng-Kang WANG ; Chun-Yuan CHAO
Korean Journal of Radiology 2025;26(5):460-470
Objective:
To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA).
Materials and Methods:
From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups.
Results:
In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000).
Conclusion
RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.
8.Research progress of the effect of psychosocial adaptation on quality of life in patients with vascular malformation
Mengyin CHENG ; Guangzhen HU ; Niu NI ; Yan ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Plastic Surgery 2025;41(11):1219-1223
Patients with vascular malformation was prone to a series of maladaptive psychosocial, which not only impaired the disease prognosis, but also increased their psychological and economic burden, thus affecting their well-being and quality of life. Therefore, psychosocial adaptation was of great significance to improve the quality of life of patients with vascular malformations. This study was to review the status quo of the psychosocial adaptation, the status quo of quality of life, and the impact of psychosocial adaptation on quality of life among patients with vascular malformation, in order to provide theoretical basis for improving the quality of life of patients with vascular malformation.
9.Clinical outcomes of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation in the treatment of functional anorectal pain
Hongyan ZHENG ; Fan LIU ; Bangguo CHENG ; Xu LIN ; Min NI
Chinese Journal of Digestion 2025;45(2):117-123
Objective:To observe the clinical efficacy and effects on emotional state, anorectal physiological function, serum inflammation factors and neurotransmitters of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) on functional anorectal pain (FAP) patients, and to explore the potential therapeutic mechanisms.Methods:From September 1, 2022 to December 31, 2023, a total of 50 FAP patients who were admitted to Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine were enrolled in this study. The patients were randomly divided into the treatment group (20 cases) and the control group (20 cases) according to a random number table and relevant exclusion criteria. The treatment group received rTMS treatment and the control group received sham rTMS treatment. The Hamilton anxiety scale (HAMA) score, Hamilton depression scale (HAMD) score, visual analogue scale (VAS) score, high-resolution anorectal manometry data (anal resting pressure, anal squeeze pressure, initial sensation shreshold, defecation shreshold, defecation urgency shreshold, and tolerance shreshold), and the levels of serum inflammatory factors (interleukin(IL)-4, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α) and 5-hydroxytryptamin(5-HT) were recorded before and after treatment. Independent sample t-test, paired t-test, Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon signed-rank test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The VAS, HAMA, and HAMD scores of the treatment group after treatment were lower than those before treatment (3.85±2.23 vs. 6.85±1.98, 4.40±3.39 vs. 8.75±6.60, and 7.10±6.56 vs. 12.85±7.20), and were also lower than those of the control group after treatment(6.50±1.76, 8.20±6.65, 12.10±6.80), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=5.68, 4.72, 6.06; -4.17, -2.27, -2.37; P<0.001, <0.001, <0.001; <0.001, =0.028, and =0.023). The initial sensation shreshold, defecation shreshold, defecation urgency shreshold, and tolerance shreshold of the treatment group after treatment were higher than those before treatment(30.00(30.00, 46.00) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs. 23.00(18.50, 29.00) mmHg, 50.00(44.50, 60.00) mmHg vs. 37.00(30.75, 51.50) mmHg, (74.30±16.02) mmHg vs. (63.70±22.21) mmHg, 119.00(100.00, 148.00) mmHg vs. 98.00 (69.50, 153.00) mmHg), and the tolerance shreshold of the treatment group after treatment was higher than that of the control group after treatment(119.00 (100.00, 148.00) mmHg vs. 102.00(84.50, 111.50) mmHg), and the differences were statistically significant ( Z=–3.14 and –2.86, t=-4.02, Z=-2.84 and -2.11; P=0.002, 0.004, 0.001, 0.004, and 0.035). Additionally, the 5-HT level of the treatment group after treatment was higher than that before treatment (1 549.41 (1 320.21, 1 640.03) μg/L vs. 1 081.52(874.36, 1 626.79) μg/L), and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-2.88, P=0.004). Conclusion:The rTMS treatment can effectively relieve the pain, anxiety and depression, improve visceral sensitivity, and influence the neurotransmitter level of brain-gut axis in FAP patients.
10.miR-29-TET2 Inhibits Lipid Accumulation in Hepatocytes by Activating the Autophagy Pathway
Rui-Li SHEN ; Han-Bing LI ; Yu-Wei FAN ; Ni-Hong CHENG ; Wen-Jing WU ; Jin ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology 2025;41(5):696-706
The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD)has been increasing annually.Current primary treatment strategies involve dietary modifications and increased physical activity to allevi-ate symptoms,yet there is a notable lack of targeted pharmacological interventions.Members of the micro RNA-29(miR-29)family(miR-29a,miR-29b,miR-29c)are known to play a critical regulatory role in lipid metabolism within hepatocytes;however,the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated.This study aims to identify the target genes and associated signaling pathways of the miR-29 family,thereby providing potential therapeutic targets for the development of NAFLD treatments.Firstly,the human liver cell line HepG2 was utilized as a model for adipogenic induction,and miR-29a/b/c-3p mimics were indi-vidually transfected.Through methods such as Oil Red O staining and triglyceride(TG)quantification,it was observed that the miR-29 family members significantly inhibited lipid accumulation in hepatocytes(P<0.05).Subsequently,qRT-PCR and Western blot were utilized to detect the expression levels of ad-ipogenic marker genes(fatty acid synthase(FAS),acetyl coa carboxylase(ACACA),stearoyl-coen-zyme a desaturase 1(Scd 1))and autophagy marker genes(sequestosome 1(SQSTM1,also known as p62),autophagy related gene 5(Atg5)),and the results indicated that the members of the miR-29 fam-ily could significantly suppress the expression of FAS,ACACA,Scd1,and p62 genes in hepatocytes,while significantly enhancing the level of the Atg5 gene.Further investigations using signaling pathway activity analysis and dual luciferase reporter assays confirmed that the miR-29a/b/c could suppress the mTOR signaling pathway activity and directly interact with the ten-eleven translocation 2(TET2)gene.Finally,co-transfection experiments were performed to examine the potential synergistic effects among the miR-29-3p family members,and the results demonstrated that co-transfection of miR-29 family members more effectively inhibited lipid droplet accumulation in HepG2 cells and further suppressed the expression of the target gene TET2 compared to individual transfection.In summary,the miR-29 family members may reduce lipid accumulation in hepatocytes by inhibiting the mTOR signaling pathway via the TET2 gene,and they exhibit a positive synergistic effect.


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