Objective: To investigate the environmental contamination of norovirus in nurseries and primary/secondary schools, so as to provide a scientific basis for effective prevention and control measures. Methods: A total of 483 external environmental samples were collected from 34 cluster outbreaks of norovirus gastroenteritis in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools in Linhai City from 2021 to 2024. Pathogen detection was conducted using a rapid nucleic acid extraction kit and realtime fluorescence RT-PCR, and the results were analyzed using the χ2 test or Fishers exact test. Results: Among the collected external environmental samples, the total positive rate of surface contamination was 13.66%. The positive rates in kindergartens and primary/secondary schools were 12.20% and 15.82%, respectively. In kindergartens, the five surfaces with the highest detection rates were desks/chairs (23.33%), toilet stool troughs (20.69%), urinal troughs (12.00%), washbasins/sinks (11.11%), and toilet mops (9.38%). In primary/secondary schools, the top five were toilet stool troughs (38.30%), urinal troughs (23.53%), toilet door handles (13.04%), toilet mops (12.50%), and drinking cups (11.11%). The difference in positive detection rates among different external environments in primary/secondary schools was statistically significant (Fishers exact probability test, P<0.01). The positive detection rate in sanitary toilets was higher than that in classroom environments (χ2=17.38), while the positive detection rate in classroom environments of kindergartens was higher than that in primary/secondary schools (χ2=5.42)(P<0.05). Conclusions Norovirus exhibits a high contamination rate in nurseries and schools, particularly in restroom areas. Strengthening sanitation and disinfection in highrisk environments, and improving hygiene awareness among children and staff, are essential for the effective prevent and control of norovirus.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the efficacy and safety of intravenous colistin sulfate combined with nebulized inhalation versus intravenous monotherapy for pulmonary infections caused by carbapenem-resistant organism (CRO). METHODS: A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical data were collected from patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) of 10 tertiary class-A hospitals in Henan Province between July 2021 and May 2023, who received colistin sulfate for CRO pulmonary infections. Data included baseline characteristics, inflammatory markers [white blood cell count (WBC), neutrophil count (NEU), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP)], renal function indicators [serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN)], life support measures, anti-infection regimens, clinical efficacy, microbiological clearance rate, and prognostic outcomes. Patients were divided into two groups: intravenous group (colistin sulfate monotherapy via intravenous infusion) and combination group ((intravenous infusion combined with nebulized inhalation of colistin sulfate). Changes in parameters before and after treatment were analyzed. RESULTS: A total of 137 patients with CRO pulmonary infections were enrolled, including 89 in the intravenous group and 48 in the combination group. Baseline characteristics, life support measures, daily colistin dose, and combination regimens (most commonly colistin sulfate plus carbapenems in both groups) showed no significant differences between two groups. The combination group exhibited higher clinical efficacy [77.1% (37/48) vs. 59.6% (52/89)] and microbiological clearance rate [60.4% (29/48) vs. 39.3% (35/89)], both P < 0.05. Pre-treatment inflammatory and renal parameters showed no significant differences between two groups. Post-treatment, the combination group showed significantly lower WBC and CRP [WBC (×10⁹/L): 8.2±0.5 vs. 10.9±0.6, CRP (mg/L): 14.0 (5.7, 26.6) vs. 52.1 (24.4, 109.6), both P < 0.05], whereas NEU, PCT, SCr, and BUN levels showed no significant between two groups. ICU length of stay was shorter in the combination group [days: 16 (10, 25) vs. 21 (14, 29), P < 0.05], although mechanical ventilation duration and total hospitalization showed no significant differences between two groups. CONCLUSIONS Intravenous colistin sulfate combined with nebulized inhalation improved clinical efficacy and microbiological clearance in CRO pulmonary infections with an acceptable safety profile.
Humans ; Colistin/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Administration, Inhalation ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/therapeutic use* ; Carbapenems/pharmacology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Gram-Negative Bacteria/drug effects* ; Aged ; Treatment Outcome ; Respiratory Tract Infections/drug therapy*

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*

Palliative care not only embodies modern life perspectives, but also encompasses significant traditional Chinese cultural elements.The primary objective of palliative care is to alleviate patient suffering, preserve their dignity, and facilitate a peaceful passing.Traditional Chinese medicine, known for its simplicity, accessibility, affordability, and efficacy in disease prevention and treatment, adopts a holistic approach to address systemic pain through personalized treatment based on symptom differentiation.This approach aims to enhance the quality of life for terminally ill patients.To equip palliative care providers with essential clinical skills in traditional Chinese medicine, the National Center of Gerontology and Beijing Palliative Care Guidance Center collaborated with experts and scholars to develop guidelines focusing on common end-of-life symptoms.Through extensive deliberation, expert evaluation, and revisions, this guidance document was crafted as a valuable resource for palliative care practitioners, traditional Chinese medicine clinicians, and researchers in the field.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effects of Jiakang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole on hyperthyroidism. Methods:A total of 100 patients with hyperthyroidism admitted to Shanxian Central Hospital from February 2018 to January 2021 were included in this study. They were randomly divided into a study group and a control group, with 50 patients in each group. The control group was treated with methiimidazole, and the study group was treated with Jiakang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole. Thyroid function, serum levels of osteocalcin (OCN), β-CTx, hypersensitive C-reactive protein, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were compared between the two groups. Results:After treatment, serum levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), free thyroxine (FT4) in the study group were (3.10 ± 1.36) mU/L, (5.76 ± 1.25) pmol/L, (15.22 ± 1.95) pmol/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (4.88 ± 1.47) mU/L, (7.13 ± 1.32) pmol/L, (19.07 ± 2.02) pmol/L in the control group ( t = 5.27, 4.71, 6.29, all P < 0.05). Serum OCN, β-CTx, hS-CRP, and IL-6 in the study group were (17.36 ± 2.62) μg/L, (0.32 ± 0.04) μg/L, (4.07 ± 0.86) mg/L, and (1.38 ± 0.21) pg/L, respectively, which were significantly lower than (26.05 ± 2.88) μg/L, (0.51 ± 0.09) μg/L, (6.23 ± 0.91) mg/L, (1.89 ± 0.28) pg/L in the control group ( t = 12.37, 10.40, 7.39, 8.57, all P < 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions in the study group was significantly lower than that in the control group [6.00% (3/50) vs. 12.00% (3/50), χ2 = 14.78, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Jikang Pingxiao prescription combined with methiimidazole can effectively reduce the inflammatory responses in patients with hyperthyroidism, inhibit the expression of OCN and β-CTX in the serum, and improve thyroid function. The combined method is scientific and reasonable, and is suitable for clinical application. It has good therapeutic effects on hyperthyroidism and is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective:To investigate the high-risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with pT 1-2N 1M 0 after mastectomy, establish a nomogram prediction model, perform risk stratification, and screen the radiotherapy benefit populations. Methods:Clinical data of 936 patients with pT 1-2N 1M 0 breast cancer undergoing mastectomy in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2010 to December 2016 were retrospectively analyzed and 908 cases had complete follow-up data. They were divided into the radiotherapy (RT) group ( n=583) and non radiotherapy (NRT) group ( n=325) according to the radiotherapy. After propensity score matching (PSM) was performed 1 vs. 1, 298 cases were assigned into the RT group and 298 in the NRT group. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between two groups using log-rank test. Nomogram prediction model was established, the survival differences were compared among different risk groups, and the radiotherapy benefit populations were screened. Results:Univariate analysis showed that the 5- and 8-year OS and DFS in the RT group were significantly better than those in the NRT group (both P<0.001). Multivariate analysis showed that age, tumor quadrant, number of lymph node metastases, T staging, and Ki-67 level were the independent prognostic factors for OS. Age, tumor quadrant, and T staging were the independent prognostic factors for DFS. The OS nomogram analysis showed that the OS of patients in the high-risk group was significantly improved by post-mastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT) ( P=0.001), while PMRT did not show an advantage in the low- and medium-risk groups ( P=0.057, P=0.099). The DFS nomogram analysis showed that DFS was significantly improved by PMRT in patients in the medium- and high-risk groups ( P=0.036, P=0.001), whereas the benefits from PMRT were not significant in the low-risk group ( P=0.475). Conclusions:For patients with pT 1-2N 1M 0 breast cancer after mastectomy, age ≤ 40 years, tumor located in the inner quadrant or central area, T 2 staging, 2-3 lymph node metastases, Ki-67>30% are the high-risk factors affecting clinical prognosis. The nomogram prediction model can screen the populations that can benefit from PMRT, providing reference for clinical decision-making.

Objective:To analyze the metabolic mechanism of papillary thyroid cancer(PTC) in normal and Hashimoto′s thyroiditis(HT) background, and to explore the relationship between HT and PTC.Methods:This study included a matched sample set collected from Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2018 and January 2019, consisting of PTC and paracancular tissue from 31 cases with coexisting HT(HT group), and 30 cases without(NC group), all confirmed pathologically following thyroidectomy. The ultra-high performance liquid chromatography combined with mixed four-stage poles time-of-flight mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) was employed to acquire data from the samples. Metabolite differences between the two groups were compared, aiming to identify distinct metabolic mechanisms of PTC under different backgrounds. Metabolic pathway analysis was conducted using Metabo-Analyst 5.0 to explore relevant metabolic pathways.Results:The HT group and NC group shared 7 common differentially expressed metabolites, including arginine, glutamic acid, cysteine, citric acid, malic acid, uracil, and taurine. Logistic regression model combined with receiver operating characteristic(ROC) analysis of these 7 biomarkers yielded excellent discriminatory capacity for PTC(area under ROC curve of HT group and NC group were 0.867 and 0.973, respectively). The common metabolic pathways were taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, arginine biosynthesis, alanine, aspartic acid and glutamic acid metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and glutamine and glutamic acid metabolism. The specific metabolic pathways in HT group were aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis, glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism.Conclusion:The metabolic profiles of thyroid cancer exhibit significant differences between cases with normal backgrounds and those with HT. The specific pathways for PTC and HT are aminoacyl tRNA biosynthesis and the metabolism of glycine, serine, and threonine.

Objective: To analyze the impact of metabolic risk factors on the epidemiological characteristics of the reactivation of inactive HBsAg carriers (IHC) and provide effective intervention measures to standardize the management of chronic hepatitis B infections. Methods: Based on the chronic hepatitis B infection cohort established in 2010 in Jiangsu province, six follow-up visits from 2012 to 2020 were conducted to analyze the characteristics and influencing factors of the hepatitis B reactivation of IHC and the impact of metabolic risk factors, including obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes and hyperglycemia. Results: From 2012 to 2020, 2 527 IHC and 17 730 person-years were observed during a median follow-up period of 7.0 person-years. Ninety-eight cases of hepatitis B reactivation, with a cumulative reaction rate, was 3.9%, and the incidence density was 5.53/1 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression analysis showed that age and baseline HBV DNA were independent risk factors of HBV reactivation. Compared with the patients ≥60 years, 40-49 age group (aHR=2.16, 95%CI:1.20-3.90) and 20-29 age group (aHR=5.48, 95%CI:2.07-14.48) were significantly associated with hepatitis B reactivation. Compared with the HBV DNA negative patients at baseline, the risk of hepatitis B reactivation was higher in the group with low HBV DNA level 100-1 999 IU/ml (aHR=1.67, 95%CI:1.11-2.52). Stratification analysis results showed that compared with those without metabolic risk factors, in the ≥50 age group, patients with ≥2 metabolic risk factors showed adjusted HR of 2.73 (95%CI:1.08-6.96). Conclusions: The risk of hepatitis B being reactive is the persistent existence of IHC in communities in Jiangsu province, especially young adults, low-level HBV DNA carriers, and IHC with ≥2 metabolic risk factors. Follow-up for these IHC should be strengthened to reduce the risk of disease progression by antiviral treatment at the right time.
Cohort Studies ; DNA, Viral ; Hepatitis B/epidemiology* ; Hepatitis B Surface Antigens ; Hepatitis B virus/genetics* ; Hepatitis B, Chronic/epidemiology* ; Humans ; Risk Factors ; Young Adult

Objective To study the dynamic changes of blood carnitine and acylcarnitine levels in preterm infants during parenteral and enteral nutritional support,and the relationship between carnitine status and nutritional patterns,gestational age (GA) and weight gain.Method From January 2017 to December 2017,preterm infants admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) within 24 hours after birth and received parenteral nutrition support were enrolled.They were assigned into 4 groups according to their GA:ultra-premature infants (＜ 28 weeks),very premature infants (28 ～ 31 weeks),mid premature infants (32 ～ 33 weeks) and late premature infants (34 ～ 36 weeks).They were assigned into 2 groups according to their average daily weight gain:＜ 15 g/(kg · d) group and ≥15 g/(kg · d) group.Blood samples were collected and examined as dried-blood spot specimens on filter paper for four times:after born,given total parenteral nutrition,given enteral combined parenteral nutrition,and given total parenteral nutrition.The concentrations of free carnitine and acylcarnitine were detected using liquid chromatographytandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).SPSS 21.0 statistical software was used for statistical analysis.Result A total of 124 preterm infants and 410 samples were collected.As the infants experienced gradual transition from parenteral nutrition to enteral nutrition,the free carnitine and most acylcarnitines levels were decreasing (C3,C4,C10DC,C12,C12∶1,C12DC,C14,C16,C16∶ 1,C16-OH and C18,P＜0.05).Preterm infants with small GA showed higher levels of C4-OH (P =0.001) and C5 (P =0.001).Preterm infants with lower velocity of weight gain showed lower concentration of C5-OH (P =0.006) in the early postnatal period.Conclusion Free carnitine and acylcarnitine in preterm infants during the early postnatal period are decreasing with the transition from parenteral nutrition to enteral nutrition,indicating that the exogenous nutrition is relatively insufficient.C4-OH and C5 levels are negatively correlated with GA.In addition,lower level of C5-OH may indicate slow weight gain during the early postnatal period.

Objective To study the mechanical properties and biological characteristics of 3D-printed porous β-tricalcium phosphate ［β-Ca3(PO4)2, β-TCP］ scaffolds, so as to provide guidance for the design of composite scaffolds in animal experimentation. Methods Poly 1,8-octanediol citrate (POC), a kind of novel biodegradable materials, was used as the adhesive. The 3D-printed porous β-TCP scaffolds were fabricated by fused deposition modeling (FDM) technology, and Gly-Arg-Gly-Asp-Ser (GRGDS), a kind of polypeptides, was added into the scaffolds to improve the adhesive property of cells. The optical microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM) were used to observe the micro-pore architectures of those scaffolds. The material testing machine was used to conduct compressive test on the scaffolds, and the water contact angles of the scaffolds were measured. The cell adhesion rate and proliferation rate of the scaffolds were also tested by in vitro cell experiment. The model of SD rat skull defects was repaired by the scaffolds, and the osteogenic ability in vivo was further studied. Results The GRGDS, remaining active, was evenly distributed in the composite scaffolds. The micro-pore architectures of the polypeptide modified scaffolds changed, with improvement in cell adhesion rate, while the compressive modulus, water contact angle and osteogenic ability in vivo of the scaffolds were not obviously affected. Conclusions The cell adhesion capacity of β-TCP composite scaffolds modified by polypeptide improved significantly, while the mechanical properties and hydrophilicity, osteogenic ability in vivo of the scaffolds were not affected very much. These research results provide new ideas for reconstruction of scaffolds for repairing bone defects in clinic, and a laboratory basis for further clinical application of this scaffold.