OBJECTIVES: To analyze the disease burden and inequalities of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEPAD) among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. The age-standardized prevalence rates, mortality rates, and the annual rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) of LEPAD were analyzed. Trends were measured using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index were used to quantify the absolute and relative inequalities. RESULTS: In 2021, the age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates of LEPAD were 3168.26/10⁵ and 3.09/10⁵, increasing by 4.30% and 19.31% compared to 1990, while YLDs rates decreased by 4.00%. Females had higher age-standardized prevalence and YLDs rates, while males had higher mortality rates. The EAPC for prevalence rates was slightly higher in males (0.22%) than in females (0.17%); while the EAPC of age-standardized mortality rate was 2.02% for females, compared to 1.45% for males. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized YLDs rates decreased from 16.23/10⁵ to 15.58/10⁵, with a faster decline in females (－0.12%) than in males (－0.06%). LEPAD prevalence varied across countries, with higher burden in Europe and faster growth in Gulf states. Higher socio-demographic index countries had higher prevalence. Inequity improved, with the SII at 52.90/10⁵ and concentration index at 0.038 in 2021. Gender disparities persisted, with concentration index increased to 0.058 in females and reduced to －0.026 in males. CONCLUSIONS LEPAD prevalence and mortality among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries increased, while YLDs rates decreased from 1990 to 2021. Significant differences among people exist depending on gender and country, highlighting the need for enhanced screening, health education, and shared public health strategies across the Belt and Road partner countries.
Humans ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Prevalence ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Cost of Illness

Objective To analyze the law of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion and the application law of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of lactational mastitis using complex network technology.Methods The clinical research literature about acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis was retrieved from CNKI,CBM,Wanfang Data,VIP and PubMed from the establishment of the databases to March 15,2025.The literature was screened according to the standards to build a prescription database of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis.SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze association rules,and Gephi 0.9 software was used for complex network analysis.Results A total of 108 articles were included.141 acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions were extracted,involving 74 acupoints,with a total use frequency of 677 times.The high-frequency acupoints were Jianjing,Danzhong,Rugen,Zusanli,Neiguan,etc.Specific acupoints were mainly composed of Wushu acupoints(169 times,21.10%);the acupoints were mainly distributed in the limbs(36);the most frequently used meridian was stomach meridian(168 times,24.82%).The combination of acupoints with the highest correlation was Jianjing-Neiguan-Rugen.Complex network analysis identified 22 core acupoints,with the most commonly used acupuncture method being filiform needle acupuncture(79 times).Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis pays special attention to the selection of stomach meridian.The compatibility mode is mainly from top to bottom,and the corresponding acupoints are selected according to syndrome differentiation.

Objective To analyze the law of acupoint selection and compatibility of acupuncture and moxibustion and the application law of acupuncture and moxibustion in the treatment of lactational mastitis using complex network technology.Methods The clinical research literature about acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis was retrieved from CNKI,CBM,Wanfang Data,VIP and PubMed from the establishment of the databases to March 15,2025.The literature was screened according to the standards to build a prescription database of acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis.SPSS Modeler 18.0 software was used to analyze association rules,and Gephi 0.9 software was used for complex network analysis.Results A total of 108 articles were included.141 acupuncture and moxibustion prescriptions were extracted,involving 74 acupoints,with a total use frequency of 677 times.The high-frequency acupoints were Jianjing,Danzhong,Rugen,Zusanli,Neiguan,etc.Specific acupoints were mainly composed of Wushu acupoints(169 times,21.10%);the acupoints were mainly distributed in the limbs(36);the most frequently used meridian was stomach meridian(168 times,24.82%).The combination of acupoints with the highest correlation was Jianjing-Neiguan-Rugen.Complex network analysis identified 22 core acupoints,with the most commonly used acupuncture method being filiform needle acupuncture(79 times).Conclusion Acupuncture and moxibustion treatment of lactational mastitis pays special attention to the selection of stomach meridian.The compatibility mode is mainly from top to bottom,and the corresponding acupoints are selected according to syndrome differentiation.

Objective To explore the residual level of FPMs in indoor dust samples in Shenzhen from 2020 and 2021, and to analyze its temporal distribution characteristics. Methods In the present study, indoor dust samples (n=193) from residential buildings in Shenzhen. were collected to analyze the temporal variation characteristics of FPMs. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was applied to determine the concentrations of FP and its four major metabolites (fipronil-sulfone, fipronil-sulfide, fipronil-desulfinyl, and fipronil-amide; abbreviated as FP-SFO, FP-SFI, FP-DES, and FP-AM) in the samples. The sum of the concentrations of FP and its four metabolites was represented as additive mass concentration (ΣFPMs). Additionaly, Wilcoxon test was performed to determine the temporal distribution differences of FPMs’ concentrations. Results From 2020 to 2021, the concentration of ΣFPMs for the in door dust samples in Shenzhen ranged from 0.51 to 4 415 ng/g (median: 18.8ng/g). FP, FP-SFO AND FP-SFI were the major target analytes in the sample with detection rates of 90.60%，86.20% and 75.40%, respectively. The detection rates of other metabolites were low (≤ 44.3%). Analysis of the temporal variation trend of FPMs’ concentrations showed that there was no significant difference in the levels of ΣFPMs between warm season（spring and summer）and cold season（autumn and winter）in the indoor dust samples from 2020 to 2021(2.38 vs 2.84ng/g , P > 0.05). However , the concentrations of FP-SFI and ΣFPMs in the indoor dust samples collected from 2021 showed an significantly increasing trend compared with 2020（1.02 vs 1.89 , 17.80vs. 20.10 ng/g , P < 0.05). Conclusion From 2020 to 2021 , the detection level of FPMs in indoor dust in Shenzhen is relatively high and shows an upward trend , with no obvious seasonal difference. However, whether the residual level of FPMs in indoor dust poses a risk to human health needs further study.

Objective:To investigate the prevalence and influencing factors of mild visual impairment in type 2 diabetic patients aged ≥50 years living in Funing County, Jiangsu Province.Methods:A population-based cross-sectional study was adopted.Cluster sampling was conducted among diabetic patients aged ≥50 years registered in the Chronic Disease Information Center of Funing County Center for Disease Prevention and Control from March 7th to April 20th, 2019.General information of selected patients was collected.Visual and ocular examinations on site were performed by ophthalmologists and technicians.The International Council of Ophthalmology standard for mild visual impairment, 0.3≤best corrected visual acuity<0.8 was adopted.The influencing factors of mild visual impairment were analyzed by logistic regression.This study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University (No.2014-071).Results:Among the included 2 067 patients, 1 909 cases completed the investigation, with a response rate of 92.4%.There were 1 146 patients with mild visual impairment in at least one eye, and the prevalence of mild visual impairment was 60.00%.Among the eyes examined, 1 832 eyes were with mild visual impairment, accounting for 47.98%.Cataract (896/1 632), refractive error (515/1 632) and diabetic retinopathy (166/1 632) were the main causes of mild visual impairment in diabetic patients, accounting for 54.90%, 31.61% and 10.19%, respectively.Aging, female gender, low educational attainment, oral hypoglycemic drugs or subcutaneous insulin injection were risk factors for mild visual impairment in both eyes.Higher educational attainment, more sunshine exposure and exercise were protective factors for mild visual impairment in both eyes.Conclusions:The prevalence of mild visual impairment is relatively high in type 2 diabetic patients.Cataract surgery, correction of refractive error may help to improve mild visual impairment.Strengthening blood glucose control, more physical exercise and outdoor activities may slow the progression of mild visual impairment and prevent it from moderate and severe visual impairment.

Objective:To investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) attention training on cognitive function in patients with depressive episode.Methods:64 patients diagnosed as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder depressive episodes according to the DSM-5 criteria were recruited. They were randomized into virtual reality training (VRT) group ( n=23), computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) group ( n=21) and blank control group ( n=20). Prior to the intervention, seven cognitive functions were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)-B version in all patients, via information processing speed (IPS), attention/alertness (ATT), working memory, word learning, visual learning (VL), reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. VRT group and CCRT group were trained for four weeks at a frequency of five days a week, and half an hour for each day training. Blank control group did not receive any treatment related to attention training. After the training, three groups were assessed by the MCCB-A. The differences of the cognitive functions among three groups were explored by the repeated analysis of ANOVA and paired sample ttest. Results:(1) Before the intervention, there were no differences in all cognitive functions (all P>0.05) among three groups. (2) After four-week interventions, the cognition of IPS, ATT and VL in VRT group (56.74±9.68, 56.48±10.22, 57.83±4.16), CCRT group (48.90±9.77, 49.48±9.51, 55.95±5.52) and the blank control group (50.35±7.93, 47.55±7.80, 47.95±9.90) had significant groups×time interactions ( F=14.06, 12.88, 9.39, all P<0.01); simple effect analysis showed that IPS and ATT scores in VRT group were higher than both CCRT group and the blank control group (all P<0.05), while the VL scores in VRT group and CCRT group were both higher than the blank control group (all P<0.01).(3) Cognitive functions in VRT group significantly improved in IPS, ATT, VL and overall domains compared with the baseline ( t=-9.33, -6.00, -5.13, -6.26, all P<0.01). Conclusion:VR attention training may be more beneficial than CCRT attention training to improve the attention among depressive patients.

Objective:To investigate the character and prevalence of cognitive impairment of patients with bipolar Ⅱ depression (BD-Ⅱ).Methods:124 patients diagnosed as bipolar Ⅱ depression according to the DSM-5 criteria and 124 demographically matched healthy subjects were recruited. Seven cognitive functions were assessed with the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery(MCCB) in all participants, including speed of processing (SOP), attention vigilance (AV), working memory (WM), verbal learning (VER), visual learning (VIS), reasoning problem solving (RPS), and social cognition (SC), and the composite. Analysis of covariance was used to test the differences in cognitive function. The number and percentage of cognitive domains impairment which was defined as the cognitive domains scored below standard values by 1, 1.5 and 2 standard deviation (SD) were explored.Results:(1) BD-Ⅱ patients were significantly impaired on seven MCCB domains and the composite scores compared with HC (all P<0.01). Correlation analysis showed that the scores of VER, RPS negatively correlated to the number of episodes ( r=-0.212, P=0.018; r=-0.183, P=0.042); (2) Most healthy control participants were not impaired on any 2 cognitive domains at 1.5 SD (79.84%,99/124) and 2 SD (92.74%,115/124) cut-offs, with the 2.42%-6.45% cognitive impairment at the 1.5 SD cut-off, and 0-4.84% at the 2 SD cut-off accordingly. (3) At the 1.5 SD cut-off, 33.06%,41/124 of the BD-Ⅱ patients were cognitively impaired in two or more domains, while at the 2.0 SD cut-off, 14.52%,18/124 of patients were cognitively impaired. Meanwhile, the incidence of impairment in various cognitive domains was 9.68%-24.19% and 3.23%-15.32%, of which the incidence rate of visual learning impairment was 12.90%, and the incidence rate of impairment in working memory and social cognition was 24.19%. Conclusions:Participants with BD-Ⅱ depression were generally impaired on a greater number of cognitive domains with a higher percentage than the healthy controls, especially on the cognitive domains of working memory, visual learning, and social cognition. And the domains of verbal learning and reasoning problem solving were negatively correlated with the number of episodes.

Objective:To investigate the effect of virtual reality (VR) attention training on cognitive function in patients with depressive episode.Methods:64 patients diagnosed as major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder depressive episodes according to the DSM-5 criteria were recruited. They were randomized into virtual reality training (VRT) group ( n=23), computerized cognitive remediation therapy (CCRT) group ( n=21) and blank control group ( n=20). Prior to the intervention, seven cognitive functions were assessed with the MATRICS Consensus Cognitive Battery (MCCB)-B version in all patients, via information processing speed (IPS), attention/alertness (ATT), working memory, word learning, visual learning (VL), reasoning and problem solving, and social cognition. VRT group and CCRT group were trained for four weeks at a frequency of five days a week, and half an hour for each day training. Blank control group did not receive any treatment related to attention training. After the training, three groups were assessed by the MCCB-A. The differences of the cognitive functions among three groups were explored by the repeated analysis of ANOVA and paired sample ttest. Results:(1) Before the intervention, there were no differences in all cognitive functions (all P>0.05) among three groups. (2) After four-week interventions, the cognition of IPS, ATT and VL in VRT group (56.74±9.68, 56.48±10.22, 57.83±4.16), CCRT group (48.90±9.77, 49.48±9.51, 55.95±5.52) and the blank control group (50.35±7.93, 47.55±7.80, 47.95±9.90) had significant groups×time interactions ( F=14.06, 12.88, 9.39, all P<0.01); simple effect analysis showed that IPS and ATT scores in VRT group were higher than both CCRT group and the blank control group (all P<0.05), while the VL scores in VRT group and CCRT group were both higher than the blank control group (all P<0.01).(3) Cognitive functions in VRT group significantly improved in IPS, ATT, VL and overall domains compared with the baseline ( t=-9.33, -6.00, -5.13, -6.26, all P<0.01). Conclusion:VR attention training may be more beneficial than CCRT attention training to improve the attention among depressive patients.

Objective:To investigate the character and prevalence of cognitive impairment of patients with bipolar Ⅱ depression (BD-Ⅱ).Methods:124 patients diagnosed as bipolar Ⅱ depression according to the DSM-5 criteria and 124 demographically matched healthy subjects were recruited. Seven cognitive functions were assessed with the Measurement and Treatment Research to Improve Cognition in Schizophrenia (MATRICS) Consensus Cognitive Battery(MCCB) in all participants, including speed of processing (SOP), attention vigilance (AV), working memory (WM), verbal learning (VER), visual learning (VIS), reasoning problem solving (RPS), and social cognition (SC), and the composite. Analysis of covariance was used to test the differences in cognitive function. The number and percentage of cognitive domains impairment which was defined as the cognitive domains scored below standard values by 1, 1.5 and 2 standard deviation (SD) were explored.Results:(1) BD-Ⅱ patients were significantly impaired on seven MCCB domains and the composite scores compared with HC (all P<0.01). Correlation analysis showed that the scores of VER, RPS negatively correlated to the number of episodes ( r=-0.212, P=0.018; r=-0.183, P=0.042); (2) Most healthy control participants were not impaired on any 2 cognitive domains at 1.5 SD (79.84%,99/124) and 2 SD (92.74%,115/124) cut-offs, with the 2.42%-6.45% cognitive impairment at the 1.5 SD cut-off, and 0-4.84% at the 2 SD cut-off accordingly. (3) At the 1.5 SD cut-off, 33.06%,41/124 of the BD-Ⅱ patients were cognitively impaired in two or more domains, while at the 2.0 SD cut-off, 14.52%,18/124 of patients were cognitively impaired. Meanwhile, the incidence of impairment in various cognitive domains was 9.68%-24.19% and 3.23%-15.32%, of which the incidence rate of visual learning impairment was 12.90%, and the incidence rate of impairment in working memory and social cognition was 24.19%. Conclusions:Participants with BD-Ⅱ depression were generally impaired on a greater number of cognitive domains with a higher percentage than the healthy controls, especially on the cognitive domains of working memory, visual learning, and social cognition. And the domains of verbal learning and reasoning problem solving were negatively correlated with the number of episodes.

Objective To evaluate the guidance value of capsule endoscopy and clinical scoring system in risk stratification for acute upper gastrointestinal bleeding (AUGIB) .Methods 24 patients presenting to the emergency room with AUGIB ,were randomly divided into two groups (12 cases in each group) .Pre‐Endoscopic Blatchford and Rockall scores were calculated for all pa‐tients .All patients underwent endoscopy(EGD) within 24 hours .The timing of EGD was based on clinical scores in control group , and on VCE in observation group .Positive VCE was defined as red blood ,clot or coffee grounds .Mean Rockall and Blatchford scores for all 24 patients were compared to differentiate high‐and low‐risk patients .Rockall and Blatchford scores were also com‐pared with VCE findings .Results A total of 13 out of 24 patients had high‐risk stigmata on EGD ,with the mean Rockall and Blatchford scores of 3 and 13 respectively .Meanwhile ,the mean Rockall and Blatchford scores of the other 11 patients were 2 and 11 .There was no statistically significant difference between the Blatchford scores of the two groups(95% CI:5 .2‐1 .4 ;P=0 .23) . Also there was no statistically significant difference between the Rockall scores of the two groups(95% CI:2 .2‐0 .3;P=0 .12) .In the subgroup of 12 patients who underwent VCE ,9/12 had positive findings confirmed at EGD afterward ,compared with the other 3 patients with negative VCE and endoscopy .Conclusion Both the Rockall and the Blatchford scores are not accurate to predict the degree of risk in patients with AUGIB identified at EGD .However ,VCE is sensitive and specific enough to a better risk stratifica‐tion tool .