ObjectiveTo develop an assessment tool for apraxia of speech (AOS) of Chinese Putonghua speakers and test its reliability and validity. MethodsThe Chinese Apraxia of Speech Assessment and Diagnostic Tool (CAADT) was developed based on the Apraxia of Speech Rating Scale 3.5, combined with the linguistic characteristics of Chinese and clinical experience. The tool consistsed of eleven items across three sections: articulation, prosody and alternating motion rates. Six experts evaluated the content validity. From November, 2024 to May, 2025, 51 patients with post-stroke AOS (experimental group) and ten patients with post-stroke aphasia without AOS (control group) were recruited from Anhui Wannan Rehabilitation Hospital (the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuhu), and tested with CAADT. Reliability was assessed using Cronbach's α coefficient, Kendall's coefficient of concordance W and Pearson correlation coefficient. Validity was evaluated using the content validity index (CVI) and Spearman correlation coefficient. Discriminative effect was analyzed using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. ResultsThe Cronbach's α coefficients for the articulation and prosody sections and the total scale were all > 0.9, while it was 0.454 for the alternating motion rates. Inter-rater reliability was good (W ≥ 0.598, P < 0.001). Test-retest reliability showed high positive correlations for the three sections and the total score between the two assessments (r ≥ 0.84, P < 0.001). The scale-level CVI was 0.95, and the item-level CVI ≥ 0.83. The Spearman correlation coefficients among the sections ranged from 0.30 to 0.70. ROC analysis revealed an area under the curve of 0.953, with a cut-off value of 11, yielding a sensitivity of 0.92 and a specificity of 0.90. ConclusionCAADT demonstrates good reliability, validity and discriminative effect, which can be used for clinical assessment and auxiliary diagnosis of Chinese Putonghua speaking patients with post-stroke AOS.

ObjectiveTo investigate the therapeutic effect of wall-broken ganoderma lucidum spore powder （GLS） on a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma and to explore its underlying mechanism. MethodsFifty 2-week-old C57BL/6J mice were divided into a control group， a model group and low， medium and high-dose GLS groups（0.25， 0.5， 1.0 g/kg ）， with 10 mice in each group. A DEN/CCL₄ mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model was established， and GLS was administered by gavage starting from the 8th week， once a day for 14 weeks. At the end of the final administration， the number of liver nodules was observed ， and the serum alpha-fetoprotein （AFP） was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The content of catalase （CAT） in serum and liver tissue was determined by ammonium molybdate method. The content of reduced glutathione （GSH） in serum and liver tissue was measured by microplate assay. The content of glutathione peroxidase （GSH-PX） in serum and liver tissue was detected by colorimetric method. Immunohistochemistry （IHC-P） was employed to detect the protein expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA）. R eal-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction was utilized to detect the relative expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）， Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 （Keap1）， NAD（P）H quinone oxidoreductase 1 （Nqo1）， heme oxygenase-1 （Ho-1） and glutamate cysteine ligase catalytic subunit （Gclc） mRNA. ResultsCompared with the control group， the content of serum AFP were significantly higher in the model group （P<0.01）， while the contents of CAT， GSH and GSH-PX in liver and serum were significantly lower in the model group （P<0.01）. The relative expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA was significantly higher （P<0.01）， the relative expression of Nrf2， Ho-1， Gclc mRNA relative expression was significantly lower （P<0.01）， and the positive expression rate of PCNA was significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the total number of liver nodules and content of serum AFP in the administered group were significantly lower （P<0.01）， and the contents of CAT， GSH， and GSH-PX in the liver and serum of mice significantly increased （P<0.05 or P<0.01）. The expression of Keap1 and Nqo1 mRNA significantly decreased （P<0.05）. The expression of Nrf2， Ho-1 and Gclc mRNA significantly increased （P<0.05）， and positive expression rate of PCNA significantly decreased （P<0.01）. ConclusionGLS has a significant protective effect on DEN/CCL4 -induced mouse hepatocellular carcinoma model， and the mechanism of action is related to the regulation of oxidative stress in mouse liver.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects of Liuwei Dihuangwan on mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）-mediated synaptic plasticity in the prefrontal cortex-hippocampus circuit in the rat model of valproic acid （VPA）-induced autism spectrum disorder （ASD） and to explore its potential mechanism for reducing behavioral abnormalities in ASD rats. MethodsThirteen SD pregnant rats were randomized into the VPA group （10 rats） and the control group （3 rats）. On gestational day 13， the VPA group was intraperitoneally injected with VPA solution （600 mg·kg^-1）， while the control group was injected with an equal volume of normal saline. Male pups of 21 days old from both groups underwent behavioral tests to screen the ASD model rats （32 rats）. These rats were then randomly assigned to the model （distilled water）， vitamin D （1 480 U·kg^-1）， low-dose （0.75 g·kg^-1） Liuwei Dihuangwan， and high-dose （1.5 g·kg^-1） Liuwei Dihuangwan groups， and normal male pups were selected as the blank group （distilled water）， with 8 rats in each group. Each group was treated with the corresponding drug or an equal volume of distilled water via gavage daily. After drug administration， behavioral tests were conducted again， followed by anesthesia and tissue collection. Nissl staining was carried out to observe the morphological changes of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Transmission electron microscopy was used to observe changes in hippocampal synaptic structure. Immunohistochemistry and Western blot were employed to determine the expression of mTOR， phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）， and protein kinase B （Akt） in the prefrontal cortex， as well as synaptophysin-1 （SYP-1）， postsynaptic density 95 （PSD95）， and N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors （NMDARs） in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared with the control group， the model group exhibited severe growth retardation and developmental deformities， with abnormal behavioral performance and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus. Compared with the model group， all treatment groups showed reduced behavioral abnormalities and pathological damage to neurons and synapses in the prefrontal cortex and hippocampus， with the most significant effects in the high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group. Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting results showed that compared with the control group， the model group exhibited significantly increased protein levels and phosphorylation ratios of p-mTOR， p-Akt， and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and decreased protein levels of SYP-1 and PSD95 and increased protein level of NMDARs in the hippocampus （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the model group， the protein levels of p-mTOR， p-Akt， and p-PI3K in the prefrontal cortex decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.05）， and the p-mTOR/mTOR， p-Akt/Akt， and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios in the prefrontal cortex declined in the vitamin D group （P<0.05）. The high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan group showed a reduction in p-PI3K/PI3K ratio （P<0.05）. The protein level of SYP-1 and PSD95 in the hippocampus increased in the vitamin D， low-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan， and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.05， P<0.01）， while the protein level of NMDARs decreased in the vitamin D and high-dose Liuwei Dihuangwan groups （P<0.01）. ConclusionLiuwei Dihuangwan significantly reduces VPA-induced ASD-like behaviors and enhances the regeneration and repair of neurons in the prefrontal cortex and synaptic structures in the hippocampus by downregulating of PI3K/Akt/mTOR expression in the prefrontal cortex， upregulating SYP-1 and PSD95 expression in the hippocampus， and inhibiting NMDARs expression.

Objective:To preliminarily establish a sample clot warning model for coagulation screening tests using 5 machine learning methods.Methods:This cross-sectional study collected 7 401 routine screening test samples from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from January 1st, 2015, to August 18th, 2024, including 4 786 clotted (positive) and 2 615 qualified (negative) samples for model development. The dataset was divided into Dataset 1 and Dataset 2 based on a reagent change for APTT in December 2018, with separate models developed for each. An additional 2 493 samples (October 31st to November 8th, 2024) were used to evaluate consistency between the model and manual assessment, while 23 200 samples (October 17th to December 31st, 2024) were used for assessing real-world predictive performance. Five machine learning algorithms were employed to develop the clot prediction model: logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), naive bayes (NB), and artificial neural network (ANN), with the ANN model constructed using two different hidden layer and neuron parameter settings. Model selection was based on AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, PPV, and NPV, with the optimal model integrated into the LIS for validation.Results:Among the six models using 5 machine learning algorithms, XGBoost demonstrated the highest performance (AUC=0.961, sensitivity=0.945, F1-score=0.934) and robustness to reagent changes ( Z=-1.333, P=0.113). When deployed, the differences between the model's predictions and manual pre-judgment were statistically significant ( Z=-5.289 to 8.933, all P<0.01). The predictive efficacy indices AUC (95% CI), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the XGBoost model deployed in real-world operation of the LIS were 0.939 (0.918—0.960), 0.958, 0.921, and 0.921 respectively. Conclusion:In this study, a clot warning model for coagulation screening samples was established based on the XGBoost algorithm, and its prediction efficacy is good, providing a foundation for intelligent pre-analytical quality control for coagulation screening tests.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and early renal function impairment in patients with primary hypertension.Methods:This cross-sectional study included patients with primary hypertension who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital between January 2021 and October 2024. Patients were divided into low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups based on their 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. General clinical data were collected using the electronic medical record system. Urinary sodium, protein, and microalbumin excretion were analyzed from 24-hour urine samples. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion. A multiple linear regression model was used to further assess the independent association between these variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age were performed to determine whether age influenced the relationship between urinary sodium excretion and renal function impairment.Results:A total of 1 065 patients with primary hypertension were included, with a mean age of (55.26±14.06) years, including 568(53.33%) males. The low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups included 223, 579, and 263 patients, respectively. The 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion in the high-sodium group was significantly higher than in the medium-sodium and low-sodium groups, and this trend remained consistent across different age groups (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion ( r=0.220, P<0.001), and this relationship was observed in all age groups (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed an independent association between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion (all P<0.001), which persisted across different age groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In patients with primary hypertension, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion is closely associated with microalbumin excretion, suggesting a potential link to early renal function impairment.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and early renal function impairment in patients with primary hypertension.Methods:This cross-sectional study included patients with primary hypertension who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army General Hospital between January 2021 and October 2024. Patients were divided into low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups based on their 24-hour urinary sodium excretion. General clinical data were collected using the electronic medical record system. Urinary sodium, protein, and microalbumin excretion were analyzed from 24-hour urine samples. Spearman correlation analysis was used to explore the relationship between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion. A multiple linear regression model was used to further assess the independent association between these variables. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age were performed to determine whether age influenced the relationship between urinary sodium excretion and renal function impairment.Results:A total of 1 065 patients with primary hypertension were included, with a mean age of (55.26±14.06) years, including 568(53.33%) males. The low-sodium, medium-sodium, and high-sodium groups included 223, 579, and 263 patients, respectively. The 24-hour urinary microalbumin excretion in the high-sodium group was significantly higher than in the medium-sodium and low-sodium groups, and this trend remained consistent across different age groups (all P<0.05). Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion ( r=0.220, P<0.001), and this relationship was observed in all age groups (all P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis confirmed an independent association between 24-hour urinary sodium excretion and urinary microalbumin excretion (all P<0.001), which persisted across different age groups (all P<0.05). Conclusion:In patients with primary hypertension, 24-hour urinary sodium excretion is closely associated with microalbumin excretion, suggesting a potential link to early renal function impairment.

Objective:To preliminarily establish a sample clot warning model for coagulation screening tests using 5 machine learning methods.Methods:This cross-sectional study collected 7 401 routine screening test samples from Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from January 1st, 2015, to August 18th, 2024, including 4 786 clotted (positive) and 2 615 qualified (negative) samples for model development. The dataset was divided into Dataset 1 and Dataset 2 based on a reagent change for APTT in December 2018, with separate models developed for each. An additional 2 493 samples (October 31st to November 8th, 2024) were used to evaluate consistency between the model and manual assessment, while 23 200 samples (October 17th to December 31st, 2024) were used for assessing real-world predictive performance. Five machine learning algorithms were employed to develop the clot prediction model: logistic regression (LR), random forest (RF), extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost), naive bayes (NB), and artificial neural network (ANN), with the ANN model constructed using two different hidden layer and neuron parameter settings. Model selection was based on AUC, accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, F1-score, PPV, and NPV, with the optimal model integrated into the LIS for validation.Results:Among the six models using 5 machine learning algorithms, XGBoost demonstrated the highest performance (AUC=0.961, sensitivity=0.945, F1-score=0.934) and robustness to reagent changes ( Z=-1.333, P=0.113). When deployed, the differences between the model's predictions and manual pre-judgment were statistically significant ( Z=-5.289 to 8.933, all P<0.01). The predictive efficacy indices AUC (95% CI), sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of the XGBoost model deployed in real-world operation of the LIS were 0.939 (0.918—0.960), 0.958, 0.921, and 0.921 respectively. Conclusion:In this study, a clot warning model for coagulation screening samples was established based on the XGBoost algorithm, and its prediction efficacy is good, providing a foundation for intelligent pre-analytical quality control for coagulation screening tests.

Objective To explore the dynamics of carers'caregiving dilemmas during different stages of disease progression in patients with diabetic foot ulcers,and to provide a basis for giving precise intervention strategies.Methods Based on the theory of Timing It Right,the phenomenological study was adopted.A purposive sampling method was used to select carers of patients with diabetic foot ulcers who were hospitalised in the Wound Repair Unit of a tertiary hospital in Beijing from March 2023 to February 2024 to conduct semi-structured interviews,and the data were analysed using the Colaizzi 7-step analysis method.Results Combined with the theory of Timing It Right,5 stages of diabetic foot ulcer development were formed,and 5 themes were extracted(①diagnostic period:mixed emotions,facing the dilemma of being unable to do anything;②therapeutic period:lack of knowledge of the disease,and the difficulties of bedside care;③recovery period:contradictions of the desire for rapid healing and the lack of caregiving ability;④transition period:poor patient adherence,and the hope for professional support;⑤adaptation period:the accumulation of negative emotions,and the persistence of caregiving difficulties),and 12 sub-themes.Conclusion At different stages of disease development in patients with diabetic foot ulcers,the caregiving dilemma of caregivers changes dynamically,and healthcare professionals should provide professional,personalised,and high-quality professional support according to their caregiving experience and needs at different stages to improve their quality of care and promote patients'recovery.

Objective To investigate the dietary patterns of rural residents in the high-incidence areas of esophageal cancer (EC), and to explore the clustering and influencing factors of risk factors associated with high-incidence characteristics. Methods A special structured questionnaire was applied to conduct a face-to-face survey on the dietary patterns of rural residents in Yanting county of Sichuan Province from July to August 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors of risk factor clustering for EC. Results There were 838 valid questionnaires in this study. A total of 90.8% of rural residents used clean water such as tap water. In the past one year, the people who ate fruits and vegetables, soybean products, onions and garlic in high frequency accounted for 69.5%, 32.8% and 74.5%, respectively; the people who ate kimchi, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, barbecue, hot food and mildew food in low frequency accounted for 59.2%, 79.6%, 68.2%, 90.3%, 80.9% and 90.3%, respectively. The clustering of risk factors for EC was found in 73.3% of residents, and the aggregation of two risk factors was the most common mode (28.2%), among which tumor history and preserved food was the main clustering pattern (4.6%). The logistic regression model revealed that the gender, age, marital status and occupation were independent influencing factors for the risk factors clustering of EC (P<0.05). Conclusion A majority of rural residents in high-incidence areas of EC in Yanting county have good eating habits, but the clustering of some risk factors is still at a high level. Gender, age, marital status, and occupation are influencing factors of the risk factors clustering of EC.

Objective:To evaluate the application value of preconceptional laparoscopic cervical cerclage(LCC)in improving the pregnancy outcomes with cervical incompetence(CIC).Methods:Clinical data of 112 pa-tients with CIC who underwent preconceptional LCC in The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 1,2014 to May 31,2023 were retrospectively reviewed.The surgical indications of preconceptional LCC in-cluded:failed transvaginal cervical cerclage(TCC)(42 patients),history of cervical surgery+failed TCC(7 pa-tients),unsuitability for TCC(10 patients)and strong request from patients(53 patients).The surgical situation and pregnancy outcome of preconceptional LCC were analyzed,and the gestational age of delivery before and af-ter preconceptional LCC surgery and different surgical indications were compared in postoperative delivery pa-tients who underwent preconceptional LCC.Results:The median operation time of 112 patients was 65.5 min,the median intraoperative blood loss was 10.0 ml,and there were no intraoperative complications.The postopera-tive hospital stay was 2.9±0.6 d.108 cases were followed up after surgery,with 77 cases of pregnancy and de-livery after LCC.A total of 205 deliveries were made before surgery,and 81 deliveries were made after surgery.Successful postoperative deliveries(delivery after 28 weeks)were 78(96.3% ),with an average gestational age 37.4±1.7 weeks.The preterm birth rate was 16.7%,term birth rate was 83.3% .The delivery rate at≥28 weeks after preconceptional LCC was significantly higher than the previous delivery rate of pre pregnancy LCC(96.3% vs.10.7%,P<0.05),and the gestational age was significantly prolonged(36.4±5.5 weeks vs.19.8±7.5 weeks,P<0.05).The postoperative delivery gestational week of preconceptional LCC with different surgical indi-cations was significantly later than the previous delivery gestational week of pre pregnancy LCC(P<0.05),ex-cept for the indication of unsuitability for TCC(P>0.05).Conclusions:Preconceptional LCC surgery is highly safe and can effectively prolong the gestational age and improve pregnancy outcomes in patients with CIC.It can be an effective treatment method for patients with a history of TCC failure.