Objective: To investigate factors influencing perioperative blood transfusion in patients with scarred uterus during pregnancy undergoing cesarean section, construct and validate a transfusion risk prediction model, and provide evidence for preoperative assessment and blood management. Methods: Clinical data of 405 patients undergoing cesarean section for scarred uterus during pregnancy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from January 2020 to December 2024 were retrospectively collected. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set (n=284) and a validation set (n=121) at a 7∶3 ratio. Within the training set, Firth-penalized logistic regression was employed for multivariate analysis to identify independent factors influencing perioperative blood transfusion and construct a predictive model. Model performance was evaluated in the validation set. Results: Multivariate Firth regression analysis showed that severe placenta previa (OR=75.566, 95%CI: 8.603-9979.174) and placenta accreta (OR=4.591, 95%CI: 1.120-19.416) were independent risk factors for perioperative blood transfusion, while preoperative red blood cell count (OR=0.189, 95%CI: 0.083-0.405) and fibrinogen levels (OR=0.588, 95%CI: 0.395-0.855) were protective factors. The predictive model constructed based on these four variables demonstrated good discriminatory performance, with areas under the receiver operating characteristic curves of 0.803 (95%CI: 0.740-0.867) and 0.753 (95%CI: 0.644-0.862) in the training and validation sets, respectively. Conclusion: For patients with scarred uterus during pregnancy undergoing cesarean section, severe placenta previa and placenta accreta significantly increase the risk of transfusion, while higher preoperative red blood cell count and fibrinogen levels exert a protective effect. The predictive model established in this study facilitates the identification of patients requiring transfusion, thereby enabling preoperative blood preparation and optimized blood management.

Background/Aims: The pathophysiology of refractory gastroesophageal reflux disease (RGERD), which differs from proton pump inhibitor dependent gastroesophageal reflux disease (DGERD), remains incompletely elucidated. This study aims to compare esophageal motility patterns, transdiaphragmatic pressure gradients (TPG), and reflux profiles between RGERD and DGERD patients, and to delineate dynamic pressure gradient-esophagogastric junction (EGJ) interactions in these patients. Methods: In this retrospective study, 274 patients who underwent 24-hour impedance-pH monitoring and high-resolution manometry, along with an assessment of proton pump inhibitor responsiveness, were classified as RGERD (32.5%), DGERD (54.4%), or non-GERD (13.1%). Clinical characteristics, TPG, esophageal motility, and reflux metrics were compared between RGERD and DGERD patients. Subgroup analysis excluding hiatal hernia (HH) was conducted to investigate the pathophysiology of RGERD. Results: The RGERD group exhibited a significantly higher proportion of chest pain compared to the DGERD group. Regarding reflux profiles, RGERD patients without HH (RGERDHH- group) experienced increased weakly acidic reflux (P < 0.001) and prolonged bolus exposure (P = 0.006) compared to their counterparts (DGERDHH- group). Mechanistically, the RGERDHH- group showed reduced lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure (P = 0.010) and EGJ contractile integral (P = 0.005). Notably, following a wet-swallow, the RGERDHH- group experienced the significant elevation in gastric pressure and TPG. Correlation analyses revealed weakly acidic reflux and bolus exposure were positively correlated with gastric pressure variation, and inversely correlated with lower esophageal sphincter basal pressure. Conclusions Transient gastric pressure elevation and compromised EGJ barrier function drive weakly acidic reflux and esophageal bolus exposure. This pressure gradient-barrier mismatch underpins the refractoriness of RGERD.

With the rapid advancement of medical technology and the increasing complexity of clinical environments, competence in clinical ethical decision-making has become an indispensable core competency for exemplary physicians. However, traditional medical ethics education has long been confronted with the persistent challenges of theory-practice dissociation and the disconnect between pedagogical settings and clinical realities. Thus, how to construct a "Clinical Ethics" curriculum that aligns with the objectives of training high-caliber medical professionals has emerged as a critical and challenging issue in current medical education reform. To effectively address this challenge, the Office of Education at Peking University Third Hospital, since 2021, has assembled a multidisciplinary "Clinical Ethics" teaching and management team comprising faculty from Peking University School of Humanities and key clinical specialists from the hospital. In 2022, the "Clinical Ethics" elective course was formally launched for fourth-year students in the eight-year MD program who had completed coursework in "Medical Ethics" and organ-system-based curricula, with the aim of exploring and operationalizing a pre-clinical ethics education model tailored for senior medical students. The course employs a modular instructional design encompassing "theoretical review-case-based deliberation-clinical workshop", which effectively facilitates the deep integration of medical humanities with clinical practice.Following four years of iterative refinement through the "plan-act-observe-reflect" cycle, the course has demonstrated positive outcomes in enhancing students' ethical awareness and decision-making capabilities, and has preliminarily established a sustainable collaborative mechanism among the multidisciplinary faculty team. This article systematically delineates the course development background, pedagogical model and methodological innovations, and the multidisciplinary collaborative framework, alongside reflections and summaries based on implementation outcomes, with the intent of providing references for the future development of "Clinical Ethics" curricula.

To compare psychological reactance, intention to adopt sleep-management recommendations, and intention to use sleep-support resources among students in medical and health-related disciplines exposed to sleep health messages with different outcome frames and expression styles, and to provide evidence for the design of sleep health information materials.

Objective: To develop machine learning identification models for the relatively high risk of social-emotional problems among Chinese school-aged children, and compare internal validation performances across different algorithms, so as to provide reference for preliminary identification of relatively high risk in school-aged children s social-emotional problems. Methods: Based on the 2022 proxy-reported data for children from the China Family Panel Studies (CFPS), a total of 3 575 children aged 6-15 years from 2 709 families who completed the survey between May and December 2022 were included. Relatively high risk of social-emotional problems was defined using a composite score constructed from 12 social emotional related items in the CFPS 2022 general questionnaire. Data were split approximately 7∶3 (modeling group: 2 503, validation group: 1 072) by household identifier (ID) to ensure all children from the same family were assigned to the same dataset. Candidate variable selection, missing value imputation parameter fitting, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) feature screening, model training, and hyperparameter tuning were performed within the development set, while internal validation was conducted in the validation set. Weighted AUC, Brier score, sensitivity, specificity, calibration curves, and decision curves were compared across Logistic regression, random forest (RF), gradient boosting decision trees (GBDT), support vector machines (SVM), and extreme gradient boosting (XGBoost). The Shapley additive explanations (SHAP) method was used for exploratory interpretation of the RF model, which achieved the highest AUC value in the validation set. Results: A total of 941 (26.3%) were classified as having relatively high risk of social emotional problems. A total of 659 and 282 high risk cases were in the modeling group and validation group, respectively, with no cross set split of households. LASSO retained 10 features. In the validation set, the RF model achieved the highest AUC of 0.672 (95% CI =0.624-0.717) and a Brier score of 0.184. The Logistic regression model achieved a validation AUC of 0.670 (95% CI =0.624-0.716). The incremental AUC gain of RF over Logistic regression was 0.002 (family cluster paired bootstrap 95% CI =-0.016 to 0.020, P =0.856). Following household ID splitting, all models showed moderate internal validation performance. Although RF achieved the highest numerical value, its incremental gain over Logistic regression was limited. Conclusion The model can serve as a reference for preliminary identification research on the relatively high risk of social emotional problems in school aged children, though its stability and applicability require further validation in external samples.

The sensitive scalp is a complex syndrome characterised by abnormal nerve sensations, such as stinging, itching, burning, and tightness, and diminished tolerance to physical or chemical stimuli that would not typically cause such unpleasant responses, with its pathology involving physical barrier destruction at the stratum corneum level, neural hyperreactivity and sensory nerve sensitization, and local immunological dysregulation and chronic low‑grade inflammation. The homeostasis of the scalp microenvironment plays a crucial regulatory role in maintaining the hair follicle growth cycle, yet this “soil” factor has long been underappreciated in hair loss research, which has traditionally centered on intrinsic follicular defects, such as genetic predisposition or androgen-driven mechanisms. In this review, we summarized the potential mechanisms underlying the imbalance in the “barrier-neural-immune” network in sensitive scalps. Sensitive scalp is further manifested as impaired skin barrier, including increased transepidermal water loss and abnormal lipid secretion. These alterations are accompanied by increased surface pH, excessive secretion of sebum rich in free fatty acids, reduced microbial diversity, and dysbiosis characterized by a reduction in Cutibacterium and an increase in Staphylococcus colonization. Mechanistically, we also analyzed how neurogenic inflammation, mediated by substances such as substance P (SP) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP), along with persistent low-grade inflammation, disrupts the microenvironment of the hair follicle stem cell niche through mechanisms involving mechanosensitive ion channels (e.g., Piezo1), oxidative stress, and cytokine cascades. When the barrier is compromised, the weakened stratum corneum may facilitate the penetration of external stimuli, sensitizing cutaneous nerve endings. Those hyperresponsive nerves then fire off neuropeptides like substance P and CGRP. These peptides activate mast cells and other immune cells via the MrgprB2 receptor, prompting degranulation and a wave of pro-inflammatory mediators that kick off neurogenic inflammation. At the same time, oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines drive a persistent low-grade inflammation that directly damages the hair follicle stem cell niche. Physical compression from shrinking hair shafts activates Piezo1 channels, setting off calcium influx and Caspase‑3‑dependent apoptotic signaling. We primarily considered the interactions between inflammatory signaling and the sensitization of the androgen receptor (AR) pathway, as well as the inhibition of the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway, which may subsequently contribute to hair follicle miniaturization and disruption of the growth cycle. The inflammatory microenvironment appears to boost AR expression in dermal papilla cells, making them more sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). This heightened sensitivity may promote the expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), TGF-β2, and Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), which suppress the Wnt/β‑catenin pathway—essential for follicle growth and regeneration—potentially accelerating follicular miniaturization and stalling the growth cycle. Coupled with direct inflammatory apoptosis, oxidative stress, and circadian disruption, these routes may collectively speed up hair follicle stem cell depletion and diffuse hair thinning. These findings point to the need for more mechanistic and translational research to test the proposed pathways and explore therapies that target the microenvironment in sensitive scalp-related hair loss. Ultimately, we hope to provide theoretical support for the intervention of hair loss by restoring the steady state of the scalp microenvironment and combining with new precision delivery technologies such as microneedles.

Corneal alkali burns are a common form of corneal trauma, and their treatment has been a challenge in ophthalmology. Traditional treatments include anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and corneal transplantation, with limited results. This review focuses on the research progress of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and their derived extracellular vesicles(MSCs-EVs)in the treatment of corneal alkali burns. MSCs have the ability of self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, and immunomodulation, and the MSCs-EVs inherit its function from MSCs. MSCs-EVs inherit the functions of MSCs and has lower immunogenicity and better biocompatibility, which provides a new avenue for ophthalmic treatment. In addition, bioscaffolds are used as scaffolds or drug delivery systems in tissue engineering to promote tissue regeneration due to their excellent biocompatibility and degradability. This article reviews the mechanism of action and research progress of MSCs-EVs and combined bioscaffolds in the treatment of corneal alkali burns, and explores their potential in promoting the repair of corneal alkali burns and improving vision. These findings provide new strategies for the treatment of corneal alkali burns and are expected to improve the prognosis of patients.

Corneal alkali burns are a common form of corneal trauma, and their treatment has been a challenge in ophthalmology. Traditional treatments include anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressive, and corneal transplantation, with limited results. This review focuses on the research progress of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs)and their derived extracellular vesicles(MSCs-EVs)in the treatment of corneal alkali burns. MSCs have the ability of self-renewal, multidirectional differentiation, and immunomodulation, and the MSCs-EVs inherit its function from MSCs. MSCs-EVs inherit the functions of MSCs and has lower immunogenicity and better biocompatibility, which provides a new avenue for ophthalmic treatment. In addition, bioscaffolds are used as scaffolds or drug delivery systems in tissue engineering to promote tissue regeneration due to their excellent biocompatibility and degradability. This article reviews the mechanism of action and research progress of MSCs-EVs and combined bioscaffolds in the treatment of corneal alkali burns, and explores their potential in promoting the repair of corneal alkali burns and improving vision. These findings provide new strategies for the treatment of corneal alkali burns and are expected to improve the prognosis of patients.

ObjectiveTo investigate the mechanism of topical treatment of allergic contact dermatitis （ACD） mice with Portulacae Herba based on the nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） signaling pathway. MethodsA total of 70 6-week-old specific pathogen free （SPF） female Kunming mice were adaptively fed for 1 week and randomly divided into blank group， model group， compound dexamethasone acetate cream group （2.075×10^-2 g·g^-1）， blank matrix cream group， low-dose Portulacae Herba cream group （0.1 g·g^-1）， high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group （0.2 g·g^-1）， and Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group （0.2 g·g^-1 + 30 mg·kg^-1 ML385）， with 10 mice in each group. One day before the experiment， the mice were shaved on the neck and back. Except for the blank group， the mice in the other groups were treated with 2，4-dinitrochlorobenzene （DNCB） to establish an ACD model. After respective administration， the skin lesion of the mice was scored， and the histopathological changes of the skin were stained with hematoxylin-eosin （HE）. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， reactive oxygen species （ROS）， superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity， and malondialdehyde （MDA） in serum of mice. The expression of Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins in mouse skin tissue was detected by immunohistochemistry （IHC）， Western blot， and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the mice in the model group had an increased skin lesion score （P<0.01）， severe pathological damage to skin tissue， increased content of IL-1β， IL-6， ROS， and MDA in their serum （P<0.01）， and decreased content of SOD （P<0.01）. In addition， the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， and nuclear factor-κB inhibitor α （IκBα） in skin tissue were up-regulated （P<0.01）， while the protein expression levels of phosphorylated （p）-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group and the blank matrix cream group， the mice treated with Portulacae Herba had a decreased skin lesion score （P<0.01）， reduced pathological damage to skin tissue， decreased content of IL-1β， IL-6， ROS， and MDA in their serum （P<0.01）， and increased content of SOD （P<0.01）. Additionally， the mRNA and protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， and IκBα in skin tissue were down-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）. Compared with the Portulacae Herba + inhibitor group， the high-dose Portulacae Herba cream group had a decreased skin lesion score （P<0.01）， alleviated pathological damage to skin tissue， decreased content of IL-1β， IL-6， ROS， and MDA in the serum of mice （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and increased content of SOD （P<0.01）. The protein expression levels of Nrf2， HO-1， and IκBα and the mRNA expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 in skin tissue were up-regulated （P<0.05，P<0.01）， and the protein expression levels of p-IκBα and p-NF-κB p65 and the mRNA expression of NF-κB p65 were down-regulated （P<0.05）. ConclusionPortulacae Herba can improve DNCB-induced ACD skin damage in mice by regulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective To analyze the diagnosis of occupational radiation diseases in Hubei Province, China between 1986 and 2021, and to assess the occupational health risks of radiation workers in Hubei Province. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the diagnosis institutions, diagnosis case characteristics, and typical problems encountered in the diagnosis process of occupational radiation diseases in Hubei Province between 1986 and 2021. The findings were analyzed and discussed in conjunction with current occupational disease diagnosis standards and relevant regulations. Results There are currently 3 authorized occupational radiation disease diagnosis institutions in Hubei Province, with a total of 14 diagnostic physicians. Among them, 9 (64.3%) have senior professional titles and 12 (85.7%) possess postgraduate degrees; however, only one has a professional background in radiological medicine. From 1986 to 2021, a total of 139 cases of occupational radiation diseases were diagnosed. Chronic radiation sickness from external exposure accounted for 40.3%, radiation-induced cataract for 21.6%, and radiation-induced tumors for 18.7%. Among all cases, 81.4% were engaged in diagnostic radiology and interventional radiology, 3.1% were engaged in radiotherapy, and 3.1% were engaged in nuclear medicine. Diagnosed cases were primarily concentrated among medical radiation workers, especially those involved in X-ray diagnosis. Issues identified during the diagnosis process included illegal acceptance of subjects, non-standard dosage estimation, and illegal procedures. Conclusion The incidence of occupational radiation diseases in Hubei Province showed a declining trend. The diagnosis of occupational radiation diseases needs to be improved, and the occupational health management of key radiation workers should be further strengthened.