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    20 November 2025, Volume 40 Issue 11
    Effect of aromatherapy on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and quality of life in the elderly with dementia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
    Chen Ziqiong, Kang Yahong, Liu Fang, Chen Qiuhua
    2025, 40(11):  965-972.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.001
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    Objective To systematically evaluate the effect of aromatherapy on behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and quality of life in the elderly with dementia. Methods Randomized controlled trials investigating aromatherapy interventions for the elderly with dementia were retrieved by searching Chinese and international literature databases. The Cochrane Risk of Bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality of the included studies. Primary outcome measures were explored by a meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software. Results A total of 14 studies involving 730 elderly patients with dementia were included. The meta-analysis showed significant differences in the following outcomes: the Neuropsychiatric Inventory score (MD=-5.96, 95%CI=-10.02, -1.90, P=0.004), the Cohen-Mansfield Agitation Inventory score (MD=-6.13, 95%CI=-11.13, -1.14, P=0.02), and the Quality of Life in Alzheimer's Disease score (MD=1.83, 95%CI=0.36, 3.31, P=0.02)(all P<0.05). Conclusion Current evidence indicates that aromatherapy can effectively improve behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia and quality of life in elderly patients with dementia, with a high safety profile.

    Analysis of factors influencing extracorporeal membrane oxygenation combined with intra-aortic balloon pump in the treatment of cardiac shock
    Shi Huili, Wang Peipei, Ma Dongpu, Yang Yanpeng
    2025, 40(11):  973-977.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.002
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    Objective To investigate the factors influencing the success of rescue using extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) combined with an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) in patients with cardiogenic shock (CS). Methods A total of 40 CS patients who received veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) combined with IABP for cardiopulmonary support during rescue in the Cardiac Care Unit of Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University between December 2018 and December 2023 were selected. Based on rescue outcomes, patients were divided into the survival group (n=17) and the death group (n=23). Clinical data of both groups were collected and analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to explore the factors influencing the successful rescue. Results Patients in the survival group had significantly lower age, lactate levels, time to restoration of spontaneous rhythm, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels on admission compared to the death group (P<0.05). The primary disease was resolved in 100% of patients in the survival group and 21.7% in the death group, showing a significant difference (P<0.05). No significant differences were found between the two groups in the proportion of malignant arrhythmias occurring during rescue and the worst left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) levels during hospitalization (P>0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that longer time to restore spontaneous rhythm, higher maximum lactic acid in blood gas analysis and older age predicted a higher risk of death(P<0.05,OR>1). The higher minimum standard residual base and higher minimum pH in blood gas analysis predicted a lower risk of death (P<0.05, OR<1). Conclusion When using ECMO combined with IABP to rescue CS patients, timely resolution of the primary disease may be key to successful rescue. Shortening the time to restore spontaneous rhythm and maintaining internal homeostasis may be important components of successful rescue.

    Association between the De Ritis ratio and 28-day mortality in patients with cerebrovascular accident: A MIMIC-Ⅳ database analysis
    Ren Dezhi, Xu Siyao, Wang Shuai, Duan Jun
    2025, 40(11):  978-987.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.003
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    Objective To evaluate the association between the aspartate transaminase (AST)/alanine transaminase (ALT) (De Ritis) ratio and 28-day mortality in patients with cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and to assess its predictive value across clinical subgroups. Methods We performed a retrospective cohort study using the MIMICIV database (2008-2019). From 6, 165 stroke admissions identified by ICD codes I60, I63, and I69, 1, 674 patients were retained after excluding cases with excessive missing data. Missing values were imputed by mean substitution; variables with >20% missingness were excluded. Candidate predictors were selected using LASSO regression. A multivariable Cox proportional hazards model-including restricted cubic splines to evaluate nonlinearity-was used to estimate the association between the De Ritis ratio and 28-day mortality, adjusting for potential confounders such as Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA)/Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHE Ⅱ) scores, organ support measures, and relevant biomarkers. Model discrimination and calibration were assessed using ROC-AUC and calibration plots. Preplanned subgroup analyses explored effect modification by comorbidities. Results The De Ritis ratio was an independent predictor of 28-day mortality. KaplanMeier analysis showed significantly lower survival in the highest quartile (Q4) compared with lower quartiles (P<0.01). In univariate Cox models, mortality risk increased with higher De Ritis quartiles (Q3: HR=2.073, 95%CI: 1.477-2.91; Q4: HR=2.066, 95%CI: 1.452-2.939; both P<0.01). The multivariable model retained the De Ritis ratio as an independent predictor and achieved an AUC of 0.764. Restricted cubic spline analysis identified an inflection point at a De Ritis ratio of approximately 2: Risk increased with rising ratio up to 2, while the relationship beyond 2 was less consistent. Decision curve analysis demonstrated clinical net benefit across a wide range of threshold probabilities. Subgroup analyses indicated stronger predictive value in older patients and in those without acute kidney injury, cirrhosis, or coronary artery disease. Conclusion The De Ritis (AST/ALT) ratio is a promising prognostic biomarker for stroke. It may help clinicians better estimate shortterm mortality risk, inform treatment decisions, and ultimately improve patient outcomes.

    Development and validation of a machine learning-based prognostic model for H3K27 mmutant diffuse midline glioma
    Wang Zhuangzhuang, Yang Qingjun, Ren Huan, Liu Yanting, Tian Chunlei
    2025, 40(11):  988-998.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.004
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    Objective To identify prognostic factors for H3K27 mmutant diffuse midline glioma (DMG) and to develop and validate a nomogram for predicting poor prognosis. Methods Patients with histologically confirmed H3K27Mmutant DMG recorded in the Surveillance Epidemiology and End Results database from 2000 to 2019 were retrospectively included. Cases were randomly split into a training set (n=97) and a validation set (n=41) at a 7:3 ratio. Candidate variables were screened by four machinelearning approaches-extreme gradient boosting random forest, least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression, and decision tree. Multivariate Cox regression models were then used to develop predictive models. Risk factors identified by multiple methods were further tested by multivariate Cox regression to confirm independent prognostic value. A nomogram to predict 6, 12, and 18month overall survival was constructed from the independently significant predictors. Model discrimination, calibration, and clinical utility were evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Survival differences were assessed by Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results The four machinelearning methods produced overlapping but not identical sets of candidate predictors; five variables overlapped across methods: Age, tumor size, WHO grade, laterality, and radiation. Multivariate Cox regression identified four independent adverse prognostic factors: Age >60 years (HR=3.018; 95%CI: 1.15-7.92; P=0.025), larger tumor size (per unit increase) (HR=1.039; 95%CI: 1.01-1.06; P=0.004), higher WHO grade (HR=2.057; 95%CI: 1.21-3.49; P=0.008), and midline location (HR=2.101; 95%CI: 1.32-3.34; P=0.002). Radiotherapy was independently associated with improved survival (protective effect: HR=0.410; 95%CI: 0.23-0.75; P=0.004). The nomogram incorporating these factors demonstrated AUCs for 6, 12, and 18 month OS of 0.647, 0.746, and 0.625 in the training set and 0.632, 0.725, and 0.725 in the validation set, respectively, indicating acceptable discrimination. Calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted and observed survival probabilities, and DCA indicated favorable clinical utility. Conclusion A nomogram developed from machine learning-selected predictors reliably estimates shortterm OS in patients with H3K27 mmutant DMG. This model may help clinicians identify highrisk patients and tailor individualized treatment strategies.

    Association between exogenous insulin autoimmune syndrome and diabetic kidney disease
    Ruan Peng, Tayyaba Khan, Zhang Nenghan, Zhang Chunyan, Han Tuo, Wang Congxia
    2025, 40(11):  999-1005.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.005
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    Objective To evaluate the association between exogenous insulin autoimmune syndrome (EIAS) and renal dysfunction in patients with diabetes mellitus. Methods We consecutively enrolled patients with diabetes mellitus admitted to the Department of Endocrinology between June 2023 and March 2024 who underwent insulin autoantibody (IAA) testing. Participants were stratified into an EIAS group (IAA-positive) and a control group (IAA-negative). Clinical characteristics and urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (ACR) were compared between groups. Patients were further categorized by albuminuria severity (ACR threshold of 30 mg/g). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression models were used to assess the relationship between EIAS and elevated ACR. Results Among 115 eligible patients, 36 (31.3%) met the diagnostic criteria for EIAS. Compared with controls, EIAS patients exhibited distinct clinical profiles: Older age, longer diabetes duration, higher daily insulin requirements, and preferential use of insulin aspart or premixed human insulin formulations (all P<0.05). EIAS patients exhibited lower fasting plasma glucose and HbA1c but higher fasting and 2-h postprandial insulin concentrations and an elevated HOMA IR (all P<0.05). In univariable logistic regression, EIAS was significantly associated with elevated ACR (OR=2.70; 95%CI: 1.20-6.60; P=0.016). However, after adjustment for age, diabetes duration, insulin dose, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), fasting glucose, fasting insulin, and HbA1c, this association was attenuated and lost statistical significance (adjusted OR=2.89; 95%CI: 0.95-8.79; P=0.062). Conclusion Diabetes mellitus patients with concomitant EIAS are more likely to experience marked glycemic variability, increased insulin resistance, and more advanced renal impairment. Clinicians should therefore be vigilant in screening for EIAS and actively manage affected patients.

    Relationship between 1H-MRS-detected neurometabolic markers and psychiatric symptoms in first-episode schizophrenia
    Wang Na, Tao Junwei, He Lei, Lin Yazhou
    2025, 40(11):  1006-1011.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.006
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    Objective To investigate the relationship between proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1HMRS)-derived neurometabolic markers and psychiatric symptoms in patients with firstepisode schizophrenia (FES), with the aim of informing more accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment. Methods We prospectively enrolled 128 consecutive FES patients admitted to Zhumadian Second People's Hospital from April 2023 to March 2025. Patients were classified at enrollment as medicated (n=97) or unmedicated (n=31). 1HMRS was used to measure regional metabolite ratios—Nacetylaspartate/creatine (NAA/Cr), choline/creatine (Cho/Cr), and glutamate/creatine (Glu/Cr)-in the anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex. Psychiatric symptoms were assessed with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS). Pearson correlation analysis examined relationships between metabolite ratios and PANSS subscores. Results Compared with the medicated group, the unmedicated group exhibited significantly lower NAA/Cr in the bilateral anterior cingulate and prefrontal cortices, higher Cho/Cr in the bilateral thalami, and higher Glu/Cr in the bilateral prefrontal cortex (all P<0.05). The unmedicated group also had significantly higher PANSS positive, negative, and general psychopathology scores (P<0.05). Correlation analyses revealed region and metabolitespecific associations with symptom domains: Left anterior cingulate: NAA/Cr was negatively correlated with positive, negative, and general psychopathology scores; Cho/Cr was positively correlated with positive symptoms; Glu/Cr was negatively correlated with negative symptoms (all P<0.05). Right anterior cingulate: NAA/Cr was negatively correlated with positive symptom scores only (P<0.05). Thalamus: Bilateral NAA/Cr was negatively correlated with negative symptom scores, while bilateral Cho/Cr correlated positively with positive symptoms. Bilateral Glu/Cr correlated positively with both positive symptoms and general psychopathology (all P<0.05). Prefrontal cortex: Bilateral NAA/Cr and Glu/Cr were negatively correlated with negative symptom scores (P<0.05). No significant correlations were observed between Cho/Cr and negative symptom scores (P>0.05). Conclusion In FES, NAA/Cr, Cho/Cr, and Glu/Cr ratios in the anterior cingulate cortex, thalamus, and prefrontal cortex correlate with psychiatric symptoms and may provide novel biomarkers for precise diagnosis and treatment.

    Clinical observation of olanzapine combined with risperidone for negative symptoms and social function in patients with schizophrenia
    Zhuang Xiaoyong, Jiang Kunhong, Sun Qimei, Zhang Xiaomei, Huang Jingliang
    2025, 40(11):  1012-1015.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.007
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    Objective To evaluate the effects of olanzapine combined with risperidone on negative symptoms and social function in patients with schizophrenia. Methods Eighty patients with schizophrenia treated at Sanming City Taijiang Hospital from January 2023 to January 2025 were randomized into a control group (n=40; olanzapine alone) and an observation group (n=40; olanzapine plus risperidone). The aim was to compare the scores of Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS), Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms (SANS), Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), Social Functioning Scale for Inpatients with Psychosis (SSFPI), overall treatment efficacy, and adverse reactions. Results After treatment, the observation group had significantly lower BPRS and SANS scores than the control group (P<0.05). The observation group also showed significantly higher MMSE and SSFPI scores and a higher overall treatment response rate compared with the control group (P<0.05). Incidence of adverse reactions did not differ significantly between groups (P>0.05).Conclusion Combined therapy with olanzapine and risperidone produced greater improvements in negative symptoms and social function than olanzapine monotherapy, with a comparable safety profile, thus suitable for promotion.

    Tocilizumab enables glucocorticoid reduction in refractory adult-onset Still’s disease: A case report and literature review
    Luo Lunju, Deng Yiyao, Li Zhengsheng, Xue Qiuling, Zha Yan, Yuan Jing
    2025, 40(11):  1016-1021.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.008
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    Objective To investigate the clinical features, diagnostic challenges, and treatment approaches for refractory adultonset Still’s disease (AOSD). Methods We performed a retrospective analysis of a patient with AOSD complicated by macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) and acute liver failure (ALF), evaluating the clinical response to tocilizumab, an interleukin6 (IL6) receptor antagonist. Relevant literature was reviewed to contextualize the findings. Results A 24-year-old female with AOSD progressed to MAS (HScore 329) and ALF despite highdose corticosteroid therapy. Treatment with tocilizumab combined with plasma exchange led to rapid normalization of body temperature, marked improvement in liver function, and substantial reductions in inflammatory markers. Conclusion This case demonstrates that tocilizumab can induce rapid remission in refractory AOSD complicated by MAS or ALF and facilitate tapering of glucocorticoids; however, its longterm safety in this setting require further study.

    Diagnosis of moyamoya disease by carotid ultrasound: Two cases and literature review
    Li Zhiyong, Li Xing
    2025, 40(11):  1022-1026.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.009
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    Objective To summarize diagnostic and differentialdiagnostic approaches for initial detection of moyamoya disease (MMD) using carotid ultrasound (CAU). Methods We report two patients who were first diagnosed with MMD by CAU and summarize the diagnostic reasoning and differential considerations. Relevant literature was reviewed to contextualize these findings. Results Case 1: A 57-year-old female presented with a >10 year history of dizziness and headache with recurrence over 3 days. CAU showed a reduced diameter of the left internal carotid artery (ICA), decreased flow velocity, and a lower resistance index, raising suspicion for severe intracranial stenosis or occlusion and prompting clinical exclusion of MMD. Magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) confirmed severe stenosis of the left ICA with absent distal branches and multiple small abnormal vascular networks in the left suprasellar region, consistent with MMD. Case 2: A 23-year-old male presented with dizziness for >1 year and transient right upperlimb weakness for 1 day. CAU and transcranial color Doppler (TCCD) showed a narrowed right ICA with reduced flow velocity and increased resistance index, suggesting chronic occlusion of the right middle cerebral artery and stenosis of the left middle cerebral artery, raising the possibility of MMD. MRA demonstrated an indistinct right ICA and right middle cerebral artery and narrowing of the left middle cerebral artery. On followup, the patient was diagnosed with MMD. Conclusion When CAU reveals a small internal carotid artery diameter accompanied by slowed flow velocity, clinicians should perform a comprehensive evaluation-including TCCD and further vascular imaging-to avoid missed or incorrect diagnoses of MMD.

    Clinical features of two cases of pediatric papillorenal syndrome and literature review
    Liu Jing, Li Haixin, Zhao Yinxia
    2025, 40(11):  1027-1030.  doi:10.3969/j.issn.1004-583X.2025.11.010
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    Objective To explore the clinical features and prognosis of pediatric papillorenal syndrome (PRS). Methods The clinical data and genetic testing results of two children with PRS admitted to the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University were analyzed retrospectively. Relevant literatures about pediatric PRS were retrieved and reviewed from the PubMed database, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), and Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform. Results The two girls with PRS presented growth retardation shortly after birth. They developed unexplained renal insufficiency in early childhood, and rapidly progressed to end-stage renal disease, accompanied by persistent proteinuria. Renal color Doppler ultrasound showed renal atrophy and renal cysts, and renal biopsy pathology indicated focal segmental glomerulosclerosis. Fundus examination revealed optic dysplasia. Next-generation sequencing detected a mutation in the P A X 2 gene. Conclusion For children with unexplained renal insufficiency and ocular dysplasia in infancy, active improvement of genetic testing is helpful for the diagnosis, monitoring, and treatment of PRS.