Objective To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of malaria and provide a basis for developing improved prevention and control measures. Methods Data were obtained from the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System. Malaria surveillance data for Nanning City from January 1,2023, to December 31,2024, were exported from the Infectious Disease Reporting Information Management Subsystem. The characteristics of the two groups of malaria cases were compared. Results A total of 103 imported malaria cases were reported in Nanning City in 2024, representing a 38.32% decrease compared with the same period of the previous year. No statistically significant difference were observed between cases reported in 2023 and 2024 in terms of average age, gender ratio, proportion of parasite species, and monthly reporting distribution;however, statistically significant differences were found in the proportion of reporting areas and current residence areas(χ2= 13.572 and 10.355, respectively; P = 0.001 and 0.035, respectively). The proportion of cases reported in Shanglin County and the proportion of cases residing in Shanglin County were both lower than those during the same period of the previous year. Conclusions The high aggregation of imported malaria cases in Nanning City has decreased. Medical institutions in areas other than Shanglin County should strengthen their vigilance against malaria.

Objective To gain insights into the biological characteristics of different populations of Culex tritaeniorhynchus within and around the Yellow Sea wetland from the perspective of the occurrence of resistance, we investigated the levels of resistance to deltamethrin and kdr gene mutation in the wetland and its peripheral areas. Methods Specimens were collected from Cx. tritaeniorhynchus populations at two monitoring sites in the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area, and also from two populations in Yancheng City and the Liuhe District of Nanjing, and the resistance of these mosquitoes to deltamethrin was determined using the CDC biotest bottle method. For each concentration of deltamethrin assessed, a random subset of exposed specimens was selected for amplification of the kdr gene fragment, followed by Sanger sequencing to identify and analyze resistance-associated mutations. Results The LC50 levels of deltamethrin among mosquitoes from the four populations in Luhe, Yancheng, the Rare Bird National Nature Reserve and the Tiaozi Ni Wetland Scenic Area were 2.048 5, 7.798 2, 3.473 3, and 17.695 5 mg/mL, respectively, with corresponding concentrations of deltamethrin ranging from 0.005 to 5.000,0.050 to 50.000,0.050 to 25.000 and 0.050 to 50.000 mg/mL, respectively. Furthermore, the ranges of the KT50 values were 11.76-107.43, 67.05-216.30,29.77-107.43 and 28.40-329.51 min; the 1-h knockdown rates were 34.58%-99.15%, 9.52%-43.80%, 55.09%-73.01%, and 10.09%-68.07%; and the 24-h mortality rates were 12.15%-67.52%,9.52%-79.56%,13.17%-82.21%, and 11.01%-78.99%, respectively. With respect to kdr gene mutation, we assayed a total of 63,70,59, and 57 mosquitoes for the four populations, for which we detected L1014F mutation frequencies of 14.29%, 35.00%, 20.34%, and 31.58%, respectively, with a majority of these mutations being heterozygous for resistance. In addition, five adult mosquitoes were identified has having synonymous mutations at site 1011[i. e. , AAT(asparagine)mutation to AAC(asparagine)]. Conclusions Our findings revealed the clear resistance of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus to deltamethrin in the Yancheng region of the Yellow Sea wetland, and the resistance phenotype and kdr frequency of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment were comparable to those of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus in the wetland environment, thereby indicating that the resistance of different populations of Cx. tritaeniorhynchus was homogeneous under the pressure of different insecticide selection within and around the wetland. However, the underlying mechanisms need to be further studied.

Diabetic tendinopathy is a common and disabling musculoskeletal complication of diabetes, clinically characterized by tendon thickening, pain, impaired healing capacity and compromised biomechanical performance, collectively undermining joint function and quality of life. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial. On the one hand, chronic hyperglycaemia promotes the abnormal accumulation of advanced glycation end products (AGEs) within tendon collagen, leading to non-enzymatic crosslinking and engagement of the receptor for AGEs (RAGE), which in turn triggers inflammasome activation and sustains inflammatory responses. On the other hand, the diabetic milieu disrupts collagen metabolic homeostasis, impairs microvascular function and induces peripheral neuropathy; together, these alterations drive extracellular matrix degeneration and weaken the mechanical properties of tendon. Exercise, as a non-pharmacological intervention, can ameliorate these pathological changes through multiple integrated mechanisms. First, exercise attenuates tendon inflammation and restores microenvironmental homeostasis. Regular physical activity reduces AGE-RAGE signalling, thereby suppressing downstream expression of tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), while upregulating the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10). This shift from a pro-inflammatory to a pro-resolving milieu not only restrains chronic inflammation but may also limit excessive inflammasome activation in tenocytes and tissue-resident immune cells. Second, exercise enhances local expression of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), thereby activating the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signalling pathway. This axis stimulates tenocyte proliferation, augments synthesis of type I collagen —— the principal load-bearing component of tendon —— and thereby promotes tissue repair, preserves tensile strength and supports matrix synthesis and structural integrity. In addition, exercise improves blood supply and nutrient delivery to tendon by increasing the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and the small leucine-rich proteoglycan decorin (DCN), thereby enhancing capillary growth, coordinating collagen fibrillogenesis and actively suppressing pathological vascular calcification. Exercise also increases the expression of angiopoietin-like 4 (ANGPTL4), fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF-2) and CD34. Through the concerted actions of these factors, exercise promotes angiogenesis, restores the microvascular network and ensures adequate oxygen and nutrient supply to relatively ischaemic tendon tissue. Finally, exercise elevates levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), supporting neuronal survival, axonal growth and the function of sensory and sympathetic nerve endings within tendon, thereby exerting neurotrophic and neuromodulatory effects and improving tendon innervation and neuromuscular control. Moreover, exercise upregulates collapsin response mediator protein 2 (CRMP-2), a molecule involved in axonal guidance and regeneration, and moderately increases the activity of substance P (SP), thereby helping to regulate neurogenic inflammation, pain perception and trophic support for tenocytes. Drawing together current evidence, this review systematically summarizes the mechanisms underlying diabetic tendinopathy and examines the mechanistic basis of exercise intervention, with the aim of providing a theoretical framework for the development of precise exercise strategies for affected individuals. However, several key issues remain unresolved: the therapeutic efficacy and mechanistic specificity of different exercise modalities in diabetic tendinopathy have yet to be defined, and early diagnostic biomarkers remain insufficiently characterized. Future studies should apply multi-omics approaches to profile AGE subtypes, miRNA signatures and collagen metabolic products, and should also clarify the adverse effects and underlying mechanisms of excessive exercise or mechanical overloading in diabetic tendinopathy. Such efforts will further elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of exercise in diabetic tendinopathy and provide a stronger basis for precision exercise prescription and fitness guidance in patients with diabetes.

BackgroundPatients with colorectal cancer are frequently comorbid with depression， which severely affects the quality of life and treatment compliance， while compromising the efficacy of anticancer treament and prognosis. Current therapeutic strategies still have notable limitations， particularly the lack of systematic and targeted synergistic regimens that integrate oncological management and anti-depressive intervention. It is of great clinical significance to explore a safe and effective new comprehensive intervention protocol and clarify its underlying mechanism of action. ObjectiveTo explore the effectiveness and safety of Shugan Yunpi Decoction in alleviating depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder through the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway， in order to provide references for the comprehensive treatment of colorectal cancer and depressive disorder. MethodsThis study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 106 patients admitted to the Baoding No.1 Hospital of traditional Chinese medicine from November 2023 to July 2025 were enrolled， who met the diagnostic criteria for the Chinese protocol of diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer （2023 edition） and the diagnostic criteria for depressive disorder as specified in the Chinese Classification and Diagnostic Criteria of Mental Disease， third edition （CCMD-3）. Patients were divided into the study group and the control group using a random number table， with 53 cases in each group. The control group received conventional chemotherapy combined with traditional Chinese medicine five-element music therapy， while the study group received conventional chemotherapy combined with Shugan Yunpi Decoction therapy. Both groups were treated for 8 weeks. Depressive and anxiety symptoms were assessed using the Hamilton Depression Scale-17 item（HAMD-17） and Hamilton Anxiety Scale （HAMA）， respectively. Western blot protein immunoblotting was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K， AKT， and pAKT. Real-time fluorescence quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction （qRT-PCR） was used to detect the expression levels of PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA. Adverse reactions were recorded using a self-designed adverse reaction record form. ResultsRepeated measures analysis of variance showed that the time effects （F=139.336， 234.747）， group effects （F=43.900， 101.266）， and time-group interaction effects （F=13.409， 43.216） for HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in both groups were statistically significant （P<0.01）. After 4 and 8 weeks of treatment， the HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in both groups were lower than those before treatment， with statistically significant differences （P<0.05）. HAMD-17 and HAMA scores in the study group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. The time effects （F=571.356， 309.266， 414.492）， group effects （F=6.901， 26.361， 39.362）， and time-group interaction effects （F=18.592， 19.266， 33.484） for the protein expression levels of PI3K， AKT， and pAKT in both groups were all statistically significant （P<0.01）. After 8 weeks of treatment， the protein expression levels of PI3K and pAKT in the study group were lower than those in the control group， while the AKT protein expression level was higher than that in the control group（P<0.01）. The time effects （F=338.555， 225.059）， group effects （F=5.429， 9.726）， and time-group interaction effects （F=12.953， 21.214） for PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA expression levels in two groups were all statistically significant （P<0.01）. After 8 weeks of treatment， the expression levels of PI3K mRNA and AKT mRNA in the study group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.05）. The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was lower than that in the control group （χ²=4.810， P<0.05）. ConclusionShugan Yunpi Decoction may help to ameliorate depressive and anxiety symptoms in colorectal cancer patients with depressive disorder by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway， decreasing the levels of PI3K， pAKT， PI3K mRNA， and AKT mRNA， with a favorable safety profile. ［Funded by Baoding City Science and Technology Planning Project （number， 2341ZF291）］

Objective To investigate the species composition, distribution, density, and pathogen-carrying status of host-seeking ticks in urban environments of Jiangsu Province, and to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of tick-borne diseases in urban settings. Methods From April to September 2023, a survey on host-seeking ticks was conducted in three types of habitats (city parks, residential areas, and street greenbelts) across 54 counties (cities, districts) of 13 prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province by using the flagging method. RStudio 4.4.3 (Windows version) was employed to perform chi-square test analysis on the species composition of ticks across different months, and Friedman test (for multiple paired samples) was applied to analyze monthly changes in the average tick density index among different habitats. Quantitative real-time PCR was performed to detect pathogens in the captured ticks. Results A total of 863 host-seeking ticks were captured from 54 habitats in 24 counties (cities, districts) of 11 prefecture-level cities (Nanjing, Wuxi, Changzhou, Suzhou, Nantong, Huai'an, Yancheng, Yangzhou, Zhenjiang, Taizhou, and Suqian) in Jiangsu Province, whereas no ticks were captured in Xuzhou and Lianyungang. The collected ticks belonged to three species, with Haemaphysalis longicornis being the dominant species (accounting for 82.62%), followed by Haemaphysalis flava and Hae. phasiana. The average density index of ticks in positive habitats was 3.20 ticks/ (flag·100 m). In terms of tick density among prefecture-level cities, Wuxi had the highest density[13.55 ticks/(flag·100 m)], whereas Nanjing and Taizhou had the lowest[both,0.20 ticks/(flag·100 m)]. With respect to the types of positive habitats,46 positive city parks,7 positive residential areas, and 1 positive street greenbelt were found, with the average tick density index being 3.46, 1.86, and 3.60 ticks/flag · 100 m, respectively. No statistically significant differences were observed in the monthly variations in the average tick density index among different habitats (P＞0.05). Pathogen detection showed no Bandavirus dabieense, Rickettsia, or Borrelia burgdorferi in the collected ticks. Conclusions Host-seeking ticks have established populations in urban environments across most prefecture-level cities in Jiangsu Province, with Hae. longicornis identified as the dominant species. City parks serve as the primary breeding habitats for these ticks. Strengthening tick surveillance and control measures in densely populated and frequently visited areas, such as city parks and residential neighborhoods, is crucial for the effective prevention and control of urban tick-borne diseases.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has been widely used in all walks of life, including healthcare, and has shown great application value in the auxiliary diagnosis of pulmonary nodules in the medical field. In the face of a large amount of lung imaging data, clinicians use AI tools to identify lesions more quickly and accurately, improving work efficiency, but there are still many problems in this field, such as the high false positive rate of recognition, and the difficulty in identifying special types of nodules. Researchers and clinicians are actively developing and using AI tools to promote their continuous evolution and make them better serve human health. This article reviews the clinical application and research progress of AI-assisted diagnosis of pulmonary nodules.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the stasis-dispelling and detoxifying therapy in endometriosis （EMs） patients with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis and the effects of this therapy on the expression levels of proteins related to the c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 72 patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis who met the criteria at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Center for Reproduction and Genetics of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2024 to February 2025 were selected and randomized into a treatment group and a control group， with 36 patients in each group. Another 36 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） due to male factors alone were selected as the blank group. The treatment group took the Zishen Quyu Jiedu formula orally， while the control group and the blank group took placebos. The treatment course encompassed the cycle before ovarian stimulation and the oocyte retrieval cycle. The TCM syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis， as well as the serum level of cancer antigen 125 （CA125）， were evaluated at the time of enrollment （before treatment） and on the trigger day （after treatment）. Serum levels of sex hormones were measured on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. On the trigger day， the duration and dosage of gonadotropin （Gn） administration and the serum levels of hormones on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin （HCG） injection were assessed. Embryo outcomes were evaluated 3 days after oocyte retrieval， and clinical pregnancy rates were assessed 28 days after embryo transfer. The baseline data of three groups were observed. The TCM syndrome scores and serum CA125 levels before and after treatment were compared between the treatment and control groups. The baseline endocrine levels， Gn days， Gn dosage， hormone levels on the day of HCG administration， number of oocytes retrieved， number of 2 pronucleus （2PN） fertilizations， number of available embryos， high-quality embryo rate， and clinical pregnancy rate were also assessed in all three groups. Six patients from each group were selected for determination of the protein levels of JNK， c-Jun， and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 （NR4A2） in ovarian granulosa cells （GCs） on the day of oocyte retrieval by Western blot. Results（1） There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among three groups， indicating comparability. （2） Compared with the baseline within the same group， the treatment group showed a decrease in the syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis after treatment. After treatment， serum CA125 levels decreased in both groups （P<0.05）， with a more substantial reduction in the treatment group， resulting in a difference between the two groups （P<0.05）. （3） There were no significant differences among three groups in terms of baseline serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， estradiol （E₂）， and progesterone （P）， as well as the duration and dosage of Gn administration and the serum levels of LH， E₂， and P on the day of HCG administration. （4） For embryo outcomes， the number of oocytes retrieved， 2PN fertilizations， available embryos， and high-quality embryo rates in the treatment group and the blank group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）， and the treatment group and the blank group had similar 2PN fertilizations. （5） There were differences in clinical pregnancy rate among three groups （P<0.05）， and the treatment group had higher pregnancy rate than the control and blank groups. （6） The protein levels of JNK， c-Jun， and NR4A2 in the GCs of the treatment group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.01） and close to those in the blank group （P<0.01）. （7） No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any of the subjects during the clinical observation process. ConclusionZishen Quyu Jiedu formula can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis， reduce the serum CA125 level， increase the number of oocytes retrieved， 2PN fertilizations， available embryos， and high-quality embryo rate， and improve pregnancy outcomes. The mechanism may involve downregulating the levels of JNK， c-Jun， and NR4A2 to reduce the apoptosis of ovarian GCs and improve the ovarian function in the patients.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of the stasis-dispelling and detoxifying therapy in endometriosis （EMs） patients with the syndrome of kidney deficiency and blood stasis and the effects of this therapy on the expression levels of proteins related to the c-Jun N-terminal kinase （JNK） signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 72 patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis who met the criteria at the Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Center for Reproduction and Genetics of the Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine from March 2024 to February 2025 were selected and randomized into a treatment group and a control group， with 36 patients in each group. Another 36 patients undergoing in vitro fertilization-embryo transfer （IVF-ET） due to male factors alone were selected as the blank group. The treatment group took the Zishen Quyu Jiedu formula orally， while the control group and the blank group took placebos. The treatment course encompassed the cycle before ovarian stimulation and the oocyte retrieval cycle. The TCM syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis， as well as the serum level of cancer antigen 125 （CA125）， were evaluated at the time of enrollment （before treatment） and on the trigger day （after treatment）. Serum levels of sex hormones were measured on day 2 of the menstrual cycle. On the trigger day， the duration and dosage of gonadotropin （Gn） administration and the serum levels of hormones on the day of human chorionic gonadotropin （HCG） injection were assessed. Embryo outcomes were evaluated 3 days after oocyte retrieval， and clinical pregnancy rates were assessed 28 days after embryo transfer. The baseline data of three groups were observed. The TCM syndrome scores and serum CA125 levels before and after treatment were compared between the treatment and control groups. The baseline endocrine levels， Gn days， Gn dosage， hormone levels on the day of HCG administration， number of oocytes retrieved， number of 2 pronucleus （2PN） fertilizations， number of available embryos， high-quality embryo rate， and clinical pregnancy rate were also assessed in all three groups. Six patients from each group were selected for determination of the protein levels of JNK， c-Jun， and nuclear receptor subfamily 4 group A member 2 （NR4A2） in ovarian granulosa cells （GCs） on the day of oocyte retrieval by Western blot. Results（1） There were no statistically significant differences in the baseline data among three groups， indicating comparability. （2） Compared with the baseline within the same group， the treatment group showed a decrease in the syndrome score of kidney deficiency and blood stasis after treatment. After treatment， serum CA125 levels decreased in both groups （P<0.05）， with a more substantial reduction in the treatment group， resulting in a difference between the two groups （P<0.05）. （3） There were no significant differences among three groups in terms of baseline serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， estradiol （E₂）， and progesterone （P）， as well as the duration and dosage of Gn administration and the serum levels of LH， E₂， and P on the day of HCG administration. （4） For embryo outcomes， the number of oocytes retrieved， 2PN fertilizations， available embryos， and high-quality embryo rates in the treatment group and the blank group were higher than those in the control group （P<0.05）， and the treatment group and the blank group had similar 2PN fertilizations. （5） There were differences in clinical pregnancy rate among three groups （P<0.05）， and the treatment group had higher pregnancy rate than the control and blank groups. （6） The protein levels of JNK， c-Jun， and NR4A2 in the GCs of the treatment group were lower than those in the control group （P<0.01） and close to those in the blank group （P<0.01）. （7） No obvious adverse reactions were observed in any of the subjects during the clinical observation process. ConclusionZishen Quyu Jiedu formula can ameliorate the clinical symptoms of patients with EMs due to kidney deficiency and blood stasis， reduce the serum CA125 level， increase the number of oocytes retrieved， 2PN fertilizations， available embryos， and high-quality embryo rate， and improve pregnancy outcomes. The mechanism may involve downregulating the levels of JNK， c-Jun， and NR4A2 to reduce the apoptosis of ovarian GCs and improve the ovarian function in the patients.

Objective: To analyze the unregistered treatment situation and its influencing factors among pulmonary tuberculosis patients in Quzhou City, Zhejiang Province from 2017 to 2023, so as to provide a basis for promoting the management of tuberculosis patients and optimizing disease prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data of pulmonary tuberculosis patients including demographic information, etiological results, and mortality status were collected through the China Disease Prevention and Control Information System Infectious Disease Reporting and Surveillance System and the Tuberculosis Management Information System. Pulmonary tuberculosis patients not matched in the Tuberculosis Management Information System were defined as unregistered treatment patients, and the unregistered treatment rate was analyzed. Factors affecting unregistered treatment among pulmonary tuberculosis patients were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 10 779 pulmonary tuberculosis patients were reported in Quzhou City from 2017 to 2023, including 7 700 males (71.44%) and 3 079 females (28.56%). There were 5 484 cases aged <65 years, accounting for 50.88%. Among them, 630 cases were unregistered treatment, with an unregistered treatment rate of 5.84% (95%CI: 5.42%-6.38%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed pulmonary tuberculosis patients aged ≥65 years (OR=1.829, 95%CI: 1.512-2.212) had a higher risk of being unregistered treatment than those aged <65 years; patients with non-local household registration (OR=5.710, 95%CI: 4.724-6.901) had a higher risk than local patients; and patients engaged in housework/unemployed (OR=2.001, 95%CI: 1.421-2.818) or other occupations (OR=2.396, 95%CI: 1.789-3.137) had a higher risk than farmers. The mortality of unregistered treatment pulmonary tuberculosis patients was higher than the registered treatment patients (26.67% vs. 5.02%),with a significantly elevated mortality risk (OR=7.147, 95%CI: 5.738-8.902). Conclusions The unregistered treatment rate among pulmonary tuberculosis patients was well controlled in Quzhou City from 2017 to 2023, but the elderly, patients with non-local household registration, and those engaged in housework/unemployed had a higher risk of unregistered treatment. It is recommended to improve medical and social security policies, strengthen health education on tuberculosis prevention, enhance treatment adherence, and reduce mortality risk.

BACKGROUND: Spicy food consumption has been reported to be inversely associated with mortality from multiple diseases. However, the effect of spicy food intake on the incidence of vascular diseases in the Chinese population remains unclear. This study was conducted to explore this association. METHODS: This study was performed using the large-scale China Kadoorie Biobank (CKB) prospective cohort of 486,335 participants. The primary outcomes were vascular disease, ischemic heart disease (IHD), major coronary events (MCEs), cerebrovascular disease, stroke, and non-stroke cerebrovascular disease. A Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to assess the association between spicy food consumption and incident vascular diseases. Subgroup analysis was also performed to evaluate the heterogeneity of the association between spicy food consumption and the risk of vascular disease stratified by several basic characteristics. In addition, the joint effects of spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of vascular disease were also evaluated, and sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the reliability of the association results. RESULTS: During a median follow-up time of 12.1 years, a total of 136,125 patients with vascular disease, 46,689 patients with IHD, 10,097 patients with MCEs, 80,114 patients with cerebrovascular disease, 56,726 patients with stroke, and 40,098 patients with non-stroke cerebrovascular disease were identified. Participants who consumed spicy food 1-2 days/week (hazard ratio [HR] = 0.95, 95% confidence interval [95% CI] = [0.93, 0.97], P <0.001), 3-5 days/week (HR = 0.96, 95% CI = [0.94, 0.99], P = 0.003), and 6-7 days/week (HR = 0.97, 95% CI = [0.95, 0.99], P = 0.002) had a significantly lower risk of vascular disease than those who consumed spicy food less than once a week ( Ptrend <0.001), especially in those who were younger and living in rural areas. Notably, the disease-based subgroup analysis indicated that the inverse associations remained in IHD ( Ptrend = 0.011) and MCEs ( Ptrend = 0.002) risk. Intriguingly, there was an interaction effect between spicy food consumption and the healthy lifestyle score on the risk of IHD ( Pinteraction = 0.037). CONCLUSIONS Our findings support an inverse association between spicy food consumption and vascular disease in the Chinese population, which may provide additional dietary guidance for the prevention of vascular diseases.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Prospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Vascular Diseases/etiology* ; Risk Factors ; China/epidemiology* ; Adult ; Proportional Hazards Models ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology* ; East Asian People