Objective This study aims to explore the influence of social support on depressive symptoms and its threshold effect in elderly patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis(MHD),thereby providing a basis for improving patients' depressive conditions.Methods A convenience sample of 440 elderly MHD patients was recruited from the hemodialysis centers of 3 general hospitals in Kunshan between October 2024 and February 2025.Data collection involved the use of a general information questionnaire,the Social Support Rating Scale(SSRS),and the Short Form Geriatric Depression Scale(GDS-15).Logistic regression and threshold effect analyses were conducted to identify influencing factors and assess their impact.Results A total of 432 valid questionnaires were recovered,yielding a response rate of 98.18％.The prevalence of depressive symptoms among elderly MHD patients was 27.8％,with an average social support score of 32.53±5.58,indicating a moderate level of social support.Logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of assistive devices,dialysis modality,marital status,social support,and type of vascular access were significant factors influencing depressive symptoms(P＜0.05).Restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a non-linear relationship between social support and depressive symptoms(P＜0.001).Threshold effect analysis showed that when the social support score was≥ 23,depressive symptoms decreased as the social support score increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion The impact of social support on depressive symptoms in elderly MHD patients has a critical threshold.This finding suggests that clinical healthcare providers should prioritize interventions for patients with low social support to improve their physical and mental health and quality of life by enhancing social support levels.

Objective:To investigate the spatial distribution patterns of local tumor progression（LTP）after microwave ablation（MWA）for colorectal liver metastases（CRLMs）and identify high-risk progression zones.Methods:A total of 471 CRLM lesions from 246 patients treated with MWA at the Chinese PLA General Hospital between September 2009 and March 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Three-dimensional visualized MRI image fusion technology was employed to evaluate the spatial relationship between ablation margins（AM）and LTP. The liver was partitioned into nine specific anatomical regions. Machine learning（Boruta algorithm）was used to assess the importance of these regions on LTP risk. Multivariate analysis of LTP was performed at the tumor level and at the patient level using the Cox mixed effects model and the Cox regression model，respectively.Results:LTP occurred in 115 lesions，with an LTP rate of 40.0%（80/200）in ablated lesions which were located in the high-risk progression area，and 12.9%（35/271）in low-risk progression area. Multivariate analysis identified AM < 5 mm，tumor size ≥3 cm and location in high-risk zones as independent risk factors for LTP. Notably，LTP in high-risk zones predominantly clustered around the ablation needle tip.Conclusions:Post-MWA LTP in CRLMs exhibits distinct spatial clustering，particularly at the needle tip within high-risk progression zones. These findings provide critical insights for optimizing ablation strategies and improving clinical outcomes.

Objective:To explore the effectiveness of applying the learning group teaching method based on primary care guidelines for diagnosis and treatment of common diseases in the standardized training of general practice residents (referred to as "general practice resident training").Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial. A total of 48 trainees enrolled in the general practice residency program at the Affiliated Huai′an No.1 People′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from September 2023 to August 2024 were included. They were divided into the observation group and the control group using a random number table method, with 24 trainees in each group. At baseline, general information such as age, sex, and education level of the trainees was collected, and their relevant theoretical knowledge was assessed. The control group trainees were intervened using the traditional teaching method, while the observation group trainees were intervened using the learning group teaching method based on the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for common diseases at primary care level. The teaching activities lasted for 1 year, with sessions held once a month, for a total of 12 sessions. At the end of the intervention, all trainees were assessed on theoretical knowledge, case analysis, and clinical skills. In addition, questionnaires were used separately to survey the trainees′ satisfaction in both groups, as well as the teaching satisfaction of instructors in the observation group.Results:The observation group included 18 females (75%), with a median age of 25 (24, 26) years, while the control group had 16 females (67%), with a median age of 25 (24, 26) years. There was no statistically significant difference in the age, proportion of female trainees, proportion of rural order oriented free medical students, proportion of undergraduate students, proportion of first-year trainees, and theoretical knowledge test scores before the implementation of intervention measures between the two groups of trainees (all P>0.05). At the end of the intervention, the theoretical knowledge, case analysis, and clinical skill test scores of the observation group were higher than those of the control group (all P<0.05). All 48 trainees participated in the survey. The observation group trainees were found to be more satisfied than the control group with the teaching methods, knowledge mastery, clinical diagnosis and treatment thinking, stimulation of learning interest, self-learning ability, teaching interest, interpersonal communication ability, teamwork ability, and community problem-solving ability (all P<0.05). Of the four teachers in the observation group who participated in the satisfaction survey, all expressed satisfaction with the teaching method and its content. They all believed that the teaching method helped them to broaden their teaching ideas and improve their teaching abilities and skills. Conclusions:The learning group teaching method, which is based on the diagnosis and treatment guidelines for common diseases at primary care level, can effectively enhance the theoretical knowledge, case analysis ability, and clinical skills of the trainees. This teaching method is highly effective, with both trainees and teachers expressing great satisfaction.

The ethical review of clinical research involving mental disorders in the ethical governance of scientific and technological has obvious particularities， especially in the field of artificial intelligence and brain-computer interfaces which are reflected in the impact on mental autonomy， the impaired informed consent ability of participants with severe mental disorders in research， and other aspects. In addition， the stigma of illness， the use of placebo， and psychological assessment methods in clinical research have also drawn attention to the ethical review of psychiatry. In 2020， the Beijing Municipal Health Commission issued the Guidelines for Ethical Review of Clinical Research Involving Mental Disorders （Guidelines）. Shen Yucun’s Psychiatry， compiled in 2023， revised the application of the Guidelines in the context of ethical governance. An analysis was conducted on the purpose and significance of its issuance and revision， its scope of application， the principal responsibility of ethical review in medical and health institutions， and the key content of ethical review in psychiatry， to improve the quality of ethical review in clinical research involving mental disorders and promote the standardized development of clinical research in psychiatry.

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of puncture biopsy for the diagnosis of vessels that encapsulate tumor clusters (VETC) and macrotrabecular-massive (MTM) subtypes of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:One hundred and eighty-four patients with HCC who underwent surgical resection at the Fifth Medical Centre of Chinses PLA General Hospital from November 2023 to July 2024 were prospectively collected, including 154 males and 30 females, aged (57.1±8.6) years. By simulating the clinical puncture procedure, puncture biopsy tissue specimens were obtained postoperatively from the patient's isolated tumors. The puncture biopsies and surgical resection specimens were stained with HE and CD34, and evaluated for VETC and MTM. Patients were divided into two groups based on the histopathological VETC results of surgically resected specimens: the VETC-positive group ( n=41) and the VETC-negative group ( n=143); and two groups based on the histopathological MTM results of surgically resected specimens: the MTM-positive group ( n=39) and the MTM-negative group ( n=145). Clinical data such as gender, age, tumor length, and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were recorded. Logistic regression analysis was performed to screen the risk factors of VETC and MTM. Evaluating the diagnostic efficacy of puncture biopsy for VETC and MTM. Results:The results of multivariable logistic analysis showed that puncture biopsy VETC-positive ( OR=63.97, 95% CI: 16.28-251.29), grade of M2 microvascular invasion ( OR=5.07, 95% CI: 1.31-19.59) and tumor length ≥5 cm ( OR=3.42, 95% CI: 1.11-10.52) were the risk factors for VETC-positive (all P<0.05); whereas the risk factors for MTM-positive were only puncture biopsy MTM-positive ( OR=34.78, 95% CI: 12.06-100.29, P<0.001). Puncture biopsy correctly diagnosed VETC subtype in 163 patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.61, specificity of 0.97, positive predictive value (PPV) of 0.83, and negative predictive value (NPV) of 0.90; MTM subtype was correctly diagnosed in 164 patients with a diagnostic accuracy of 0.89, sensitivity of 0.72, specificity of 0.94, PPV of 0.76, and NPV of 0.93. Using the three indicators of puncture biopsy diagnosis, tumor length and AFP level as a combined indicator, the accuracy to diagnose VETC was 0.83, sensitivity was 0.71, specificity was 0.87, PPV was 0.60, and NPV was 0.91; and the combined indicator diagnosis of MTM had a diagnostic accuracy of 0.85, a sensitivity of 0.82, specificity of 0.86, PPV of 0.68 and NPV of 0.95. Conclusion:Puncture biopsy has high specificity and accuracy in the diagnosis of VETC and MTM subtypes, but the sensitivity is relatively limited, and the role of puncture combined with clinical factors in improving diagnostic efficacy is limited.

Objective:To compare the role of double-balloon enteroscopy (DBE) and dual-energy CT enterography (DCTE) in evaluating the clinical characteristics of Crohn′s disease (CD).Methods:From July 1, 2016 to November 1, 2023, 72 patients with CD who underwent both DBE and DCTE (with an interval of less than 3 months) in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were enrolled in this retropective study. Among them, 4 patients underwent both DBE and DCTE twice (a total of 76 cases). The data of DBE and DCTE in the diagnosis of 76 CD cases were analyzed, including the diagnostic rate of CD, the consistency of the 2 methods in detecting the lesion location (ileocecal, colonic, ileocolonic, and upper gastrointestinal tract involvement), and the detection rates of stenosis, ulcer and the location, long ulcer (long-diameter≥2 cm), and fistula. Kappa test was performed for the consistency analysis, and Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis.Results:The diagnostic rate of CD by DBE was higher than that by DCTE (80.3% (61/76) vs. 65.8% (50/76)), and the diagnostic rate of combination of the 2 methods (89.5% (68/76)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=4.04 and 12.28, P=0.044 and <0.001). The result of Kappa consistency test showed that the consistency of CD lesion location detected by DBE and DCTE was poor (Kappa value=0.29, t=3.17, P=0.002). The detection rate of stenosis by DBE was higher than that by DCTE (46.1% (35/76) vs. 13.2% (10/76)), the detection rate of stenosis by combination of the 2 methods (52.6% (40/76)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=19.73 and 26.82, both P<0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the detection rates of fistula among DBE, DCTE, and the combination of the 2 methods (3.9%(3/76), 2.6% (2/76), 5.3% (4/76); all P>0.05). The detection rate of ulcer by DBE was higher than that by DCTE(73.7% (56/76) vs. 7.9% (6/76)), the detection rate of ulcer by combination of the 2 methods (76.3%(58/56)) was higher than that by DCTE alone, and the differences were statistically significant ( χ2=68.10 and 72.98, both P<0.001). The detection rates of long ulcer and non-terminal ileum ulcer by DBE were both 17.9% (10/56). All the 6 cases with ulcer detected by DCTE were located in the terminal ileum, and no long ulcers were observed. Conclusions:In the diagnosis of CD, as well as in the detection of stenosis and ulcer, DBE and the combination of DBE and DCTE have more advantages over DCTE alone. The consistency between DBE and DCTE in identifying the location of lesion is poor. DBE has advantages in detecting long ulcer and non-terminal ileum ulcer.

Objective To optimize the extraction process of chlorogenic acid and three other organic acids from Picris hieracioides L.with deep eutectic solvents using response surface methodology.Methods By comparing the extraction rate of organic acids in seven deep eutectic solvents,the best solvent combinations were identified,and the optimal extraction process of organic acids from Picris hieracioides L.was obtained by optimizing the liquid/feed ratio,extraction temperature,extraction time and other parameters using the response surface method on the basis of a one-way experiment.Results The deep eutectic solvent with 30%water content(choline chloride∶urea=1∶2)was effective in extracting organic acids from Picris hieracioides L.The optimal extraction process optimized by response surface method was:extraction temperature 30℃,extraction time 30 min,liquid-solid ratio 20∶1(mL·g-1),the extraction rate of organic acids under this condition was 1.092 9%.Conclusion The deep eutectic solvent optimized through response surface methodology is an efficient,green and eco-friendly extraction method.This study provides a theoretical foundation for the subsequent development and utilization of Picris hieracioides L..