Objective To analyze the prevalence of latent tuberculosis infection(LTBI)among relevant healthcare workers(HCWs)in designated tuberculosis medical institutions(MIs)in Yantai City,and explore its influencing factors.Methods The cluster random sampling method was adopted to select two county-and district-level desig-nated tuberculosis MIs.All HCWs underwent questionnaire survey and creation tuberculin skin test(C-TST)at the same time,and the influencing factors for LTBI were analyzed.Results A total of 215 HCWs from designated tu-berculosis MIs were included for analysis,37 were diagnosed with LTBI,with an infection rate of 17.21％(95％CI:12.42％-22.93％).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that clinicians(OR=3.19,95％CI:1.05-9.69),laboratory technician(OR=5.90,95％CI:1.21-28.77),working years≥10 years(OR=3.31,95％CI:1.39-7.90),and tuberculosis history of family members(OR=6.49,95％CI:1.01-41.46)were independent risk factors for LTBI.Conclusion The infection risk of clinicians and laboratory technicians who directly contact with tuberculosis patients or Mycobacterium tuberculosis is higher than that of other HCWs,and is related to the length of working years.It is suggested that healthcare-associated infection control measures should be streng-thened,and tuberculosis active screening should be carried out regularly for HCWs in key departments.

Aim To investigate the role and mecha-nism of allopurinol(ALLO)in restoring the abnormal metabolism of kynurenine(Kyn)mediated by trypto-phan-2,3-dioxygenase 2(TDO2)to ameliorate ulcera-tive colitis(UC)in mice,and to provide experimental basis for the treatment of UC by ALLO.Methods A dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced mouse UC mod-el was established,and the mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the ALLO low,medium and high-dose groups(10,20,and 40 mg·kg-1),and the positive-significant salazosulfapyridine(SASP)(200 mg·kg-1)group.The body mass and disease activity index(DAI)scores of mice were re-corded;HE staining was performed to observe the de-gree of pathological damage in colon tissue;Western blot was performed to detect TDO2 protein expression in colon tissue;flow cytometry was performed to detect changes in the proportion of macrophages in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes;ELISA was employed to de-tect the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 pro-inflamma-tory cytokines in the supernatant of colon tissue homog-enate;high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to detect the levels of tryptophan(Trp)and Kyn in the supernatant of colon tissue ho-mogenate.Results Compared with the model group,ALLO administration significantly ameliorated colonic histopathological injury in UC mice,decreased the pro-portion of macrophages in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes,down-regulated the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6 pro-inflammatory factors in serum of homogenate of colonic tissues,and inhibited the activity(Kyn/Trp ratio)and expression of TDO2 in colonic tissues.Con-clusion ALLO improves disease manifestations in mice with ulcerative colitis,which may be related to its restoration of abnormal Kyn metabolism.

Ventricular assist devices(VADs)have emerged as a pivotal therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure,undergoing significant technological advancements from pneumatic membrane pumps to continuous-flow centrifugal pumps.This review provides a detailed overview of several VAD models,including HeartMate Ⅲ,EVAHEART 2,and Heart Con.The initial generation of VADs established a foundation for subsequent developments,despite the occurrence of frequent complications.The second generation of VADs demonstrated a notable improvement in patient prognosis but carried the risk of ventricular collapse.The third generation of VADs represents a further reduction in size,incorporating magnetic levitation technology to enhance durability and blood compatibility.In the future,the development of VADs will focus on better emulating the physiological function of the native heart,improving pulsatility,and extending device longevity.As technology advances,VADs are expected to offer heart failure patients with a greater range of treatment options and a higher quality of life.

Aim To investigate the role and mecha-nism of allopurinol(ALLO)in restoring the abnormal metabolism of kynurenine(Kyn)mediated by trypto-phan-2,3-dioxygenase 2(TDO2)to ameliorate ulcera-tive colitis(UC)in mice,and to provide experimental basis for the treatment of UC by ALLO.Methods A dextran sodium sulfate(DSS)-induced mouse UC mod-el was established,and the mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,the ALLO low,medium and high-dose groups(10,20,and 40 mg·kg-1),and the positive-significant salazosulfapyridine(SASP)(200 mg·kg-1)group.The body mass and disease activity index(DAI)scores of mice were re-corded;HE staining was performed to observe the de-gree of pathological damage in colon tissue;Western blot was performed to detect TDO2 protein expression in colon tissue;flow cytometry was performed to detect changes in the proportion of macrophages in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes;ELISA was employed to de-tect the levels of TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-6 pro-inflamma-tory cytokines in the supernatant of colon tissue homog-enate;high performance liquid chromatography(HPLC)was used to detect the levels of tryptophan(Trp)and Kyn in the supernatant of colon tissue ho-mogenate.Results Compared with the model group,ALLO administration significantly ameliorated colonic histopathological injury in UC mice,decreased the pro-portion of macrophages in spleen and mesenteric lymph nodes,down-regulated the levels of TNF-α,IL-1 β,and IL-6 pro-inflammatory factors in serum of homogenate of colonic tissues,and inhibited the activity(Kyn/Trp ratio)and expression of TDO2 in colonic tissues.Con-clusion ALLO improves disease manifestations in mice with ulcerative colitis,which may be related to its restoration of abnormal Kyn metabolism.

Objective:To compare the benefits and prognostic risks of unilateral lobectomy (with or without isthmusectomy) or total (or near-total) thyroidectomy for primary foci of unilateral papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients with ipsilateral lateral cervical lymph node metastasis (LLNM) , so as to find out the optimal surgery for these patients.Methods:A total of 505 unilateral PTC patients with ipsilateral LLNM who underwent initial surgical treatment at the Thyroid Surgery Department of Zhejiang Cancer Hospital from Feb. 2012 to Jan. 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into unilateral lobectomy group ( n=314) and total thyroidectomy group ( n=191) according to the extent of resection of primary foci. Then 177 pairs of cases were screened out after eliminating the potential confounding bias between the two groups by using propensity score matching (PSM) , analyzing the differences in clinical outcomes such as recurrence-free survival (RFS) , overall survival (OS) , hospitalization costs, and postoperative complications between the two groups. Results:After PSM, the postoperative complication rate was 37.3% ( n=66) in the total thyroidectomy group and 3.4% ( n=6) in the unilateral lobectomy group. The complication was mainly characterized by temporary hypoparathyroidism (HP) . Although the difference in length of hospitalization between the two groups was not statistically significant ( P=0.792) , patients in the unilateral lobectomy group used less surgical time ( P<0.001) , had lower hospitalization and surgical costs ( P<0.0001) , and took a relatively smaller dose of levothyroxine (L-T4) one month after the operation ( P<0.0001) , as compared with the total thyroidectomy group. Univariate analysis showed that the number of LLNM total lymph node metastasis (LNM) rate, LLNM rate, and T stage were significant risk factors for relapse. Multi-factor regression analysis indicated that T-staging was a risk factor for recurrence. After a median follow-up of 60 (3-138) months, 19 patients (10.7%) in the unilateral lobectomy group and 11 patients (6.2%) in the total thyroidectomy group recurred, with no statistical difference between the two groups ( P=0.133) . The OS curve displayed no significant difference between the unilateral lobectomy and total thyroidectomy groups ( P=0.740) . Conclusion:For unilateral PTC patients with ipsilateral LLNM without other high-risk features, unilateral lobectomy could be a better option.

Ventricular assist devices(VADs)have emerged as a pivotal therapeutic option for end-stage heart failure,undergoing significant technological advancements from pneumatic membrane pumps to continuous-flow centrifugal pumps.This review provides a detailed overview of several VAD models,including HeartMate Ⅲ,EVAHEART 2,and Heart Con.The initial generation of VADs established a foundation for subsequent developments,despite the occurrence of frequent complications.The second generation of VADs demonstrated a notable improvement in patient prognosis but carried the risk of ventricular collapse.The third generation of VADs represents a further reduction in size,incorporating magnetic levitation technology to enhance durability and blood compatibility.In the future,the development of VADs will focus on better emulating the physiological function of the native heart,improving pulsatility,and extending device longevity.As technology advances,VADs are expected to offer heart failure patients with a greater range of treatment options and a higher quality of life.

Objective To explore the differences of coronary computed tomography-derived fractional flow reserve(CT-FFR)and dynamic stress computed tomography myocardial perfusion imaging(CT-MPI)parameters in obstructive coronary artery disease(CAD),and their correlation with coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA)vessel stenosis.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 37 patients with obstructive CAD who underwent combined CCTA and dynamic stress CT-MPI scans.Based on the CCTA results,the patients were divided into moderate CAD group(22 cases)and severe CAD group(15 cases).The lowest CT-FFR value and perfusion parameter values between the two groups were analyzed.A total of 111 vessels including the left anterior descending branch(LAD),left circumflex branch(LCX),and right coronary artery(RCA)were classified into the mild vessel stenosis group(＜25％)with 42 vessels,moderate vessel stenosis group(25％-69％)with 49 vessels,and severe vessel stenosis group(≥70％)with 20 vessels.The lowest CT-FFR value and lowest perfusion parameter value among these three groups were analyzed.The correlation between CT-FFR value and CT-MPI perfusion parameter values and their diagnostic efficacy were analyzed.Results At the patient level,the relative myocardial blood flow(rMBF),myocardial blood flow(MBF),myocardial blood volume(MBV),flow extraction product(FEP)in the severe CAD group were significantly lower than those in the moderate CAD group(P＜0.05),while there was no significance in CT-FFR and perfusion capillary blood volume(PCBV)between these two groups(P=0.061,0.098).At the vascular level,there were significant differences in rMBF and MBV among mild,moderate,and severe vessel stenosis groups(P＜0.05).CT-FFR showed significant difference between mild vs moderate vessel stenosis groups and mild vs severe vessel stenosis groups(P＜0.001),and no significant difference between moderate and severe vessel stenosis groups(P=0.355).rMBF had the highest correlation with the degree of vessel stenosis(r=-0.674).CT-MPI combined with CT-FFR had a high efficacy in diagnosing CCTA vessel stenosis,area under the curve(AUC)≥0.90.Conclusion rMBF is more effective than CT-FFR in evaluating the degree of vessel stenosis in CCTA.CT-FFR combined with CT-MPI is helpful to evaluate functional vascular stenosis.

Objective To explore the correlation between TCM inspection and coronary heart disease(CHD)symptoms and TCM syndrome types.Methods Totally 336 patients with CHD or non-CHD were included in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.A self-developed scoring standard for TCM inspection was used to collect information on TCM inspection and related symptoms and signs,and the correlation between TCM inspection and age,symptoms and TCM syndrome types was explored.Results The positive rates of Frank's sign,skin fold in nasal root(SFNR),poker face(PF),sublingual meridians and TCM comprehensive inspection increased with age(P<0.05);However,there was no significant difference in the distribution of positive and negative groups in different age groups,including hand inspection,pulse diagnosis,vertical fold between eyebrows(VFE),greasy tongue coating and dark tongue texture(P>0.05).The subjects in positive group of hand inspection,Frank's sign,PF,pulse diagnosis,dark tongue texture and TCM comprehensive inspection were more prone to suffer from chest pain than those in the negative group(P<0.05);as the score increased,the proportion of chest pain increased.The Frank's sign positive group is more prone to have palpitations than the negative group(P<0.05);the PF and pulse diagnosis positive group were more prone to have dizziness than the negative group(P<0.05);the main TCM syndrome types in the positive group of TCM inspection were yang qi deficiency combined with phlegm dampness and stasis obstruction.Conclusion The subjects in positive group of TCM inspection were more prone to suffer from chest pain,palpitations and dizziness than those in the negative group.The main TCM syndrome types in the positive group were yang qi deficiency combined with phlegm dampness and stasis obstruction.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of curculigoside(CUR)on hippocampal neuron injury in epileptic rats.Methods Forty-eight rats were selected,and the epileptic rat models were established by induction with 35 mg/kg pentylenetetrazol.The epileptic rats were randomly divided into the epilepsy group,the epilepsy+low-dose CUR group(the epilepsy+CUR-L group),the epilepsy+high-dose CUR group(the epilepsy+CUR-H group),and the epilepsy+CUR-H+PI3K activator 740Y-P group(the epilepsy+CUR-H+740Y-P group),with 12 rats in each group.Another 12 rats that were intraperitoneally injected with the same amount of normal saline were taken as the control group.Four weeks after administration,the behavioral changes of rats in each group were observed.Nissl staining was applied to determine the neuronal changes in hippocampal tissue.Immunohistochemistry was applied to detect the number of microglia in hippocampal tissue.ELISA was applied to detect the levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),IL-1β,and gamma-aminobutyric acid(GABA)in hippocampal tissue.TUNEL staining was applied to analyze the level of neuronal apoptosis in hippocampal tissue.Western blot was applied to detect the phosphorylation levels of PI3K,Akt and mTOR in hippocampal tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the Racine score and the frequency of epileptic seizures in rats,and the number of microglia,level of IL-6,level of IL-1β,the apoptosis rate of neurons,and levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR in hippocampal tissue in the epilepsy group were obviously increased(P<0.05),while the level of GABA in hippocampal tissue was obviously reduced(P<0.05),and the arrangement of neurons in hippocampal tissue was disordered,with neuronal loss.Compared with the epilepsy group,the Racine score,and the frequency of epileptic seizures in rats,and the number of microglia,levels of IL-6,levels of IL-1β,the apoptosis rates of neurons,and levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR in hippocampal tissue in the epilepsy+CUR-L group and the epilepsy+CUR-H group were significantly decreased(P<0.05),while the levels of GABA in hippocampus tissue were significantly increased(P<0.05),the loss and necrosis of neurons in hippocampus tissue were decreased,and the disorder of cell arrangement was improved.Compared with the epilepsy+CUR-H group,the Racine score and the frequency of epileptic seizures in rats,and the number of microglia,level of IL-6,level of IL-1β,the apoptosis rate of neurons,and levels of p-PI3K/PI3K,p-Akt/Akt,p-mTOR/mTOR in hippocampal tissue in the epilepsy+CUR-H+740Y-P group were significantly increased(P<0.05),while the level of GABA in hippocampus tissue was significantly decreased(P<0.05),the loss and necrosis of hippocampal neurons increased,and the cell arrangement was disordered.Conclusion CUR may reduce hippocampal neuron damage in epileptic rats by downregulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the correlation between TCM inspection and coronary heart disease(CHD)symptoms and TCM syndrome types.Methods Totally 336 patients with CHD or non-CHD were included in Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine.A self-developed scoring standard for TCM inspection was used to collect information on TCM inspection and related symptoms and signs,and the correlation between TCM inspection and age,symptoms and TCM syndrome types was explored.Results The positive rates of Frank's sign,skin fold in nasal root(SFNR),poker face(PF),sublingual meridians and TCM comprehensive inspection increased with age(P<0.05);However,there was no significant difference in the distribution of positive and negative groups in different age groups,including hand inspection,pulse diagnosis,vertical fold between eyebrows(VFE),greasy tongue coating and dark tongue texture(P>0.05).The subjects in positive group of hand inspection,Frank's sign,PF,pulse diagnosis,dark tongue texture and TCM comprehensive inspection were more prone to suffer from chest pain than those in the negative group(P<0.05);as the score increased,the proportion of chest pain increased.The Frank's sign positive group is more prone to have palpitations than the negative group(P<0.05);the PF and pulse diagnosis positive group were more prone to have dizziness than the negative group(P<0.05);the main TCM syndrome types in the positive group of TCM inspection were yang qi deficiency combined with phlegm dampness and stasis obstruction.Conclusion The subjects in positive group of TCM inspection were more prone to suffer from chest pain,palpitations and dizziness than those in the negative group.The main TCM syndrome types in the positive group were yang qi deficiency combined with phlegm dampness and stasis obstruction.