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.

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 investigate the relationship between serum nesfatin-1(NSF-1)and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-Ⅰ(sTNFR-Ⅰ)with premature rupture of membrane(PROM)in patients with severe preeclampsia(SPE),and their effects on pregnancy outcomes.Methods A total of 84 patients diagnosed with SPE in the Obstetrics Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from April 2023 to April 2024 were selected and grouped into the PROM and non-PROM groups based on whether they had PROM.The pregnant women were separated into good and poor pregnancy groups based on their pregnancy outcomes.Logistic regres-sion analysis was performed to assess the factors influencing PROM in patients with SPE and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to analyze the value of serum NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ in the evaluation and prediction of PROM in patients with SPE,as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM.Results Serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(P＜0.05).In addition,serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were significantly higher in the PROM group than in the non-PROM group(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were risk factors for PROM in patients with SPE(P＜0.05).Based on the ROC curve,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of serum NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ levels combined to assess PROM in patients with SPE was 0.887,and the combination of the two was superior to their respective individual predictions(Z=2.601,Z=2.585,both P＜0.05).Serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ in the poor pregnancy group were significantly higher than those in the good pregnancy group(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ levels were risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM(P＜0.05).Based on the ROC curve,the AUC of the combination of serum NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM was 0.908,and the combination of the two was better than their respective individual predictions(Z=2.534,Z=2.556,both P＜0.05).Conclusion Serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were significantly increased in patients with SPE,and both were related to PROM.Elevated levels of both proteins can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Objective To investigate the relationship between serum nesfatin-1(NSF-1)and soluble tumor necrosis factor receptor-Ⅰ(sTNFR-Ⅰ)with premature rupture of membrane(PROM)in patients with severe preeclampsia(SPE),and their effects on pregnancy outcomes.Methods A total of 84 patients diagnosed with SPE in the Obstetrics Department of The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanyang Medical College from April 2023 to April 2024 were selected and grouped into the PROM and non-PROM groups based on whether they had PROM.The pregnant women were separated into good and poor pregnancy groups based on their pregnancy outcomes.Logistic regres-sion analysis was performed to assess the factors influencing PROM in patients with SPE and adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were plotted to analyze the value of serum NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ in the evaluation and prediction of PROM in patients with SPE,as well as adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM.Results Serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were significantly higher in the study group than in the control group(P＜0.05).In addition,serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were significantly higher in the PROM group than in the non-PROM group(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were risk factors for PROM in patients with SPE(P＜0.05).Based on the ROC curve,the area under the ROC curve(AUC)of serum NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ levels combined to assess PROM in patients with SPE was 0.887,and the combination of the two was superior to their respective individual predictions(Z=2.601,Z=2.585,both P＜0.05).Serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ in the poor pregnancy group were significantly higher than those in the good pregnancy group(P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ levels were risk factors for adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM(P＜0.05).Based on the ROC curve,the AUC of the combination of serum NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ for predicting adverse pregnancy outcomes in patients with PROM was 0.908,and the combination of the two was better than their respective individual predictions(Z=2.534,Z=2.556,both P＜0.05).Conclusion Serum levels of NSF-1 and sTNFR-Ⅰ were significantly increased in patients with SPE,and both were related to PROM.Elevated levels of both proteins can increase the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes.

Purpose: Stroke survivors and their informal family caregivers may share the impact of the disease, which may affect family functioning and quality of life (QoL) for both. This study compared the perceptions of stroke survivors and informal family caregivers regarding family functioning and QoL and examined the QoL of those reporting effective versus ineffective family functioning. Methods: A cross-sectional study design and convenience sampling were used. Stroke survivoreinformal family caregiver dyads were recruited from a medical university hospital. We assessed participants’ demographic and clinical variables, including disease severity, family functioning, and QoL. Independent t-test, paired t-test, Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and ManneWhitney U test were used to analyze the data. Results: Seventy-one stroke survivoreinformal family caregiver dyads participated in the current study. Most stroke survivors and informal family caregivers reported effective family functioning, with no significant differences. However, significant differences existed in the seven domains (physical functioning, role-physical, bodily pain, general health, vitality, social functioning, and role-emotional) of QoL, except emotional health. Stroke survivors reporting ineffective family functioning had a significantly lower mental component summary score, unlike informal family caregivers. Conclusions Our findings suggest that family functioning is crucial to ensure stroke survivors’ QoL, particularly regarding their mental health. Health professionals should prioritize mental health assessments and provide appropriate care interventions for stroke survivors in the first 1e6 months after stroke onset.

Objective To investigate the incidence rate,clinical characteristics,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen,China.Methods Led by Shenzhen Children's Hospital,the Shenzhen Neonatal Data Collaboration Network organized 21 institutions to collect 36 cases of neonatal stroke from January 2020 to December 2022.The incidence,clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of neonatal stroke in Shenzhen were analyzed.Results The incidence rate of neonatal stroke in 21 hospitals from 2020 to 2022 was 1/15 137,1/6 060,and 1/7 704,respectively.Ischemic stroke accounted for 75％(27/36);boys accounted for 64％(23/36).Among the 36 neonates,31(86％)had disease onset within 3 days after birth,and 19(53％)had convulsion as the initial presentation.Cerebral MRI showed that 22 neonates(61％)had left cerebral infarction and 13(36％)had basal ganglia infarction.Magnetic resonance angiography was performed for 12 neonates,among whom 9(75％)had involvement of the middle cerebral artery.Electroencephalography was performed for 29 neonates,with sharp waves in 21 neonates(72％)and seizures in 10 neonates(34％).Symptomatic/supportive treatment varied across different hospitals.Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment was performed for 12 neonates(33％,12/36),with a mean score of(32±4)points.The prognosis of 27 neonates was followed up to around 12 months of age,with 44％(12/27)of the neonates having a good prognosis.Conclusions Ischemic stroke is the main type of neonatal stroke,often with convulsions as the initial presentation,involvement of the middle cerebral artery,sharp waves on electroencephalography,and a relatively low neurodevelopment score.Symptomatic/supportive treatment is the main treatment method,and some neonates tend to have a poor prognosis.

Objective To systematically evaluate the incidence of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in adult cases with carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales(CRE)colonization in intestine,and provide referential basis for the prevention and control of HAI in cases colonized with CRE intestinally.Methods Literatures on the incidence of HAI in cases with intestinal CRE colonization were retrieved from 8 databases,including Embase,Cochrane,PubMed,Web of Science,CNKI,Wanfang,VIP,and China Biomedical Literature Database(CBM),dating back from the establishment of the databases to June 2023.Meta-analysis was conducted by Stata 17.0 software.Stabili-ty of the research results was evaluated by sensitivity analysis,and publication bias was evaluated by Egger's test.Results A total of 16 articles were included in the study,with in total 2 151 cases from 5 Chinese articles and 11 English articles.Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of HAI in adult cases with intestinal CRE coloniza-tion was 23.1％(95％CI:14.8％-32.5％).Subgroup analysis was conducted based on grouping factors,such as different research design types,publication years,as well as research regions,departments,and infection sites.The differences in the combined effects among subgroups were not statistically significant(all P＞0.05).Among the CRE developed from colonization to HAI,the proportion of carpabenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)was 96.0％(95％CI:86.8％-100％),and the incidence of bloodstream infection in colonized cases was 18.2％(95％CI:10.3％-27.6％).The 30-day mortality of CRE colonized cases was 32.6％(95％CI:20.5％-45.9％),and the 30-day mortality of CRE infected cases was 36.9％(95％CI:16.0％-60.2％).Conclusion In recent years,the incidence of HAI in cases with CRE colonization is high,it is necessary to actively screen and focus on intervention in high-risk departments,so as to decrease the incidence of HAI in CRE colonized cases.

OBJECTIVE: Exposure to high intensity, low frequency noise (HI-LFN) causes vibroacoustic disease (VAD), with memory deficit as a primary non-auditory symptomatic effect of VAD. However, the underlying mechanism of the memory deficit is unknown. This study aimed to characterize potential mechanisms involving morphological changes of neurons and nerve fibers in the hippocampus, after exposure to HI-LFN. METHODS: Adult wild-type and transient receptor potential vanilloid subtype 4 knockout (TRPV4^-/-) mice were used for construction of the HI-LFN injury model. The new object recognition task and the Morris water maze test were used to measure the memory of these animals. Hemoxylin and eosin and immunofluorescence staining were used to examine morphological changes of the hippocampus after exposure to HI-LFN. RESULTS: The expression of TRPV4 was significantly upregulated in the hippocampus after HI-LFN exposure. Furthermore, memory deficits correlated with lower densities of neurons and neurofilament-positive nerve fibers in the cornu ammonis 1 (CA1) and dentate gyrus (DG) hippocampal areas in wild-type mice. However, TRPV4^-/- mice showed better performance in memory tests and more integrated neurofilament-positive nerve fibers in the CA1 and DG areas after HI-LFN exposure. CONCLUSION TRPV4 up-regulation induced neurofilament positive nerve fiber injury in the hippocampus, which was a possible mechanism for memory impairment and cognitive decline resulting from HI-LFN exposure. Together, these results identified a promising therapeutic target for treating cognitive dysfunction in VAD patients.
Animals ; Mice ; TRPV Cation Channels/metabolism* ; Intermediate Filaments/metabolism* ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Neurons/metabolism* ; Memory Disorders/metabolism*

OBJECTIVE: The mode of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) transmission via injection drug use (IDU) still exists, and the recent shift in IDU-related transmission of HIV infection is largely unknown. The purpose of this study was to analyze the spatiotemporal sources and dynamics of HIV-1 transmission through IDU in Guangxi. METHODS: We performed a molecular epidemiological investigation of infections across Guangxi from 2009 to 2019. Phylogenetic and Bayesian time-geographic analyses of HIV-1 sequences were performed to confirm the characteristics of transmission between IDUs in combination with epidemiological data. RESULTS: Among the 535 subjects, CRF08_BC (57.4%), CRF01_AE (28.4%), and CRF07_BC (10.7%) were the top 3 HIV strains; 72.6% of infections were linked to other provinces in the transmission network; 93.6% of sequence-transmitted strains were locally endemic, with the rest coming from other provinces, predominantly Guangdong and Yunnan; 92.1% of the HIV transmission among people who inject drugs tended to be transmitted between HIV-positive IDUs. CONCLUSION HIV recombinants were high diversity, and circulating local strains were the transmission sources among IDUs in Guangxi. However, there were still cases of IDUs linked to other provinces. Coverage of traditional prevention strategies should be expanded, and inter-provincial collaboration between Guangxi, Yunnan, and Guangdong provinces should be strengthened.
Humans ; HIV-1/genetics* ; HIV Infections ; Drug Users ; Phylogeny ; Bayes Theorem ; China/epidemiology* ; Genotype