Objective To evaluate the clinical efficacy of a novel sleep-aid decoction in treating elderly insomnia patients with different traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitutional types, and its effects on neurotransmitter and inflammatory factor levels. Methods A total of 200 patients with four different TCM constitutions-peaceful, Qi-deficient, Yin-deficient, and Yang-deficient-were recruited. Peripheral blood neurotransmitter and inflammatory factor levels were measured for variations among insomnia patients across different constitutions. These patients were treated using the novel sleep-aid decoction, the effects of which were evaluated based on changes in neurotransmitters and inflammatory factors. Results Compared to the peaceful constitution group, insomnia patients with Qi-deficient, Yin-deficient, and Yang-deficient constitutions exhibited significantly elevated baseline levels of neurotransmitters (5-HT, GABA) and inflammatory factors (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP). Following the treatment, the Qi-deficient and Yin-deficient groups showed a marked increase in 5-HT levels, restored balance of Glu, GABA, and melatonin, and significant reductions in IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The overall effective rate was 83.5%, with optimal efficacy observed in the Qi-deficient (97.72%) and Yin-deficient (95.34%) groups. Conclusion The novel sleep-aid decoction is effective in treating insomnia in elderly patients, with the best results observed in the Qi-deficient and Yin-deficient constitution groups.
Humans ; Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders/blood* ; Aged ; Male ; Female ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Middle Aged ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/blood* ; Sleep Aids, Pharmaceutical/therapeutic use* ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/therapeutic use* ; Interleukin-6/blood* ; Interleukin-1beta/blood* ; Neurotransmitter Agents/blood* ; Aged, 80 and over ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism*

Objective To compare the differences in the average transaction costs per-referral patients under different models of Integrated Delivery Systems(IDS).Methods Using a typical case sampling method,it selected referred patients from three IDS models:the county medical alliance in D City(Qinghai Province),the urban medical consortium in J District(Zhengzhou City,Henan Province),and the health management coalition in N County(Shandong Province).Structured questionnaires collected demographics,average transaction costs per-referral and cost perceptions.t-tests and ANOVA assessed cost differences;generalized linear regression identified influencing factors.Results Among 915 patients,the average transaction costs per-referral were 1 035.05 yuan(county alliance),195.31 yuan(urban consortium),and 700.97 yuan(health management coalition),with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The urban consortium exhibited lower time costs and specialized input costs.Key influencing factors included older age(county alliance),education level,employment status,and referral travel time(urban consortium),as well as urban-rural disparities(health management coalition).Patients'cost perceptions significantly differed across models(P＜0.05).Conclusion The urban medical consortium demonstrated the lowest patient the average transaction costs,highlighting its institutional advantage in minimizing financial burdens.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of osteoporosis (OP) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients at the blood purification center in Gaochun district, and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 3 622 patients who received regular MHD treatment at Nanjing Gaochun People′s Hospital and Nanjing Gaochun Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. The demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and clinical data such as blood calcium and creatinine of patients were collected. The ultivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze the influencing factors of OP in MHD patients.Results:The survey revealed that 33.63% of MHD patients had decreased bone mass, and 37.24% of MHD patients experienced osteoporosis. According to the occurrence of OP, 3 622 patients were separated into the OP group (1 349 cases) and the non-OP group (2 273 cases). Univariate analysis showed that compared with the non-OP group, the albumin (ALB) level in the OP group was lower: (38.95 ± 5.17) g/L vs. (40.32 ± 5.84) g/L, there was statistical difference( P<0.05). Compared with the non-OP group, the levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the OP group were higher: (262.29 ± 36.76) ng/L vs. (249.55 ± 32.73) ng/L, (114.74 ± 18.01) U/L vs. (109.63 ± 17.25) U/L, the proportion of patients aged≥60 years old, female and dialysis duration≥5 years was higher: 61.75%(833/1 349) vs. 47.87%(1 088/2 273), 66.35%(895/1 349) vs. 54.86%(1 247/2 273), 52.34%(706/1 349) vs. 34.36%(781/2 273), there were statistical differences( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed ALB ( OR = 0.724, 95% CI 0.568 - 0.920), iPTH ( OR = 1.374, 95% CI 1.095 - 1.725), ALP ( OR = 1.325, 95% CI 1.070 - 1.641), age ( OR = 2.753, 95% CI 1.664 - 4.556), gender ( OR = 2.993, 95% CI 1.611 - 5.560), and dialysis time ( OR = 4.216, 95% CI 2.365 - 7.516) were all influencing factors for the occurrence of OP in MHD patients ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of OP in MHD patients in Gaochun district is high, and its occurrence is closely related to ALB, iPTH, ALP, age, gender and dialysis time. Clinical attention should be focused on this.

Objective To investigate the relationship between different body position fixation tech-niques,umbilical plane volume change(ΔV),body weight change rate(ΔW%),and radiotherapy setup errors in cervical cancer patients,and to provide recommendations for determining the margin of planning target vol-ume(MPTV).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of 57 cervical cancer pa-tients who underwent radiotherapy at this hospital from June 2022 to May 2023.Patients were divided into the observation group(fixed with body membrane+thermoplastic pad,n=24)and the control group(fixed with body membrane alone,n=33)based on different positioning fixation methods.They were also further strati-fied by median BMI into BMI≥23.82 kg/m2 and BMI<23.82 kg/m2 patients.Setup errors in the left-right(X),cranio-caudal(Y),and anterior-posterior(Z)directions were recorded.Meanwhile,the umbilical plane volume on the first CT positioning image and the patient's body weight before positioning were recorded,as well as umbilical plane volume of cone-beam CT(CBCT)verification images during weekly radiotherapy and body weight before scan,the ΔV and ΔW%were calculated.Setup errors were compared between two groups,and correlations between ΔV,ΔW%and setup errors were analyzed in all patients,in two groups(the obser-vation group and the control group)and in two BMI subgroups.MPTV values in X,Y,and Z directions were calculated,and receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve determined the cut off values of ΔV and ΔW%when setup errors met the department's MPTV criteria.Results Compared with the control group,the ob-servation group showed significantly smaller setup errors in X,Y,and Z directions(P<0.05).Both ΔV and ΔW%were positively correlated with setup errors in X and Y direction in all patients,patients in the control group,and patients with BMI≥23.82 kg/m2(P<0.05).In the observation group,ΔW%was positively corre-lated with setup errors in Z direction in patients with BMI<23.82 kg/m2(P<0.05);In the control group,ΔV and ΔW%were positively correlated with setup errors in X and Y direction in patients with BMI≥23.82 kg/m2.ROC curve analysis showed that when setup errors in Y direction reached the department's MPTV criteria(8.41 mm),the cutoff values ΔV and ΔW%were 8.045 cm2 and 4.12%,respectively.Conclusion The body membrane+thermoplastic pad fixation technique reduces setup errors and mitigates the impact of ΔV and ΔW%on setup errors in X and Y directions.When ΔV or ΔW%exceeds the cutoff values,increasing CBCT verification frequency and re-fabricating the body membrane are recommended.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical features and genetic variants associated with Multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome (MMDS) type 3 in two children. METHODS: Two children diagnosed with MMDS type 3 at Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in January 2021 were selected for this study. A retrospective analysis of their clinical data was carried out. Whole exome sequencing was conducted on the two children and their parents, followed by Sanger sequencing for candidate variants and bioinformatic analysis. Both children received comprehensive rehabilitative therapy and were followed up for 3 years. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Ethics No. 202380). RESULTS: The two MMDS type 3 children were monozygotic twin girls, aged 9 months, presenting with developmental regression, pyramidal signs, and other clinical manifestations. Cranial MRI revealed widespread abnormal signals and vacuolar changes in the white matter. Whole exome sequencing revealed that both children had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the IBA57 gene, namely c.286T>C (p.Tyr96His) and c.307C>T (p.Gln103Ter). Sanger sequencing confirmed that these variants were inherited from their father and mother, respectively. According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, both variants were classified as pathogenic (PM2_Supporting+PM3_Very Strong+PP3_Moderate; PVS1+PM2_Supporting+PM3). After treatment with vitamins, levocarnitine, ATP, coenzyme Q10, and other drugs, both children showed partial recovery of neurodevelopmental regression, with improvement in feeding and sleep. Over the 3-year follow-up, there was slow but progressive improvement in motor, language, and cognitive development. CONCLUSION The compound heterozygous variants c.286T>C (p.Tyr96His) and c.307C>T (p.Gln103Ter) of the IBA57 gene probably underlay the MMDS type 3 in the twin pair. Clinicians should be vigilant about the possibility of MMDS type 3 in children with neurodevelopmental regression and early cranial MRI findings indicating widespread white matter abnormalities with vacuolar changes, as these may be indicative of IBA57 gene variants.
Female ; Humans ; Infant ; Calcium-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Exome Sequencing ; Genetic Testing/methods* ; Microfilament Proteins/genetics* ; Mitochondrial Diseases/genetics* ; Mutation ; Retrospective Studies ; Carrier Proteins

Objective:To identify the risk factors and their predictive value for complications in neonates with early-onset group B streptococcus (GBS) sepsis. Methods:This case-control study retrospectively analyzed 96 neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis (age of onset<7 days) admitted to Children's Hospital of Soochow University between January 1, 2007, and December 31, 2022. Patients were categorized into complication ( n=36) and non-complication ( n=60) groups. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves determined optimal cutoff values of Pediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA) and Pediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction Score 2 (PELOD-2) for predicting complications in the neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Chi-square tests and Fishe exact tests were used for group comparison of general information, clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, and treatment during hospitalization. Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors, and ROC curves evaluated their predictive performance for complications in the neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis. Results:ROC analysis identified pSOFA>4.5 scores and PELOD-2>5.5 scores as optimal thresholds for complication prediction in neonates with early-onset GBS sepsis. (1) The complication group exhibited higher rates of preterm birth [30.6% (11/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=11.80], maternal clinical chorioamnionitis [25.0% (9/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=6.50], prolonged rupture of membranes≥18 h [22.2% (8/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=4.99], invasive mechanical ventilation [36.1% (13/36) vs. 13.3% (8/60), χ2=6.83], fever [22.2% (8/36) vs. 3.3% (2/60), χ2=6.70], lethargy [77.8% (28/36) vs. 51.7% (31/60), χ2=6.48], mottled skin as the initial clinical manifestation [38.9% (14/36) vs. 20.0% (12/60), χ2=4.07], leukopenia [44.4% (16/36) vs. 18.3% (11/60), χ2=7.59], hypoalbuminemia [27.8% (10/36) vs. 3.3% (2/60), χ2=10.16], pSOFA>4.5 [83.3% (30/36) vs. 35.0% (21/60), χ2=21.11], PELOD-2>5.5 [50.0% (18/36) vs. 5.0% (3/60), χ2=26.66], and dual-positive blood and cerebrospinal fluid cultures [25.0% (9/36) vs. 0.0% (0/60), Fisher exact test] compared to the non-complication group (all P<0.05). Serum creatinine [(88.4±17.7) vs. (61.9±17.7) μmol/L, t=－6.02], urea nitrogen [(3.7±0.4) vs. (3.4±0.6) mmol/L, t=－3.18], and lactate [(7.5±3.4) vs. (5.8±2.2) mmol/L, t=－2.80] were elevated, while fibrinogen [(2.2±1.1) vs. (2.7±1.0) g/L, t=2.03], pH (7.3±0.2 vs. 7.4±0.1, t=2.04), and albumin [(28.2±3.9) vs. (31.9±4.2) g/L, t=4.32] were reduced in the complication group (all P<0.05). (2) Multivariate analysis identified preterm birth ( OR=6.642, 95% CI: 1.210-36.473), along with hypoalbuminemia ( OR=8.202, 95% CI: 1.184-56.811), pSOFA>4.5 scores ( OR=5.284, 95% CI: 1.573-17.749), and PELOD-2>5.5 scores ( OR=8.464, 95% CI: 1.922-37.279) assessed on admission day 1 as independent risk factors (all P<0.05). The area under the curve for predicting complications in early-onset GBS sepsis neonates was 0.628 (95% CI: 0.523-0.724) for preterm birth, and 0.622 (95% CI: 0.517-0.719), 0.742 (95% CI: 0.642-0.826), and 0.725 (95% CI: 0.624-0.811) for hypoalbuminemia, pSOFA>4.5 scores, and PELOD-2>5.5 scores assessed on admission day 1, respectively. The combined predictive model integrating all four risk factors achieved the highest area under the curve of 0.868 (95% CI: 0.784-0.929). Conclusion:Preterm birth as well as hypoalbuminemia, pSOFA>4.5 scores, and PELOD-2>5.5 scores at admission are critical risk factors for complications in early-onset GBS sepsis, warranting heightened clinical vigilance.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and genetic variants associated with Multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome (MMDS) type 3 in two children.Methods:Two children diagnosed with MMDS type 3 at Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in January 2021 were selected for this study. A retrospective analysis of their clinical data was carried out. Whole exome sequencing was conducted on the two children and their parents, followed by Sanger sequencing for candidate variants and bioinformatic analysis. Both children received comprehensive rehabilitative therapy and were followed up for 3 years. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Ethics No. 202380).Results:① The two MMDS type 3 children were monozygotic twin girls, aged 9 months, presenting with developmental regression, pyramidal signs, and other clinical manifestations. Cranial MRI revealed widespread abnormal signals and vacuolar changes in the white matter. ② Whole exome sequencing revealed that both children had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the IBA57 gene, namely c. 286T>C (p.Tyr96His) and c. 307C>T (p.Gln103Ter). Sanger sequencing confirmed that these variants were inherited from their father and mother, respectively. ③ According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, both variants were classified as pathogenic (PM2_Supporting + PM3_Very Strong + PP3_Moderate; PVS1 + PM2_Supporting + PM3). ④ After treatment with vitamins, levocarnitine, ATP, coenzyme Q10, and other drugs, both children showed partial recovery of neurodevelopmental regression, with improvement in feeding and sleep. Over the 3-year follow-up, there was slow but progressive improvement in motor, language, and cognitive development. Conclusion:The compound heterozygous variants c. 286T>C (p.Tyr96His) and c. 307C>T (p.Gln103Ter) of the IBA57 gene probably underlay the MMDS type 3 in the twin pair. Clinicians should be vigilant about the possibility of MMDS type 3 in children with neurodevelopmental regression and early cranial MRI findings indicating widespread white matter abnormalities with vacuolar changes, as these may be indicative of IBA57 gene variants.

Objective:To investigate the incidence of osteoporosis (OP) in maintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients at the blood purification center in Gaochun district, and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 3 622 patients who received regular MHD treatment at Nanjing Gaochun People′s Hospital and Nanjing Gaochun Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023. The demographic characteristics, comorbidities, and clinical data such as blood calcium and creatinine of patients were collected. The ultivariate Logistic regression model was applied to analyze the influencing factors of OP in MHD patients.Results:The survey revealed that 33.63% of MHD patients had decreased bone mass, and 37.24% of MHD patients experienced osteoporosis. According to the occurrence of OP, 3 622 patients were separated into the OP group (1 349 cases) and the non-OP group (2 273 cases). Univariate analysis showed that compared with the non-OP group, the albumin (ALB) level in the OP group was lower: (38.95 ± 5.17) g/L vs. (40.32 ± 5.84) g/L, there was statistical difference( P<0.05). Compared with the non-OP group, the levels of immunoreactive parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the OP group were higher: (262.29 ± 36.76) ng/L vs. (249.55 ± 32.73) ng/L, (114.74 ± 18.01) U/L vs. (109.63 ± 17.25) U/L, the proportion of patients aged≥60 years old, female and dialysis duration≥5 years was higher: 61.75%(833/1 349) vs. 47.87%(1 088/2 273), 66.35%(895/1 349) vs. 54.86%(1 247/2 273), 52.34%(706/1 349) vs. 34.36%(781/2 273), there were statistical differences( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression revealed ALB ( OR = 0.724, 95% CI 0.568 - 0.920), iPTH ( OR = 1.374, 95% CI 1.095 - 1.725), ALP ( OR = 1.325, 95% CI 1.070 - 1.641), age ( OR = 2.753, 95% CI 1.664 - 4.556), gender ( OR = 2.993, 95% CI 1.611 - 5.560), and dialysis time ( OR = 4.216, 95% CI 2.365 - 7.516) were all influencing factors for the occurrence of OP in MHD patients ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The incidence of OP in MHD patients in Gaochun district is high, and its occurrence is closely related to ALB, iPTH, ALP, age, gender and dialysis time. Clinical attention should be focused on this.

Objective:To investigate the clinical features and genetic variants associated with Multiple mitochondrial dysfunction syndrome (MMDS) type 3 in two children.Methods:Two children diagnosed with MMDS type 3 at Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital in January 2021 were selected for this study. A retrospective analysis of their clinical data was carried out. Whole exome sequencing was conducted on the two children and their parents, followed by Sanger sequencing for candidate variants and bioinformatic analysis. Both children received comprehensive rehabilitative therapy and were followed up for 3 years. This study was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhuhai Maternal and Child Health Hospital (Ethics No. 202380).Results:① The two MMDS type 3 children were monozygotic twin girls, aged 9 months, presenting with developmental regression, pyramidal signs, and other clinical manifestations. Cranial MRI revealed widespread abnormal signals and vacuolar changes in the white matter. ② Whole exome sequencing revealed that both children had harbored compound heterozygous variants of the IBA57 gene, namely c. 286T>C (p.Tyr96His) and c. 307C>T (p.Gln103Ter). Sanger sequencing confirmed that these variants were inherited from their father and mother, respectively. ③ According to the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics (ACMG) guidelines, both variants were classified as pathogenic (PM2_Supporting + PM3_Very Strong + PP3_Moderate; PVS1 + PM2_Supporting + PM3). ④ After treatment with vitamins, levocarnitine, ATP, coenzyme Q10, and other drugs, both children showed partial recovery of neurodevelopmental regression, with improvement in feeding and sleep. Over the 3-year follow-up, there was slow but progressive improvement in motor, language, and cognitive development. Conclusion:The compound heterozygous variants c. 286T>C (p.Tyr96His) and c. 307C>T (p.Gln103Ter) of the IBA57 gene probably underlay the MMDS type 3 in the twin pair. Clinicians should be vigilant about the possibility of MMDS type 3 in children with neurodevelopmental regression and early cranial MRI findings indicating widespread white matter abnormalities with vacuolar changes, as these may be indicative of IBA57 gene variants.

Objective To compare the differences in the average transaction costs per-referral patients under different models of Integrated Delivery Systems(IDS).Methods Using a typical case sampling method,it selected referred patients from three IDS models:the county medical alliance in D City(Qinghai Province),the urban medical consortium in J District(Zhengzhou City,Henan Province),and the health management coalition in N County(Shandong Province).Structured questionnaires collected demographics,average transaction costs per-referral and cost perceptions.t-tests and ANOVA assessed cost differences;generalized linear regression identified influencing factors.Results Among 915 patients,the average transaction costs per-referral were 1 035.05 yuan(county alliance),195.31 yuan(urban consortium),and 700.97 yuan(health management coalition),with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The urban consortium exhibited lower time costs and specialized input costs.Key influencing factors included older age(county alliance),education level,employment status,and referral travel time(urban consortium),as well as urban-rural disparities(health management coalition).Patients'cost perceptions significantly differed across models(P＜0.05).Conclusion The urban medical consortium demonstrated the lowest patient the average transaction costs,highlighting its institutional advantage in minimizing financial burdens.