Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of β-blockers in older patients with hypertension combined with vascular dementia.Methods A total of 152 older patients with hypertension combined with vascular dementia who were admitted to Shanxi Provincial Fenyang Hospital between January 2022 and October 2024 were enrolled.The participants were randomly assigned to either the study group or the control group(76 patients each)using the randomized numerical table method.Both groups received conventional treatment,and the study group received metoprolol for 5 weeks in addition to the conventional treatment.Primary outcome indicators,including changes in systolic blood pressure(SBP)and diastolic blood pressure(DBP)before and after treatment,were examined.Additionally,comparison was made to examine the intergroup difference in serological markers,including high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),interleukin(IL)-6,IL-8,matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP-9),homocysteine(Hcy),and superoxide dismutase(SOD)levels,and the scores for intelligence,cognitive,and behavioral assessments.Adverse reactions were recorded.Results After treatment,the study group showed reduced SBP from(146.90±7.35)mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa)to(120.00±6.03)mmHg and reduced DBP from(90.24±5.97)mmHg to(77.23±6.81)mmHg.The reduction in blood pressure in the study group became more significantly when compared with that of the control group,with intergroup difference in SBP reduction being-8.54 mmHg(P<0.001)and intergroup difference in DBP reduction being-10.80 mmHg(P<0.001).Patients in the 2 groups showed statistically significant differences in the levels of hs-CRP,TNF-α,IL-6,IL-8,MMP-9,and Hcy,and in their cognitive and behavioral scores(P<0.05).No statistically significant differences were found in pulse pressure,von Willebrand factor(vWF)levels,or intelligence scores before and after treatment(P>0.05).The main adverse reactions in the study group were central nervous system reactions(22.37%)and withdrawal syndrome(17.11%).Conclusion The β-blocker metoprolol effectively controlled blood pressure,significantly reduced levels of pro-inflammatory factors and specific vascular injury markers,and improved cognitive function and behavioral symptoms in older patients with hypertension combined with vascular dementia,suggesting its therapeutic efficacy for this condition.However,attention should be paid to its associated adverse reactions.

Background Swimming is becoming increasingly popular for its combined leisure and fitness benefits. However, polluted swimming pool water may pose various health risks. Previous studies have indicated that health indicators of swimming venues have lower qualification rates compared to other public places, highlighting the urgent need to optimize hygiene management measures. Objective To assess the overall hygiene status and identify the key factors influencing water quality in Shanghai’s swimming venues from 2010 to 2024, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing water quality management. Methods Water quality was assessed in three stages (2010—2019, 2020—2022, and 2023—2024) based on the monitoring data of Shanghai’s swimming venues (2010—2024). The influences of monitoring stage, region, season, scale, day of week, and per capita attendance on water quality were analyzed using chi-square tests and logistic regression. Results From 2010 to 2024, water quality was monitored in 1478 swimming venues. The compliance rates of turbidity, pH, urea, oxidation-reduction potential, free residual chlorine, combined residual chlorine, total bacteria, coliforms, and heat-resistant coliforms in swimming pool water, and free residual chlorine in the foot disinfection basin water samples were 99.56%, 94.73%, 73.00%, 47.50%, 56.55%, 54.12%, 97.74%, 99.49%, 99.90%, and 69.19%, respectively. The overall water quality compliance rate was 85.28%. The main non-compliant indicators for swimming pool water were urea, ORP, free residual chlorine, and combined residual chlorine, along with free chlorine residual in the foot disinfection basin water samples. Using the period before the implementation of the new national standard as reference, the results of logistic regression revealed that the qualification rates of urea, ORP, and free residual chlorine in the swimming pool water samples, as well as free residual chlorine in foot disinfection basin water samples, were significantly higher during the two phases after launching the new standard (2020–2022 and 2023–2024), and the associated odds ratios (95%CI) were 1.28 (1.00, 1.64) and 1.48 (1.12, 1.95), 13.35 (7.63, 23.37) and 10.78 (7.00, 16.60), 2.54 (1.81, 3.58) and 3.18 (2.41, 4.20), and 3.14 (2.14, 4.60) and 2.83 (1.89, 4.23), respectively. Compared with the reference group, those sampled in urban pools and in non-summer seasons showed higher qualification rates of urea and ORP; in contrast, the pools with high visitor flow showed lower qualification rates of free residual chlorine in both water samples of swimming pools and foot disinfection basins (P<0.05). Conclusion The implementation of the new national standard has effectively enhanced the management standards and significantly improved overall water quality of swimming venues in Shanghai. However, the compliance rates of free residual chlorine and urea in swimming pool water still need further improvement. The compliance of some indicators is influenced by region, season, scale, and average passenger flow, particularly in small suburban swimming venues. Future efforts should focus on refining water quality management strategies and enhancing public health management.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of daratumumab-based regimens for the treatment of relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (RRMM).Methods:A retrospective case series study was conducted. Thirty-seven RRMM patients treated with daratumumab-based regimens at Shanxi Bethune Hospital from January 2017 to November 2023 were selected, and their efficacy and adverse reactions were analyzed.Results:The median age [ M ( Q1, Q3)] of 37 RRMM patients was 62 (56, 68) years, the median number of previous treatment lines was 2 (1, 3.5) lines, 12 cases (32.4%) had extramedullary lesions, 12 cases (32.4%) had lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ≥ 245 U/L, and 11 cases (29.7%) had previously received the third-line or more treatment. Among 27 patients who completed fluorescence in situ hybridization testing, 8 cases (29.6%) had high-risk cytogenetical changes. The median time from diagnosis to use of daratumumab was 23.1 (5.9, 52.0) months. The overall response rate (ORR) of 37 RRMM patients after treatment was 75.7% (28/37), with ORR of 88.0% (22/25) and 50.0% (6/12) for patients without and with extramedullary lesions, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant ( P = 0.036). The median follow-up time was 12.3 (4.6, 22.7) months, the median progression-free survival (PFS) time was 7.8 months (95% CI: 2.0- 13.7 months), and the median overall survival (OS) time was 22.4 months (95% CI: 17.5-29.5 months). The median PFS time for patients without and with extramedullary lesions was 11.8 and 4.2 months, and the median OS time was 23.5 and 8.3 months, respectively, and the differences in PFS and OS between the two were statistically significant (both P < 0.05); the median PFS time for patients with LDH ≥ 245 U/L and < 245 U/L was 6.5 and 11.9 months, and the median OS time was 30.2 and 12.1 months, respectively, and the differences in PFS and OS between the two were statistically significant (both P < 0.05). The incidence of non-hematological adverse reactions was 32.4% (12/37), with the most common being infusion-related adverse reactions (29.7%, 11/37), all of which were grade 1-2; the incidence of ≥ grade 3 hematological adverse reactions was 13.5% (5/37), with thrombocytopenia being the most common (8.1%, 3/37). Conclusions:The ORR of RRMM patients treated with daratumumab-based regimens is high, and the adverse reactions are tolerable.

Objective To explore the application value of telmisartan combined with calcium dobesilate in patients with non-dipper hypertension complicated with type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Methods A total of 260 patients with non-dipper hypertension complicated with T2DM in the endocrinology department of our hospital were selected in this study from January 2021 to December 2022.All the patients were randomly divided into telmisartan group(Tel,n=110)and telmisartan+calcium dobesilate group(Tel+Cal-dob,n=150).The blood pressure level,blood pressure rhythm changes,brachial flow mediated dilatation(FMD),carotid radial pulse wave velocity(crPWV),vasomotor factors[nitric oxide(NO),endothelin-1(ET-1),vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF)]and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Results There was no significant difference in general data and biochemical indexes between the two groups(P>0.05).After 3,6 and 12 months of treatment,the FMD and NO were higher,while the dSBP,dDBP,24 hSBP,24 hDBP,nSBP,nDBP,crPWV,ET-1 and VEGF were lower than before treatment in both groups(P<0.05).After 3,6 and 12 months of treatment,the FMD and NO were higher,while dSBP,dDBP,24 hSBP,24 hDBP,nSBP,nDBP,crPWV,ET-1 and VEGF were lower in Tel+Cal-dob group than in Tel group(P<0.05).After 3,6 and 12 months of treatment,the conversion rates of dipper blood pressure were higher in Tel+Cal-dob groupthan in Tel group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of adverse effects between the two groups(P>0.05).Conclusion Telmisartan combined with calcium dobesilate is effective in the treatment of patients with non-dipper hypertension complicated with T2DM.

Objective:To explore the value of circ_0054633 in early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of acute lung injury/acute respiratory distress syndrome (ALI/ARDS) in children with severe pneumonia.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted on children with diagnosed severe pneumonia admitted to Tianjin Children's Hospital from July 1, 2022, to February 29, 2024. The clinical data was collected by electronic medical record system and clinical follow-up, including gender, age, lung injury prediction score (LIPS), pediatric critical illness score (PCIS), serum circ_0054633, interleukin-6 (IL-6), the indicators of the arterial blood-gas analysis, oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2) within 24 hours of admission and the survival status of 28 days. According to whether ALI/ARDS occurred, they were divided into the ALI/ARDS group and the non-ALI/ARDS group. The differences of clinical data between the two groups were compared, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors for ALI/ARDS in children with severe pneumonia. The receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) will be used to explore the early diagnostic value of ALI/ARDS in children with severe pneumonia. The patients of ALI/ARDS were divided into mild group, moderate group and severe group according to the level of PaO 2/FiO 2. The levels of serum circ_0054633 and IL-6 in various severity ALI/ARDS were compared. The differences of serum circ_0054633, IL-6 levels, PCIS score and LIPS score were compared between the two groups of ALI/ARDS patients according to different prognoses in 28 days, as well as the correlation between various risk factors and circ_0054633. Results:A total 74 children with severe pneumonia were included, with 34 cases in the ALI/ARDS group and 40 cases in the non-ALI/ARDS group. In ALI/ARDS group, there were 9 cases in the mild group, 15 cases in the moderate group and 10 cases in the severe group; while 12 cases died and 22 cases survived after 28 days. The serum circ_0054633, IL-6 level and LIPS score were higher in the ALI/ARDS group than the non-ALI/ARDS group, while the PCIS score was lower, and the two groups had significant difference. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that circ_0054633 was independent predictors of ALI/ARDS in children with severe pneumonia [odds ratio ( OR) = 3.853, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 1.912-7.805, P = 0.017]. ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off values for circ_0054633 in the diagnosis of ALI/ARDS were 3.955, sensitivity was 79.4%, specificity was 92.5%, area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.892. The serum circ_0054633 and IL-6 levels were higher in the children who died in 28 days than the children who were survived, while the PCIS score was lower, and the two groups had significant difference. Spearman correlation analysis showed that the level of circ_0054633 in children with ALI/ARDS was positively correlated with 28-day mortality and IL-6 ( r value was 0.675, 0.763, respectively, all P < 0.001), but negatively correlated with PCIS score ( r = -0.626, P < 0.001), while no significant correlation with LIPS score ( r = 0.389, P = 0.023). Conclusion:The level of serum circ_0054633 has a better value in early diagnosis and prognosis prediction of ALI/ARDS caused in children with severe pneumonia.

AIM:To investigate the effects of Xiaozhong-Zhitong mixture(XZZT)on M2 polarization and Toll-like receptor 4(TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88(MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)signaling pathway in mouse microglia(BV2 cells).METHODS:The BV2 cells were divided into 5 groups:blank group,model group[lipo-polysaccharide(LPS)+hypoxia],TAK-242(resatorvid,a TLR4 inhibitor)group(LPS+hypoxia+TAK-242),XZZT group(LPS+hypoxia+XZZT),and TAK-242+XZZT group(LPS+hypoxia+TAK-242+XZZT).Flow cytometry was used to detect early apoptosis and cell cycle of BV2 cells,and immunofluorescence staining was employed to detect the positive expres-sion of M1-type marker inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)and M2-type marker CD206.Western blot was utilized to detect the expression of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway-related proteins,including TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,phosphorylated p65(p-p65),phosphorylated transforming growth factor-β-activated kinase 1(p-TAK1),and phosphory-lated IκB kinase α/β(p-IKKα/β).RT-qPCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of interleukin-1β(IL-1β),IL-10,tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),TLR4,MyD88,and NF-κB p65.RESULTS:Compared with model group,the rate of early apoptosis was significantly decreased in XZZT group(P<0.01),the percentage of cells arrested in the S phase was significantly increased(P<0.01),and the protein levels of TLR4,MyD88,NF-κB p65,p-IKKα/β,p-p65,and p-TAK1 were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).Additionally,IL-1β,TNF-α,TLR4,MyD88 and NF-κB p65 mRNA expression levels were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01),while IL-10 mRNA expression was significantly in-creased(P<0.05).Compared with TAK-242 group,the average percentage of iNOS positive area was significantly de-creased,while CD206 was significantly increased in TAK-242+XZZT group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:The XZZT has the effect of inducing M2 polarization of mouse microglia,and the mechanism may be linked to the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Objective This study was to develop a HPLC-MS/MS method for determination of etomidate and etomidate acid in blood samples.Methods The blood samples were deproteinized with acetonitrile and supernatant was achieved by shake,sonication,centrifuge and filtration using 0.22 μm membrane.Then,supernatant was performed on an analytical column Poroshell 120 EC-C18(150 mm×3.0 mm,2.7 μm)and flowed with 0.1%formic acid(mobile phase A)and acetonitrile(mobile phase B).The gradient elution at a flow rate of 0.8 mL/min was determined using an electrospray ionization source in positive ion mode and multiple reaction monitoring mode.Results The linearities of etomidate and etomidate acid in blood samples were good within the corresponding range and the correlation coefficients(r)were over 0.9988.The limit of detection(LOD)of etomidate and etomidate acid were 19.94 and 40.25 ng/mL,and the limit of quantitation(LOQ)of them were 50 and 100 ng/mL,respectively.Moreover,matrix effects were ranged from 1.47%to 10.34%and recoveries ranged from 82.81%to 90.07%.The detection of a positive case using our method was successfully determined to be 1 138.89 and 3 126.41 ng/mL for the contents of etomidate and etomidate acid,respectively.Conclusion Our study has further confirmed that this method with simple pretreatment,little sample usage and wide linear range,can be successfully applied to the detection of forensic sciences on etomidate and etomidate acid.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics and predictive factors for plastic bronchitis (PB) in children with severe Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (SMPP). Methods:A retrospective cohort enrolled children with a clinical diagnosis of SMPP who were treated at the Department of Respiratory Medicine of Tianjin Children′s Hospital Machang District from January 1, 2018, to October 31, 2023. According to the bronchoscopy and pathological examination results, the patients were divided into 142 cases in the PB group and 274 cases in the non-PB group. The clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging findings, and treatments were analyzed.Mann-Whitney U test and Chi-square test were used to analyze the differences between the two groups, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to explore the predictive value of PB in SMPP. Results:Among 416 SMPP children, there were 197 males and 219 females; PB group 142 cases, non-PB group 274 cases, the age of disease onset was (6.9±2.9) years and (6.6±2.8) years in the PB group and the non-PB group respectively. The incidence of wheezing symptoms, hypoxemia, heat peak >40 ℃, the duration of fever, neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio, mean platelet volume, C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase and ferritin were higher in the PB group (16 cases (11.3%) vs. 15 cases (5.5%), 14 cases (9.9%) vs. 12 cases (4.4%), 57 cases (40.1%) vs. 67 cases (24.5%), 10 (8, 12) vs. 9 (8, 12) d, 6.1 (4.1, 13.1)×10 9vs. 5.0 (3.7, 6.8)×10 9/L, 10.2 (9.6, 10.8) vs. 9.4 (8.9, 10.1) fl, 33.4 (16.0, 67.5) vs. 23.0 (10.4, 56.1) mg/L, 0.24 (0.12, 0.48) vs. 0.16 (0.09, 0.31) μg/L, 39.9 (25.1, 81.4) vs. 31.3 (18.3, 59.3) ng/L, 16.0 (12.0, 29.0) vs. 14.0 (10.0, 24.3) U/L, 38.5 (28.0, 52.5) vs. 33.0 (25.0, 44.0) U/L, 233 (136, 488) vs. 156 (110, 293) μg/L, χ2=4.55, 4.79, 11.00, Z=2.25, 4.00, 6.64, 2.76, 2.98, 3.09, 2.22, 2.62, 4.18, all P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the dyspnea ( OR=2.97, 95% CI 1.35-6.55, P=0.007), the diminution of respiration ( OR=2.40, 95% CI 1.27-4.52, P=0.006), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) ( OR=2.07, 95% CI 1.71-2.51, P<0.001), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( OR=1.01, 95% CI 1.00-1.01, P<0.001), mean platelet volume/platelet count (MPV/PLT) ( OR=1.39, 95% CI 1.13-1.71, P=0.002), pleural effusion ( OR=2.23, 95% CI 1.21-4.13, P=0.011),≥2/3 lobe consolidation ( OR=1.84, 95% CI 1.04-3.00, P=0.039) and atelectasis ( OR=1.98, 95% CI 1.02-3.48, P=0.044) were independent predictors of PB in children with SMPP. ROC curve analysis showed that the cut-off values for NLR, LDH and MPV/PLT in the diagnosis of PB were 2.79 (sensitivity 0.89, specificity 0.69, area under the curve (AUC)=0.86, P<0.001), 474 U/L (sensitivity 0.63, specificity 0.65, AUC=0.70, P=0.003) and 0.04 (sensitivity 0.75, specificity 0.53, AUC=0.68, P=0.005) respectively. Children in the PB group had longer hospital stays and corticosteroid treatment course than those in the non-PB group, the proportion of children in the PB group who received bronchoscopy treatment twice or more was higher (9 (8, 12) vs. 8 (6, 10) d, 7 (5, 8) vs. 6 (5, 7) d, 128 cases (90.1%) vs. 218 cases (79.6%), 106 cases (74.7%) vs. 54 cases (19.7%), Z=6.70, 5.06, χ2=7.48, 119.27, all P<0.05). Conclusions:The dyspnea, respiration diminution, NLR level elevation (>2.79) and pleural effusion were predictive factors for PB in children with SMPP. This provides a basis for the early identification of PB in children with SMPP.

Objective:To evaluate the effects of fine particle matter(PM2.5)and ozone(O3)com-bined exposure on adenosine triphosphate(ATP)amount and ATPase activities in nasal mucosa of Spra-gue Dawley(SD)rats.Methods:Twenty male SD rats were divided into control group(n=10)and exposure group(n=10)by random number table method.The rats were fed in the conventional clean environment and the air pollutant exposure system established by our team,respectively,and exposed for 208 d.During the exposure period,the concentrations of PM2 5 and O3 in the exposure system were moni-tored,and a comprehensive assessment of PM2 5 and O3 in the exposure system was conducted by combi-ning self-measurement and site data.On the 208 d of exposure,the core,liver,spleen,kidney,testis and other major organs and nasal mucosal tissues of the rats were harvested.Each organ was weighed and the organ coefficient calculated.The total amount of ATP was measured by bioluminescence,and the ac-tivities of Na+-K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase were detected by spectrophotometry.The t test of two inde-pendent samples was used to compare the differences among the indicator groups.Results:From the 3rd week to the end of exposure duration,the body weight of the rats in the exposure group was higher than that in the control group(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in organ coefficients be-tween the two groups.The average daily PM2 5 concentration in the exposure group was(30.68±19.23)μg/m3,and the maximum 8 h ozone concentration(O3-8 h)was(82.45±35.81)μg/m3.The chemi-luminescence value(792.4±274.1)IU/L of ATP in nasal mucosa of the rats in the exposure group was lower than that in the control group(1 126.8±218.1)IU/L.The Na+-K+-ATPase activity(1.53±0.85)U/mg in nasal mucosa of the rats in the exposure group was lower than that in the control group(4.31±1.60)U/mg(P＜0.05).The protein content of nasal mucosa in the control group and the exposure group were(302.14±52.51)mg/L and(234.58±53.49)mg/L,respectively,and the ac-tivity of Ca2+-ATPase was(0.81±0.27)U/mg and(0.99±0.73)U/mg,respectively.There was no significant difference between the groups.Conclusion:The ability of power capacity decreased in the rat nasal mucossa under the sub-chronic low-concentration exposure of PM2 5 and O3.

Purpose: This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions. Methods: A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3). Results: Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis. Conclusion In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.