Hefei Infectious Disease Hospital

ObjectiveThis study aimed to analyze the correlation between serum levels of Procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and the occurrence and severity of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia (BPD) in Extremely Low Birth Weight (ELBW) and Very Low Birth Weight (VLBW) neonates, and to identify associated risk factors.MethodsA retrospective analysis was conducted on 213 ELBW/VLBW neonates admitted between January 2021 and January 2024. According to BPD diagnosis, they were categorized into a control group (n=62, without BPD) and an observation group (n=151, with BPD). The observation group was further stratified by severity into mild (n=71), moderate (n=46), and severe (n=34) BPD. Serum PCT and CRP levels were compared across groups. The correlation between these biomarkers and BPD severity was analyzed, and risk factors for BPD were investigated.ResultsPCT and CRP levels were significantly higher in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.05). A significant increasing trend in both PCT and CRP levels was observed with worsening BPD severity (P<0.05). Spearman analysis confirmed positive correlations between BPD severity and PCT (r=0.354) and CRP (r=0.472) levels (P<0.05). Multivariate logistic regression identified intrauterine infection, gestational age <28 weeks, assisted ventilation >2 weeks, infectious pneumonia, and FiO2 >40% as independent risk factors for BPD (P<0.05).ConclusionIn this retrospective study, elevated serum PCT and CRP levels were positively associated with the severity of BPD in ELBW/VLBW neonates. The identified risk factors, including intrauterine infection, gestational age <28 weeks, prolonged assisted ventilation, infectious pneumonia, and high FiO2, are independently associated with BPD. These findings suggest that monitoring these biomarkers and risk factors may warrant intensified clinical attention.

BackgroundCervical cancer, as the leading malignant tumor among women globally, underscores the critical need for early screening; however, effective models for predicting cervical lesions remain lacking.ObjectiveTo construct a predictive model for cervical intraepithelial neoplasia II+(CINII+), and to compare the predictive performance of machine learning models integrating thinprep cytologic test (TCT) + human papillomavirus (HPV) testing with clinical data versus TCT combined with traditional clinical data for CIN II+.MethodsClinical data from women undergoing cervical cancer screening at Linquan Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital (2020–2024) were collected, including TCT results, HPV status, cervical pathology, age, sexual history and other clinical data. Ten machine learning algorithms were applied to develop two predictive models: Model 1(TCT+HPV+clinical data) and Model 2(TCT+traditional clinical data). Model performance was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA).ResultsMultivariate logistic regression analysis showed that HPV positivity, TCT indicates High-Grade Squamous Intraepithelial Lesion(HSIL), colposcopy result indicates a high-grade lesion and the first age of pregnancy as predictors of CINII+. Model 1 (TCT+HPV+clinical data) demonstrated significantly higher predictive efficacy than Model 2(TCT+clinical data), the difference in AUC is statistically significant. (P=0.006 in training set; P=0.035 in testing set).ConclusionThe TCT+HPV-integrated model outperformed the TCT-only model in predicting CIN II+, supporting the incorporation of HPV testing into routine screening to enhance early diagnostic accuracy.

IntroductionInflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD), encompassing ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn’s disease (CD), is increasingly prevalent in China. Traditional treatments often have limited efficacy and safety, whereas molecular targeted therapies provide more precise and effective options with fewer adverse effects. The pathogenesis of IBD involves dysregulated inflammatory pathways including NF-κB, IL-23/Th17, and TGF-β. Major targeted therapies include TNF-α inhibitors, which are effective for induction and maintenance of remission (particularly when combined with immunomodulators), integrin antagonists, JAK inhibitors, limited IL-6 pathway inhibitors, and emerging agents targeting additional pathways. Biomarkers such as miR-21 and transcriptomic signatures support personalized treatment selection. Molecular targeted therapy has evolved from single-target strategies to multi-pathway modulation, improving clinical management. Nevertheless, challenges persist, including primary non-response, secondary loss of response, and safety risks. Further research is needed to refine sequencing strategies, integrate validated biomarkers into clinical practice, and optimize risk–benefit profiles.BackgroundThe global burden of IBD continues to rise, particularly in newly industrialized regions such as China, where urbanization and lifestyle changes have accelerated incidence rates. Conventional therapies—aminosalicylates, corticosteroids, and traditional immunomodulators—often fail to sustain long-term remission in moderate-to-severe cases and are associated with cumulative toxicities such as bone marrow suppression and organ injury, underscoring an urgent need for precision-based interventions. This review synthesizes recent advances in molecular targeted therapy for IBD, clarifies mechanisms underlying key targets, and evaluates the efficacy and safety of emerging agents to inform clinical decision-making and future research. We performed a comprehensive literature search (2014–2025) in PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library using keywords such as “inflammatory bowel disease,” “molecular targeted therapy,” “TNF inhibitors,” “JAK inhibitors,” and “biomarkers.” This search identified over 500 clinical trials, meta-analyses, and mechanistic studies. The evidence highlights the transformative role of targeted agents in increasing remission rates while revealing variability in response across patient subgroups and uncertainties regarding long-term safety. Core issues include optimizing therapeutic sequencing to prevent primary non-response and secondary loss of response, validating and integrating biomarkers (e.g., miR-21) for stratified treatment, and balancing efficacy of multi-pathway modulators against risks such as opportunistic infections and cardiovascular events.

Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) is a severe cerebrovascular condition posing complex clinical challenges, including poor neurological outcomes and high morbidity. Surgery remains the primary treatment, but reliable prognostic markers are still lacking, thus emphasizing the need for an effective predictive tool. This retrospective study analyzed 587 patients with ICH admitted to the Neurosurgery Department and Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (2015-2019). The collected data included demographics, radiological findings, preoperative and intraoperative parameters, and follow-up outcomes. The Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index (SIRI) was calculated to assess its prognostic value. Univariate analysis identified the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, systolic blood pressure, and blood volume as risk factors for postoperative complications. Logistic regression analysis revealed seven key predictors: surgery type, drug-resistant infection, paralysis, gastrointestinal bleeding, GCS score, activated partial thromboplastin time, and SIRI. A nomogram incorporating these factors was developed. Receiver-Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis showed high predictive accuracy (training set: Area Under the Curve (AUC) = 0.936, sensitivity = 87.5%, specificity = 87.0%, cut off = 0.573; validation set: AUC = 0.915, sensitivity = 79.8%, specificity = 90.4%, cut off = 0.768). Bootstrap validation confirmed the nomogram's robustness. Calibration curves demonstrated high consistency between predicted and actual outcomes. The Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed good model fit (training set: χ2 = 2.79, p = 0.95; validation set: χ2 = 6.65, p = 0.58). Decision curve analysis supported broad clinical applicability (threshold probabilities: training set 1%-99%, validation set 5%-97%). The SIRI is an independent risk factor for 28-day mortality. It can serve as a reliable prognostic indicator for patients with ICH who have undergone surgical treatment.

BackgroundAngiogenesis is a critical pathological process in vascular dementia (VD), yet current therapeutic strategies targeting this mechanism remain limited. Identifying novel molecular pathways involved in angiogenesis holds significant promise for advancing both diagnostic and therapeutic approaches for VD.MethodsWe first applied weighted gene coexpression network analysis (WGCNA) and differentially expressed gene (DEG) analysis, combined with phenotypic gene database mining, to identify angiogenesis-associated genes in VD. We then used the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) regression to select key diagnostic genes. The diagnostic efficacy of these genes was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, while their association with immune cell infiltration was assessed via xCell immunoinfiltration. Using single-nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq), we determined the cellular distribution of key genes and applied Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) to analyze functional pathways in the differentially expressed cell clusters. Finally, we validated gene expression changes in the hippocampus of bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO)-induced VD rats using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) and Western blot (WB).ResultsUltimately, we screened five key genes, namely, CCL2, VEGFA, SPP1, ANGPT2, and ANGPTL4, which were all downregulated in the BCCAO model. The results of snRNA-seq showed that key genes were mainly clustered in microglia, endothelial cells, and astrocytes. Microglia, endothelial cells, and astrocytes play a key role in regulating angiogenesis.ConclusionThese five key genes might be used as angiogenesis diagnostic genes for VD and might be novel potential targets for diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Limited information is available on malpractice claims against obstetricians and gynecologists in China. This study identifies risk factors associated with malpractice and explores the correlation between the hospital characteristics and medical errors in obstetrics and gynecology. This observational study analyzed all obstetric and gynecologic malpractice claims submitted to the Chinese Medical Association (CMA) from 2016 to 2023. Data were extracted from the CMA appraisal reports, including hospital type (general or specialized), tier (primary, secondary, or tertiary), ownership (public or private), primary department involved (obstetrics or gynecology), and detailed case characteristics. Malpractice claims were categorized by the type of medical error. Univariate and multivariate analyses were conducted to assess associations between medical errors and personal, administrative, and professional factors. Among the 3,719 cases evaluated by the CMA, 3,676 were confirmed as malpractice. Nonfatal disability occurred in 1,339 cases (36.4%), and death occurred in 735 cases (20.0%). Specialized hospitals had a lower risk of malpractice-related death compared with general hospitals (odds ratio [OR] = 0.785; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.637-0.967). Private hospitals showed a reduced risk of severe nonfatal disability compared to public hospitals (OR 0.572; 95% CI 0.361-0.907). Secondary and tertiary hospitals were associated with a higher risk of severe nonfatal disability (OR 1.698 and 1.835, respectively; 95% CI 1.084-2.658 and 1.121-3.004) but a lower risk of primary liability compared with primary hospitals (OR 0.783 and 0.527; 95% CI 0.635-0.965 and 0.419-0.664). Compared with gynecology departments, obstetric cases presented a higher risk of malpractice-related death (2.866; 2.347-3.501) but a lower risk of primary liability (0.643; 0.559-0.740). Compared with public hospitals, private hospitals had more credential-related errors but fewer issues with informed consent and documentation. Obstetric cases more often involved errors in procedural timing, monitoring, and evaluation, whereas gynecologic cases had a higher frequency of surgical process errors (all P < 0.001). This study provides the first nationwide analysis of obstetric and gynecologic malpractice claims in China. Strengthening grassroots and private hospitals and refining the hierarchical medical system may improve patient safety and healthcare sustainability. Not available.

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify potential categories of negative body image among adolescent orthodontic patients and further examine the relationship between these categories and sleep quality.To provide evidence for clinical psychological intervention.MethodsA total of 322 adolescent orthodontic patients were randomly selected from six stomatological hospitals in Jiangsu and Zhejiang provinces, China, between June 2024 and February 2025. A field survey was conducted using a general information questionnaire, the Sociocultural Attitudes Towards Appearance Questionnaire-4 (SATAQ-4R), the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the Body Image Scale (BISS). Data were analyzed using latent profile analysis, χ2 tests, and logistic regression.ResultsOf the 322 surveys distributed, 311 valid responses were collected, yielding an effective response rate of 96.58%. The average body image score was 29.36 ± 6.13. Latent profile analysis identified three categories of body image: self-acceptance (11.90%, 37 cases), self-negative (60.77%, 189 cases), and self-critical (27.33%, 85 cases). χ2 tests revealed significant differences related to gender, being an only child, education level, BMI, and SATAQ-4R scores (P < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis indicated that female gender, self-negative, and self-critical body image types were significant risk factors for poor sleep quality in this population (P < 0.05).ConclusionsAdolescent orthodontic patients exhibit heterogeneous body image perceptions, with negative body image serving as a risk factor for poor sleep quality. Clinical attention should be paid to female and adolescent orthodontic patients with higher appearance anxiety or peer pressure. Early psychological assessment and combined orthodontic-psychological intervention should be used to help improve their body image cognition and sleep quality.​.

BackgroundKruppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) is involved in the development of osteoarthritis (OA), which is a chronic joint disorder. However, the pathogenesis of OA remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between KLF9 and the pathogenesis of OA.MethodsKLF9 expression in the Gene Expression Omnibus database was analyzed, and the most significantly upregulated and downregulated genes were visualized using a volcano map. Analyses were performed using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes to determine the most significantly changed genes. Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) was applied to CHON-001 cells and human synovial cells (HSyCs) to establish an OA in vitro cell model. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were conducted to evaluate the expressions of KLF9 and cell death genes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was conducted to examine IL-1β, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). IL-1β induced CHON-001 cells; HSyCs were transfected with KLF9 overexpression (OE); and ELISA was conducted to examine IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. An inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) was used, and its effects on CHON-001 cells and HSyC were examined.ResultsKLF9 was one of the most significantly downregulated genes during OA development. KLF9 was downregulated in IL-1β-treated CHON-001 cells and HSyCs. IL-1β induced the significant upregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α and increased cell death in CHON-001 cells and HSyCs. KLF9 OE partially mitigated the effects of IL-1β and markedly attenuated the IL-1β-induced upregulation of TNF-α and IL-6. IL-1β treatment significantly upregulated B-cell lymphoma 2–associated X protein (Bax) and Caspase-3 and downregulated B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) on both messenger ribonucleic acid and protein levels, and KLF9 OE mitigated the effects of IL-1β. IL-1β decreased the levels of type II collagen and aggrecan, whereas KLF9 OE increased the levels of type II collagen and aggrecan. An NF-κB inhibitor could partially abrogate the KLF9-induced effects on Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. The NF-κB inhibitor also reversed the KLF9 OE–induced increase in the levels of type II collagen and aggrecan.ConclusionsKLF9 mitigated the IL-1β-induced inflammatory condition via the NF-κB pathway.

PurposeTo evaluate the effect of combining the Manchester Pain Management Model (MPMM) with the enabling education model as a comprehensive intervention in maternal rehabilitation after cesarean section.MethodsA total of 120 women who underwent cesarean section in our hospital from June 2021 to June 2023 were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 60 cases in each group. The control group received standard nursing measures, while the observation group received comprehensive nursing measures combined with Manchester pain management and enabling education model. A rigorous randomized controlled trial design was employed. Data were analyzed using independent t-tests for continuous variables and chi-square tests for categorical variables, with a significance level set at P < 0.05. Postoperative pain degree (VAS score), postoperative recovery indicators, and nursing satisfaction scores were compared between the two groups.ResultsThe pain scores at 4 hours, 12 hours and 24 hours after surgery, the first independent time out of bed activity, the first time to exhaust gas and the length of hospital stay in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05), and the success rate of the first breastfeeding and nursing satisfaction were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.01).ConclusionThe combined intervention of the Manchester pain management model and empowerment education significantly improved postoperative pain control, accelerated physiological recovery, and increased overall satisfaction with nursing care. This model may provide an effective new method for rehabilitation management after clinical cesarean section.