BACKGROUND: Alpha-glucosidase inhibitors or dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors are both hypoglycemia agents that specifically impact on postprandial hyperglycemia. We compared the effects of acarbose and sitagliptin add on to metformin on time in range (TIR) and glycemic variability (GV) in Chinese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus through continuous glucose monitoring (CGM). METHODS: This study was a randomized, open-label, active-con-trolled, parallel-group trial conducted at 15 centers in China from January 2020 to August 2022. We recruited patients with type 2 diabetes aged 18-65 years with body mass index (BMI) within 19-40 kg/m 2 and hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) between 6.5% and 9.0%. Eligible patients were randomized to receive either metformin combined with acarbose 100 mg three times daily or metformin combined with sitagliptin 100 mg once daily for 28 days. After the first 14-day treatment period, patients wore CGM and entered another 14-day treatment period. The primary outcome was the level of TIR after treatment between groups. We also performed time series decomposition, dimensionality reduction, and clustering using the CGM data. RESULTS: A total of 701 participants received either acarbose or sitagliptin treatment in combination with metformin. There was no statistically significant difference in TIR between the two groups. Time below range (TBR) and coefficient of variation (CV) levels in acarbose users were significantly lower than those in sitagliptin users. Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) of TBR below target level <3.9 mmol/L (TBR 3.9 ): Acarbose: 0.45% (0, 2.13%) vs . Sitagliptin: 0.78% (0, 3.12%), P = 0.042; Median (25th percentile, 75th percentile) of TBR below target level <3.0 mmol/L (TBR 3.0 ): Acarbose: 0 (0, 0.22%) vs . Sitagliptin: 0 (0, 0.63%), P = 0.033; CV: Acarbose: 22.44 ± 5.08% vs . Sitagliptin: 23.96 ± 5.19%, P <0.001. By using time series analysis and clustering, we distinguished three groups of patients with representative metabolism characteristics, especially in GV (group with small wave, moderate wave and big wave). No significant difference was found in the complexity of glucose time series index (CGI) between acarbose users and sitagliptin users. By using time series analysis and clustering, we distinguished three groups of patients with representative metabolism characteristics, especially in GV. CONCLUSIONS: Acarbose had slight advantages over sitagliptin in improving GV and reducing the risk of hypoglycemia. Time series analysis of CGM data may predict GV and the risk of hypoglycemia. TRIAL REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry: ChiCTR2000039424.
Humans ; Metformin/therapeutic use* ; Sitagliptin Phosphate/therapeutic use* ; Acarbose/therapeutic use* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/blood* ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Blood Glucose/drug effects* ; Hypoglycemic Agents/therapeutic use* ; Aged ; Glycated Hemoglobin/metabolism* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; China ; East Asian People

Objective:To construct and validate a three-level early warning model of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in assisted reproductive technology.Methods:A case-control study was conducted. Totally 10 181 infertility patients who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center, Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University from April 2013 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into modeling group (8 145 cases) and validation group (2 036 cases) by random number table method. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of moderate and severe OHSS after oocytes retrieval were screened by multi-factor logistic regression analysis. The early warning model was established and the column diagram was drawn at three nodes which were before ovarian stimulation, before trigger and 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to verify the models. Results:The antral follicle count (AFC, OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.020-1.071, P<0.001), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)>3.36 μg/L ( OR=7.135, 95% CI: 2.084-24.432, P=0.002) and number of cycles ( OR=0.149, 95% CI: 0.022-1.026, P=0.049) were included in the pre-stimulation prediction model. AFC ( OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.018-1.074, P=0.001), AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=5.780, 95% CI: 1.661-20.116, P=0.006), gonadotropin releasing hormone-agonist protocols ( OR=3.895, 95% CI=1.913-7.931, P<0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=2.258, 95% CI: 1.092-4.666, P=0.028), the number of follicles with a diameter of ≥10 mm>20 ( OR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.092-5.172, P=0.029) were included in the pre-trigger prediction model. AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=8.374, 95% CI: 2.417-29.019, P=0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=3.947, 95% CI: 1.533-10.167, P=0.004), total number of oocytes retrived ( OR=1.042, 95% CI: 0.996-1.090, P=0.025), abdominal distension ( OR=60.181, 95% CI: 22.515-160.854, P<0.001), fresh transplantation ( OR=21.766, 95% CI: 7.119-66.544, P<0.001), human chorionic gonadotropin trigger ( OR=17.752, 95% CI: 3.993-78.924, P<0.001) were included in the prediction model of 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The areas under ROC curves of the three models were 0.830 (95% CI: 0.782-0.878), 0.859 (95% CI: 0.812-0.906) and 0.948 (95% CI: 0.919-0.977), respectively. The areas under ROC curves of the validation groups of the three models were 0.922 (95% CI: 0.880-0.965), 0.936 (95% CI: 0.886-0.986), and 0.971 (95% CI: 0.938-0.999), respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the early-warning evaluation model has good stability. Conclusion:The three-level early warning model of moderate and severe OHSS has good differentiation, reliable predictability and clinical practicability, which is conducive to the dynamic and continuous assessment of the risk of moderate and severe OHSS, adjustment of treatment plan at any time, and timely adoption of effective preventive measures.

Objective To develop and validate an early venous thromboembolism(VTE)risk assessment scale for emergency observation patients.Methods ① Based on the characteristics of emergency observation patients,the Delphi expert consultation method and literature review were used to determine scale items and construct a scoring system.②The newly developed VTE scale and its scoring system were analyzed for reliability and validity.③Primary application:collect non acute traumatic observation and rescue patients admitted to Zhejiang Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 as the research subjects.Patients were divided into survival and non-survival groups based on 28-day outcomes.Differences in VTE scores between the two groups using the new scale,Caprini,and Padua models were compared.The optimal cut-off point was determined using the receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC curve),according to the optimal cut-off value of the new scale score,patients were divided into two groups,and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the 28-day cumulative survival of the two groups of patients.Results ①The preliminary version of the early VTE risk assessment scale for emergency observation patients was developed,comprising 8 items:age,pre examination triage level,underlying diseases,D-dimer levels,activities of daily living(ADL)assessment,coagulation-related indicators,anticoagulants and(or)antiplatelet drugs use,and unhealthy habits.② A total of 121 emergency observation patients were included in the analysis.The test-retest reliability correlation coefficient(R)of the new scale was 0.945(>0.850),split-half reliability was 0.741(>0.700),and Cronbach'sαcoefficient was>0.700.KMO value was 0.715(>0.700),and Bartlett's sphericity test yieldedχ2=167.079,P<0.001,confirming the suitability of the scale for factor analysis.Three factors were identified:basic information,initial assessment,and blood test indicators.Pearson correlation analysis showed the correlation coefficients between the new scale and the Caprini and Padua scores were 0.842 and 0.307,respectively,both P<0.01.③Area under the curve(AUC)of the new scale was 0.566,95%confidence interval(95%CI)was 0.444-0.688,with an optimal diagnostic cut-off value of 13.5 points based on the maximum Youden index.The results of the Kaplan-Meier regression indicated that survival analysis using the 13.5-point cut-off revealed that patients with scores≥13.5 had significantly lower 28-day survival rates than those with scores<13.5(Log-Rank test:χ2=5.609,P=0.018).④The survival group had significantly lower scores than the non-survival group across all scales(new score:10.06±2.84 vs.12.69±3.06,Caprini model:7.22±2.48 vs.9.41±2.64,Padua model:2.91±1.97 vs.4.59±1.07,all P<0.05).Conclusion The early VTE risk assessment scale for emergency observation patients was successfully developed,demonstrating good reliability and validity through statistical analysis.The new scale effectively predicts disease severity and prognosis in emergency observation patients.

Objective:To analyze the assessment tools for quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at home and abroad, so as to provide a basis for healthcare professionals to select and revise the assessment tools suitable for the quality of life of children with ASD in China.Methods:A scoping review method was used to systematically search the literature on quality of life assessment tools for children with ASD included in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine disc and VIP. The search period was from the establishment of the database to March 12, 2025. Literature that met the inclusion criteria was screened, basic information about the assessment tools was extracted, and the search results were reported in a normalized manner.Results:A total of 3 905 articles were retrieved and 29 articles were finally included. Eleven quality of life assessment scales for children with ASD were included, including two scales developed to characterize children with ASD.Conclusions:There is a wide variety of quality of life assessment tools for children with ASD, with good overall reliability and validity, but no standardized indigenous scales are developed in China. Existing quality of life assessment tools for children with ASD should be sinicized and improved, and localized assessment tools should be developed.

Natural product-based drug combinations (NPDCs) present distinctive advantages in treating complex diseases. While high-throughput screening (HTS) and conventional computational methods have partially accelerated synergistic drug combination discovery, their applications remain constrained by experimental data fragmentation, high costs, and extensive combinatorial space. Recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI), encompassing traditional machine learning and deep learning algorithms, have been extensively applied in NPDC identification. Through the integration of multi-source heterogeneous data and autonomous feature extraction, prediction accuracy has markedly improved, offering a robust technical approach for novel NPDC discovery. This review comprehensively examines recent advances in AI-driven NPDC prediction, presents relevant data resources and algorithmic frameworks, and evaluates current limitations and future prospects. AI methodologies are anticipated to substantially expedite NPDC discovery and inform experimental validation.
Artificial Intelligence ; Biological Products/chemistry* ; Humans ; Drug Combinations ; Drug Discovery/methods* ; Machine Learning ; Algorithms

Objective:To construct and validate a three-level early warning model of moderate to severe ovarian hyperstimulation syndrome (OHSS) in assisted reproductive technology.Methods:A case-control study was conducted. Totally 10 181 infertility patients who underwent in vitro fertilization treatment in Reproductive Medicine Center, Women and Children's Medical Center Affiliated to Guangzhou Medical University from April 2013 to April 2023 were retrospectively analyzed and divided into modeling group (8 145 cases) and validation group (2 036 cases) by random number table method. The clinical data of the two groups were analyzed, and the risk factors affecting the occurrence of moderate and severe OHSS after oocytes retrieval were screened by multi-factor logistic regression analysis. The early warning model was established and the column diagram was drawn at three nodes which were before ovarian stimulation, before trigger and 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and calibration curve were used to verify the models. Results:The antral follicle count (AFC, OR=1.045, 95% CI: 1.020-1.071, P<0.001), anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH)>3.36 μg/L ( OR=7.135, 95% CI: 2.084-24.432, P=0.002) and number of cycles ( OR=0.149, 95% CI: 0.022-1.026, P=0.049) were included in the pre-stimulation prediction model. AFC ( OR=1.046, 95% CI: 1.018-1.074, P=0.001), AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=5.780, 95% CI: 1.661-20.116, P=0.006), gonadotropin releasing hormone-agonist protocols ( OR=3.895, 95% CI=1.913-7.931, P<0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=2.258, 95% CI: 1.092-4.666, P=0.028), the number of follicles with a diameter of ≥10 mm>20 ( OR=2.377, 95% CI: 1.092-5.172, P=0.029) were included in the pre-trigger prediction model. AMH>3.36 μg/L ( OR=8.374, 95% CI: 2.417-29.019, P=0.001), estrogen peak≥18 350 pmol/L ( OR=3.947, 95% CI: 1.533-10.167, P=0.004), total number of oocytes retrived ( OR=1.042, 95% CI: 0.996-1.090, P=0.025), abdominal distension ( OR=60.181, 95% CI: 22.515-160.854, P<0.001), fresh transplantation ( OR=21.766, 95% CI: 7.119-66.544, P<0.001), human chorionic gonadotropin trigger ( OR=17.752, 95% CI: 3.993-78.924, P<0.001) were included in the prediction model of 3 d after oocyte retrieval. The areas under ROC curves of the three models were 0.830 (95% CI: 0.782-0.878), 0.859 (95% CI: 0.812-0.906) and 0.948 (95% CI: 0.919-0.977), respectively. The areas under ROC curves of the validation groups of the three models were 0.922 (95% CI: 0.880-0.965), 0.936 (95% CI: 0.886-0.986), and 0.971 (95% CI: 0.938-0.999), respectively. The calibration curve indicated that the early-warning evaluation model has good stability. Conclusion:The three-level early warning model of moderate and severe OHSS has good differentiation, reliable predictability and clinical practicability, which is conducive to the dynamic and continuous assessment of the risk of moderate and severe OHSS, adjustment of treatment plan at any time, and timely adoption of effective preventive measures.

Objective To develop and validate an early venous thromboembolism(VTE)risk assessment scale for emergency observation patients.Methods ① Based on the characteristics of emergency observation patients,the Delphi expert consultation method and literature review were used to determine scale items and construct a scoring system.②The newly developed VTE scale and its scoring system were analyzed for reliability and validity.③Primary application:collect non acute traumatic observation and rescue patients admitted to Zhejiang Hospital from June 2022 to June 2023 as the research subjects.Patients were divided into survival and non-survival groups based on 28-day outcomes.Differences in VTE scores between the two groups using the new scale,Caprini,and Padua models were compared.The optimal cut-off point was determined using the receiver operator characteristic curve(ROC curve),according to the optimal cut-off value of the new scale score,patients were divided into two groups,and Kaplan-Meier survival curves were used to analyze the 28-day cumulative survival of the two groups of patients.Results ①The preliminary version of the early VTE risk assessment scale for emergency observation patients was developed,comprising 8 items:age,pre examination triage level,underlying diseases,D-dimer levels,activities of daily living(ADL)assessment,coagulation-related indicators,anticoagulants and(or)antiplatelet drugs use,and unhealthy habits.② A total of 121 emergency observation patients were included in the analysis.The test-retest reliability correlation coefficient(R)of the new scale was 0.945(>0.850),split-half reliability was 0.741(>0.700),and Cronbach'sαcoefficient was>0.700.KMO value was 0.715(>0.700),and Bartlett's sphericity test yieldedχ2=167.079,P<0.001,confirming the suitability of the scale for factor analysis.Three factors were identified:basic information,initial assessment,and blood test indicators.Pearson correlation analysis showed the correlation coefficients between the new scale and the Caprini and Padua scores were 0.842 and 0.307,respectively,both P<0.01.③Area under the curve(AUC)of the new scale was 0.566,95%confidence interval(95%CI)was 0.444-0.688,with an optimal diagnostic cut-off value of 13.5 points based on the maximum Youden index.The results of the Kaplan-Meier regression indicated that survival analysis using the 13.5-point cut-off revealed that patients with scores≥13.5 had significantly lower 28-day survival rates than those with scores<13.5(Log-Rank test:χ2=5.609,P=0.018).④The survival group had significantly lower scores than the non-survival group across all scales(new score:10.06±2.84 vs.12.69±3.06,Caprini model:7.22±2.48 vs.9.41±2.64,Padua model:2.91±1.97 vs.4.59±1.07,all P<0.05).Conclusion The early VTE risk assessment scale for emergency observation patients was successfully developed,demonstrating good reliability and validity through statistical analysis.The new scale effectively predicts disease severity and prognosis in emergency observation patients.

Objective:To analyze the assessment tools for quality of life of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) at home and abroad, so as to provide a basis for healthcare professionals to select and revise the assessment tools suitable for the quality of life of children with ASD in China.Methods:A scoping review method was used to systematically search the literature on quality of life assessment tools for children with ASD included in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, China Biology Medicine disc and VIP. The search period was from the establishment of the database to March 12, 2025. Literature that met the inclusion criteria was screened, basic information about the assessment tools was extracted, and the search results were reported in a normalized manner.Results:A total of 3 905 articles were retrieved and 29 articles were finally included. Eleven quality of life assessment scales for children with ASD were included, including two scales developed to characterize children with ASD.Conclusions:There is a wide variety of quality of life assessment tools for children with ASD, with good overall reliability and validity, but no standardized indigenous scales are developed in China. Existing quality of life assessment tools for children with ASD should be sinicized and improved, and localized assessment tools should be developed.

Objective:To explore the current status of medication adherence to immunosuppressants in lung transplant recipients and to analyze its correlation with medication beliefs and perceived social support.Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. From June 2022 to April 2023, totally 233 lung transplant recipients who were followed up in the Department of Lung Transplantation at China-Japan Friendship Hospital were selected by convenience sampling. The Basel Assessment of Adherence to Immunosuppressive Medications Scale (BAASIS), the Chinese version of the Beliefs about Medicines Questionnaire, and the Perceived Social Support Scale (PSSS) were used for the survey. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the correlation between medication adherence to immunosuppressants, medication beliefs, and perceived social support in these lung transplant recipients.Results:A total of 233 questionnaires were distributed, with 213 valid responses received (91.42%). The incidence of non-adherence to immunosuppressants among the 213 transplant recipients was 41.78% (89/213), with the most common issue being not taking medication on time (27.23%, 58/213). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age and perceived social support were influencing factors of medication adherence ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:The current level of medication adherence to immunosuppressants in lung transplant recipients is relatively poor. Medication adherence is correlated with age and the level of perceived social support. Healthcare providers should pay attention to medication adherence in younger patients and enhance their perceived social support to increase adherence to immunosuppressive medications.

Objective:To analyze the incidence and clinical phenotype of the concomitant extragenital malformations in the patients with female reproductive tract anomalies.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted using clinical data of hospitalized patients diagnosed with uterine, cervical, or vaginal malformations from January 2003 to December 2022 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. The malformations were classified according to American Society for Reproductive Medicine müllerian anomalies classification 2021, and in each type, the incidence and specific manifestations of concomitant extragnital malformations were analyzed.Results:A total of 444 patients were included. The overall incidence of concomitant extragenital malformations was 43.5% (193/444), including urinary system, skeletal system, and other system malformations. Renal malformations on the obstructed side were present in all patients with oblique vaginal septum syndrome (100.0%, 78/78). The total incidence of concomitant extragnital malformations was as high as 8/11 in uterus didelphys, 43.5% (10/23) in unicornuate uterus, 33.6% (79/235) in Mayer-Rokitansky-Küster-Hauser syndrome, 18.8% (6/32) in septate uterus and 18.5% (12/65) in cervical agenesis. Urinary system malformations (30.6%, 136/444) and skeletal system malformations (13.5%, 60/444) were the most common concomitant malformations in all types, in which, unilateral renal agenesis and scoliosis were the most common.Conclusions:Urinary and skeletal system malformations are important features of female reproductive tract anomalies. Urologic ultrasonography and spinal roentgenogram are recommended for all patients with female reproductive tract anomalies.