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.

ObjectiveTo observe the short-term and long-term efficacy of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） surgical operations in treating mixed hemorrhoids. MethodsA multi-center retrospective cohort study was conducted， collecting clinical data from 17，831 mixed hemorrhoid surgery patients in 8 top-tier TCM hospitals in Jiangsu Province. Standardized and structured datasets were obtained through artificial intelligence models. Patients who underwent western surgical treatment were categorized into the western surgery group （11,646 cases）， and those receiving TCM surgical operations were categorized into the TCM surgery group （6185 cases）. Propensity score matching （1∶1 matching） was used to balance baseline data between groups. The primary outcome was the one-year recurrence rate， and secondary outcomes included the main symptoms （rectal bleeding， degree of prolapse） and secondary symptoms （anal distension， anal edema， wound secretion and exudation， anal stenosis， residual skin tags， perianal itching， and anal pain） measured on days 7， 28， and 60 after discharge. ResultsAfter matching， 2194 patients were included in each group. Symptom scores showed that at 28 days after discharge， the TCM surgical group had superior improvement in rectal bleeding ［OR=5.786， 95%CI （3.092，10.827）］， degree of prolapse ［OR=4.510， 95%CI （1.649，12.333）］， and anal edema ［OR=3.188， 95%CI （1.295，7.845）］ compared to the western surgical group. At 60 days post-discharge， the TCM group still showed advantages in improving rectal bleeding ［OR=5.237， 95%CI （1.077，25.464）］ and anal pain ［OR=11.697， 95%CI （1.186，115.336）］ （P＜0.05）. Long-term follow-up showed that the one-year recurrence rate in the TCM surgery group was 1.1% （8/726）， while that in the western surgery group was 2.3% （10/444）， with no statistically significant difference between the two groups （P＞0.05）. ConclusionBased on real-world data， TCM surgical treatment for mixed hemorrhoids shows significant short-term symptom improvement， particularly in terms of hemostasis， reducing swelling， and alleviating prolapse of anal masses.

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.

Background: Adrenocortical hormones, particularly 11-oxygenated androgens, are pivotal in female reproductive health and fertility. Standardized detection kits and population-specific reference intervals are lacking in China, hindering related clinical applications. Methods: A HPLC-tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS) pipeline was developed, rigorously validated, and applied to simultaneously quantify corticosterone, cortisone, cortisol, 18-OH cortisol, androstenedione (A4), 11β-hydroxyandrostenedione (11-OH A4), dehydroepiandrosterone, and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate in serum samples from 455 reproductive-aged women (18–45 yrs) in Guangxi, China. Age-dependent concentration trends were analyzed, and reference intervals stratified by age (2.5th to 97.5th percentiles) were established. Correlations with body-composition metrics, ethnicity, and the menstrual cycle were investigated. Results: The HPLC-MS/MS method demonstrated high precision (intra- and inter-assay CVs < 15%), accuracy, and sensitivity. All eight hormones exhibited significant age-related declines (P < 0.001 for seven hormones; P = 0.001 for 11-OH A4). Notably, 11-OH A4 levels were significantly lower in the 35–45-yr (3.05 nmol/L) and 25–34-yr (3.09 nmol/L) age groups than in the 18–24-yr (3.57 nmol/L) age group, whereas no significant difference was observed between the 35–45-yr and 25–34-yr age groups. Weak negative correlations were observed between the body mass index and corticosterone and cortisone levels, whereas ethnicity and the menstrual cycle showed no significant associations with hormone levels. Conclusions We developed an HPLC-MS/MS-based method for simultaneously quantifying eight adrenocortical hormones, including 11-OH A4, and defined age-specific reference intervals for reproductive-aged Chinese women. These findings advance the clinical utility of adrenocortical hormones in diagnosing and managing reproductive disorders.

Objectiveto evaluate the effects and underlying mechanisms of a glucose restriction （GR） regimen on acrolein-induced neurotoxicity and AD-related pathology. MethodsImmortalized mouse hippocampal HT22 cells were pretreated with culture media containing different glucose concentrations （25 mmol/L， 17.5 mmol/L， and 12.5 mmol/L）， followed by incubation with 25 μmol/L acrolein for specified durations. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed using MTT assay and flow cytometry， respectively. Changes in glutathione （GSH）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）， and malondialdehyde （MDA） levels were measured using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay（ELISA） kits. Alterations in the expression of BDNF/TrkB signaling proteins and key enzymes involved in amyloid precursor protein （APP） metabolism were evaluated by Western blot. ResultsPretreatment with GR significantly attenuated acrolein-induced loss of cell viability in HT22 cells. GR also alleviated the depletion of GSH and SOD， reduced MDA levels， and thereby ameliorated acrolein-induced oxidative damage（P＜0.05）. Furthermore， GR inhibited acrolein-triggered early apoptosis. Notably， the GR regimen protectively modulated the expression of BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway components and key APP-metabolizing enzymes （ADAM10 and BACE1）（P＜0.05）. ConclusionGR exerts neuroprotective effects against acrolein-induced toxicity， suggesting its potential in preventing or delaying the development of AD.

ObjectiveTo explore the association between marital/living status and cognitive domains （memory， language， visuospatial， executive， and attention domains） in older adults， and to examine the influencing factors underlying urban-rural differences. MethodsBased on baseline data from the dynamic enrollment cohort （2016—2025） of the Hubei Memory and Aging Cohort Study， 10 825 older adults aged 60 years and above who met the study criteria were included， comprising 3 788 rural residents and 7 037 urban residents. The cohort collected information on marital and living status via questionnaires. Cognitive domains were assessed using standardized neuropsychological tests， with scores converted to z-scores ［（raw score - mean score of the domain in the study population）/standard deviation of the domain in the study population］. Multiple linear regression models were used to analyze the associations between marital/living status and cognitive domains， as well as global cognition. ResultsRural older adults scored significantly lower than their urban counterparts in terms of socioeconomic status， healthy lifestyle indicators， and multiple cognitive domains （all P＜0.001）. Living away from family was significantly associated with lower scores across cognitive domains ［memory： b =-0.217， 95%CI （-0.276， -0.159）； attention： b =-0.213， 95%CI （-0.262， -0.163）， all P＜0.001］， with this association being stronger and involving a broader range of cognitive domains in the urban sample. Moreover， compared to married and living with family， married but living away from family was associated with poorer cognitive performance， an effect that was more pronounced in the urban sample ［memory： b =-0.521， 95%CI （-0.621， -0.422）； attention： b =-0.443， 95%CI （-0.533， -0.354）， all P＜0.001］. ConclusionUnmarried status and living away from family were each significantly associated with poorer performance in cognitive domains among older adults. The combined status of being married but living away from family was also associated with poorer cognitive performance， with these associations being more pronounced among urban-dwelling older adults.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of sex on phenotypic stability in mouse models of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP) or paclitaxel (PTX), and to explore potential mechanisms underlying phenotypic heterogeneity in female mice. MethodsTwenty-eight wild-type specific pathogen-free (SPF) C57BL/6J mice (half male and half female) aged 6-8 weeks were selected for synchronous back hair removal. On the 9th day after hair removal (T0), the mice were randomly divided into a wild-type female CYP group, a wild-type male CYP group, a female negative control group and a male negative control group. Mice in the CYP groups were intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 120 mg/kg CYP, and mice in the negative control groups were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of normal saline. Subsequently, the phenotypic changes of the CIA model induced by CYP were continuously observed and photographed. Eleven 6-week-old SPF female C57BL/6J mice underwent bilateral ovariectomy (OVX group). Following successful surgery, these mice and five XY (Sry⁻) mice bred from Four Core Genotypes breeding stock were used to establish the chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) model using the same protocol. Serum was collected from mice in the OVX group, wild-type female CYP group, and wild-type male CYP group on T7 after CYP administration for steroid hormone analysis by mass spectrometry to evaluate the effects of gonadal estrogen and sex chromosome background changes on the stability of the CYP-induced female alopecic phenotype. Finally, twenty SPF C57BL/6J mice aged 6-8 weeks (half male and half female) were randomly divided into a PTX low-dose group and a PTX high-dose group. On the 9th day after simultaneous hair removal, PTX was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 80 mg/kg or 120 mg/kg, respectively. Mice from the PTX low-dose group and the PTX high-dose group were continuously observed and photographed to compare the intra-group consistency of the phenotypes of female and male mice. Six SPF C57BL/6J mice (half male and half female) aged 6-8 weeks were used to repeat the construction method of the PTX low-dose group, and the hair follicle histological examination was performed at T0, T4, T7, T14 and T21, respectively, to observe the damage caused by PTX to hair follicle regeneration. ResultsThe phenotypes of CYP-induced male CIA mice are stable and reproducible. There are obvious individual differences in the alopecia phenotype in the CYP-induced female CIA model mice, which may be mainly caused by the differences in the relevant estrogens in the estrous cycle. The difference between OVX+CYP group and XY (Sry⁻) +CYP group disappeared, suggesting that ovarian-derived hormones and XY (Sry⁻) sex chromosome background may be involved in the formation of phenotypic heterogeneity of CYP-induced alopecia in female mice. The mice in the high-dose PTX group and the low-dose PTX group showed a relatively consistent alopecia and regrowth process, and there was no significant sex difference. ConclusionCYP-induced CIA is strongly influenced by sex, and ovariectomy or alteration of the sex chromosome background can improve the consistency of CYP-induced alopecic phenotypes in female mice. PTX-induced CIA shows good phenotypic consistency in both female and male mice, indicating broad applicability across sexes. Taken together, the choice of animal sex in CIA model construction, mechanistic studies, and evaluation of anti-alopecia interventions should take into account the type of chemotherapeutic agent, the study objective, and the required degree of phenotypic stability. Sex should therefore be considered an important variable in model standardization and interpretation of experimental findings.

Objective: To explore the association between mediterranean diet (MD) patterns and dental caries among children and adolescents with neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), so as to provide a basis for developing scientific anti caries strategies related to diet. Methods: From December 2021 to June 2024, a questionnaire survey, a three day 24 hour dietary review survey, oral health examination, physical development measurement and Childhood Autism Rating Scale (CARS) evaluation were conducted involving 147 children and adolescents aged 2-22 years with NDD from nine special education schools and rehabilitation institutions in Tianjin. Group comparisons were carried out using the Mann-Whitney U test, Chi-square test, or Fisher s exact probability method. The correlation between dietary quality and dental caries was analyzed by adopting multiple linear regression analysis and restricted cubic spline. Results: There were 46 children and adolescents (31.3%) in the non dental caries group and 101 children and adolescents (68.7%) in the dental caries group. The number of decayed missing and filled teeth (dmft) was 2.0 (4.0), and the MD score was 4.0 (2.0) points. There were 62 children and adolescents (42.2%) in the low MD scores group and 85 children and adolescents (57.8%) in the high MD scores group. There was no significant difference in MD scores between NDD children in the non dental caries group and those in the dental caries group [nondental caries group:4.0(2.0), dental caries group:4.0(2.0), Z= -0.14, P >0.05]. The MD scores and dmft exhibited increasing and then decreasing trend ( P total =0.02, P non lineary = 0.04 ). Children and adolescents with NDD in the MD high scores group had a lower number of dmft than those in the MD low scores group ( β= -2.00 , 95%CI =-3.39 to -0.62, P <0.05). However, in children and adolescents with NDD and CARS scores ≥30, the above association was insignificant ( β=-0.63, 95%CI=-0.29-0.15, P >0.05). Conclusion Children and adolescents with NDD who have dietary patterns similar to the Mediterranean diet, are found to have fewer dental caries, and this is observed among those with no or mild symptoms of autism spectrum disorder.

Objective To investigate the status of management of iodinated contrast media(ICM)extravasation in Henan Province,as well as nurses' knowledge and influencing factors,in order to provide a basis for optimizing management strategies.Methods A self-designed questionnaire was applied,employing convenience sampling,to survey nursing administrators and nurses in the radiology departments of 55 tertiary hospitals across 16 regions of Henan Province,from December 2024 to January 2025.Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the factors influencing nurses' knowledge.Results A total of 55 nursing administrators and 64 nurses participated,with a valid questionnaire response rate of 100％.The survey results reveal that only 5.45％of radiology depart-ments utilized high-pressure central venous catheters,and 32.73％employed vascular visualization techniques.When setting the high-pressure injection speed for ICM,only 54.55％of radiology departments required an assessment of the type and model of intravenous access.Additionally,only 9.09％of radiology departments mandated an observa-tion for 2 to 4 hours following ICM extravasation.Furthermore,only 50.91％of radiology departments had estab-lished an information system for ICM use.The nurses' knowledge score regarding the prevention and management of ICM extravasation was(90.00±17.59),influenced by years of experience in radiology and professional titles(P＜0.05).Conclusion The prevention and management measures for ICM in radiology departments in Henan Province need further improvement.Nursing administrators should optimize management strategies,improve relevant training systems,and continuously enhance nurses' knowledge and practical abilities.

Objective To explore the value of deep learning(DL)model based on grayscale ultrasound for predicting asymptomatic advanced chronic liver disease(cACLD).Methods Totally 258 patients with asymptomatic compensatory chronic liver diseases were retrospectively included,among them 117 with F3 or F4 stage liver fibrosis were classified into cACLD group,while 141 with F1 or F2 stage liver fibrosis were taken as non-cACLD group.The patients were divided into training set(n=180,including 82 cases of cACLD and 98 cases of non-cACLD)and validation set(n=78,including 35 cases of cACLD and 43 cases of non-cACLD)at the ratio of 7∶3.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to screen independent clinical predictors of cACLD and construct a clinical model.Based on liver grayscale ultrasound,optimal DL features were extracted and screened,and Resnet50 network was adopted as framework,na?ve Bayes classifier was used to construct DL model,and a combined model was constructed based on clinical model and DL model.The efficacy and clinical value of each model for predicting asymptomatic cACLD were evaluated.Results Age,gamma-glutamyl transferase and platelet count were all independent clinical predictors of cACLD,and a clinical model was constructed.Totally 38 optimal DL features were screened to build a DL model.The AUC of combined model in training set and validation set was 0.950 and 0.740,of DL model was 0.944 and 0.737,respectively,being not significantly different(both P＞0.05)but all higher than that of clinical model(0.667 and 0.573,all P＜0.05).Taken 0.59-0.90 as the threshold,the net benefits of combined model in both training and validation sets were higher than that of other models.Conclusion DL model based on grayscale ultrasound could be used to effectively predict asymptomatic cACLD.Combining with clinical characteristics might improve clinical net benefit of this model.