Background Microparticles (MPs) are one of the main medium of inflammatory reaction with an important role in atherosclerotic progression. Studies on association of air pollution exposure and levels of peripheral blood MPs are limited among human. Objective To evaluate the effects of short-term exposure to air pollution on levels of peripheral blood MPs. Method A panel of 73 healthy adults was followed with 4 repeated follow-ups in Beijing, China, from November 2014 to January 2016. During each visit, we collected questionnaire information, fasting venous blood, urine, and exposures to fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), black carbon, nitric oxide, nitrogen dioxide, nitrogen oxide, sulfur dioxide, carbon monoxide, and ozone. We used linear mixed-effect models to analyze associations of air pollution exposure with levels of total MPs (TMPs) and MPs derived from various cells. Stratified analysis was conducted by levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Results The results showed significant associations between air pollution exposure and peripheral blood TMPs at 2 h-6 d prior to the follow-ups (P<0.05), while no statistical associations were found for MPs derived from different cell types. Significant increases in TMPs of 7.8% (95%CI: 0.7%, 15.3%) and 14.3% (95%CI: 2.8%, 27.2%) were observed with each interquartile range (IQR) increase in PM_2.5 (IQR=64.9 μg·m⁻³) at prior 18 h and NO (IQR=40.5 μg·m⁻³) at prior 48 h. Among participants with low levels of CRP and MDA, significantly positive associations were observed between air pollution exposure and levels of TMPs (P<0.05). Conclusion Short-term exposure to air pollution is significantly associated with increased levels of circulating MPs in healthy adults, and in people with lower systemic inflammation, peripheral blood MPs levels are more easily affected after exposure to air pollutants.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

BackgroundIndividuals with chronic multimorbidity exhibit a high prevalence of sleep disturbances， which impair their physical and psychological well-being and impede chronic disease management. Although sleep quality is closely influencing with psychological functioning， empirical evidence regarding the longitudinal trajectories of sleep quality and their influencing factors in this population remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo investigate the longitudinal trajectories of sleep quality and associated factors among patients with chronic multimorbidity from hospitalization through 6 months post-discharge， aiming to facilitate the early identification of high-risk individuals and the development of personalized sleep interventions. MethodsA total of 228 inpatients with chronic multimorbidity， primarily with cardiovascular and metabolic chronic conditions， were enrolled via random sampling at The Third People's Hospital of Fuyang from January 2023 to September 2024. Baseline assessments were conducted during hospitalization using the general socio-demographic questionnaire， the Sleep Dysfunction Rating Scale （SDRS）， the Ruminative Response Scale （RRS）， and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale （HADS）. Sleep quality was further evaluated using the SDRS at 1-， 3-， and 6-month post-discharge. Latent class growth model was employed to delineate trajectories of sleep quality. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was subsequently performed to identify influencing factors of sleep quality. ResultsA total of 201 patients with chronic diseases were included.Based on four predefined assessment time points （baseline， 1 month， 3 months， 6 months post-discharge）， the latent class growth model identified three distinct trajectories of sleep quality： persistent high sleep disturbance （n=72， 35.82%）， moderate sleep disturbance-progression （n=73， 36.32%）， and low sleep disturbance （n=56， 27.86%）. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that， compared with the low sleep disturbance group， multiple factors increased the odds of membership in the persistent high sleep disturbance group： per capita monthly household income of <3 000 yuan （β=13.131， P<0.01） or 3 000–5 000 yuan （β=5.913， P<0.05）， aged 45–65 years （β=9.536， P<0.05）， presence of 3 （β=7.792， P<0.05） or >3 comorbid chronic conditions （β=6.626， P<0.05）， as well as higher RRS （β=0.334， P<0.01） and HADS score （β=1.628， P<0.01）. Additionally， patients aged 45–65 years （β=2.777， P<0.05）， with 3 （β=3.802， P<0.01） or >3 comorbid chronic conditions （β=2.463， P<0.01）， and with higher RRS （β=0.111， P<0.01） and HDAS scores （β=0.350， P<0.05） also demonstrated significantly increased odds of belonging to the moderate sleep disturbance–progression group. ConclusionThere is significant population heterogeneity in sleep quality trajectories among patients with chronic multimorbidity， with age， per capita household monthly income， number of comorbidities， rumination， and anxiety/depression symptoms being identify as the primary influencing factors.

Background: and Purpose Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage (sICH) following endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) is a severe complication associated with adverse functional outcomes and increased mortality rates. Currently, a reliable predictive model for sICH risk after EVT is lacking. Methods: This study used data from patients aged ≥20 years who underwent EVT for anterior circulation stroke from the nationwide Taiwan Registry of Endovascular Thrombectomy for Acute Ischemic Stroke (TREAT-AIS). A predictive model including factors associated with an increased risk of sICH after EVT was developed to differentiate between patients with and without sICH. This model was compared existing predictive models using nationwide registry data to evaluate its relative performance. Results: Of the 2,507 identified patients, 158 developed sICH after EVT. Factors such as diastolic blood pressure, Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score, platelet count, glucose level, collateral score, and successful reperfusion were associated with the risk of sICH after EVT. The TREAT-AIS score demonstrated acceptable predictive accuracy (area under the curve [AUC]=0.694), with higher scores being associated with an increased risk of sICH (odds ratio=2.01 per score increase, 95% confidence interval=1.64–2.45, P<0.001). The discriminatory capacity of the score was similar in patients with symptom onset beyond 6 hours (AUC=0.705). Compared to existing models, the TREAT-AIS score consistently exhibited superior predictive accuracy, although this difference was marginal. Conclusions The TREAT-AIS score outperformed existing models, and demonstrated an acceptable discriminatory capacity for distinguishing patients according to sICH risk levels. However, the differences between models were only marginal. Further research incorporating periprocedural and postprocedural factors is required to improve the predictive accuracy.

Objective To analyze the relationship between apolipoprotein E(APOE)genotype and cognitive impairment among individuals aged 40 and above in rural Xi'an and to explore the potential influence of education on this relationship.Methods All permanent residents aged 40 and above from two villages in Huyi District,Xi'an City,were selected as research subjects,employing a cross-sectional survey approach.The Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE)was utilized to assess overall cognitive function,with MMSE scores below the threshold values(illiterate ≤17,primary school ≤20,junior high and above ≤24)considered as cognitive impairment.Fasting elbow venous blood was drawn in the morning,and the APOE genotype was determined.The population was divided into low-education(LE,≤9 years)and high-education(HE,＞9 years)groups based on educational level.Univariate and multivariate analyses were applied to explore the association between APOE genotype and cognitive impairment,as well as MMSE scores in both the total and stratified populations.Results Out of the 1 692 participants,there were 263 APOE ε4 allele carriers(E2/4,E3/4,E4/4)(15.3％),and 205 individuals met the criteria for cognitive impairment(12.1％).Multivariate Logistic regression and linear regression analyses revealed that in both the total population and the LE population,compared to APOE ε4 allele non-carriers(E2/2,E2/3,E3/3),APOE ε4 allele carriers exhibited a higher risk of cognitive impairments(total population:OR=1.509,95％CI:1.030-2.211,P=0.035;LE:OR=1.604,95％CI:1.080-2.381,P=0.019),and their MMSE scores were lower(total population:β=-0.053,95％CI:-0.983--0.162,P=0.006;LE:β=-0.052,95％CI:-1.052--0.124,P=0.013).However,in the HE population,there was no statistically significant difference in the prevalence of cognitive impairment(OR=1.883,95％CI:0.254-13.980,P=0.536)and MMSE scores(β=0.001,95％CI:-0.635-0.642,P=0.992)between APOE ε4 allele carriers and non-carriers.Conclusion The APOE ε4 allele was associated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment in individuals aged 40 and above in rural areas of Xi'an,while HE attainment may offer protective effects against cognitive impairment in APOE ε4 allele carriers.

Objective:To improve the diagnosis and treatment of autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) in children by analyzing their clinical characteristics and outcomes.Methods:Case summary.The general data, clinical manifestations, laboratory parameters, liver pathology, treatment and outcomes of 6 AIH children diagnosed at Xi′an Children′s Hospital from January 2019 to March 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:All the 6 patients were diagnosed with AIH-1, and 5 of them were female, accounting for 83.3%.The median age of onset was 6.2 years old.Three cases (50.0%) had insidious onset.Elevated hepatic aminotransferase levels were detected incidentally in 2 cases (33.3%).One case (16.7%) presented symptoms resembling those of viral hepatitis.Two cases (33.3%) were accompanied by extrahepatic autoimmune diseases.All the children tested positive for anti-nuclear antibodies with a titer ≥1∶80 or 1∶100.Four cases (66.7%), 3 cases (50.0%), and 1 case (16.7%) tested positive for anti-smooth muscle antibodies, anti-perinuclear neutrophil cytoplasm antibodies and anti-soluble liver antigen, respectively.Liver pathology showed infiltration of lymphocytes-plasma cells and moderate or severe interfacial inflammation in all the 6 cases.Two cases (33.3%) had rosettes.All the patients were given oral corticosteroids combined with Azathioprine or Mycophenolate mofetil.The patients were followed up for 24.8 (12.0-52.0) months, during which 3 cases (50.0%) had partial remission and 3 cases (50.0%) achieved complete remission.Four cases (66.7%) showed transaminase fluctuations during corticosteroid reduction or cessation.Conclusions:Autoantibodies and liver pathology are important evidence for diagnosing AIH in children.Immunosuppressants have a high remission rate in the treatment of this disease, but transaminase fluctuations are prone to occur during corticosteroid reduction or cessation.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of stanozolol combined with avatrombopag in the treatment of chemotherapy-induced thrombocytopenia(CIT)in patients with relapsed/refractory tumors.Methods:Twenty-five patients with relapsed/refractory CIT admitted to the Hematology Department of Xiyuan Hospital,China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences between March 2023 to December 2023 were enrolled.These patients received a combined therapy of stanozolol and avatrombopag.The clinical efficacy,onset time,changes in platelet levels and blood cell counts before and after treatment,and adverse reactions of patients were evaluated.Results:The combination therapy demonstrated remarkable efficacy with a total effective rate of 100％.Among the 25 patients,19 achieved complete remission and 6 achieved partial remission.The median onset time was 42.5(range:35-48)days.The average platelet count of the 25 patients increased from(25.73±17.75)× 109/L before treatment to(146.4±49.59)× 109/L after 3 months of treatment,with a statistically significant difference(P＜0.05).18 patients who previously required platelet transfusion were all weaned off platelet transfusion after 3 months of treatment,with a median time to be free from platelet transfusion was 26(range:18-51)days.During the treatment,both neutrophils and hemoglobin exhibited various degrees of elevation.Two patients experienced a slight increase in alanine aminotransferase(ALT)levels,which normalized after treatment with oral hepatoprotective drug.One patient had a PLT increase exceeding 350 ×109/L,and the treatment with avatrombopag was suspended,and aspirin and other drugs were given to prevent thrombosis.No thrombose events or CIT-related bleeding events were observed in all patients.Conclusion:The combination therapy of stanozolol and avatrombopag is significantly effective for treating relapsed/refractory CIT patients,with a high response rate and good safety,making it a suitable clinical treatment option.

BACKGROUND: There is a gap in understanding the effects of different acupoints and treatment methods (acupuncture and moxibustion) on microcirculatory changes in the lumbar region. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to assess the thermal effects of acupuncture at Weizhong (BL40), with acupuncture at Chize (LU5) and moxibustion at both acupoints as control interventions. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS: In this randomized controlled trial, 140 healthy participants were equally divided into four groups: acupuncture at BL40 (Acu-BL40), acupuncture at LU5 (Acu-LU5), moxibustion at BL40 (Mox-BL40) and moxibustion at LU5 (Mox-LU5). Participants underwent a 30-minute session of their assigned treatment. Infrared thermal imaging was used to collect temperature data on the areas of interest for analysis. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The primary measure was the change in average temperature of the observed area after the intervention. The secondary measures included periodic temperature changes every 5 min and the temperature changes of the Governor Vessel and Bladder Meridian in the observed area after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant interactions were observed between treatments and acupoints affecting temperature (P < 0.001). The Acu-BL40 group showed a notably higher increase in mean temperature after 30 min compared to the Acu-LU5 and Mox-BL40 groups, with increases of 0.29 (95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.17 to 0.41) and 0.24 (95% CI = 0.08 to 0.41) °C, respectively. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture at BL40 acupoint can significantly increase the mean temperature in the observed area, highlighting the specific thermal effect of acupuncture compared to moxibustion in the lumbar area. This suggests a potential therapeutic benefit of acupuncture at BL40 for managing lumbar conditions. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT05665426). Please cite this article as: Zheng SY, Wang XY, Lin LN, Liu S, Huang XX, Liu YY, Yu XS, Pan W, Fang JQ, Liang Y. Lumbar temperature change after acupuncture or moxibustion at Weizhong (BL40) or Chize (LU5) in healthy adults: A randomized controlled trial. J Integr Med. 2025; 23(2): 145-151.
Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Body Temperature ; Healthy Volunteers ; Lumbosacral Region/physiology* ; Moxibustion ; Adolescent

Objective To investigate the interference of varying degrees of lipemia on serum lithium(Li)measurement using the phosphatase method and explore effective mitigation strategies.Methods A pooled sample of severe lipemic serum without lithium was collected and concentrated to obtain lipemic serum concentrate.A pooled serum sample from patients with normal lipid levels taking lithium carbonate was used for triglyceride(TG)interference experiments.Additionally,28 serum samples from patients not taking lithium carbonate were collected.Based on the results of TG interference experiments,the maximum TG concentration that did not interfere with serum lithium measurement was determined as the target concentration for dilution,and the corresponding dilution factor was calculated.Lithium solution was added to each sample to determine the theoretical lithium concentration.Samples were divided into three groups and analyzed using direct detection,physiological saline dilution,and high-speed centrifugation(13 000 r/min,10 min).The results obtained from different methods were compared.Results Lipemic serum with TG concentrations>4.77mmol/L interfered with lithium measurement by the phosphatase method.The physiological saline dilution method showed the largest deviation(t=10.87,P<0.000 1)and significant differences from theoretical values,making it unsuitable for accurate measurement.In contrast,the high-speed centrifugation method provided results closest to the theoretical values(t=2.97,P=0.036 9)with higher accuracy.Although the direct detection method was highly correlated with the high-speed centrifugation method(r=0.976 5,P<0.000 1),with a significant mean difference remained(t=5.37,P<0.000 1).Conclusion For lipemic serum samples with TG concentrations>4.77mmol/L,the physiological saline dilution method should be avoided due to its inaccuracy.High-speed centrifugation effectively removes lipemic interference,yielding results closer to theoretical values,and is recommended as the optimized method for serum lithium measurement in lipemic samples.

Objective To develop and validate a fast Monte Carlo(MC)-based patient-specific quality assurance(PSQA)tool using the treatment log files that is suitable to be used in the online adaptive radiotherapy for pencil beam scanning proton therapy(PBSPT-ART).Methods The proposed tool first used the delivery log file of a PBSPT plan to reversely reconstruct the PBSPT(rPBSPT)plan,and then used an in-house developed graphic processing unit(GPU)-accelerated virtual particle MC(VPMC)dose engine to calculate the dose distribution of the rPBSPT plan.The rPBSPT dose calculated by VPMC was then compared to the rPBSPT dose calculated by another independent MC dose engine(MCsquare),using 3D gamma analysis to verify the accuracy of VPMC calculation.As a demonstration of the feasibility of developed log file-based PSQA,the VPMC calculated dose of the rPBSPT plan was compared to the pre-delivery second check dose of the corresponding PBSPT plan calculated by MCsquare,using 3D gamma analysis.3D gamma analysis employes a criterion of 2 mm/2%/10%.Twenty patients with different disease sites were representatively selected to validate the efficiency and accuracy of the tool.Results The average calculation time of a rPBSPT plan by VPMC was(5.88±4.00)s in the accuracy verification.Compared to MCsquare,the passing rate of the 3D gamma analysis was 99.47%±0.72%.In the proposed PSQA tool demonstration,the passing rate of comparing the VPMC calculated rPBSPT dose to MCsquare calculated second check dose of the corresponding PBSPT plan was 98.91%±0.92%.Conclusion The accuracy and efficiency of the tool can meet the requirements of PSQA in the online PBSPT-ART workflow.