Objective:To investigate the prevalence of uremic pruritus (UP) in patients with peritoneal dialysis and its association with life behaviors.Methods:A total of 255 patients with peritoneal dialysis were followed up in Peritoneal Dialysis Center of Hangzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from October to December 2023 were enrolled. The general clinical data, disease awareness, treatment, and lifestyle behaviors (smoking, drinking, diet, bathing, and exercising etc) were compared between patients with or without UP, and among patients with different severity of UP.Results:Among 255 peritoneal dialysis patients, there were 144 UP cases with a prevalence rate of 56.5%, including 55 cases with mild itching (38.2%), 61 cases with moderate itching (42.4%), and 28 cases with severe itching (19.4%). The awareness rate of UP was 22.2% (32/144), the treatment rate of UP was 12.5% (18/144). There were significant differences in bath frequency (χ 2=7.03), and using alkaline body wash (χ 2=6.47) between UP group and non-UP group ( P<0.05). The severity of UP was associated with old age (≥60 years, Z=-3.13), low educational levels (primary school or lower, Z=-3.56), less water drinking (<500 ml/d, H=18.01), more spicy food and meat ( H=9.34), bath more than 3 times per week ( H=10.96), and using alkaline body wash ( H=6.57) (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Peritoneal dialysis patients have a high incidence of UP and a low rate of knowledge and treatment, and it is necessary to strengthen the health education and to modify their life behaviors in order to reduce the incidence of UP.

Objective: To prospectively evaluate the outcomes of ultrasound (US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) in tertiary hyperparathyroidism (THPT). Materials and Methods: Patients with THPT underwent RFA between September 2017 and January 2022. Laboratory parameters, including serum intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) levels, were monitored for 48 months after RFA and compared with the levels at baseline. Complications related to RFA and changes in hyperparathyroidism-related clinical symptoms were recorded before and after RFA. Results: A total of 42 patients with THPT were recruited for this study. Ultimately, 36 patients with renal failure and 2 patients who underwent successful renal transplantation (male:female, 17:21; median age, 54.5 years) were enrolled. The follow-up time was 21.5 ± 19.0 months in the 36 patients with renal failure. In these 36 patients, iPTH levels were significantly decreased to 261.1 pg/mL at 48 months compared with the baseline value of 1284.9 pg/mL (P = 0.012). Persistent hyperparathyroidism, defined as iPTH levels maintained at > 585.0 pg/mL for 6 months after treatment, occurred in 4.0% of patients (1/25). Recurrent hyperparathyroidism, defined as iPTH levels > 585.0 pg/mL after 6 months, were 4.0% (1/25) and 0.0% (0/9) at 6 months and 4 years after treatment, respectively. In two patients with THPT after successful renal transplantation, iPTH decreased from the baseline value of 242.5 and 115.9 pg/mL to 171.0 and 62.0 pg/mL at 6 months after treatment. All complications resolved within 6 months of ablation without medical intervention, except in 10.5% (4/38) patients with permanent hypocalcemia. The overall symptom recovery rate was 58.8% (10/17). The severity scores for bone pain, arthralgia, and itchy skin associated with hyperparathyroidism improved after treatment (P < 0.05). Conclusion US-guided RFA is an effective and safe alternative to surgery in the treatment of patients with TPTH and improves hyperparathyroidism-related clinical symptoms.Keywords: Ultrasound; Radiofrequency ablation; Te

Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/genetics* ; Prognosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic/genetics* ; Receptor, ErbB-2/metabolism* ; Gene Regulatory Networks/genetics*

Antipsychotic medications are commonly used to treat schizophrenia,but they can have negative effects on lipid metabolism,leading to an increased risk of cardiovascular diseases,reduced life expectancy,and difficulties with treatment adherence.The specific mechanisms by which antipsychotics disrupt lipid metabolism are not well understood.Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins(SREBPs)are important transcriptional factors that regulate lipid metabolism.Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9(PCSK9),a gene regulated by SREBPs,plays a critical role in controlling levels of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C)and has become a focus of research on lipid-lowering drugs.Recent studies have shown that antipsychotic drugs can affect lipid metabolism through the SREBP/PCSK9 pathway.A deep understanding of the mechanism for this pathway in antipsychotic drug-related metabolic abnormalities will promote the prevention of lipid metabolism disorders in patients with schizophrenia and the development and application of new drugs.

Objective: To understand the prevalence of Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) infection and its associated factors among asymptomatic outpatients attending sexually transmitted disease (STD)-related clinics in Shenzhen and provide evidence for development of future interventions. Methods: From April 15 to May 16, 2018, a cross-sectional study was conducted and patients attending STD-related Clinics were recruited from 22 medical institutions in Nanshan, Luohu, Bao'an, Longgang, Yantian, and Longhua districts of Shenzhen. After the informed consent from each participant was obtained, social-demographic information was collected through a structured questionnaire and urine samples were collected for CT nucleic acid detection. In addition, logistic regression was used to explore associated factors of CT infection. Results: In asymptomatic outpatients, the prevalence of CT infection was 7.16% (250/3 492). Being single (aOR=2.29, 95%CI:1.65-3.16), without registered Shenzhen residency (aOR=1.49, 95%CI:1.04-2.13), and without previous CT testing in the past year (aOR=2.04, 95%CI:1.03-4.05) were the risk factors of CT infection in asymptomatic outpatients. Among participants without registered Shenzhen residency, 89.25% (2 176/2 438) were college-degree or below, and 51.29% (1 255/2 447) were aged ≤30 years, and the risk of CT infection among those ≤30 years old was 1.73 times higher than those >30 years old (95%CI:1.28-2.34). Conclusions: The prevalence of CT infection was high among asymptomatic outpatients attending STD-related clinics in Shenzhen. Routine CT screening should be carried out for this population, especially for those with sexually active age, being single, with low educational level, and without previous CT testing in the past year. Also, raising their awareness of knowledge and adverse outcomes of CT infection should be considered to promote routine CT screening and timely treatment.
Adult ; Chlamydia Infections/epidemiology* ; Chlamydia trachomatis ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Humans ; Nucleic Acids ; Outpatients

Objective:To investigate the method and clinical effect of horn-shaped perforator flaps with multiple blood supply for reconstructing massive facial defects caused by various reasons.Methods:A retrospective review was performed on patients with massive facial defects in the Department of Plastic Surgery of First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2015 to July 2020. The Doppler ultrasound was used to localize the facial source artery and perforators preoperatively. During the operation, the flap was designed according to the defect size, the elasticity of around skin, the length from the distal end of the defect to the location of the selected perforator, and the Langer’s line of the face. The length of the proximal part of the flap was approximately equal to the defect width, and the length of the flap was about 3 to 3.5 times longer than the defect width. An incision was made along the distal part of the flap. The flap dissection proceeded in a proximal to distal fashion superficial to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, until forming a large perforator flap. A small number of fibrous around the perforator were retained, and the flap was rotated and advanced to reconstruct the defect without any tension. The donor site was closed directly. Wound healing, scar formation, tumor recurrence, and tumor metastasis were followed postoperatively.Results:A total of nine cases were enrolled, with four male patients and five female patients. The mean age of the patients was 58 years, ranging from 35 to 81 years. The size of the flap ranged from 10.0 cm × 6.0 cm to 14.0 cm × 7.0 cm. All flaps survived, and the wound healed primarily. After 3 to 24 months of follow-up, no recurrence of tumor, obvious scar, flap bloated, facial deformity, or other complications were observed. The patients was satisfied with the aesthetic subunit structure and function.Conclusions:The horn-shaped perforator flap with multiple blood supply is simple in design, easy in decision, reliable in blood supply, and consistent in color and texture with the original tissue. The incision scar can be hidden in the Langer’s line with a satisfying appearance, which is suitable for aged patients with sagging facial skin.

Objective:To investigate the method and clinical effect of horn-shaped perforator flaps with multiple blood supply for reconstructing massive facial defects caused by various reasons.Methods:A retrospective review was performed on patients with massive facial defects in the Department of Plastic Surgery of First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from June 2015 to July 2020. The Doppler ultrasound was used to localize the facial source artery and perforators preoperatively. During the operation, the flap was designed according to the defect size, the elasticity of around skin, the length from the distal end of the defect to the location of the selected perforator, and the Langer’s line of the face. The length of the proximal part of the flap was approximately equal to the defect width, and the length of the flap was about 3 to 3.5 times longer than the defect width. An incision was made along the distal part of the flap. The flap dissection proceeded in a proximal to distal fashion superficial to the superficial musculoaponeurotic system, until forming a large perforator flap. A small number of fibrous around the perforator were retained, and the flap was rotated and advanced to reconstruct the defect without any tension. The donor site was closed directly. Wound healing, scar formation, tumor recurrence, and tumor metastasis were followed postoperatively.Results:A total of nine cases were enrolled, with four male patients and five female patients. The mean age of the patients was 58 years, ranging from 35 to 81 years. The size of the flap ranged from 10.0 cm × 6.0 cm to 14.0 cm × 7.0 cm. All flaps survived, and the wound healed primarily. After 3 to 24 months of follow-up, no recurrence of tumor, obvious scar, flap bloated, facial deformity, or other complications were observed. The patients was satisfied with the aesthetic subunit structure and function.Conclusions:The horn-shaped perforator flap with multiple blood supply is simple in design, easy in decision, reliable in blood supply, and consistent in color and texture with the original tissue. The incision scar can be hidden in the Langer’s line with a satisfying appearance, which is suitable for aged patients with sagging facial skin.

Objective To investigate the population dynamics and Echinococcus infections in small rodents around human settlement in Yushu City, Qinghai Province. Methods Rodents were captured using the mouse trap method in pastures from Batang Township and Longbao Township of Yushu City, Qinghai Province on May, August and October, 2018. The body weight and snout-vent length of all captured rodents were measured, and the species was identified according to the rodent morphology. Genomic DNA was extracted from rodent liver specimens and lesion specimens, and the mitochondrial cox1 gene of Echinococcus was amplified using PCR assay for identification of parasite species. In addition, the tissue specimens positive for PCR assay were sampled for pathological examinations. The prevalence of Echinococcus infections was estimated in rodents, and a phylogenetic tree was created based on Echinococcus cox1 gene sequences. Results A total of 285 small rodents were captured, including 143 Ochotona curzoniae (50.2%), 141 Lasiopodomys fuscus (49.5%), and 1 Neodon irene (0.3%), and there was a remarkable variation in habitat selection among these three rodent species. The number of L. fuscus correlated positively with vegetation coverage (r = 0.350, P = 0.264), with the greatest number seen in August, and the number of O. curzoniae negatively with vegetation coverage (r = −0.371, P = 0.235), with the highest number seen in August and the lowest number in May. The female/male ratios of O. curzoniae and voles were 1:0.96 and 0.82:1, respectively. The body weight (r = 0.519, P < 0.01) and snout-vent length (r = 0.578, P < 0.01) of O. curzoniae showed a tendency towards a rise with month, while the body weight (r = −0.401, P < 0.01) and snout-vent length (r = −0.570, P < 0.01) of voles presented a tendency towards a reduction with month. No Echinococcus infection was detected in voles, while 2.1% prevalence of E. shiquicus infection was seen in O. curzoniae. Phylogenetic analysis revealed consistent sequences of cox1 gene from E. shiquicus in Yushu City of Qinghai Province and Shiqu County, Ganzi Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture of Sichuan Province. Conclusions The small rodents around the human settlement in Yushu City of Qinghai Province mainly include O. curzoniae and L. fuscus, with the greatest numbers seen in May and August, respectively. Following the concerted efforts for echinococcosis control, the prevalence of Echinococcus infections is low in small rodents around the human settlement in Yushu City; however, there is still a risk of echinococcosis transmission.

Objective:To explore the effect of rehabilitation training based on the theory of reaching standards in patients with cervical cancer.Methods:From January 2018 to December 2019, convenience sampling was used to select 80 patients with cervical cancer in the Department of Gynecology of Ningbo Women & Children's Hospital as the research object. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into observation group and control group with 40 cases each. The control group carried out routine nursing, and the intervention group conducted rehabilitation training based on the theory of reaching standards on this basis. The General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and Quality of Life Core Questionnaire of European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC QLQ-C30) were used to evaluate the intervention effect.Results:Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the total scores of GSES and EORTC QLQ-C30 in each field between the two groups of patients ( P>0.05) . After the intervention, the total score of GSES of the observation group was higher than that of the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The scores of physical functioning, role functioning, emotional functioning, cognitive functioning, and global health in EORTC QLQ-C30 of the observation group were higher than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The scores of fatigue, pain, insomnia, diarrhea, and constipation were lower than those of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Rehabilitation training based on the theory of reaching standards can improve the self-efficacy of patients with cervical cancer and the quality of life of patients.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of topical delivery of modified Da-Cheng- Qi Decoction (, MDCQD) by low-frequency ultrasound sonophoresis (LFUS) in patients with refractory metastatic malignant bowel obstruction (MBO) using an objective performance criteria (OPC) design. METHODS: Fifty patients with refractory metastatic MBO were enrolled in this open-label single-arm clinical trial. Alongside fasting, gastrointestinal decompression, glycerol enema, intravenous nutrition and antisecretory therapy, a 50 g dose of MDCQD (prepared as a hydrogel) was applied through topical delivery at the site of abodminal pain or Tianshu (S 25) using LFUS for 30 min, twice daily for 5 consecutive days. The overall outcome was the remission of intestinal obstruction, and improvement on abdominal pain, abdominal distention, nausea and vomiting scores. Indicators of safety evaluation included liver and renal function as well as blood coagulation indicators. RESULTS: Among 50 patients, 5 patients (10%) showed complete remission of intestinal obstruction and 21 patients (42%) showed improvement of intestinal obstruction. The overall remission rate of bowel obstruction was 52%. The results of the symptom score, based on the severity and frequency of the episode, are as follows: 26 patients (52%) showed improvment on symptom scores, 20 patients (40%) did not respond to treatment, and 4 patients (8%) discontinued treatment due to intolerance. No serious adverse effects or abnormal changes on liver and renal function or blood coagulation were observed. CONCLUSION Topical delivery of MDCQD at 100 g/day using LFUS can improve the treatment response in patients with refractory metastatic MBO.
Administration, Cutaneous ; Adult ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; administration & dosage ; Female ; Humans ; Intestinal Neoplasms ; complications ; secondary ; Intestinal Obstruction ; drug therapy ; etiology ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Ultrasonic Therapy ; methods