Objective To compare the clinical characteristics of pneumococcal meningitis in different age groups, and to provide a basis for early diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis. Methods Cerebrospinal fluid and/or serum samples were collected from 1742 suspected cases of meningitis in Baoji, Shaanxi Province from August 2013 to July 2019. Streptococcus pneumoniae was detected by isolation culture and real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Retrospective analysis of clinical manifestations, biochemical indicators and other information of laboratory confirmed cases was conducted by χ² test or Fisher's exact test. Results A total of 1742 samples of encephalitis or meningitis cases were detected, and 41 cases were confirmed as laboratory-confirmed Streptococcus pneumoniae infection. Among them, there were 12 cases (29.27%) in the infant group, 14 cases (34.15%) in the child group, and 15 cases (36.59%) in the adult group. The proportion of the adults with headache was significantly higher than that of the infants (χ²=11.408，P＜0.017). The proportion of the adults with consciousness disorder, elevated white blood cells and elevated neutrophils were significantly higher than those in the infant and the child groups（Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017；χ² =6.428，P＜0.017；χ² =10.898，P＜0.017；χ² =6.421，P＜0.017；χ² =9.758，P＜0.017；χ² =7.744，P＜0.017). The proportion of the infants with cerebrospinal fluid turbidity was significantly higher than that of the children (Fisher's exact test，P＜0.017). The proportion of the infants with decreased white blood cells and reduced glucose in cerebrospinal fluid was significantly higher than that of the children group and the adult group（Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001；Fisher's exact test, P＜0.001；Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017; Fisher's exact test, P＜0.017). Conclusion Most adult patients with pneumococcal meningitis have headache and consciousness disorders, with significantly increased proportion of white blood cells and neutrophils. Infant patients tend to have cloudy appearance of cerebrospinal fluid, leukopenia in blood, and decreased glucose in cerebrospinal fluid.

ObjectiveTo construct a risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） under disease-syndrome combination， thus providing decision support for precise clinical intervention. MethodsA total of 2 029 patients with acute exacerbations of COPD admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine from January 2020 to August 2024 were retrospectively included. These patients were classified into groups of frequent acute exacerbations （≥2 times/year） and infrequent acute exacerbations （<2 times/year） according to the hospitalization times per year. Risk factors were screened by LASSO regression combined with logistic regression， and a nomogram model was constructed. The model performance was assessed based on the area under the curve （AUC）， calibration curves， and decision curve analysis （DCA）. ResultsThe differences in baseline characteristics between the frequent acute exacerbations group （1 196 cases） and infrequent acute exacerbations group （833 cases） were not statistically significant. LASSO regression combined with multivariate logistic regression screened the following independent risk factors： body mass index （BMI）， hospitalization days， number of smoking years， place of residence， use of noninvasive ventilators， oxygen-demanding therapy， liver cirrhosis， use of systemic glucocorticosteroids， and traditional Chinese medicine syndrome （phlegm and stasis obstructing the lung）. The nomogram model showed good discrimination and calibration in both the training set （AUC=0.748） and validation set （AUC=0.774）. ConclusionThe risk prediction model for frequent acute exacerbations of COPD， integrating traditional Chinese medicine syndrome， constructed in this study has high accuracy. It can provide a scientific basis for early clinical identification of high-risk patients and individualized intervention.

Objective Objective To analyze the potential spatial factors affecting the genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 13 administrative villages were selected from schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province as O. hupensis snail sampling sites. At least 200 snails were collected in each site, and the spatial variable data of each site were recorded, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Thirty active and Schistosoma japonicum uninfected O. hupensis snails were selected from each sampling site by means of the crawling method and the cercarial shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from O. hupensis snails. Following PCR amplification, purification of PCR amplification products and sequencing, the gene sequences of O. hupensis snail samples were spliced and edited using the DNAstar software and the NCBI database to yield the complete mitochondrial sequences of O. hupensis snails at each sampling site, and the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni was calculated at each sampling site. The geographical coordinates of each sampling site were marked using the software ArcGIS 10.2, and the straight-line geographical distance between each sampling site was calculated. The altitude difference, longitude difference and latitude difference between each sampling site were calculated using the Excel software, and the correlation between the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni and each spatial variable matrix was examined by using the Mantel test at 13 sampling sites in Yunnan Province. Results Among the 13 O. hupensis snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province, the largest mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Caizhuang Village, Midu County (26.244 2), and the largest geographical distance was seen between Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (272.64 km). The highest altitude difference was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1 086.10 m), and the largest longitude difference was found between Qiandian Village, Eryuan County and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (1.86°), while the largest latitude difference was measured between Leqiu Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1.81°). In addition, the mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was positively correlated with altitude at 13 snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province (r = 0.542 8, P < 0.001), and showed no significant correlations with geographical distance (r = 0.093 4, P > 0.05), longitude (r = −0.199 5, P > 0.05) or latitude (r = 0.205 7, P > 0.05). Conclusion Altitude may be a potential spatial factor affecting the genetic differentiation of O. hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province.

Objective To investigate the clinical safety and efficacy of predictive extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) support during liver transplantation in high-risk recipients. Methods A single-center retrospective study was conducted. A total of 35 liver transplant recipients who underwent predictive ECMO assistance during surgery at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University from January 2021 to April 2025 were included. Baseline characteristics, ECMO application, ECMO operating parameters and hemodynamic conditions during ECMO operation were analyzed. The cumulative survival rate was calculated using the Kaplan-Meier method and survival curves were plotted. Results Veno-arterial ECMO in 35 recipients was established after induction of general anesthesia. The median ECMO operation time was 8.5 h, and the success rate of weaning from ECMO was 97%. The cardiac index (CI) during the non-liver period and the new liver period was higher than that before cannulation, and CI increased during the non-liver period and before weaning (all P<0.001). The mean invasive arterial pressure and central venous pressure remained stable. No ECMO-related complications occurred in the recipients. The average survival time was (25 ± 3) months. The main causes of death were severe pulmonary infection and multiple organ failure. Conclusions For liver transplant recipients with severe cardiopulmonary dysfunction, hemodynamic disorders, or multiple organ failure risk factors, implementing predictive ECMO support during liver transplantation through active risk prediction is a safe and effective circulatory guarantee strategy.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum homeodomain interacting protein ki-nase 2(HIPK2),annexin A5(ANXA5)and coronary stenosis and prognosis in patients with acute myocardial infarction(AMI).Methods A total of 277 AMI patients who received interventional treatment in this hospi-tal from January 2021 to July 2023 were selected as the AMI group,and another 140 cases with normal or very mild stenosis in coronary angiography during the same period were selected as the control group.According to the degree of coronary artery stenosis(Gensini score),the AMI patients were divided into mild coronary arter-y stenosis group(86 cases),moderate coronary artery disease group(111 cases)and severe coronary artery disease group(80 cases).According to the prognosis,they were divided into poor prognosis group(80 cases)and good prognosis group(197 cases).Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels.Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels and Gensini score in patients with AMI.Multivariate unconditional Logistic regres-sion was used to determine the relationship between serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels and prognosis of AMI patients.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the predictive efficiency of serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels on prognosis of AMI patients.Results Compared with the control group,the ser-um HIPK2 level in the AMI group increased and the ANXA5 level decreased,and the differences were statisti-cally significant(P＜0.05).The serum HIPK2 levels in the mild coronary artery stenosis group,moderate coronary artery stenosis group and severe coronary artery stenosis group increased successively,while the ANXA5 levels decreased successively,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Gensini score was positively correlated with serum HIPK2 level and negatively correlated with serum ANXA5 level in AMI patients(P＜0.05).The Gensini score of AMI patients was positively correlated with the serum HIPK2 level(r=0.785,P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with the serum ANXA5 level(r=-0.798,P＜0.05).Compared with the good prognosis group,the serum HIPK2 level in the poor prognosis group increased(P＜0.05),and the ANXA5 level decreased(P＜0.05).After adjusting for confounding factors,high HIPK2 was an independent risk factor for poor prognosis in AMI patients(P＜0.05),and high ANXA5 was an independ-ent protective factor(P＜0.05).The area under the curve of the combined prediction of serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels for the prognosis of AMI patients was 0.875,which was greater than 0.778 and 0.784 predic-ted by serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels alone(P＜0.05).Conclusion The serum HIPK2 level is increased and the ANXA5 level is decreased in patients with AMI,which is related to the aggravation of coronary steno-sis and the poor prognosis.The combination of serum HIPK2 and ANXA5 levels is more effective in predic-ting the prognosis of patients with AMI.

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 explore the application value of the expression of microRNA-192(miR-192),programmed cell death protein 1(PD-1),T-cell immunoglobulin and mucin-domain containing-3(Tim-3),Wnt family member 1(Wnt1),β-catenin,and Dickkopf-related protein 1(DKK1)in the clinic staging of syphilis,so as to provide more accurate biological markers for the diagnosis and staging of syphilis.Methods A total of 106 patients who were diagnosed as syphilis in the Fifth People's Hospital of Wuxi between September 2022 and September 2023 were assigned to the study group,and 48 healthy individuals who underwent physical examination in the same period were enrolled as controls.There were 68 males and 38 females with a mean age of(34.71±3.59)years in the study group.There were 26 males and 22 females with a mean age of(34.25±3.62)years in the control group.Quantitative PCR was used to detect to expression level of miR-192 in the blood of patients,and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the expression of blood miR-192,PD-1,Tim-3,Wnt1,β-catenin,DKK1.These indicators were compared among patients with different stages of syphilis.The correlation of clinic staging of syphilis with miR-192,PD-1,Tim-3,and Wnt1 was investigated.Its predictive efficiency for syphilis staging was evaluated by receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve.Results The expression levels of miR-192,Wnt1,and DKK1 in the study group were lower than those in the control group,while the levels of PD-1,Tim-3,and β-catenin were higher than those in the control group(P<0.05).The expression levels of miR-192,Wnt1,and DKK1 in the syphilis patients at different stages were as follows:latent stage>primary stage>secondary stage>tertiary stage;the expression levels of PD-1,Tim-3,and β-catenin in the syphilis patients at different stages were as follows:latent stage

Objective: To explore the potential category patterns of risk prevention and control behaviors of HIV infection among young students who have sex with men (MSM) and their impact on HIV infection and late detection, aiming to optimize intervention strategies. Methods: From September 2017 to December 2024, a total of 1 637 MSM young students in Tianjin were recruited through both online and offline channels. Latent class analysis was applied to classify 11 HIV risk prevention and control behaviors [condom use during the most recent anal sex in the past 6 months, consistent condom use, use of water based lubricants, abstinence from recreational drugs, regular on site professional testing, fixed sexual partners, partner testing, awareness of partner s HIV testing results, testing before sexual activity, nucleic acid testing, and use of pre exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) or post exposure prophylaxis (PEP)]. Multivariate Logistic regression analyzed associations between demographic characteristics/intervention services factors and latent classes. Differences in HIV infection and late detection across behavior patterns were compared. Results: HIV risk prevention and control behaviors among MSM students were classified into three latent classes:condom dependent group (38.42%), low prevention group (27.73%), and comprehensive prevention group (33.85%). Students who received condom promotion/testing services were more likely to belong to the comprehensive prevention group ( OR =5.58), while those who received peer education were less likely to the comprehensive prevention group ( OR =0.43) (both P <0.01). Among the MSM student population, the HIV infection rate was 4.83%, with 2.26% of cases detected late. The HIV infection rate (1.45%) and late detection proportion (0.82%) in the comprehensive prevention group were lower than those in the low prevention group (7.89% and 3.83%, respectively) ( χ 2=16.20, 7.31, both P <0.01). Conclusions HIV risk prevention and control behaviors among MSM young students exhibit significant heterogeneity. Comprehensive prevention strategies can effectively reduce HIV infection and late detection risks. It is necessary to optimize peer education content and improve the accessibility of diversified prevention measures such as PrEP/PEP to enhance HIV prevention and control.