BACKGROUND: Early control of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) is crucial for reducing the progress of cardiovascular disease. However, its additional role to the risk of primary osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease was inconclusive. Our study aims to determine the association of LDL-C and its trajectories for osteoporosis risk in the middle-aged and aged men of China. METHODS: The retrospective cohort study of 1546 men aged 69.74 ± 11.30 years conducted in Beijing, China from 2015 to 2022. And the incidence of primary osteoporosis was annually recorded. LDL-C trajectories were further identified by latent class growth model using repeated measurements of LDL-C. The association of baseline LDL-C for osteoporosis was estimated using hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI in Cox proportional hazard model, while mean level and trajectories of LDL-C for osteoporosis were evaluated using odds ratio (OR) with 95% CI in logistic regression model. RESULTS: During the median 6.2-year follow-up period, 70 men developed primary osteoporosis. The higher level of baseline LDL-C (HR = 1.539, 95% CI: 1.012-2.342) and mean LDL-C (OR = 2.190, 95% CI: 1.443-3.324) were associated with higher risk of osteoporosis in men with coronary heart disease after adjusted for covariates. Compared with those in the LDL-C trajectory of low-stable decrease, participants with medium-fluctuant trajectory, whose longitudinal LDL-C started with a medium LDL-C level and appeared an increase and then decrease, were negatively associated with osteoporosis risk (OR = 2.451, 95% CI: 1.152-5.216). And participants with initially high LDL-C level and then a rapid decrease demonstrated a tendency towards reduced risk (OR = 0.718, 95% CI: 0.212-2.437). CONCLUSIONS Elevated LDL-C level and its long-term fluctuation may increase the risk of primary osteoporosis in men. Early controlling a stable level of LDL-C is also essential for bone health.

Objective To investigate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma mechanism of Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.via network pharmacology,molecular docking techniques and in vitro experiments.Methods Chemical composition of Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.was searched by literature.Swiss Target Prediction was used to find corresponding targets.STRING was used to construct protein-protein interactions network(PPI).DAVID was used to enrich GO analysis and KEGG pathway.AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 and Pymol visualisation was used for docking and validation.Results Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.had 61 active components,685 targets,and 279 intersections with disease targets.The PPI showed that the main active components were Luteolin,Chloranthalactone C,Shizukanolide H,Esculetin,7-Hydroxycoumarin.The key targets were GAPDH,VEGFA,STAT3,JUN,HSP90AA1,AKT1,CTNNB1,CASP3,and ALB.Biological process(BP)involved protein phosphorylation,signal transduction,regulation of RNA polymerase II promoter transcription,cell proliferation,apoptosis.Cellular component(CC)involved cytoplasm,nucleus,cell membrane,cellular exosome.Molecular function(MF)involves protein binding,ATPase,threonine kinase,protein kinase activity.KEGG involved cancer pathway,metabolic pathway,PI3K-Akt signalling pathway,cancer proteoglycans,lipids and atherosclerosis,cytomegalovirus infection,microRNAs in cancer,human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1,Ras signalling pathway,MAPK signalling pathway.Molecular docking showed that silverweed lactone H had a strong affinity for each of the other target proteins,indicating that this component plays a key role.The results of RT-qPCR assay and WB assay showed that there were significant differences in gene and protein expression levels before and after drug administration.Conclusion The Chinese medicine in Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.can treat hepatocellular carcinoma through the MAPK pathway,and the main active ingredients have good docking effects with the core target proteins of the disease.

Objective:To study echinococcosis in the population and canine Echinococcus infection in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, and to explore the current epidemic situation and main transmission species of Echinococcus. Methods:In June 2023, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select 2 villages each in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, Yushu City, Qinghai Province. Each village included at least 100 permanent residents who had lived locally for at least 1 year and were 2 years old or older as the survey subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum antibodies against Echinococcus larvae in the population, and B-mode ultrasound was used for abdominal organ scanning. Meanwhile, on the main roads of Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, canine feces were collected in designated areas at intervals. ELISA was used to detect the antigen of canine fecal Echinococcus, and PCR was used to detect the types of parasites ( Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus shiquicus). Results:A total of 511 residents were investigated in Yushu City, and the positive rate of serum Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population was 26.22% (134/511), and the detection rate of echinococcosis B-mode ultrasound was 1.37% (7/511). Among them, the detection rates of B-mode ultrasound for cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) were 1.17% (6/511) and 0.20% (1/511), respectively. The positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in 543 canine feces detected by ELISA was 12.89% (70/543). PCR was used to test 497 canine feces, and the detection rate of Echinococcus was 3.02% (15/497). Among them, the detection rate of Echinococcus multilocularis was higher than that of Echinococcus granulosus [2.82% (14/497) vs 0.20% (1/497)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 11.44, P < 0.001). No Echinococcus shiquicus was detected. Conclusions:The positive rates of Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population and canine Echinococcus antigen in Yushu City, Qinghai Province are both relatively high. There is a mixed epidemic of CE and AE, with Echinococcus multilocularis being the main species.

Objective To investigate the anti-hepatocellular carcinoma mechanism of Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.via network pharmacology,molecular docking techniques and in vitro experiments.Methods Chemical composition of Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.was searched by literature.Swiss Target Prediction was used to find corresponding targets.STRING was used to construct protein-protein interactions network(PPI).DAVID was used to enrich GO analysis and KEGG pathway.AutoDock Vina 1.1.2 and Pymol visualisation was used for docking and validation.Results Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.had 61 active components,685 targets,and 279 intersections with disease targets.The PPI showed that the main active components were Luteolin,Chloranthalactone C,Shizukanolide H,Esculetin,7-Hydroxycoumarin.The key targets were GAPDH,VEGFA,STAT3,JUN,HSP90AA1,AKT1,CTNNB1,CASP3,and ALB.Biological process(BP)involved protein phosphorylation,signal transduction,regulation of RNA polymerase II promoter transcription,cell proliferation,apoptosis.Cellular component(CC)involved cytoplasm,nucleus,cell membrane,cellular exosome.Molecular function(MF)involves protein binding,ATPase,threonine kinase,protein kinase activity.KEGG involved cancer pathway,metabolic pathway,PI3K-Akt signalling pathway,cancer proteoglycans,lipids and atherosclerosis,cytomegalovirus infection,microRNAs in cancer,human T-cell leukaemia virus type 1,Ras signalling pathway,MAPK signalling pathway.Molecular docking showed that silverweed lactone H had a strong affinity for each of the other target proteins,indicating that this component plays a key role.The results of RT-qPCR assay and WB assay showed that there were significant differences in gene and protein expression levels before and after drug administration.Conclusion The Chinese medicine in Chloranthus fortunei(A.Gray)Solms-Laub.can treat hepatocellular carcinoma through the MAPK pathway,and the main active ingredients have good docking effects with the core target proteins of the disease.

Objective:To study echinococcosis in the population and canine Echinococcus infection in Yushu City, Qinghai Province, and to explore the current epidemic situation and main transmission species of Echinococcus. Methods:In June 2023, a multi-stage sampling method was used to select 2 villages each in Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, Yushu City, Qinghai Province. Each village included at least 100 permanent residents who had lived locally for at least 1 year and were 2 years old or older as the survey subjects. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to detect serum antibodies against Echinococcus larvae in the population, and B-mode ultrasound was used for abdominal organ scanning. Meanwhile, on the main roads of Shanglaxiu Township and Longbao Town, canine feces were collected in designated areas at intervals. ELISA was used to detect the antigen of canine fecal Echinococcus, and PCR was used to detect the types of parasites ( Echinococcus multilocularis, Echinococcus granulosus and Echinococcus shiquicus). Results:A total of 511 residents were investigated in Yushu City, and the positive rate of serum Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population was 26.22% (134/511), and the detection rate of echinococcosis B-mode ultrasound was 1.37% (7/511). Among them, the detection rates of B-mode ultrasound for cystic echinococcosis (CE) and alveolar echinococcosis (AE) were 1.17% (6/511) and 0.20% (1/511), respectively. The positive rate of Echinococcus antigen in 543 canine feces detected by ELISA was 12.89% (70/543). PCR was used to test 497 canine feces, and the detection rate of Echinococcus was 3.02% (15/497). Among them, the detection rate of Echinococcus multilocularis was higher than that of Echinococcus granulosus [2.82% (14/497) vs 0.20% (1/497)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2 = 11.44, P < 0.001). No Echinococcus shiquicus was detected. Conclusions:The positive rates of Echinococcus larvae antibodies in the population and canine Echinococcus antigen in Yushu City, Qinghai Province are both relatively high. There is a mixed epidemic of CE and AE, with Echinococcus multilocularis being the main species.

Objective To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and potential influencing factors of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the echinococcosis control strategy in Qinghai Province. Methods The number of individuals screened for echinococcosis, number of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases, number of registered dogs and number of stray dogs were captured from the annual reports of echinococcosis control program in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, and the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was calculated. The number of populations, precipitation, temperature, wind speed, sunshine hours, average altitude, number of year-end cattle stock, number of year-end sheep stock, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and number of village health centers in each county (district) of Qinghai Province were captured from the Qinghai Provincial Statistical Yearbook, and county-level electronic maps in Qinghai Province were downloaded from the National Platform for Common Geospatial Information Services. The software ArcGIS 10.8 was used to map the distribution of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was performed. In addition, the spacetime scan analyses of number of individuals screened for echinococcosis, number of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases and geographical coordinates in Qinghai Province were performed with the software SaTScan 10.1.2, and the spatial stratified heterogeneity of the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was investigated with the software GeoDetector. Results A total of 6 569 426 residents were screened for echinococcosis in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, and 5 924 newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases were found. The detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline over years from 2016 to 2022 (χ² = 11.107, P < 0.01), with the highest detection in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in 2017 (82.12/10⁵). There were spatial clusters in the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2018 (Moran’s I = 0.34 to 0.65, all Z values > 1.96, all P values < 0.05), and the distribution of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases appeared random distribution from 2019 to 2022 (Moran’s I = −0.09 to 0.04, all Z values < 1.96, all P values > 0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed high-high clusters and low-low clusters in the detection of new diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, and space-time scan analysis showed that the first most likely cluster areas of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022 were mainly distributed in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. GeoDetector-based analysis of the driving factors for the spatial stratified heterogeneity of detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province showed that average altitude, number of village health centers, number of cattle and sheep stock, GDP per capita, annual average sunshine hours, and annual average temperature had a strong explanatory power for the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases, with q values of 0.630, 0.610, 0.600, 0.590, 0.588, 0.537 and 0.526, respectively. Conclusions The detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline in Qinghai Province over years from 2016 to 2022, showing spatial clustering. Targeted control measures are required in cluster areas of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases for further control of the disease.

OBJECTIVES: To study the early clinical efficacy of combined therapy of stage 4 neuroblastoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on the medical data and follow-up data of 14 children with stage 4 neuroblastoma who were diagnosed in Hong Kong University-Shenzhen Hospital from January 2016 to June 2021. RESULTS: The median age of onset was 3 years and 7.5 months in these 14 children. Among these children, 9 had positive results of bone marrow biopsy, 4 had N-Myc gene amplification, 13 had an increase in neuron-specific enolase, and 7 had an increase in vanilmandelic acid in urine. Based on the results of pathological examination, differentiated type was observed in 6 children, undifferentiated type in one child, mixed type, in one child and poorly differentiated type in 6 children. Of all the children, 10 received chemotherapy with the N7 regimen (including 2 children receiving arsenic trioxide in addition) and 4 received chemotherapy with the Rapid COJEC regimen. Thirteen children underwent surgery, 14 received hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, and 10 received radiotherapy. A total of 8 children received Ch14.18/CHO immunotherapy, among whom 1 child discontinued due to anaphylactic shock during immunotherapy, and the other 7 children completed Ch14.18/CHO treatment without serious adverse events, among whom 1 child was treated with Lu177 Dotatate 3 times after recurrence and is still undergoing chemotherapy at present. The median follow-up time was 45 months for all the 14 children. Four children experienced recurrence within 2 years, and the 2-year overall survival rate was 100%; 4 children experienced recurrence within 3 years, and 7 achieved disease-free survival within 3 years. CONCLUSIONS Multidisciplinary combined therapy is recommended for children with stage 4 neuroblastoma and can help them achieve better survival and prognosis.
Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use* ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Humans ; Infant ; Neuroblastoma/drug therapy* ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Radionuclide Imaging ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Objective: Several COVID-19 patients have overlapping comorbidities. The independent role of each component contributing to the risk of COVID-19 is unknown, and how some non-cardiometabolic comorbidities affect the risk of COVID-19 remains unclear. Methods: A retrospective follow-up design was adopted. A total of 1,160 laboratory-confirmed patients were enrolled from nine provinces in China. Data on comorbidities were obtained from the patients' medical records. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to estimate the odds ratio ( Results: Overall, 158 (13.6%) patients were diagnosed with severe illness and 32 (2.7%) had unfavorable outcomes. Hypertension (2.87, 1.30-6.32), type 2 diabetes (T2DM) (3.57, 2.32-5.49), cardiovascular disease (CVD) (3.78, 1.81-7.89), fatty liver disease (7.53, 1.96-28.96), hyperlipidemia (2.15, 1.26-3.67), other lung diseases (6.00, 3.01-11.96), and electrolyte imbalance (10.40, 3.00-26.10) were independently linked to increased odds of being severely ill. T2DM (6.07, 2.89-12.75), CVD (8.47, 6.03-11.89), and electrolyte imbalance (19.44, 11.47-32.96) were also strong predictors of unfavorable outcomes. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease on admission (5.46, 3.25-9.19), while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes (6.58, 1.46-29.64) within two weeks. Conclusion Besides hypertension, diabetes, and CVD, fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, other lung diseases, and electrolyte imbalance were independent risk factors for COVID-19 severity and poor treatment outcome. Women with comorbidities were more likely to have severe disease, while men with comorbidities were more likely to have unfavorable treatment outcomes.
Adult ; Aged ; COVID-19/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Comorbidity ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Severity of Illness Index ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To explore the effect of Rhubarb and Polygonum cuspidatum and their combination on blood stasis model rats.Methods Forty female SPF rats were chosen and were randomly divided into blank,model,test I,test Ⅱ,test Ⅲ groups,8 rats in each group.The rats of test I,test Ⅱ,test Ⅲ groups were given 30 mg · kg-1 Rhubarb drug,Polygonum,Rhubarb Polygonum cuspidatum (1:1),qd;blank and model groups were given 0.9％ NaCl at 5 mL · kg-1 dose,qd.The rats were treated for consecutive 10 days.After lavage for 1 h,except the blank group,the rats in other groups were given adrennaline hydrochloride 1mg · kg-1 by intraperitoneal injection.After 24 h,they were injected the same dose of adrenaline again.After the acute blood stasis model was prepared,the rats were anesthetized to collect blood from the abdominal aorta After anticoagulation treatment,the hemorheology index and lipid index of all samples were tested by automatic blood rheology tester and automatic biochemical analyzer.Results The blood biscosity in blank and test Ⅲ I groups were (3.26±1.33) and (4.51 ±1.15) mPa · s at 200/s,(4.21 ±1.41) and (5.80 ±1.44) mPa · s at 50/s,(9.75 ±2.97) and (13.27 ±3.14) mPa · s at 5/s,(25.58 ±7.24) and (34.49 ±7.95) mPa · s at 1/s,with significant difference (all P ＜ 0.05).The erythrocyte aggregation index in the blank,test Ⅰ,test Ⅱ groups were (8.04 ± 0.80),(7.39 ± 0.31) and (7.18 ± 0.62),respectively.The difference between the blank and test Ⅰ groups was statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The difference between the blank and test Ⅱ groups were highly statistically significant (P ＜0.01).Triglyceride in model,test Ⅱ groups were (0.92 ±0.39) and (0.61 ±0.15) mmol · L-1,with significant difference (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Rhubarb,Polygonum cuspidatum,and Rhubarb-Polygonum cuspidatum combination all had good effect on the rats with blood stasis syndrome,but Rhubarb-Polygonum cuspidatum combination (1:1) did not show the obvious synergistic effect.Polygonum cuspidatum can significantly reduce triglycerides,while Rhubarb alone didn't show the role of significant reduction of blood lipids,and in reducing blood lipids,rhubarb and in this regard,Polygonum cuspidatum compatibility didn't show the synergistic effect.

Empty Sella Syndrome ; diagnosis ; Female ; Humans ; Middle Aged ; Petrosal Sinus Sampling ; methods ; Pituitary Neoplasms ; diagnosis