Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Objective:To explore the barriers and facilitators of exercise rehabilitation in patients with atrial fibrillation (AF) after radiofrequency ablation.Methods:From March to August 2022, 285 patients with atrial fibrillation who underwent radiofrequency ablation within three months were recruited from the "Cloud Ward" of the Department of Cardiovascular of the First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University by convenience sampling. The Cardiac Rehabilitation Barriers Scale (CRBS) and the Self-efficacy for Exercise Scale (SEE) were used to evaluate the barriers and self-efficacy of patients participating in exercise rehabilitation, respectively. Among them, 22 patients were subjected to semi-structured interviews to extract themes.Results:Among 285 patients with atrial fibrillation, 202 (70.88%) participated in exercise rehabilitation programs. Work/time conflicts, lack of cardiac rehabilitation knowledge, and health/physical function limitations affected the participation of patients in exercise rehabilitation ( P<0.05). Qualitative research extracted three themes that affected the patient's exercise rehabilitation, including capability, opportunity, and motivation. Conclusions:The participation of atrial fibrillation patients in exercise rehabilitation is influenced by multiple factors such as family responsibility, capability, motivation, and opportunity. Medical and nursing staff should comprehensively consider the above factors, develop targeted interventions from all aspects and multiple angles, so as to effectively improve the participation of patients in exercise rehabilitation.

With the continuous progress of research methodology in the real world and the growing maturity of artificial intelligence technology， a method for conducting “quantitative” research to guide clinical practice based on traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） diagnosis and treatment data was gradually developed. However， there is still a need for further improvements in the overall design of studies and the transformation of findings into clinical practice. Based on this， we put forward a comprehensive overall design concept and application approach for real-world study and artificial intelligence research based on clinical diagnosis and treatment data of TCM. This approach consists of five steps： Constructing a research-based database with a large sample size and high data quality； Mining and classification of core prescriptions； Conducting cohort studies to evaluate the effectiveness of core prescriptions； Utilizing case-control studies to clarify the dominant population； Establishing predictive models to achieve precision medicine. Additionally， it is imperative for researchers to establish a standardized system for collecting TCM variables and processing data， optimize the determination and measurement methods of confounding factors， further improve and promote methodologies， and strengthen the training of interdisciplinary talents. By following this research method， we anticipate that the clinical translation of research findings will be facilitated， leading to advancements in TCM precision medicine. Real-world study and artificial intelligence research share similar research foundations， and clinical applications complement each other. In the future， the two will merge together.

Objective To explore the specific plasma exosomal protein expression in Coronary Heart Disease(CHD)with phlegm-turbidity syndrome(PTS),so as to provide biological reference for the diagnosis of CHD with PTS.Methods A total of 20 CHD patients with PTS and 20 healthy subjects at the same period were included.Plasma exosomes were extracted from all subjects using the qEV size exclusion method.First,10 CHD cases with PTS and 10 healthy subjects were randomly selected,and differentially expressed proteins between the two groups were screened using label free non-targeted protein quantification analysis.Then,MRM targeting protein labeling technique was applied to verify the differentially expressed proteins in the remaining subjects.Results Compared with healthy controls,214 differentially expressed plasma exosomal proteins(61 up-regulated and 153 down-regulated)were found in CHD patients with PTS,mainly related to cholesterol metabolism,complement and coagulation cascade,and immune effects.ANXA6,C4BPB,F8,CFB,APOE,C9,and CLU proteins were further validated by MRM targeting protein.Conclusion CHD patients with PTS had differences in plasma exosomal protein expression from healthy controls,and the differential proteins are mainly related to cholesterol metabolism,complement,and the coagulation cascade.

Objective:To explore the current status of radiological protection knowledge, attitude and practice of nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room, and analyze their influencing factors so as to provide a basis for formulating intervention strategies.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. From April to May 2021, convenience sampling was adopted to select 240 nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room from 32 hospitals of member units of the China Heart Federation as the research subject. The self-designed General Information Questionnaire and the Radiological Protection Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Scale for Interventional Catheterization Room Nurses were used for investigation. Single factor analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were used to explore the influencing factors of radiological protection knowledge, attitude and practice among nurses of Interventional Catheterization Room. A total of 240 questionnaires were issued, and 220 valid questionnaires were returned with the valid response rate of 91.67%.Results:Among 220 nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room, the scores of radiological protection knowledge, attitude and practice dimensions were (5.92±1.83) , (29.15±1.97) , (43.76±5.73) , respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that gender, hospital grade and training frequency were the influencing factors of radiological protection knowledge of nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . The training frequency and the type of radiological protective equipment were the influencing factors of the radiation protection attitude of nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05) . Gender, training frequency, regular monitoring of radiation dosimeters, and types of radiation protective equipment were the influencing factors of radiation protective practice of nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room ( P<0.05) . Conclusions:Interventional Catheterization Room nurses have a low level of radiological protection knowledge, and their attitudes towards radiological protection are relatively positive, but their radiological protection practice is not in place. The radiation protection training of nurses in Interventional Catheterization Room should be optimized, and adequate and high-quality protective equipment should be provided, and gender-specific management should be conducted, personal radiation dose monitoring should be standardized, and the radiation guidance role of Class Ⅲ hospitals should be used to ensure the safety and health of medical and nursing staff.

Objective:To analyze clinicopathological features of thyroid nodules and to assess preoperative diagnostic methods for the nature of nodules.Methods:The clinical and pathological data of 2 132 patients [456 males and 1 676 females with a mean age of (48.7±11.4) year] with thyroid nodules who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2017 to December 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Among all patients, 433 nodules had complete fine needle aspiration biopsy cytology (FNAC) and ultrasound results were selected for further assessment. According to preoperative high-resolution ultrasound images, the nodules were classified by Kwak thyroid imaging and reporting data systems (Kwak TI-RADS) and American College of Radiology TI-RADS (ACR TI-RADS). ROC curve was used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of the two ultrasound modes and FNAC.Results:In 2 132 patients with thyroid nodules, 743 were benign and 1 389 were malignant. In all malignant cases 1 119 were females, accounting for 80.56%. In newly diagnosed benign nodules, 67.97% (505/743) were found by examination, and 32.03% (238/743) were self-found. In malignant nodules, 48.67% (676/1 389) were detected by examination, 51.33% (713/1 389) were self-found. The malignant rate of nodule diameter≤1 cm was the lowest in 1 118 patients with complete thyroid ultrasound data. In 628, 722 and 782 patients who underwent surgical treatment in 2017, 2018 and 2019, the proportion of malignant nodules was 56.37% (354/628), 66.48% (480/722) and 70.97% (555/782); the proportion of benign nodules was 43.63% (274/628), 33.52% (242/722) and 29.03% (227/782), respectively. Among all malignant nodules, papillary carcinoma accounted for 95.18% (1 322/1 389), followed by follicular carcinoma 4.32% (60/1 389), myeloid carcinoma 0.43% (60/1 389) and undifferentiated carcinoma 0.07%(1/1 389). Among all benign nodules, the proportion of nodular goiter was the highest (95.56%, 710/743). The proportion of patients undergoing preoperative FNAC in 2017, 2018 and 2019 was 57.96% (364/628), 63.43% (458/722) and 69.44% (543/782), respectively;the coincidence rate of preoperative FNAC and postoperative pathological diagnosis was 46.15% (168/364), 52.18% (239/458) and 62.06% (337/543), respectively. Among 433 nodules with both FNAC and ultrasound data, the areas under the ROC curve(AUC)of FNA, ACR TI-RADS and Kawk TI-RADS were 0.91, 0.74 and 0.59, respectively ( P<0.05). The sensitivity of ACR TI-RADS and Kawk TI-RADS was 84.34%, 37.35% ( P<0.05) and specificity was 56.29% and 79.14% ( P=0.075). Conclusions:The study reveals that from 2017 to 2019, both the number of cases and malignant rate of thyroid nodules shows a rising trend, meanwhile the application rate of preoperative FNAC and its coincidence rate with postoperative pathology shows an increasing trend. FNAC, ACR Ti-RADS and Kawk TI-RADS have certain diagnostic efficacy in differentiating benign and malignant thyroid nodules, and the diagnostic value of FNAC is the highest followed by ACR TI-RADS and Kawk TI-RADS.

Objective:To investigate the effect of different blood glucose and BMI levels on the outcome of closed biliary surgery in diabetic patients.Methods:Clinical data of 424 diabetes admitted to Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital for closed biliary tract surgery from Jan. 2018 to Jun. 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. According to the fasting blood glucose and BMI levels, the subjects were divided into hyperglycemia and non-hyperglycemia groups and obesity and non-obesity subgroups. The differences of clinical data among different groups were compared and analyzed. Multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the factors of postoperative infection, length and cost of hospitalization.Results:①Compared with the non-hyperglycemia group, the hyperglycemia group had higher BMI, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, blood glucose monitoring rate, glycated hemoglobin detection rate, postoperative infection rate, ICU occupancy rate, length and cost of hospitalization, and lower albumin level, all P<0.05.②The age, fasting blood glucose, serum creatinine, low density lipoprotein, length and cost of hospitalization in the hyperglycemic obese subgroup were all lower than those in the non-obese subgroup, all P<0.05; and the serum creatinine in the obese subgroup was higher than those in the non-obese subgroup ( P<0.05) . ③Logistic analysis revealed that hyperglycemia was an independent risk factor for postoperative infection. For every 1mmol/L increase in fasting blood glucose, the risk of postoperative infection increased by 1.158 times, and albumin was a protective factor for postoperative infection. ④Multiple linear regression analysis showed that hyperglycemia and hypoalbumin were the important factors affecting the length of hospital stay and the increase of hospital cost, all P<0.05. Conclusions:Hyperglycemia is an independent risk factor for postoperative infection and a risk factor for longer hospital stay and higher costs. Obesity is not associated with postoperative infection or longer hospital stay, except for increased serum. Patients with diabetes undergoing closed biliary system surgery need to improve the detection rate of glycated hemoglobin and blood glucose monitoring rate, manage blood glucose reasonably, and control body weight appropriately.

Objective: To evaluate the burden and to describe the characteristics of spatial distribution caused by malignant tumors among different administrative areas in Guangzhou from 2010- 2013. Methods: Based on data from the Cancer Registry system and population in Guangzhou in 2010- 2013, disability-adjusted life year (DALY) was assessed on the disease burden of cancer, in accordance with the method used in the Global Burden of Disease study. Results: The crude incidence rates of cancer appeared as 256.22/10⁵ in 2010-2011 and 270.04/10⁵ in 2012-2013, with the crude mortality rates as 143.17/10⁵ and 148.01/10⁵, respectively, in Guangzhou. Cancers caused 606 238.95 DALYs in 2010-2011 and 623 763.80 DALYs in 2012-2013 for both sexes and 37.63 and 37.81 person year per 1 000 persons, with the standardized DALY rates as 34.51‰, 34.00‰ respectively. Three administrative districts (Yuexiu, Haizhu and Liwan) were with the largest disease burden of cancers that accounted for 45% of the DALYs for the whole Conghua district, with liver cancer was the leading cancer on DALYs, and tracheal, bronchus and lung cancer ranked the first in the other districts. Conclusions In Guangzhou, disease burden caused by cancers was both prominently seen in the newly developed urban area and the old districts. It remains an arduous task to continue programs on control and prevention of cancers in this city.

Objective To investigate the status quo of hope level as well as the relationship between the hope level and social support in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). Method A total of 120 CHF patients were surveyed by Herth hope index (HHI) and social support rating scale (SSRS). Results The overall HHI score and SSRS were (30.2±4.2) and (38.4±6.2), respectively. Both were at a medium level. The general score of HHI was positively related to general SSRS (r=0.527, P＜0.01). Conclusions Both of HHI and SSRS of patients with CHF are at moderate level. The patients with higher level of social support have better hope level. Nurses should take pertinent interventions to improve the social support of CHF, helping them to improve their hope and respond to diseases effectively.

Objective To investigate the relationship between body composition and adequacy of dialysis,and analyze the related risk factors for inadequate delivery of hemodialysis.Methods In a prospective clinical trial,two different methods determining dialysis dose were simultaneously applied:Kt/Vdau (conventional method with Daugirdas' formula) and Kt/Vbem [online clearance monitoring (OCM) measurement with Ⅴ measured by body composition monitor (BCM)].Using the value of 1.27 as the boundary,the patients were divided into two groups:Kt/Vbcm ＜ 1.27 group and Kt/Vbcm≥ 1.27 group.Clinical indices were compared between the two groups.Multiple linear regression was applied to analyze the potential impact factors of the difference between Kt/V values calculated by the two methods.Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was applied to analyze meaningful factors.Results A total of 138 maintenance hemodialysis patients with age of (54.9±12.7) years old were enrolled,and 55.1％ of them were males.There was no significant difference between Kt/Vdau and Kt/Vbcm [1.432(1.235,1.718) vs 1.434 (1.244,1.642),P=0.823].Kt/Vdau was incidentally prone to falsely high values due to operative errors,whereas in these cases OCM-based measurement Kt/Vbcm delivered realistic values.An excellent correlation was observed between Kt/Vdau and Kt/Vbcm;the mean difference was 0.07,95％CI (-0.66-0.79);the correlation coefficient was 0.842(0.821-0.862).The patients in Kt/Vbcm≥ 1.27 group had older age,lower body mass index (BMI),lower height and weight,lower total body water (TBW),lower extracellular water,lower intracellular water,and lower lean tissue index (LTI) compared to those in Kt/Vbcm ＜ 1.27 group.Excellent correlations were observed between Kt/Vbcm and TBW or LTI (r=-0.834,P ＜ 0.001;r=-0.721,P ＜ 0.001).ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of predicting inadequate delivery of hemodialysis were 87.1％ and 86.5％,with a threshold of 30 L for TBW.It also showed that the sensitivity and specificity of predicting inadequate delivery of hemodialysis were 60.4％ and 94.6％,with a threshold of 11.05 kg/m2 for LTI.Conclusions BCM can give more accurate parameters of urea distribution volume,thus modifying the result of Kt/V.TBW and LTI are important risk influencing factors for inadequately dialysis,and special attention should be paid to patients with TBW ＞ 30 L or LTI ＞ 11.05 kg/m2.