1.Gender-specific patterns of external occipital protuberance hyperplasia: associations with nuchal ligament ossification and cervical sagittal imbalance in myelopathy patients
Zhaoyang GONG ; Hanqiu SUN ; Dachuan LI ; Xiao LU ; Siyang LIU ; Ximeng WANG ; Xinlei XIA ; Feizhou LYU ; Jianyuan JIANG ; Fei ZOU ; Hongli WANG ; Xiaosheng MA
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):10-19
Methods:
Cervical radiographs were analyzed. EOP hyperplasia was classified into three subtypes with standardized length measurements. Variables encompassed demographics, ONL-related indices, and sagittal parameters. Subtype comparisons and multivariate regression analyses (with EOP length as dependent variable) were conducted.
Results:
Analysis of 187 CSM patients (64.2% male) identified gender-specific patterns: males exhibited greater EOP length (9.4±6.8 mm vs. 4.6±3.4 mm, p<0.001). Type III EOP demonstrated male predominance (82.4% vs. type I 31.8%, type II 51.4%; p<0.001), with associated longer hyperplasia length (11.6±6.6 mm vs. type II 5.1±1.9 mm, p<0.001). Type III EOP was associated with higher ONL prevalence (type III 64.8% vs. type I 45.5%, type II 41.9%; p=0.010) and longer ONL osteophyte length (type III 18.8±9.8 mm vs. type I 14.2±8.1 mm, type II 14.2±9.4 mm; p=0.046). Multivariate regression confirmed male sex (β=–3.82, p=0.009), ONL osteophyte length (β=0.16, p=0.017), T1 slope (β=0.27, p=0.041), and spino-cranial angle (β=–0.19, p=0.009) as factors independently associated with EOP length (adjusted R²=0.382).
Conclusions
Severe EOP hyperplasia exhibits a male-predominant distribution pattern and demonstrates significant radiological associations with ONL and cervical sagittal imbalance in CSM patients. These findings advocate for EOP evaluation in clinical evaluations to identify high-risk biomechanical profiles.
2.Evaluation of CARIFS Score and Negative Antigen Conversion Rate of Qingxuan Daozhi Formula in Treatment of Influenza in Children (Heat Accumulation in Lung and Stomach Syndrome):A Multi-center Randomized Controlled Clinical Study
Jing WANG ; Liqun WU ; Tiegang LIU ; Yongning CAO ; Jing QIU ; Jing LI ; Huaqing TAN ; Ying ZHANG ; Xulei GOU ; Jia WANG ; Jing LI ; Haipeng CHEN ; Xueying QIN ; Yuanshuo TIAN ; Yang WANG ; Chen BAI ; Zhendong WANG ; Qianqian LI ; He YU ; Xueyan MA ; Fei DONG ; Lin JIANG ; Yingqi XU ; Jianping LIU ; Xiaohong GU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(13):188-196
ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the syndrome improvement and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome). MethodsThrough a multi-center randomized controlled methodology design,confirmed influenza cases were collected from October 2022 to April 2023 in the pediatrics department of eight hospitals,such as Dongfang Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine. A total of 180 children with influenza and heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome conforming to the standard were recruited through the clinic. The sick children meeting the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into groups by a block-randomized method. The children in the experimental group were treated with Qingxuan Daozhi formula for five days,and those in the control group were treated with Oseltamivir Phosphate Granules for five days. The primary efficacy indicator was the negative conversion rate of influenza antigen detection. Secondary efficacy indicators were the Canadian acute respiratory illness and flu scale (CARIFS) and the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases. Follow-up observation was conducted on the day of enrollment,48 hours after medication,72 hours after medication, and (6+1) d after medication. ResultsOne hundred and eighty participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (90 cases) or the control group (90 cases). All participants were followed up during the study. Comparison of influenza antigen detection results in the primary efficacy indicators showed that the average time of negative influenza antigen conversion in the experimental group was (5.29±1.25) d,and that in the control group was (5.40±1.68) d,without a statistically significant difference. After five days of intervention,52 cases in the experimental group and 51 cases in the control group converted to negative,without a statistically significant difference. CARIFS score results in the secondary efficacy indicators showed that during 72 hours after intervention,there were statistically significant differences between the experimental group and the control group in three dimensions, including headache,muscle soreness, and the need for extra care (P<0.05). On the (6+1) days after the intervention,the differences in both the experimental group and the control group were statistically significant in 10 dimensions, including sore throat,bad sleep,uncomfortable feeling,poor spirit and fatigue,crying more than usual,the need for extra care,symptom,function,influence on parents,and total score (P<0.05). The comparison results within the group in the dimensional scores of symptom, function, and influence on parents,as well as the CARIFS total score showed that with the delay of follow-up time,scores of both groups decreased significantly,with a statistically significant difference (P<0.01). Inter-group comparison results showed that the mean score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group at the time of enrollment. With the progress of intervention,the score of the experimental group was significantly decreased compared with that of the control group. At the end of follow-up,the mean score of the experimental group was lower than that of the control group,with no statistically significant difference. In terms of the incidence of complications,severe cases, and critical cases, there were no complications,severe cases, and critical cases in the two groups,without a statistically significant difference. ConclusionThe symptom improvement effect and negative antigen conversion rate of Qingxuan Daozhi formula in the treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome) are not inferior to Oseltamivir Phosphate granules, and children's acceptance is better. It can be more widely used in clinical treatment of influenza in children (heat accumulation in the lung and stomach syndrome).
3.Investigating Molecular Mechanisms of Qijia Rougan Prescription and Its Key Effect or Ingredients Against Hepatic Fibrosis Based on Macrophage M2 Polarization
Li WEN ; Quansheng FENG ; Cen JIANG ; Baixue LI ; Dong WANG ; Jike LI ; Xia LI ; Fei WAN ; Yanfeng ZHENG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(14):155-165
ObjectiveBased on the regulation of macrophage M2 polarization, this study aims to explore the molecular mechanism and action targets of the Qijia Rougan prescription and its key effector ingredients in anti-fibrosis, thereby providing a basis and reference for the development of new drugs for hepatic fibrosis. MethodsA rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established by subcutaneous injection of 40%CCl4, followed by oral administration of Qijia Rougan granules. The volume of collagen fibers was detected using Masson staining, the fibrosis markers Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA were detected using immunohistochemistry, the proportion of M2 macrophages was detected by flow cytometry. The expression levels of M2 macrophage phenotype markers CD163 and CD206 were detected using immunofluorescence double staining. Western blot was used to detect the levels of the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGFB), interleukin-10 (IL-10), phosphorylated Janus kinase 1 (p-JAK1), and phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 6 (p-STAT6). Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR was used to detect the relative expression levels of JAK1, STAT6, Arginase 1(Arg1), and Fizz1. Based on the theory of serum pharmacology, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry and WENN analysis were used to obtain the active ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription. Molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation were performed to analyze the effector ingredients and their targets. The identified effector ingredients were interfered with IL-4-induced M2 polarization of RAW264.7 macrophage in vitro to validate the targets. ResultsQijia Rougan prescription significantly reduced the content of fibrosis markers α-SMA and Collagen Ⅰ, as well as collagen fiber content (P<0.05). It decreased the proportion of M2 macrophages and the levels of related cytokines IL-10, TGF-β and PDGFB, and up-regulated the levels of p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 (P<0.05). A total of 1 214 compounds were identified from Qijia Rougan prescription, medicated serum and blank serum, and 29 ingredients were finalized by Venn analysis, including 15 blood-entry prototypes and 14 drug metabolites. Molecular docking showed that enoxolone and berberine bound more strongly to JAK1, with binding free energies of -9.6 kcal·mol-1(1 cal≈4.184 J) and -9.1 kcal·mol-1, respectively. Molecular dynamics simulations showed that JAK1-enoxolone and JAK1-berberine exhibited stable simulation trajectories within 100 ns, with essentially identical conformations and high protein overlap before and after simulation. Their binding free energies were -25.18 5.0.81 kcal·mol-1 and -27.39 7.0.85 kcal·mol-1, respectively. The number of hydrogen bonds formed between JAK1 and enoxolone ranges from 0 to 5, and most of the time can be maintained at 2-3. In vitro intervention with enoxolone or berberine significantly reduced p-JAK1 and p-STAT6 levels (P<0.05). ConclusionQijia Rougan prescription inhibits M2 macrophage polarization in hepatic fibrosis. Enoxolone and berberine are the key effector ingredients of Qijia Rougan prescription to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization through targeting JAK1 and modulating the JAK1/STAT6 signaling pathway, thereby ameliorating hepatic fibrosis. This study provides a basis for prescription optimization, clinical application and new drug development, as well as a reference for monolithic anti-hepatic fibrosis research.
4.Platelet-rich plasma injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome
Xiang SHANG ; Fei WANG ; Qiqi YANG ; Tianxin JIANG ; Fen ZHANG ; Sanbing WU ; Yonghui YANG ; Fei LI
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(2):270-279
Objective:
To determine the clinical efficacy of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion for treating patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.
Methods:
One hundred and twenty-eight patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome who visited the Rehabilitation Department and Orthopedics Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2023 to March 2024 and who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were randomly divided into an experimental (n=64) and control group (n=64) using the random number table method. The experimental group was treated with PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion, whereas the control group was treated with normal saline injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion treatment. PRP and normal saline injections were administered once every two weeks, a total of four times. Patients were treated with warm acupuncture and moxibustion once a day, six times a week, for four consecutive weeks. The Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC), Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) syndrome, visual analog scale (VAS), and Lysholm scores were determined before treatment, at week 4 and week 8 of treatment, and week 16 of follow-up. Serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), matrix metalloproteinase-3 (MMP-3), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone gla protein(BGP), and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) levels were compared between the two groups before and after 8 weeks of treatment. The clinical efficacy and safety indicators between the two groups were also compared.
Results:
There was no statistical difference in baseline data such as gender, age, disease duration, and body mass index between the two groups of patients. Compared with before treatment, both groups showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm scores at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. After treatment, serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels decreased, whereas serum OPG and BGP levels increased (P<0.05). Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased WOMAC total and subscale, TCM syndrome total score and symptom scores, and VAS scores, and an increase in Lysholm score at 4, 8, and 16 weeks after treatment. Compared with the control group, patients in the experimental group showed decreased serum IL-6, MMP-3, TNF-α, and COMP levels and an increase in serum OPG and BPG levels after treatment (P<0.05). The total effective rate of the experimental group was 91.94%, higher than that of the control group (81.97%; P<0.05).
Conclusion
PRP injection combined with warm acupuncture and moxibustion can improve various TCM symptoms, improve knee joint function and bone metabolism, and reduce inflammation in patients with knee osteoarthritis and cold dampness obstruction syndrome.
5.Clinical Efficacy of Gandou Fumu Granules in Intervention of Liver Fibrosis in WD Patients with Phlegm and Blood Stasis Syndrome and Effect on Cuproptosis-related Indicators
Fei WANG ; Zhenzhen JIANG ; Yimin CHEN ; Zhuang TAO ; Meixia WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(4):174-181
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of Gandou Fumu Granules (GDFMG) combined with sodium dimercaptosulphonate (DMPS) on liver fibrosis in Wilson disease (WD) patients with the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis, evaluate its effect on cuproptosis-related indicators, and explore the possible mechanisms of cuproptosis in WD-related liver fibrosis. MethodsSixty WD patients diagnosed with the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis between January 2023 and December 2023 were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, with 30 patients in each group. The control group received the copper chelator DMPS for the first 6 days, followed by calcium gluconate injection for the next 2 days, completing an 8-day treatment cycle. The observation group received GDFMG in addition to the treatment regimen of the control group, with both groups treated for 21 cycles. A Beckman fully automated biochemical analyzer was used to detect levels of type Ⅳ collagen (CⅣ), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), N-terminal propeptide of type Ⅲ procollagen (PⅢ-NP), and serum copper (SCu) before and after treatment in both groups. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to measure levels of ferredoxin 1 (FDX1), lipoic acid synthetase (LIAS), and dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase (DLAT). Atomic absorption spectroscopy measured 24-hour urine copper levels before treatment and after the 7, 14, and 21 treatment cycles in both groups. An Fibro Touch (FT) non-invasive liver fibrosis diagnostic device was used to measure liver stiffness (LSM) in both groups before and after treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine syndrome score (TCMSS) was evaluated at the same intervals. Clinical efficacy, adverse events, and safety indicators were also compared. ResultsAfter treatment, levels of CⅣ, HA, LN, and PⅢNP significantly decreased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.01). The observation group showed a more pronounced reduction compared to the control group (P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in SCu levels in both groups before and after treatment. After treatment, levels of FDX1,LIAS and DLAT significantly increased in both groups(P<0.01). The observation group showed more notable improvements in these indicators than the control group (P<0.05). After the 7, 14, 21 treatment cycles, 24-hour urine copper levels significantly increased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.01). The observation group had a greater increase in 24-hour urine copper levels than the control group after treatment (P<0.05,P<0.01), and although 24-hour urine copper levels increased after 7 cycles, a gradual decline was observed in subsequent cycles. After treatment, LSM levels significantly decreased in both groups compared to pre-treatment levels (P<0.01), with the observation group showing a greater reduction than the control group (P<0.05). Clinical efficacy was significantly better in the observation group than the control group (P<0.05). No significant differences in the incidence of adverse events or safety indicators were observed between the two groups after treatment. ConclusionGDFMG combined with DMPS can reduce LSM in WD patients with liver fibrosis and the syndrome of phlegm and blood stasis, inhibit cuproptosis, and improve clinical efficacy.
7.Glucocorticoid Discontinuation in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis under Background of Chinese Medicine: Challenges and Potentials Coexist.
Chuan-Hui YAO ; Chi ZHANG ; Meng-Ge SONG ; Cong-Min XIA ; Tian CHANG ; Xie-Li MA ; Wei-Xiang LIU ; Zi-Xia LIU ; Jia-Meng LIU ; Xiao-Po TANG ; Ying LIU ; Jian LIU ; Jiang-Yun PENG ; Dong-Yi HE ; Qing-Chun HUANG ; Ming-Li GAO ; Jian-Ping YU ; Wei LIU ; Jian-Yong ZHANG ; Yue-Lan ZHU ; Xiu-Juan HOU ; Hai-Dong WANG ; Yong-Fei FANG ; Yue WANG ; Yin SU ; Xin-Ping TIAN ; Ai-Ping LYU ; Xun GONG ; Quan JIANG
Chinese journal of integrative medicine 2025;31(7):581-589
OBJECTIVE:
To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM).
METHODS:
This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis.
RESULTS:
Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings.
CONCLUSIONS
RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult
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Aged
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Female
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Humans
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Male
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Middle Aged
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Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy*
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Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use*
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Medicine, Chinese Traditional
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Retrospective Studies
8.Research on objective evaluation of pilot ground simulation ejection training based on pressure detection
Yanpeng ZHAO ; Weiping BU ; Shu ZHANG ; Fei SHI ; Heqing LIU ; Yan JIANG ; Yining ZHANG ; Xinpo SONG ; Lei WANG
Space Medicine & Medical Engineering 2025;36(3):236-240
Objective In response to the practical issues of pilot ground simulation ejection training relying on subjective evaluation,which requires high professionalism and lacks objectivity and systematicity,an objective evaluation system and method for ejection training based on pressure detection has been designed.Methods According to the rules of ejection training about posture,maneuver and time,and utilizing technologies such as pressure detection,infrared detection,and time-triggered detection,this paper designed separate modules for ejection posture detection,ejection timing detection,and comprehensive analysis and evaluation.These modules are closely integrated with the ejection training process,achieving objective evaluation of the ejection training.Results This system and method can provide a scientific and real-time objective evaluation of the posture,movements,and time in ejection training without affecting the normal organization and process.Conclusion The objective evaluation system can provide a new approach that is highly objective and easy to operate for comprehensively evaluating and enhancing the effectiveness of ejection training,as well as for scientifically conducting ejection training and assessment.
9.Analysis of psychological crisis related factors of college students based on the dual factor model of mental health
SUN Yujing, YIN Fei, WANG Mingliang, JIANG Wenlong, ZHANG Jing
Chinese Journal of School Health 2025;46(6):847-851
Objective:
To analyze the current status and influencing factors of psychological crisis among college students, so as to provide a scientific basis for the formulation of psychological crisis intervention plans in colleges and universities.
Methods:
From September to December 2024, 645 college students from a medical undergraduate university in Heilongjiang Province were selected with a convenience sampling method. A convergent mixed analysis design was used. Quantitative analysis was conducted using College Students Psychological Crisis Screening Scale, Emotion Regulation Questionnaire, Short-Egna Minnen av Barndoms Uppfostran and Perceived School Climate Scale. Binary Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the related factors of psychological crisis among college students. Qualitative research was conducted on 15 college students with psychological crisis identified in the quantitative analysis by a purposive sampling method. The interview data were organized and analyzed using the thematic framework analysis method.
Results:
Among the surveyed college students, 92 (14.3%) had psychological crisis. Binary Logistic regression analysis results showed that positive parenting style ( OR=0.97,95%CI =0.95-0.99), negative parenting style ( OR=1.01,95%CI =1.00-1.02), cognitive reappraisal ( OR=0.88, 95%CI =0.83-0.92), expressive suppression ( OR=1.08, 95%CI =1.02-1.15), and perceived campus atmosphere ( OR=0.97, 95%CI =0.95-0.98) were all related factors of psychological crisis among college students ( P <0.05). The qualitative analysis results showed that there were three themes for the influencing factors of college students psychological crisis, including differential impact of emotion regulation strategies on psychological state, shaping of psychological state of college students by family and bidirectional effect of perceived campus atmosphere on psychological state. Mixed analysis results showed that the influencing factors of college students psychological crisis were consistent in terms of emotion regulation strategies, and were expansive in terms of parenting style and perceived campus atmosphere.
Conclusion
Schools and mental health service departments can reduce the risk of psychological crisis by optimizing cognitive reappraisal and reducing expressive suppression, improve the level of psychological crisis by strengthening positive family interaction and blocking negative parenting style, and maintain the mental health level of college students by building a supportive campus environment and alleviating high pressure.
10.A cohort study of lipid levels and recurrence risk of ischemic stroke in a community-based natural population in Songjiang District, Shanghai
Yangbo GENG ; Huayuan FEI ; Yunlong KAN ; Minhua TANG ; Yunhui WANG ; Jianguo YU ; Jiedong XU ; Yiling WU ; Genming ZHAO ; Yonggen JIANG ; Yan JIN
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(7):562-568
ObjectiveTo investigate the recurrence of ischemic stroke (IS) and to analyze the association between four indices of total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and triglycerides (TG) and the risk of IS recurrence by analyzing the follow-up data related to IS in the community-based natural population of Songjiang District, Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for improving the prognosis of stroke patients in the community and controlling IS recurrence. MethodsA prospective follow-up study was conducted among the IS patients in the community-based cohort population, collecting data about patient’s age, gender, disease history, biochemical indicators, and etc. Cox regression model and restricted cubic spline model were used to analyze the relationship between different levels of plasma lipids and the recurrence of IS in these patients. ResultsA total of 1 368 patients with IS were included. The total follow-up duration was 7 171.46 person-years, with a median follow-up time of 6.24 years. There were 420 cases of IS recurrence, resulting in a cumulative recurrence rate of 30.70%. The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the recurrence risk of IS was reduced when the baseline TC and LDL-C levels of IS patients were in the ranges of 4.65‒5.67 mmol·L-1 and 2.52‒3.46 mmol·L-1, respectively. The results of restricted cubic spline analysis showed a U-shaped relationship between baseline TC and LDL-C levels and the recurrence risk in IS patients. ConclusionThe cumulative recurrence rate of patients with IS in the community of Songjiang District in Shanghai is high, and the levels of TC and LDL-C at baseline survey are correlated with the recurrence of IS in these patients. It is suggested to pay more attention to the levels of LDL-C and TC in patients with IS, so as to improve the prognosis.


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