OBJECTIVES: To analyze the disease burden and inequalities of lower extremity peripheral artery disease (LEPAD) among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Data were retrieved from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 database. The age-standardized prevalence rates, mortality rates, and the annual rate of years lived with disability (YLDs) of LEPAD were analyzed. Trends were measured using the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC), and the slope index of inequality (SII) and concentration index were used to quantify the absolute and relative inequalities. RESULTS: In 2021, the age-standardized prevalence and mortality rates of LEPAD were 3168.26/10⁵ and 3.09/10⁵, increasing by 4.30% and 19.31% compared to 1990, while YLDs rates decreased by 4.00%. Females had higher age-standardized prevalence and YLDs rates, while males had higher mortality rates. The EAPC for prevalence rates was slightly higher in males (0.22%) than in females (0.17%); while the EAPC of age-standardized mortality rate was 2.02% for females, compared to 1.45% for males. From 1990 to 2021, the age-standardized YLDs rates decreased from 16.23/10⁵ to 15.58/10⁵, with a faster decline in females (－0.12%) than in males (－0.06%). LEPAD prevalence varied across countries, with higher burden in Europe and faster growth in Gulf states. Higher socio-demographic index countries had higher prevalence. Inequity improved, with the SII at 52.90/10⁵ and concentration index at 0.038 in 2021. Gender disparities persisted, with concentration index increased to 0.058 in females and reduced to －0.026 in males. CONCLUSIONS LEPAD prevalence and mortality among people aged 40 and above in the Belt and Road partner countries increased, while YLDs rates decreased from 1990 to 2021. Significant differences among people exist depending on gender and country, highlighting the need for enhanced screening, health education, and shared public health strategies across the Belt and Road partner countries.
Humans ; Peripheral Arterial Disease/mortality* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Prevalence ; Lower Extremity/blood supply* ; Global Burden of Disease ; Cost of Illness

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and medication patterns of Wangbi Tablets in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the real world and to analyze the advantages and specific features of Chinese patent medicines in treating advantage disease.Methods A prospective case registry study was conducted,registering 3 000 patients from 30 TCM and Western medicine hospitals across China from April 2019 to December 2021.Data on gender,age,BMI,Chinese medicine staging(CMS),K-L grading,medication duration,VAS score,medical history and combined medication were collected for descriptive analysis.Comparisons were made between different stages and between single-use and combined-use groups.The Apriori algorithm was used for association analysis of combined medications.Results A total of 2 999 patients were included,with 2 063 females(68.79%)and 936 males(31.21%).The average age was(56.89±8.90)years.The average BMI was(23.80±2.88)kg/m2.The proportion of patients in CMS I was 512(17.07%),with a VAS median score of 8,while the proportion of patients in CMS Ⅱ was 2 181(72.73%),with a VAS median score of 6.The proportion of patients in CMS Ⅲ was 306(10.20%),with a VAS median score of 3;316 cases(10.54%)were classified as K-L grade I,2 477 cases(82.59%)as grade Ⅱ,204 cases(6.80%)as grade Ⅲ,and 2 cases(0.07%)as grade Ⅳ.Medication analysis indicated that the single-use group(1507 cases,50.25%)was larger than the combined-use group(1 492 cases,49.75%).In terms of the number of drugs used in combination,one(39.01%)and two(38.14%)were the main types;in terms of medication types,combination therapy with Western medicine(62.27%)and simultaneous use of Western medicine and other Chinese materia medica(26.14%)were the main methods;the top three drugs with the highest frequency of combination use were glucosamine capsules,imrecoxib tablets and sodium hyaluronate injection.The top three drug combinations with the highest support were"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets","glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+sodium hyaluronate injection".Inter-group comparisons showed that the medication duration for Wangbi Tablets in CMS I was longer than in CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ(P<0.01).The proportion of patients on monotherapy in CMS I(62.11%)was higher than in CMS Ⅱ(46.54%)and CMS Ⅲ(56.86%)(P<0.001).Among patients in CMS I(16.41%)and CMS Ⅲ(21.24%),the highest proportion used one combined medication,whereas in CMS Ⅱ,the highest proportion was for those using two combined medications(20.50%).In all three groups,CMS I(19.53%),CMS Ⅱ(33.70%)and CMS Ⅲ(30.72%),the highest proportion of combined medications was Western medicine.Conclusion More than half of the patients treated KOA with Wangbi Tablets alone.Approximately one-fifth of the patients were in CMS I,with a median pain score of 8.The average duration of medication for patients in CMS I,CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ decreases,and there is no obvious pattern in the medication method at different stages;combination therapy is represented by"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets".

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.

Objective:To observe any effect of dual-task training on abnormal gait and fall risk among hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:A total of 90 stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group, a cognitive dual-task group, and a motor dual-task group, each of 30. All 3 groups received conventional post-stroke medication and rehabilitation training, but the cognitive and motor dual-task groups received cognitive or motor dual-task training as well. Before and after 4 weeks of the training, everyone′s balance, walking and lower limb motor functioning were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go test (TUGT) and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE). Additionally, three-dimensional gait analysis was performed to document gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry, bilateral temporal asymmetry, and the dual-task cost (DTC) of gait speed.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average BBS scores, TUGT times, FMA-LE scores, gait speed, DTC of gait speed, bilateral spatial asymmetry ratios, and bilateral temporal asymmetry ratios of all 3 groups after the experiment. The averages of the cognitive dual-task group were then significantly better than the control group′s averages. The motor dual-task group′s average BBS score (42.67±7.87), TUGT time [(22.30±8.53)s], gait speed (0.58±0.2m/s), DTC of gait speed (19.02±5.99%), and bilateral spatial asymmetry ratio (19.79±10.41%) were then significantly better than the control group′s averages but not significantly different from those of the cognitive dual-task group.Conclusions:Dual-task training can significantly improve the balance, walking and lower limb motor function of stroke survivors, correcting their abnormal gait patterns and consequently reducing their fall risks.

Objective To explore the application of problem solving mode based on self-regulation theory in maintenance hemodialysis(MHD)patients.Methods The convenient sampling method was used to enroll the patients who underwent hemodialysis in Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January to October 2022.According to the random number table,they were assigned to the control group or observation group.Routine nursing was used in the control group,and the nursing care of problem-solving mode based on self-regulation theory was applied in the observation group for 4 week.Self-management behavior,volume management behavior,disease perception and learned helplessness were compared between the two groups at 4 and 12 weeks after intervention.Results Eight patients(5 cases in the control group and 3 cases in the observation group)failed to be followed up.There was no significant difference in the score of self-management behavior,volume management behavior,disease perception or learned helplessness between the two groups before the intervention(P＞0.05).At 4 and 12 weeks after the intervention,the scores of self-management behavior and volume management behavior in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group,while the scores of disease perception and learned helplessness in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion The problem-solving mode based on self-regulation theory can improve self-management and volume management of MHD patients,reduce negative disease perception and learning helplessness,and achieve continuous improvement in cognition,psychology and behavior after the intervention.

Objective:To investigate the interactive effects of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on brain structure, function, and structure-function coupling, and to analyze their association with clinical symptom.Methods:A total of 112 parents who lost their only child and participated in the psychological aid project organized by Local Civil Affairs Department in Sunan aear of Jiangsu Province in China from April 2021 to July 2021 and 36 healthy controls recruited from the community during the same period were selected. Based on childhood trauma questionnaire scores, parents who had lost their only child were divided into those with childhood trauma (group A, n=55) and those without childhood trauma (group B, n=57); similarly, the healthy controls were divided into a group with childhood trauma (group C, n=12) and a group without childhood trauma (group D, n=24). All participants were evaluated by clinical scales such as Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). MRI 3D-T1 structural images and resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging data were collected; gray matter volume (GMV) and degree centrality (DC) were calculated by standardized image preprocessing procedure, and ratio of DC to GMV within each voxel was computed to obtain the structure-function coupling map. A two-factor analysis of variance was used to analyze the independent effect and interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on GMV, DC, and DC/GMV coupling value. Spearman rank correlation analysis was used to evaluate the associations of above indicators in brain regions with significant difference in independent effect and interactive effect with clinical scale scores. Results:(1) Compared with the participants without childhood trauma (group B+group D), the participants with childhood trauma (group A+group C) showed significantly reduced GMV in the left middle temporal gyrus and right dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, Gaussian random field [GRF] corrected). A significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on GMV in the right precuneus was observed (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). (2) Compared with the healthy controls, parents who had lost their only child exhibited significantly increased DC in the left middle frontal gyrus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). Compared with participants without childhood trauma, participants with childhood trauma showed significantly increased DC in the right thalamus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P< 0.05, GRF corrected). A significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on DC in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus was observed (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). (3) Compared with the healthy controls, parents who had lost their only child showed significantly decreased DC/GMV coupling value in the left middle frontal gyrus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). Compared with participants without childhood trauma, participants with childhood trauma showed significantly increased DC/GMV coupling value in the right thalamus (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). A significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma on DC/GMV coupling value in the left dorsolateral superior frontal gyrus was observed (voxel-level P<0.01, cluster-level P<0.05, GRF corrected). (4) Correlation analysis revealed that GMV in the right precuneus with significant interactive effect of loss of the only child and childhood trauma was positively correlated with MMSE score ( r s=0.317, P=0.010, Bonferroni corrected). GMV in the left middle temporal gyrus with significant independent effect of childhood trauma was positively correlated with both HAMD score and HAMA score ( r s=0.362, P=0.006; r s= 0.349, P=0.008, Bonferroni corrected). Conclusion:Loss of the only child and childhood trauma can interact to jointly affect the brain structure, function, and structure-function coupling; and some of these brain structure alterations are closely associated with clinical symptoms.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in assessing symptom remission of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of bereaved parents who lost their only child.Methods:In this prospective study, 34 parents with PTSD resulting from the loss of the only child were followed-up for 2 years. Based on the PTSD diagnostic status at the end of the follow-up, participants were divided into the remission group and the persistent group.R 3.6.1 and SPSS 20.0 software were used for statistical analysis.Baseline clinical data and neuroimaging findings were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression and LASSO regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of PTSD symptom remission. The predictive performance of these factors was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:Initial screening with univariate Logistic regression and LASSO regression revealed that regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the left middle temporal gyrus, the combined predictive value based on ReHo, and the integrated predictive value combining gray matter volume (GMV) and ReHo (GMV-ReHo predictor) were significant factors influencing symptom remission (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression further demonstrated that the GMV-ReHo predictor retained independent predictive significance ( P<0.05), with ROC curve analysis showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.979 (95% CI=0.935-0.996, P<0.001) for its ability to predict PTSD remission. Notably, a combined model incorporating both the scores of the clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS) and the GMV-ReHo predictor achieved an enhanced predictive performance, yielding an AUC of 0.984 (95% CI=0.952-0.998, P<0.001). Conclusion:The GMV-ReHo predictor effectively identifies symptom remission in PTSD resulting from the loss of the only child.

Objective:To investigate the predictive value of multimodal magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) techniques in assessing symptom remission of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) of bereaved parents who lost their only child.Methods:In this prospective study, 34 parents with PTSD resulting from the loss of the only child were followed-up for 2 years. Based on the PTSD diagnostic status at the end of the follow-up, participants were divided into the remission group and the persistent group.R 3.6.1 and SPSS 20.0 software were used for statistical analysis.Baseline clinical data and neuroimaging findings were compared between the two groups. Logistic regression and LASSO regression analyses were used to identify independent predictors of PTSD symptom remission. The predictive performance of these factors was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.Results:Initial screening with univariate Logistic regression and LASSO regression revealed that regional homogeneity (ReHo) in the left middle temporal gyrus, the combined predictive value based on ReHo, and the integrated predictive value combining gray matter volume (GMV) and ReHo (GMV-ReHo predictor) were significant factors influencing symptom remission (all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression further demonstrated that the GMV-ReHo predictor retained independent predictive significance ( P<0.05), with ROC curve analysis showing an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.979 (95% CI=0.935-0.996, P<0.001) for its ability to predict PTSD remission. Notably, a combined model incorporating both the scores of the clinician administered PTSD scale (CAPS) and the GMV-ReHo predictor achieved an enhanced predictive performance, yielding an AUC of 0.984 (95% CI=0.952-0.998, P<0.001). Conclusion:The GMV-ReHo predictor effectively identifies symptom remission in PTSD resulting from the loss of the only child.

Objective To study the clinical characteristics and medication patterns of Wangbi Tablets in treating patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA)in the real world and to analyze the advantages and specific features of Chinese patent medicines in treating advantage disease.Methods A prospective case registry study was conducted,registering 3 000 patients from 30 TCM and Western medicine hospitals across China from April 2019 to December 2021.Data on gender,age,BMI,Chinese medicine staging(CMS),K-L grading,medication duration,VAS score,medical history and combined medication were collected for descriptive analysis.Comparisons were made between different stages and between single-use and combined-use groups.The Apriori algorithm was used for association analysis of combined medications.Results A total of 2 999 patients were included,with 2 063 females(68.79%)and 936 males(31.21%).The average age was(56.89±8.90)years.The average BMI was(23.80±2.88)kg/m2.The proportion of patients in CMS I was 512(17.07%),with a VAS median score of 8,while the proportion of patients in CMS Ⅱ was 2 181(72.73%),with a VAS median score of 6.The proportion of patients in CMS Ⅲ was 306(10.20%),with a VAS median score of 3;316 cases(10.54%)were classified as K-L grade I,2 477 cases(82.59%)as grade Ⅱ,204 cases(6.80%)as grade Ⅲ,and 2 cases(0.07%)as grade Ⅳ.Medication analysis indicated that the single-use group(1507 cases,50.25%)was larger than the combined-use group(1 492 cases,49.75%).In terms of the number of drugs used in combination,one(39.01%)and two(38.14%)were the main types;in terms of medication types,combination therapy with Western medicine(62.27%)and simultaneous use of Western medicine and other Chinese materia medica(26.14%)were the main methods;the top three drugs with the highest frequency of combination use were glucosamine capsules,imrecoxib tablets and sodium hyaluronate injection.The top three drug combinations with the highest support were"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets","glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+sodium hyaluronate injection".Inter-group comparisons showed that the medication duration for Wangbi Tablets in CMS I was longer than in CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ(P<0.01).The proportion of patients on monotherapy in CMS I(62.11%)was higher than in CMS Ⅱ(46.54%)and CMS Ⅲ(56.86%)(P<0.001).Among patients in CMS I(16.41%)and CMS Ⅲ(21.24%),the highest proportion used one combined medication,whereas in CMS Ⅱ,the highest proportion was for those using two combined medications(20.50%).In all three groups,CMS I(19.53%),CMS Ⅱ(33.70%)and CMS Ⅲ(30.72%),the highest proportion of combined medications was Western medicine.Conclusion More than half of the patients treated KOA with Wangbi Tablets alone.Approximately one-fifth of the patients were in CMS I,with a median pain score of 8.The average duration of medication for patients in CMS I,CMS Ⅱ and CMS Ⅲ decreases,and there is no obvious pattern in the medication method at different stages;combination therapy is represented by"Huoxue Zhishang Powder+imrecoxib tablets"and"glucosamine capsules+imrecoxib tablets".

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.