ObjectiveTo investigate the independent predictive factors for 90-day mortality in patients with acute-on-chronic liver failure （ACLF）， to establish a risk predictive model， and to assess its predictive efficacy in comparison with MELD， MELD-Na， MELD 3.0， and COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 394 patients with ACLF who were admitted to The Affiliated Hospital of Inner Mongolia Medical University and Hohhot Second Hospital from July 2018 to July 2024， and general information and laboratory markers on admission were collected from all patients. The independent-samples t test or the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of quantitative data between two groups， and the chi-square test or the adjusted chi-square test was used for comparison of qualitative data between two groups. The LASSO regression analysis was used to identify related variables， and the multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to establish a predictive model and generate a nomogram. The receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve， the area under the ROC curve （AUC）， calibration curve， and clinical decision curve were used to assess the performance of the model. ResultsA total of 394 patients with ACLF were included in this study， with 136 patients in the training set， 58 in the internal validation set， and 200 in the external validation set. The cohort had a mean age of 52.9±11.7 years， among whom male patients accounted for 72.84% （287/394）， the patients with HBV infection accounted for 22.33% （88/394）， the patients with alcohol-related causes accounted for 45.94% （181/394）， and the patients with other causes （including drug-induced and autoimmune diseases） accounted for 31.73% （125/394）. The overall 90-day mortality rate was 27.41% （108/394）. The multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that diabetes （odds ratio ［OR］= 5.831， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 1.587 — 21.424， P=0.008）， cystatin C （Cys-C） （OR=2.984， 95%CI： 1.501 — 5.933， P=0.002）， and spontaneous peritonitis （SBP） （OR=5.692， 95%CI： 2.150 — 15.071， P<0.001） were independent risk factors， and a nomogram was generated based on these factors. This model had an AUC of 0.836 in the training set， 0.881 in the internal validation set， and 0.878 in the external validation set， showing a good discriminatory ability. The calibration curve showed a good degree of fitting， with a relatively high net clinical benefit. The subgroup analysis based on etiology showed that the model had an AUC of 0.850 in the patients with HBV infection， 0.858 in the patients with alcohol-induced ACLF， and 0.908 in the patients with other etiologies， indicating that the model had a good discriminatory ability across the populations with different etiologies. Compared with traditional scores， the model （AUC=0.836） had a significantly better predictive value than MELD （AUC=0.619， Z=3.197， P=0.001）， MELD-Na （AUC=0.651， Z=2.998， P=0.003）， MELD 3.0 （AUC=0.601， Z=3.682， P<0.001）， and COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ （AUC=0.719， Z=2.396， P=0.017） alone. ConclusionDiabetes， SBP， and Cys-C are independent risk factors for 90-day mortality in patients with ACLF. Compared with MELD， MELD-Na， MELD 3.0， and COSSH-ACLF Ⅱ scores， this model has a higher predictive value for 90-day prognosis in patients with ACLF and is suitable for patients with ACLF caused by various etiologies.

Objective To quantitatively assess the association of short-term exposure to polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) with residents mortality. Methods A time-stratified case-crossover study was conducted from 2020 to 2022 among 10606 non-accidental residents by using the Guangzhou Cause of Death Surveillance System in Conghua District, Guangzhou. Exposure levels of PAHs in PM_2.5 and meteorological data during the study period were obtained from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention in Conghua District and the China Meteorological Administration Land Data Assimilation System (CLDAS-V2.0), respectively. Conditional Poisson regression model was used to estimate the exposure-response association between PAHs and the mortality risk. Results Fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene, and indeno[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality. For every one interquartile range increase in exposure levels, the non-accidental mortality risks increased by 8.33% (95% CI: 1.80%, 15.27%), 4.67% (95% CI: 1.86%, 7.57%), 6.07% (95% CI: 2.08%, 10.21%), 4.62% (95% CI: 1.85%, 7.47%), and 4.70% (95% CI: 0.53%, 9.03%), respectively. The estimated non accidental deaths attributable to exposure to fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluorine, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene were 5.91%, 6.08%, 6.51%, 6.46%, and 4.21%, respectively. Conclusions Short-term exposure to PAHs in PM_2.5, including fluoranthene, chrysene, benzo[k]fluoranthene, benzo[a]pyrene and indine[1,2,3-cd]pyrene, was significantly associated with an increased risk of mortality among residents.

Background Exposure to air pollutants increases the risk of diseases in multiple systems, including respiratory and cardiovascular systems, yet its association with neurological diseases remains unclear. Objective To quantitatively evaluate the association between short-term exposure to air pollutants and outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases, identify potential susceptible populations, and quantify associated disease burden. Methods Daily 24-hour average concentrations of fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), inhalable particulate matter (PM₁₀), sulfur dioxide (SO₂), nitrogen dioxide (NO₂), and carbon monoxide (CO), daily maximum 8-hour average concentration of ozone (O₃), daily meteorological data (24-hour average temperature, 24-hour average relative humidity), and data on daily outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases from two hospitals in Conghua District, Guangzhou, China, were collected from 2015 to 2022. A time-stratified case-crossover design was adopted, and a conditional Poisson regression model was constructed to analyze the association between air pollution exposure and neurological disease visits. Two-pollutant models and sensitivity analysis were used to validate model stability. Stratified analyses by season (cold season: from November to March; warm season: from April to October), sex (male, female), and age (≤45 years, 46–60 years, ≥61 years) were performed to identify vulnerable group. Additionally, the number and proportion of neurological disease visits attributable to short-term air pollutant exposure were calculated. Results A total of 72 673 outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were included during the study period. Most of the patients were middle-aged and elderly individuals (69.89% were over 45 years old) and females (60.25%). The results of single-pollutant models showed that for each interquartile range (IQR) increase in exposure to PM_2.5, PM₁₀, SO₂, NO₂, CO, and O₃, the risk of outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases increased by 7.54% (95%CI: 4.69%, 10.46%), 6.66% (95%CI: 3.92%, 9.46%), 16.72% (95%CI: 10.58%, 23.19%), 8.12% (95%CI: 4.82%, 11.53%), 5.60% (95%CI: 2.34%, 8.97%), and 6.11% (95%CI: 2.91%, 9.40%), respectively. The results of the two-pollutant model showed that the association between PM_2.5 and SO₂ exposure and outpatient and emergency department visits for neurological diseases were relatively stable. The stratified analyses showed that the effect of SO₂ was stronger in the cold season. It was estimated that 8.32% (95%CI: 5.55%, 10.96%) and 6.65% (95%CI: 4.27%, 8.96%) of the outpatient and emergency department visits were attributable to short-term exposure to SO₂ and PM_2.5, respectively. Conclusion Exposure to PM_2.5 and SO₂ is associated with increased risks of outpatient and emergency visits for neurological diseases. SO₂ shows stronger effects during the cold season, and exposure to air pollution contributes to up to 8.32% of neurological disease visits.

This study investigates the expression pattern and functional significance of EF-hand domain-containing protein 2 (EFHD2) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), with particular focus on its regulatory effects on tumor proliferation, migration, and invasion. Cellular experimental study was completed from June 2024 to January 2025 in the Basic Laboratory of the General Hospital of Southern Theater Command. TCGA database to determine EFHD2 expression and its clinicopathological correlations. GSCA database to assess methylation patterns and immune infiltration. Model of transient overexpression and knockdown of EFHD2 was constructed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells Hep3B, then RT-qPCR and Western blot were applied to verify the transfection efficiency. CCK-8 and colony formation assays for proliferation assessment, Transwell chambers for migration/invasion quantification. Protein-protein interaction networks were constructed via STRING, followed by GO/KEGG enrichment analysis. Statistical analysis was performed using the two independent samples t-test. The results showed that EFHD2 demonstrated significant upregulation in HCC tissues versus normal controls ( P<0.05). Elevated EFHD2 expression correlated with advanced clinical stage ( P<0.05) and poor differentiation ( P<0.05). In the CCK-8 assay, the EFHD2 overexpression group demonstrated significantly higher cell viability than the control group, as evidenced by 450 nm relative absorbance values on Day 1 (0.529±0.019 vs. 0.515±0.016, F=0.041, P=0.320), Day 2 (1.356±0.019 vs. 1.094±0.042, F=3.833, P<0.001), Day 3 (2.817±0.049 vs. 2.143±0.124, F=3.833, P<0.001), and Day 4 (3.848±0.015 vs. 3.430±0.021, F=0.469, P<0.001). The EFHD2 knockdown group showed reduced cell viability compared to controls: Day 1 (0.541±0.020 vs. 0.552±0.015, F=0.098, P=0.423), Day 2 (1.154±0.009 vs. 1.326±0.029, F=2.485, P<0.001), Day 3 (2.453±0.041 vs. 2.653±0.031, F=0.479, P<0.001), and Day 4 (3.685±0.038 vs. 3.836±0.021, F=6.804, P<0.001). In colony formation assays, the overexpression group displayed a significant increase in colony numbers (254.667±23.861 vs. 186.000±16.703, F=0.865, P=0.015), whereas the knockdown group exhibited decreased colony formation (229.000±24.637 vs. 306.667±36.501, F=0.988, P=0.038). In Transwell assays, the EFHD2 overexpression group revealed enhanced migratory capacity [ (605.000±72.670) cells vs. (472.667±28.095) cells, F=2.462, P=0.042] and invasive potential [(767.333±21.221) cells vs. (414.333±16.623) cells, F=0.331, P<0.001]. The knockdown group showed attenuated migration [(311.000±71.084) cells vs. (479.667±50.846) cells, F=0.718, P=0.029] and invasion [(247.667±48.263) cells vs. (345.667±32.130) cells, F=0.727, P=0.043] compared to controls. The network of EFHD2-interacting proteins was further constructed by the STRING database, and the GO and KEGG analysis were used to perform bioinformatics analysis reveal that EFHD2 is mainly involved in actin cytoskeleton regulation. In conclusion, EFHD2 is highly expressed in HCC and is involved in the process of proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC.

Objective:To observe any effect of supplementing treatment according to the Early Start Denver model (ESDM) with repeated transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in the treatment of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Methods:Sixty-seven children on the autism spectrum aged 2 or 3 years were randomly divided into a control group of 33 and an observation group of 34. Both groups were treated as specified by the ESDM for 24 weeks, but the observation group additionally received rTMS. At 12 and 24 weeks, both groups were evaluated using the Autism Behavior Checklist, the Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS), the revised version of the Repetitive Behavior Scale (RBS-R), Gesell Development Schedules, and the Autism Treatment Evaluation Checklist (ATEC).Results:The CARS, Gesell, RBS-R and ATEC results of both groups had improved significantly after 12 weeks, with further improvements observed another 12 weeks later, when the average Autism Behavior Checklist scores had also improved significantly. At that point the results of the observation group were significantly better than those of the control group, on average.Conclusions:Combining ESDM and rTMS can significantly relieve the main symptoms of autism and improve the comprehensive development of children on the autism spectrum 2 or 3 years old. Therefore, such combination is worthy of application in clinical practice.

Objective:To analyze the infection status of Coxsackievirus B group (CVB) in regions affected by sudden unexplained death in Yunnan (referred to as sudden death in Yunnan), and to provide a scientific basis for formulating effective prevention and control strategies.Methods:A cross-sectional survey method was employed. The population from 16 counties (cities, districts, referred to as counties) affected by sudden death in Yunnan Province from 2002 to 2022 and the population from one non-affected county in 2021 and 2022 (control population) were classified into cases of sudden death in Yunnan (7 cases), co-occurring cases (29 cases), high-risk population (1 303 cases), and control population (270 cases). Blood samples were collected from these populations. By using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), CVB immunoglobulin M (CVB-IgM) antibodies in the acute-phase serum samples of the population in the affected areas were detected, and CVB immunoglobulin G (CVB-IgG) antibodies in the convalescent-phase serum samples were detected. Both types of detections were carried out on the control population, and the test results were analyzed.Results:A total of 1 609 serum samples were tested, including 1 339 samples from the population in the affected areas (923 acute-phase samples and 416 convalescent-phase samples) and 270 samples from the control population. Among the 16 affected counties, positive CVB-IgM antibody results were detected in 9 counties. The overall positive rate of the population in the affected areas was higher than that of the control population [7.80% (72/923) vs. 4.44% (12/270), χ 2 = 40.78, P < 0.001]. The positive rates of the high-risk population in Dayao County and Lufeng City were both higher than that of the control population [(22.22% (22/99), 10.92% (25/229) vs. 4.44% (12/270), χ 2 = 27.37, 7.56, P < 0.05]. Positive CVB-IgG antibody results were detected in 7 counties. The overall positive rate of the population in the affected areas was higher than that of the control population [(4.09% (17/416) vs. 0.74% (2/270), χ 2 = 6.81, P = 0.009]. The positive rates of CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of the affected areas in Dayao County [22.22% (22/99), 9.80% (5/51)] were both higher than those of the control population ( P < 0.05). Among the five affected villages in Dayao County, the positive rates of CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of Aji Ju Village were the highest [25.49% (13/51), 3/13]. Conclusions:The positive rates of both CVB-IgM and CVB-IgG antibodies in the population of the areas affected by sudden death in Yunnan were higher than those of the control population, indicating that CVB infection occurred during the sudden death events in the above-mentioned affected areas.

Objective:To study the etiological relationship between Yunnan sudden unexplained death (hereinafter referred to as YNSUD) and the desmosomal protein gene mutation of arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy (ARVC).Methods:From September 2019 to August 2020, a cross-sectional survey method was used to select 9 key counties (cities) of YNSUD in Yunnan Province as survey sites. Autopsy cardiac blood samples of YNSUD cases ( n = 11) were collected, and peripheral venous blood samples of co-occurring case ( n = 1), case relatives ( n = 128), and control population ( n = 60) were collected. Genomic DNA from blood was extracted. After PCR amplification, 97 exons of 5 ARVC desmosomal protein genes, including plakophilin-2 (PKP2), desmoglein-2 (DSG2), desmocollin-2 (DSC2), desmoplakin (DSP), and junction plakoglobin (JUP) were sequenced by Sanger method, and the gene mutation was analyzed. Results:Compared with the control population, YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried 52 gene mutation sites in 36 exons of the ARVC desmosomal protein gene, with a total mutation rate of 37.11% (36/97). Among them, there were 21 in DSP gene, 10 in DSG2 gene, 8 in PKP2 gene, 8 in DSC2 gene, and 5 in JUP gene. YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives carried two same gene mutation sites: DSG2 gene exon 15 c.3321 T>C synonymous mutation and JUP gene exon 3 c.213 T>C synonymous mutation.Conclusions:The mutation rate of ARVC desmosomal protein gene is relatively high in the population of YNSUD. The two same gene mutation sites (DSG2 gene c.3321 T>C and JUP gene c.213 T>C) carried by YNSUD cases, co-occurring case and case relatives may be associated with the pathogenesis of YNSUD.

Objective:To investigate the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) of intensive care unit (ICU) medical staff for post-intensive care syndrome (PICS) and explore its influencing factors.Methods:The cross-sectional investigation study with stratified sampling was conducted. From June to September 2024, ICU medical staff from general hospitals in 5 regions (Chongqing, Beijing, Shaanxi, Jiangsu, and Gansu) were selected as the research subjects. The KAP of PICS questionnaire was distributed in the form of an electronic questionnaire. Observation indicators: (1) results of the questionnaire survey; (2) general information of ICU medical staff; (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions; (4) analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Comparison of measurement data with normal distribution between groups was conducted using the independent samples t test. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied for com-parison among multiple groups, and post-hoc LSD test was used for pairwise comparison. Comparison of count data between groups was conducted using the chi-square test. Pearson correlation analysis was adopted for correlation analysis. Multiple linear regression analysis was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results:(1) Results of questionnaire survey. A total of 410 questionnaires were distributed and retrieved, among which 408 were valid, with an effective rate of 99.512%(408/410). (2) General information of ICU medical staff. Among the 408 ICU medical staff, there were 79 males and 329 females. Eight cases were under 25 years old, 248 cases were 25-35 years old, 132 cases were 36-40 years old, and 20 cases were over 40 years old. In terms of professional title, there were 10 junior nurses, 130 junior nurse practitioners, 228 intermediate nurse practitioners, and 40 senior nurse practitioners. About the educational background, 34 cases had a junior college degree, 347 cases had a bachelor's degree, and 27 cases had a master's degree or above. Regarding the hospital level, 25 nurses worked in secondary hospitals and 383 cases in tertiary hospitals. In terms of ICU type, 181 cases were from specialized ICU and 227 cases from general ICU. About working experience in ICU, 41 nurses had less than 5 years, 207 cases had 5-10 years, and 160 cases had more than 10 years. (3) KAP scores of PICS and the correlation among various dimensions. The total KAP score of PICS among the 408 ICU medical staff was 88.7±14.2, with 40.2±9.2 for the knowledge dimension, 22.0±5.6 for the attitude dimension, and 26.5±6.3 for the practice dimension. Pearson correlation analysis showed that the knowledge dimension of PICS among ICU medical staff was significantly positively correlated with both the attitude dimension and the practice dimension ( r=0.15, 0.69, P<0.05); the attitude dimension was positively correlated with the practice dimension ( r=0.23, P<0.05).(4) Analysis of influencing factors for KAP of PICS. Results of multivariate analysis showed that age (25-35 years old, 36-40 years old, over 40 years old), educational background and hospital level were independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff ( t=2.23, 1.97, 2.84, 0.15, 2.04, P<0.05). Conclusions:The KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff is relatively good, while their practical ability still needs to be improved. Age, educational background, and hospital level are independent influencing factors for the KAP of PICS among ICU medical staff.

Objective:This study investigated the awareness and consumption of Trogia venenata among populations in regions affected by Yunnan unexplained sudden death (YUSD). The findings aim to support etiological research on YUSD and contribute to the formulation of preventive measures against Trogia venenata poisoning. Methods:This study was a case-control study. From 2018 to 2021, surveys were conducted in 90 villages across 25 counties within YUSD-affected areas in Yunnan Province. Households with YUSD cases were designated as case households, whereas households without YUSD cases served as controls, ande were selected through convenience sampling at a 3:1 ratio. An enhanced questionnaire was designed to collect information on the consumption of Trogia venenata, and symptoms following consumption. Frequency data were presented as percentages, and group comparisons were conducted using χ 2 tests or Fisher’s exact tests. Results:A total of 711 questionnaires were collected (response rate: 100%), comprising 175 case households and 536 control households. Trogia venenata was present in 80.82% of the villages surveyed. Among the 711 households, 15.89% reported consuming Trogia venenata, primarily through stir-frying (53.10%), followed by boiling (29.20%), boiling and stir-frying (15.93%), and steaming (1.77%). Most households (94.69%) consumed fresh fruiting bodies, with 69.02% consuming them fewer than three times annually. The consumption rates were higher among the case households than among the control households. Of the 113 households with a history of Trogia venenata consumption, 35.40% reported symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and limb soreness. The proportions of affected families in each group were compared according to their source, cooking method, fruiting body status and consumption frequency. The proportion of affected families with high consumption frequency (≥3 times/year) was higher than that with low consumption frequency (<3 times/year). Among 421 YUSD cases, 63 cases (14.96%) had a history of Trogia venenata consumption before death, with 43 cases showing symptoms within the longest known latency period (14 d) for poisoning by this mushroom. Conclusions:Trogia venenata is prevalent in 80.82% of YUSD-affected regions, with 16.67% of the population reporting its consumption, predominantly as fresh fruiting bodies prepared by stir-frying or boiling. Confirmed Trogia venenata consumption was identified in 14.96% of YUSD cases, suggesting that mushroom poisoning is a significant risk factor for YUSD. Ongoing health education and interventions are critical for mitigating the risk of Trogia venenata poisoning.

Promoting the international acceptance of clinical studies about traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions is a key strategy for internationalization of TCM. However, the complexities of TCM interventions—in terms of the theories, practice patterns, and components—pose challenges to the design and implementation of clinical studies that are well accepted by the international community. This article summarized the current status of clinical studies about TCM interventions that were published in international journals, explored underlying barriers hindering the international acceptance, and discussed potential strategies for future development.