Latest ArticlesHorticultural therapy (HT), a widely adopted non-pharmacological intervention, mitigates depressive symptoms among older adults. Given China’s aging population, examining the effect of HT on depressive symptoms among older adults in nursing homes is of practical significance.
Based on three-wave longitudinal panel data from 2022 to 2024 among older adults in Shanghai J Nursing Group facilities, propensity score matching was employed to control for confounding variables and analyze the mechanism of HT’s effect on depressive symptoms among older adults in nursing homes.
HT had a significant predictive effect on depressive symptoms among older adults in nursing homes (β=-1.582, P<0.001). Psychological resilience partially mediated the relationship between HT and depressive symptoms (β=-0.501, 95% CI: -0.772~-0.287), accounting for 31.7% of the total effect. Sleep quality moderated the impact of HT on psychological resilience (β=0.077, P<0.05).
Government departments should promote the integration of HT into standard elderly care protocols and establish a combined model focusing on horticultural therapy, psychological resilience, and sleep health management to improve psychological well-being among older adults in nursing homes.
To explore the mediating role of health empowerment in the relationship between emotional resilience and health-promoting behaviors in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF), and to provide a basis for developing targeted rehabilitation interventions.
A total of 235 CHF patients admitted to the Department of Emergency Medicine and the Department of Cardiology of Wuhan First Hospital from January 2022 to January 2025 were selected. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 220 patients were finally included. They were surveyed using the General Information Questionnaire, the Emotional Resilience Scale, the Health Empowerment Scale for Elderly Patients with Chronic Diseases, and the Health-Promoting Lifestyle Profile (HPLP). Partial correlation analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0, and the mediating effect was tested using the macro program Process 4.2.
All 220 CHF patients were included. The scores for emotional resilience, health empowerment, and health-promoting behaviors were 36.41±5.39, 91.89±9.32, and 110.21±7.62, respectively. Partial correlation analysis showed that emotional resilience was positively correlated with health empowerment (r=0.233, P<0.001) and health-promoting behaviors (r=0.399, P<0.001). Health empowerment was also positively correlated with health-promoting behaviors (r=0.439, P<0.001). The mediation analysis results indicated that emotional resilience had a significant positive effect on health empowerment (β=0.402, t=3.535, P<0.05) and on health-promoting behaviors (β=0.564, t=6.428, P<0.001). After adding health empowerment, emotional resilience still exerted a significant positive effect on health-promoting behaviors (β=0.444, t=5.323, P<0.001). Further verification using the Bootstrap method showed that the direct effect of emotional resilience on health-promoting behaviors accounted for 78.7% (95% CI: 0.280-0.608) of the total effect, while the indirect effect accounted for 21.3% (95% CI: 0.046-0.214).
Emotional resilience can directly affect health-promoting behaviors in CHF patients and can also indirectly affect them through health empowerment, so improving patients’ emotions and health empowerment may have a better effect on patients’ health-promoting behaviors.
To establish a one-tube assay based on reverse transcription recombinase polymerase amplification (RT-RPA) and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats and CRISPR-associated protein system (CRISPR/Cas12a) (OTRRC).
An OTRRC-based detection workflow for influenza A H1N1 virus was established and optimized. According to different signal readout modes, two detection formats were developed, including fluorescence-based detection (OTRRC-FD) and lateral flow immunoassay-based detection (OTRRC-LFIA). The sensitivity and specificity of both methods were systematically evaluated using plasmids and pseudoviruses as templates, followed by validation using clinical samples.
The OTRRC-FD method detected as low as 2.8×10-1 copies/μl of standard plasmid template within 20 min and 1.71×100 copies/μl of pseudovirus template within 30 min. The OTRRC-LFIA method detected 101 copies/μl of standard plasmid template within 25 min and 101 copies/μl of pseudovirus template within 35 min. No cross-reactivity was observed with SARS-CoV-2, IBV-Victoria or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In clinical sample testing, the sensitivities of the OTRRC-FD and OTRRC-LFIA methods were 95% and 90%, respectively, with a specificity of 100% for both methods. The agreements with real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were 97.19% for OTRRC-FD and 94.56% for OTRRC-LFIA.
In this study, an OTRRC method for the detection of influenza A H1N1 virus was successfully established, and visual readout was achieved using lateral flow strips. This method features rapid detection, high sensitivity, and good specificity, and demonstrated favorable applicability in clinical sample testing. The detection results showed good agreement with the gold standard RT-qPCR, highlighting the potential of this assay as an efficient point-of-care testing (POCT) tool.
To analyze and compare the Salmonella serotyping methods based on multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction (multiplex qPCR) and whole-genome sequencing (WGS), and to evaluate the serotyping capability and application scenarios of each method.
A total of 242 Salmonella strains isolated in our province, covering 96 serotypes, were subjected to whole-genome sequencing. The serotypes of these strains were predicted using SeqSero2 and SISTR, followed by a concordance analysis of the results. Meanwhile, multiplex qPCR was employed for the identification of each serotype, so as to assess the accuracy and applicability of this method.
Three methods were used to detect 96 Salmonella serovars. The overall concordance rates of SeqSero2 and SISTR were both 87.50% (84/96), which were significantly higher than that of multiplex qPCR (52.08%, 50/96). For the 242 Salmonella strains, the discordance rates of SeqSero2 and SISTR were 2.48% (6/242) and 7.85% (19/242), respectively. The multiplex qPCR method could only accurately distinguish common serotypes. The main reasons for the discordance of the SeqSero2 method included the deletion or error of O antigen genes. The main reasons for partial concordance were the interference from the similarity of H antigen alleles and the inability to distinguish some serovars in the C2 serogroup that differ only in the O6 antigen. The main reasons for the discordance of the SISTR method were cgMLST cluster misclassification, O antigen gene deletion, and the inability to distinguish monophasic variant strains.
The WGS-based serotyping method exhibits high accuracy and can replace the traditional serum agglutination test for Salmonella serotyping in numerous application scenarios. Although the multiplex qPCR method has limitations with a lower concordance rate than WGS-based methods, it features a short detection time and can accurately identify common serotypes, thus being suitable for emergency rapid detection.
To investigate the characteristics of the molecular transmission network among newly reported human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) cases in Qingbaijiang District of Chengdu from 2022 to 2024, and to provide guidance for local HIV/AIDS prevention and control.
A total of 283 anticoagulated blood samples and demographic information from newly reported HIV-1 cases in Qingbaijiang District from 2022 to 2024 were collected. The HIV-1 pol region gene sequences were amplified by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and nested PCR, followed by sequencing. A molecular network was constructed based on a genetic distance threshold of 1.5%. The patterns of the molecular transmission network were analyzed, and binary logistic regression was used to analyze factors influencing entry into the network.
A total of 277 valid sequences were obtained. Nine genetic subtypes were identified, with CRF07_BC (197 cases, 71.11%) and CRF01_AE (63 cases, 22.74%) being predominant. Under a genetic distance threshold of 1.5%, the network entry rate was 50.18% (139/277), forming 33 molecular clusters, with the number of cases in each cluster ranging from 2 to 16. Multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that individuals aged ≥50 years (OR=44.138, 95% CI: 4.474-435.459), and those infected with CRF01_AE (OR=10.434, 95% CI: 1.981-54.966) or CRF07_BC (OR=10.371, 95% CI: 2.078-51.760) subtypes were more likely to be included in the network (P<0.05). High-risk infected individuals (degree ≥4) exhibited significant differences across various occupations, education levels, genetic subtypes, and current residences (P<0.05), and those residing in FH Town (OR=44.138, 95% CI: 4.474-435.459) had a significantly higher risk.
Among newly reported HIV-1 infections in Qingbaijiang District, the predominant genetic subtypes were CRF07_BC and CRF01_AE. Individuals infected with CRF01_AE or CRF07_BC subtypes and aged ≥50 years were more likely to enter the molecular transmission network. Certain townships showed a higher transmission risk among infected individuals. Therefore, it is recommended to establish a molecular transmission network for long-term surveillance in the region and implement targeted interventions in key towns/streets and among high-risk populations to curb the spread of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
Based on social ecosystem theory (SET), this study investigated parents’ willingness to vaccinate their children with non-expanded program on immunization (non-EPI) vaccines and its influencing factors.
In August 2024, a cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-designed questionnaire based on the core framework of SET through an online questionnaire to assess the willingness of parents in Chengdu to vaccinate children aged 0-6 years with non-EPI vaccines. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was employed to identify factors influencing willingness to vaccinate children with non-EPI vaccines.
A total of 3 448 valid questionnaires were collected, with 46.1% of parents expressing willingness to vaccinate children with non-EPI vaccines. At the micro level, perceived benefits were positively associated with parental willingness to vaccinate their children with non-EPI vaccines (OR=2.60, 95% CI: 2.20-3.07), while risk underestimation was negatively associated with parental willingness (OR=0.68, 95% CI: 0.58-0.79). At the meso level, favorable economic conditions (OR=1.25, 95% CI: 1.07-1.46), good vaccine service accessibility (OR=2.70, 95% CI: 2.31-3.15), and peer recommendations (OR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.11-1.52) were positively associated with parental willingness. Conversely, healthcare workers’ recommendations were negatively associated with parental willingness (OR=0.82, 95% CI: 0.69-0.97). At the macro level, trust in media reports of vaccine-related negative news was negatively associated with parental willingness (OR=0.79, 95% CI: 0.68-0.92), while preferential vaccination policies were positively associated with parental willingness (OR=2.13, 95% CI: 1.75-2.60).
Parents’ willingness to vaccinate children with non-EPI vaccines is influenced by factors at micro, meso and macro levels. Future interventions aimed at increasing vaccination rates for non-EPI vaccines should consider multi-level coordinated interventions.
To evaluate the incidence of adverse reactions in age-eligible people after post-marketing vaccination with the groups A, C, Y, and W135 meningococcal polysaccharide conjugate vaccine (MPCV-ACYW135).
Individuals who received MPCV-ACYW135 vaccination were recruited in Luohu District, Shenzhen. Active surveillance was conducted to collect adverse reactions occurring within 0-30 days after vaccination, and the incidence of adverse reactions was analyzed.
A total of 468 participants were enrolled. The overall incidence of adverse reactions post-vaccination was 25.64%. The incidences of local reactions and systemic reactions were 12.39% and 18.38% (χ2=23.356, P<0.001), respectively. The overall incidences of grade 1, 2, and 3 adverse reactions were 14.53%, 10.68%, and 0.43% (χ2=63.639, P<0.001), and no grade 4 adverse reactions were observed. The incidences of adverse reactions at <30 minutes and 30 minutes - 24 hours after vaccination were 7.69% and 17.95% (χ2=97.099, P<0.001).
The incidence of adverse reactions within 30 days after MPCV-ACYW135 vaccination in the study population was consistent with the results of pre-marketing clinical trials. Adverse reactions were mainly mild to moderate, and most occurred within 24 hours after vaccination, indicating that the vaccine has good safety.
To explore the association between different complete blood count (CBC)-derived inflammation indices and the risk of osteoporotic fracture.
A retrospective analysis was performed based on clinical data from 3 560 patients hospitalized in the Department of Osteoporosis at West China Fourth Hospital, Sichuan University. Based on the presence or absence of osteoporotic fracture, the patients were classified into cases and controls. Binary logistic regression, restricted cubic splines, and subgroup analyses were employed to examine the associations of neutrophil / lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte /lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet/lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the product of platelet count and neutrophil count (PPN), systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), aggregate index of systemic inflammation (AISI) and systemic inflammatory response index (SIRI) with fracture. The performance of the model was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve.
Levels of NLR, MLR, SII, AISI, and SIRI were higher in the case group compared to the control group (P<0.05). After adjusting for age, sex, BMI, bone density, diabetes, coronary heart disease, hypertension and C-reactive protein (CRP), PPN was negatively associated with osteoporotic fracture risk (OR=0.93, 95% CI: 0.86-1.00). Subgroup analysis revealed that the negative association between PPN and osteoporotic fracture was predominantly observed in women and non-diabetic patients. Among patients with diabetes, MLR (OR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.15-1.88), NLR (OR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.00-1.54), and SIRI (OR=1.37, 95% CI: 1.07-1.74) were significantly positively correlated with osteoporotic fracture risk. The incorporation of MLR, NLR, and SIRI into the traditional risk factor model significantly improved its discriminatory ability.
Elevated PPN levels are associated with a reduced fracture risk in patients with osteoporosis, suggesting that PPN may be a potential protective factor. Among patients with comorbid diabetes, NLR, MLR, and SIRI were significant risk factors and provided valuable incremental information, improving the discriminative ability of the model. This study suggests that CBC-derived inflammation indices can serve as a useful supplement for fracture risk assessment and assist in the early identification and stratification of high-risk populations.
Health Statistics, a core tool for developing research skills, is a methodological course for undergraduate medical students. Poor student engagement and a gap between theoretical content and clinical practice have long challenged instructors and students. To enhance students’ understanding of statistical concepts and their ability to apply the methods in clinical research, Sichuan University West China School of Medicine and West China School of Public Health implemented a hybrid partially-flipped classroom model integrating in-class theoretical instruction with case-based practice, facilitated by co-teaching combining clinical and statistics faculty. Specifically, clinical and statistics faculty co-taught using cases derived from simulated data and real-world clinical scenarios, aiming to bridge the gap between abstract statistical knowledge and practice. This hybrid learning model proved feasible in practice and was widely accepted by students.
To optimize the undergraduate talent cultivation model for public health in local medical colleges and universities, so as to provide practical solutions for enhancing professional identity and cultivating application-oriented talents.
A survey was carried out among undergraduates majoring in preventive medicine from the 2018 to 2024 grades of our university, as well as public health service institutions and educational institutions. The influencing factors of students’ professional identity were analyzed, and the effect of the optimized talent cultivation model on improving professional identity was evaluated.
Preventive medicine students with higher grades (P=0.013), non-first-choice majors (P=0.007), poor academic performance (P=0.018), low satisfaction with curriculum content arrangement (P=0.001), low satisfaction with teachers’ teaching quality (P=0.027), low satisfaction with the academic performance evaluation system (P=0.017), and low evaluation of salary (P=0.003) had a relatively low level of professional identity. A “Five-Dimension Integrated” training model for public health talents was constructed. Through the implementation of reforms such as optimizing talent training objectives, improving curriculum system design, enhancing teaching methods, perfecting the quality assessment system, and refining the continuous improvement mechanism, the overall average score of students’ professional identity increased to 3.35±0.65 points.
After the reform, the professional identity of undergraduates majoring in preventive medicine reached a moderate level. The “Five-Dimension Integrated” public health talent training model is conducive to improving students’ professional identity.