Background Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a sleep disorder characterized by recurrent episodes of obstruction of the upper airway during sleep. Given the substantial number of OSA patients, it is urgently in need to address the burden on society. Current available evidence linking outdoor light at night (LAN) to OSA is scarce. Objective To explore the relationships regarding outdoor LAN and OSA among residents in Southern China. Methods A total of 3925 hospitalized patients in Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital Sleep Center were recruited between January 1, 2005 and December 31, 2015. The severity of OSA was determined by apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) using polysomnography or home sleep test. The annual Suomi National Polar-orbiting Partnership Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer Suite (NPP-VIIRS)-like LAN data with a 500 m spatial resolution were used to evaluate outdoor LAN levels of the participants 1, 3, and 5 years before undergoing sleep monitoring. Generalized linear regression models were utilized to examine the associations of outdoor LAN with OSA. Results The ORs (95%CIs) of OSA, mild OSA, and moderate OSA were 1.175 (1.021, 1.351), 1.215 (1.038, 1.421), and 1.195 (1.003, 1.425) respectively for per interquartile range (IQR) increment in three-year average outdoor LAN. The results of stratified analyses showed a higher OR of 1.933 (95%CI: 1.424, 2.637) in female than male participants (P _interaction < 0.001). Additionally, the ORs of OSA did not substantially change using one-year/ five-year instead of three-year average outdoor LAN. Conclusion Our findings demonstrate that an elevated outdoor LAN is significantly associated with higher odds of OSA (especially mild and moderate OSA) in Southern China, especially in females. An effective outdoor LAN management and policy-making framework has been suggested as potential preventive measures to reduce burden of OSA.

[Objective] To investigate the factors associated with alanine aminotransferase (ALT) abnormalities in multi-ethnic blood donors across five Zang autonomous prefectures in the plateau regions of Qinghai Province, and to provide evidence for ensuring blood safety and formulating screening strategies. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on the ALT abnormal test results of blood donors in the Zang autonomous prefectures of Qinghai from 2022 to 2024. The correlations between ALT levels and factors including gender, age, altitude, and infectious markers were investigated. [Results] The overall ALT unqualified rate among blood donors in this region was 9.01%. Significant differences in ALT levels were observed across genders and age groups (P<0.05). Variations in ALT abnormality rates were also noted among different plateau regions (P<0.05). Overall, ALT values exhibited an increasing trend with rising altitude. The average ALT unqualified rates were 11.19% in Zang donors, 7.96% in Han donors, and 4.79% in donors from other ethnic groups (P<0.05). No statistically significant association was observed between ALT abnormality and the presence of HBV/HCV infectious markers (P>0.05). [Conclusion] In the plateau areas of Qinghai, multi-ethnic blood donors have a relatively high ALT levels and ALT unqualified rates, showing distinct regional characteristics. ALT elevation in voluntary blood donors is related to non-pathological factors such as gender, age, and dietary habits, but not to infectious indicators.

Objective:To design a tracheotomy cannula cuff filling device for hyperbaric oxygen therapy, which is convenient for clinical operation, improves work efficiency and reduces the incidence of aspiration pneumonia.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial. From July 2020 to June 2022, 90 patients with tracheotomy who were treated with hyperbaric oxygen in the First Hospital of Jiaxing were selected as the research objects. According to the random number table method, the patients were divided into the experimental group and the control group, with 45 cases in each group. In the experimental group, the cuff pressure was maintained by the tracheotomy cannula cuff filling device, and in the control group, the traditional water injection method was used to maintain the cuff pressure. The operation time, infection index and incidence of aspiration pneumonia were compared between the two groups.Results:The operation time in the experimental group was (6.33 ± 1.31) s lower than that in the control group (40.96 ± 3.70) s, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-59.11, P<0.05). Body temperature, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin after treatment in the experimental group were (36.91 ± 0.83) ℃, (34.59 ± 16.25) mg/L, (1.57 ± 0.82) μg/L, respectively, lower than those in the control group (37.42 ± 0.72) ℃, (44.18 ± 18.10) mg/L, (2.45 ± 0.92) μg/L, the differences were statistically significant ( t=-3.09, -2.64, -4.73, all P<0.05). The difference of white blood cell count post-treatment between the two groups was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). The incidence of aspiration pneumonia in the experimental group was 11.11%(5/45) lower than 31.11%(14/45) in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=5.17, P<0.05). Conclusions:The application of tracheotomy cannula cuff filling device can simplify the operation process, reduce the incidence of infection and aspiration pneumonia, and optimize the clinical work.

Objective To improve the analysis of ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, and ⁶⁰Co in aerosol samples by the national key radiation environment laboratories. Methods Intercomparison of analysis results of ¹³⁴Cs, ¹³⁷Cs, and ⁶⁰Co in standard aerosol samples was performed among the national key radiation environment laboratories according to Gamma spectrometry method of analyzing radionuclides in biological samples (GB/T 16145-1995 ), and the intercomparison results were evaluated by the standard deviation. Results Six laboratories were involved in the intercomparison. For ¹³⁴Cs, 50% of the laboratories showed a relative deviation less than 10%, and 50% showed a relative deviation of 10%-20%. For ¹³⁷Cs, 33.3% of the laboratories showed a relative deviation less than 10%, and 76.7% showed a relative deviation of 10%-20%. For ⁶⁰Cs, all laboratories showed a relative deviation less than 10%. The overall intercomparison results were acceptable. Conclusion The laboratories in this intercomparison show generally good results.

The quality of life of elderly patients with lung cancer can be affected by various symptoms such as frailty, coexistence of multiple diseases, malnutrition, and decreased function.Identifying these potential problems through reasonable and effective assessment, and providing early intervention and symptom management, can help improve the quality of life of patients.Although several methods have been developed, applied, and clinically verified to evaluate the quality of life in elderly patients with lung cancer, they all have their limitations.Therefore, choosing the appropriate evaluation method has become a practical challenge in clinical settings.This article aims to review the different methods used to assess the quality of life of elderly patients with lung cancer, providing theoretical guidance for clinicians and researchers.

OBJECTIVE: To develop a multiplex PCR method for a rapid detection of Y chromosome-specific sequences in patients with Turner syndrome. METHODS: Nine genes were selected from various regions of the Y chromosome for designing the primers, which included SRY, TBL1Y, TSPY on the short arm of the Y chromosome, DDX3Y, HSFY1, RPS4Y2 and CDY1 on the long arm of Y chromosome and SHOX in the short arm and SPRY3 in the long arm of the pseudoautosomal region (PAR) of X and Y chromosomes. A multiplex PCR method for the nine genes in Y chromosome was established and optimized. The sensitivity was tested by using different amounts of genomic DNA. A total of 36 patients with Turner syndrome and a patient with male dwarfism with karyotype of 46, X, +mar were examined by the multiplex PCR method for the existence of materials from the Y chromosome. RESULTS: The optimization results of the multiplex PCR reaction system (50 μL) showed that when the final concentration of upstream and downstream of each pair of primers was 0.1 μM, the multiplex PCR reaction of the 9 pairs of primers clearly amplified the target with the expected band size, and there was no non-specific amplification. The bands were clearly visible when the amount of genomic DNA in the multiple PCR reaction system was as low as 1 ng. By using the method, we have examined the 36 patients with Turner syndrome. One patient with Turner syndrome with karyotype of 45,X[40]/47XYY[21] amplified specific seven genes on Y chromosome, 35 patients with Turner syndrome amplified only two target genes SHOX and SPRY3, but not the other seven specific genes on the Y chromosome, which was in keeping with the clinical manifestations of such patients. CONCLUSION This study established a multiplex PCR reaction system with nine genes, which can quickly and accurately screen Y chromosome materials in patients with Turner syndrome. It has the advantages of low cost, simple operation, high specificity and rapid turn-around time, and can be used to detect Turner syndrome patients with Y chromosome material in time. The method has provided a diagnostic basis for preventive gonad resection to prevent malignant gonadal tumors.
Humans ; Male ; Turner Syndrome/genetics* ; Multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction ; Y Chromosome ; Karyotyping ; DNA Primers ; DNA ; Chromosomes, Human, Y/genetics* ; Transducin/genetics* ; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens ; DEAD-box RNA Helicases/genetics*

Objective To ensure the effectiveness and improve the capacity of laboratories in the measurement of γ spectra of radionuclides. Methods A statistical analysis was performed using relative deviation, accuracy, precision, and relative combined uncertainty for the nationwide assessment of radionuclide γ spectrum measurement. Results In the assessment from 2018 to 2020, our laboratory showed qualified or above results, and the performance in 2019 was excellent. The maximum relative deviation of 11 measurements from 2018 to 2020 was 18.01%. The assessment showed |Z_test|≤1 and U_test≤2.58 in 2018, |Z_test|≤1 and U_test≤1 in 2019, and U_test≤1 and U_rel≤20% in 2020. Conclusion Our laboratory employs the correct method for radionuclide γ spectrum measurement, and the analysis data are accurate and reliable.

Objective To analyze the imaging features of solid pseudopapillary neoplasm of pancreas (SPN) in children, and to improve the awareness of the disease. Methods From January 2007 to December 2016, 12 patients with SPN proven pathologically were enrolled in the study,of whom 12 cases underwent CT scanning and 3 cases underwent MRI scanning. The imaging data of SPN were analyzed retrospectively. The tumor parameters included the location, size, shape, margin, capsule, form, inhancement degree, and presence of calcification, biliary obstruction, surrounding, ascites, lymph node metastasis, as well as distant metastasis, which were comparative analyzed with that of pathology. Results CT showed that 3 cases were located in the head of pancreas,7 cases were located in the body/tail of pancreas, and 2 cases were ectopic. Twelve cases were circular tumors, the diameter of which ranged from 28—76 mm (median diameter 48 mm). Capsules were showed in 10 cases, calcification was seen in 4 cases and hemorrhage was seen in 1 case. Three cases were solid, 8 cases were solid and cystic mixed,and 1 case was cystic. The tumors were heterogeneous, and the solid portion of SPN was moderately to obviously enhanced gradually whereas the cystic part remained unenhanced. Nine cases showed that the tumors growed to the outside of pancreas,in which 4 cases covered by the normal pancreas tissue, 1 case located inside of the pancreas. One case caused biliary obstruction and the collateral circulation of splenic arteriovenous was established in 2 cases due to tumor compressed. Ascites was seen in 2 cases. MRI showed that the cystic components of tumor in 3 cases showed low signal in T1WI and high signal in T2WI, with no enhancement. The solid components of the tumor showed equal signal in T1WI and slightly higher signal in T2WI, with obvious enhancement. Capsules were showed in 3 cases with low signal in T1WI and T2WI, which were obviously enhanced in 2 cases and without enhancement in 1 case;hemorrhage was showed high signal in T1WI in 1 case. No lymph node metastasis and distance metastasis were observed in 12 cases. Conclusions The characteristic imaging findings of SPN in children are boundary clear, capsules, calcification, circular pancreas tumors, which grow to the outside of pancreas, with varied degrees of hemorrhage and necrosis. The solid portion of SPN is moderately or obviously enhanced gradually.

Objective To determine the spectrum of conjunctival flora and the antibiotic susceptibility profiles of patients scheduled for penetrating intraocular surgeries.Methods A prospective case control study was performed.A total of 192 patients (192 eyes) scheduled for penetrating intraocular surgeries at the Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang from February to August 2015 were enrolled.Samples from the conjunctival sac were collected before instillation of any ophthalmic solutions for both aerobic and anaerobic culture.The positive rate and bacterial spectrum were observed.Bacterial isolates were tested for antibiotic susceptibility to 7 commonly used ophthalmic antibiotics using automated drug resistance analyzing system.The research was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang.Results Totally 91 strains were collected from 81 conjunctival samples during aerobic culture,the positive rate was 42.19％.Staphylococcus epidermidis was the most common microorganism (64.84％),followed by Staphylococcus lentus (7.69％) and Staphylococcus aureus (3.30％).Coagulatase negtive Staphylococcus (CNS) accounted for 80.22％ of the positively cultured aerobes.For anaerobic culture,a total of 28 strains were isolated from 28 conjunctival samples,the positive rate was 14.58％ Propionibacterium acnes was the predominant species (71.43％),followed by Finegoldia magna (10.71％).Majority of the CNS were sensitive to gentamycin and vancomycin,with resistance rates lower than 10％,but their resistance rate to erythromycin and ceftazidime was 87.67％ and 63.01％,respectively.Resistance rate of these CNS to levofloxacin,ciprofloxacin,and moxifloxacin was 42.47％,39.73％ and 17.81％,respectively.Multidrug resistance to at least 3 antibiotic classes was present in 38.36％ of the CNS.Conclusions Bacteria in the conjunctiva sac of preoperative patients are resistant to various ophthalmic antibiotics.To follow-up the bacterial distribution and antibiotic resistance is great meaningful in the prophylactic and treatment in ocular surgery-related infections.

Objective:To describe the application of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) augmentation of cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis.Methods: Retrospective cohort study was used to compare cement injectable cannulated pedicle screws (CICPs) group with PMMA augmentation and control group with traditional method in the correction surgery for Lenke-silva level Ⅲ and level Ⅳ degenerative scoliosis cases with osteoporosis.Both groups were followed up for 1 year.The clinical results were assessed by visual analog scale (VAS) of pain on lumbar and lower limbers,Oswestry disability index (ODI) score and EuroQol-5 dimensions (EQ-5D) score.The coronal major curve Cobb angel in coronal plane and thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle,lumbar lordosis Cobb angle and sagittal vertical axis (SVA) in sagittal plane were tested in whole long spine X ray.The fusion rates were evaluated by lumbar X ray and dynamic X ray.Results: In this study 34 cases were enrolled,15 cases in CICPs group and 19 cases in control group.The general characteristics including age,gender,weight,height,BMI and BMD were without statistical difference between the two groups.There were (5.7±2.2)PMMA augmentation screws in CICPs group.The operation time,blood loss and blood transfusion were higher in CICPs group than in control group,but without statistical difference.Lumbar VAS,lower limbers VAS,ODI score and EQ-5D were all better in 1 month post-operation,6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups.lumbar VAS scores of CICPs group in 6 months postoperation(CICPs group 3.1±1.3 vs.control group 4.4±1.4,P<0.01) together with lumbar VAS scores (CICPs group 3.3±1.0 vs.control group 5.2±1.4,P<0.01),ODI scores (CICPs group 22.7±17.2 vs.control group 31.4±18.5,P<0.01) and EQ-5D in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 2.9±2.0 vs.control group 3.5±2.5,P<0.01)were lower than those of control group.The coronal major curve Cobb angels were all lower in 1 month postoperation,6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups;thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle and lumbar lordosis Cobb angle were all higher in 1 month postoperation,6 months postoperation and 1 year postoperation than in preoperation in both groups.The coronal major curve Cobb angel was lower in CICPs group than that in control group in 1 year postoperation (CICPs group 17.6°±6.9° vs.control group 21.2°±7.2°,P<0.01)and thoracic kyphosis Cobb angle was higher in CICPs group than that in control group in 6 months postoperation (CICPs group-33.5°±8.8 °vs.control group-28.9°±8.3°,P<0.01)and 1 year postoperation(CICPs group-33.0°±8.1° vs.control group-26.3°±7.4°,P<0.01) together with lumbar lordosis Cobb angle were higher in CICPs group than that in control group in 1 year postoperation(CICPs group 26.4°±8.1° vs.control group 22.1°±7.3°,P<0.01).Conclusion: Polymethylmethacrylate augmentation of bone cement-injectable cannulated pedicle screws for the treatment of degenerative lumbar scoliosis with osteoporosis was effective and safe,the short-term clinical result was good.