ObjectiveTo construct and validate a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission outcomes in rheumatoid arthritis （RA） patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome treated with Bushen Zhiwang Decoction （补肾治尪汤， BZD） based on metabolomics. MethodsA prospective cohort study was conducted， enrol-ling 60 RA patients with liver and kidney deficiency syndrome. All patients were treated with BZD and conventional-dose oral conventional synthetic disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs （csDMARDs） for 12 months. Clinical data were collected， and the change in disease activity score in 28 joints （DAS28） after treatment compared with baseline （△DAS28） was used as the primary outcome and grouping criterion. Peripheral blood samples were collected before treatment to analyze plasma metabolites. Differential analysis and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator （LASSO） regression were used to preliminarily screen differential metabolites， followed by machine learning algorithms to further identify a core metabolite combination. Based on the expression levels of the core metabolite combination， a novel metabolite index， namely the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score （Met-IRS）， was calculated using standar-dized metabolite values， and its clinical applicability was evaluated. A clinical prediction model was constructed by integrating clinical characteristics and Met-IRS， and the model performance was assessed. ResultsAmong the 60 patients， those with △DAS28 ≥ 0.27 were assigned to the high inflammatory remission group， while those with △DAS28 ＜ 0.27 were assigned to the low inflammatory remission group， with 30 cases in each group. Compared to the low inflammatory remission group， the high inflammatory remission group showed a higher frequency of methotrexate use and a lower positive rate of rheumatoid factor （RF） （P＜0.05）. Seven core metabolites were identified as the optimal combination， including mangiferic acid， fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 40∶6， fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 18∶0， fatty acid-hydroxy fatty acid ester 36∶1， glucosylceramide， lysophosphatidylcholine 22∶5， and pregnanetriol ketone. The calculated Met-IRS comprehensively reflected the characteristics of differential metabolites and demonstrated clinical applicability. Met-IRS was significantly higher in the high inflammatory remission group than in the low inflammatory remission group， and was positively correlated with high inflammatory remission outcomes （P＜0.05）. Based on the variables Met-IRS， methotrexate use， leflunomide use， and RF positivity， a clinical prediction model for inflammatory remission in RA treatment （Cj-RTRM） was constructed. Model performance evaluation demonstrated that the model had good clinical predictive ability， with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve （AUC） of 0.880， sensitivity 0.967， specificity 0.700 and Youden's index 0.667. ConclusionThe clinical prediction model Cj-RTRM constructed based on the metabolomics-based inflammatory remission score Met-IRS can effectively predict clinical inflammatory remission outcomes in RA patients treated with BZD and accurately identify the advantageous population for this treatment. This model provides guiding evidence for dynamic inflammation monitoring， targeted management， and identification of populations with advantages in traditional Chinese medicine.

Background The contamination of public baths with Legionella pneumophila contamination has become a growing public health concern in recent years. However, research on its association with bacterial community characteristics in water samples remains limited. The integration of 16S rRNA sequencing and random forest modeling provides a new approach to elucidate the bacterial community characteristics of public bath water and their association with Legionella pneumophila contamination. Objective To investigate the bacterial community structure and diversity of public bath water in Shanghai, explore the association between Legionella pneumophila contamination and bacterial community characteristics, and identify key bacterial genera associated with contamination, thereby providing a scientific basis for formulating hygiene management regulations for public bath water. Methods From February to March 2023, water samples were collected from ten public baths in Shanghai which were selected based on business scale, regional distribution, and functional differences. Water quality parameters were evaluated, and the samples were categorized into Legionella-positive and Legionella-negative groups based on the detection results of Legionella pneumophila. The bacterial community structure, α-diversity, and β-diversity were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Redundancy analysis (RDA) was employed to examine the relationship between physicochemical factors and bacterial community diversity. A random forest model was employed to identify key bacterial genera distinguishing the two groups, with the importance of genera being evaluated based on the mean decrease accuracy (MDA). Results The oxygen consumption in the Legionella-positive group was significantly lower than that in the Legionella-negative group (mean values: 1.85 mg·L⁻¹ vs. 6.81 mg·L⁻¹, P< 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in other physicochemical indicators. The sequencing results revealed a total of 27 bacterial phyla and 454 bacterial genera, with Proteobacteria (63.00%) being the dominant phylum. The dominant genera included Pelomonas (8.50%), Acidovorax (8.13%), Mycobacterium (7.93%), and Acinetobacter (6.59%). The α-diversity analysis indicated that bacterial community richness (Chao1 and ACE indices) was significantly higher in the Legionella-positive group than in the Legionella-negative group (P<0.01). The β-diversity analysis showed no significant difference in the bacterial community structure between the two groups (P>0.05). The RDA analysis demonstrated that the bacterial community diversity was positively correlated with pH and negatively correlated with oxygen consumption and free residual chlorine. The RDA1 and RDA2 explained 23.92% and 21.30% of the bacterial community diversity, respectively. The random forest model identified 20 key genera significantly influencing the microbial community distribution between the two groups, including unclassified_Bradyrhizobiaceae (MDA=2.42), Meiothermus (MDA=2.37), and Flavihumibacter (MDA=2.26). Conclusion The diversity of bacterial communities in public bath water is influenced by pH, oxygen consumption, and free residual chlorine. Samples contaminated with Legionella pneumophila exhibit greater microbial richness and contain characteristic key bacterial genera that contribute to community differences. Machine learning random forest technology helps identify these distinctive key bacterial genera. The findings provide a basis for carrying out risk early warning strategies in such settings.

Objective To construct and compare logistic regression and decision tree models for predicting systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) in patients with type B aortic dissection (TBAD) after interventional surgery. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of TBAD patients at Peking University Shenzhen Hospital from 2020 to 2024. The patients were divided into a SIRS group and a non SIRS group based on whether SIRS occurred within 24 hours after surgery. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of SIRS occurrence in TBAD intervention patients, and a decision tree model was constructed using SPSS Modeler to compare the predictive performance of the two models. Results A total of 742 patients with TBAD were included, including 579 males and 163 females, aged 27-97 (58.85±10.79) years. Within 24 hours after intervention, a total of 506 patients developed SIRS, with an incidence rate of 68.19%. Logistic regression analysis showed that the extensive involvement of the dissection, the surgical time≥2 hours, PET coated stents implanted, serum creatinine, white blood cell count, C-reactive protein, monocyte (MONO), neutrophil count levels elevated, estimated glomerular filtration rate and decreased albumin levels were independent risk factors for SIRS (P<0.05). The decision tree model selected a total of 10 explanatory variables and 6 layers with 37 nodes, among which MONO was the most important predictor. The area under the decision tree model curve was 0.829 [95%CI (0.800, 0.856)], which was better than the logistic regression model's 0.690 [95%CI (0.655, 0.723)], and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.001). Conclusion The incidence of SIRS after TBAD intervention is high, and the decision tree model has better predictive performance than logistic regression. It can identify high-risk patients with higher accuracy and provide a practical tool for early clinical intervention.

ObjectiveTo analyze the epidemiological and etiological characteristics of hand-foot-and-mouth disease (HFMD) in Jinjiang District of Chengdu City from 2014 to 2024, and to provide a reference basis for HFMD prevention and control. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted to collect confirmed and clinically diagnosed cases of HFMD in Jinjiang District from January 1, 2014 to December 31, 2024. Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to analyze the distribution of cases by person, time, and place. Joinpoint regression models were applied to examine trends for incidence and severe case rates, while seasonal patterns were analyzed using the seasonal index method. Chi-square tests were used for comparing rates, Mann-Whitney U tests were applied for comparing two groups with skewed distributions, and Kruskal-Wallis H rank-sum tests were used for multiple groups with skewed distributions. Pathogen characteristics were primarily analyzed using descriptive statistics. ResultsA total of 15 561 HFMD cases were reported from 2014 to 2024. The annual crude incidence rate ranged from 51.32/100 000 to 502.50/100 000, the age-standardized incidence rate ranged from 55.56/100 000 to 721.07/100 000, peaking in 2018, and the overall epidemic intensity generally showed an alternating-year pattern of intensification. A total of 85 severe cases were reported, showing a declining trend in the severe case rate (APC=AAPC=-37.57%, 95%CI∶ -51.49%‒21.33%， P<0.01). Severe cases were most common in the 1‑year‑old age group (43.53%), with a median age of 1.88 years. Recurrent infections accounted for 1 245 cases (8.00%), with 96.73% of these being reinfections. The median age at first infection for recurrent cases was 1.98 years, significantly lower than that of single-infection cases (2.69 years, P<0.001), and the median interval between consecutive infections was 1.19 years. The disease exhibited a bimodal seasonal pattern, with epidemic peaks occurring from May to July and from October to December, however, summer peaks extending into autumn were observed in 2018 and 2023. There were statistically significant differences in age distribution across different years (H=467.51, P<0.001), with the median age increasing from 2.25 years in 2018 to 4.18 years in 2024, and the interquartile range widening from 1.84 to 3.78 years. Since its initial detection in 2017, CVA6 has been identified annually, showing a peak proportion of 87.50% in 2023 and a second peak of 68.18% in 2018. CVA10 was detected during 2021‒2023, peaking at 18.75% in 2021 and decreasing to 14.29% in 2022. Male incidence rates were consistently higher than female rates each year (P<0.05). The proportion of males in the reinfection group was significantly higher than that in the single-infection group (χ²=9.951, P=0.002). Pathogen analyses showed that CVA16 was detected annually, EV71 detection declined fluctuantly and was not detected after 2022. CVA6 was first detected in 2017 and rapidly increased in prevalence, reaching 87.50% in 2023 and becoming the dominant strain. Among severe cases, EV71 accounted for the highest proportion (52.63%), while CVA16 was most common in non-severe cases (41.60%). There was a statistically significant difference in pathogen composition between severe and non-severe cases (χ²=10.402,P=0.011). ConclusionThe epidemiological profile of HFMD undergoes continuous changes over time. It is necessary to strengthen routine surveillance, with particular attention to changes in the pathogen spectrum and age distribution, so as to provide evidence for precise prevention and control measures and the adjustment of vaccination strategies.

ObjectiveTo investigate the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects of the triterpenoid saponin-enriched fraction Fr.B4 from the She medicine Clematis florida (C. florida) in a rat model of phenol-induced cervicitis and to preliminarily explore its potential mechanisms of action. MethodsThirty 6–8-week-old female SPF-grade SD rats were randomly assigned to three groups: control, cervicitis model, and C. florida treatment group, with 10 rats in each group. The model and C. florida treatment groups were induced with cervicitis by vaginal injection of 25% phenol gel (once every 2 d, for a total of three injections), and the vulva and cervix were examined to assess the effectiveness of model establishment. After successful modeling, the C. florida treatment group was administered Fr.B4 at 290 mg/kg daily by gavage (dissolved in normal saline), whereas the model group received an equal volume of normal saline; both treatments continued for 2 weeks. The control group received no modeling procedure and was administered normal saline for 2 weeks. After the last intervention, fresh feces and urine samples were collected from all rats. The rats were euthanized after anesthesia with 40 mg/kg Zoletil 50, and the serum and cervical tissue samples were harvested. ELISA was used to measure the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in rat serum and cervical tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was performed to observe the pathological changes in cervical tissue. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was employed to analyze differential metabolites in feces and urine, followed by Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment and core metabolite analysis. 16S rDNA sequencing was used to assess the gut microbiota structure and diversity in each group. Statistical analysis was conducted using GraphPad Prism 9.0. ResultsCompared with the control group, rats in the model group exhibited cervical redness, swelling, and erosion, with significant increases in TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in both serum and cervical tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Pathological examination of cervical tissue showed thickening of the squamous epithelium, infiltration of inflammatory cells, and edema. Compared with the model group, rats with C. florida treatment showed marked alleviation of cervicitis symptoms, with significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in serum and cervical tissue (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Cervical tissue edema was alleviated, inflammatory cells were reduced, and squamous epithelium thickening was ameliorated. Metabolomics analysis revealed 346 and 564 differential metabolites in the feces and urine between the model and control groups, respectively. After treatment with Fr.B4, 236 and 451 metabolites in the feces and urine showed significant shifts toward control levels, involving pathways including cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) signaling, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling, and glutathione metabolism. Anti-inflammatory metabolites like boswellic acid and oleanolic acid were increased (P<0.01 or P<0.001). Gut microbiota analysis showed dysbiosis in the model group, with an imbalance in the Firmicutes/Bacteroidetes ratio. The Fr.B4 treatment remodeled the gut microbiota. The α-diversity of microbiota shifted toward that of the control group. Specific bacterial genera were found to correlate significantly with metabolites (P<0.05 or P<0.01). ConclusionThe triterpenoid saponin-enriched fraction Fr.B4 from She medicine C. florida may exert anti-cervicitis effects by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, modulating the gut microbiota balance, and remodeling metabolism.

[Objective] To explore the predictive value of HALP score for prognosis in patients with multiple myeloma (MM). [Methods] A retrospective analysis was conducted on laboratory indicators and related clinical data of newly diagnosed multiple myeloma (NDMM) patients, treated at the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from January 2016 to October 2023, prior to their first treatment. The HALP score was calculated, and the optimal cutoff value for HALP was determined using X-tile software. Survival analysis was performed using Kaplan-Meier curves for high HALP and low HALP groups. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted using the Cox regression model, and a forest plot was generated using Graphpad Prism to illustrate factors that may impact patient prognosis. The predictive ability of HALP score combined with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score for prognosis in MM patients was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis. [Results] A total of 203 MM patients were included, with the optimal cutoff value for HALP score being 29.15 (P<0.05). Among them, 101 patients were in the low HALP score group, and 102 patients were in the high HALP score group. The results of univariate and multivariate analysis using the Cox regression model showed that a HALP score <29.15 was an independent risk factor for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) (P<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score had a higher predictive value for prognosis in MM patients compared to using HALP score alone. [Conclusion] The HALP score is closely related to the prognosis of patients with NDMM. A low HALP score indicates a poorer prognosis, while the combination of HALP score with β2-microglobulin and ECOG score provides a higher predictive value when assessed together.

Objective To explore the value of the ratio of soluble FmS-like tyrosine kinase-1(sFlt-1)to placental growth factor(PlGF)in predicting vitamin D deficiency in pregnant women with preeclampsia.Methods A total of 740 singleton pregnant women who underwent prenatal examination in Qijiang Health Center for Maternal and Child Care from January to November 2023 and were able to complete follow-up were selected as the research subjects.They were divided into the normal group(n=44)and the deficiency group(n=696)according to the vitamin D[1,25-(OH)2D3]level.Information such as age,BMI,pregnancy histo-ry,family history and medical history of each group was collected.5 mL of peripheral venous blood was drawn after fasting for 6-8 hours at 12-14 weeks of pregnancy to detect the levels of sFlt-1,PlGF and vitamin D in peripheral blood,and evaluated the predictive value of sFlt-1/PlGF for vitamin D deficiency in preeclampsia.Results There were no statistically significant differences in general conditions such as height,age,BMI,edu-cational level and occupation between the two groups(P>0.05).There were statistically significant differ-ences in the prenatal weight,vitamin D level,sFlt-1/PlGF and neonatal birth weight between the two groups(P<0.05).The results of univariate analysis showed that the prenatal weight,sFlt-1/PlGF,and neonatal birth weight were risk factors for vitamin D deficiency in patients with PE.The results of multivariate analysis showed that sFlt-1/PlGF and neonatal birth weight were factors for predicting vitamin D deficiency in patients with PE(P<0.05).All these variables are used to establish the nomogram prediction model.The receiver op-erating characteristic(ROC)curve showed that area under the curve(AUC)of the training group and the val-idation group was 0.66(95%CI:0.56-0.77)and 0.63(95%CI:0.49-0.76),respectively.Conclusion In pregnant women with preeclampsia,elevated sFlt-1/PlGF may be an early warning indicator for predicting vi-tamin D deficiency.

Objective:To evaluate the role of tumor necrosis factor-α-induced protein 8-like molecule-2 (TIPE2) in the endogenous protective mechanism against acute lung injury in septic mice and the relationship with ferroptosis.Methods:Twenty SPF healthy wild-type male C57BL/6N mice and 20 TIPE2 gene knockout C57BL/6N mice, aged 6-8 weeks, weighing 20-25 g, were assigned to wild-type sham operation group (WT-Sham group), wild-type sepsis group (WT-SEP group), TIPE2 knockout sham operation group (KO-Sham group), and TIPE2 knockout sepsis group (KO-SEP group) using a random number table method, with 10 mice in each group. Acute lung injury was induced by cecal ligation and perforation in anesthetized mice. The animals were sacrificed after anesthesia at 24 h after operation and lung tissues were obtained for examination of the morphological results of lung tissues (with a light microscope) and for determination of wet to dry lung weight (W/D) ratio, contents of ferrous ions (Fe 2+ ), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and expression of solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11), glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and Acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family member 4 (ACSL4) (by Western blot). Results:Compared with WT-Sham group, the lung injury score, W/D ratio and contents of Fe 2+ and MDA were significantly increased, the content of GSH was decreased, the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was down-regulated, and the expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated in WT-SEP group ( P<0.05). Compared with WT-SEP group, the lung injury score, W/D ratio and contents of Fe 2+ and MDA were significantly increased, the content of GSH was decreased, the expression of GPX4 and SLC7A11 was down-regulated, and the expression of ACSL4 was up-regulated in KO-SEP group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:TIPE2 is involved in the endogenous protective mechanism against acute lung injury, which may be related to the inhibition of ferroptosis in lung tissues of septic mice.

Objective:To assess any effect of combining kinesio taping with Baduanjin in the management of upper cross syndrome (UCS).Methods:Thirty-nine college students with UCS were randomly divided into a kinesio taping group ( n=14), a Baduanjin group ( n=12) and a combined treatment group ( n=13). The kinesio taping and Baduanjin groups received taping and underwent Baduanjin training, respectively, while the combined treatment group received both interventions for 6 weeks. Before, as well as 3 and 6 weeks after the intervention, all were evaluated using a visual analogue scale (VAS), a neck disability index (NDI), and for forward head extension (FHA), round shoulder angle (FSA) and vital capacity (VC). Results:A significant decrease in the average VAS ratings and NDI scores, and better average FHA and FSA was observed in both groups after the experiment. There was also a significant increase in VC. At 6 weeks, all of the indicators were significantly better than three weeks earlier. The kinesio taping and Baduanjin groups showed significantly smaller average improvements than the combined group.Conclusions:Kinesio taping combined with Baduanjin can effectively alleviate pain associated with UCS, relieve cervical dysfunction, correct abnormal posture and increase lung capacity. Its efficacy is superior to that achieved through single interventions.

Objective Based on the"preventive treatment of disease"theory and real-world data,this study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy of Yangyin Shugan Formula in patients with ovarian dysfunction characterized by the syndrome of kidney deficiency and liver depression at different stages and to provide evidence for optimizing the timing of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)in premature ovarian insufficiency(POI)management.Methods Ovarian dysfunction patients under 40 years old characterized by syndrome of kidney deficiency and liver depression,registered in the outpatient electronic medical records of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to December 2023,were stratified into three groups:subclinical POI,POI,and premature ovarian failure(POF)groups.The therapeutic outcomes of the three groups of patients were compared,including TCM syndrome total response rates,menstrual total response rates/normalization(cured)rates,base follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH)total response rate/normalization rates and anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH)levels.Results A total of 307 patients meeting the research criteria were included(97 cases in subclinical POI group,112 cases in POI group,and 98 cases in POF group).The TCM syndrome total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(98.97%,96/97)>POI group(95.54%,107/112)>POF group(83.67%,82/98),with the POF group was lower than that of the subclinical POI and POI groups(P<0.017);while the difference of the subclinical POI group with the POI group was not significant.Menstrual total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(97.22%,70/72)>POI group(72.32%,81/112)>POF group(51.02%,50/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017);normalization rates ranked as subclinical POI group(90.28%,65/72)>POI group(54.46%,61/112)>POF group(26.53%,26/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017).FSH total response rates ranked as subclinical POI group(89.69%,87/97)>POI group(81.25%,91/112)>POF group(60.20%,59/98),while POF group was lower than that of the other two groups(P<0.017),and the difference of the subclinical POI group with the POI group was not significant.Normalization FSH rates ranked as subclinical POI group(71.13%,69/97)>POI group(53.57%,60/112)>POF group(16.33%,16/98),the differences among the three groups and in the post-hoc comparisons were significant(P<0.01,P<0.017).Compared with before treatment,the FSH levels in all three groups decreased after treatment(P<0.01).The reduction of FSH in the POF and POI groups were better than that in the subclinical P OI group(P<0.017).No significant difference was observed in the reduction of FSH between the POI and POF groups.Post-treatment AMH elevation observed in the subclinical POI and POI groups(P<0.01).Conclusion Yangyin Shugan Formula improves the menstrual conditions and TCM syndromes across all the stages.It also improves elevated FSH levels across all the stages and has a specific effect on normalizing FSH and menstruation.Yangyin Shugan Formula increases the AMH levels of patients with subclinical POI and POI,highlighting the applicability of TCM in staged preventive management.