Triatoma rubrofasciata is currently the most widely distributed species of Triatoma worldwide, and it is also widespread in southern China. T. rubrofasciata has been proven to transmit Trypanosoma cruzi, and is one of vectors transmitting Chagas disease, which poses a potential risk for transmission of imported Chagas disease in China. Findings from latest studies have shown that T. rubrofasciata naturally infects T. lewisi, T. conorhini, and T. rangeli, which undoubtedly increases significant risks of and challenges to trypanosomiasis control in China. This article briefly describes the species of T. rubrofasciata-transmitted trypanosomes, and summarizes the epidemiological characteristics of trypanosomiasis, so as to provide insights into T. rubrofasciata-transmitted trypanosomiasis surveillance and control, and prevention of trypanosomiasis development and transmission in China.

Objective To develop and validate a prediction model for in-hospital recurrent intensive care unit (ICU) admission in critically ill patients with ischemic stroke (IS) based on machine learning (ML) algorithms. Methods Clinical data from 2 929 IS patients were included from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care IV (MIMIC-IV) database. Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression was used to identify predictive factors, and the synthetic minority over-sampling technique (SMOTE) was employed to create a derivation cohort comprising 2 583 patients. These patients were randomly divided into a training set (n=2 066) and a test set (n=517) at an 8:2 ratio. Five ML algorithms, including decision tree, random forest, adaptive boosting (AdaBoost), gradient boosting decision tree (GBDT), and support vector machine (SVM), were performed to construct prediction models. Five-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of the model in the training set. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess and compare the models in the testing set. The best-performing model was interpreted by shapley additive explanations (SHAP). Results Among the 2 929 patients included, 704 (24.0%) experienced in-hospital recurrent ICU admission. Among the five ML models, the random forest model demonstrated the best predictive performance, with an AUC of 0.839 (95%CI 0.801–0.877). Feature importance analysis identified five most significant features affecting model prediction, including APS Ⅲ score, albumin, age, heart rate, and SOFA score. Conclusions ML-based models can effectively predict the risk of in-hospital recurrent ICU admission in critically ill patients with IS. The random forest model showed superior predictive performance, which may have potential applications in early clinical risk stratification and intervention.

Background Large-for-gestational-age (LGA) births are associated with adverse perinatal outcomes and increased risks of offspring obesity, metabolic syndrome, and cardiovascular diseases later in life. Beyond traditional risk factors, exposure to environmental factors, especially fine particulate matter (PM_2.5), before and during pregnancy may contribute to excessive fetal growth; however, the roles of specific chemical constituents and critical exposure windows remain unclear. Objective To examine the associations between maternal exposures to PM_2.5 and its chemical constituents before and during pregnancy and the risk of delivering LGA infants. Methods Singleton pregnancies from the National Free Preconception Health Examination Project between 2010 and 2014 were included. Individual exposures to PM_2.5 and its constituents were estimated for preconception and pregnancy windows using geocoded residential addresses. The associations of single and mixed exposures with LGA risk were analyzed using generalized linear models (GLMs) and qg-computation. Results Exposures to PM_2.5 and its major chemical constituents were significantly associated with an increased LGA risk, with differences in effect magnitude across components. Secondary inorganic aerosols showed the strongest associations. For full-pregnancy exposure, nitrate (OR=1.330, 95%CI: 1.313, 1.347), ammonium (OR=1.279, 95%CI: 1.263, 1.295), and sulfate (OR=1.242, 95%CI: 1.227, 1.257) had larger effects on LGA risk than black carbon and organic matter. Analysis by exposure window indicated that the month preceding conception and the third trimester of pregnancy were critical exposure windows for susceptibility, while the strongest effect was observed for full-pregnancy exposure, suggesting a cumulative effect over time. Mixed exposure analysis further showed that nitrate and sulfate consistently accounted for the main positive contributions across different time windows. Conclusion Maternal exposures to PM_2.5 and its chemical components before and during pregnancy are associated with an elevated LGA risk. Nitrate and sulfate show consistent and strong associations across pregnancy stages, underscoring the importance of component composition and exposure timing in fetal overgrowth.

To introduce and analyze guideline terminology related to clinical question formulation, evidence retrieval and appraisal, and recommendation development.

Objective:To establish reference values for clot waveform analysis (CWA) and analyze their diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing acquired hemophilia A (AHA) and lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positive patients.Methods:Case-Control Study. A total of 391 healthy individuals(260 males and 131 females) with a mean age of 45.53±14.85 years were enrolled at Nanyang central Hospital between January 6, 2023 and October 10, 2024. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were measured to establish reference ranges for the CWA parameters, including maximal reaction velocity (Min1), maximal reaction acceleration (Min2), and maximal reaction deceleration (Max2). A total of 158 definitively diagnosed AHA and LA-positive patients (mean age:42.46±14.83 years), including 34 AHA patients and 124 LA-positive patients, were recruited. The Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences in the CWA parameters between the two groups. The diagnostic efficacy of CWA parameters in distinguishing AHA and LA-positive patients was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve AUC and the cut-off values were calculated. Results:The reference values for PT-Min1, APTT-Min1, APTT-Min2, APTT-Max2, TT-Min1, TT-Min2, TT-Max2 were 203.41-516.89, 144.63-324.03, 526.46-1 190.03, -404.96±157.22, 159.17±60.34, 272.29-686.99, and -289.47--113.76, respectively. Compared with the CWA parameters in AHA patients, APTT-Max2 was significantly lower in LA-positive patients [-422.74(-577.50, -239.22) vs. -68.87(-92.85,30.28), Z=-7.43, P<0.01], while PT-Min1, APTT-Min1, APTT-Min2, TT-Min1, TT-Min2 were significantly elevated [287.01(188.03, 382.50) vs. 107.45(90.20, 151.39), 972.88(601.20, 1 351.19) vs. 229.10(118.38, 371.67), Z=6.68, 6.69, all P<0.01]. ROC analysis demonstrated the APTT-CWA parameter exhibited high diagnostic efficacy in patients with AHA (AUC>0.900 for both).Additionally, APTT-Min1 and APTT-Max2 were found to be useful in distinguishing between AHA patients and those with LA-positive status accompanied by APTT prolongation (AUC=0.660, 0.700, respectively). Conclusions:Reference values for CWA parameters were successfully established. The APTT-CWA is useful for differentiating between AHA and LA-positive patients and APTT-Max2 demonstrated a good diagnostic value in differentiating AHA patients from those with LA-positive status accompanied by APTT prolongation.

Objective To explore the impact of electrostimulation biofeedback therapy combined with pelvic floor muscle training on postpartum pelvic floor function in first vaginal birth women.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of in first vaginal birth women.The control group(n=49)received pelvic floor muscle training,while the observation group(n=49)received electrostimulation biofeedback therapy in addition to pelvic floor muscle training.Com-parisons were made between the two groups before treatment and 10 weeks after treatment in terms of uterine artery blood flow indicators[peak systolic velocity(PSV),resistance index(RI),and pulsa-tility index(PI)of uterine artery],serological indicators[C-reactive protein(CRP),interleukin-6(IL-6)],pelvic floor ultrasound indicators(bladder neck mobility,anteroposterior diameter of levator hi-atal area,levator hiatal volume),pelvic floor function[Pelvic Floor Distress Inventory-20(PFDI-20)],pelvic floor muscle strength,and quality of life[Short Form-36 Health Survey(SF-36)].The costs of the two treatments were compared at the end of treatment.Results Ten weeks after treatment,PSV,muscle potential values of type Ⅰ and type Ⅱ muscles,and SF-36 scores were significantly increased in both groups compared with those before treatment,with the observation group showing higher values than the control group(P＜0.05).RI,PI,CRP,IL-6,bladder neck mobility,anteroposterior di-ameter of levator hiatal area,levator hiatal volume,and PFDI-20 scores were decreased in both groups compared with those before treatment,with the observation group showing lower values than the control group(P＜0.05).After treatment,the treatment cost in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion Electrostimulation biofeedback ther-apy combined with pelvic floor muscle training can effectively improve postpartum uterine artery blood flow indicators,serological indicators,pelvic floor ultrasound indicators,pelvic floor muscle strength,and promote pelvic floor function recovery in first vaginal delivery women.

Objective To observe the repair effect and mechanism of Danhuang Powder-containing serum on high glucose-induced vascular endothelial cell injury.Methods Danhuang Powder-containing serum was prepared.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs)were cultured to be divided into control group,recombinant human epidermal growth factor(called"growth factor"for short)group,Danhuang Powder group,high glucose group,high glucose+growth factor group,and high glucose+Danhuang Powder group.After corresponding intervention in each group for 48 hours,the cell ultrastructure and autophagy were observed under transmission electron microscope,apoptosis was detected by flow cytometry,and the protein expression levels of vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),epidermal growth factor(EGF)and basic fibroblast growth factor(bFGF)in the cells were detected by Western Blot.Results(1)The intra-mitochondrial ridges in the control group were clearly visible,autophagosomes and autolysosomes were fewer;mitochondria in the high glucose group were swollen and irregular,and appeared vacuolated;and the more typical autophagy-like structures were seen in the high glucose+Danhuang Powder group.(2)Compared with the high glucose group and high glucose+growth factor group,the apoptosis rate of cells in the high glucose+Danhuang Powder group was significantly decreased(P<0.05).(3)Compared with the high glucose group and the high glucose+growth factor group,the protein expression levels of VEGF,EGF and bFGF in the cells of the high glucose+Danhuang Powder group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Danhuang Powder-containing serum can reduce the high glucose-induced damage in HUVEC cells,and its mechanism may be related to the activation of mitochondrial autophagy,and the inhibition of apoptosis,as well as the up-regulation of the expression of VEGF,EGF and bFGF.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy and safety of acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy for knee osteoarthritis (KOA). METHODS: A total of 60 patients with KOA were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases each group. The control group received acupuncture at Neixiyan (EX-LE4)，Dubi (ST35), Yinlingquan (SP9), Liangqiu (ST34), Xuehai (SP10), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Zusanli (ST36) on the affected side, once every other day, 3 times a week. The observation group received blade needle therapy on the basis of the treatment in the control group, once every 3 days, 2 times a week. Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. Before treatment, after 2, 4 weeks of treatment, and after 1 month of treatment completion (in follow-up), the scores of pain visual analogue scale (VAS), Western Ontario and McMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) and Lequesne index were observed in the two groups, and the clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated. RESULTS: After 2, 4 weeks of treatment and in follow-up, the pain VAS scores, Lequesne index scores, and pain, stiffness, function scores of WOMAC in both groups were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.05), and the VAS scores, Lequesne index scores and pain, function scores of WOMAC in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The effective response rate in the observation group was 76.7% (23/30), while that in the control group was 70.0% (21/30), there was no statistically significant difference in the effective response rates between the two groups (P>0.05). No adverse reactions were observed in either group. CONCLUSION Acupuncture combined with blade needle therapy could alleviate pain and promote functional recovery in KOA patients, and achieve long-lasting improvements.
Humans ; Osteoarthritis, Knee/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Needles ; Combined Modality Therapy

Objective:To establish reference values for clot waveform analysis (CWA) and analyze their diagnostic efficacy in distinguishing acquired hemophilia A (AHA) and lupus anticoagulant (LA)-positive patients.Methods:Case-Control Study. A total of 391 healthy individuals(260 males and 131 females) with a mean age of 45.53±14.85 years were enrolled at Nanyang central Hospital between January 6, 2023 and October 10, 2024. Prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thrombin time (TT) were measured to establish reference ranges for the CWA parameters, including maximal reaction velocity (Min1), maximal reaction acceleration (Min2), and maximal reaction deceleration (Max2). A total of 158 definitively diagnosed AHA and LA-positive patients (mean age:42.46±14.83 years), including 34 AHA patients and 124 LA-positive patients, were recruited. The Mann Whitney U test was used to analyze the differences in the CWA parameters between the two groups. The diagnostic efficacy of CWA parameters in distinguishing AHA and LA-positive patients was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve AUC and the cut-off values were calculated. Results:The reference values for PT-Min1, APTT-Min1, APTT-Min2, APTT-Max2, TT-Min1, TT-Min2, TT-Max2 were 203.41-516.89, 144.63-324.03, 526.46-1 190.03, -404.96±157.22, 159.17±60.34, 272.29-686.99, and -289.47--113.76, respectively. Compared with the CWA parameters in AHA patients, APTT-Max2 was significantly lower in LA-positive patients [-422.74(-577.50, -239.22) vs. -68.87(-92.85,30.28), Z=-7.43, P<0.01], while PT-Min1, APTT-Min1, APTT-Min2, TT-Min1, TT-Min2 were significantly elevated [287.01(188.03, 382.50) vs. 107.45(90.20, 151.39), 972.88(601.20, 1 351.19) vs. 229.10(118.38, 371.67), Z=6.68, 6.69, all P<0.01]. ROC analysis demonstrated the APTT-CWA parameter exhibited high diagnostic efficacy in patients with AHA (AUC>0.900 for both).Additionally, APTT-Min1 and APTT-Max2 were found to be useful in distinguishing between AHA patients and those with LA-positive status accompanied by APTT prolongation (AUC=0.660, 0.700, respectively). Conclusions:Reference values for CWA parameters were successfully established. The APTT-CWA is useful for differentiating between AHA and LA-positive patients and APTT-Max2 demonstrated a good diagnostic value in differentiating AHA patients from those with LA-positive status accompanied by APTT prolongation.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of differential distribution of peripheral lymphocyte subsets before and after the first 131I treatment on the therapeutic response to 131I treatment in patients with papillary thyroid cancer (PTC). Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 46 PTC patients (16 males, 30 females, age 20-77 years) who underwent total thyroidectomy and received 131I treatment between January 2021 and August 2021 in First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University. Peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets (T, B, CD4 + T, CD8 + T, natural killer (NK), helper T (Th)1, Th2, Th17, and regulatory T (Treg) cells) were measured 1-2 d before and 30 d after 131I treatment. Based on serological and imaging evidence, therapeutic response at 6-12 months post- 131I therapy was categorized as either excellent response (ER) or non-excellent response (NER). Differences of preablative stimulated thyroglobulin (psTg) and clinical baseline characteristics between two groups were assessed by using independent-sample t test, paired t test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Predictive value of lymphocyte subsets before and after 131I treatment for therapeutic response was assessed through logistic regression analysis, ROC curve analysis, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:In ER group ( n=33) and NER group ( n=13), most lymphocyte subsets showed different degrees of reduction 30 d after 131I treatment compared to before 131I treatment, such as T, B, CD4 + T and Th1 cells in ER group, as well as T, B, CD4 + T, Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells in NER group ( t values: 2.41-9.57, all P<0.05). Before 131I treatment, NER group had significantly higher levels of psTg, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells compared to the ER group ( t values: from -3.32 to -2.48, U=29.00, all P<0.05). After 131I treatment, most of lymphocyte subsets in NER group (T, B, CD4 + T, CD8 + T, Th1 and Treg cells) showed higher trend than those in ER group but without statistical significances ( t values: from -1.12 to -0.06, all P>0.05). Th2 cells before 131I treatment (odds ratio ( OR)=25.00, 95% CI: 1.36-459.10, P=0.030) was identified as a risk factor for NER. ROC curve analysis indicated that AUCs of psTg and Th2 cells for predicting therapeutic response were 0.932 and 0.790, respectively, which was 0.958 for the combined psTg and Th2 cells. DCA showed that within the threshold probability range of 10%-60%, the curves for psTg, Th2 cells, and the combined psTg and Th2 cells were all higher than the extreme curve, suggesting good effect. Conclusions:Most lymphocyte subsets decrease to varying degrees, and NER group shows a significant decrease 30 d after 131I treatment. Th2 cells may be a risk factor for poor response to 131I treatment, providing a certain value in predicting the therapeutic response to 131I treatment.