1.A prediction model for mild cognitive impairment risk among the elderly
MA Zongkang ; LIU Xinglang ; LI Huihui ; HE Guowei ; YAN Ping ; ZHANG Chuanrong ; MA Xuan ; CHE Yajie ; YU Shan ; CHEN Fenghui
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(2):124-129
Objective:
To develop a prediction model for mild cognitive impairment (MCI) risk among the elderly, so as to provide a tool for MCI early screening.
Methods :
From July 2022 to September 2024, a multi-stage stratified random cluster sampling method was used to recruit permanent residents aged ≥65 years from the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as study participants. Data on sociodemographic characteristics, nutritional status, body composition indices, bone mineral density, and handgrip strength were collected through questionnaires and physical examinations. Sarcopenia was defined based on appendicular skeletal muscle index and handgrip strength. MCI was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, with adjustments for educational level. Participants were randomly divided into a training set and a validation set in a 7∶3 ratio. LASSO regression and multivariable logistic regression models were employed to screen for predictors and construct an MCI risk prediction model. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and decision curve analysis (DCA).
Results:
A total of 1 641 participants were surveyed, including 755 males (46.01%) and 886 females (53.99%). The majority of participants were aged 65-<75 years, comprising 1 154 individuals (70.32%). MCI was detected in 517 participants, corresponding to a detection rate of 31.51%. Resultsfrom LASSO regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that residence (rural, OR = 2.323, 95% CI: 1.682-3.210), age (75-<85 years, OR = 1.405, 95% CI: 1.019-1.937; ≥85 years, OR = 3.655, 95% CI: 1.696-7.875), educational level (primary school, OR = 0.341, 95% CI: 0.247-0.472; junior high school, OR = 0.255, 95% CI: 0.160-0.408; high school, OR = 0.286, 95% CI: 0.154-0.531; bachelor's degree or above, OR = 0.120, 95% CI: 0.041-0.351), history of alcohol consumption (yes, OR = 3.216, 95% CI: 2.164-4.779), risk of malnutrition (yes, OR = 1.464, 95% CI: 1.064-2.014), sarcopenia (yes, OR = 3.197, 95% CI: 2.332-4.385), and waist-to-hip ratio (abnormal, OR = 1.540, 95% CI: 1.159-2.048) were identified as predictive factors for MCI among the elderly. In the training set, the area under the ROC curve, sensitivity, and specificity were 0.788, 0.719, and 0.712, respectively. In the validation set, the corresponding values were 0.784, 0.913, and 0.542, respectively. DCA demonstrated that the model provided a higher clinical net benefit for predicting MCI risk when the risk threshold probability ranged from 0.124 to 0.764.
Conclusion
The prediction model developed in this study demonstrates good discriminative ability and clinical utility, indicating its substantial value for predicting the MCI risk among the elderly.
2.Transforaminal “in-out-in” screw technique for posterior C2 fixation in cases with a narrow C2 pedicle: anatomical considerations, technical notes, and preliminary clinical results
Jun YAN ; Cheng QIU ; Lei QI ; Lei CHENG ; Yan-ping ZHENG ; Xin-yu LIU
Asian Spine Journal 2026;20(1):134-142
Numerous techniques for C2 screw fixation have been recently reported. However, concerns remain regarding the risk of spinal cord or vertebral artery injury and inadequate biomechanical stability. To our knowledge, the specific transforaminal “in-out-in” screw fixation technique has not been previously reported. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and preliminary clinical outcomes of a transforaminal “in-out-in” multi-cortical purchase screw for posterior C2 screw fixation. Between October 2022 and March 2023, 10 patients underwent posterior atlantoaxial internal fixation. All patients had severe hypoplasia of the C2 pedicle on at least one side, precluding the use of standard C2 pedicle screws. A transforaminal “in-out-in” screw was used as an alternative. No spinal cord injury, vascular injury, or other major complications were observed. No implant failure was noted at the final follow-up. In conclusion, the transforaminal “in-out-in” screw may achieve rigid three-column fixation with multiple cortical purchases. It represents a safe and effective alternative for posterior C2 fixation in patients with severely narrow C2 pedicles where traditional pedicle screw placement is not feasible.
3.Convergent modulation of default mode network effective connectivity by modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam in patients with chronic insomnia disorder
Ke WANG ; Yiding HAN ; Haohao YAN ; Xingyan GUO ; Wuhong LIN ; Ping YAO ; Min LIU ; Min CHEN ; Longbiao CUI ; Wenbin GUO ; Dongsheng LYU
Sichuan Mental Health 2026;39(4):356-366
BackgroundBoth modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam serve as effective treatments for chronic insomnia disorder (CID). Default mode network (DMN) dysfunction is recognized as the primary pathophysiological mechanism underlying CID. However, it remains unclear whether the two treatments exert their therapeutic effects via convergent modulation of DMN functional connectivity. ObjectiveTo investigate the convergent remodeling characteristics of bidirectional effective connectivity (EC) of core DMN nodes with both the intra-network and the remaining whole-brain regions in CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome following the treatment with modified Suanzaoren Decoction or estazolam, so as to provide neuroimaging evidence for the convergent neural mechanisms underlying the therapeutic effects of both therapies in treating CID. MethodsEighty-two patients diagnosed with CID according to the International Classification of Sleep Disorder, third edition (ICSD-3) were consecutively recruited from the outpatient clinic of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Mental Health Center from October 2020 to September 2023. Based on treatment preference, patients were assigned to receive a 6-week intervention in either the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group (n=52) or the estazolam group (n=30). Ultimately, 66 patients completed follow-up assessments (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group, n=41; estazolam group, n=25). All CID patients underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scanning before and after treatment. Core DMN nodes including medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC), bilateral inferior parietal lobule (IPL), and precuneus (PCUN) were selected as seed regions. Granger causality analysis (GCA) was employed to assess bidirectional EC between the seed regions and both the other intra-DMN nodes and the remaining whole-brain regions. Hepatic and renal function indices were detected pre- and post-treatment to evaluate the safety profiles of both treatments. ResultsAt baseline, significant between-group differences were identified in EC from the left IPL to the left middle fronto-orbital gyrus/gyrus rectus (t=5.24, Z=4.84, voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected), with the modified Suanzaoren Decoction group exhibiting stronger EC than the estazolam group. No significant between-group differences were observed in EC between other core DMN nodes and remaining whole-brain regions (P>0.05). Within-group pre- to post-treatment comparisons demonstrated consistent connectivity alterations in both groups. Specifically, EC from the left IPL to the supplementary motor area (SMA) decreased after treatment (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-6.28, Z=5.208; estazolam group: t=-5.58, Z=4.425). Conversely, EC from the SMA to the left IPL increased (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.89, Z=4.968; estazolam group: t=6.15, Z=4.720). Furthermore, both groups demonstrated reduced EC from the PCUN to the left IPL (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=-5.85, Z=4.94; estazolam group: t=-5.75, Z=4.515), and elevated EC from the left IPL to the PCUN (modified Suanzaoren Decoction group: t=5.29, Z=4.579; estazolam group: t=4.55, Z=3.826) (voxel-level P<0.001, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF-corrected). No significant pre- to post-treatment differences were observed in hepatic or renal function indices in either group (P>0.05). ConclusionIn CID patients with Yin-deficiency and fire-hyperactivity syndrome, both modified Suanzaoren Decoction and estazolam induce convergent bidirectional remodeling of EC between the left IPL and the SMA and the PCUN. [Funded by Natural Science Fund Project of Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region (number, 2019MS08099); ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT06452953]
4.Clinical characteristics of malignant insulinomas and benign insulinomas
Yan LIU ; Jie YU ; Yiwen LIU ; Fan PING ; Huabing ZHANG ; Lingling XU ; Yuxiu LI
Basic & Clinical Medicine 2025;45(10):1356-1361
Objective To analyze the differences in clinical indicators between malignant insulinoma and benign in-sulinoma,in order to provide diagnostic and therapeutic insights for the early detection and diagnosis of malignant insulinoma.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted in patients diagnosed and treated for insulinoma at Peking Union Medical College Hospital from January 2018 to June 2022.Among them,10 cases were diagnosed as malignant insulinoma.Twenty cases of benign insulinoma patients matched for age,sex,and body mass index(BMI),were randomly selected.Statistical analysis was performed to compare the differences between malignant and benign insulinomas.Results 1)Compared to benign insulinoma,malignant insulinoma showed significantly ele-vated C-peptide(CP)and C-peptide to glucose ratio(CPGlu)during hypoglycemia(blood glucose<3.0 mmol/L)[6.04(3.40,6.76)vs 1.68(1.39,2.47)ng/mL,P<0.05),2.25(1.12,3.58)vs 0.74(0.54,1.54),P<0.05].The tumor diameter(DIA)was larger(1.9±0.6 vs 1.4±0.3 cm,P<0.05),and the insulin level at 300 minutes(INS300)during the 5-hour oral glucose tolerance test(5 h OGTT)was significantly elevated(30.47±5.67 vs 9.67±3.32)μIU/mL,P<0.01).Levels of blood tumor markers AFP,CEA,and CA724 were also increased(P<0.05).2)Correlation analysis indicated that CP,CPGlu,DIA,INS300,AFP,CEA,and CA724 were positively correlated with malignant insulinoma during hypoglycemia.3)The ROC curve analysis suggested that the optimal cut-off points for distinguishing malignant from benign insulinomas were CP 2.49 ng/mL,CPGlu 1.31,DIA 1.85 cm,and INS300 20.22 μIU/mL,respectively.Conclusions In clinical practice,if an insulinoma patient has a CP level higher than 2.49 ng/mL and a tumor diameter larger than 1.9 cm during hypoglycemia,the possibility of malignant insulinoma should be considered,warranting further examinations and enhanced follow-up.Persistent elevation of AFP,CEA,and CA724 may indicate malignant insulinoma.
5.Regulatory effect of polygonatum odoratum extract on inflammatory factor tumor necrosis factor-α in Alzheimer's disease cells
Ping SHEN ; Hang LIU ; Zhao-Ming ZENG ; Yu-Bo XIAO ; Ling-Yan DENG ; Lan-Yu LI ; Zhong-Cheng MO
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):548-556
Objective To investigate the potential mechanism of action of polygonatum odoratum in treating Alzheimer's disease through the utilization of network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.Methods The methods employed include target screening,Gene Ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)enrichment analysis,and molecular docking simulations to assess the binding interactions between the active compounds in polygonatum odoratum(POD)and the key target proteins associated with Alzheimer's disease.Subsequently,lipopolysaccharide(LPS)was used to induce an inflammatory cell model in BV2 microglial cells.After treating the cell model with POD extract for 24 hours,the cells were collected,and the expression of the target genes were detected by Real-time PCR.Results Eight active ingredients and 172 targets of POD were screened.The biological processes such as protein phosphorylation and signal transduction,protein binding and ATP binding were obtained by GO functional analysis.KEGG enrichment yielded PI3K/Akt,cAMP and other signaling pathways.The molecular docking result showed that the active ingredient of POD had well binding activity with epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR),proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src(SRC),tumor necrosis factor(TNF),STAT3.Through Real-time PCR experiments,the gene expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS),prostaglandin G/H synthase 2(PTGS2),interleukin(IL)-6,and IL-1β in the LPS-induced inflammatory cell model were significantly upregulated.After treating the inflammatory model with POD extract for 24 hours,the expression of TNF-α was significantly reduced,the expression of STAT3 was upregulated,there were no significant changes in the expressions of SRC and EGFR.Conclusion Network pharmacology suggests polygonatum odoratum's potential anti-Alzheimer's effects may be mediated through its interaction with targets such as EGFR,TNF,SRC,and STAT3.The experimental results suggest that polygonatum odoratum exerts an anti-inflammatory effect by acting on TNF-α,which may further alleviate the symptoms of Alzheimer's disease.
6.Artificial intelligence-driven personalized teaching new paradigm for thoracic wall dissection
Quan-Cheng CHENG ; Ping LIU ; Huai-Cun LIU ; Liang WANG ; Yan ZHANG ; Li-Ju LUAN ; Chun-Hua CHEN ; Shu-Wei LIU ; Wei-Guang ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):601-606
Facing of mounting resource constraints and rising demands for personalization in medical education,regional anatomy teaching urgently requires transformation.In this paper,we focus on the regional anatomy of the thoracic wall,in order to explore a novel AI-driven teaching paradigm.Anchored in the core principle of"virtual-real integration with cadaveric dissection as the cornerstone,"the paradigm redefines educational objective and constructs an intelligent,closed-loop teaching model integrating students,computers,and instructors.Leveraging the robust support of digital intelligence(e.g.,DeepSeek),this paradigm incorporates interactive method including group collaboration,branching instruction,and gamified assessments.It achieves a comprehensive intelligent transformation of the entire teaching process-from goal setting and plan customization to activity implementation,task completion,outcome exchange,multidimensional evaluation,and reflective iteration.This new paradigm centers on medical students and leverages digital intelligence to activate deep personalized learning potential.It seamlessly integrates fundamental anatomical knowledge with clinical scenarios(e.g.,key anatomy in breast cancer surgery,flap design in breast reconstruction),and significantly enhances clinical decision-making abilities,scientific research and innovative thinking,as well as medical humanistic literacy,paving a new path for intelligent medical education.
7.Teaching practice of movable virtual reality equipment in human anatomy classroom teaching
Ping LIU ; Xuan FANG ; Hui-Ru DING ; Li-Ju LUAN ; Yan ZHANG ; Jun WANG ; Huai-Cun LIU ; Wei-Guang ZHANG
Acta Anatomica Sinica 2025;56(5):607-611
Objective To explore the integration value of mobile virtual reality devices in the classroom teaching of human anatomy,and to evaluate their potential impact on the in-depth construction of human anatomy knowledge,the cultivation of spatial cognitive ability,and the transformation of teaching paradigms from the perspectives of cognitive load theory and situated learning.Methods The undergraduate students majoring in clinical medicine in Peking University were selected as the research objects.Among them,students in grade 2019 were the control group,and students in grade 2022 were the experimental group,introducing movable virtual anatomy equipment and other teaching auxiliary method in theory and practice courses.The final exam scores of the two groups of students were compared,and a questionnaire survey was conducted for the experimental group after the course,and the survey result were statistically analyzed.Results The final examination result showed that the average score of the experimental group was 82.47±10.19,and the average score of the control group was 74.82±16.56,which was significantly higher in the experimental group than in the control group,with statistical significance(P<0.05).The questionnaire survey result showed that compared with traditional classroom teaching,94.62%of students preferred the new auxiliary teaching mode such as VR,96.77%of students believed that VR assisted teaching could achieve the traditional teaching effect or better,95.7%of them think that it improved students' interest in learning human anatomy,and 98.92%thought that it improved students' knowledge of anatomy.Conclusion The application of mobile virtual reality devices in anatomy classroom teaching provides immersive and interactive 3D visualization teaching scenarios,effectively reducing students' cognitive load on abstract and complex anatomical structures,promoting spatial understanding and knowledge internalization,significantly improving teaching effectiveness and self-learning ability,thus changing the traditional anatomy teaching mode and laying a solid foundation for the development of future medical education and the cultivation of medical talents.
8.EFFECT OF PD-1 DEFICIENCY ON IMMUNE RESPONSE IN MICE INFECTED WITH TRICHINELLA SPIRALIS
Si-Meng ZHAO ; Xin-Yang HUANG ; Yi-Qi LIU ; Yao ZHANG ; Yan YU ; Jing-Jing HUANG ; Xin-Ping ZHU ; Yu-Li CHENG
Acta Parasitologica et Medica Entomologica Sinica 2025;32(2):65-72
Objective To investigate the effect of programmed death-1(PD-1)on cell infiltration in muscle tissue and immune response types in mice infected with Trichinella spiralis.Methods C57BL/6J wild-type(WT)and PD-1 deficient(PD-1-/-)mice were infected with T.spiralis(400 muscle larvae per mouse),and samples were collected on day 35 after infection.The proportions of infiltrating inflammatory cells and fibroblasts around encapsulated larvae were assessed by immunohistochemistry.The expression levels of interferon-γ(IFN-γ),interleukin(IL)-4,IL-5,IL-13,and eotaxin in muscle tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Peripheral blood and spleen were collected at different time points after infection.The percentages of CD4+IFN-γ+Th1 and CD4+IL-4+Th2 within CD4+T cells population in peripheral blood and spleen of mice were analyzed using flow cytometry.Results The proportions of eosinophils and fibroblasts among total infiltrating cells around the encapsulated larvae in the muscle of PD-1-/-mice were significantly lower than those in WT mice after T.spiralis infection(P<0.01).The infected PD-1-/-mice exhibited higher proportions of macrophages,T cells and B cells in total infiltrating cells than the infected WT mice(P<0.01).The levels of IL-4,IL-5,IL-13,and eotaxin in the muscle tissue of infected PD-1-/-mice were significantly lower than those in infected WT mice(P<0.05).However,IFN-γ levels were not significantly different between the infected WT and PD-1-/-mice.The proportions of Th2 cells in CD4+T cells from peripheral blood and spleen of infected PD-1-/-mice were significantly lower than those in infected WT mice,whereas the proportion of Th1 cells showed no difference among the infected groups.Conclusions PD-1 deletion results in decreased expression of key chemokines of eosinophils and key cytokines of fibroblast formation,and a corresponding decrease in inflammatory cells in muscle in T.spiralis-infected mice.This effect may be associated with a diminished Th2 immune response caused by PD-1 deletion.
9.Influence of balloon post-dilatation on cardiac conduction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement: A retrospective cohort study
Wuchao XUE ; Yang LIU ; Ping JIN ; Meng' ; en ZHAI ; Linhe LU ; Yan ZHU ; Jian YANG
Chinese Journal of Clinical Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2025;32(12):1716-1621
Objective To analyze the impact of balloon post-dilation on cardiac conduction in patients undergoing transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). Methods From June 2021 to December 2022, patients with severe aortic valve stenosis or regurgitation who underwent TAVR surgery using domestically produced valves at Xijing Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University were selected. The occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative cardiac conduction block was recorded. According to whether balloon post-dilation was performed during the surgery, patients were divided into the post-dilation group and the non-post-dilation group. The baseline data, postoperative cardiac conduction block occurrence, and cardiac function of the two groups were analyzed. Results A total of 126 patients were included, including 52 males and 74 females, with an average age of (66.6±7.6) years. There were 30 patients in the post-dilation group and 96 patients in the non-post-dilation group. On the first day after TAVR, the average QRS intervals in the post-dilation group and the non-post-dilation group were (105.6±13.8) ms and (125.9±28.2) ms, respectively (P=0.017). At discharge, the average PR intervals in the two groups were (168.7±36.8) ms and (192.1±44.2) ms, respectively (P=0.024). At discharge, 9 (7.1%) patients developed new atrioventricular block, 5 (4.0%) patients developed new complete right bundle branch block, and 33 (26.2%) patients developed new complete left bundle branch block. During hospitalization, 2 (1.6%) patients received permanent cardiac pacemakers, both of whom were in the non-post-dilation group. There was no statistical difference in postoperative left ventricular structure and function between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion Postoperative expansion using domestically produced interventional valves for TAVR do not increase the incidence of early atrioventricular block and permanent cardiac pacemaker implantation after valve implantation, and there are no significant changes in cardiac structure and function in patients with conduction block in the short term after surgery.
10.Latent profile analysis and influencing factors of body image among patients with head and neck cancer
Ping XU ; Rong YAN ; Miaomiao ZHANG ; Wenhui LIU ; Kai JIANG
Chinese Journal of Nursing 2025;60(2):215-222
Objective To explore the potential profile of body image and its influencing factors among head and neck cancer patients.Methods Convenience sampling was employed to investigate 335 head and neck cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Shandong Province from October 2023 to May 2024.Data was collected using the patient's general information questionnaire,Body Image Scale,Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire,Perceived Social Support Scale,Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity based on the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.Latent profile analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore distinct profiles and influencing factor of body image in head and neck patients.Results A total of 335 valid questionnaires were collected in this study,and 95.4%of the valid questionnaires were included.Body image of patients with head and neck cancer could be divided into 3 latent profiles:body emotional stability(41.5%),body cognitive dissatisfaction(33.7%)and social behavior avoidance(24.8%).Age,location of cancer onset,stage of cancer,surgical treatment,medical coping style(facing coping,yielding coping),social support and economic toxicity were the factors influencing the latent profiles of body image in patients with head and neck cancer(P<0.05).Conclusion There is heterogeneity in body image of patients with head and neck cancer.Medical staff should implement targeted management strategies based on the influencing factors of different profiles to reduce the body image disorders in patients with head and neck cancer,and to promote patients to better return to society.


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