1.Comparison of the predictive performance of SARIMA, Prophet, and BSTS models in forecasting the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease
LU Wenhai ; KONG Xiaojie ; SONG Lixia ; LU Chunru ; YU Bikun ; XIE Yan
Journal of Preventive Medicine 2026;38(1):79-84
Objective:
To compare the predictive performance of the seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, the Prophet model, and the Bayesian structural time series (BSTS) model in forecasting the incidence of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) , so as to provide a basis for optimizing the early warning system of this disease.
Methods:
Weekly incidence data of HFMD in Longgang District, Shenzhen City from 2014 to 2024 were collected. The HFMD incidence data from 2014-2019 and 2023 were used as the training set to construct SARIMA, Prophet, and BSTS models, while the data from 2024 were used as the test set to compare and evaluate the predictive performance of the three models. The technique for order preference by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS) method was employed to calculate the C-value. This approach integrates multiple evaluation metrics, such as the mean absolute error (MAE), mean squared error (MSE), root mean squared error (RMSE), and symmetric mean absolute percentage error (SMAPE), to comprehensively assess model performance.
Results:
A total of 150 111 cases of HFMD were reported in Longgang District from 2014 to 2024, with an average annual incidence of 400.72/105. The weekly incidence fluctuated between 0 and 63.78/105, exhibiting a bimodal seasonal pattern characterized by a primary peak from May to July and a secondary peak from September to October. In the training set, all three models demonstrated a good fit to the bimodal epidemic trend of HFMD, with the BSTS model achieving the best fit. The BSTS model yielded performance metrics as follows: MAE=0.124, MSE=0.050, RMSE=0.223, SMAPE=0.021, and a C-value of 1.000. In the test set, all three models, including SARIMA, Prophet, and BSTS, performed well for short-term predictions (≤16 weeks), with the Prophet model showing relatively superior predictive performance. However, the prediction accuracy of all models declined as the forecast horizon extended. During the primary peak period (May-July), the Prophet model exhibited better predictive performance, whereas the BSTS model performed relatively better during the secondary peak period (September-October).
Conclusions
For the short-term forecasting of weekly HFMD incidence, the Prophet model outperformed both the SARIMA and BSTS models. During the primary peak period, the Prophet model demonstrated superior predictive performance, whereas the BSTS model exhibited better accuracy in forecasting the secondary peak period.
2.Research progress on the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine in treating functional constipation based on the gut microbiota-bile acid axis
Xiangrui KONG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Yue ZOU ; Yong LIANG ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Hongxi ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(2):244-249
Functional constipation (FC) is a common functional disorder of the intestines, mainly characterized by reduced bowel movement frequency, difficulty in defecation, a sensation of incomplete evacuation, and hard stools, which severely affect patients’ quality of life. Research indicates that the pathogenesis of FC is closely related to gut microbiota dysbiosis and abnormal bile acid secretion. Bile acids, as endogenous natural laxatives, promote bowel movements by enhancing colonic secretion and regulating intestinal motility; meanwhile, gut microbiota influence colonic transit function by regulating the enteric nervous system, immune system, and their metabolic products. Based on an overview of the relationship between gut microbiota and bile acid metabolism, this article systematically reviews the current research status on the mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating FC by regulating the balance of the gut microbiota-bile acid axis. It is found that single Chinese medicinal herbs (such as Atractylodes macrocephala), isolated compounds (such as Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharides), herbal formulas (such as Shanger huang pill), acupuncture, and moxibustion can up-regulate the abundance of beneficial bacteria, reshape the microbial structure, correct bile acid metabolism, and activate the Takeda G-protein receptor 5/farnesoid X receptor pathway to treat FC.
3.Clinical Observation on Prevention of Recurrence of Common Bile Duct Stones After ERCP with Yuyin Lidan Granules
Xiao WANG ; Yong FANG ; Cong HE ; Jiali ZHANG ; Meng YU ; Jing KONG ; Yi JIANG ; Chuanqi CHENG ; Xiaosu WANG
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2026;32(4):159-166
ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy and safety of Yuyin Lidan granules (YYLD) in preventing the recurrence of common bile duct stones (CBDS) in patients with liver and gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome following endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). MethodsThis randomized, parallel, controlled trial enrolled postoperative CBDS-ERCP patients who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria. Sixty-four patients were randomly assigned to an observation group or a control group, with 32 cases in each. Both groups received conventional Western medical treatment after ERCP, while the observation group additionally received YYLD for 8 weeks. The follow-up period lasted for 1 year. The efficacy indicators included bile bilirubin levels, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome scores, clinical efficacy rate, pancreatitis and inflammation markers, postoperative liver function, and CBDS recurrence rate at 1-year follow-up, which were used to jointly evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of both groups. ResultsA total of 56 patients completed the study and were included in the final analysis, i.e., 29 in the observation group and 27 in the control group. Baseline characteristics were comparable between the two groups. Compared with pre-treatment and with the control group after treatment, the bile bilirubin level in the observation group significantly decreased (P<0.05). After treatment, the clinical cure and marked improvement rates were higher in the observation group than in the control group, showing a statistically significant difference in overall clinical efficacy (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, the primary and secondary symptoms in the observation group, as well as the primary symptom and the secondary symptom of nausea and vomiting in the control group (weeks 4 and 8), were significantly reduced (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, the observation group showed significant reductions in the primary symptom of loose stools/constipation (day 5 and week 4) and in three secondary symptoms, i.e., bitter taste and sticky dry mouth, abdominal distension and poor appetite (throughout the treatment period), and general heaviness and fatigue (day 5 and week 4), with statistical differences (P<0.05). Compared with pre-treatment, both groups showed decreased lipase and urinary amylase levels (P<0.05). However, no significant between-group differences were observed in pancreatitis or inflammation-related indices after treatment. Compared with pre-treatment, all liver function indicators in the observation group and alanine aminotransferase ( ALT ), γ-glutamyl transferase ( γ-GT ), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and conjugated bilirubin in the control group significantly decreased at weeks 4 and 8 (P<0.05). Compared with the control group after treatment, only serum total bilirubin and unconjugated bilirubin were significantly reduced in the observation group during the treatment period (P<0.05). ConclusionYYLD combined with conventional Western medical treatment can effectively regulate bilirubin metabolism (in bile and serum), improve TCM clinical symptoms, and prevent CBDS recurrence after ERCP in patients with liver and gallbladder dampness-heat syndrome. This regimen is safe and effective and is worthy of further clinical research and promotion.
4.Expert consensus on the construction of integrated outpatient clinic for cervical cancer prevention and treatment in General Hospitals
Nan YU ; Dongli KONG ; Lei WANG ; Yihan LU ; Hongbo WANG ; Dongru LIU ; Ling PENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2026;37(2):1-6
Objective To implement the disease prevention and control strategy of being "proactive and grassroots-focused," and to enhance the overall effectiveness of general hospitals in the tertiary prevention of cervical cancer, this consensus aims to provide an actionable guiding framework for the standardized construction of "Integrated Outpatient Clinics for Cervical Cancer Prevention and Control" in general hospitals at all levels. Methods This consensus systematically elaborates on the specific elements for establishing such integrated clinics and formulates the corresponding standards. Results It is anticipated that the consensus will promote the establishment of standardized, homogeneous, and high-efficiency frontline positions for cervical cancer prevention and control within general hospitals, thereby contributing to the strategic vision of accelerating the elimination of cervical cancer. Conclusion The formulation and promotion of the consensus aim to provide robust clinical practice support for accelerating the realization of China's strategic vision of eliminating cervical cancer.
5.Physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating materials
Congcong LI ; WUFANBIEKE·BAHETI ; Li ZHAO ; Xiaotao CHEN ; Chuifan KONG ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):404-413
BACKGROUND:Pure titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in the field of implant restoration due to their excellent biocompatibility and elastic modulus.However,the biological inertness of the surface of titanium-based implants leads to poor integration with surrounding bone tissues,and surface modification is required to improve the bone integration ability of titanium-based implants.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings on pure titanium substrates,and to investigate their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the coating materials.METHODS:Hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings were prepared on pure titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition and freeze-drying.Titanium sheets loaded with interleukin-4 and titanium sheets loaded with hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide coatings were prepared at the same time,and the physicochemical properties of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets,respectively.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining.Cell activity was detected by Calcein-AM/PI staining.Cell morphology and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating on the titanium surface.The water contact angle of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group was larger than that of pure titanium group and hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,and smaller than that of interleukin-4 group.(2)CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining results showed that hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Calcein-AM/PI staining results showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating group had higher activity and fewer dead cells.Scanning electron microscopy showed that MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surfaces of the four groups of materials with good cell morphology.Compared with the pure titanium group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger;compared with the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger.(3)These findings indicate that the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating possesses favorable physicochemical and biological properties.
6.Physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating materials
Congcong LI ; WUFANBIEKE·BAHETI ; Li ZHAO ; Xiaotao CHEN ; Chuifan KONG ; Min YU
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2026;30(2):404-413
BACKGROUND:Pure titanium and titanium alloy implants are widely used in the field of implant restoration due to their excellent biocompatibility and elastic modulus.However,the biological inertness of the surface of titanium-based implants leads to poor integration with surrounding bone tissues,and surface modification is required to improve the bone integration ability of titanium-based implants.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings on pure titanium substrates,and to investigate their physicochemical properties and biocompatibility of the coating materials.METHODS:Hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coatings were prepared on pure titanium substrates by electrochemical deposition and freeze-drying.Titanium sheets loaded with interleukin-4 and titanium sheets loaded with hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide coatings were prepared at the same time,and the physicochemical properties of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets were characterized.MC3T3-E1 cells were inoculated on the surfaces of pure titanium sheets and the above three titanium sheets,respectively.Cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining.Cell activity was detected by Calcein-AM/PI staining.Cell morphology and adhesion were observed by scanning electron microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscopy,energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy,X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy,X-ray diffraction,and Raman spectroscopy confirmed the successful fabrication of the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating on the titanium surface.The water contact angle of hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group was larger than that of pure titanium group and hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,and smaller than that of interleukin-4 group.(2)CCK-8 assay and DAPI staining results showed that hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating could promote the proliferation of MC3T3-E1 cells.Calcein-AM/PI staining results showed that MC3T3-E1 cells in hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 coating group had higher activity and fewer dead cells.Scanning electron microscopy showed that MC3T3-E1 cells adhered to the surfaces of the four groups of materials with good cell morphology.Compared with the pure titanium group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger;compared with the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide group,the MC3T3-E1 cells in the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 group extended more pseudopodia,the cell-cell connections were closer,and the adhesion area was larger.(3)These findings indicate that the hydroxyapatite/graphene oxide/interleukin-4 composite coating possesses favorable physicochemical and biological properties.
7.Research progress on traditional Chinese medicine regulation of MAPK signaling pathway in intervening slow transit constipation
Xiangrui KONG ; Qimeng ZHANG ; Yue ZOU ; Yong LIANG ; Yu SHI ; Yang ZHANG ; Ke MENG ; Hongxi ZHANG
China Pharmacy 2026;37(11):1508-1514
low transit constipation (STC) is a common functional intestinal disorder caused by impaired colonic transit function, characterized by reduced bowel movement frequency, hard stools, and difficulty in defecation. The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway, which mainly includes extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and p38 subtypes, plays a critical regulatory role in the occurrence and development of STC. This paper systematically reviews the multiple pathogenic mechanisms of the MAPK signaling pathway in STC and the research progress of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) intervention.At the mechanistic level, the MAPK signaling pathway promotes the progression of STC through the following links:(1) Activation of p38 upregulates the expression of aquaporin 3 (AQP3)/AQP4 in the colon, leading to excessive reabsorption of water in the intestinal lumen; (2) It forms a positive feedback loop with nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) to maintain low-grade intestinal inflammation, releases inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inhibits smooth muscle contraction; (3) Overactivation of p38 downregulates the expression of occludin and mucin 2 while upregulates the expression of claudin-2, thereby disrupting the mucosal barrier; (4) The JNK/p38 signaling pathway activates the caspase cascade to induce apoptosis of intestinal epithelial cells, neurons, and interstitial cells of Cajal; (5) Abnormal ERK signaling and excessive activation of p38/JNK inhibit intestinal smooth muscle contraction and reduce 5-hydroxytryptamine secretion, ultimately resulting in impaired colonic transit function.At the intervention level, TCM compound formulas and single herbs have been proven to improve STC by regulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Their effects are syndrome type-dependent:yin-nourishing formulas (Zengye Chengqi Tang, Tongbian Tang) mainly regulate the ERK/AQP axis; yang-warming formulas (Jichuan Jian) target both ERK/JNK and anti-apoptosis; heat-clearing formulas (Sanren Tang) focus on p38/NF-κB anti-inflammation. A single drug can simultaneously cover multiple aspects including water metabolism, inflammation, barrier function, apoptosis, and intestinal motility.Current relevant studies still have limitations such as mechanisms mostly remaining at the correlational level and a lack of disease-syndrome integrated research models. Future studies should combine specific inhibitors or gene knockout to identify core targets, establish disease-syndrome integrated STC models, and use network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques to deeply analyze the fine mechanism of “component-target-phenotype”, so as to provide high-quality evidence for the precise regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway by TCM in the intervention of STC.
8.Influence of Incidental Pulmonary Nodules on Surgical Decision-Making in Thyroid Cancer: a Nationwide Survey
Ja Kyung LEE ; Sukmin YUN ; Eunji KIM ; Yoon KONG ; Hyeong Won YU ; Min Joo KIM ; Jae Hoon MOON ; June Young CHOI
International Journal of Thyroidology 2026;19(1):68-77
Background and Objectives:
The clinical significance of incidental pulmonary nodules detected during thyroid cancer evaluation remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate how such findings affect surgical decisionmaking and whether management differs by physician characteristics.
Materials and Methods:
A web-based survey was distributed to 722 active members of the Korean Thyroid Association in March 2025. Eligible participants included board-certified endocrinologists, endocrine surgeons, and otolaryngologists actively treating thyroid cancer. The questionnaire included clinical scenarios featuring incidental lung nodules found during thyroid cancer work-up, with respondents asked to choose preferred surgical extent (thyroid lobectomy vs. total thyroidectomy) and management approaches.
Results:
Out of 72 physicians who completed the survey, half (n=36, 50.0%) of the respondents answered that the presence of incidental lung nodules could influence their decision on thyroidectomy extent. Among those influenced by lung nodules, 86.1% recommended total thyroidectomy in patients with high- or intermediate-risk thyroid cancer, while 11.1% would do so for all thyroid cancer patients.Endocrinologists, compared to surgeons, were more likely to choose total thyroidectomy in patients with preoperative incidental lung nodules (78.3% vs. 36.7%, p=0.001).
Conclusion
Incidental lung nodules may influence surgical planning in clinicians due to the risk of micrometastasis from thyroid cancer. Endocrinologists tend to favor a more extensive surgical approach compared to surgeons, reflecting greater concern for potential metastatic disease. These findings underscore the need for multidisciplinary consensus guidelines for the management of incidental pulmonary nodules in thyroid cancer patients.
9.Role of exosomal miR-320c in gingerol-mediated defense against Staphylococcus aureus infection
Zhencai XING ; Mengxue XU ; Xiang KONG ; Jinghan SUN ; Zhen MA ; Yu GAO ; Siyuan DU ; Hong ZHENG ; Yakun LIU
Acta Universitatis Medicinalis Anhui 2026;61(5):795-802
ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effect of gingerol, an active component of ginger, on Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) infection, and to preliminarily explore its mechanism related to extracellular vesicles (EVs). MethodsS.aureus infection models were established in human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVECs), Vero E6 cells, and C57BL/6 mice. Experimental groups included control, infection, and gingerol-treated groups. Bacterial load and VE-cadherin protein expression were detected using immunofluorescence and Western blot. EVs were isolated by size exclusion chromatography and characterized by transmission electron microscopy and nanoparticle tracking analysis. miRNA sequencing was performed on EVs. ResultsGingerol treatment significantly reduced the bacterial load in both in vitro and in vivo infection models and upregulated VE-cadherin expression. miRNA sequencing of EVs revealed that S. aureus infection upregulated the expression of hsa-miR-320c, while gingerol treatment reversed this abnormal expression. Bioinformatic analysis further predicted that the target genes of hsa-miR-320c were significantly enriched in cell junction-related pathways. ConclusionGingerol exhibits clear antibacterial and host-protective effects, by regulating hsa-miR-320c in EVs to maintain endothelial barrier integrity.
10.Research advances in the disease burden of viral hepatitis in China
Jian LI ; Fuzhen WANG ; Zhongdan CHEN ; Jinlei QI ; Ailing WANG ; Fanghui ZHAO ; Yuanyuan KONG ; Jing SUN ; Jiaqi KANG ; Zundong YIN ; Zhongfu LIU ; Jidong JIA ; Yu WANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2025;41(2):221-227
Over the past three decades, China has made significant progress in the prevention and control of viral hepatitis, and the incidence rates of new-onset pediatric hepatitis B virus infections and acute viral hepatitis in the population have reduced to a relatively low level; however, there is still a heavy disease burden of chronic viral hepatitis in China, which severely affects the health status of the population. This study systematically summarizes the achievements of viral hepatitis prevention and control in China, analyzes existing problems and challenges, and proposes comprehensive prevention and control strategies and measures to eliminate viral hepatitis as a public health threat based on the national conditions of China, in order to provide a reference for related departments in China on how to achieve the action targets for eliminating viral hepatitis as a public health threat by 2030.


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