Objectives:To investigate the predictive value of epicardial fat volume(EFV)and atrioventricular groove fat thickness(AVGT)—morphological biomarkers of epicardial adipose tissue—for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods:This study enrolled 216 DCM patients.EFV and AVGT were obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR).Patients were divided into event-free group(n=142)and event group(n=74)based on MACE occurrence during follow-up.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to determine optimal cutoff values.Survival differences were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis,Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors,and restricted cubic spline(RCS)models were used to evaluate dose-response relationships.Results:AVGT and EFV were significantly higher in the event group than in event-free group(both P<0.05).ROC analysis identified optimal MACE-predicting cutoffs as follows:AVGT≥7.74 mm(area under the curve[AUC]=0.57)and EFV≥78.6 ml(AUC=0.62).Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly lower MACE-free survival rates in patients with AVGT≥7.74 mm and EFV≥78.6 ml(both P<0.05).Cox regression analysis confirmed that AVGT(HR=2.18,95%CI:1.34-3.54)and EFV(HR=1.81,95%CI:1.11-2.96)were independent MACE risk factors(both P<0.05)in this patient cohort.RCS models demonstrated the significant linear associations between EFV/AVGT and MACE risk(bothoverall P<0.05).Conclusions:EFV and AVGT,the non-invasive imaging biomarkers quantifying and characterizing fat distribution,are independently correlated with elevated MACE risk in DCM patients.These metrics serve as potential prognostic indicators,enriching risk stratification indicators for early identification of high-risk patients and guiding personalized medication strategies.

Objectives:To investigate the predictive value of epicardial fat volume(EFV)and atrioventricular groove fat thickness(AVGT)—morphological biomarkers of epicardial adipose tissue—for major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods:This study enrolled 216 DCM patients.EFV and AVGT were obtained from cardiac magnetic resonance imaging(CMR).Patients were divided into event-free group(n=142)and event group(n=74)based on MACE occurrence during follow-up.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was used to determine optimal cutoff values.Survival differences were assessed using Kaplan-Meier analysis,Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to identify independent risk factors,and restricted cubic spline(RCS)models were used to evaluate dose-response relationships.Results:AVGT and EFV were significantly higher in the event group than in event-free group(both P<0.05).ROC analysis identified optimal MACE-predicting cutoffs as follows:AVGT≥7.74 mm(area under the curve[AUC]=0.57)and EFV≥78.6 ml(AUC=0.62).Kaplan-Meier analysis revealed significantly lower MACE-free survival rates in patients with AVGT≥7.74 mm and EFV≥78.6 ml(both P<0.05).Cox regression analysis confirmed that AVGT(HR=2.18,95%CI:1.34-3.54)and EFV(HR=1.81,95%CI:1.11-2.96)were independent MACE risk factors(both P<0.05)in this patient cohort.RCS models demonstrated the significant linear associations between EFV/AVGT and MACE risk(bothoverall P<0.05).Conclusions:EFV and AVGT,the non-invasive imaging biomarkers quantifying and characterizing fat distribution,are independently correlated with elevated MACE risk in DCM patients.These metrics serve as potential prognostic indicators,enriching risk stratification indicators for early identification of high-risk patients and guiding personalized medication strategies.

Object·To explore the effects of comorbid obsessive-compulsive personality disorder(OCPD)on the behavioral inhibition system(BIS)/behavioral activation system(BAS)in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD).Methods·A total of 247 patients with unmedicated OCD diagnosed in the Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2014 to 2018 were included and divided into an OCD group(n=202),and an OCD+OCPD group(n=45),and 107 healthy controls were recruited as a comparison group.Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsion Scale(YBOCS),BIS/BAS Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)were used to assess psychopathological features.Gender differences among the three groups were analyzed using the x2 test.One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to compare differences in demographic characteristics,psychopathological features,and BIS/BAS scores,followed by the least significant difference(LSD)test for pairwise comparisons.Regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between psychopathological features and BIS/BAS scores.Results·There were no significant differences in gender,age,and years of education among the three groups.The scores of YBOCS(t=2.925,P=0.004),HAMD(t=2.130,P=0.034)and HAMA(t=2.568,P=0.011)in the OCD+OCPD group were significantly higher than those in the OCD group.There were statistically significant differences in BIS and BAS scores among the three groups(BIS:F=39.573,P＜0.001;BAS:F=3.915,P=0.021).The results showed that for BIS,there were statistically significant differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups(OCD+OCPD vs OCD:P=0.002;OCD+OCPD vs HC:P＜0.001;OCD vs HC:P＜0.001),and the scores were OCD+OCPD＜OCD＜HC from low to high.For BAS,the OCD group scored significantly higher than the OCD+OCPD and HC groups(OCD+OCPD vs OCD:P=0.018;OCD vs HC:P=0.043),but there was no significant difference between the OCD+OCPD and HC groups.Regression models of BIS and BAS were constructed for OCD patients with OCPD,and the results showed that the overall prediction effect of the model was significant for BIS total scores(F=2.599,P=0.013).Only the severity of OCPD symptoms can significantly predict BIS scores(t=-2.282,P=0.023).For BAS total scores,the overall prediction effect of the model was not significant(F=1.438,P=0.191).Conclusion·Comorbid OCPD may be an adverse factor for abnormal BIS and a protective factor for abnormal BAS in patients with OCD.

In order to further promote the standardization of the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine treatment of atopic dermatitis(AD),the team of Professor Chen Dacan,who is honored as the Qihuang Scholar,developed the Clinical Practice Guidelines for Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine in Atopic Dermatitis(hereinafter referred to as Guidelines for AD).This paper detailed the process of development of Guidelines for AD,and analyzed the characteristics of Guidelines for AD,as well as the difficulties and countermeasures encountered during such a time.The development of Guidelines for AD follows the methodology of international guidelines for clinical trial.Experts specializing in various disciplines,such as traditional Chinese medicine,western medicine,integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine,and methodology,composed an expert group and a working group.On the basis of systematic literature research,the clinic experiences of frontline experts were well-summarized,and the draft of Guidelines for AD was formed after several meetings and discussions.In the process of developing Guidelines for AD,quite a number of problems were encountered,and the project team found the corresponding countermeasures after analyzing these problems.The countermeasures became the characteristics of Guidelines for AD:the integration of traditional Chinese medicine therapies and western medicine therapies,and the evaluation of the evidence of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine solved the problem of traditional Chinese and western medicine diagnosis and treatment of AD lacking standardization;the adequately combination of the evidence with the experience of clinical practice solved the problems of the low overall level and the insufficiency of traditional Chinese medicine evidence for AD;the establishment of management goals and strategies for AD after taking the advantages of both traditional Chinese medicine and western medicine into account was in line with the international treatment and management concepts;the formulation of individualized traditional Chinese and western medicine therapy based on the integration of traditional Chinese medicine therapy and western medicine therapy met the clinical needs of patients with different characteristics of AD.The development process of Guidelines for AD and the analysis of problems and countermeasures during such a time will provide reference and reflection for the subsequent establishment of clinical guidelines for the integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in other diseases.

Objective To construct a decision support education program for the family members of patients with advanced cancer and to investigate its application effects,so as to improve understanding and acceptance of hospice care for family members of advanced cancer patients.Methods Using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework as a theoretical guide,the program was initially drafted based on a literature review,qualitative interview and expert consultation.From September 2023 to January 2024,a convenience sampling method was used to select patients' families in a tertiary-level hospital in Tianjin as the research subjects,and they were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group.The experimental group received the decision support education program in addition to routine care,while the control group received routine care.Family members' knowledge about hospice,the scores on the Death Attitude Profile Scale,and their willingness to choose hospice care were compared before and after the interventions.Results The program finally included 4 first-level items,15 second-level items,and 59 third-level items.During the program implementation phase,4 cases withdrew from the study,resulting in 46 cases in the experimental group and 47 cases in the control group.After intervention,the experimental group had higher scores on hospice knowledge and positive attitude towards death than the control group,while scores on negative attitude towards death were lower(P＜0.05);their willingness to choose hospice care for themselves and for the patients was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The hospice care decision support education program is scientific,feasible and practical,which can improve the knowledge of hospice care of the family members,improve their attitude towards death,and ultimately improve their willingness to choose hospice care.

Objective To construct a decision support education program for the family members of patients with advanced cancer and to investigate its application effects,so as to improve understanding and acceptance of hospice care for family members of advanced cancer patients.Methods Using the Ottawa Decision Support Framework as a theoretical guide,the program was initially drafted based on a literature review,qualitative interview and expert consultation.From September 2023 to January 2024,a convenience sampling method was used to select patients' families in a tertiary-level hospital in Tianjin as the research subjects,and they were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group.The experimental group received the decision support education program in addition to routine care,while the control group received routine care.Family members' knowledge about hospice,the scores on the Death Attitude Profile Scale,and their willingness to choose hospice care were compared before and after the interventions.Results The program finally included 4 first-level items,15 second-level items,and 59 third-level items.During the program implementation phase,4 cases withdrew from the study,resulting in 46 cases in the experimental group and 47 cases in the control group.After intervention,the experimental group had higher scores on hospice knowledge and positive attitude towards death than the control group,while scores on negative attitude towards death were lower(P＜0.05);their willingness to choose hospice care for themselves and for the patients was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The hospice care decision support education program is scientific,feasible and practical,which can improve the knowledge of hospice care of the family members,improve their attitude towards death,and ultimately improve their willingness to choose hospice care.

Object·To explore the effects of comorbid obsessive-compulsive personality disorder(OCPD)on the behavioral inhibition system(BIS)/behavioral activation system(BAS)in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder(OCD).Methods·A total of 247 patients with unmedicated OCD diagnosed in the Mental Health Center,Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from 2014 to 2018 were included and divided into an OCD group(n=202),and an OCD+OCPD group(n=45),and 107 healthy controls were recruited as a comparison group.Yale-Brown Obsessive-Compulsion Scale(YBOCS),BIS/BAS Scale,Hamilton Depression Scale(HAMD),and Hamilton Anxiety Scale(HAMA)were used to assess psychopathological features.Gender differences among the three groups were analyzed using the x2 test.One-way analysis of variance(ANOVA)was used to compare differences in demographic characteristics,psychopathological features,and BIS/BAS scores,followed by the least significant difference(LSD)test for pairwise comparisons.Regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships between psychopathological features and BIS/BAS scores.Results·There were no significant differences in gender,age,and years of education among the three groups.The scores of YBOCS(t=2.925,P=0.004),HAMD(t=2.130,P=0.034)and HAMA(t=2.568,P=0.011)in the OCD+OCPD group were significantly higher than those in the OCD group.There were statistically significant differences in BIS and BAS scores among the three groups(BIS:F=39.573,P＜0.001;BAS:F=3.915,P=0.021).The results showed that for BIS,there were statistically significant differences in pairwise comparisons among the three groups(OCD+OCPD vs OCD:P=0.002;OCD+OCPD vs HC:P＜0.001;OCD vs HC:P＜0.001),and the scores were OCD+OCPD＜OCD＜HC from low to high.For BAS,the OCD group scored significantly higher than the OCD+OCPD and HC groups(OCD+OCPD vs OCD:P=0.018;OCD vs HC:P=0.043),but there was no significant difference between the OCD+OCPD and HC groups.Regression models of BIS and BAS were constructed for OCD patients with OCPD,and the results showed that the overall prediction effect of the model was significant for BIS total scores(F=2.599,P=0.013).Only the severity of OCPD symptoms can significantly predict BIS scores(t=-2.282,P=0.023).For BAS total scores,the overall prediction effect of the model was not significant(F=1.438,P=0.191).Conclusion·Comorbid OCPD may be an adverse factor for abnormal BIS and a protective factor for abnormal BAS in patients with OCD.

Objective:To investigate the alterations of multilayer network and dynamic causal connectivity in patients with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss.Methods:The hearing ability, neural-scale data and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging(fMRI)data of 60 patients with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss from the Department of Otolaryngology and 60 healthy controls from Physical Examination Center, Nanjing First Hospital were collected from January 2022 to January 2024. Multilayer brain network analysis was computed to identify the nodes with abnormal switching rate. Then these abnormal nodes were used as regions of interest (ROIs) in the subsequent dynamic causal model analysis. The SPSS 26.0 software was used to analyze causal connectivity between two groups based on independent-sample Mann-Whitney U test. And Pearson correlation coefficients between fMRI results and clinical parameters were calculated. Results:Pure tone audiometry test showed that the left and right hearing thresholds of bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss were significantly higher than those of healthy controls( Z=-9.460, -9.462, both P<0.01). The score of depressive emotion in patients with bilateral sudden hearing loss was 6.00(2.00, 9.00).Multilayer brain network analysis showed that the switching rates in the left superior frontal gyrus (0.073(0.049, 0.102), Z=3.603, P<0.001), left anterior cingulate gyrus (0.077(0.044, 0.105), Z=3.189, P=0.001), right hippocampus (0.080(0.045, 0.116), Z=3.616, P<0.001), left para-hippocampal gyrus (0.080(0.043, 0.108), Z=3.577, P<0.001), left superior parietal gyrus (0.079(0.047, 0.103), Z=3.160, P=0.002), and right inferior parietal gyrus (0.078(0.043, 0.105), Z=3.396, P<0.001) in patients with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss were lower that those in healthy controls. These six brain areas were used as ROIs to compute dynamic causal model analysis, and the results showed that the connection strength from left superior frontal gyrus to the left para-hippocampal gyrus in patients with bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss was significantly higher than that in healthy controls ( Z=-2.593, P<0.05). Additionally, enhanced connectivity from left superior frontal gyrus to the left para-hippocampal gyrus was positively correlated with duration of hearing loss ( r=0.376, P=0.003). Conclusions:Bilateral sudden sensorineural hearing loss patients have decreased switching rates in many brain areas, and the causal connectivity from left superior frontal gyrus to the left para-hippocampal gyrus is enhanced.

Background/Aims: Previous studies have shown that diet and physical activity can influence constipation. However, the combined effect of diet and physical activity on constipation remains unclear. Methods: Constipation was defined based on stool consistency and frequency, while overall diet quality was assessed using Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 scores. Participants were categorized into low (metabolic equivalent [MET]-min/wk < 500) and high physical activitygroups (MET-min/wk ≥ 500). The association between diet and constipation across physical activity groups was analyzed using surveylogistic regression and restricted cubic splines. Results: Higher HEI-2015 scores were associated with reduced constipation risk in the high physical activity group when constipation was defined by stool consistency (odds ratio [OR], 0.98; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.97-0.99). However, in the low physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores did not significantly affect constipation risk (OR, 1.01; 95% CI, 0.97-1.05). Similar results were found when constipation was defined based on stool frequency. In the high physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores were significantly associated with a reduced constipation risk (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.94-0.98). Conversely, in the low physical activity group, increased HEI-2015 scores did not affect the risk of constipation (OR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.90-1.03). Conclusions Our findings suggest that a higher HEI-2015 score is negatively associated with constipation among individuals with high physical activity levels but not among those with low physical activity levels. This association was consistent when different definitions of constipation were used. These results highlight the importance of combining healthy diet with regular physical activity to alleviate constipation.

Objective A serum proteomic approach was used to explore the targets of action of Peitu Qingxin Granules(composed of Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae,Forsythiae Fructus,Imperatae Rhizoma,Pseudostellariae Radix,etc.)in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.Methods Five patients with atopic dermatitis were selected and treated with Peitu Qingxin Granules for 12 weeks,and five healthy volunteers were used as controls.The clinical core evaluation indexes of atopic dermatitis patients after treatment,including Eczema Area and Severity Index/Scoring Atopic Dermatitis(EASI/SCORAD),Pruritus Score,Patient-Oriented Eczema Measure(POEM),and quality of life index,were assessed.Serum samples were examined using data-independent acquisition-mass spectrometry(DIA-MS)technology,and serum differential proteins between atopic dermatitis patients and healthy people,as well as serum differential proteins in atopic dermatitis patients before and after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules were screened according to P＜0.05 and Fold Change>1.2.GO function enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed on the differential proteins.Results(1)Compared with the pre-treatment period,the clinical core evaluation indexes of patients with atopic dermatitis,including the EASI/SCORAD,Pruritus Score,POEM,and quality-of-life index,were significantly improved after treatment,and the differences were all statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).(2)A total of 28 differential proteins were analyzed in the healthy control group and atopic dermatitis group,of which 12 proteins expressions were increased and 16 proteins were decreased,including ALAD(δ-aminolevulinic acid dehydrogenase),LTA4H(leukotriene A-4 hydrolase),CA1(carbonic anhydrase 1),F11(coagulation factor XI),and LCP1(lymphocyte cytoplasmic protein 1),etc..The main signaling pathways involved are PI3K-AKT signaling pathway,lipids and atherosclerosis,ECM-receptor interaction,platelet activation,NF-κB signaling pathway,and neutrophil extracellular trap formation.(3)A total of 12 different proteins were analyzed in atopic dermatitis patients before and after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules,of which 8 proteins were increased and 4 proteins were decreased,including ALAD,FGA(fibrinogen α-chain),IGHV3-64D,and IGHV3-38.They were mainly involved in signaling pathways such as lipids and atherosclerosis,complement pathway,Staphylococcus aureus infection,NF-κB signaling pathway,fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis.(4)The expressions of three protein targets including ALAD,FGA and IGHV3-64D,were significantly down-regulated in patients with atopic dermatitis and significantly up-regulated after treatment with Peitu Qingxin Granules.Conclusion The differentially expressed proteins ALAD,FGA and IGHV3-64D may be the action targets of Peitu Qingxin Granules in the treatment of atopic dermatitis,which lays the foundation for further experimental validation.