OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy and safety of guideline-directed medical therapy （GDMT） combined with vericiguat in treating heart failure with reduced ejection fraction （HFrEF）. METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on 346 patients with HFrEF who received standardized diagnosis and treatment at the First People’s Hospital of Changzhou from January 2023 to May 2024. They were divided into standard treatment group （n＝215） and vericiguat group （n＝131）. Patients in the standard treatment group received GDMT， while patients in the vericiguat group received GDMT combined with vericiguat. Propensity score matching （PSM） was used to balance confounding factors between two groups， and the effectiveness （including outcome and prognostic indicators） and safety （occurrence of adverse events） of both groups were evaluated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for primary and secondary outcome events were drawn， and the influential factors of primary outcome events were screened through univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. RESULTS After PSM， there were 100 patients in the standard treatment group and 100 patients in the vericiguat group， and there was no statistically significant differences in baseline data between two groups （P＞0.05）. During a 1-year follow-up， there were statistically significant differences in the cumulative incidence of major outcome events between the standard treatment group and the vericiguat group， cumulative incidence of hospitalization events due to heart failure， changes in N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide levels before and after treatment between the standard treatment group and the vericiguat group （P＜0.05）. There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of adverse events between the two groups （P＞0.05）. Multivariate Cox regression analysis results showed that left ventricular ejection fraction ≤35% was a risk factor for the occurrence of major outcome events within 1 year [hazard ratio （HR）＝ 2.090， 95% confidence interval （CI）： 1.175-3.718， P＝0.012]， while the use of vericiguat was a protective factor for the occurrence of major outcome events within 1 year （HR＝0.505， 95%CI： 0.284-0.899， P＝0.020）. CONCLUSIONS Compared with GDMT， GDMT combined with vericiguat can improve the clinical symptoms and prognosis of HFrEF patients， and has good safety.

OBJECTIVE To explore the characteristics and influential factors of pharmaceutical clinic service demands， providing evidence for optimizing pharmaceutical service models and facilitating pharmaceutical service models of pharmacist role transformation. METHODS A cross-sectional survey design was adopted， and 410 outpatient participants were selected from Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center through convenience sampling for questionnaire administration from February to May 2025. Kano model was applied to analyze the demand attributes of 25 pharmaceutical services， while questionnaires were used to assess patients’ awareness and demand status. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on key demographic variables such as gender， age， educational attainment， and economic burdens， to SACA- systematically examine the differences in Kano attribute classification among patients in each subgroup. RESULTS The awareness rate of pharmaceutical outpatient services among patients was only 14.63%， yet those who were aware demonstrated a significantly higher demand rate for such services compared to those who were unaware （P＜0.001）. The demand for pharmaceutical clinic services exhibited a hierarchical characteristic： twelve items were identified as attractive attributes （e. g.， providing suggestions for more affordable treatment options， offering online consultation services， etc.）， five items as expected attributes （e.g.， having a good attitude and being able to patiently answer your questions， etc.）， three items as must-have attributes （e.g.， providing guidance on medication dosage and usage， providing guidance on medication precautions， etc.）， five items as indifferent attributes （e.g.， providing treatment plan recommendations based on the patient’s condition）. There were zero items classified as reverse attribute. Subgroup analysis revealed that female patients showed greater concern for “neat and clean attire of medical staff” than male patients （P＜0.001）； patients under 60 years of age demonstrated stronger demand for “providing treatment plan recommendations based on patients’ conditions” compared to patients aged 60 or above （P＝0.016）； those with below high school education placed greater emphasis on “providing guidance on medication precautions” compared to those with a high school education or above （P＝0.011）； patients with lower economic burdens exhibited stronger preferences for “neat and clean attire of medical staff ” （P＝0.002）. CONCLUSIONS The public awareness rate of pharmaceutical clinic services is considerably low； however， those who are aware of such services demonstrate significantly higher demand. The medication safety-related services and convenience-oriented demands should be prioritized in the development of pharmaceutical clinics. Moreover， the study also revealed that factors such as gender， age， educational level， and economic burdens exert significant influences on patients’ service demands.

To address the current issues of data imbalance and scarcity in photoplethysmography (PPG) data for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) prediction, this study proposes an improved conditional Wasserstein generative adversarial network with gradient penalty (CWGAN-GP). The algorithm integrated gated recurrent unit (GRU) networks and self-attention mechanisms to construct a generator, aiming to produce high-quality PPG signals. Various data augmentation methods, including the improved CWGAN-GP, were employed to expand the PPG dataset, and multiple classifiers were applied for T2DM prediction analysis. Experimental results showed that the model trained on data generated by the improved CWGAN-GP achieved the optimal prediction performance. The highest accuracy reached 0.895 0, and compared with other data enhancement methods, this approach exhibited significant advantages in terms of precision and F1-score. The generated data notably enhances the accuracy and generalization ability of T2DM prediction models, providing a more reliable technical basis for non-invasive early T2DM screening based on PPG signals.
Photoplethysmography/methods* ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/diagnosis* ; Humans ; Algorithms ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Signal Processing, Computer-Assisted ; Prediction Algorithms

OBJECTIVE To investigate the effect of vitamin D receptor(VDR) genetic polymorphism on the concentration of tacrolimus in renal transplant recipients at early stage after transplantation.METHODS The 360 cases of renal transplant recipients who received tacrolimus, mycophenolic acid, and glucocorticoid were recruited. CYP3A5(rs776746) and VDR(VDR ApaI rs7975232, VDR BsmI rs1544410, VDR FokI rs2228570 and VDR TaqI rs731236) genotypes were determined. The differences of concentration(C), dose(D) and the ratio of concentration to dose(C/D) of tacrolimus were compared among all of the genotype groups at the seventh day after renal transplantation. RESULTS The C and C/D of tacrolimus in CYP3A5 non-expresser(GG genotype) were all significantly higher than CYP3A5 expresser(AA and AG genotype)(P<0.05). When taking the different CYP3A5 genotypes in consideration, it was found that the C/D in patients with VDR ApaI rs7975232 AA genotype was significantly lower than those with AC and CC genotypes for CYP3A5 non-expresser(P<0.05). However, VDR ApaI rs7975232 gene polymorphism had no influence on C and C/D of tacrolimus in CYP3A5 expresser. Besides, no matter in CYP3A5 expresser or in non-expresser, VDR BsmI rs1544410, VDR TaqI rs731236 and VDR FokI rs2228570 had no effect on C, D and C/D of tacrolimus. CONCLUSION During the early stage of renal transplantation, the polymorphism of VDR ApaI rs7975232 show significant relevance with tacrolimus concentration in CYP3A5 non-expresser. The detection of the genotype might be helpful to guide individual therapy.

Objective: To evaluate the secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors. Methods: A total of 328 primary cases and 40 146 close contacts of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant routinely detected in local areas of Jiangsu Province from February to April 2022 were selected in this study, and those with positive nucleic acid test results during 7 days of centralized isolation medical observation were defined as secondary cases. The demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected, and the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the associated factors were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 285 secondary cases of close contacts were reported from 328 primary cases, with a SAR of 3.2% (95%CI: 3.0%-3.4%). Among the 328 primary cases, males accounted for 61.9% (203 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 38.5 (27, 51) years old. Among the 1 285 secondary cases, males accounted for 59.1% (759 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 34 (17, 52) years old. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the higher SAR was observed in the primary male cases (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 1.418-1.877), younger than 20 years old (OR=1.766, 95%CI: 1.506-2.072),≥60 years old (OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.476-2.365), infected with the BA.2 strain branch (OR=2.906, 95%CI: 2.388-3.537), the confirmed common cases (OR=2.572, 95%CI: 2.036-3.249), and confirmed mild cases (OR=1.717, 95%CI: 1.486-1.985). Meanwhile, the higher SAR was observed in the close contacts younger than 20 years old (OR=2.604, 95%CI: 2.250-3.015),≥60 years old (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.052-1.573) and exposure for co-residence (OR=27.854, 95%CI: 23.470-33.057). Conclusion: The sex and age of the primary case of the Omicron variant, the branch of the infected strain, case severity of the primary case, as well as the age and contact mode of close contacts are the associated factors of SAR.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adult ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Logistic Models

Objective: To evaluate the secondary attack rates of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant and the associated factors. Methods: A total of 328 primary cases and 40 146 close contacts of the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant routinely detected in local areas of Jiangsu Province from February to April 2022 were selected in this study, and those with positive nucleic acid test results during 7 days of centralized isolation medical observation were defined as secondary cases. The demographic information and clinical characteristics were collected, and the secondary attack rate (SAR) and the associated factors were analyzed by using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: A total of 1 285 secondary cases of close contacts were reported from 328 primary cases, with a SAR of 3.2% (95%CI: 3.0%-3.4%). Among the 328 primary cases, males accounted for 61.9% (203 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 38.5 (27, 51) years old. Among the 1 285 secondary cases, males accounted for 59.1% (759 cases), with the median age (Q₁, Q₃) of 34 (17, 52) years old. The multivariate logistic regression model showed that the higher SAR was observed in the primary male cases (OR=1.632, 95%CI: 1.418-1.877), younger than 20 years old (OR=1.766, 95%CI: 1.506-2.072),≥60 years old (OR=1.869, 95%CI: 1.476-2.365), infected with the BA.2 strain branch (OR=2.906, 95%CI: 2.388-3.537), the confirmed common cases (OR=2.572, 95%CI: 2.036-3.249), and confirmed mild cases (OR=1.717, 95%CI: 1.486-1.985). Meanwhile, the higher SAR was observed in the close contacts younger than 20 years old (OR=2.604, 95%CI: 2.250-3.015),≥60 years old (OR=1.287, 95%CI: 1.052-1.573) and exposure for co-residence (OR=27.854, 95%CI: 23.470-33.057). Conclusion: The sex and age of the primary case of the Omicron variant, the branch of the infected strain, case severity of the primary case, as well as the age and contact mode of close contacts are the associated factors of SAR.
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Adult ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Logistic Models

Objective To compare the success rate and complication rate between real-time ultrasound-guided and technique modified methods of right subclavian vein puncture in tumor patients during implantation of totally implanted port, and to evaluate their effectiveness and safety. Methods We randomly divided 260 tumor patients into ultrasound-guided group and technique modified group, and compared the success rate, pneumothorax, arterial injury, ectopic catheter, local hematoma, puncture times, pinch-off syndrome, etc. Results The success rate of primary puncture in the ultrasound-guided group was better than that in the technique modified group (96.92% vs. 86.15%, P=0.002). The overall complication of the ultrasound-guided group was lower than that of the technique modified group (0 vs. 9.23%, P < 0.001). The incidence of pneumothorax (0 vs. 3.85%, P=0.024) and accidental arterial injury (0 vs. 3.08%, P=0.044) in the ultrasound-guided group were lower than those in the technique modified group. There was no arteriovenous fistula and pinch-off syndrome in any group. Conclusion Compared with the technique modified group, the ultrasound-guided group has more advantages in puncture. Patients with vascular variability can be detected in time.

Objective: To study the protective effects of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice on alcoholic liver injury in rats and explore the regulatory mechanism of toll-like receptors 4 (TLR4)/p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK) signaling pathway in this process. Methods: Sixty male SD rats were randomly divided into control group (C), model group (M), low-dose Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice group (LLM), medium-dose Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice group (MLM) and high-dose Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice group (HLM), 12 rats in each group. The group M, LLM, MLM and HLM were treated with 20 ml/kg (8 g/(kg·d)) ethanol (400 g/L) intragastrically and the gavage was divided into two sessions, group C was treated with an equal volume of distilled water at the same time point. Four hours before the first alcohol gavage session, rats in each dose group of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice were administered with 2.4, 4.8, 9.6 ml/(kg·d) Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice respectively, and the other groups were given equal volume of distilled water at the corresponding time points. Four weeks later, the rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the end of the last experiment, blood and liver were collected. The liver index was calculated. The morphology of the liver was observed by HE staining. The expressions of hepatic TLR4, p38 MAPK and phosphorylated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-p38 MAPK) were detected by immunohistochemistry. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) were detected by colorimetry. The levels of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-10 (IL-10) and interleukin-18 (IL-18) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. Results: Compared with group C, the alcoholic liver injury model was established successfully in Group M. Compared with group M, related indicators in each dose group of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice were improved, the improvement of hepatic morphology in group HLM was the most significant, the liver index, the levels of serum ALT, AST and hepatic TLR4, p38 MAPK/p-p38 MAPK ratio, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-18 were decreased (P＜ 0.05 or P＜0.01), while the level of hepatic IL-10 was increased (P＜0.01). Comparison among the dose groups of Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice, the levels of liver index, serum AST and hepatic TLR4, p38 MAPK/p-p38 MAPK ratio, TNF-α, IL-18 in HLM were lower than those in LLM (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the level of hepatic IL-10 in HLM was higher than that in LLM and MLM (P＜0.05 or P＜0.01); the other indicators in each dose group had no statistical difference (P＞0.05). Conclusion: Lycium ruthenicum Murr. juice can improve the inflammatory stress by regulating TLR4/p38 MAPK signaling pathway, relieve alcoholic liver injury in rats, and the effect of high-dose group is better than the others.
Animals ; Fruit and Vegetable Juices ; Interleukin-10 ; Interleukin-18 ; Liver/metabolism* ; Liver Diseases, Alcoholic/therapy* ; Lycium/chemistry* ; Male ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Toll-Like Receptor 4 ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism*

Building a strong public health system has become an urgent task in the new era. Based on more than eight years of systematic research， we believe that five aspects need to be prioritized for a strong system. First， we should change the perspective on public health， using the word “gonggong jiankang” to replace “gonggong weisheng” and the word “gonggong jiankang tixi” to replace “gonggong weisheng tixi”， to lead the public health system development. Second， we should develop a suitable public health system and continuously improve the health capacity for governance. Third， we should make it clear that the goal of building a strong system is not far-fetched， and we need to consolidate the existing institutional advantages of China’s public health system： when encountering major problems， we can maintain a unified goal and mobilize the whole society to cooperate effectively to accomplish the goal. However， we need to make up for shortcomings one by one， especially to solve the key problem of lacking a strong coordination mechanism in daily work. Fourth， we should pursue excellence and consolidate the“suitable” mechanism proven in the process of coping with the COVID-19， so that efficient mechanisms to deal with major issues can be used in routine work， and efforts should be made to consolidate the advantages of prevention and control of infectious diseases and emergency response，so as to achieve the balanced development of regions categories and units.Finally， it is necessary to strengthen the coordination of government and research institutions， in the aspects of technological innovation， talent team building and accurate consulting services， and work together to pursue a suitable and strong system to realize the modernization of the health system and capacity for governance.

OBJECTIVE: To detect serum hepcidin and erythroferrone levels in child-bearing women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and to investigate the association between them and iron status parameters. METHODS: The study consisted of 65 child-bearing women (35 with iron deficiency anemia and 30 age-matched healthy women). The levels of serum iron were detected by using automated chemistry analyzer, the contents of serum ferritin were detected by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and the levels of serum erythroferrone and hepcidin were detected by specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit. The quantitative variables between two groups were compared and analyzed by SPSS22.0 software. Spearman correlation was used to detect correlation between the parameters. RESULTS: The levels of Hb, serum iron, ferritin and transferrin saturation were significantly decreased in IDA patients as compared with in control group (P<0.001). Serum hepcidin levels in IDA patients were significant lower than those in control group (P<0.001). Serum erythroferrone levels slightly increased in IDA group (P>0.05). In IDA patients, serum hepcidin concentrations were positively correlated with hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, serum ferritin and transferrin saturation (r=0.448, r=0.496, r=0.754, r=0.491). But, serum erythroferrone concentrations showed no correlation with hemoglobin concentration, serum iron, serum ferritin, transferrin saturation and hepcidin (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Serum hepcidin levels were significantly decreased in child-bearing women with IDA, but the serum erythroferrone levels were not obviously different between two groups, suggesting that serum erythroferrone may be not involved in the regulation of iron metabolism in child-bearing women with mild and moderate IDA.
Anemia, Iron-Deficiency ; Child ; Enzyme-Linked Immunosorbent Assay ; Female ; Ferritins ; Hepcidins ; Humans ; Iron/metabolism*