Objective:To analyze the risk factors of bacterial infection in patients with liver cirrhosis complicated with gastroesophageal varices after gastroscopy, and to construct a prediction model.Methods:Patients with gastroesophageal varices due to cirrhosis who underwent gastroscopy in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled. All patients were divided into infection group and non-infection group according to whether bacterial infection occurred after gastroscopy. The detection of pathogens in the infection group and the source of specimens were analyzed. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of postoperative bacterial infection in patients with cirrhosis and gastroesophageal varices. The nomogram was drawn by R language to construct a risk prediction model. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), calibration curve, Hosmer-Lemeshow test and decision curve were used to evaluate the model.Results:Among the 480 patients, 57 had postoperative bacterial infection and 423 had no infection. The incidence of infection was 11.88%(57/480). Seventy bacterial culture positive samples were obtained, mainly from blood and respiratory tract (30 samples (42.86%) and 25 samples (35.71%), respectively). A total of 82 strains of pathogenic bacteria were isolated, including 16 strains of Escherichia coli and 14 strains of Staphylococcus aureus. Multivariate binary regression analysis showed that length of hospital stay (odds ratio ( OR)=1.13, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.06 to 1.20, P<0.001), age ( OR=1.06, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.10, P=0.006), model for end-stage liver disease combined with sodium (MELD-Na) score ( OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.02 to 1.18, P=0.014), diabetes ( OR=1.25, 95% CI 1.07 to 1.96, P=0.043) and emergency gastroscopy ( OR=2.95, 95% CI 1.20 to 7.25, P=0.019) were independent risk factors for bacterial infection after gastroscopy in patients with cirrhosis and gastroesophageal varices. Based on the above risk factors, a nomogram prediction model was constructed. The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve of the nomogram model for predicting bacterial infection after gastroscopy of gastroesophageal varices in cirrhosis was 0.82 (95% CI 0.73 to 0.90). The slope of the calibration curve was 0.98(95% CI 0.92 to 1.04), indicating that the predicted probability of the model was in good agreement with the actual probability. The results of Hosmer-Lemeshow test showed that the nomogram model fitted well ( χ2=6.35, P=0.415). The decision curve analysis showed that the clinical net benefit rate of the nomogram model was >0 when the threshold probability was 0.039 to 0.410. Conclusions:Older age, length of hospital stay, MELD-Na score, history of diabetes, and emergency gastroscopy are independent risk factors for bacterial infection after gastroscopy in patients with cirrhosis and gastroesophageal varices. The prediction model constructed in this study has a good predictive value for bacterial infection in such patients.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the dynamic changes of glucocorticoid (GC) dose and the feasibility of GC discontinuation in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients under the background of Chinese medicine (CM). METHODS: This multicenter retrospective cohort study included 1,196 RA patients enrolled in the China Rheumatoid Arthritis Registry of Patients with Chinese Medicine (CERTAIN) from September 1, 2019 to December 4, 2023, who initiated GC therapy. Participants were divided into the Western medicine (WM) and integrative medicine (IM, combination of CM and WM) groups based on medication regimen. Follow-up was performed at least every 3 months to assess dynamic changes in GC dose. Changes in GC dose were analyzed by generalized estimator equation, the probability of GC discontinuation was assessed using Kaplan-Meier curve, and predictors of GC discontinuation were analyzed by Cox regression. Patients with <12 months of follow-up were excluded for the sensitivity analysis. RESULTS: Among 1,196 patients (85.4% female; median age 56.4 years), 880 (73.6%) received IM. Over a median 12-month follow-up, 34.3% (410 cases) discontinued GC, with significantly higher rates in the IM group (40.8% vs. 16.1% in WM; P<0.05). GC dose declined progressively, with IM patients demonstrating faster reductions (median 3.75 mg vs. 5.00 mg in WM at 12 months; P<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis identified age <60 years [P<0.001, hazard ratios (HR)=2.142, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.523-3.012], IM therapy (P=0.001, HR=2.175, 95% CI: 1.369-3.456), baseline GC dose ⩽7.5 mg (P=0.003, HR=1.637, 95% CI: 1.177-2.275), and absence of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs use (P=0.001, HR=2.546, 95% CI: 1.432-4.527) as significant predictors of GC discontinuation. Sensitivity analysis (545 cases) confirmed these findings. CONCLUSIONS RA patients receiving CM face difficulties in following guideline-recommended GC discontinuation protocols. IM can promote GC discontinuation and is a promising strategy to reduce GC dependency in RA management. (Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, No. NCT05219214).
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/drug therapy* ; Glucocorticoids/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Retrospective Studies

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the relationship between physical activity and genetic risk and their combined effects on the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS: This prospective cohort study included 318,085 biobank participants from the UK. Physical activity was assessed using the short form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. The participants were stratified into low-, intermediate-, and high-genetic-risk groups based on their polygenic risk scores. Multivariate Cox regression models and multiplicative interaction analyses were used. RESULTS: During a median follow-up period of 13 years, 9,209 participants were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. For low genetic risk, compared to low physical activity, the hazard ratios ( HRs) for moderate and high physical activity were 0.853 (95% confidence interval [ CI]: 0.748-0.972) and 0.831 (95% CI: 0.727-0.950), respectively. For intermediate genetic risk, the HRs were 0.829 (95% CI: 0.758-0.905) and 0.835 (95% CI: 0.764-0.914), respectively. For participants with high genetic risk, the HRs were 0.809 (95% CI: 0.746-0.877) and 0.818 (95% CI: 0.754-0.888), respectively. A significant interaction was observed between genetic risk and physical activity. CONCLUSION Moderate or high levels of physical activity were associated with a lower risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease across all genetic risk groups, highlighting the need to tailor activity interventions for genetically susceptible individuals.
Humans ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/epidemiology* ; Exercise ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Aged ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Risk Factors ; United Kingdom/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Adult

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of Shexiang Baoxin pill in patients with unstable angina pectoris(UAP)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)using meta-analysis.Methods:We searched the databases including Pubmed,Web of Science,EMbase,EBSCO,Cochrane,CBM,CNKI and Wanfang for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)about the therapeutic effect of Shexiang Baoxin pill on patients with UAP and T2DM from the establish-ment to January 20th,2023.RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform meta-analysis to investigate the effect of Shexiang Baoxin pill on angina improvement and blood glucose fluctuation in patients with UAP and T2DM.Results:Six eligible literatures were included,including 346 patients in Shexiang Baoxin pill group and control group respec-tively.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared to participants in control group,those in Shexiang Baox-in pill group had significantly higher clinical overall efficiency(OR=3.13,95％CI 2.01～4.89,P＜0.001),and significantly lower angina attack frequency(MD=-0.66,95％CI-0.79～-0.52,P＜0.001),duration of angi-na(MD=-3.10,95％CI-4.11～-2.09,P＜0.001),and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose(MD=-1.79,95％CI-2.00～-1.57,P＜0.001).Conclusion:Shexiang Baoxin pill could improve clinical overall efficiency,an-gina attack frequency and duration,and reduce 2-hour postprandial blood glucose in patients with unstable angina pectoris and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A mounting body of research suggests that circRNAs significantly contribute to the develop-ment of myocardial fibrosis.The microarray results of human circular RNA expression profile indicated that circHERC4_041 expression increased in the myocardium of patients with heart failure,RT-qPCR a-nalysis confirmed that the myocardial expression level of circHERC4_041 in individuals with heart failure were considerably elevated compared to that in healthy organ donors.Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed that circHERC4_041 was abundant in the cytoplasm of human cardiomyocyte AC16.Overexpression of circHERC4_041 in mouse myocardial fibroblasts(mCFs)mediated by adenovirus in-hibited the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in mCFs.Experiments involving cell proliferation,wound healing,and Transwell assays demonstrated that overexpression of circHERC4_041 suppressed the growth and mobility of mCFs(P＜0.001).Sequence analysis results suggested that circHERC4_041 con-tains potential ribosome entry sequence(IRES)and open reading frame(ORF).Western blot confirmed that circHERC4_041 could translate the 516 amino acid HERC4-516aa protein,which was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the cell.Cell functional experiments confirmed that circHERC4_041 inhibited the fi-brotic phenotype of mCFs by specifically translating HERC4-516aa(P＜0.05).The specific interaction between HERC4-516aa and transglutaminase 2(TGM2)was confirmed by IP-MS screening and Co-IP i-dentification.Further results found that the degradation of TGM2 was promoted through proteasome path-way.The overexpression of TGM2 in mCFs facilitated by adenoviral vectors could counteract the suppres-sive effects of HERC4-516aa on the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs.Therefore,this study confirmed that the HERC4-516aa protein translated by circHERC4_041 can specifically bind to TGM2 to inhibit the fibrotic phenotype of myocardial fibroblasts.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of Shexiang Baoxin pill in patients with unstable angina pectoris(UAP)and type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)using meta-analysis.Methods:We searched the databases including Pubmed,Web of Science,EMbase,EBSCO,Cochrane,CBM,CNKI and Wanfang for randomized controlled trials(RCTs)about the therapeutic effect of Shexiang Baoxin pill on patients with UAP and T2DM from the establish-ment to January 20th,2023.RevMan 5.3 software was used to perform meta-analysis to investigate the effect of Shexiang Baoxin pill on angina improvement and blood glucose fluctuation in patients with UAP and T2DM.Results:Six eligible literatures were included,including 346 patients in Shexiang Baoxin pill group and control group respec-tively.The results of meta-analysis showed that compared to participants in control group,those in Shexiang Baox-in pill group had significantly higher clinical overall efficiency(OR=3.13,95％CI 2.01～4.89,P＜0.001),and significantly lower angina attack frequency(MD=-0.66,95％CI-0.79～-0.52,P＜0.001),duration of angi-na(MD=-3.10,95％CI-4.11～-2.09,P＜0.001),and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose(MD=-1.79,95％CI-2.00～-1.57,P＜0.001).Conclusion:Shexiang Baoxin pill could improve clinical overall efficiency,an-gina attack frequency and duration,and reduce 2-hour postprandial blood glucose in patients with unstable angina pectoris and type 2 diabetes mellitus.

A mounting body of research suggests that circRNAs significantly contribute to the develop-ment of myocardial fibrosis.The microarray results of human circular RNA expression profile indicated that circHERC4_041 expression increased in the myocardium of patients with heart failure,RT-qPCR a-nalysis confirmed that the myocardial expression level of circHERC4_041 in individuals with heart failure were considerably elevated compared to that in healthy organ donors.Fluorescence in situ hybridization(FISH)confirmed that circHERC4_041 was abundant in the cytoplasm of human cardiomyocyte AC16.Overexpression of circHERC4_041 in mouse myocardial fibroblasts(mCFs)mediated by adenovirus in-hibited the expression of fibrosis-related proteins in mCFs.Experiments involving cell proliferation,wound healing,and Transwell assays demonstrated that overexpression of circHERC4_041 suppressed the growth and mobility of mCFs(P＜0.001).Sequence analysis results suggested that circHERC4_041 con-tains potential ribosome entry sequence(IRES)and open reading frame(ORF).Western blot confirmed that circHERC4_041 could translate the 516 amino acid HERC4-516aa protein,which was mainly located in the cytoplasm of the cell.Cell functional experiments confirmed that circHERC4_041 inhibited the fi-brotic phenotype of mCFs by specifically translating HERC4-516aa(P＜0.05).The specific interaction between HERC4-516aa and transglutaminase 2(TGM2)was confirmed by IP-MS screening and Co-IP i-dentification.Further results found that the degradation of TGM2 was promoted through proteasome path-way.The overexpression of TGM2 in mCFs facilitated by adenoviral vectors could counteract the suppres-sive effects of HERC4-516aa on the fibrotic phenotype of mCFs.Therefore,this study confirmed that the HERC4-516aa protein translated by circHERC4_041 can specifically bind to TGM2 to inhibit the fibrotic phenotype of myocardial fibroblasts.