Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics, diagnosis and treatment strategies, and prognosis of pulmonary embolism (PE) complicating childhood rheumatic diseases.Methods:A retrospective case series study was performed on the demographic data, laboratory indicators, imaging features, treatment regimens, and follow-up data of 8 children with rheumatic diseases complicated by PE who were admitted to the Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Capital Center for Children′s Health, Capital Medical University from January 2014 to October 2023.Results:Among the 8 children, there were 4 boys and 4 girls, with an age of 12.0 (7.5, 13.0) years. Among the primary diseases, there were 3 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 cases of Beh?et′s disease, 2 cases of Takayasu arteritis, and 1 case of antiphospholipid syndrome. All children developed PE during the active phase of the primary disease. PE was detected at the onset of the primary disease in 3 cases, and the median time from the diagnosis of the primary disease to the development of PE was 10.0 (6.0, 25.0) months in the remaining 5 cases. Fever was present in all 8 children, 4 cases were accompanied by chest tightness, dyspnea, etc., and 2 cases only presented with fever. Laboratory examinations revealed the following results: erythrocyte sedimentation rate was 42.0 (17.0, 78.0) mm/1 h, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein was 12.7 (2.6, 78.7) mg/L, white blood cell count was 9.6 (7.2, 18.7)×10 9/L; D-dimer was 2.3 (0.9, 6.2) mg/L; and hemoglobin was (109±16) g/L.Imaging examinations revealed that 5 cases had involvement of the bilateral lower pulmonary arteries, 5 cases had peripheral embolism, and 3 cases had central PE. Complications included 3 cases of deep vein thrombosis, 2 cases of intracranial venous sinus thrombosis, and 1 case of mild pulmonary hypertension.In terms of treatment, 7 cases received anticoagulation with heparin followed by warfarin. Immunomodulation was mainly based on glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants, and 4 cases were combined with biological agents. The follow-up time of 4.17 (1.75, 7.17) years, the time for complete absorption of PE was 10.5 (6.0, 18.0) months; all 8 children had no target events, with no recurrence or chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension, and the pulmonary artery remodeling was good. Conclusions:PE complicating childhood rheumatic diseases is closely related to the activity of the primary disease. The clinical manifestations are insidious, with fever as the main symptom. Imaging examination is the key to diagnosis.Early adoption of heparin followed by warfarin anticoagulation and glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressants and (or) biological agents to control the primary disease can achieve a favorable prognosis.

Objective: To assess the current status of knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding health protection against air pollution among primary school students in China, and to analyze the impacts of fine particulate matter (PM 2.5 ) exposure, family, and individual factors on KAP levels, so as to provide empirical basis for implementing targeted interventions. Methods: Using stratified cluster random sampling method, a questionnaire survey was conducted among 19 297 primary school students from third to fifth grade across 30 provinces (autonomous regions and municipalities directly under the central government) in China in 2024. The questionnaire was developed based on the Technical Guidelines for the Assessment of Civic Environmental and Health Literacy (Trial), and encompasses three dimensions:knowledge, attitude, and practice. Spearman correlation analysis, Chi-square test, multivariate Logistic regression, and Bootstrap mediation effect test was applied for data analysis. Results: The overall mean KAP score for health protection against air pollution among primary school students was (79.73±13.53), with an adequacy rate of 80.47% ( n =15 528). The dimension scores for knowledge, attitude, and practice were (41.34±8.01, 16.43± 2.61 ), and (21.97±5.71), respectively. Knowledge was positively correlated with attitude and practice, and attitude was positively correlated with practice ( r =0.51, 0.35, 0.32, all P <0.01). Multivariate Logistic regression showed that the northeast region ( OR =2.36, 95% CI =2.02-2.75), having parents with a bachelor s degree or higher ( OR =4.76, 95% CI =2.71-8.37), living with both parents ( OR =1.33, 95% CI =1.15-1.55), being in the fifth grade ( OR =1.22, 95% CI =1.11-1.33), outdoor PM 2.5 level exceeding standard limits at the survey site ( OR =1.25, 95% CI =1.16-1.34), history of allergy ( OR =1.47, 95% CI =1.31-1.64), and wearing masks during heavily polluted weather ( OR =1.19, 95% CI =1.07-1.31) were promoting factors for KAP adequacy rate (all P <0.05). Conversely, obesity was a detrimental factor ( OR =0.78, 95% CI =0.69-0.88, all P <0.05). Conclusions Primary school students in China exhibit a favorable KAP level regarding health protection against air pollution, though regional, familial, and individual disparities persist. Exposure to PM 2.5 levels exceeding standard limits exerts a direct positive effect on enhancing health protection literacy. Future efforts should focus on the western region, families with lower educational attainment children to implement tailored, stratified interventions.

ObjectiveThis study examined KCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure and their association with readmission within 6 months. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 1 109 patients hospitalized for chronic heart failure at a tertiary hospital in Nanchang， China， between August 2020 and July 2025. KCCQ scores were assessed at six time points： day 3 after admission， discharge， and 1， 2， 3， and 6 months after discharge. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify patterns of change in KCCQ scores. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between trajectory membership and readmission risk. ResultsDuring follow-up， 229 patients were readmitted， accounting for 20.6% of the cohort. Four KCCQ trajectories were identified： persistently declining scores （n=228， 20.6%）， persistently improving scores （n=110， 9.9%）， stable intermediate scores （n=545， 49.1%）， and stable high scores （n=226， 20.4%）. Compared with the stable intermediate group， the persistently declining group had a higher risk of readmission in the fully adjusted model （OR=2.099， 95% CI： 1.027–4.315， P=0.043）， whereas the stable high-score group had a lower risk （OR=0.260， 95% CI： 0.127–0.494， P<0.001）. The association between the persistently improving trajectory and readmission was not statistically significant （OR=0.614， 95% CI： 0.306–1.154， P=0.147）. ConclusionsKCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure show marked heterogeneity and are associated with readmission within 6 months. A persistently declining trajectory is associated with higher readmission risk， whereas a stable high-score trajectory is associated with lower risk. Longitudinal monitoring of KCCQ score changes may help inform post-discharge risk stratification and follow-up management in patients with heart failure.

ObjectiveThis study examined KCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure and their association with readmission within 6 months. MethodsThis prospective cohort study included 1 109 patients hospitalized for chronic heart failure at a tertiary hospital in Nanchang， China， between August 2020 and July 2025. KCCQ scores were assessed at six time points： day 3 after admission， discharge， and 1， 2， 3， and 6 months after discharge. Group-based trajectory modeling was used to identify patterns of change in KCCQ scores. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the association between trajectory membership and readmission risk. ResultsDuring follow-up， 229 patients were readmitted， accounting for 20.6% of the cohort. Four KCCQ trajectories were identified： persistently declining scores （n=228， 20.6%）， persistently improving scores （n=110， 9.9%）， stable intermediate scores （n=545， 49.1%）， and stable high scores （n=226， 20.4%）. Compared with the stable intermediate group， the persistently declining group had a higher risk of readmission in the fully adjusted model （OR=2.099， 95% CI： 1.027–4.315， P=0.043）， whereas the stable high-score group had a lower risk （OR=0.260， 95% CI： 0.127–0.494， P<0.001）. The association between the persistently improving trajectory and readmission was not statistically significant （OR=0.614， 95% CI： 0.306–1.154， P=0.147）. ConclusionsKCCQ symptom score trajectories during the vulnerable phase of heart failure show marked heterogeneity and are associated with readmission within 6 months. A persistently declining trajectory is associated with higher readmission risk， whereas a stable high-score trajectory is associated with lower risk. Longitudinal monitoring of KCCQ score changes may help inform post-discharge risk stratification and follow-up management in patients with heart failure.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy of Zuogui Pill （左归丸，ZGP） decoction on neurological function， motor function， and activities of daily living in patients with ischemic stroke （IS） of liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome， and to assess its potential mechanisms from the perspectives of cerebral perfusion and corticospinal tract （CST） remodeling. MethodsA total of 108 patients with IS of liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome and onset time ≤14 days were enrolled and randomly divided into a control group and a treatment group， with 54 cases in each group. The control group received conventional western medicine， while the treatment group received ZGP decoction （one dose per day） in addition to the conventional treatment. Both groups were treated for 90 days. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale （NIHSS）， modified Rankin Scale （mRS）， modified Barthel Index （MBI）， Fugl-Meyer Assessment （FMA）， and Chinese medicine syndrome score （CMS） were evaluated before treatment and after （90±3） days of treatment. Three-dimensional arterial spin labeling （3D-ASL） and diffusion tensor imaging （DTI） were performed to obtain ipsilesional cerebral blood flow （CBF） in the unaffected and affected hemispheres， relative CBF （rCBF）， and fractional anisotropy （FA） of the CST. Nodal analysis of FA values along the CST was also conducted. Correlation analysis was used to assess the relationships between post-treatment cerebral perfusion parameters （CBF and rCBF）， and FA values with clinical neurological function scores. ResultsAfter treatment， both groups showed significantly decreased NIHSS， mRS and CMS scores， together with significantly increased FMA and MBI scores （P＜0.01）. Intergroup comparison showed that NIHSS， mRS， and CMS scores in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ， while MBI and FMA scores were significantly higher （P＜0.01）. The 3D-ASL results revealed that CBF and rCBF values in the affected hemisphere significantly increased in both groups after treatment， and the treatment group had significantly higher values （P＜0.01）. DTI showed that the FA value of the CST on the affected side in the treatment group was significantly higher than that in the control group after treatment （P＜0.05）. Nodal analysis along the CST further demonstrated that the continuity of FA values at lesion-related nodes 45~99 in the treatment group was significantly better than that in the control group （P＜0.01）， with significant increases at nodes 65~71 and 76~81 compared with baseline （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）， whereas the control group showed a decreasing trend at nodes 80~93 （P＜0.05）. Correlation analysis indicated that CBF and rCBF values in the affected hemisphere were negatively correlated with NIHSS and mRS scores and positively correlated with MBI score （P＜0.05）. FA value of the CST on the affected side， both before and after treatment， were negatively correlated with NIHSS score and positively correlated with FMA score （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. ConclusionZGP decoction can effectively improve neurological function， motor function， and activities of daily living in IS patients with liver-kidney yin deficiency syndrome， and its mechanism may be related to enhanced cerebral perfusion in the affected hemisphere and corticospinal tract structural remodeling.

ObjectiveAutism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition characterized by difficulties with communication and social interaction, restricted and repetitive behaviors. Previous studies have indicated that individuals with ASD exhibit early and lifelong attention deficits, which are closely related to the core symptoms of ASD. Basic visual attention processes may provide a critical foundation for their social communication and interaction abilities. Therefore, this study explores the behavior of children with ASD in capturing attention to changes in topological properties. MethodsOur study recruited twenty-seven ASD children diagnosed by professional clinicians according to DSM-5 and twenty-eight typically developing (TD) age-matched controls. In an attention capture task, we recorded the saccadic behaviors of children with ASD and TD in response to topological change (TC) and non-topological change (nTC) stimuli. Saccadic reaction time (SRT), visual search time (VS), and first fixation dwell time (FFDT) were used as indicators of attentional bias. Pearson correlation tests between the clinical assessment scales and attentional bias were conducted. ResultsThis study found that TD children had significantly faster SRT (P<0.05) and VS (P<0.05) for the TC stimuli compared to the nTC stimuli, while the children with ASD did not exhibit significant differences in either measure (P>0.05). Additionally, ASD children demonstrated significantly less attention towards the TC targets (measured by FFDT), in comparison to TD children (P<0.05). Furthermore, ASD children exhibited a significant negative linear correlation between their attentional bias (measured by VS) and their scores on the compulsive subscale (P<0.05). ConclusionThe results suggest that children with ASD have difficulty shifting their attention to objects with topological changes during change detection. This atypical attention may affect the child’s cognitive and behavioral development, thereby impacting their social communication and interaction. In sum, our findings indicate that difficulties in attentional capture by TC may be a key feature of ASD.

To study the ameliorative effect of Eucommiae Cortex extract on spatial learning disabilities in APP/PS1 double-transgenic mice and explore its relationship with estrogen receptor β(ERβ)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK) signaling pathway, sixty 3-month-old male APP/PS1 mice were randomly divided into a model group, an anti-brain failure capsule group(0.585 g·kg~(-1)), a donepezil hydrochloride group(0.65 mg·kg~(-1)), and a Eucommiae Cortex extract group(1.3 g·kg~(-1)), and 15 C57BL/6 mice of the same genetic background were set as WT control group. The learning and memory ability of mice was assessed by the Morris water maze test(MWM), the passive avoidance test(PAT), and the novel object recognition test(NOR). The histomorphological and cellular ultrastructural features of the hippocampal region of the mice were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining and transmission electron microscopy(TEM); the molecular docking validation of the key active ingredients and the key targets was performed by using AutoDock Vina software, and the immunohistochemical method(IHC) was used to detect the ERβ expression in the dentate gyrus(DG) area of mouse hippocampus. Western blot(WB) was utilized to detect the expression of ERβ, p-JNK, and JNK in mouse hippocampal area. Compared with those in the WT control group, the results of behavioral experiments showed that the latency of the mice in the model group was significantly increased, the number of platform traversals, and the target quadrant residence time were significantly decreased in the MWM. The evasion latency was significantly reduced, and the number of errors was significantly increased in the PAT. The index of recognition of novel objects was significantly reduced in the NOR. The results of HE staining indicated that the hippocampal area of mice in the model group showed a decrease in the number of neurons, disorganization of pyramidal cell arrangement, nucleus consolidation, and other changes. TEM results showed that some neuronal nuclei in the hippocampal area had a consolidated state, slightly thickened and aberrant nuclear membranes, and fewer intracytoplasmic nidus bodies; the IHC results showed that the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal DG area of the mice was reduced. The WB results showed that the ERβ expression in the hippocampal tissue was decreased, and the p-JNK/JNK level was elevated. Compared with the model group, the Eucommiae Cortex extract group showed a significant decrease in latency, and increase in number of platform traversals and target quadrant residence time in the MWM, a significant increase in evasion latency and decrease in number of errors in the PAT, and a significant increase in the index of recognition of novel objects in the NOR. In addition, there was an increase in the number of neurons in the hippocampal area of mice. The pyramidal cells tended to be arranged in an orderly manner; the nuclei of neurons in the hippocampal area were in a better state; the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal DG area of the mice was elevated; the expression of ERβ in the hippocampal tissue was elevated, and the level of p-JNK/JNK was reduced. The effects of donepezil hydrochloride group and anti-brain failure capsule on APP/PS1 mice in terms of behavioral, HE, and TEM indexes were similar to those of Eucommiae Cortex extract, and there was no significant difference between donepezil hydrochloride group and the model group in IHC and WB experiments, and the results of molecular docking indicated that the estrogen-like components in Eucommiae Cortex extract were tightly bound to ERβ. In conclusion, the binding of Eucommiae Cortex extract to estrogen receptors, regulation of ERβ expression, and activation of ERβ/JNK signaling pathway may be one of the key mechanisms by which it improves the learning and memory ability of APP/PS1 mice.
Animals ; Male ; Mice ; Mice, Transgenic ; Memory/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Estrogen Receptor beta/genetics* ; Eucommiaceae/chemistry* ; Alzheimer Disease/psychology* ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Presenilin-1/metabolism* ; Humans ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Maze Learning/drug effects* ; Learning/drug effects*

Guided by the theory of "the kidney storing essence, governing the bones, and producing marrow", this study explored the mechanism of icariin(ICA) in regulating the osteogenic differentiation of rat bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) through caveolin-1(Cav1) via in vitro and in vivo experiments, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for the prevention and treatment of postmenopausal osteoporosis with traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Primary cells were obtained from 4-week-old female SD rats using the whole bone marrow adherent method. Flow cytometry was used to detect the expression of surface markers CD29, CD90, CD11b, and CD45. The potential for osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation was assessed. The effect of ICA on cell viability was determined using the CCK-8 assay, and the impact of ICA on the formation of mineralized nodules was verified by alizarin red staining. A stable Cav1-silenced cell line was constructed using lentivirus. The effect of Cav1 silencing on osteogenic differentiation was observed via alizarin red staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to detect the expression of Cav1, Hippo/TAZ, and osteogenic markers such as Runt-related transcription factor 2(RUNX2) and alkaline phosphatase(ALP). The results showed that primary cells were successfully obtained using the whole bone marrow adherent method, positively expressing surface markers of rat BMSCs and possessing the potential for both osteogenic and adipogenic differentiation. The CCK-8 assay and alizarin red staining results indicated that 1×10~(-7) mol·L~(-1) was the optimal concentration of ICA for intervention in this experiment(P<0.05). During osteogenic induction, ICA inhibited Cav1 expression(P<0.05) while promoting TAZ expression(P<0.05). Alizarin red staining demonstrated that Cav1 silencing significantly promoted the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs. After ICA intervention, TAZ expression was activated, and the expression of osteogenic markers ALP and RUNX2 was increased. In conclusion, Cav1 silencing significantly promotes the osteogenic differentiation of BMSCs, and ICA promotes this differentiation by inhibiting Cav1 and regulating the Hippo/TAZ signaling pathway.
Animals ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Caveolin 1/genetics* ; Osteogenesis/drug effects* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Cell Differentiation/drug effects* ; Female ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Flavonoids/administration & dosage* ; Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/genetics* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Cells, Cultured ; Humans

Objective To establish and evaluate a nomogram prediction model for spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 1298 patients with HBV-related primary liver cancer hospitalized in the Kunming Third People's Hospital from January 2012 to December 2022.General data and serological indicators were collected,and patients were divided into infection group(n=262)and control group(n=1036)based on the occurrence of spontaneous peritonitis.Univariate and LASSO regression analyses were used to screen variables,followed by binary logistic regression to analyze the influencing factors of spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer patients,leading to the establishment of a nomogram prediction model.Finally,the Hosmer-lemeshow(H-L)goodness of fit test,receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,calibration curve,decision curve analysis(DCA)and clinical impact curve(CIC)were utilized to evaluate the fit degree,accuracy,calibration,and clinical practicability of the nomogram prediction model.Results Single factor analysis revealed significant differences between infection group and control group in portal vein cancer thrombus(PVTT),Child-Pugh grade,China Liver Cancer Staging(CNLC)stage,alcohol consumption history,smoking history,white blood cell count(WBC),neutrophil count(NE),hemoglobin(Hb),fibrinogen(FIB),abnormal prothrombin(PIVKA-Ⅱ),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),alanine aminotransferase(ALT),total protein(TP),prealbumin(PA),γ-glutamyltransferase(GGT),alkaline phosphatase(ALP),cholinesterase(CHE),total bile acid(TBA),total cholesterol(TC),low density lipoprotein(LDL),creatinine(Cr),HBV DNA,CD3+T cells count,CD4+T cells count,CD8+T cells count,CD4+T cells/CD8+T cells ratio,procalcitonin(PCT),serum amyloid A(SAA),interleukin-6(IL-6),high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),alpha-fetoprotein(AFP),and IL-4(P＜0.05).LASSO regression analysis identified 5 variables:Child-Pugh grade,PVTT,WBC,CHE and hs-CRP.Binary logistic regression analysis indicated that Child-Pugh grade(Grade B:OR=5.780,95％CI 3.271-10.213,P＜0.001;Grade C:OR=14.818,95％CI 7.697-28.526,P＜0.001),PVTT(OR=2.893,95％CI 2.037-4.108,P＜0.001),WBC(OR=1.088,95％CI 1.031-1.148,P=0.002),and hs-CRP(OR=1.005,95％CI 1.001-1.010,P=0.026)were the independent risk factors of spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer patients.Using these 4 variables,a nomogram prediction model was constructed and evaluated.The P-value of the H-L goodness of fit test was 0.760.Moreover,the area under ROC curve(AUC)was 0.866,with a sensitivity of 0.870 and a specificity of 0.716.The average absolute error of the calibration curve is 0.022.DCA and CIC analyses demonstrated that the nomogram prediction model possessed some clinical utility.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model for spontaneous peritonitis in HBV-related primary liver cancer patients,constructed using Child-Pugh grade,PVTT,WBC and hs-CRP,exhibits a high fitting degree and accuracy,with the prediction probability highly consistent with the actual occurrence probability,and possesses certain clinical practicability.