1.Association between cardiovascular health scores and visual impairment among U.S. adults: A crosssectional study using NHANES 2013 to 2018
Mengyu LIU ; Qinghua REN ; Baohua LI ; Mingming ZHANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Jianquan WANG ; Xin YAN ; Danyu LI ; Juan CHENG ; Zefeng KANG
Science of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2026;4(3):270-279
Background: Visual impairment is increasingly prevalent, underscoring the need for effective prevention strategies. This study investigated the association between cardiovascular health and visual impairment using three progressively developed metrics: Life’s Simple 7 (LS7), a cardiovascular health score developed by the American Heart Association based on 7 components, including physical activity, smoking status, body mass index (BMI), diet, blood glucose, blood pressure, and total cholesterol; Life’s Essential 8(LE8), which adds sleep health as an additional component; and Life’s Crucial 9 (LC9), which further incorporates mental health. We aimed to evaluate whether these expanded metrics provide additional explanatory value and to inform future public health strategies. Objective: To investigate the associations among LS7, LE8, and LC9 cardiovascular health scores and visual impairment in National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2013 to 2018, assess the added value of sleep and mental health components, and identify key contributing subcomponents using regression and machine learning methods. Methods: We analyzed data from 9891 participants in the 2013 to 2018 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Multivariable logistic regression, restricted cubic spline modeling, and subgroup analyses were conducted to evaluate the association between cardiovascular health and visual impairment. Machine learning methods, including Random Forest and SHapley Additive exPlanations, a model interpretation approach used to assess feature importance, were applied. The Boruta algorithm, a feature selection method, was used to identify key subcomponents of cardiovascular health. Results: Participants with visual impairment were older, had lower poverty-to-income ratios, and exhibited lower cardiovascular health scores (LS7, LE8, and LC9). Higher cardiovascular health scores were negatively associated with visual impairment. Each one standard deviation increase in LS7, LE8, and LC9 was associated with approximately 8%, 2%, and 3% lower odds of visual impairment, respectively. LS7 showed the strongest negative association, whereas LE8 and LC9 emerged as the most important predictors in the machine learning models. Key subcomponents such as blood glucose, blood pressure, and BMI, as well as mental health status, were strongly associated with visual impairment. Conclusion: Higher cardiovascular health scores were negatively associated with visual impairment. LS7 demonstrated the strongest statistical association, whereas LE8 and LC9 were the most influential features in the machine learning models. Blood glucose, blood pressure, BMI, and mental health status were important correlates of visual impairment. From the perspective of the “prevention and treatment of diseases” in traditional Chinese medicine and the holistic concept, the aforementioned research findings confirm that severe visual impairment is indeed an external manifestation of overall health imbalance (such as organ dysfunction and Qi deficiency and blood stasis). The prevention strategy lies in comprehensively adjusting lifestyle, emotional factors, and metabolic indicators (corresponding to the key factors in the study) to restore the body’s internal balance and achieve prevention before disease arises.
2.Predictive value of D-dimer for in-hospital mortality and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Jianquan LIAO ; Yinman WANG ; Haibin CHEN ; Yong FU ; Huaxing GAO ; Runda WU ; Zhixiang WANG ; Kang YAO ; Junbo GE
Chinese Journal of Clinical Medicine 2026;33(5):790-796
Objective To investigate the predictive value of D-dimer for in-hospital mortality and heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) in patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Methods A total of 688 patients with AMI who were hospitalized at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, from January 2020 to December 2023 were retrospectively enrolled. Demographic and clinical characteristics, laboratory findings, echocardiographic parameters, and in-hospital outcomes were collected. Patients were divided into four groups according to D-dimer quartiles, and trend tests were used to compare changes in each indicator with increasing D-dimer levels. The primary endpoints were in-hospital mortality and HFrEF. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the independent associations of D-dimer with in-hospital mortality and HFrEF. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate its predictive performance. Results Differences and trend tests among four groups for age, creatinine, peak cardiac troponin T, N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), left ventricular ejection fraction, HFrEF incidence, and in-hospital mortality were statistically significant (P<0.05). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that elevated D-dimer was associated with an increased risk of in-hospital mortality in patients with AMI (OR=1.251, 95%CI 1.093–1.432, P=0.001), and HFrEF (OR=1.075, 95%CI 1.028–1.124, P=0.002). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of D-dimer for predicting in-hospital mortality and HFrEF were 0.871 and 0.716, respectively. At a cutoff value of 0.47 mg/L, the sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer in predicting HFrEF were 81.9% and 52.1%, respectively; at a cutoff value of 2.18 mg/L, the sensitivity and specificity of D-dimer in predicting in-hospital mortality were 63.6% and 93.8%, respectively. Restricted cubic spline analysis demonstrated significant non-linear associations between D-dimer and the risks of in-hospital mortality and HFrEF (P<0.001). Conclusions Elevated D-dimer level is significantly associated with increased risks of in-hospital mortality and HFrEF in patients with AMI and shows acceptable predictive performance. As a simple and readily available laboratory biomarker, D-dimer may provide useful information for early risk stratification and clinical management in patients with AMI.
3.Therapeutic Efficacy of Wenyang Yiqi Therapy Combined with Alendronate Sodium Vitamin D3 for Osteoporosis in the Elderly and Its Effect on Bone Metabolism and Serum Inflammatory Factors
Zhengkai WANG ; Gen ZHANG ; Zhenfeng LIU ; Haoxia YANG ; Jianquan HE
Journal of Guangzhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;42(3):614-620
Objective To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of Wenyang Yiqi Therapy,the method of warming yang and replenishing qi in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM),combined with Alendronate Sodium Vitamin D3 in the treatment of elderly patients with osteoporosis(OP)of the spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome,and to observe its effect on bone metabolism and serum inflammatory factors.Methods A total of 110 cases of elderly patients with OP of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome who admitted to the Department of Orthopedics and Traumatology of Traditional Chinese Medicine of Wuxi Ninth People's Hospital from October 2021 to October 2023 were randomly divided into a trial group and a control group,with 55 patients in each group.The two groups were treated with Alendronate Sodium Vitamin D3,and additionally the trial group was treated with Wenyang Yiqi Therapy by using Chinese herbal medicines of Epimedii Folium,Astragali Radix,Ostreae Concha,Angelicae Sinensis Radix,Cyathulae Radix,Psoraleae Fructus,Taxilli Herba,etc.The course of treatment for the two groups covered three months.Before and after treatment,the two groups were observed in the changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,bone mineral density(BMD),Visual Analogue Scale(VAS)score of pain,bone metabolism indicators of β-C-terminal telopeptide of type 1 collagen(β-CTX),total procollagen type 1 N-terminal propeptide(PINP)and bone gla-protein(BGP),and serum inflammatory factor indicators of interleukin 6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α)].After treatment,the clinical efficacy of the two groups of patients was evaluated.Results(1)After three months of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 94.55%(52/55)and that of the control group was 74.55%(41/55),and the intergroup comparison(tested by chi-square test)showed that the efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(2)After treatment,the scores of TCM symptoms of soreness and weakness in the waist and knee,aversion of cold with cold limbs,fatigue and tiredness,and nocturnal frequent polyuria in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(3)After treatment,the BMD of patients in the two groups were increased(P<0.05)while the pain VAS scores were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the increase in BMD and the decrease in pain VAS score of the trial group were significantly superior to that of the control group(P<0.01).(4)After treatment,the serum levels of bone metabolism indicators of β-CTX and PINP in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the serum BGP level was increased compared with that before treatment(P<0.05).And the decrease of the serum β-CTX and PINP levels as well as the increase of the serum BGP levels in the trial group were significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).(5)After treatment,the serum levels of inflammatory factors of IL-6 and TNF-αof patients in the two groups were decreased compared with those before treatment(P<0.05),and the decrease in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P<0.01).Conclusion Wenyang Yiqi Therapy combined with Alendronate Sodium Vitamin D3 exerts certain efficacy in the treatment of elderly patients with OP of spleen-kidney yang deficiency syndrome.The combined therapy is effective on alleviating the symptoms such as soreness in the waist and legs,improving bone metabolism,increasing BMD,and inhibiting the inflammatory responses,which will provide evidence for the clinical treatment.
4.Biomechanical characteristics of lower limbs after discoid lateral meniscus injury surgery.
Zirui ZHOU ; Siqi WANG ; Xiaojing TIAN ; Bingbing XU ; Mingming LEI ; Jianquan WANG
Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery 2025;39(7):891-895
OBJECTIVE:
To review the research progress on the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of patients with discoid lateral meniscus (DLM) injury after surgery.
METHODS:
By searching relevant domestic and international research literature on DLM, the postoperative characteristics of knee joint movement biomechanics, tibiofemoral joint stress distribution, lower extremity force line, and patellofemoral joint changes in patients with DLM injury were summarized.
RESULTS:
Surgical treatment can lead to varying degrees of changes in the lower limb biomechanical characteristics of patients with DLM injury. Specifically, the kinematic biomechanics of the knee joint can significantly improve, but there are still problems such as extension deficits in the affected knee joint. The peak stress of the tibiofemoral joint decreases with the increase of the residual meniscus volume, and the degree of change is closely related to the residual meniscus volume. Preserving a larger volume of the meniscus, especially the anterior horn volume, helps to reduce stress concentration. The lower extremity force line will deviate outward after surgery, and the more meniscus is removed during surgery, the greater the change in the lower extremity force line after surgery. There are conditions such as cartilage degeneration, position and angle changes in the patellofemoral joint after surgery.
CONCLUSION
The changes in the lower limb biomechanical characteristics after DLM injury are closely related to the choice of surgical methods and rehabilitation programs. However, the mechanisms of biomechanical changes in multiple lower limb joints and individual differences still need to be further studied and clarified.
Humans
;
Biomechanical Phenomena
;
Tibial Meniscus Injuries/physiopathology*
;
Menisci, Tibial/physiopathology*
;
Knee Joint/surgery*
;
Lower Extremity/physiopathology*
;
Patellofemoral Joint/physiopathology*
;
Range of Motion, Articular
;
Knee Injuries/physiopathology*
5.Mechanism of Mingshi Prescription in Regulating Opn4-dopamine Axis to Inhibit Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Delay Myopia Progression
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Lulu WANG ; Xin YAN ; Jianquan WANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Bobiao NING ; Shanshan YE ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI ; Danyu LI
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(18):58-67
ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism by which Mingshi prescription regulates the retinal melanopsin-dopamine (Opn4-DA) axis in myopic mice to inhibit endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in the retina and sclera, thereby delaying axial elongation associated with myopia. MethodsSixty 4-week-old male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a normal group, a form-deprived myopia group (FDM group), an intrinsically photosensitive retinal ganglion cells ablation group (ipRGCs group), a Mingshi Prescription group (MSF group, 5.2 g·kg-1), and an ipRGCs + MSF group (5.2 g·kg-1). Except for the normal group, all other groups underwent FDM modeling. Additionally, the ipRGCs and ipRGCs + MSF groups received retinal ipRGC ablation. Three weeks after modeling, the MSF and ipRGCs + MSF groups were administered Mingshi prescription via continuous gavage for six weeks. After refraction and axial length were measured in all mice, eyeballs were collected along with retinal and scleral tissues. Pathological and morphological changes in the retina, choroid, and sclera were observed using periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) staining. Western blot was employed to detect the relative protein expression levels of dopamine D1 receptor (DRD1), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78) in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Real-time PCR was used to detect the relative mRNA expression of Opn4, CHOP, and GRP78 in the retina, and CHOP and GRP78 in the sclera. Immunofluorescence staining (IF) was performed to detect the expression of Opn4 and DRD1 in retinal tissues. ResultsCompared with the normal group, the FDM group showed a significant myopic shift in refraction (P<0.05) and a significant increase in axial length (P<0.05). The retinal layers were thinner, the number of ganglion cells was reduced, and collagen fibers in the sclera were loosely arranged with evident gaps. Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina were significantly decreased (P<0.05), while CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retinal and scleral tissues were significantly increased (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the ipRGCs group exhibited further increases in myopic refraction and axial length (P<0.05), more pronounced thinning and looseness in the retinal, choroidal, and scleral layers, lower expression of Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA in the retina (P<0.05), and higher expression of CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA in the retina and sclera (P<0.05). Compared with the FDM group, the MSF group showed significantly reduced refractive error and axial length (P<0.05), with improved cellular number, arrangement, and thickness in ocular tissues, increased Opn4 and DRD1 protein and mRNA expression in the retina (P<0.05), and reduced CHOP and GRP78 protein and mRNA expression in both retina and sclera (P<0.05). Similarly, the ipRGCs + MSF group showed significant improvements in terms of the above items compared with the ipRGCs group (P<0.05). ConclusionMingshi Prescription delays myopic axial elongation and refractive progression by regulating the Opn4-DA axis in the retina of myopic mice, thereby inhibiting ER stress in the retina and sclera. This intervention promotes Qi and blood nourishment of the eyes, softens the fascia, and restores ocular rhythm.
6.Analysis of prognostic risk factors for chronic active antibody-mediated rejection after kidney transplantation
Yu HUI ; Hao JIANG ; Zheng ZHOU ; Linkun HU ; Liangliang WANG ; Hao PAN ; Xuedong WEI ; Yuhua HUANG ; Jianquan HOU
Organ Transplantation 2025;16(4):565-573
Objective To investigate the independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of chronic active antibody-mediated rejection (caAMR) after kidney transplantation. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 61 patients who underwent renal biopsy and were diagnosed with caAMR. The patients were divided into caAMR group (n=41) and caAMR+TCMR group (n=20) based on the presence or absence of concurrent acute T cell-mediated rejection (TCMR). The patients were followed up for 3 years. The value of 24-hour urinary protein and estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) at the time of biopsy in predicting graft loss was assessed using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The independent risk factors affecting caAMR prognosis were analyzed using the LASSO-Cox regression model. The correlation between grouping, outcomes, and Banff scores was compared using Spearman rank correlation matrix analysis. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the renal allograft survival rates of each subgroup. Results The 3-year renal allograft survival rates for the caAMR group and the caAMR+TCMR group were 83% and 79%, respectively. The area under the ROC curve (AUC) for predicting 3-year renal allograft loss was 0.83 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.70-0.97] for eGFR and 0.78 (95% CI 0.61-0.96) for 24-hour urinary protein at the time of biopsy. LASSO-Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed that eGFR≤25.23 mL/(min·1.73 m²) and the presence of donor-specific antibody (DSA) against human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class I might be independent risk factors affecting renal allograft prognosis, with hazard ratios of 7.67 (95% CI 2.18-27.02) and 5.13 (95% CI 1.33-19.80), respectively. A strong correlation was found between the Banff chronic lesion indicators of renal interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (P<0.05). Conclusions The presence of HLA class I DSA and eGFR≤25.23 mL/(min·1.73 m²) at the time of biopsy may be independent risk factors affecting the prognosis of caAMR.
7.Research on the protection of patients'rights in pre-hospital emergency care based on judicial judgments
Jianquan PAN ; Ping WANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(8):1038-1045
In China's medical practice,the protection of patients'rights in pre-hospital emergency care still faces numerous challenges,with cases of infringement of patients'rights occurring frequently.By analyzing 71 cases of medical disputes on pre-hospital emergency care from the China Judgements Online from 2017 to 2024,this paper revealed several issues in the protection of patients'rights in this field,such as the lack of specialized legislation,unclear scope of patients,vague starting time point of the doctor-patient relationship,and insufficient protection of patients'basic rights.Based on these,this paper proposed countermeasures,including strengthening specialized legislation in the field of pre-hospital emergency care,clearly defining the scope of patients,establishing the specific contents of pre-hospital medical contracts,and increasing the protection of patients'basic rights,aiming to promote the construction of a more sound and systematic pre-hospital emergency care legal system.
8.Research on the protection of patients'rights in pre-hospital emergency care based on judicial judgments
Jianquan PAN ; Ping WANG ; Jing ZHANG
Chinese Medical Ethics 2025;38(8):1038-1045
In China's medical practice,the protection of patients'rights in pre-hospital emergency care still faces numerous challenges,with cases of infringement of patients'rights occurring frequently.By analyzing 71 cases of medical disputes on pre-hospital emergency care from the China Judgements Online from 2017 to 2024,this paper revealed several issues in the protection of patients'rights in this field,such as the lack of specialized legislation,unclear scope of patients,vague starting time point of the doctor-patient relationship,and insufficient protection of patients'basic rights.Based on these,this paper proposed countermeasures,including strengthening specialized legislation in the field of pre-hospital emergency care,clearly defining the scope of patients,establishing the specific contents of pre-hospital medical contracts,and increasing the protection of patients'basic rights,aiming to promote the construction of a more sound and systematic pre-hospital emergency care legal system.
9.PLIN2: a potential prognostic markers of early-stage atypical endometrial hyperplasia
Chao LIAN ; Minling HE ; Chengcheng ZHAO ; Tianming WANG ; Fang TONG ; Jianquan CHEN ; Rong JU
Journal of Gynecologic Oncology 2025;36(5):e84-
Objective:
In the background of endometrial hyperplasia triggered by obesity and estrogen, could the perilipin 2 (PLIN2) serve as a possible prognostic marker for early atypical endometrial hyperplasia (AEH)?
Methods:
A retrospective study examined blood lipid levels in endometrial cancer (EC) or AEH patients. An AEH mice model was established administrating with estradiol and/or high-fat (HF) diet. Hematoxylin and eosin staining were employed to assess pathological changes in the endometrium. Immunohistochemical staining were employed to evaluate the expression of adipose metabolism and endometrial hyperplasia proteins. The Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, cell colony-forming assays, and western blotting were utilized to verify the impact of oleic acid (OA) on HEC-1A cells.
Results:
The retrospective study revealed elevated blood lipid levels among patients with EC or AEH. Prolonged HF diet stimulated the endometrium to exhibit features of complex atypical hyperplasia. In the early stage, PLIN2 (p=0.006) expression significantly increased with endometrial glandular hyperplasia. Both PLIN2 (p=0.008) and progesterone receptor (PR; p=0.019) exhibited elevated expression concurrent with simple endometrial hyperplasia.When AEH occurred, there were notable rise in the expression of PLIN2 (p<0.001), PR (p=0.044), and estrogen receptor (p=0.045). The atypical hyperplasia glands demonstrated notably elevated PLIN2 expression in comparison to surrounding normal glands in AEH lesions. OA was found to enhance the proliferation and clonal formation of HEC-1A cells.HEC-1A cells induced by OA demonstrated elevated autophagy levels accompanied by enhanced expression of PLIN2.
Conclusion
PLIN2 may potentially serve as a biomarker for early development of AEH and EC, facilitating diagnosis and intervention and contributing to the determination of prognosis.
10.Causal relationship between sex steroid hormones and myopia:a Mendelian randomization study
Baohua LI ; Zefeng KANG ; Mingming ZHANG ; Xinyue HOU ; Jianquan WANG ; Danyu LI ; Mengyu LIU ; Yipeng SHI
Recent Advances in Ophthalmology 2024;44(12):961-966
Objective To analyze the causal relationship between serum sex steroid hormone levels and myopia with the Mendelian randomization(MR)methods.Methods Sex hormone genetic tools classified by sex were publicly availa-ble summarized statistical data from the Genome-wide association study(GWAS)of the UK Biobank Consortium on sex hormone-binding globulin(SHBG),total testosterone(TT),bioavailable testosterone(BT),and estradiol(E2).The GWAS summarized statistical data for myopia were obtained from publicly available data published by the FinnGen Consorti-um R10.All data were downloaded from April 18 to April 31,2024 from the corresponding databases and analyzed.All re-sults from the MR study were mainly analyzed by inverse-variance weighting(IVW)method.Results The study showed that a higher serum SHBG level in European increased the risk of myopia development in women(IVW,OR=1.152,95%CI:1.014-1.308,P=0.029);low serum TT level(IVW,OR=0.821,95%CI:0.697-0.967,P=0.018)and serum BT lev-el(IVW,OR=0.820,95%CI:0.691-0.972,P=0.022)increased the risk of myopia development in women.There was no causal relationship between serum SHBG,TT,and BT levels and myopia in men.There was no causal effect between E2 level and myopia in women and men.The stability of our findings was supported by sensitivity analysis.Conclusion In-creased serum SHBG level and decreased serum TT and BT levels are associated with an increased risk of myopia in women,whereas no such association is found in men.There is no causal relationship between E2 and myopia.

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