Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

Objective:To assess the current status of geriatrics department development in public general hospitals at or above the second grade in Shandong province.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 27 to November 3, 2023 using a web-based electronic questionnaire to investigate the current status of geriatrics department development in all public general hospitals at or above the second grade across 16 prefecture-level cities in Shandong province.The survey included participation from medical department staff and managers of geriatric medicine departments.Results:Shandong province has 355 public general hospitals at or above the second grade, of which 337 completed the questionnaire.Among these 337 hospitals, 92.28%(311/337)have established geriatric departments, 83.09%(280/337)have set up geriatric clinics, 69.14%(233/337)have independent geriatric wards, and 71.51%(241/337)have implemented comprehensive geriatric assessments(CGA).Regarding the configuration of geriatric departments, 60.24%(203/337)of hospitals met the requirement of having at least 20 ward beds, 34.42%(116/337)met the doctor-to-bed ratio requirement of at least 0.3, and 22.26%(75/337)met the nurse-to-bed ratio requirement of at least 0.6.Only 13 hospitals met all the requirements for geriatric wards, beds, doctors, and nurses, accounting for 3.86%(13/337)of the participating hospitals.Conclusions:The establishment of geriatrics departments in second-grade or higher public general hospitals in Shandong province has surpassed the national target in China ahead of schedule.Most hospitals have established geriatric clinics and wards and have implemented CGA.However, significant challenges remain, including a shortage of ward beds and a lack of medical staff.

Objective:To analyze risk factors for immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on clinical and radiological characteristics, and to develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of CIP.Methods:A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted. The clinical data of 159 patients diagnosed with NSCLC in Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 who received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the development of CIP after immunotherapy, the patients were divided into the CIP group (30 cases) and the control group (129 cases). The clinical data of NSCLC patients, hematological indicators and the data of imaging characteristics before their first ICI treatment were collected. Quantitative assessments were performed on pretreatment chest CT images, including lung total tumor volume, number of involved lung segments, and pulmonary infection index. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the factors influencing the development of CIP. R 4.3.0 statistical software was used to construct a nomogram model for predicting CIP based on the statistically significant risk factors identified in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC). Calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to assess the model's consistency and clinical benefit.Results:There were statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients with a history of chest radiotherapy and those receiving different immunotherapy regimens between the control group and the CIP group (both P < 0.001). The difference in the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [ M ( IQR)] between the both groups was statistically significant [211.00 U/L (57.00 U/L) vs. 276.00 U/L (136.00 U/L), Z = -3.41, P < 0.001]; additionally, the difference in lung status score between the 2 groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of chest radiotherapy (with vs. without: OR = 4.200, 95% CI: 1.466-12.036), the combination of immunotherapy (monotherapy vs. the combined therapy: OR = 0.106, 95% CI: 0.022-0.509), LDH ≥ 255.5 U/L (< 255.5 U/L vs. ≥ 255.5 U/L: OR = 0.988, 95% CI: 0.981-0.995), and severe lung status score(mild vs. moderate vs. severe: OR = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.059-0.593) were independent risk factors for CIP development in NSCLC patients after immunotherapy (all P < 0.05). A nomogram model for predicting CIP occurrence was constructed based on chest radiotherapy history, immunotherapy regimen, LDH, and lung status score. ROC curve analysis showed the AUC was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.813-0.942). The calibration curve demonstrated the good consistency between the predicted risk probability of CIP and the observed outcomes; DCA indicated that the model had favorable clinical benefits. Conclusions:The constructed nomogram prediction model shows a good predictive performance.

BACKGROUND: The use of potentially inappropriate medications (PIMs) is a major concern for medication safety as it may entail more harm than potential benefits for older adults. This study aimed to explore the prescribing rate, healthcare utilization, and expenditure of older adults using PIMs in China. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was conducted using a national representative database of all medical insurance beneficiaries across China, extracting ambulatory visit records of adults aged 65 years and above between 2015 and 2017. Descriptive analysis was conducted to measure the rate of patients exposed to PIM, prescribing rate of each PIM, average annual outpatient visits per patient, average total medication costs for each visit, average annual cost of PIMs for each patient, and average annual medication costs for each patient. Generalized linear model with logit link function and binomial distribution was used to examine the adjusted associations between PIMs and independent variables. RESULTS: In total, 845,278 (33.2%) participants were identified to be exposed to at least one PIM. Patients aged 75-84 years (38.1%, 969,809/2,545,430) and ≥85 years (37.9%, 964,718/2,545,430) were more likely to be prescribed with PIMs. Beneficiaries of the Urban Employee Basic Medical Insurance (UEBMI) and living in eastern and southern regions were more frequently prescribed with PIMs. Compared with patients without PIM exposure (7.5 visits, drug cost of RMB 1545.0 Yuan), patients with PIM exposure showed higher adjusted average annual number of outpatient visits (10.7 visits, β = 3.228, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 3.196-3.261) and higher annual drug costs (RMB 2461.8 Yuan, Coef. = 916.864, 95% CI = RMB 906.292-927.436 Yuan). CONCLUSIONS The results showed that the use of PIM among older adults was common in China. This study suggests that the use of PIM could be considered as a clear target, pending multidimensional efforts, to promote rational prescribing for older adults.
Humans ; Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Aged, 80 and over ; Male ; Female ; China ; Inappropriate Prescribing/economics* ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data* ; Potentially Inappropriate Medication List/statistics & numerical data* ; Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data*

Objective:To assess the current status of geriatrics department development in public general hospitals at or above the second grade in Shandong province.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted from October 27 to November 3, 2023 using a web-based electronic questionnaire to investigate the current status of geriatrics department development in all public general hospitals at or above the second grade across 16 prefecture-level cities in Shandong province.The survey included participation from medical department staff and managers of geriatric medicine departments.Results:Shandong province has 355 public general hospitals at or above the second grade, of which 337 completed the questionnaire.Among these 337 hospitals, 92.28%(311/337)have established geriatric departments, 83.09%(280/337)have set up geriatric clinics, 69.14%(233/337)have independent geriatric wards, and 71.51%(241/337)have implemented comprehensive geriatric assessments(CGA).Regarding the configuration of geriatric departments, 60.24%(203/337)of hospitals met the requirement of having at least 20 ward beds, 34.42%(116/337)met the doctor-to-bed ratio requirement of at least 0.3, and 22.26%(75/337)met the nurse-to-bed ratio requirement of at least 0.6.Only 13 hospitals met all the requirements for geriatric wards, beds, doctors, and nurses, accounting for 3.86%(13/337)of the participating hospitals.Conclusions:The establishment of geriatrics departments in second-grade or higher public general hospitals in Shandong province has surpassed the national target in China ahead of schedule.Most hospitals have established geriatric clinics and wards and have implemented CGA.However, significant challenges remain, including a shortage of ward beds and a lack of medical staff.

Objective:To analyze risk factors for immune checkpoint inhibitor-related pneumonitis (CIP) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients based on clinical and radiological characteristics, and to develop and validate a nomogram model for predicting the risk of CIP.Methods:A retrospective case-controlled study was conducted. The clinical data of 159 patients diagnosed with NSCLC in Shanxi Province Cancer Hospital between January 2020 and December 2023 who received immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy were retrospectively analyzed. Based on the development of CIP after immunotherapy, the patients were divided into the CIP group (30 cases) and the control group (129 cases). The clinical data of NSCLC patients, hematological indicators and the data of imaging characteristics before their first ICI treatment were collected. Quantitative assessments were performed on pretreatment chest CT images, including lung total tumor volume, number of involved lung segments, and pulmonary infection index. Logistic regression analysis was used to screen out the factors influencing the development of CIP. R 4.3.0 statistical software was used to construct a nomogram model for predicting CIP based on the statistically significant risk factors identified in the multivariate logistic regression analysis. The predictive performance of the model was evaluated by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and the area under the curve (AUC). Calibration curves and decision curve analysis (DCA) were employed to assess the model's consistency and clinical benefit.Results:There were statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients with a history of chest radiotherapy and those receiving different immunotherapy regimens between the control group and the CIP group (both P < 0.001). The difference in the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) [ M ( IQR)] between the both groups was statistically significant [211.00 U/L (57.00 U/L) vs. 276.00 U/L (136.00 U/L), Z = -3.41, P < 0.001]; additionally, the difference in lung status score between the 2 groups was statistically significant ( P < 0.001). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that a history of chest radiotherapy (with vs. without: OR = 4.200, 95% CI: 1.466-12.036), the combination of immunotherapy (monotherapy vs. the combined therapy: OR = 0.106, 95% CI: 0.022-0.509), LDH ≥ 255.5 U/L (< 255.5 U/L vs. ≥ 255.5 U/L: OR = 0.988, 95% CI: 0.981-0.995), and severe lung status score(mild vs. moderate vs. severe: OR = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.059-0.593) were independent risk factors for CIP development in NSCLC patients after immunotherapy (all P < 0.05). A nomogram model for predicting CIP occurrence was constructed based on chest radiotherapy history, immunotherapy regimen, LDH, and lung status score. ROC curve analysis showed the AUC was 0.878 (95% CI: 0.813-0.942). The calibration curve demonstrated the good consistency between the predicted risk probability of CIP and the observed outcomes; DCA indicated that the model had favorable clinical benefits. Conclusions:The constructed nomogram prediction model shows a good predictive performance.

Objective To investigate the effects of pterostilbene on human colon cancer LoVo cells and study the regulatory mechanism of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2(Nrf2)in the process of pterostilbene acting on LoVo cells.Methods LoVo cells were treated with different concentrations(5,10,20,40,60,80,100 panol/L)of pterostilbene.Cell viability,migration,invasion,and apoptosis were examined by CCK-8,scratch,Tran-swell,and TUNEL assays,respectively.The mitochondrial membrane potential was measured by the mitochon-drial membrane potential assay kit with JC-1.The reactive oxygen species level was measured by 2',7'-dichlo-rofluorescein diacetate.The protein levels of Nrf2,phosphorylated Nrf2,heme oxygenase 1,and apoptotic pro-teins(Bcl2 and Bax)were determined by Western blotting.In addition,cell viability,Nrf2 expression,and ap-optosis rate were determined after co-application of the Nrf2-specific agonist sulforaphane.Results Compared with the control group,40,60,80,100 μmol/L pterostilbene reduced the viability of LoVo cells(P=0.014,P＜0.001,P＜0.001,P＜0.001).Pterostilbene at 5,10,20 μmol/L did not show effects on cell viability but inhibited cell migration(P=0.008,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)and invasion(all P＜0.001).Pterostilbene at 40,60,80 μmol/L increased apoptosis(P=0.014,P＜0.001,P＜0.001),promoted mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization(P=0.026,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)and reactive oxygen species accumula-tion(all P＜0.001),and down-regulated the expression of phosphorylated Nrf2(P=0.030,P＜0.001,P＜0.001),heme oxygenase 1(P=0.015,P＜0.001,P＜0.001),and Bc12(P=0.039,P＜0.001,P＜0.001)in LoVo cells.Pterostilbene at 60,80 μmol/L down-regulated Nrf2 expression(P=0.001,P＜0.001)and up-regulated Bax expression(both P＜0.001).The application of sulforaphane reversed the effects of pterostilbene on cell viability(P＜0.001),apoptosis(P＜0.001),and Nrf2 expression(P=0.022).Conclusion Pterostilbene is a compound that can effectively inhibit colon cancer cells by inhibiting the Nrf2 pathway.

Objective:We aimed to develop a novel visualized model based on nomogram to predict postoperative overall survival.Methods:This was a multicenter, retrospective, observational cohort study, including participants with histologically confirmed gastric and colorectal cancer who underwent radical surgery from 11 medical centers in China from August 1, 2015 to June 30, 2018. Baseline characteristics, histopathological data and nutritional status, as assessed using Nutrition Risk Screening 2002 (NRS 2002) score and the scored Patient-Generated Subjective Global Assessment, were collected. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression and Cox regression were used to identify variables to be included in the predictive model. Internal and external validations were performed.Results:There were 681 and 127 patients in the training and validation cohorts, respectively. A total of 188 deaths were observed over a median follow-up period of 59 (range: 58 to 60) months. Two independent predictors of NRS 2002 and Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage were identified and incorporated into the prediction nomogram model together with the factor of age. The model's concordance index for 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival was 0.696, 0.724, and 0.738 in the training cohort and 0.801, 0.812, and 0.793 in the validation cohort, respectively.Conclusions:In this study, a new nomogram prediction model based on NRS 2002 score was developed and validated for predicting the overall postoperative survival of patients with gastric colorectal cancer. This model has good differentiation, calibration and clinical practicability in predicting the long-term survival rate of patients with gastrointestinal cancer after radical surgery.

Objective:To explore the clinical application of preimplantation genetic testing for monogenic disorders (PGT-M) in an unique case with Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) type 2+ 0.Methods:A special SMA family presented at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University on October 19, 2020 was selected as the study subject. Multiple ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) and molecular tagging linkage analysis were carried out to identify the SMN1 genotype of the couple and their fetus. Subsequently, next-generation sequencing (NGS), molecular tagging linkage analysis, and chromosomal microarray analysis were employed to determine the haplotypes and validate the result of PGT-M on the 11 embryos derived for the couple. Results:The female partner was identified as a carrier of the rare SMN1[2+ 0] variant, and prenatal diagnosis confirmed the fetus to be affected by SMA. Ultimately, PGT-M has successfully selected four embryos free from the pathogenic SMN1 variants and X chromosome deletion. Conclusion:PGT-M can effectively prevent the transmission of rare genetic variants such as the SMA 2+ 0 subtype in the families. Above finding has provided guidance for genetic counseling and family planning for the couple.

Objective:To identify the spatial clustering and its temporal trends among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Henan Province during 1995-2020, and to provide evidence for strategies on prevention and control of the disease.Methods:Information about newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Henan between 1995 and 2020 were obtained from China Information System for Disease Control and Prevention and to describe their demographic characteristics, spatial autocorrelation and changing trends. This program was conducted at county level, using the ArcGIS 10.2.Results:A total of 96 528 HIV/AIDS cases with complete current address information in counties (districts) were newly reported during 1995-2020 in Henan, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that Global Moran's I index was 0.249, Z G value of the Global Getis-Ord G coefficient was 6.472 (all P<0.001), indicating that there was a high clustered positive spatial autocorrelation of HIV/AIDS. The newly reported HIV/AIDS cases from 1995 to 2000, 2001 to 2005, 2006 to 2010, 2011 to 2015, and 2016 to 2020 in Henan Province all exhibited high values of global spatial clustering. Their Moran's I indices were 0.197, 0.103, 0.491, 0.411 and 0.383, respectively. The Z G values of the Global Getis-Ord G coefficient were 4.580, 3.386, 10.246, 8.378 and 8.093, respectively. All of global spatial correlation were statistically significant (all P<0.001). The results of local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed that newly reported HIV/AIDS cases in Henan Province had high-high clustering areas at each time stage mentioned above. The number of high-high clustering counties/districts gradually increased from 6 in 2001-2005 to 21 in 2016-2020, spreading from Zhumadian City and Zhoukou City in southeast Henan to Nanyang City in southwest Henan, Zhengzhou City and its surrounding counties/districts in central Henan. Conclusions:In Henan Province, an increasing trend of clusters appeared on HIV epidemic among newly reported HIV/AIDS cases from 1995 to 2020, and high-high clustering areas gradually expanded from Zhumadian City and Zhoukou City to Nanyang City, Zhengzhou City and its surrounding counties/districts, indicating that it is necessary to strengthen the AIDS prevention and control programs in these areas in Henan.