1.A prediction model for mild cognitive impairment risk among the elderly
MA Zongkang ; LIU Xinglang ; LI Huihui ; HE Guowei ; YAN Ping ; ZHANG Chuanrong ; MA Xuan ; CHE Yajie ; YU Shan ; CHEN Fenghui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):124-129
Objective:
To develop a prediction model for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk among the elderly, so as to provide a tool for MCI early screening.
Methods :
From July 2022 to September 2024, a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit permanent residents aged ≥65 years from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as study participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, body composition indices, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength. MCI was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for educational level. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio. LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to screen for predictors and construct an MCI risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
A total of 1 641 participants were surveyed, including 755 males (46.01%) and 886 females (53.99%). The majority of participants were aged 65-<75 years, comprising 1 154 individuals (70.32%). MCI was detected in 517 participants, corresponding to a detection rate of 31.51%. Resultsfrom LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residence (rural, OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 1.682-3.210), age (75-<85 years, OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.019-1.937; ≥85 years, OR = 3.655, 95% CI: 1.696-7.875), educational level (primary school, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.247-0.472; junior high school, OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.160-0.408; high school, OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.154-0.531; bachelor's degree or above, OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.041-0.351), history of alcohol consumption (yes, OR = 3.216, 95% CI: 2.164-4.779), risk of malnutrition (yes, OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.064-2.014), sarcopenia (yes, OR = 3.197, 95% CI: 2.332-4.385), and waist-to-hip ratio (abnormal, OR = 1.540, 95% CI: 1.159-2.048) were identified as predictive factors for MCI among the elderly. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.788, 0.719, and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the corresponding values were 0.784, 0.913, and 0.542, respectively. DCA demonstrated that the model provided a higher clinical net benefit for predicting MCI risk when the risk threshold probability ranged from 0.124 to 0.764.
Conclusion
The prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good discriminative ability and clinical utility, indicating its substantial value for predicting the MCI risk among the elderly.
2.National biological standards for antibiotics: an overview
Bufang MA ; Hui LIU ; Xuan JIN ; Yanchun FENG ; Jin LI
Journal of China Pharmaceutical University 2026;57(1):108-114
National biological standards for antibiotics are critical components of the antibiotic quality control system and serve as reference materials for measuring and calibrating the biological activity of antibiotics. This article systematically reviews the classification, definition of potency units, and current research status of commercially available national antibiotic biological standards in China. At present, these standards can be categorized based on chemical structure, number of components, and development methods. The definition of potency units has evolved from an early “arbitrarily assigned unit” to “being represented by the mass of the antibiotic salt” and, more recently, to the current mainstream approach of “being represented by the mass of the active ingredient”. This evolution reflects a shift in quality control philosophy from primarily biological analysis to a system dominated by chemical analysis supplemented by biological methods. Current research focuses on optimizing potency determination methods, studying the unification of content and potency, and implementing dual quality control of both the potency and the ratio/content of active components in multi-component antibiotics. For complex multi-component antibiotics, the microbiological assay based on biological activity remains irreplaceable in quality control. Future efforts should emphasize further method optimization, ensuring batch-to-batch consistency of standards, and advancing precision quality control as key research priorities for antibiotic biological standards.
3.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.
4.Sclera Vessel Segmentation Based on Fusion Filtering and Reflection Suppression
Ming-Xuan FAN ; Zong-Qing MA ; Chu-Xiang GAO ; Yi-Xuan SHI ; Zi-Hang ZHANG ; Zhe-Xuan JIA ; Fan FAN ; Guo-Liang HUANG ; Jiang ZHU
Progress in Biochemistry and Biophysics 2026;53(5):1195-1206
ObjectiveIn traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), the foundational doctrine that the eyes reflect the essence of the internal viscera establishes ocular observation as a cornerstone of diagnostic practice. Specifically, the morphological characteristics and coloration variations of the scleral microvasculature serve as critical clinical indicators for assessing the dynamic balance of Qi and Blood, as well as the pathological status of internal organs. Historically, however, TCM eye diagnosis has relied predominantly on the subjective clinical experience and visual acuity of individual practitioners, leading to inherent challenges in standardization and reproducibility. While automated computer-aided diagnostic systems offer a promising solution, existing vessel segmentation algorithms encounter significant domain-specific bottlenecks when applied to scleral imagery. These challenges primarily stem from the highly reflective and moist nature of the ocular surface, which generates severe reflective interference. Furthermore, the inherent low contrast of fine capillary networks against complex background textures, compounded by non-uniform illumination, frequently results in high false-positive rates, misdetections, and severe vessel fragmentation. To address these critical limitations and advance the objective quantification of TCM diagnostics, this paper proposes a novel, highly robust sclera vessel segmentation framework that innovatively integrates Frangi-Sato dual-filter adaptive enhancement with pixel-level reflection detection. MethodsThe proposed methodology systematically addresses the segmentation pipeline through three synergistic stages. First, to overcome the structural limitations of single-filter approaches, a multi-scale weighted fusion strategy is meticulously designed to harness the complementary extraction capabilities of both Frangi and Sato filters. This adaptive enhancement optimally balances the preservation of main vessel trunk continuity with the heightened sensitivity required for delineating delicate, low-contrast peripheral capillaries. Second, to tackle the persistent issue of reflective highlights, a sophisticated multi-feature synergistic reflection detection module is introduced. By jointly analyzing local information entropy, gradient field variations, and intensity statistical distributions, this module achieves precise, pixel-level identification and elimination of reflective artifacts without compromising the underlying vascular structures. Finally, a dual-level adaptive thresholding strategy, featuring an innovative “core protection” mechanism, is implemented. This critical step effectively suppresses complex background noise while rigorously preserving the structural and topological integrity of the intricate vessel network, preventing the structural breaks often seen in conventional binarization methods. ResultsThe efficacy of the proposed framework was rigorously evaluated using both self-constructed clinical datasets specifically acquired for TCM research and standardized public datasets. Extensive experimental results demonstrate that the proposed method consistently outperforms state-of-the-art traditional approaches and contemporary deep learning models. Specifically, the proposed method achieves a Dice similarity coefficient of approximately 0.71 on the private clinical dataset, and secures the best performance across the majority of quantitative metrics on both datasets. Notably, the framework exhibits exceptional robustness and generalization capabilities in highly challenging scenarios characterized by intense reflective interference, low signal-to-noise ratios, and cross-domain image variations. ConclusionThis study successfully realizes the high-integrity, automated segmentation of scleral vessel networks under complex clinical imaging conditions. By overcoming the fundamental algorithmic challenges of reflection interference and micro-vessel loss, the proposed methodology provides potential support for the digitization, objective standardization, and intelligent advancement of modern TCM eye diagnosis systems.
5.Research progress on the role of macrophages in atherosclerosis
Wenxiu MA ; Li BAI ; Wen MA ; Tingting QI ; Haonan ZHANG ; Xuan WANG ; Xin ZHANG
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(4):770-775
Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic and inflammatory vascular disease. Macrophages are common immune cells and play an important role in the development of AS. In recent years, research has found that the formation of AS plaques is closely related to pathological and physiological processes such as macrophage polarization, energy metabolism, and lipid phagocytosis. This review aims to summarize the mechanism of macrophages in the development of AS, and to explore potential therapeutic methods for delaying AS by regulating macrophages, providing new ideas for the treatment and research of AS.
6.Clinical Observation on Huatan Quyu Formula Improving Cerebral Small Vessel Disease with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Blocking Collateral Pattern via Regulating Glymphatic System Circulation
Xiaofeng HUANG ; Ting YU ; Xuan ZHANG ; Daichao MA ; Yongmei YAN ; Hui ZHANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):205-211
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Huatan Quyu formula in treating cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern via randomized controlled trial, and explore its mechanism of improving CSVD by regulating glymphatic system (GS) circulation. MethodsSixty-eight CSVD patients with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern in the Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine from April to December 2024 were selected and randomly divided into an experimental group (34 cases) and a control group, with 34 cases in each group. Both groups received basic Western medicine treatment, while the experimental group additionally received Huatan Quyu formula. After a course of 12 weeks, the following parameters were compared between the two groups before and after treatment. Clinical outcomes were assessed using the Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment (POMA), Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), Scales for Outcomes in Parkinson's Disease-Autonomic (SCOPA-AUT), and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores of phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern. Perivascular space (PVS) in the frontal lobe/basal ganglia and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) flow parameters in the cerebral aqueduct were evaluated by 3.0T brain MRI, cerebrospinal fluid flow imaging, and phase-contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI). Then, safety indicators were monitored, and SPSS 25.0 was used for statistical analysis. ResultsSixty-four patients completed the study (32 in each group). ①Baseline data: No statistically significant difference was found between the two group. ②Efficacy indicators: After treatment, the experimental group exhibited significantly improved total POMA, SCOPA-AUT, and TCM syndrome scores (P<0.01), outperforming the control group (P<0.05). No significant change was observed in MoCA scores between the two groups. ③Imaging indicators: The experimental group showed a reduced PVS area alongside significantly increased CSF flow parameters (including downward flow during the systolic period, and upward flow during the diastolic period) (P<0.01), which were superior to the control group (P<0.01). ④Safety: The laboratory indicators were normal in both groups, with no drug-related adverse reactions. ConclusionFor CSVD patients with phlegm and blood stasis blocking collateral pattern, Huatan Quyu formula can safely and effectively improve motor function, autonomic nerve function, and TCM syndromes, with potential mechanisms related to pulsatile CSF flow enhancement and GS circulation efficiency improvement.
7.Analysis of monitoring data of 131I internal exposure among nuclearmedicine staff in Guangdong Province, China, 2022-2024
Hongwei YU ; Xuan LONG ; Zhan TAN ; Huifeng CHEN ; Rui MA ; Weixu HUANG
Chinese Journal of Radiological Health 2026;35(3):313-318
Objective :
To analyze the monitoring data of 131I internal exposure in Guangdong Province over the past 3years, study the thyroid 131I contamination levels among nuclear medicine staff, and provide a basis for optimizing themonit-oring plan.
Methods :
Using a convenience sampling method, 574 detections of nuclear medicine staff from 28 hospitals inGuangdong Province were included in the study. The thyroid 131I activity was measured directly in vivo. Differences indetec-tion rates were analyzed, and committed effective doses were estimated.
Results :
Over the past 3 years in GuangdongProvince, 131I accumulation was found in the thyroids of staff from 14 hospitals for 62 (10.8%) detections, with an averageactivity of 154.8 (13.2-8730.6) Bq. The adjusted annual intake was 50.7 (4.5-820.6) kBq. The committed effective dose was0.56 (0.05-9.03) mSv/a, and the values were ≥ 2 mSv for 8 persons. Among different positions, nurses showed the highestdetection rate (19.6%), followed by cleaners (14.7%), with significant differences (P<0.05). Among different exposure types,the detection rate was highest for loading medication into automatic dispenser (23.3%), and the mean activity was highest forentering thyroid cancer patient ward (495.4 Bq), with significant differences (P<0.05).
Conclusion
Monitoring of 131Iin-ternal exposure in Guangdong Province found that the radiation doses of some staff members had exceeded the thresholdspecified in other investigations. Routine personal 131I internal exposure monitoring should be conducted, with increasedmonitoring frequency. Priority should be given to nurses and cleaners, with monitoring extended to cleaners and outsourceddispensing staff.
8.Long-Term Real-World Outcomes of Tenofovir Alafenamide in Chronic Hepatitis B: Detailed Analysis of Treatment-Naive and Experienced Patients
Yu-Xuan SONG ; Guang-Jun SONG ; Hui MA ; Bo FENG ; Yan-Di XIE
The Korean Journal of Gastroenterology 2025;85(1):64-72
Background/Aims:
This study assessed the long-term efficacy and safety of tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) in real-world settings.
Methods:
Patients who were candidates for TAF treatment and were followed up at 12-week intervals over 192 weeks were enrolled in this study.
Results:
One hundred and forty-four patients (50 treatment-naive and 94 treatment-experienced) were included in this study. The cumulative incidence rates of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma at 192 weeks were 3.9% and 0.7%, respectively. In treatment-naive patients, the rates of a virological response, HBeAg conversion, and HBsAg loss at 192 weeks were 100%, 33.3%, and 2%, respectively. The treatment-naive patients exhibited higher baseline HBsAg levels than the treatment-experienced patients (4.31 log10IU/mL vs. 3.97 log10IU/mL). A significant decrease in the HBsAg levels from the baseline was observed at 144 and 192 weeks in the treatment-naive patients (p=0.01). The baseline body mass index (BMI) <25 kg/m2 (p=0.02) and HBsAg <3.3 log10IU/mL (p=0.04) were identified as predictive factors for a decrease in HBsAg ≥0.5 log10IU/mL at 48 weeks. The eGFR levels were consistently lower in the treatment-experienced patients throughout the study. Although the treatment-naive patients showed no abnormal increases in urinary URBP, the treatment-experienced patients showed elevated urinary β2MG and NAG levels at the baseline, which decreased over the treatment course. The total cholesterol, triglyceride, and low-density lipoprotein levels were similar in both groups.
Conclusions
Prolonging the TAF treatment duration enhances the virological response rate. The decline in HBsAg levels was more significant in the treatment-naive patients than in the treatment-experienced patients. The baseline BMI <25 kg/m2 and HBsAg <3.3 log10IU/mL were predictive factors for a significant decline in HBsAg at 48 weeks. TAF has high renal safety and no significant impact on lipid levels.
9.Exploration on the construction path of ideological and political work in public hospitals from the 5W perspective of communication studies
Xuan ZHANG ; Xinyi DAI ; Huilin MA ; Sitong CUI ; Jue WANG ; Yuan HE
Modern Hospital 2025;25(10):1515-1518
Strengthening ideological and political work is crucial for promoting the high-quality development of public hospitals.From the perspective of the 5W theory of communication,this paper deconstructs and analyzes the five key elements within the ideological and political work of public hospitals:the communicator,the message,the channel,the audience,and the effect.It identifies existing challenges,including the multiple roles of communicators,a disconnect between message content and context,the overwhelming volume of information through numerous channels,the heightened subjective consciousness of the audi-ence,and a lack of feedback mechanisms for assessing effectiveness.The causes of these challenges are analyzed.Corresponding strategies are proposed,such as introducing multi-agent collaboration,strengthening the integration of Party building with profes-sional services,consolidating platform development,enhancing emotional communication,and establishing feedback agendas.These measures aim to improve the effectiveness and pertinence of ideological and political education in public hospitals,thereby advancing their high-quality development.
10.Analysis of changes in average inpatient cost per admission in public hospitals of Guangdong province under the background of high-quality development:based on grey relational and structural variation degree analysis
Chao MA ; Li'ai ZOU ; Heng QIU ; Yiting YAO ; Wenyu WANG ; Yiming CHEN ; Niling XUAN
Modern Hospital 2025;25(10):1543-1546
Objective To investigate the structural changes and influencing factors of the average inpatient cost per admis-sion in public hospitals in Guangdong Province.Methods Grey relational analysis and structural variation degree analysis were used to analyze the correlation and changes between the average inpatient cost per admission and various cost components in public hospitals of Guangdong Province from 2017 to 2023.Results The average inpatient cost per admission in public hospitals of Guangdong Province showed an overall upward trend from 2017 to 2023,with an average annual growth rate of 3.84%.Among the components,laboratory test fees and examination fees grew at average annual rates of 6.17%and 6.68%,respectively.The top four cost components with the highest grey relational degree with the average inpatient cost were laboratory test fees(0.867),exam-ination fees(0.835),nursing fees(0.784),and treatment fees(0.728).The top four components with the largest structural vari-ation values were surgery fees(2.57%),medical material fees(1.77%),laboratory test fees(1.56%),and examination fees(1.45%).Conclusion The growth of the average inpatient cost per admission has slowed,and the cost structure has been opti-mized to some extent.However,the relatively rapid increase in laboratory test and examination fees has a significant impact on the cost structure.It is necessary to deepen the coordinated governance of healthcare,medical insurance,and medicine,strengthen the leveraging role of medical insurance payment,improve the external governance system and scientific compensation mechanism,and combine these with refined hospital management to promote reasonable cost control and high-quality development in public hospitals.


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