Objective: To explore the impact of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) on health risk behaviors (HRBs) among college students and the mediating role of psychological symptoms, so as to provide a basis for developing intervention strategies. Methods: From March to April 2023, a convenience cluster sample of 1 801 students from 12 universities in Nanning, Liuzhou, Guilin, Wuzhou of Guangxi completed an online survey. A self designed questionnaire, Adverse Childhood Experiences-International Questionnaire (ACE-IQ) and Symptom Checklist-90 (SCL-90) were used for evaluation tools. Binary Logistic regression, structural equation modeling (SEM) and Bootstrap methods were used to analyze the associations and mediating effects. Results: Overall, 71.2% of college students experienced at least one type of ACE, with emotional neglect (40.3%) and emotional abuse ( 25.2 %) having the highest detection rates. The top three HRBs were unhealthy diet (77.8%), physical inactivity (54.1%), and smoking/alcohol use (18.5%). Logistic regression showed that poor family functioning, abuse, and extra familial violence were each associated with an increased risk of smoking/alcohol use ( OR =1.14, 1.11, 1.18) and deliberate self harm ( OR =1.26, 1.19,1.30) (all P <0.05). Experience of abuse increased the risk of high risk sexual behavior and family dysfunction increaded the risk of physical inactivity, respectively ( OR = 1.07 , 1.04, both P <0.05). Mediation analysis revealed that anxiety ( β =0.20) and depression ( β = 0.09 ) partially mediated the pathway from poor family functioning to deliberate self harm; paranoia ( β =0.02) partially mediated the pathway from abuse to high risk sexual behavior; and obsessive-compulsive symptoms ( β =0.26) and depression ( β =0.10) partially mediated the pathway from extra familial violence to deliberate self harm (all P <0.05). Conclusion Psychological symptoms play a mediating role in the association between ACEs and HRBs, and mental health interventions may reduce the risk of HRBs among college students.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription （KXJD） on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups： healthy control （n=11）， model （n=11）， methotrexate （MTX， n=5）， low-dose （15.21 g·kg^-1） KXJD （n=5）， and high-dose （30.42 g·kg^-1） KXJD （n=5）. Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX， respectively， by gavage daily， while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment， back skin lesions were collected. Firstly， healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag （TMT） quantitative proteomics （control vs model=3 vs 3） and targeted lipid metabolomics （control vs model=11 vs 11）. Then， the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally， an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate （S1P）， and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 （SPHK2） and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 （MCP-1）. ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin， and key proteases ［serine palmitoyltransferase， long chain base subunit 2 （SPTLC2）， SPHK2， delta（4）-desaturase sphingolipid 1 （Degs1）， and ceramide synthase 4 （CerS4）］ and 8 sphingolipid metabolites （including ceramides， sphingol， sphingomyelin， and glycosphingolipid） expressed abnormally （P<0.05） compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components （quercetin， kaempferol， and luteolin） in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol^-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2， S1P， and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin （P<0.05）， and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2， S1P， and MCP-1 compared with the model group （P<0.05）. ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.

ObjectiveTo explore the effects of Kaixuan Jiedu core prescription （KXJD） on sphingolipid metabolism in the mouse model of imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin lesions. MethodsThirty-seven male C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned into five groups： healthy control （n=11）， model （n=11）， methotrexate （MTX， n=5）， low-dose （15.21 g·kg^-1） KXJD （n=5）， and high-dose （30.42 g·kg^-1） KXJD （n=5）. Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in mice with 62.5 mg 5% imiquimod cream applied on the back. The KXJD groups and MTX group were treated with 0.2 mL corresponding decoction and MTX， respectively， by gavage daily， while the other groups were given an equal volume of normal saline by the same way. After 5 days of treatment， back skin lesions were collected. Firstly， healthy control and model mice were selected for tandem mass tag （TMT） quantitative proteomics （control vs model=3 vs 3） and targeted lipid metabolomics （control vs model=11 vs 11）. Then， the binding degree between core components and target proteins was predicted via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Finally， an animal experiment was performed to decipher the specific regulation mechanism of KXJD on sphingolipid metabolism. Immunohistochemistry was employed to determine the expression level of sphingosine-1-phosphate （S1P）， and Western blot was employed to determine the expression levels of sphingosine kinase 2 （SPHK2） and monocyte chemotactic protein-1 （MCP-1）. ResultsTMT proteomics and targeted lipid metabolomics suggested that sphingolipid metabolism was active in the psoriatic skin， and key proteases ［serine palmitoyltransferase， long chain base subunit 2 （SPTLC2）， SPHK2， delta（4）-desaturase sphingolipid 1 （Degs1）， and ceramide synthase 4 （CerS4）］ and 8 sphingolipid metabolites （including ceramides， sphingol， sphingomyelin， and glycosphingolipid） expressed abnormally （P<0.05） compared with those in the healthy skin. The molecular docking results indicated that the binding energy between the active components （quercetin， kaempferol， and luteolin） in KXJD and key proteins involved in sphingolipid metabolism was less than-8 kal·mol^-1. Further experimental verification showed elevated expression levels of SPHK2， S1P， and MCP-1 in psoriatic skin compared with healthy skin （P<0.05）， and KXJD down-regulated the expression levels of SPHK2， S1P， and MCP-1 compared with the model group （P<0.05）. ConclusionThis study indicates that there is an imbalance in sphingolipid metabolism in psoriatic skin lesions. KXJD may reduce psoriasis-like lesions in mice by regulating sphingolipid metabolism via the SPHK2/S1P/MCP-1 pathway.

Objective: To analyze the association between dietary diversity and cognitive function among the elderly using group-based trajectory model, so as to provide the basis for formulating dietary intervention strategies to prevent cognitive impairment. Methods: Based on the Chinese Longitudinal Healthy Longevity Survey (CLHLS) project, demographic information, lifestyle behaviors, psychological well-being, and activities of daily living of elderly individuals aged ≥65 years from 2008 to 2018 were collected. Dietary diversity was assessed using a food frequency questionnaire, with a score of <7 points defined as low dietary diversity. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Chinese version of the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). A group-based trajectory model was established based on cognitive function scores from 2008 to 2018 to analyze the trajectories of cognitive function change. The association between dietary diversity and cognitive function was analyzed using a multinomial logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 613 individuals were collected, with a median age was 72.00 (interquartile range, 10.00) years. There were 810 males (50.22%) and 803 females (49.78%). The group-based trajectory model analysis categorized the participants into three groups: the low-level normal group, the high-level normal group, and the slow-then-rapid decline group, comprising 796 (49.35%), 585 (36.27%), and 232 (14.38%) individuals, respectively. Among these groups, the numbers of individuals with low dietary diversity were 497 (62.44%), 311 (53.16%), and 166 (71.55%), respectively, with a statistically significant difference (P<0.05). Multinomial logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for demographic information, lifestyle behaviors, psychological well-being, and activities of daily living, compared with the high-level normal group, low dietary diversity was statistically associated with cognitive function in the slow-then-rapid decline group (OR=1.622, 95%CI: 1.103-2.384). Conclusion Low dietary diversity may increase the risk of cognitive impairment among the elderly.

OBJECTIVE: To propose a machine learning-based method for predicting the trajectories during manual acupuncture manipulation (MAM), aiming to improve the precision and consistency of acupuncture practitioner' operation and provide the real-time suggestions on MAM error correction. METHODS: Computer vision technology was used to analyze the hand micromotion when holding needle during acupuncture, and provide a three-dimensional coordinate description method of the index finger joints of the holding hand. Focusing on the 4 typical motions of MAM, a machine learning-based MAM trajectory predictive model was designed. By integrating the changes of phalangeal joint angle and hand skeletal information of acupuncture practitioner, the motion trajectory of the index finger joint was predicted accurately. Besides, the roles of machine learning-based MAM trajectory predictive model in the skill transmission of acupuncture manipulation were verified by stratified randomized controlled trial. RESULTS: The performance of MAM trajectory predictive model, based on the long short-term memory network (LSTM), obtained the highest stability and precision, up to 98%. The learning effect was improved when the model applied to the skill transmission of acupuncture manipulation. CONCLUSION The machine learning-based MAM predictive model provides acupuncture practitioner with precise action prediction and feedback. It is valuable and significant for the inheritance and error correction of manual operation of acupuncture.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Machine Learning ; Adult ; Male ; Female

INTRODUCTION: Paediatric sexual assault (SA) victims should be assessed for post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to mitigate the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). We describe the clinical characteristics of children and young persons (CYPs) presenting with SA at KK Women's and Children's Hospital in Singapore, viral PEP (human immunodeficiency virus [HIV] and hepatitis B virus [HBV]) prescribing practices, and STI evaluation at follow-up. METHOD: Medical records of CYPs ≤16 years who presented with SA between January 2022 and August 2023 were reviewed, including assault and assailant characteristics, baseline and follow-up STI screening, PEP prescription, adherence and follow-up attendance. CYPs with SA in the preceding 72 hours by HIV-positive or HIV-status unknown assailants with high-risk characteris-tics were eligible for HIV PEP. RESULTS: We analysed 278 CYPs who made 292 SA visits. There were 40 (13.7%) CYPs eligible for HIV PEP, of whom 29 (82.9%) received it. Among those tested at baseline, 9% and 34.9% of CYPs tested positive for Chlamydia trachomatis and Gardnerella vaginalis, respectively. None tested positive for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Trichomonas vaginalis, HIV, HBV or hepatitis C. Majority of CYPs tested were HBV non-immune (n=167, 67.6%); only 77 (46.1%) received the vaccine. Out of 27 CYPs eligible for HBV PEP with immunoglobulin, only 21 (77.7%) received immunoglobulin. A total of 37 CYPs received HIV PEP, including 8 who were retrospectively deemed ineligible. Only 10 (27%) completed the course. Overall, 153 (57.7%) CYPs attended follow-up, and none seroconverted for HIV or HBV. CONCLUSION We report suboptimal rates of HBV post-exposure vaccination, and low compliance to HIV PEP and follow-up among paediatric SA victims. Factors contri-buting to poor compliance should be examined to optimise care for this vulnerable population.
Humans ; Post-Exposure Prophylaxis/methods* ; Female ; Child ; Adolescent ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; HIV Infections/prevention & control* ; Male ; Sexually Transmitted Diseases/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Hepatitis B/prevention & control* ; Follow-Up Studies ; Child, Preschool ; Sex Offenses/statistics & numerical data* ; Child Abuse, Sexual

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the feasibility of an intelligent handheld ultrasound (US) device for assisting non-expert general practitioners (GPs) in detecting carotid plaques (CPs) in community populations. Methods: This prospective parallel controlled trial recruited 111 consecutive community residents. All of them underwent examinations by non-expert GPs and specialist doctors using handheld US devices (setting A, setting B, and setting C). The results of setting C with specialist doctors were considered the gold standard. Carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) and the features of CPs were measured and recorded. The diagnostic performance of GPs in distinguishing CPs was evaluated using a receiver operating characteristic curve. Inter-observer agreement was compared using the intragroup correlation coefficient (ICC). Questionnaires were completed to evaluate clinical benefits. Results: Among the 111 community residents, 80, 96, and 112 CPs were detected in settings A, B, and C, respectively. Setting B exhibited better diagnostic performance than setting A for detecting CPs (area under the curve, 0.856 vs. 0.749; P<0.01). Setting B had better consistency with setting C than setting A in CIMT measurement and the assessment of CPs (ICC, 0.731 to 0.923). Moreover, measurements in setting B required less time than the other two settings (44.59 seconds vs. 108.87 seconds vs. 126.13 seconds, both P<0.01). Conclusion Using an intelligent handheld US device, GPs can perform CP screening and achieve a diagnostic capability comparable to that of specialist doctors.

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver injury resulting from factors like viral hepatitis, autoimmune hepatitis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fatty liver disease, and cholestatic liver disease. Liver transplantation is currently the gold standard for treating severe liver diseases. However, it is limited by a shortage of donor organs and the necessity for lifelong immunosuppressive therapy. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) can differentiate into various liver cells and enhance liver function when transplanted into patients due to their differentiation and proliferation capabilities. Therefore, it can be used as an alternative therapy for treating liver diseases, especially for liver cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver transplant complications. However, due to the potential tumorigenic effects of MSCs, researchers are exploring a new approach to treating liver fibrosis using extracellular vesicles (exosomes) secreted by stem cells. Many studies show that exosomes released by stem cells can promote liver injury repair through various pathways, contributing to the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this review, we focus on the molecular mechanisms by which stem cell exosomes affect liver fibrosis through different pathways and their potential therapeutic targets. Additionally, we discuss the advantages of exosome therapy over stem cell therapy and the possible future directions of exosome research, including the prospects for clinical applications and the challenges to be overcome.