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Objective To evaluate safety and efficacy of linaclotide combined with polyethylene glycol(PEG)for bowel preparation.Methods A total of 612 patients from Department of Gastroenterology at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University for colonoscopy examination from January to June 2023 were selected.They were divided into group 1(1 L PEG+2 L PEG),group 2(linaclotide+2 L PEG)and group 3(1 L PEG+linaclotide+1 L PEG)by random number table method,with 204 cases in each group.The Ottawa Bowel Preparation Quality Scale(OBPS),the insertion time of colonoscopy,the time of the first defecation,the frequency of defecations,the occurrence of adverse effects and patients'tolerability were compared among the three groups.Results A total of 601 patients completed bowel preparation and accepted colonoscopy.Group 1 exhibited no statistically significant differences to group 2 with regards to OBPS and insertion time.However,Group 2 demonstrated a shorter duration for the time of the first defecation in comparison to both group 1 and group 3(P＜0.05).Group 1 displayed a higher frequency of defecations as compared to Group 2 and Group 3(P＜0.05).The incidence of adverse reactions was significantly lower in group 2 and group 3 than in group 1(P＜0.05).The overall tolerance score of patients in group 1 was low-er than that in group 2 and group 3(P＜0.05).Conclusions The effect of combining 2 L PEG with 290 μg of lina-clotide for bowel preparation before colonoscopy is similar to that of 3 L PEG.It can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions and patients exhibit good tolerance.For patients who are intolerant to a single high-dose administration of PEG,they need divided-dose regimen of 2 L PEG in combination with linaclotide.
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Objective:To study the survival and prognostic factors for the recurrent extracranial malignant germ cell tumors (MGCTs) in children, and to explore feasible salvage treatment.Methods:A retrospective study.Pediatric patients with recurrent extracranial MGCTs diagnosed in Shanghai Children′s Medical Center between January 2010 and January 2020 were retrospectively recruited.Comprehensive treatment regimens included surgery, chemotherapy and radiation.Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model were employed to analyze the survival and prognostic factors for children with recurrent extracranial MGCTs.Results:A total of 172 children with extracranial MGCTs were treated, including 21 (12.2%) recurrent cases.The median time of MGCT recurrence after the end of the first treatment was 11 months.Finally, 19 patients were recruited after excluding 2 non-eligible cases, including 10 boys and 9 girls with the age at recurrence of 26 (8-170) months.The follow-up time was 57 (13-122) months.Salvage chemotherapy, complete resection and radiotherapy were performed in 16, 14 and 4 patients, respectively.The 4-year overall survival (4yr-OS) rate was (82.5±9.2)%(19 cases). The 4yr-OS rate was significantly higher in patients managed with surgery but without adjuvant chemotherapy at the initial treatment (13 cases) than those managed with chemotherapy at the initial treatment (6 cases)[(92.3±7.4)% vs.(60.0%±21.9)%, P=0.002]. Univariant and Cox multivariant regression analyses showed that failure to achieve the normal range of alpha fetoprotein after 3 cycles of chemotherapy significantly influenced the survival of recurrent extracranial MGCTs. Conclusions:For patients with recurrent extracranial MGCTs, comprehensive treatment approaches like complete surgical resection, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy offer a favorable survival rate.Specifically, recurrent and re-treated patients who initially received surgery alone without adjuvant chemotherapy have a higher survival rate compared to those who received chemotherapy during the initial treatment.
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Objective:To explore the application effect of online and offline BOPPPS teaching mode based on rain-classroom in ideological and political teaching of Dermatovenerology.Methods:A total of 242 undergraduates from Class 1 to Class 8 majoring in Medical Imaging in grade 2019 were selected.They were randomly divided into the control group(class 5 to class 8)and the experimental group(class 1 to class 4).The control group received the mixed online and offline teaching mode based on rain-classroom.The experimental group received the online and offline BOPPPS teaching mode based on rain-classroom.The ideological and political elements were integrated into the teaching of Dermatovenerology.After the course,the score of curriculum theory,the questionnaire survey of ideological and political teaching and the questionnaire survey of the satisfaction of teaching in the two groups were compared.Results:After the course,the score of curriculum theory in the experimental group was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.01).The approval rate of each question in the questionnaire on ideological and political teaching effect of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).The teaching satisfaction of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:In the ideological and political teaching of Dermatovenerology,the online and offline BOPPPS teaching mode based on the rain-classroom has a certain effect on improving the course performance,ideological and political education effect and students'satisfaction.
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BACKGROUND:How to improve the accuracy of puncture,reduce surgical damage,and improve surgical efficiency during vertebroplasty is currently one of the focuses of exploration and improvement in vertebroplasty techniques. OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical significance of application of mixed reality technology in percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal fractures. METHODS:Two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture in Dalian Second People's Hospital in June 2023 were selected.Before operation,128-row CT scanning of the lumbar spine was performed and the original data of digital imaging and communications in medicine(DICOM)were obtained.Visual Volume software was used to build the three-dimensional network model of vertebral compression fracture.Holographic imaging glasses were used to accurately map 3D network model images to the real world,assist the surgeon in completing preoperative simulation,explaining preoperative conditions and treatment plans,and guiding puncture and bone cement injection during surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Precise puncture was achieved with the assistance of a mixed reality technology.Postoperative imaging examination showed good bone cement filling and no obvious leakage.The postoperative symptoms of the patient were alleviated well,and they were able to move to the ground on the same day after surgery.(2)It is concluded that a mixed reality technology is helpful for preoperative surgical design and communication efficiency with patients and their families.Assisting with precise puncture during surgery,shortening surgical time,and reducing side injuries is a new and effective clinical diagnosis and treatment model,which has development potential in minimally invasive,precise,and personalized treatment of spinal surgery.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Yangyin Xifeng Tongluo Formula （养阴熄风通络方） and its core herbs combination on prevention of ventricular precontraction （PVC）. MethodsExperiment 1： Forty SD rats were randomly divided into model group， formula group， core herb-pairs medium-dose group and amiodarone group， with 10 rats in each group. Rats in the model group were given 10 ml/（kg·d） of pure water by gavage， rats in the formula group were given 1.125 g/（kg·d） of Yangyin Xifeng Tongluo Granules （养阴熄风通络方颗粒） by gavage， rats in the core herb-pairs medium-dose group were given 0.585 g/（kg·d） of granules of core herb-pairs by gavage， and rats in the amiodarone group were given 18 mg/（kg·d） of amiodarone hydrochloride tablets by gavage. The rats in each group were gavaged once a day for 14 consecutive days， and then a PVC model was established using rat tail vein injection of aconitine 25 μg/kg to compare the mortality and incidence of PVC， ventricular tachycardia （VT） and ventricular fibrillation （VF）， the time of the appearance of PVC， and the duration of PVC in the rats in each group. Experiment 2： Sixty SD rats were randomly divided into model group， the amiodarone group， and the core herb-pairs of low， medium and high dose groups， 12 rats in each group. Rats in the model group were gavaged with 10 ml/（kg·d） of purified water， rats in the low， medium， and high dose groups were gavaged with 0.2925， 0.585， and 1.17 g/（kg·d） of the core herb-pairs granules respectively， and rats in the amiodarone group were gavaged with 18 mg/（kg·d） of amiodarone hydrochloride tablets. All of them were gavaged once a day. After 14 days， rats in each group were injected intravenously into the tail vein with aconitine 25 μg/kg， and then the rats in each group were observed to show the mortality and incidence of PVC， VT and VF， and the time of appearance and duration of PVC. ResultsExperiment 1： Compared with the model group， The difference in the incidence of PVC in rats of all groups was not statistically signi-ficant （P＞0.05）， and the mortality and incidence of VT and VF in rats in the formula group， the core herb-pairs medium-dose group， and the amiodarone group significantly reduced， with delayed time of the occurrence of PVC and shorter duration of the PVC （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01） as compared with the model group， whereas the difference between each group with medication intervention was not statistically significant （P＞0.05）. Experiment 2： There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of PVC in all groups （P＞0.05）， and the mortality and incidence of VT and VF reduced in the core herb-pairs of low-， medium-， and high-dose groups and in the amiodarone group， and the appearance of PVC delayed and its duration shortened （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01） as compared with the control group， whereas the differences were not statistically significant in the comparison among groups with medication （P＞0.05）. ConclusionBoth Yangyin Xifeng Tongluo Formula and its core herb-pairs could delay the time of occurrence and shorten the duration of PVC.
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Objective: To summarize the clinical features and genetic characteristics of Zellweger spectrum disorder caused by PEX6 gene variation. Methods: This was a case series research. Clinical date and genetic results of 2 neonatal cases of Zellweger syndrome caused by PEX6 gene variation in Wuhan Children's Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science & Technology and Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from July 2021 to July 2022 were retrospectively collected and analyzed. Literature up to August 2023 was searched from electronic databases of China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data and PubMed with the combined keywords of "Zellweger syndrome" "Zellweger spectrum disorder", and "PEX6 gene" both in Chinese and English. The main clinical features and genetic characteristics of Zellweger spectrum disorder caused by PEX6 gene variation were summarized. Results: The 2 male neonates both developed clinical manifestations as dyspnea, hypotonia, feeding difficulties, enlarged fontanelle, and high palatine arch after birth. Biochemical parameters indicated elevated bile acids, and the cranial ultrasound showed the enlarged bilateral ventricles and subependymal cyst in both 2 neonates. Zellweger syndrome was confirmed by whole exome sequencing, and the results revealed PEX6 gene variation in the 2 neonates, including compound heterozygous variants c.315G>A and c.2095-3T>G, and homozygous variant c.506_507del. Case 1 was hospitalized for 5 days, and case 2 for 32 days; they both died shortly after being discharged (the specific time is unknown). Literature review found 26 patients, including 2 neonates in this study, with Zellweger spectrum disorder caused by PEX6 gene defect reported in 1 Chinese article and 11 English articles. Clinical features included hearing loss (19 cases), developmental delay (19 cases), vision impairment (19 cases), elevated very long chain fatty acids (17 cases), brain malformations (15 cases), hypotonia (12 cases), hepatic insufficiency (12 cases), distinctive facies (10 cases), and dental impairment (9 cases). Compound heterozygous variations dominated the variation types (15 cases), and the frameshift variations (16 cases) were the main pathogenic variations. Conclusions: Zellweger spectrum disorder should be considered when neonates show hypotonia, feeding difficulty, distinctive facial appearance, brain malformations and failure of hearing screening, or when older children show retinitis pigmentosa, sensorineural hearing loss, amelogenesis imperfecta and developmental delays. Detection of genetic variation in the PEX gene is crucial for definitive diagnosis.
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Child , Infant, Newborn , Humans , Male , Adolescent , Zellweger Syndrome/diagnosis , Muscle Hypotonia , Retrospective Studies , Frameshift Mutation , Exome Sequencing , Mutation , ATPases Associated with Diverse Cellular Activities/geneticsABSTRACT
Objective@#To explore the prevalence of elevated blood pressure and overweight/obesity and their comorbidities among Tibetan middle school students in Lhasa, and to analyze their association with lifestyle and other factors, so as to provide a basis for the intervention measures targeting elevated blood pressure, overweight and obesity among middle school students in high altitude area.@*Methods@#Using a stratified cluster random sampling method in September 2021, a total of 1 488 Tibetan junior and high students from Lhasa City were investigated with blood pressure measurement, physical examination and questionnaire survey. The influencing factors of elevated blood pressure, overweight and obesity and their comorbidities association were analyzed by multivariate Logistic regression.@*Results@#The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity and their comorbidities were 17.8%, 17.4% , 5.0% respectively. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that age( OR =0.81), residence, body mass inex(BMI) and gender were the influencing factors of elevated blood pressure; and the risks of elevated blood pressure in female students were higher than male students ( OR =1.89), suburban students were higher than urban students ( OR =8.06), overweight and obesity groups were higher than normal groups ( OR =2.55, 2.87) ( P <0.05). Adjusting for confounding factors such as gender, residence and school, and BMI (only for elevated blood pressure), daily screen time ≥2 h was positively correlated with elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity and its comorbidities ( OR =1.56, 1.59 , 2.51) ( P <0.05).@*Conclusions@#The prevalence of elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity are relatively high in Lhasa. Longer screen time is a common factor affecting with elevated blood pressure, overweight/obesity and comorbidities among Tibetan students. Measures should be taken intervene in the lifestyle of Tibetan students, in order to reduce elevated blood pressure and overweight/obesity.
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Objective@#To investigate risk factors and the nature of the outbreak of bacillary dysentery in Lhasa City, so as to customize targeted prevention and control measures.@*Methods@#Using on site epidemiological investigation, the suspected, probable and confirmed cases of bacillary dysentery in one school and one kindergarten in Lhasa City from June 26 to July 1, 2022 were collected, and additional cases were identified through interview from school staffs and family members, reviewing morning examination records and tracking records of school illness related absence. A case control study was conducted to investigate suspicious meals and drinking raw water, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was performed to detect Shigella line nucleic acid fragment in the patients feces, anal swabs, retained food, and terminal water.@*Results@#A total of 55 cases were found in two schools, with the prevalence rate of 15.41% in total and 16.71% in students ( n =53), 7.5% in staff ( n =2). The epidemic curve was suggestive of a point source exposure. The prevalence rate among students who walk to school and students who live in the school showed no difference (16.10%，17.09%)( χ 2=0.05, P >0.05), and the prevalence rate was higher among elementary school students than kindergarten students (19.83%，6.67%)( χ 2=7.13, P <0.05). Case control comparisons showed a direct association between drinking raw water and morbidity in the case and control groups during June 24-26 ( OR=4.01, 95%CI =1.75-9.19, P < 0.05). A total of 23 fecal Shigella nucleic acid positives were detected from the two schools, two from the end water in front of the cafeteria door, and two from sludge in the sewage pipe around the wellhead.@*Conclusions@#The outbreak of bacillary dysentery is caused by the contamination of the pipe network water. Health administrative departments should improve the supervision and management of drinking water health safety, and schools should strengthen the management of water supply facilities for effectively prevent of waterborne infectious disease outbreaks.
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Background@#Pain intensity has been reported to fluctuate throughout the day in various clinical situations. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between postoperative pain and circadian rhythm after pediatric acute appendicitis surgery. @*Methods@#Two hundred patients, aged 6–18 years, undergoing acute appendicitis surgery were included in this prospective observational study. The patients were divided into four groups according to the time they underwent surgery: the night group, 01:01–07:00; morning group, 07:01–13:00; afternoon group, 13:01–19:00; and evening group, 19:01–01:00. Intraoperative and postoperative vital signs, postoperative 24-h Wong–Baker Faces Pain Rating Scale (FACEs) scores, and the amount of analgesic required were recorded. @*Results@#A total of 186 patients were analyzed in the study. There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic characteristics of the patient groups. Additionally, no differences were observed in intraoperative and postoperative vital signs among the four groups. However, patients in the night group had significantly higher FACEs values than those in the other groups at each time point (1st, 3rd, 6th, and 12th h) up to 12 h (P = 0.007, P = 0.023, P = 0.048, and P = 0.003, respectively). The amount of analgesic required in the night group was statistically higher than in the other groups until 12 h (P = 0.002, P < 0.001, P = 0.002, and P = 0.004, respectively). @*Conclusion@#A relationship was found between acute appendicitis operations performed at night (01:01 to 07:00) under general anesthesia and circadian rhythm in children. We believe that considering circadian time in the relief of postoperative pain would be beneficial.
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Objective:This study aims to analyze the provincial policy text of separate payment for National medical insurance negotiated drugs,summarize the key measures and characteristics,and provide reference for the formulation and improvement of separate payment policies in various provinces.Methods:The retrieved policy texts were analyzed by searching the websites of the medical security bureaus of various provinces,municipalities,and autonomous regions.Results:There are differences in the separate payment policies of different provinces in terms of catalogue publishing,catalogue selection,drug management,policy treatment level and policy cohesion.Conclusion:The separate payment policy is the key driver of Joint Reformation for Public Health Services,Medical Insurance,and Medical Production-Circulation.And all provinces should balance the various policy elements of the separate payment catalogue,deal with the control of medical insurance funds and patients'sense of gain,and clarify the relationship between the separate payment policy and support the development of innovative drugs,so as to reduce the obstacles of Joint Reformation for Public Health Services,Medical Insurance,and Medical Production-Circulation.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the level of knowledge of symptoms and risks of child abuse among undergraduate health science students according to their socio-demographic characteristics. METHODS: This is a cross-sectional study involving 485 student volunteers. The data collection tools used in the study were the Demographic Data Collection Form and the Scale for Diagnosing Symptoms and Risks of Child Abuse and Neglect. RESULTS: It was found that health students' knowledge of the symptoms and risks of child abuse was moderate. It was also found that knowledge of diagnosing the symptoms and risks of child abuse was higher among women than among men, higher among those who had received education on child abuse, and increased with grade level. CONCLUSION: Child abuse is an important public health issue, and there is a need to raise awareness of this issue among health students.
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ABSTRACT Objective This study aimed to assessment the risk factors affecting development of hypothyroidism and to examine the selected dietary micronutrient intakes of primary hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism and euthyroid individuals comparing the healthy control group, and to evaluate the relationship between dietary micronutrient intakes and serum thyroid hormones. Additionally, this study planned to observe anxiety severities in different hypothyroidism groups. Methods This case-control study was carried out with 120 individuals: 60 in the patient group and 60 in the control group. The patient group was further subdivided into primary hypothyroidism, subclinical hypothyroidism, and euthyroid groups. A questionnaire and the Beck Anxiety Inventory were administered to all participants. 24-hour food consumption records, anthropometric measurements, biochemical parameters were taken. Results When serum vitamin D level increased by one unit (ng/mL), risk of disease decreased by 1%; and when age (year) increased by one unit, risk of disease increased by 5.1%. Dietary micronutrient intakes were similar in all groups. There were negative correlations between serum T4 levels and selenium intake in primary hypothyroidism group, and serum TSH levels and copper intake in subclinical hypothyroidism group, and serum TSH levels and iodine intake in control group. Beck Anxiety Inventory scores of patient groups were higher than control group. There was no statistically difference between primary, subclinical and euthyroid hypothyroidism groups in terms of anxiety scores. Conclusion Serum vitamin D level and age affected the risk of hypothyroidism. Micronutrient intake was associated with thyroid parameters. Anxiety was higher in hypothyroid patients, independent of thyroid hormone levels.
RESUMO Objetivo Este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar os fatores de risco que afetam o desenvolvimento do hipotireoidismo e examinar os consumo de micronutrientes dietéticos selecionados em indivíduos com hipotireoidismo primário, hipotireoidismo subclínico e eutireoideo, comparando-os com o grupo controle saudável, e avaliar a relação entre os consumo de micronutrientes dietéticos e as hormonas tiroideias séricas. Além disso, este estudo objetivou observar a gravidade da ansiedade em diferentes grupos de hipotireoidismo. Métodos Este estudo de caso-controle foi realizado com 120 indivíduos: 60 no grupo pacientes e 60 no grupo controle. O grupo pacientes foi ainda subdividido em hipotireoidismo primário, hipotireoidismo subclínico, e grupos eutróide. Um questionário e o Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck foram administrados a todos os participantes. Foram recolhidos registos de consumo alimentar diário (i.e., 24 horas por dia), medições antropométricas, e parâmetros bioquímicos. Resultados Quando o nível de vitamina D no soro aumentou uma unidade (ng/mL), o risco de doença diminuiu 1%; e quando a idade (ano) aumentou uma unidade, o risco de doença aumentou 5.1%. A ingestão de micronutrientes na dieta foi semelhante em todos os grupos. Verificaram-se correlações negativas entre os níveis séricos de T4 e a ingestão de selênio no grupo com hipotireoidismo primário, e entre os níveis séricos de TSH e a ingestão de cobre no grupo com hipotireoidismo subclínico, e entre os níveis séricos de TSH e a ingestão de iodo no grupo controle. Pontuação do Inventário de Ansiedade de Beck dos grupos pacientes foram superiores ao grupo controle. Não houve diferença estatística entre os grupos de hipotireoidismo primário, subclínico e eutireoideo em termos de pontuação de ansiedade. Conclusão O nível sérico de vitamina D e a idade afetaram o risco de hipotireoidismo. A ingestão de micronutrientes foi associada aos parâmetros da tireoide. A ansiedade foram maior nos doentes com hipotireoidismo, independentemente dos níveis da hormona tiroideia.
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Resumo Fundamento: A associação de supressão solúvel da tumorigênese-2 (sST2) com prognóstico em embolia pulmonar (EP) é desconhecida. Objetivo: Este estudo teve como objetivo investigar a relação entre os níveis de sST2 em pacientes com EP aguda e mortalidade em 6 meses e hospitalizações recorrentes. Métodos: Este estudo prospectivo incluiu 100 pacientes com EP aguda. Os pacientes foram classificados em dois grupos de acordo com a mortalidade em 6 meses e a presença de hospitalizações recorrentes relacionadas a doenças cardiovasculares. Dois grupos foram comparados. Um valor de p de 0,05 foi considerado estatisticamente significativo. Resultados: Os níveis de ST2 solúvel foram significativamente maiores no grupo com mortalidade e internações recorrentes. (138,6 ng/mL (56,7-236,8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26,3-75,4); p<0,001) O melhor limite de corte para níveis de sST2 na previsão de um desfecho composto de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou a hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares foi >89,9, com especificidade de 90,6% e sensibilidade de 65,2%, de acordo com a curva Receiver Operating Characteristic (área sob a curva = 0,798; IC 95%, 0,705-0,891; p <0,0001). Após ajuste para fatores de confusão que foram estatisticamente significativos na análise univariada ou para as variáveis correlacionadas com os níveis de sST2, nível de sST2 (OR = 1,019, IC 95%: 1,009-1,028, p 0,001) e proteína C reativa (PCR). (OR = 1,010, IC 95%: 1,001-1,021, p = 0,046) continuaram a ser preditores significativos de mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares no modelo de regressão logística múltipla através do método backward stepwise. Conclusões: O nível de ST2 solúvel parece ser um biomarcador para prever mortalidade em 6 meses e/ou hospitalização recorrente relacionada a doenças cardiovasculares em pacientes com EP aguda.
Abstract Background: The association of soluble suppression of tumorigenesis-2 (sST2) levels with prognosis in pulmonary embolism (PE) is unknown. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sST2 levels in patients with acute PE and 6-month mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. Methods: This prospective study included 100 patients with acute PE. Patients were classified into two groups according to 6-month mortality and the presence of recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalizations. Two groups were compared. A p-value of 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Soluble ST2 levels were significantly higher in the group with mortality and recurrent hospitalizations. (138.6 ng/mL (56.7-236.8) vs. 38 ng/mL (26.3-75.4); p<0.001) The best cut-off threshold for sST2 levels in the prediction of a composite outcome of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization was found to be >89.9 with a specificity of 90.6% and a sensitivity of 65.2%, according to the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve = 0.798; 95% CI, 0.705-0.891; p <0.0001). After adjusting for confounding factors that were either statistically significant in the univariate analysis or for the variables correlated with the sST2 levels, sST2 level (OR = 1.019, 95% CI: 1.009-1.028, p 0.001) and C-reactive protein (CRP ) (OR = 1.010, 95% CI: 1.001-1.021, p = 0.046) continued to be significant predictors of 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in the multiple logistic regression model via backward stepwise method. Conclusion: Soluble ST2 level seems to be a biomarker to predict 6-month mortality and/or recurrent Cardiovascular-Related hospitalization in patients with acute PE.
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Abstract Background: Inflammation, which is associated with an unhealthy lifestyle, plays a critical role in the development of both cardiometabolic diseases (CMD) and cancer. Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) is a tumor marker which also has proinflammatory properties. Recent studies have reported CEA to be associated with atherosclerosis, metabolic syndrome, and visceral adiposity. Epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) can exhibit highly inflammatory and pathogenic properties, and is a known risk factor for CMD. However, its relationship with CEA is still unknown. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible association of CEA with EAT. Methods: A total of 134 Caucasian (males = 56, females = 78) individuals, aged (22-83 years), who were admitted for routine health control, were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. CEA was measured with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassay (CMIA). EAT was measured by transthoracic echocardiography, and the visceral fat rating (VFR) was assessed by a body composition analyzing machine. The p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: CEA levels were categorized as tertiles: T1, 0.5-1.04; T2, 1.06-1.69; and T3, ≥1.7 ng/ml. The mean age, weight, VFR, EAT, and fasting glucose, as well as the median of systolic blood pressure (SBP), creatinine, and AST increased with the increasing CEA tertiles. CEA was significantly associated with EAT (r = 0.55, P<0.001) and VFR (r = 0.36, P<0.001). Multivariate linear regression analysis confirmed that gender, age, and EAT were the significant independent variables associated with CEA. Conclusion: Individuals with increased EAT have higher levels of CEA, suggesting that this biomarker is most likely produced by EAT; however, additional investigations are required to improve the present work.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: Glucose transporter-1 is a marker involved in energy transport in cancer cells. It has been shown to be a poor prognostic factor in many cancer types, including breast cancer. However, there is no satisfactory parameter predicting treatment in breast cancer patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. This study investigated the effect of glucose transporter-1 in predicting the treatment response of patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy. METHODS: In this study, glucose transporter-1 immunohistochemistry was applied to tru-cut biopsy of patients who were diagnosed with breast cancer and received neoadjuvant therapy between 2010 and 2021. A built-in scoring system was used to evaluate both the pattern and intensity of glucose transporter-1 immunohistochemistry staining. The relationship between glucose transporter-1 immunohistochemistry staining and other clinicopathological parameters was examined. In addition, the relationship of glucose transporter-1 with response to treatment was investigated. RESULTS: A relationship was found between high glucose transporter-1 expression and other clinicopathological parameters (such as estrogen and progesterone receptor negativity, high Ki-67, triple-negative, and Her2 status). Cases with high glucose transporter-1 expression had either a complete or a partial pathologic response. The result was statistically significant. CONCLUSION: Glucose transporter-1 has the potential to be a biomarker that can be evaluated more objectively as an alternative to Ki-67 labeling index in evaluating the response to treatment in patients receiving neoadjuvant therapy.
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SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to determine frequency and associations between APOA5 c.56C>G, −1131T>C, c.553G>T, and APOC3 −482C>T and SstI gene polymorphisms with hypertriglyceridemia. METHODS: Under a case-control study model, 135 hypertriglyceridemic and 178 normotriglyceridemic control participants were recruited. Polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism methods were utilized for genotyping. Statistical calculations were performed by comparing allele and genotype frequencies between groups. Clinical characteristics were compared between groups and intra-group genotypes. RESULTS: APOC3 gene −482C>T and SstI polymorphic genotypes and allele frequencies were significantly higher in hypertriglyceridemic group (genotype frequencies, p=0.035, p=0.028, respectively). Regression analysis under unadjusted model confirmed that APOC3 −482C>T and SstI polymorphisms were significantly contributing to have hypertriglyceridemia (p=0.02, odds ratio [OR]=1.831 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.095-3.060); p=0.04, OR=1.812 (1.031-3.183), respectively). APOA5 c.56C>G was in complete linkage disequilibrium with APOA5 c.553G>T polymorphism (D'=1). CONCLUSION: For the first time in a population sample from Turkey, among the five polymorphisms of APOA5 and APOC3 genes investigated, APOC3 −482C>T and SstI polymorphisms were associated with elevated serum TG levels, while APOA5 c.56C>G, −1131T>C, and c.553G>T polymorphisms were not.
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ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Chonglian oral liquid on inflammatory and immune markers as well as the clinical outcomes of patients with mild-to-moderate corona virus disease 2019（COVID-19） and comprehensively evaluate its efficacy and safety. MethodA clinical randomized controlled trial （RCT） was conducted， involving 120 confirmed cases of mild-to-moderate COVID-19. The patients were randomly divided into two groups， with 55 cases in the observation group and 56 cases in the control group. According to the updated diagnosis and treatment protocol， the control group received standard western medical treatment， while the observation group received Chonglian oral liquid in addition to standard western medical treatment. Both groups were treated continuously for 10 days. The traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndrome scores， syndrome efficacy， fever abatement time， nucleic acid negative conversion time， inflammatory and immune markers， improvement in imaging findings， clinical outcomes， and occurrence of adverse events were compared between the two groups. ResultBoth groups showed a significant decrease in TCM syndrome scores after treatment （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group exhibited a more significant improvement in cough， dry throat， sore throat， fatigue， and muscle pain （P<0.05）. The total effective rate in the observation group was 100% （55/55）， significantly higher than 98.21% （55/56） in the control group （Z=3.707， P<0.01）. The observation group also showed a significantly shorter duration of fever abatement and nucleic acid negative conversion compared with the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. Both groups had a significant increase in lymphocyte count （LYM）， lymphocyte percentage （LYM%）， mature T lymphocytes （CD3+）， and helper/inducer T lymphocytes （CD4+） after treatment （P<0.01）. Compared with the control group after treatment， the observation group showed greater improvement in these markers （P<0.05）. In terms of inflammatory markers， both groups had a significant decrease compared with those before treatment （P<0.01）. The observation group exhibited lower levels of high-sensitivity C-reactive protein （hs-CRP）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and procalcitonin （PCT） than the control group after treatment （P<0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in imaging efficacy evaluation and clinical outcomes between the two groups. No adverse events were reported in either group during the treatment period. ConclusionChonglian oral liquid combined with standard western medical treatment significantly improves clinical symptoms， shortens fever abatement and nucleic acid negative conversion time， regulates immune function， and inhibits inflammatory responses in patients with mild-to-moderate COVID-19， leading to improved clinical efficacy.
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Parkinson's disease （PD） is a progressive chronic neurodegenerative disorder with a complex pathogenesis involving oxidative stress， neuroinflammation， mitochondrial dysfunction， and other factors. Currently， the clinical treatment of PD mainly includes levodopa， dopamine receptor agonists， monoamine oxidase B inhibitors， catechol-O-methyltransferase inhibitors， and anticholinergic drugs， but there is a lack of disease-modif g therapies that can definitively improve disease progression. According to the understanding of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， PD is characterized by asthenia in origin and sthenia in superficiality. It is primarily caused by liver-kidney Yin deficiency， Qi-blood insufficiency， and closely related to wind， fire， phlegm， and blood stasis. Numerous clinical practices have shown that TCM has significant clinical value in the prevention and treatment of PD， the management of motor and non-motor symptoms， and the neuroprotection of dopaminergic neurons. The underlying mechanisms of TCM include antioxidative stress， anti-neuroinflammation， and regulation of mitochondrial dysfunction. This article categorized and summarized the pathogenesis of PD， systematically elucidated the pharmacological actions and molecular mechanisms of TCM monomer extracts and compounds in the prevention and treatment of PD， and provided the latest clinical research progress， aiming to provide references for the development and clinical use of TCM for PD.
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@#Abstract: Objective This article summarizes the clinical characteristics and diagnosis and treatment experience of an elderly patient infected with Omicron variant BA.5.1.3 of COVID-19 in Hainan Province. Methods The clinical data and treatment of an elderly patient infected with Omicron variant BA.5.1.3 of COVID-19 admitted to Haikou designated hospital on August 15, 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Results A 107-year-old female patient was admitted to the hospital with "fever and cough for 1 day". Two of her family members have infected with COVID-19. The patient initially developed fever, accompanied by cough, expectoration, a little white sticky sputum, accompanied by sore throat, muscle pain, fatigue. Nucleic acid test was positive in throat swab, indicating Omicron variant BA.5.1.3 infection. The patient was diagnosed as mild COVID-19 and treated with antiviral therapy, Chinese medicine conditioning, anticoagulation, electrolyte disorder regulation and symptomatic treatment for 9 days. The patient's clinical symptoms were relieved, and she was cured and discharged after two negative nucleic acid tests. One week later, the patient recovered well. Conclusions Omicron variant BA.5.1.3 is highly infectious, and comprehensive treatment such as antiviral treatment and traditional Chinese medicine treatment has achieved good efficacy. For elderly patients, attention should be paid to maintaining the stability of organ function and internal environment, which is helpful to improve the prognosis of patients.
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@#Arthropods of medical importance such as mosquitoes, ticks and sandflies are one of the key drivers of arthropod-borne diseases outbreak, posing a great threat to global public health security. For further understanding the transmission mechanisms of arthropod-borne diseases and establishing the prevention and control measures, a series of experiments of arthropods infection need to be carried out under laboratory conditions. Besides the regular biosafety requirements, some specific considerations need to be taken into account when performing arthropod infection and the infected arthropod rearing. Except for the physical containment composed of biosafety facilities, a comprehensive assessment of the biosafety risks during operations and corresponding preventive measures are also critical to eliminate or mitigate the biosafety risks. In this paper, we introduce our practice in handling mosquito infection with Risk Group 2 pathogens in Arthropod Containment Level-2 (ACL-2) laboratory, with an aim to provide a reference for researchers in related fields.