1.Association of adverse childhood experiences with psychopathology, sleep, and cognitive function in children: the mediating role of putamen volume
Mengting ZHANG ; Min XIE ; Jiashuo ZHANG ; Xiaoying MA ; Menghan WEI ; Yubing YIN ; Yang CHEN ; Yulu WU ; Qiang WANG
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(3):263-273
BackgroundAdverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are strong predictors of psychopathology across the lifespan, exerting extensive adverse effects on physical and mental health during early development. While ACEs increase the risk of childhood psychopathology, sleep quality and impair cognitive function, the early neurobiological mechanisms mediating ACE-induced cognitive impairment remain unclear. ObjectiveTo explore the association between ACEs exposure and the risk of psychopathology, sleep disorders, and cognitive function, and to examine the mediating role of the putamen volume in the relationship between ACEs and cognitive function from a neurodevelopment perspective. MethodsData were obtained from the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) study, comprising 10 572 children aged 9 to 10. Participants were categorized into five groups based on the cumulative score of ACEs reported by their parents and the children themselves: no-exposure group (0 types of ACEs), the one-exposure group, the two-exposure group, the three-exposure group, and the high-risk exposure group (≥ 4 types of ACEs). Logistic regression analysis was employed to evaluate the association between ACEs and psychopathological symptoms [T score of the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL) ≥ 65]. Multiple linear regression analysis was ultilized to analyze the correlations between ACEs and the scores of the Sleep Disturbance Scale for Children (SDSC), the NIH Toolbox Cognition Battery (NIHTB-CB), as well as the multiple structures in the cerebral cortex and subcortex. The Bootstrap method was applied to test the mediating effect of the putamen volume between ACEs and neurocognitive function. ResultsAfter adjusting for confounders, ACEs cumulative score was correlated with children's psychopathological symptoms in a dose-response manner. Compared with the no-exposed group, the high-risk exposure group had a 2.08-fold (OR=2.080, 95% CI: 1.401–3.088) increased risk of internalizing problems and a 3.13-fold (OR=3.132, 95% CI: 1.703–5.760) increased risk of externalizing problems, and the risk of conduct problems was 4.68 times that of the no-exposed group (OR=4.681, 95% CI: 2.528–8.669). ACEs cumulative score positively predicted the total score of SDSC (β=0.080, 95% CI: 0.059–0.102), with relatively stronger predictive effects on sleep-wake transition disorder (β=0.086, 95% CI: 0.063–0.109) and sleep onset and maintenance disorder (β=0.066, 95% CI: 0.043–0.089). In terms of neurocognition and brain structure, ACEs cumulative score negatively predicted the overall cognitive composite score (β=-0.025, 95% CI: -0.050–-0.001), the crystallized cognitive composite score (β=-0.035, 95% CI: -0.060–-0.010), the volume of the left putamen nucleus (β=-0.025, 95% CI: -0.046– 0.003), and the volume of the right putamen nucleus (β=-0.023, 95% CI: -0.044– 0.003). The total putamen volume played a partial mediating role between ACEs and the overall cognitive composite score, the effect value was -0.002 (95% CI: -0.004–-0.001), accounting for 7.49% of the total effect. ConclusionACEs exposure may increase the risk of psychopathological and sleep disturbances in children and may impair neurocognitive function. Reduced putamen volume may serve a potential neurobiological pathway underlying the impact of ACEs on childhood cognition. [Funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China-Young Scientists Program (number, 82401763); Sichuan University West China Hospital Full-time Postdoctoral Research and Development Fund Project (number, 2023HXBH084)]
2.Effect of Epimedium brevicornu Ethanol Extract on Aging of Castrated Rats by Intervening in Mesenchymal Adipose-derived Stem Cells
Zuyu MENG ; Haiquan LIU ; Shaozi LIN ; Mei WANG ; Yiyao ZHANG ; Fang LIU ; Menghan LI ; Hongling CHEN ; Jiajia QIN
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(1):174-181
ObjectiveTo explore the mechanism by which the ethanol extract of Epimedium brevicornu (EEBM) intervenes in mesenchymal adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs) to delay aging in castrated rats. MethodsForty-five 3-month-old SPF female SD rats were ovariectomized and randomly divided into model group, ADSCs treatment group, and ADSCs groups treated with low, medium, and high concentrations of EEBM (1, 50, 100 μg·L-1), referred to as the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups, with 9 rats in each group. After tail vein injection of 200 μL of the corresponding stem cell suspension, aging-related indicators including cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor (p21), tumor suppressor gene (p53), interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-8 (IL-8), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 (Caspase-3), and lipofuscin were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot. ResultsCompared with the model group, the IL-6 content in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups was significantly decreased (P<0.05). Lipofuscin, MDA, and IL-8 levels in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.01), while SOD content was significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, lipofuscin and IL-8 levels in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01). The MDA content was significantly decreased in the AE medium concentration group (P<0.01). Compared with the model group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the ADSCs treatment group and AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the Bcl-2 protein level was significantly increased (P<0.01). Compared with the ADSCs treatment group, protein levels of p21, p53, Bax, and Caspase-3 in the AE low, medium, and high concentration groups were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the Bcl-2 protein level in the AE low concentration group was significantly increased (P<0.01). ConclusionThe results of this experiment show that EEBM-treated ADSCs or ADSCs may delay aging in castrated rats by inhibiting cell apoptosis, reducing cell cycle inhibitors and pro-inflammatory factors, enhancing antioxidant capacity, and reducing oxidative reactions. Moreover, EEBM-treated ADSCs demonstrate stronger anti-aging effects than ADSCs alone. This study provides experimental evidence supporting the clinical use of EEBM to intervene in ADSCs and delay aging.
3.Analyzing the heart-oriented view of the treatment of mental illness in Synopsis of Golden Chamber based on the theory of five-spirit-viscera
ZOU Peng ; Kai CHENG ; Minlong XIA ; Menghan LI ; Shuxian WANG ; Hui KONG ; Yan ZHAO ; Changming ZHAI ; Fang LU
Journal of Beijing University of Traditional Chinese Medicine 2025;48(4):495-500
Mental state is an important part of the normal life activities of the human body, and it is also the most external expression and the most easily obtained information of the physical condition. The normal activities of the mind depend on the normal operation of the viscera, qi, and blood, and are a unified whole that prospers together and suffers together. The theory of the five-spirit-viscera in the Yellow Emperor’s Inner Classic revealed that the normal mental activities of the human body were dominated by the five internal organs, that is, the five internal organs were the body and the five spirits were the function. And it highlighted the viewpoint that the five internal organs store the spirits and are actually one. The heart governs the spirit and belongs to the four internal organs. On this basis, Synopsis of Golden Chamber used the internal organs to diagnose and treat mental diseases, integrating the theory of the five spirits into it, forming a unique method of diagnosis and treatment with the heart as the leading factor and regulating the qi and blood of the four internal organs. It identified the pathogenesis of diseases such as pathogenic crying, lily disease, and hysteria from five levels: heart deficiency and weak qi, heart-lung disharmony, heart-liver disharmony, the heart of the loss of the spleen nourishment, and disharmony between heart and kidney. The treatment was mainly to replenish the deficiency of the viscera and eliminate the pathogens, reflecting the characteristics of regulating the mind and calming the four internal organs. This unique view on diagnosis and treatment has profoundly influenced the diagnosis and treatment theories of mental illnesses by later doctors, and is of great significance to the current clinical treatment of such illnesses.
4.Whole-genome sequencing analysis of Staphylococcus aureus in a food poisoning outbreak in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province
Xiaolong WANG ; Menghan ZHANG ; Jiasheng ZHANG ; Risheng ZHA ; Hong ZHU
Shanghai Journal of Preventive Medicine 2025;37(4):350-355
ObjectiveTo conduct an epidemiological investigation, isolate and identify the pathogenic bacteria, and perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of a food poisoning outbreak in Suzhou High-tech Zone, so as to provide references for the prevention and management of similar incidents. MethodsAn epidemiological investigation was carried out on affected individuals and restaurant staff. Multi-pathogen screening was performed on rectal swab samples from affected cases and restaurant staff, as well as on environmental swab samples from food preparation areas and retained food samples. WGS was performed on the pathogens isolated from the samples. ResultsA total of 15 cases were identified through hospital visit record reviews and on-site inquiries. Of the 15 case samples, 14 tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus (SA). In addition, 3 out of 15 staff samples and 6 out of 34 retained food samples tested positive for SA. WGS results revealed that the 6 food-derived isolates and 13 case-derived isolates shared the same sequence type (ST), Staphylococcal Protein A (SPA) type, and enterotoxin gene profile, with whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) differences of ≤5. Two novel SA sequence types: ST9159 and ST9161, were also identified in this study. ConclusionThis food poisoning outbreak is caused by contamination food with SA harbouring the seb and sec enterotoxin genes. The primary causes of contamination and cross-contamination included improper food handling practices, the use of the same utensils for raw and cooked foods, and extended storage of certain dishes at room temperature. Strengthening sanitary supervision in food handling facilities is crucial for reducing the occurrence of similar incidents.
5.Association between the non-treatment threshold or upper limit of normal of alanine aminotransferase and liver pathological injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection and a persistently low level of alanine aminotransferase
Ming SHU ; Suwen JIANG ; Airong HU ; Qin CHEN ; Jialan WANG ; Menghan JIN ; Haojin ZHANG ; Shiqi YANG ; Shiyang FAN
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(10):2044-2053
ObjectiveTo investigate the significance of different non-treatment thresholds or upper limits of normal (ULN) of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in evaluating significant liver pathological injury in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection, and to provide guidance for clinical diagnosis and treatment. MethodsThis study was conducted among 733 patients with chronic HBV infection who were hospitalized in Ningbo No. 2 Hospital from January 2015 to December 2023 and underwent liver biopsy and histopathological examination, and all patients had a persistent ALT level of ≤40 U/L and positive HBV DNA (>30 IU/mL). According to the treatment threshold or ULN of ALT, the patients were divided into group 1 with 575 patients (≤35 U/L for male patients, ≤25 U/L for female patients), group 2 with 430 patients (≤30 U/L for male patients, ≤19 U/L for female patients), group 3 with 443 patients (≤27 U/L for male patients, ≤24 U/L for female patients), group 4 with 446 patients (≤25 U/L), group 5 with 158 patients (>35 U/L for male patients, >25 U/L for female patients), and group 6 with 145 patients (>30 — ≤35 U/L for male patients, >19 — ≤25 U/L for female patients). Groups 2, 5, and 6 were compared to analyze the severity of liver pathological injury in patients with different ALT levels and the constituent ratio of patients with significant liver pathological injury, and groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were compared to investigate the value of different ULN or non-treatment thresholds of ALT in determining liver inflammation grade (G), liver fibrosis stage (S), and the treatment indication based on liver pathology. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups; a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t-test or the Tambane’s test was used for further comparison between two groups; the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups, and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups and further comparison between two groups; the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups; a Ridit analysis was used for comparison of ranked data. A multivariate Logistic regression analysis (forward stepwise) was performed with whether liver pathology met the treatment indication (≥G2 and/or ≥S2) as the dependent variable and related factors with a significant impact on the dependent variable (P <0.05) as the independent variable. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC), as well as sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio, was used to assess the diagnostic value of different non-treatment thresholds of ALT. ResultsAmong the 733 patients, 259 (35.33%) had ≥G2 liver inflammation, 211 (28.79%) had ≥S2 liver fibrosis, and 306 (41.75%) had treatment indication (≥G2 and/or ≥S2). There was a significant difference in liver inflammation grade (G0 — G4) between groups 2, 5, and 6 (χ2=22.869, P <0.001), and there were also significant differences in the constituent ratios of patients with ≥G2 or ≥G3 liver inflammation between the three groups (χ2=21.742 and 14.921, P<0.001 and P=0.001). There was a significant difference in liver fibrosis stage (S0 — S4) between groups 2, 5, and 6 (χ2=16.565, P<0.001), and there were also significant differences in the constituent ratios of patients with ≥S2, ≥S3 or S4 liver fibrosis between the three groups (χ2=13.264, 13.050, and 6.260, P=0.001, 0.001, and 0.044). There were significant differences between groups 2, 5, and 6 in the constituent ratios of patients with or without treatment indication based on liver pathology (χ2=20.728, P<0.001). There were significant differences between groups 2, 5, and 6 in the constituent ratio of male patients (χ2=24.836, P<0.05), age (F=5.710, P<0.05), ALT (F=473.193, P<0.05), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (F=107.774, P<0.05), ALT/AST ratio (F=40.167, P<0.05), γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) (H=15.463, P<0.05), aspartate aminotransferase-to-platelet ratio index (APRI) (H=63.024, P<0.05), and LIF-5 (5 indicators for liver inflammation and fibrosis) (H=46.397, P<0.05). In groups 1 — 4, compared with the patients without treatment indication, the patients with treatment indication had a significantly lower constituent ratio of patients with positive HBeAg, significantly lower levels of platelet count (PLT) and HBV DNA, and significantly higher age, ALT, AST, GGT, APRI, FIB-4, and LIF-5 (all P<0.05). The Logistic regression analysis showed that age (odds ratio [OR]=1.044, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.025 — 1.063, P<0.001), GGT (OR=1.022, 95%CI: 1.007 — 1.038, P=0.003), and HBV DNA (OR=0.839, 95%CI: 0.765 — 0.919, P<0.001) were influencing factors for treatment indication based on liver pathology in group 1; HBeAg (OR=1.978, 95%CI: 1.269 — 3.082, P=0.003), age (OR=1.048, 95%CI: 1.025 — 1.071, P<0.001), GGT (OR=1.016, 95%CI: 1.001 — 1.031, P=0.041), and PLT (OR=0.995, 95%CI: 0.991 — 1.000, P=0.049) were influencing factors in group 2; age (OR=1.040, 95%CI: 1.014 — 1.066, P=0.002), ALT (OR=1.047, 95%CI: 1.005 — 1.092, P=0.029), HBV DNA (OR=0.817, 95%CI: 0.736 — 0.907, P<0.001), and LIF-5 (OR=7.382, 95%CI: 1.151 — 47.330, P=0.035) were influencing factors in group 3; age (OR=1.054, 95%CI: 1.031 — 1.077, P<0.001), ALT (OR=1.061, 95%CI: 1.016 — 1.107, P=0.008), and HBV DNA (OR=0.825, 95%CI: 0.743 — 0.917, P<0.001) were influencing factors in group 4. The diagnostic performance for identifying ≥G2 liver inflammation, ≥S2 liver fibrosis, and treatment indication in groups 1 — 4 had an AUC of >0.7; group 1 showed the lowest sensitivity (28.76%) and the highest specificity, positive predictive value, positive likelihood ratio, and negative likelihood ratio in judging treatment indication; group 2 had the highest sensitivity and negative predictive value and the lowest negative likelihood ratio; groups 3 and 4 had similar diagnostic indicators. ConclusionIn patients with chronic HBV infection and a persistently low ALT level, the severity of liver histopathological injury and the constituent ratio of significant liver histopathological injury decrease with the reduction in ALT level. A higher non-treatment threshold or ULN of ALT can help to identify the patients requiring treatment (with a higher specificity), while a lower non-treatment threshold or ULN of ALT can help to identify the patients who do not require treatment (with a higher sensitivity).
6.Research on the construction models of county-level medical consortium clinical laboratory centers from the perspective oftotal quality management
Erdan HUANG ; Liang ZHU ; Shuping WANG ; Jiang DU ; Chao SONG ; Jian LYU ; Hongmei MO ; Yong AN ; Xiping XIE ; Menghan JIAO ; Weiling FU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(9):1313-1316
Objective To explore different construction models and experiences of clinical laboratory centers under exist-ing Integrated county healthservices entity,analyze and discuss the characteristics of various construction models,and provide ref-erences for the development of county-level clinical laboratory centers.Methods Based on the five factors of"man,machine,material,method,and environment"in Total Quality Management theory,an interview outline and questionnaire were designed for county-level clinical laboratory centers.Eleven county-level clinical laboratory centers across the country were investigated to analyze their construction models,investment returns,and other aspects.Literature reviews and case studies were also conducted to summarize the construction models and characteristics of county-level clinical laboratory centers.Results The construction models of county-level clinical laboratory centers are mainly divided into five types,each with distinct features.Through an analy-sis of the investment returns of these models unde rIntegrated county healthservices entity,it was found that a profit distribution ratio of approximately 5∶5 between county-level clinical laboratory centers and township health centers for referred samples is more conducive to maintaining the stability of sample sources.The construction model of county-level clinical laboratory centers is closely related to the medical service capacity of both county and township levels.Conclusion Counties with stronger county hospital capabilities tend to establish relatively independent regional laboratory centers based on the county hospital's laboratory department.Regardless of the model,the primary goal of county-level clinical laboratory centers should be to provide high-quality testing services coverage across the entire county.The key to the success of county-level clinical laboratory centers lies in motiva-ting grassroots personnel.
7.Endocardial myocardial biopsy and ultrastructural characteristics in heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction
Jiaqi WANG ; Dong CHEN ; Menghan ZHENG ; Wei FANG ; Jianfeng SHANG ; Haotan ZHOU ; Guoliang LIAN ; Shaoshuai MEI
Chinese Journal of Pathology 2025;54(3):259-265
Objective:To investigate the endocardial myocardial biopsy and ultrastructural features of heart failure patients with reduced ejection fraction, to determine their histopathologic phenotype, and to explore the diagnostic utility of endomyocardial biopsy in such patients.Methods:A total of 35 patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction diagnosed at Beijing Anzhen Hospital and underwent endomyocardial biopsy were collected between January 2022 and December 2023. The clinical features, histopathological, and ultrastructural characteristics were analyzed and compared with 11 patients with heart failure with preserved ejection fraction.Results:The age ranged from 35-58 years, with median age of 51 years; there were 26 males and 9 females. Myocardial fibrosis and myocardial fiber disorders were the most common histopathologic changes [97.1% (34/35) and 74.3% (26/35), respectively]. Myocardial fibrosis was not statistically different between the heart failure with reduced ejection fraction group and the heart failure with preserved ejection fraction group [13.3% (5.7%-21.4%) vs. 13.2% (9.3%-34.2%), P=0.279]. Significant ultrastructural changes were dense mitochondrial proliferation, vacuolar degeneration, and disorganized arrangement of myocardial fibers with localized lysis and fracture. After endomyocardial biopsy, the etiology was identified in 11 patients (31.4%,11/35), with a prevalence of cardiac amyloidosis of 17.1% (6/35). Conclusions:Endomyocardial biopsy is useful for early diagnosis and precise treatment in patients presenting with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction. Histopathological and ultrastructural analyses can uncover potential treatments, and predict and improve prognosis by providing relevant information for understanding the pathogenesis and clinical evolution.
8.Treatment of adolescent skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion patient accompanied with deep overbite by clear aligner through asymmetric anterior guidance:A case report and literature review
Menghan ZHAO ; Hang SHI ; Jiangyi LIANG ; Ke HU ; Xinping FENG ; Luyun WANG ; Huichuan QI ; Ruixin SHI
Journal of Jilin University(Medicine Edition) 2025;51(5):1363-1369
Angle class Ⅱ malocclusion is often characterized by mandibular retraction and lip incompetence,which affects the patient's lateral appearance and may even lead to upper airway stenosis.It can be classified into dental and skeletal types.For skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion patients with mandibular retraction during the peak growth period,mandibular anterior guidance with a functional orthodontic appliance is generally considered as the optimal clinical treatment approach.At present,there remains a paucity of clinical reports on the clinical application of bracket-free clear aligners in mandibular anterior guidance,both domestically and internationally.This article presented a case of an adolescent patient with skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion accompanied with deep overbite treated with bracket-free clear aligner for mandibular anterior guidance in combination with intermaxillary class Ⅱ traction.During the treatment,vertical correction involved anterior intrusion of the anterior teeth to improve the deep overbite,while horizontal correction included maxillary and mandibular expansion to coordinate the width of the dental arches,and asymmetric anterior guidance was used to correct the midline deviation.After 35 months of treatment,the patient's convex facial profile and mandibular retrusion were significantly improved.The subspinale-nasion-supramentale angle(ANB)was decreased from 6.8° to 3.9°,the overbite and overjet were normalized,and the bilateral canine and molar reached a neutral relationship.The mentolabial sulcus depth(Si-LiPg′)and the soft tissue thickness of pogonion to pogonion(Pm-Pm′)were decreased,resulting in a shallower mentolabial sulcus and a more harmonized lateral facial soft tissue profile.The mandibular incisor to mandibular plane angle(IMPA)was decreased from 116.6° to 110.7°,indicating retraction of the lower incisors during mandibular anterior guidance.In conclusion,the orthodontic strategy of mandibular advancement with clear aligners in skeletal class Ⅱ malocclusion patients can avoid excessive overcompensation of the upper and lower anterior teeth and shorten the orthodontic treatment cycle.
9.Research on the construction models of county-level medical consortium clinical laboratory centers from the perspective oftotal quality management
Erdan HUANG ; Liang ZHU ; Shuping WANG ; Jiang DU ; Chao SONG ; Jian LYU ; Hongmei MO ; Yong AN ; Xiping XIE ; Menghan JIAO ; Weiling FU
Modern Hospital 2025;25(9):1313-1316
Objective To explore different construction models and experiences of clinical laboratory centers under exist-ing Integrated county healthservices entity,analyze and discuss the characteristics of various construction models,and provide ref-erences for the development of county-level clinical laboratory centers.Methods Based on the five factors of"man,machine,material,method,and environment"in Total Quality Management theory,an interview outline and questionnaire were designed for county-level clinical laboratory centers.Eleven county-level clinical laboratory centers across the country were investigated to analyze their construction models,investment returns,and other aspects.Literature reviews and case studies were also conducted to summarize the construction models and characteristics of county-level clinical laboratory centers.Results The construction models of county-level clinical laboratory centers are mainly divided into five types,each with distinct features.Through an analy-sis of the investment returns of these models unde rIntegrated county healthservices entity,it was found that a profit distribution ratio of approximately 5∶5 between county-level clinical laboratory centers and township health centers for referred samples is more conducive to maintaining the stability of sample sources.The construction model of county-level clinical laboratory centers is closely related to the medical service capacity of both county and township levels.Conclusion Counties with stronger county hospital capabilities tend to establish relatively independent regional laboratory centers based on the county hospital's laboratory department.Regardless of the model,the primary goal of county-level clinical laboratory centers should be to provide high-quality testing services coverage across the entire county.The key to the success of county-level clinical laboratory centers lies in motiva-ting grassroots personnel.
10.Retrospective analysis of respiratory virus detection methods and epidemiological features in outpatient and emergency departments of Beijing hospitals
Xinlong WANG ; Jiaying ZHANG ; Jun LI ; Jian LIU ; Danying CHEN ; Zhixia GU ; Gang WAN ; Xiaoqin LIU ; Menghan LIU ; Ronghua JIN ; Rui SONG
Chinese Journal of Infectious Diseases 2025;43(10):606-614
Objective:To characterize the epidemiology of respiratory syndrome across healthcare facilities of different types and tiers in Beijing City, to compare pathogen-testing modalities and their associations with adverse outcomes, and to identify key factors associated with progression to severe illness, thereby informing regional prevention, control, and clinical optimization.Methods:The multicenter observational cohort study was performed using outpatient and emergency department data from five sentinel hospitals in Beijing (Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital, Beijing Chaoyang District Shuangqiao Hospital, Beijing Haidian Hospital, Beijing You′an Hospital, Capital Medical University (Beijing You′an Hospital), and Beijing Ditan Hospital, Capital Medical University (Beijing Ditan Hospital)) from October 1st, 2023 to April 9th, 2025. Dual-target (two-plex) and triple-target (three-plex) respiratory specimens were collected. Demographic characteristics, visit information, pathogen-testing modalities and results were collected, and the epidemiologic features of patients who progressed to severe illness between the influenza high-incidence season (December to May) and the non-influenza season (June to November) were compared. Categorical variables were analyzed using the chi-square test. Multivariable logistic regression was used to estimate associations between covariates and risk of progression to severe illness.Results:Among the 192 131 cases, patients visited at Beijing You′an Hospital were concentrated in the 16 to 44 year age group, accounting for 66.79%(32 532/48 708). Beijing Xiaotangshan Hospital had a broad age distribution, with older adults comprising up to 22.35% (885/3 960). Of the 47 349 respiratory specimens across the five hospitals, Beijing You′an Hospital had the highest positivity rate for dual-target testing (46.76%(1 585/3 390)), while Beijing Haidian Hospital conducted the largest number of this tests ( n=12 514). For triple-target testing, Beijing You′an Hospital again had the highest positivity rate (45.03%(2 835/6 296)), whereas Beijing Ditan Hospital tested the most specimens ( n=12 011; positivity rate was 29.73%(3 571/12 011)). The influenza season within the same period (November 2023 to January 2024) exhibited a bimodal pattern, with alternating circulation of influenza viruses and severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2). Among 32 744 outpatients/emergency patients who progressed to severe illness, significant seasonal differences were observed by sex, age, comorbidity status, and infection type ( χ2=6.60, 189.24, 32.71 and 189.99, respectively; all P<0.05). After adjustment for sex, age group, comorbidities, and infection type, testing modality remained significantly associated with risk of progression (dual-target testing, odds ratio ( OR)=0.116, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 0.111 to 0.122, P<0.001); no testing, OR=0.063, 95% CI 0.060 to 0.065, P<0.001). Conclusions:The epidemiological pattern of respiratory pathogens undergo significant changes after October 2023, which is characterized by alternating waves of influenza viruses and SARS-CoV-2 with pronounced seasonality and diversity. Substantial inter-hospital differences are observed in testing modalities and positivity rates. Risk of progression to severe illness varies significantly by sex, age, comorbidity burden, and infection type, and is closely associated with the testing modality. These findings support strengthening multiplex pathogen testing and targeted surveillance of high-risk groups to improve early identification and precise control of febrile-respiratory syndromes.


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