Diabetic nephropathy （DKD）， as a common microvascular complication of diabetes mellitus （DM）， is a major cause of end-stage renal disease （ESRD）. Its clinical manifestations include increased urinary protein excretion， thickening of the glomerular basement membrane， and renal tubulointerstitial fibrosis. The pathogenesis of DKD is complex and involves multiple factors， including disordered glucose metabolism， hemodynamic alterations， and oxidative stress. Although modern medical approaches can alleviate certain symptoms， they still have limitations such as insufficient therapeutic targeting and prominent adverse effects. The transforming growth factor-β/Smad （TGF-β/Smad） signaling pathway is not only a tissue fibrosis pathway that has attracted considerable attention in recent years， but also regulates multiple protein molecules， including the glomerular podocyte slit diaphragm protein Podocin， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD）， thereby participating in various pathological processes and ultimately mediating renal injury. Flavonoid compounds， owing to their sustained pharmacological effects， broad spectrum of action， and high safety profile， have become ideal candidates for targeted therapy research in DKD. Existing studies have shown that these compounds can exert inhibitory effects on renal fibrosis， alleviate inflammatory responses， protect podocytes， and reduce oxidative stress by regulating the interactions between the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and the aforementioned protein molecules， thereby maintaining renal structure and function， reducing proteinuria， and significantly improving DKD lesions. This review briefly outlines the composition and functions of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway， elucidates the mechanisms by which this pathway regulates DKD， and focuses on summarizing major studies from the past decade on flavonoid-based interventions in DKD through targeted inhibition of the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway. Furthermore， it discusses the considerable therapeutic potential of flavonoids in the treatment of this disease， aiming to provide a scientific basis for future clinical prevention and treatment of DKD and to promote the development of targeted drugs.

Guided by the theories of yin-yang and collateral disease， this paper identifies the dysregulation of yang qi ascent and descent as the core pathomechanism of hypertension. Based on clinical experience， a treatment approach centered on the method of raising yang and promoting descent was proposed. Clinically， three major syndrome types were identified. Firstly， deficiency of zong qi （ancestral qi） with blood stasis， obstruction of phlegm-turbidity and blood stasis， and hyperactivity of liver yang. Corresponding empirical formulation， Yizong Huoxue Decoction （益宗活血汤） was applied to tonify zong qi， invigorate blood， and raise yang. Secondly， Lizong Huoxue Decoction （理宗活血汤） was used to resolve phlegm， promote yang qi circulation， and regulate qi and blood. Thirdly， Qinggan Tongluo Decoction （清肝通络饮） was used to clear the liver， dredge collaterals， and subdue hyperactive yang. For special types such as non-dipper hypertension， time-specific syndrome differentiation and treatment can be applied based on a thorough understanding of the underlying pathomechanism， aiming to provide new insights into clinical diagnosis and treatment of hypertension.

Objective: To investigate the willingness to receive the pneumococcal vaccine and its influencing factors among middle-aged and elderly population in Zhejiang Province, so as to provide a basis for increasing the vaccination rate of pueumococcal among middle-aged and elderly population. Methods: From March to May 2024, a multi-stage random sampling method was employed to recruit residents aged ≥50 years from 35 counties (cities or districts) in Zhejiang Province. Data on basic information, knowledge of pneumonia, pneumococcal vaccine, and willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine were collected through questionnaire surveys. A multivariable logistic regression model was used to analyze influencing factors for the willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine among middle-aged and elderly population. Results: A total of 10 500 middle-aged and elderly population were surveyed. Among them, there were 5 202 males, accounting for 49.54%, and 5 298 females, accounting for 50.46%. The mean age was (65.11±9.05) years. Of the participants, 7 732 individuals were aware of pneumonia, accounting for 73.64%. A total of 1 724 individuals had received pneumococcal vaccine, corresponding to a vaccination rate of 16.42%. Furthermore, 5 138 participants expressed willingness to receive pneumococcal vaccine, with a willingness rate of 48.93%. The multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that middle-aged and elderly population aged ≥60 years (60-<70 years, OR=1.577, 95%CI: 1.433-1.736; ≥70 years, OR=2.110, 95%CI: 1.918-2.321), those with a history of chronic diseases (OR=1.250, 95%CI: 1.154-1.353), those who were recommended to receive the pneumonia vaccine by doctors (OR=4.896, 95%CI: 4.507-5.318), those who were aware of pneumonia (OR=1.460, 95%CI: 1.338-1.594), those who were aware that the elderly are prone to pneumonia (OR=1.490, 95%CI: 1.375-1.614), those who were aware of the causes of pneumonia (OR=1.559, 95%CI: 1.434-1.694), those who were aware that vaccination can prevent pneumonia (OR=2.196, 95%CI: 2.031-2.375), and those who were aware of the immunization schedule for pneumonia vaccine (OR=1.897, 95%CI: 1.683-2.124) had a higher willingness to receive pneumonia vaccine. Conclusions The willingness of middle-aged and elderly population in Zhejiang Province to receive pneumonia vaccine is related to age, history of chronic diseases, awareness of pneumonia, and awareness of pneumonia vaccine. It is recommended to strengthen health education on pneumonia and pneumonia vaccine for middle-aged and elderly population, in order to increase the willingness to receive the vaccine and vaccination rate.

BACKGROUND: Epidemiological data on chronic diarrhea in the Chinese population are lacking, and the association between obesity and chronic diarrhea in East Asian populations remains inconclusive. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of chronic diarrhea and its association with obesity in a representative community-dwelling Chinese population. METHODS: This cross-sectional study was based on a multistage, randomized cluster sampling involving 3503 residents aged 20-69 years from representative urban and rural communities in Beijing. Chronic diarrhea was assessed using the Bristol Stool Form Scale (BSFS), and obesity was determined based on body mass index (BMI). Logistic regression analysis and restricted cubic splines were used to evaluate the relationship between obesity and chronic diarrhea. RESULTS: The standardized prevalence of chronic diarrhea in the study population was 12.88%. The average BMI was 24.67 kg/m 2 . Of all the participants, 35.17% (1232/3503) of participants were classified as overweight and 16.13% (565/3503) as obese. After adjustment for potential confounders, individuals with obesity had an increased risk of chronic diarrhea as compared to normal weight individuals (odds ratio = 1.58, 95% confidence interval: 1.20-2.06). A nonlinear association between BMI and the risk of chronic diarrhea was observed in community residents of males and the overall participant group ( P  = 0.026 and 0.017, respectively). CONCLUSIONS This study presents initial findings on the prevalence of chronic diarrhea among residents of Chinese communities while offering substantiated evidence regarding the significant association between obesity and chronic diarrhea. These findings offer a novel perspective on gastrointestinal health management.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Chronic Disease/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diarrhea/epidemiology* ; Obesity/complications* ; Prevalence ; East Asian People/statistics & numerical data*

In current clinical practice, various dermal templates and skin substitutes are used to enhance wound healing. However, the role of wound commensal microbiome in regulating scaffold performance and the healing process remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the influence of both natural and synthetic scaffolds on the wound commensal microbiome and wound repair in three distinct models including diabetic wounds, burn injuries, and germ-free (GF) wounds. Remarkably, synthetic electrospun polycaprolactone (PCL) scaffolds were observed to positively promote microbiome diversity, leading to enhanced diabetic wound healing compared to the natural scaffolds Integra® (INT) and MatriDerm® (MAD). In contrast, both natural and synthetic scaffolds exhibited comparable effects on the diversity of the microbiome and the healing of burn injuries. In GF wounds with no detectable microorganisms, a reversed healing rate was noted showing natural scaffold (MAD) accelerated wound repair compared to the open or the synthetic scaffold (PCL) treatment. Furthermore, the response of the wound commensal microbiome to PCL scaffolds appears pivotal in promoting anti-inflammatory factors during diabetic wound healing. Our results emphasize that the wound commensal microbiome, mediated by different scaffolds plays an important role in the wound healing process.

Background/Aims: Obesity is associated with several gastrointestinal (GI) disorders and has been identified as a potential risk factor for various GI symptoms. Bowel frequency is an important indicator of bowel function. However, the causal link between obesity and gastrointestinal motility remains uncertain. This study aims to determine the causal effect of overall and central obesity on stool frequency. Methods: Four obesity-related anthropometric indicators–body mass index, body fat percentage, waist circumference (WC), and waist-tohip ratio (WHR)–were investigated. Individual-level baseline information from the UK Biobank was used to explore observational associations between obesity and stool frequency. Additionally, summary-level data from published genome-wide association studies were subjected to two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analyses to examine causal associations. Results: For all 4 indicators of obesity, higher levels of obesity were associated with more frequent bowel movements after adjusting for demographic characteristics, lifestyle, and dietary factors. After rigorous screening, 482 body mass index single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), 7 body fat percentage SNPs, 48 WC SNPs, and 287 WHR SNPs were identified as instrument variables for MR analysis. The MR results were generally consistent with observational findings, proving that the associations observed in the overall obesity indicators were causal. For central obesity, the association between WHR and stool frequency remained consistent in both analysis phases, whereas WC showed a multidirectional association. Conclusions Obesity-related anthropometric indicators were causally associated with increased stool frequency in the overall and central obesity groups. Weight loss could be a potential approach to improve gastrointestinal regularity in individuals with obesity.

Objective:To analyze the intention to receive influenza vaccination and its associated factors among urban and rural residents aged≥50 in Zhejiang Province, China, in 2024.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2024 through a multi-stage intercept survey in 35 counties (cities, districts) selected from a total of 90 in Zhejiang Province, involving 175 communities/villages. The survey targeted residents visiting local hospitals and community health service centers/community health clinics. The questionnaire included basic demographic information, knowledge related to influenza prevention and treatment, chronic disease status, history of influenza vaccination, and intention to vaccinate. Urban and rural residents were classified based on their registered residence, according to the "Rules for Compilation of Statistical Regional Code and Urban-Rural Division Code" issued by the National Bureau of Statistics. Chi-square tests, ANOVA, and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors influencing the intention to receive the influenza vaccine.Results:A total of 10 500 participants were surveyed, comprising 4 885 rural residents (46.52%) and 5 615 urban residents (53.48%). Of these, 3 430 rural residents (70.21%) and 3 718 urban residents (66.22%) expressed intention to receive the influenza vaccine. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that for rural residents aged≥50, younger age groups (50-59 years: OR=1.747, 95% CI: 1.290-2.366; 60-69 years: OR=1.838, 95% CI: 1.401-2.411), history of influenza vaccination ( OR=6.721, 95% CI: 5.152-8.767), doctor′s recommendation for vaccination ( OR=3.788, 95% CI: 3.078-4.662), and higher scores on knowledge related to influenza prevention and treatment ( OR=1.090, 95% CI: 1.054-1.128) were significant promoting factors for vaccination intent. For urban residents aged≥50, belonging to the 60-69 age group ( OR=1.264, 95% CI: 1.023-1.563), history of influenza vaccination ( OR=5.392, 95% CI: 4.309-6.748), doctor′s recommendation for vaccination ( OR=5.307, 95% CI: 4.420-6.371), and higher scores on knowledge related to influenza prevention and treatment ( OR=1.051, 95% CI: 1.021-1.082) were significant promoting factors for vaccination intent. Conclusions:The intention to receive the influenza vaccination is notably high among residents aged≥50 in both urban and rural areas of Zhejiang Province, yet there remains potential for improvement. Age, history of influenza vaccination, doctor recommendation, and knowledge related to influenza prevention and treatment are significant factors influencing the intention to receive the influenza vaccination.

Objective:To analyze the pneumococcal vaccination rate and the influencing factors among residents aged≥50 in Zhejiang Province.Methods:This cross-sectional study was conducted between March and May 2024. A multi-stage intercept survey was used to intercept and survey 10 500 residents who visited or underwent physical examinations at 175 community health service centers/clinics in 35 counties (cities, districts) of Zhejiang Province. The questionnaire included basic demographic characteristics, history of pneumonia, chronic disease conditions, pneumococcal vaccination status, doctor recommendation, reasons for vaccination/non-vaccination, and channels for obtaining pneumococcal vaccine information. Participants were grouped based on demographic characteristics, chronic diseases conditions, history of pneumonia and doctor recommendations. The chi-square test was used to assess differences in vaccination rates among demographic groups while binary logistic regression models were used to identify factors affecting the vaccination rate.Results:Among the 10 500 surveyed participants, 1 724 (16.42%) had received pneumococcal vaccination. Binary logistic regression analysis revealed significantly higher vaccination rates among those who received a doctor recommendation compared to those without (26.25% vs 7.59%; OR=4.414, 95% CI: 3.851-5.059). Participants benefiting from the free vaccination policy showed higher vaccination rates than those who didn′t (47.59% vs 5.18%; OR=12.527, 95% CI: 10.723-14.634). The top three reasons for getting vaccinated against pneumonia were the free vaccination policy (65.43%), community promotion (52.15%), and family recommendations (42.34%). The top three sources through which respondents learned about the pneumococcal vaccine were television (64.64%), doctors (59.81%) and family members (50.92%). Conclusion:The pneumococcal vaccination rate among residents aged≥50 years in Zhejiang Province is relatively high but still needs further improvement, with vaccination rates closely associated with factors such as free vaccination policy and doctor recommendation.

Objective:To understand the genetic characteristics of varicella-zoster virus（VZV）prevalent in Qinghai province，China since 2020.Methods:A total of 54 pharyngeal swab specimens were collected from sporadic suspected varicella cases in Qinghai province in 2020，2023，and 2024. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used for etiological screening of the specimens. Sequencing of three genes，namely ORF22，ORF38，and ORF62，and single-nucleotide polymorphism（SNP）analysis were performed on VZV nucleic acid-positive specimens.Results:All 54 suspected varicella cases were diagnosed with VZV infection，and three gene sequences were successfully obtained from 53 specimens. The results of genotype identification showed that all VZV infection case specimens obtained in this study in Qinghai province were wild strains. Among them，4 specimens in 2020 were of clade 2 type；among 14 specimens in 2023，7 were of clade 2 type and the remaining 7 were of clade 5 type；among 35 specimens in 2024，27 were of clade5 type，5 were of clade 2 type，and 3 were of clade 4 type. The SNP results showed that in 2023 and 2024，one specimen each had an A→G base mutation at position 37 990，and in 2024，3 specimens had a T→C base mutation at position 37946. Among them，the sequences containing the former mutation have been prevalent and spread in multiple regions of China，and the latter has not been reported in other regions of China.Conclusion:From 2020 to 2024 in Qinghai province，at least three genotypes of VZV，namely clade 2 type，clade 5 type，and clade 4 type，co-prevailed，and the clade 5 genotype of VZV may become the dominant prevalent strain.

Objective:To investigate the dynamic changes of inflammatory biomarkers in patients receiving venoarterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) support after cardiac surgery, and evaluate their predictive value for in-hospital mortality.Methods:The retrospective study included 212 patients who underwent VA-ECMO support following cardiac surgery at Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2021 to May 2024. Baseline characteristics and inflammatory markers during ECMO support including procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and fibrinogen (FBG) were collected. Univariate analysis, ROC curves, and multivariate logistic regression were performed to assess the association of these indicators with outcomes. Results:On day 3 post-ECMO, mean PCT and CRP levels were significantly higher in the deceased group (87 cases) than in the survival group (125 cases). PCT demonstrated an area under the curve ( AUC) of 0.750 (95% CI: 0.680-0.819) for predicting mortality, while CRP had an AUC of 0.701(95% CI: 0.625-0.778). No significant differences were observed in FBG, NLR, or PLR between the two groups. Lactate levels at 24 h post-ECMO ( AUC=0.723) and SOFA scores ( OR=2.511, AUC=0.713) were also significantly associated with mortality risk in the deceased group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:Dynamic increases in PCT and CRP are independent predictors of in-hospital mortality in cardiac surgery patients supported by ECMO. Elevated lactate levels and SOFA scores, aligning with previous studies, reflect severe tissue hypoperfusion and multi-organ dysfunction in non-survivors, underscoring the necessity of dynamic monitoring of inflammatory and organ function markers for prognosis assessment.