Azvudine and nirmatrelvir/ritonavir (Paxlovid) are recommended for COVID-19 treatment in China, but their safety and efficacy in the elderly population are not fully known. In this multicenter, retrospective, cohort study, we identified 5131 elderly hospitalized COVID-19 patients from 32,864 COVID-19 patients admitted to nine hospitals in Henan Province, China, from December 5, 2022, to January 31, 2023. The primary outcome was all-cause death, and the secondary outcome was composite disease progression. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to control for confounding factors, including demographics, vaccination status, comorbidities, and laboratory tests. After 2:1 PSM, 1786 elderly patients receiving azvudine and 893 elderly patients receiving Paxlovid were included. Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses revealed that compared with Paxlovid group, azvudine could significantly reduce the risk of all-cause death (log-rank P = 0.002; HR: 0.71, 95% CI: 0.573-0.883, P = 0.002), but there was no difference in composite disease progression (log-rank P = 0.52; HR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.877-1.260, P = 0.588). Four sensitivity analyses verified the robustness of above results. Subgroup analysis suggested that a greater benefit of azvudine over Paxlovid was observed in elderly patients with primary malignant tumors (P for interaction = 0.005, HR: 0.32, 95% CI: 0.18-0.57) compared to patients without primary malignant tumors. Safety analysis revealed that azvudine treatment had a lower incidence of adverse events and higher lymphocyte levels than Paxlovid treatment. In conclusion, azvudine treatment is not inferior to Paxlovid treatment in terms of all-cause death, composite disease progression and adverse events in elderly hospitalized COVID-19 patients.

Objective:To study the differential gene expression and immune cell infiltration of gout patients,to find the key genes and immune cells of gout pathogenesis,and to explore the relationship between immune cells and gout.Methods:The gout chip GSE160170 was downloaded from the GEO database,and the differential gene expression analysis was carried out with the help of R language.Then,the STRING database was used to analyze the differential gene,and the Cytoscape software was used to screen the key genes,and then carry out enrichment analysis.At the same time,the infiltration of immune cells were analyzed.Results:The study found that IL-6,IL-1β,TNF,CCL3,CXCL8 and CXCL1 were key genes in the pathogenesis of gout,which were mainly exerted by IL-17,Toll-like receptor,NOD-like receptor,NF-κB and other signaling pathways.Processes such as cellular responses to lipo-polysaccharides,bacteria-derived molecules,and biological stimuli lead to disease;immune infiltration results indicate that memory B cells,activated NK cells,activated dendritic cells,activated mast cells and eosinophils were involved in the disease.It was signifi-cantly expressed in gout patients;the correlation analysis between immune cells showed that the expression of follicular helper T cells were positively correlated with the expression of activated mast cells,and the expression of unactivated NK cells and monocyte were negatively correlated.Conclusion:Key genes and differentially expressed immune cells are closely related to the pathogenesis of gout,providing new ideas for the study of the molecular mechanism of gout.

The aim of this study was to explore the impact of chronic apical periodontitis(CAP)on atherosclerosis in apoE-/-mice fed high-fat diet(HFD).This investigation focused on the gut microbiota,metabolites,and intestinal barrier function to uncover potential links between oral health and cardiovascular disease(CVD).In this study,CAP was shown to exacerbate atherosclerosis in HFD-fed apoE-/-mice,as evidenced by the increase in plaque size and volume in the aortic walls observed via Oil Red O staining.16S rRNA sequencing revealed significant alterations in the gut microbiota,with harmful bacterial species thriving while beneficial species declining.Metabolomic profiling indicated disruptions in lipid metabolism and primary bile acid synthesis,leading to elevated levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid(TCDCA),taurocholic acid(TCA),and tauroursodeoxycholic acid(TDCA).These metabolic shifts may contribute to atherosclerosis development.Furthermore,impaired intestinal barrier function,characterized by reduced mucin expression and disrupted tight junction proteins,was observed.The increased intestinal permeability observed was positively correlated with the severity of atherosclerotic lesions,highlighting the importance of the intestinal barrier in cardiovascular health.In conclusion,this research underscores the intricate interplay among oral health,gut microbiota composition,metabolite profiles,and CVD incidence.These findings emphasize the importance of maintaining good oral hygiene as a potential preventive measure against cardiovascular issues,as well as the need for further investigations into the intricate mechanisms linking oral health,gut microbiota,and metabolic pathways in CVD development.

Cystatin, a cysteine protease inhibitor found in many parasites, plays important roles in immune evasion. This study analyzed the molecular characteristics of a cystatin from Fasciola hepatica (FhCystatin) and expressed recombinant FhCystatin (rFhcystatin) to investigate the immune modulatory effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced proliferation, migration, cytokine secretion, nitric oxide (NO) production, and apoptosis in mouse macrophages. The FhCystatin gene encoded 116 amino acids and contained a conserved cystatin-like domain. rFhCystatin significantly inhibited the activity of cathepsin B. rFhCystatin bound to the surface of mouse RAW264.7 cells, significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. Moreover, rFhCystatin inhibited the expression of cellular nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α, and promoted the expression of transforming growth factor-β and interleukin-10. These results showed that FhCystatin played an important role in regulating the activity of mouse macrophages. Our findings provide new insights into mechanisms underlying the immune evasion and contribute to the exploration of potential targets for the development of new drug to control F. hepatica infection.

Chitinase AO-801 is a hydrolase secreted by Arthrobotrys oligospora during nematode feeding, while its role remained elusive. This study analyzed the molecular characteristics of recombinant chitinase of Arthrobotrys oligospora (reAO-801). AO-801 belongs to the typical glycoside hydrolase 18 family with conserved chitinase sequence and tertiary structure of (α/β)8 triose-phosphate isomerase (TIM) barrel. The molecular weight of reAO-801 was 42 kDa. reAO-801 effectively degraded colloidal and powdered chitin, egg lysate, and stage I larval lysate of Caenorhabditis elegans. The activity of reAO-801 reached its peak at 40˚C and pH values between 4-7. Enzyme activity was inhibited by Zn2+, Ca2+, and Fe3+, whereas Mg2+ and K+ potentiated its activity. In addition, urea, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and 2-mercaptoethanol significantly inhibited enzyme activity. reAO-801 showed complete nematicidal activity against C. elegans stage I larvae. reAO-801 broke down the C. elegans egg shells, causing them to die or die prematurely by hatching the eggs. It also invoked degradation of Haemonchus contortus eggs, resulting in apparent changes in the morphological structure. This study demonstrated the cytotoxic effect of reAO-801, which laid the foundation for further dissecting the mechanism of nematode infestation by A. oligospora.

Objective:To explore the effect of self-management based on empowerment theory in patients with rectal cancer stoma.Methods:Using the convenience sampling method, 46 patients with rectal cancer stoma admitted to the General Surgery of Nanyang Central Hospital from January to October 2020 were selected as the control group, and received routine nursing. A total of 47 patients with rectal cancer stoma who were treated from November 2020 to August 2021 were selected as the observation group, and given self-management based on empowerment theory. The Strategies Used by People to Promote Health (SUPPH) , the Colostomy Self-care Agency Scale, and the Chinese version of City of Hope Quality of Life-Ostomy Questionnaire (COH-QOL-OQ) were used to evaluate the self-efficacy, self-care ability and quality of life of rectal cancer patients with stoma before and after the intervention.Results:After intervention, the total score of SUPPH, the scores of each dimension of the Colostomy Self-care Agency Scale, and the scores of each dimension of the Chinese version of COH-QOL-OQ in the observation group were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Self-management based on empowerment theory can improve the self-efficacy, self-care ability and the quality of life of rectal cancer patients with stoma.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of HIV-testing awareness of Myanmar people in Dehong, and provide references for early discovery of HIV infection among Myanmar people.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted among 400 Myanmar people in Dehong through convenient sampling method in a form of face-to-face questionnaire interview. HIV-testing awareness and influencing factors were described and analyzed with χ2 and logistic regression method . Results:A total of 393 participants were included in the study, in whom 241 (61.3%) were males, 256(65.1%) were Myanmar people, 233(59.3%) received 1-7 years of education in Myanmar, 348 do not speak Chinese (88.5%), 226(57.5%) were married, 378(96.2%) were non-solitary, 257(65.4%) were workers, the main purpose of etering into China in 273(69.5%) was working in China, 273(69.5%) had stayed in China for more than 2 years, 573(95.4%) had a clear plan on whether to stay in China for a long time in the future. In these Myanmar people, the rate of AIDS-related knowledge awareness was 75.6%; 165(42.0%) had sexual behavior in the last 6 months. 221(56.2%) knew that they had been tested for HIV. Ninety (22.9%) were more likely to actively seek HIV-testing after they had unprotected behaviors such as homosexual sex, injecting drug use, and sex without using condom. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that the influencing factors of HIV-testing awareness included being women (compared with men, OR=2.155, 95% CI: 1.088-4.270), educational level of 8-10 years or more than 10 years (compared with education level 1-4 years, OR=5.207, 95% CI: 2.094-12.950; OR=19.780, 95% CI: 5.800-67.457), having sexual behavior in the last 6 months (compared with those who had not, OR=2.534, 95% CI: 1.343-4.779), having received AIDS-related education in the last 6 months (compared with those who had not, OR=2.462, 95% CI: 1.303-4.654), AIDS-related knowledge awareness (compared with those who had no awareness, OR=8.126, 95% CI: 2.936-22.491). Conclusions:Myanmar people have low awareness of HIV-testing in Dehong. Those who were women and high literacy levels, having received AIDS-related knowledge education in the past 6 months, and having AIDS-related knowledge have an active HIV-testing awareness, after they have high-risk behaviors. AIDS-related knowledge should be publicized to promote early discovery of high-risk behaviors.

Objective To evaluate pelvic peritoneum reconstruction with barbed suture and irrigation and negative pressure drainage in laparoscopy rectal anterior resection for locally advanced rectal cancer.Methods From 2014 to 2018 159 locally advanced rectal cancer patients treated by laparoscopy were derided into study group (n =76),and those received gravity drainage without pelvic peritoneum reconstruction (n =83).Results There were not significant difference in the operation time between the two groups [(165 ± 18) min vs.(160 ± 17) min,t =0.098,P =0.069].There were significant differences in postoperative drainage tube indwelling duration [(5.7 ± 2.4) d vs.(7.4 ± 3.7) d,t =3.309,P =0.001],intraabdominal infection (7％ vs.17％,x2 =3.991,P =0.046) and anastomotic leakage (4％ vs.13％,x/2 =4.280,P =0.039).There was no significant difference in anastomotic stenosis (5％ vs.10％,x2 =1.088,P =0.297) and intestinal obstruction (9％ vs.11％,x2 =0.117,P =0.732) between the two groups.Conclusion It is simple,safe and reliable to perform pelvic peritoneal reconstruction using barbed suture,combined with irrigation and negative pressure drainage,it can decrease drainage tube indwelling duration,reduce the incidence of intraabdominal infection and anastomotic leakage.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of preoperative regional intra-arterial chemoembolization combined with systemic vein chemotherapy in the treatment of locally advanced gastric cancer.Methods The clinical data of 78 locally advanced gastric cancer patients treated by radical D2 gastretomy from January 2010 to December 2012 were retrospectively analyzed.Patients were devided into treatment group receiving regional intra-arterial chemoembolization combined with systemic vein chemotherapy (n =36),and those with preoperative systemic vein chemotherapy (n =42) 3 to 4 weeks before surgery.Systemic chemotherapy with mFOLFOX6 was started after 5 weeks of surgery in the two groups.Results The incidence of toxicity reaction and postoperative anastomotic leakage were lower in treatment group than in control group,all P ＜ 0.05.The 1-year recurrence and overall survival rate were similar between the two groups (all P ＞ 0.05).The 3-year liver metastasis rate was higher in treatment group than in control group (x2 =4.063,P ＜ 0.05).The 3-year survival rate was higher than that of the control group(x2 =4.396,P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Preoperative systemic vein chemotherapy combined with regional intra-arterial chemoembolization decreases toxicity reaction,anastomotic leakage and liver metastasis,while prolonging 3-year overall survival.

OBJECTIVETo analyze the proportion and associated factors of taking subsequent confirmation test among men who have sex with men (MSM) after being tested positive in oral fluid HIV antibody test.

METHODSBy using successive sampling, 1 003 MSM, who were tested positive in oral fluid HIV antibody test in China-Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation AIDS prevention Program (Extension program) in Beijing during May 1 to December 31, 2013, were recruited. The inclusion criteria included: the objects were men who reported having sex with men; the objects aged more than 18 years old; the objects were tested positive in oral fluid HIV antibody test; the objects had not been reported as HIV positives in China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention previously. According to the program strategy, MSM grassroots organizations transferred the respondents to seek subsequent confirmation tests in specific Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCs) or hospitals. The subsequent confirmation tests included: fingertip blood HIV antibody rapid test, venous blood Enzyme Linked Immunosorbent Assay (ELISA) HIV antibody test and venous blood Western Blot (WB) HIV antibody test. Chi-square test was adopted to compare the proportion of taking subsequent confirmation tests in different groups. Nonconditional multivaritae binarylogistic regression analysis was taken to identify the associated factors with whether taking subsequent confirmation tests and to calculate the OR (95% CI) values.

RESULTSThe 1 003 respondents were (30.9 ± 9.1) years old. Among all objects, 87.8% (881/1 003) of them took fingertip blood HIV antibody rapid tests and the positive rate was 85.4% (752/881). 98.0% (737/752) of those who were identified as positive in fingertip blood HIV rapid tests took ELISA and WB tests, and the positive rate was 94.4% (696/737). Comparing with those who were expected to seek subsequent confirmation tests in CDCs, the OR (95% CI) value of those who were expected to seek tests in hospitals was 5.10 (1.69-15.36). The OR (95% CI) values of those who used condom sometimes and those who never used condom in anal sex were 5.81 (2.14-15.77) and 3.45 (2.00-5.97) respectively, in comparison with those who reported not having anal sex or using condom consistently in anal sex during the past 6 months. Comparing with the respondents recruited from the internet, the OR (95% CI) values of those recruited in bathrooms, parks/toilets and bars were 0.17 (0.05-0.53), 0.10 (0.04-0.29) and 0.22 (0.06-0.79) respectively. The likelihood of taking subsequent confirmation test decreased with the increase of number of male sexual partners in the past 3 months, and the OR (95% CI) value was 0.92 (0.86-0.99).

CONCLUSIONThe potential HIV positive MSM in the bathroom, park/toilet and bars are less likely to take subsequent confirmation test. Those who do not use condom consistently during anal sex are more likely to seek subsequent confirmation test. Medical organization conducting subsequent confirmation tests is more likely to increase the confirmation test rate of potential HIV positive MSM. The number of male sexual partners has negative correlation with whether to accept the subsequent confirmation test.

Beijing ; Condoms ; HIV Antibodies ; analysis ; HIV Seropositivity ; diagnosis ; Homosexuality, Male ; Humans ; Male ; Mass Screening ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care ; Risk-Taking ; Sexual Behavior ; Sexual Partners ; Surveys and Questionnaires