OBJECTIVE To analyze the influencing factors of voriconazole trough concentration and adverse drug reactions （ADR） in renal transplant recipients. METHODS Data from inpatients who received voriconazole and therapeutic drug monitoring in our hospital between January 2022 and August 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divided into renal transplant group and non-renal transplant group based on transplantation status. A 1∶1 propensity score matching （PSM） method was used to balance differences in baselines between the two groups. Voriconazole trough concentrations， target attainment rate， clinical efficacy， and ADR were compared between the two groups. Multiple linear regression （backward） was used to analyze the factors influencing voriconazole trough concentrations in the renal transplant group. Univariate analysis and binary Logistic regression were used to identify independent risk factors for ADR in the renal transplant group. RESULTS After PSM， 48 patients were included in each group. There were no statistically significant differences in the mean voriconazole trough concentration， target attainment rate or efficacy rate between the two groups （P＞0.05）. The total incidence of ADR was significantly higher in the renal transplant group than in the non-renal transplant group （P＜0.05）. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that age， average daily dose， pulmonary infection， total bilirubin during medication， day-1 loading dose， use of the original drug， concomitant immunosuppressant use， and the occurrence of ADR were factors influencing voriconazole trough concentration in renal transplant patients （P＜0.05）. Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that abnormal direct bilirubin during medication [OR＝7.747， 95%CI （1.334， 45.005）， P＝0.023] was an independent risk factor for ADR in renal transplant patients receiving voriconazole. CONCLUSIONS Age， average daily dose， pulmonary infection， use of the original drug， day-1 loading dose， total bilirubin during medication， concomitant immunosuppressant use， and the occurrence of ADR are the factors influencing voriconazole trough concentration in renal transplant patients. Furthermore， patients with abnormal direct bilirubin during medication are more susceptible to ADR.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the impact of HBV infection on pre- and postpartum health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in pregnant women. METHODS: A prospective matched cohort consisting of 70 HBV-infected and 70 healthy pregnant women was recruited from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University between April 17 and September 25, 2023. HRQoL of the participants was assessed at 16-24 weeks of gestation, between 32 weeks and delivery, and 5-13 weeks postpartum. Mixed linear models were used for evaluating temporal trends of HRQoL changes, and univariate ANOVA with multiple linear regression was used to identify the predictors of HRQoL. RESULTS: Compared with healthy pregnant women, HBV-infected pregnant women had consistently lower total HRQoL scores across all the 3 intervals, with the lowest scores observed between 32 weeks of gestation and delivery, during which these women had significantly reduced mental component scores (74.27±13.43 vs 80.21±12.9, P=0.009) and postpartum mental (76.52±16.19 vs 85.02±6.51, P<0.001) and physical component scale scores (77.17±14.71 vs 83.09±10.1, P=0.009). HBV infection was identified as an independent risk factor affecting HRQoL during late pregnancy and postpartum periods. Additional independent risk factors for postpartum HRQoL reduction included self-pay medical expenses, spouse's neutral attitude toward the current pregnancy, and preexisting comorbidities (all P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS HRQoL of pregnant women deteriorates progressively in late pregnancy, and HBV infection exacerbates reductions of physical function and role emotion in late pregnancy and after delivery, suggesting the importance of targeted interventions for financial burdens, partner support and comorbid conditions to improve HRQoL of pregnant women with HBV infection.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Quality of Life ; Prospective Studies ; Postpartum Period ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/psychology* ; Adult ; Pregnancy Trimester, Third ; Pregnancy Trimester, Second ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious

Lymphatic metastasis is the main metastatic route for colorectal cancer, which increases the risk of cancer recurrence and distant metastasis. The properties of the lymph node metastatic colorectal cancer (LNM-CRC) cells are poorly understood, and effective therapies are still lacking. Here, we found that hypoxia-induced fibroblast activation protein alpha (FAPα) expression in LNM-CRC cells. Gain- or loss-function experiments demonstrated that FAPα enhanced tumor cell migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stemness, and lymphangiogenesis via activation of the STAT3 pathway. In addition, FAPα in tumor cells induced extracellular matrix remodeling and established an immunosuppressive environment via recruiting regulatory T cells, to promote colorectal cancer lymph node metastasis (CRCLNM). Z-GP-DAVLBH, a FAPα-activated prodrug, inhibited CRCLNM by targeting FAPα-positive LNM-CRC cells. Our study highlights the role of FAPα in tumor cells in CRCLNM and provides a potential therapeutic target and promising strategy for CRCLNM.

Background In the Global Burden of Disease research, it has been found that atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) pollution significantly harms human health. Currently, there is limited research on polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and dibenzofurans (PCDD/Fs) that exhibit high toxicity effects in PM_2.5 . Objective By studying the spatiotemporal distribution and variation characteristics of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 in Pudong area of Shanghai, to assess the associated population health risk. Methods This study set up 28 sampling points in Pudong area. One sample of PM_2.5 was collected during winter (February 2022) and summer (July 2022) at each site, with a sampling period lasting 24 h. The concentration of PM_2.5 was measured by membrane filter method, and the content of 17 kinds of 2,3,7,8-substituted chlorinated PCDD/Fs in the samples was analyzed using isotope dilution. Seasonal variations (winter and summer) in the concentrations of PM_2.5 and PCDD/Fs were evaluated, sources of PCDD/Fs pollution were tracing by principal component analysis, and health risks to the population from respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs were estimated by VLIER-HUMAAN model. Results The PM_2.5 concentrations in the 28 samples ranged from 10 to 126 μg·m⁻³, while the concentrations of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 ranged from 58 to 2625 fg·m⁻³. The concentration of PM_2.5 during winter (11-126 μg·m⁻³) was higher than that during summer (10-60 μg·m⁻³). The concentration range of PCDD/Fs in winter was from 58 to 2625 fg·m⁻³, which corresponded to a range of toxic equivalent quantity (WHO-TEQ) concentration from 2.99 to 40.97 fg·m⁻³ when taking World Health Organization's toxic equivalency factor (WHO-TEQ); the concentration range of PCDD/Fs in summer was from 72 to 446 fg·m⁻³, which corresponded to a range of WHO-TEQ concentration from 2.66 to 16.61 fg·m⁻³. This range in summer was significantly lower than that observed in winter. The results of principal component analysis revealed that waste incineration was the primary source of PCDD/Fs in winter PM_2.5 in the area, whereas traffic emissions emerged as the main source in summer. The assessment of Pudong residents' respiratory exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 showed significantly higher exposure of children in summer and winter than that of adults, indicating higher susceptibility of children to air pollutants. Both the hazard ratios (HR) for children and adults were below 1, while the cancer risks (CR) ranged from 8.41×10⁻⁸ to 2.35×10⁻⁶. Notably, during winter, the CR at 4 locations slightly exceeds 1×10⁻⁶, indicating a potential carcinogenic risk. Conclusion The overall pollution level of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 in Pudong area is relatively low, but it shows clear seasonal patterns. Waste incineration and traffic are the main sources of PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 in the area. Although the cancer risk of exposure to PCDD/Fs in PM_2.5 for children or adults is relatively low, there is a certain risk at some locations in winter, necessitating additional monitoring and control.

Objective To analyze the effect of circLRP6 on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via miR-31-5p/high mobility group protein A1(HMGA1)axis regulation.Methods Human renal tubular epithelial HK-2 cells were cultured in vitro and divided into eight groups:control,high glucose,high glucose+si-NC,high glucose+si-circLRP6,high glucose+si-circLRP6+miR-NC,high glucose+si-circLRP6+miR-31-5p inhibitor,high glucose+si-circLRP6+miR-31-5p inhibitor+si-NC,and high glucose+si-circ-LRP6+ miR-31-5p inhibitor+si-HMGA1.The circLRP6,miR-31-5p,and HMGA1 mRNA levels were determined using real-time quantitative PCR.Cell supernatant IL-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)levels,lactate dehydrogenase(LDH)activity,and malondialdehyde(MDA)content were also determined.Furthermore,flow cytometry was used to observe cell apoptosis.HMGA1,Bax,and Bcl-2 protein expression was detected by Western blotting.Finally,dual luciferase assay was used to report the targeting relationship of miR-31-5p with circLRP6 and HMGA1.Results Compared with the high glucose group,the HK-2 cell proliferation inhibition rate;cell superserum IL-6,TNF-α,LDH,and MDA levels;apoptosis rate;and Bax protein expression in the high glucose+si-circLRP6 group decreased significantly,whereas Bcl-2 protein expression increased significantly(all P＜0.05).Consequently,miR-31-5p downregulation possibly weakened the protective effect of si-circLRP6 on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.HMGA1 expression inhibition reversed the effect of the si-circLRP6+miR-31-5p inhibitor on high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury.Finally,miR-31-5p exhibited a targeting relationship with circLRP6 and HMGA1.Conclusion Si-circLRP6 protects high glucose-induced renal tubular epithelial cell injury via miR-31-5p upregulation and HMGA1 expression inhibition.

Objective:To observe the value of superb microvascular imaging(SMI)combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes.Methods:A total of 82 patients with superficial enlarged lymph nodes who admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Qinhuangdao City from March 2020 to June 2022 were selected.All patients underwent SMI and CEUS examinations,and the ultrasound-guided needle biopsy was used as the"gold standard",and Kappa values was used to analyze the consistencies of single SMI and CEUS,and the combination of them with the"gold standard"in diagnosing benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes.Results:The results of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy showed that 34 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 63 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were malignant lymph nodes in 97 superficial enlarged lymph nodes of 82 patients.The results of SMI examination showed that 37 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 60 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were malignant lymph nodes in 97 superficial enlarged lymph nodes.The results of consistency analysis indicated that SMI has favorable value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,which has better consistency with needle biopsy(Kappa=0.712).The results of CEUS examination showed that 36 cases of the 97 superficially enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 61 cases were malignant lymph nodes.The results of consistency analysis indicated that CEUS has better value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,which has higher consistency with needle biopsy(Kappa=0.821).The results of SMI combined with CEUS examination showed that 35 cases of 97 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 62 cases were malignant lymph nodes.The result of consistency analysis indicated that SMI combined with CEUS has better value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,and has higher consistency with needle biopsy(Kappa=0.886).Conclusion:Both SMI and CEUS examinations have better value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,and the combination of them can further improve the consistency with result of pathological examination,and enhance the diagnostic value,which has a certain guidance significance in clinical screening malignant lymph nodes.

Objective:To compare the differences of actual absorbed doses of liver malignant tumors after 90Y-selective internal radiation therapy (SIRT) evaluated by 90Y PET/CT and 90Y bremsstrahlung (BRS) SPECT/CT imaging, and to compare the image quality of the 2 imaging methods. Methods:Twenty-one patients (15 males and 6 females; age: (52.4±15.4) years) with liver malignant tumors (15 cases of primary liver cancer, 6 cases of liver metastases; 39 lesions) between September 2021 and August 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients underwent both 90Y PET/CT imaging and 90Y BRS SPECT/CT imaging in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hainan Cancer Hospital. The ratios of the actual absorbed doses based on 90Y PET/CT imaging and 90Y BRS SPECT/CT imaging to the lowest standard absorbed dose(100 Gy) for tumor response were calculated. The image contrast and distinguishability of the two imaging methods were scored. Wilcoxon signed rank test and Wilcoxon rank sum test were used for data analysis. Results:The tumor absorbed doses evaluated by 90Y PET/CT and 90Y BRS SPECT/CT were 143.94(55.91, 233.48) Gy and 107.82(53.59, 157.53) Gy respectively. The doses evaluated by 90Y PET/CT were higher than the standard threshold in 24 lesions, while 19 lesions showed higher evaluated doses by 90Y BRS SPECT/CT than the standard threshold. Compared with 90Y PET/CT, 90Y BRS SPECT/CT underestimated the tumor absorbed dose of -24.25%(-32.32%, -12.14%). The ratio of dose evaluated by 90Y PET/CT to the lowest standard threshold was 1.33(0.56, 1.91), which was higher than that of dose evaluated by 90Y BRS SPECT/CT to the lowest standard threshold (0.97(0.47, 1.25); z=0.04, P<0.001). PET/CT image contrast was scored 0, 1, 2, 3 in 2, 2, 12, 23 lesions respectively, and SPECT/CT image contrast was scored 0, 1, 2, 3 in 2, 3, 16, 18 lesions respectively ( z=-1.29, P=0.199). The distinguishability scores of 0, 1, 2 based on PET/CT images were found in 3, 15, 21 lesions, while those based on SPECT/CT images were found in 4, 32, 3 lesions respectively ( z=-2.79, P=0.005). Conclusion:90Y PET/CT imaging is superior to 90Y BRS SPECT/CT imaging in radiation dose evaluation and tumor focus differentiation in patients with liver malignant tumors after 90Y-SIRT.

To investigate the genomic features and perform cluster analysis of Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) to provide an experimental basis for guiding the prevention and treatment of CRKP infections.A retrospective case-cohort study was conducted on 19 non-redundant CRKP strains isolated from the Tenth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University between January and June 2023. Whole genome sequencing (WGS) and multilocus sequence typing (MLST) were performed to compare genomic features and analyze the resistance genes and homology of the strains.The results showed that the 19 CRKP strains were isolated from 8 different clinical departments, mainly from respiratory specimens. The whole genome sequencing revealed that the genomic lengths of CRKP ranged from 4.90 to 5.85 Mbp, with contigs N50 values>20 kb for each genome. The median overall GC content was 57.0% (50.4%-57.1%). Comparative genomic analysis identified three regions with high genomic variability. WGS detected 32 resistance genes across 11 categories. All 19 strains carried carbapenem resistance genes ( blaKPC-2 and blaOXA-48), blaTEM-1B extended-spectrum β-lactamase resistance genes, qnrS1 quinolone resistance gene, and fosA fosfomycin resistance gene, with each strain carrying only one carbapenemase gene. The detection rate of blaKPC-2 was 94.7% (18/19). MLST identified three sequence types: ST11, ST437 and ST147, with ST11 being predominant (89.5%, 17/19). Clustering analysis based on acquired resistance genes revealed three clonal transmission patterns among strains 72 and 90, and strains 88, 84, 66 and 79.In conclusion, CRKP strains carry multiple resistance genes, and clustering analysis indicating that nosocomial clonal transmission is closely related to acquired resistance genes. The ST11- blaKPC-2 type strain is the predominant clone. Strengthened surveillance and effective control strategies are necessary to reduce nosocomial transmission of CRKP.

Objective:To explore the locations of the lumbosacral nerve roots by use of the magnetic stimulation.Methods:Thirty healthy subjects were studied. The projections of the right L 2 to S 1 intervertebral foramina on their body surfaces were determined manually with ultrasound assistance. Magnetic stimulation was applied to different nerve root segments to induce compound muscle action potentials (CMAP) in the vastus medialis, tibialis anterior, and gastrocnemius muscles of the lower limbs. The changes in latency, amplitude, and motor threshold were observed. Results:Magnetic stimulation on the L 2-L 3 segment resulted in a significant direct excitation of the vastus medialis. That on the L 5-S 1 segment evoked a significant direct excitatory effect on the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius, with a motor threshold below 40%, an amplitude exceeding 1mV, and many effective responses. However, during the magnetic stimulation on the L 4 segment, the amplitude of the vastus medialis was above 1mV, with no significant differences in the number of effective responses among the muscle groups. Moreover, there was a stepwise change in the latency of effective muscle responses to magnetic stimulation at different segments. The CMAP latencies of 12+ ms for the tibialis anterior and 13+ ms for the gastrocnemius indicated activation of the L 5 and L 4 nerve roots, respectively, while those of 6+ ms, 7+ ms, and 8+ ms for the vastus medialis suggested activation of the L 4, L 3, and L 2 nerve roots, respectively. Conclusions:Based on the responses (CMAP latency, amplitude and motor threshold) of the vastus medialis, tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius to magnetic stimulation at different L 2 to S 1 segments, the spinal nerve root segments responsible for innervation can be inferred.