Background::Computer-aided detection (CAD) software has been introduced to automatically interpret digital chest X-rays. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of CAD software (JF CXR-1 v3.0, which was developed by a domestic Hi-tech enterprise) in tuberculosis (TB) case finding in China.Methods::In 2019, we conducted an internal evaluation of the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 by reading standard images annotated by a panel of experts. In 2020, using the reading results of chest X-rays by a panel of experts as the reference standard, we conducted an on-site prospective study to evaluate the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in TB case finding in 13 township health centers in Zhongmu County, Henan Province.Results::Internal assessment results based on 277 standard images showed that JF CXR-1 v3.0 had a sensitivity of 85.94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.42%, 94.45%) and a specificity of 74.65% (95% CI: 68.81%, 80.49%) to distinguish active TB from other imaging conditions. In the on-site evaluation phase, images from 3705 outpatients who underwent chest X-ray detection were read by JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in parallel. The imaging diagnosis of local radiologists for active TB had a sensitivity of 32.89% (95% CI: 22.33%, 43.46%) and a specificity of 99.28% (95% CI: 99.01%, 99.56%), while JF CXR-1 v3.0 showed a significantly higher sensitivity of 92.11% (95% CI: 86.04%, 98.17%) ( p < 0.05) and maintained high specificity at 94.54% (95% CI: 93.81%, 95.28%). Conclusions::CAD software could play a positive role in improving the TB case finding capability of township health centers.

Objective To addresses the challenges arising from the rapid expansion of pharmaceutical clinical trials and the growing demands for quality management,this paper investigates the application of low-code technology in project management.Its goals are to enhance the operational efficiency and execution capabilities of clinical trial institutions,ensure trial quality and safety,and accelerate the translation of pharmaceutical scientific achievements.Methods A brainstorming session was conducted to analyze the technical and functional requirements for managing pharmaceutical clinical trial projects.Utilizing the ＂template design＂ and ＂decision analysis＂ functionalities of low-code technology,the study adopted a modular and visually driven data management approach to develop a system compliant with Good Clinical Practice(GCP)standards.This system integrates key functionalities,including project progress management,funding management,drug inventory management,and quality control.Its effectiveness was evaluated through real-world operation and performance validation.Results The system had demonstrated stable operation with substantial improvements in practical application.Compared with conventional management approaches,it significantly enhanced project management efficiency:the time required for project schedule management was reduced by 80%,the efficiency of financial processing increased by 95%,drug inventory management efficiency improved by 75%,and the time spent on quality control was shortened by 60%.Conclusion The pharmaceutical clinical trial project management system developed using low-code technology offers substantial advantages and promising application potential.It represents a critical practice in applying digital and intelligent tools to advance pharmaceutical productivity in the medical and healthcare sectors.

AIM To study the effects of total flavonoids of Dracocephalum Moldavica L.(TFDM)on reducing the inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages induced by ox-LDL via the nuclear factor κB(NF-κB)/NOD-like receptor 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway.METHODS The RAW264.7 macrophages cultured in vitro were divided into the normal group,the model group(50 μg/mL ox-LDL),the TFDM group(100 μg/mL TFDM+50 μg/mL ox-LDL),the NF-κB inhibitor group(10 μmol/L Bay11-7821+50 μg/mL ox-LDL)and the TFDM+NF-κB inhibitor group(100 μg/mL TFDM+10 μmol/L Bay11-7821+50 μg/mL ox-LDL).The cells had their viability assessed by CCK-8 method;their ROS expression detected by the ROS kit;their mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β detected by RT-qPCR;their protein expressions of NF-κB p65,IκBα,NLRP3,pro-Caspase-1,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β by Western blot;their protein expressions of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 detected using immunofluorescence method.RESULTS Compared with the normal group,the model group showed increased ROS expression(P＜0.01);increased mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β(P＜0.05,P＜0.01);decreased protein expressions of IκBα and cytoplasmic NF-κB p65(P＜0.01);increased protein expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1 β and IL-18(P＜0.01);and increased fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,the groups intervened with either TFDM or TFDM+inhibitor displayed decreased ROS expression(P＜0.01);the groups administrated with TFDM or NF-κB inhibitor,or TFDM+inhibitor showed decreased mRNA expressions of NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-18 and IL-1β(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),increased protein expressions of IκBα and cytoplasmic NF-κB p65(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),decreased protein expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1β and IL-18(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and decreased fluorescence intensity of NF-κB p65 and NLRP3(P＜0.01).There existed no significant group difference between the TFDM group and the NF-κB inhibitor group(P＞0.05).The TFDM+inhibitor group demonstrated decreased mRNA expressions of IL-1βand IL-18(P＜0.05),increased IκBα protein expression(P＜0.05),decreased protein expressions of nuclear NF-κB p65,NLRP3,Caspase-1,IL-1 β and IL-18(P＜0.05),and decreased fluorescence intensity of NLRP3 protein(P＜0.05).CONCLUSION TFDM can inhibit the ox-LDL-induced inflammatory response of RAW264.7 macrophages,and the mechansism may be associated with the reduced ROS expression and inflammatory factors due to the inhibited activation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

Objective:To evaluate the effect of multiple sevoflurane anesthesia on the metabolism of long-chain fatty acids in the hippocampus of newborn mice and the role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-beta (PPARβ).Methods:Clean-grade healthy male C57BL/6 mice, aged 6 days, weighing 3-5 g, were divided into 2 groups ( n=8 each) by a random number table method: control group (group C) and multiple sevoflurane anesthesia group (group S). This study was performed in 2 parts. PartⅠ Sixteen newborn mice were divided into 2 groups ( n=8 each) using a random number table: control group (C group) and multiple sevoflurane anesthesia group (S group). Anesthesia was performed with sevoflurane on postnatal days 6, 7 and 8. The hippocampus was obtained at postnatal day 9 for determination of the content of long-chain fatty acids (by ultra-high performance liquid mass spectrometry), expression of PPARβ (by Western blot), and expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase-2 (Scd2) and fatty acid desaturase 2 (Fads2) mRNA (using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction). Part Ⅱ Twenty-one newborn mice were divided into 3 groups ( n=7 each) using a random number table: control+ normal saline group (group C+ S), sevoflurane + normal saline group (group S+ S), and sevoflurane+ PPARβ specific agonist KD3010 group (group S+ K). Anesthesia was carried out with sevoflurane on postnatal days 6, 7 and 8. KD3010 25 mg/kg was intraperitoneally injected once a day from postnatal day 6 to 13 in S+ K group. The novel object recognition test was performed on postnatal day 37, and the Morris water maze test was performed on postnatal day 42. The hippocampal tissues were obtained on postnatal day 47 for detection of the expression of Scd2 mRNA and Fads2 mRNA by fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Anesthesia was carried out with sevoflurane as follows: Mice were exposed to 3% sevoflurane in 40% oxygen-60% nitrogen in an induction chamber for 2 h at a flow rate of 1 L/min. Results:PartⅠ Compared with group C, the total content of long-chain fatty acids, contents of saturated fatty acids, monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids were significantly decreased, the percentage of saturated fatty acids was increased, the percentage of monounsaturated fatty acids and polyunsaturated fatty acids was decreased, the expression of Scd2 mRNA and Fads2 mRNA was down-regulated, and the expression of PPARβ was down-regulated in group S ( P<0.05). Part Ⅱ Compared with group C+ S, the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test and percentage of time spent in the target quadrant were significantly decreased, the number of crossing the original platform was reduced, and the expression of Scd2 and Fads2 mRNA was down-regulated in group S+ S ( P<0.05). Compared with group S+ S, the discrimination index in the novel object recognition test and percentage of time spent in the target quadrant were significantly increased, the number of crossing the original platform was increased, and the expression of Scd2 and Fads2 mRNA was up-regulated in group S+ K ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Multiple anesthesia with sevoflurane can lead to the disorder of long-chain fatty acid metabolism in the hippocampus of neonatal mice, resulting in long-term cognitive dysfunction. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activity of hippocampal PPARβ signaling pathway.

Background::Computer-aided detection (CAD) software has been introduced to automatically interpret digital chest X-rays. This study aimed to evaluate the performance of CAD software (JF CXR-1 v3.0, which was developed by a domestic Hi-tech enterprise) in tuberculosis (TB) case finding in China.Methods::In 2019, we conducted an internal evaluation of the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 by reading standard images annotated by a panel of experts. In 2020, using the reading results of chest X-rays by a panel of experts as the reference standard, we conducted an on-site prospective study to evaluate the performance of JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in TB case finding in 13 township health centers in Zhongmu County, Henan Province.Results::Internal assessment results based on 277 standard images showed that JF CXR-1 v3.0 had a sensitivity of 85.94% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 77.42%, 94.45%) and a specificity of 74.65% (95% CI: 68.81%, 80.49%) to distinguish active TB from other imaging conditions. In the on-site evaluation phase, images from 3705 outpatients who underwent chest X-ray detection were read by JF CXR-1 v3.0 and local radiologists in parallel. The imaging diagnosis of local radiologists for active TB had a sensitivity of 32.89% (95% CI: 22.33%, 43.46%) and a specificity of 99.28% (95% CI: 99.01%, 99.56%), while JF CXR-1 v3.0 showed a significantly higher sensitivity of 92.11% (95% CI: 86.04%, 98.17%) ( p < 0.05) and maintained high specificity at 94.54% (95% CI: 93.81%, 95.28%). Conclusions::CAD software could play a positive role in improving the TB case finding capability of township health centers.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of interventional therapy for transplant renal artery stenosis (TRAS) and the 1-, 2-, and 3-year survival rates of recipients after treatment.Methods:This is a retrospective case series study. Forty TRAS recipients who underwent interventional treatment at Zhengzhou University People's Hospital between April 2016 and April 2021 were included as the study group. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the survival rates of the transplanted kidneys and recipients, and survival curves were plotted. The improvement in graft function and blood pressure after interventional therapy in the study group was further analyzed.Results:The 1- and 3-year graft survival rates in the study group after interventional therapy were 87.5% and 82.5%, respectively; the 1-, 2-, and 3-year recipient survival rates were all 100%. One month after interventional therapy, the peak systolic velocity (PSV) and resistance index (RI) of the transplanted kidneys were (235.4±135.1) cm/s and 0.60±0.07, respectively, which were significantly different from the pre-treatment values [(482.8±180.6) cm/s and 0.52±0.12, respectively; both P<0.001]. Serum creatinine levels at 1, 2, and 3 years after interventional therapy were (166.6±93.7) μmol/L, (137.4±57.2) μmol/L, and (137.4±57.9) μmol/L, respectively, all significantly lower than the pre-treatment level [(242.9±156.8) μmol/L; P=0.001, P<0.001, and P<0.001, respectively]. Systolic blood pressure at 1, 2, and 3 years after treatment was (138.5±11.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), (134.0±12.0) mmHg, and (130.8±10.8) mmHg, respectively, all significantly lower than the pre-treatment value [(153.8±9.8) mmHg; all P<0.001]. Diastolic blood pressure at 1, 2, and 3 years after treatment was (84.4±9.9) mmHg, (83.7±10.1) mmHg, and (81.9±6.9) mmHg, respectively, all significantly lower than the pre-treatment value [(93.5±12.8) mmHg; P=0.002, P=0.001, and P<0.001, respectively]. Conclusions:Interventional therapy can enable the majority of kidney transplant recipients diagnosed with TRAS to avoid the need for further dialysis, and it has positive effects on both transplant renal function and blood pressure control.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

OBJECTIVES: To compare the efficacy of transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement (TTVR) using Lux-Valve and Lux-Valve Plus in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation. METHODS: A total of 28 consecutive patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation who underwent TTVR with Lux-Valve (n=14) or Lux-Valve Plus (n=14) in the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from August 2019 to November 2023 were enrolled. Transthoracic echocardiography was performed in all patients before and 6 months after the TTVR. The ultrasound indexes were compared before and 6 months after the TTVR in all patients and between Lux-Valve and Lux-Valve Plus groups. RESULTS: Compared with the Lux-Valve group, the Lux-Valve Plus group showed significantly reduced intraoperative bleeding and shorter postoperative hospital stays (both P<0.05). Six months after the TTVR, none of the patients exhibited more than a mild tricuspid valve regurgitation, and none of the patients had moderate or above perivalvular leakage except for one patient in the Lux-Valve Plus group who had a separation of the clamping member from the anterior tricuspid leaflet. The incidence of perivalvular leakage was significantly lower in the Lux-Valve Plus group (14.29%, 2/14) than in the Lux-Valve group (64.29%, 9/14, P<0.05). At 6 months after operation, the right chamber volume and right ventricle middle transverse diameter were reduced (both P<0.05); the peak blood flow velocity across the tricuspid valve, peak pressure gradient across the tricuspid valve, mean blood flow velocity of tricuspid valve, mean pressure gradient across the tricuspid valve and velocity time integral were increased in both groups (all P<0.05).Compared with the Lux-Valve group, the Lux-Valve Plus group showed higher left ventricular ejection fraction at 6 months postoperatively (P<0.05), while the rest of the indicators were not statistically different (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS The efficacy of using Lux-Valve and Lux-Valve Plus for TTVR in patients with severe tricuspid regurgitation is comparable. Six months after the TTVR, the right side of the heart has undergone reverse remodeling.While Lux-Valve Plus offers greater minimally invasive benefits, valve selection should consider device-specific characteristics and differences in individual patients.
Humans ; Tricuspid Valve Insufficiency/surgery* ; Male ; Female ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/methods* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Tricuspid Valve/surgery* ; Heart Valve Prosthesis ; Treatment Outcome ; Echocardiography ; Adult ; Cardiac Catheterization/methods*

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the application of transesophageal echocar-diography assessment for mitral valve in patients with atrial septal defects undergoing repair surgery. METHODS: The study group comprised of thirty-two adult patients with atrial septal defect who underwent thoracoscopic repair surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of the Air Force Medical University from March to September 2022. Two-dimensional and real-time three-dimensional transesophageal ultrasonography of the mitral valve were performed after anesthesia. The parameters of the mitral valve structure at the late diastolic and late systolic stages were recorded, including anteroposterior and left-right annular diameters, anterior and posterior valves lengths, the vertical distance from the coaptation point of leaflet zone 2 during systole to the annular plane (mitral valve coaptation depth) and mitral valve coaptation length. Data from 32 patients with normal intracardiac structure and no mitral valve regurgitation (control group) were also collected and compared with those of the study group. Concurrent mitral valvoplasty was performed during the atrial septal defect repair surgery for 7 patients with significant mitral valve structural abnormalities and 2 patients with significantly increased mitral regurgitation after cardiac resuscitation. The study group was followed up with transthoracic echocardiography for 2 years postoperatively. RESULTS: In the study group, 26 (81.3%) patients had varying degrees of mitral valve morphological abnormalities. Among them, 10 (31.3%) patients had short mitral valve coaptation length or depth, 12 (37.5%) patients had closure point malposition, and 4 (12.5%) patients had different bulge of anterior and posterior leaflets. Compared with the control group, the study group had significantly smaller systolic and diastolic mitral left-right annular diameter, mitral posterior valves lengths, mitral coaptation length or depth (all P<0.05), a higher pulmonary systemic flow ratio (P<0.01), and a lower maximum blood flow velocity across the mitral valve (P<0.05). After 2 years of follow-up, among the 9 patients who underwent concurrent mitral valvoplasty, the mitral valve maintained no or little regurgitation, and the average mitral valve pressure difference was less than 5 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa). Among the 23 patients without concurrent mitral valvoplasty, 2 patients had moderate regurgitation 1 year after surgery, with a pulmonary/systemic flow ratio larger than 2.8. CONCLUSIONS Patients with large atrial septal defects often have abnormal mitral valve structure. Therefore transesophageal echocardiography is recommended for mitral valve assessment during the surgery. If significant mitral valve structural abnormalities are detected, concurrent mitral valvoplasty is recommended.
Humans ; Heart Septal Defects, Atrial/diagnostic imaging* ; Echocardiography, Transesophageal/methods* ; Mitral Valve/surgery* ; Adult ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Mitral Valve Insufficiency/diagnostic imaging*