INTRODUCTION: The profile of patients referred from primary to tertiary nephrology care is unclear. Ethnic Malay patients have the highest incidence and prevalence of kidney failure in Singapore. We hypothesised that there is a Malay predominance among patients referred to nephrology due to a higher burden of metabolic disease in this ethnic group. METHODS: This is a retrospective observational cohort study. From 2014 to 2018, a coordinator and physician triaged patients referred from primary care, and determined co-management and assignment to nephrology clinics. Key disease parameters were collated on triage and analysed. RESULTS: A total of 6,017 patients were studied. The mean age of patients was 64 ± 16 years. They comprised 57% men; 67% were Chinese and 22% were Malay. The proportion of Malay patients is higher than the proportion of Malays in the general population (13.4%) and they were more likely than other ethnicities to have ≥3 comorbidities, including diabetes mellitus, hypertension, hyperlipidaemia, coronary artery disease and stroke (70% vs. 57%, P < 0.001). Malay and Indian patients had poorer control of diabetes mellitus compared to other ethnicities (glycated haemoglobin 7.8% vs. 7.4%, P < 0.001). Higher proportion of Malay patients compared to other ethnicities had worse kidney function with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <30 mL/min/1.73 m 2 on presentation (28% vs. 24%, P = 0.003). More ethnic Malay, Indian and younger patients missed appointments. CONCLUSION A disproportionately large number of Malay patients are referred for kidney disease. These patients have higher metabolic disease burden, tend to miss appointments and are referred at lower eGFR. Reasons underpinning these associations should be identified to facilitate efforts for targeting this at-risk population, ensuring kidney health for all.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Singapore/epidemiology* ; Referral and Consultation/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Nephrology ; Glomerular Filtration Rate ; Metabolic Diseases/epidemiology* ; Ethnicity ; Diabetes Mellitus/epidemiology* ; Malaysia/ethnology* ; Adult

Malignant pleural effusion(MPE)is a common complication in patients with advanced malignant tumors,which not only significantly reduces their quality of life but also shortens their survival duration.Despite the widespread use of traditional treatment methods such as thoracentesis and pleurodesis,their efficacy is limited accompanied by high recurrence rates.Therefore,exploring novel therapeutic strategies becomes particularly urgent.In recent years,immunotherapy has attracted extensive attention for its potential in cancer treatment.This article systematically reviews the roles of CD4+T cell subsets,including regulatory T cells(Treg),T helper cell(Th)17,Th9,and Th22 cells,within the immunosuppressive microenvironment of MPE.These cell subsets are involved in the formation of the immunosuppressive state of MPE through various mechanisms and play key roles in the occurrence and development of the disease.In addition,the article discusses in detail the role of immune checkpoint molecules,such as programmed death protein 1(PD-1),PD-1 ligand(PD-L1),and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4(CTLA-4),in the immune evasion of MPE.The abnormal expressions of these molecules provide opportunity for tumor cells to evade immune system surveillance.At the same time,this article also summarizes the application prospects of novel immunotherapy strategies,such as adoptive cell therapy(ACT)and chimeric antigen receptor T cell(CAR-T)therapy,in the treatment of MPE.These innovative therapies offer possibilities for improving the prognosis of MPE patients through activating and enhancing the anti-tumor immune response.

Objective To construct an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients based on the best evidence,and to evaluate its clinical effects,aiming to provide references for the implementation of relevant interventions.Methods Knowledge to Action Framework was used as a guide to summarise the best evidence on discharge preparation services for hip replacement patients and to select services based on clinical context.We selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from the De-partment of Orthopaedic Surgery at a tertiary A hospital in Shanghai in September-October 2023 to conduct a baseline review,identify facilitating and hindering factors,and develop a practice protocol.We also selected 38 hip replacement patients and 17 healthcare professionals from November-December 2023 on this ward for evidence-based practice.Nurses'rates of completion of review indicators,levels of knowledge of discharge preparation ser-vices,and discharge planning competencies were compared before and after practice.Patients'readiness for dis-charge,hip function,and unplanned readmissions were also compared before and after the practice.Results After evidence-based practice,nurses'completion rates of review indicators,knowledge of discharge preparation services,and discharge planning competencies were higher than baseline levels(P＜0.05).Hip replacement patients showed a significant improvement in readiness for discharge and hip function(P＜0.001).Conclusion The implementation of an evidence-based practice program of discharge preparation services improves nurses'knowledge and skills,and also contributes to the discharge readiness and hip function of hip replacement patients.

Objective To investigate the value of prone-position MRI of lumbar spine for diagnosing pediatric occult tethered cord syndrome(OTCS).Methods A total of 67 children with suspected tethered cord syndrome(TCS)and confirmed OTCS by surgery were prospectively enrolled as OTCS group,while 73 healthy subjects were recruited as control group.Supine-and prone-position lumbar MR examinations were performed in both groups.The position of filum terminale on prone axial T2WI and the presence or absence of"sunset sign"(i.e.filum terminale located within the dorsal 1/2 of spinal canal on prone axial T2WI)were observed,spinal cord conus mobility was calculated.The efficacy of"sunset sign"for diagnosing OTCS in children was calculated through comparison between groups.Receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn,the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of spinal cord conus mobility.Results On prone-position axial T2WI,"sunset sign"was found in 58 cases(58/67,86.57％)but not in 9 cases(9/67,13.43％)in OTCS group,which was not even observed in control group.The sensitivity of"sunset sign"for diagnosing pediatric OTCS was 86.57％(58/67),with specificity of 100％(73/73),positive predictive value of 100％(58/58)and negative predictive value of 89.02％(73/82).The spinal cord conus mobility was(19.30±5.89)％in OTCS group and(31.71±6.58)％in control group,being statistically different between groups(t=-11.722,P＜0.001).The sensitivity,specificity and AUC of spinal cord conus mobility for diagnosing pediatric OTCS was 80.60％,90.41％and 0.920,respectively.Conclusion Prone-position MRI of lumbar spine could be used in diagnosing pediatric OTCS.

Objective To explore the possibility and genetic identification method of constructing a hepatocyte-specific NLRP3 gene knockout mouse model by using Cre-LoxP system gene knockout technology.Methods Phase one:mice specifically expressing the albumin promoter-Cre(AlbCre)recombinase in hepatocytes were mated with NLRP3flox/flox mice,and the hepatocyte-specific NLRP3 gene knockout mice with the genotype of NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre+/-(hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group)and the control mice in the same litter with the genotype of NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre-/-(control group in the same litter)were obtained after two generations of selection and mating.The second stage was the mass reproduction stage.Mating NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre+/-target mice with NLRP3flox/flox mice could quickly obtain a large number of experimental target mice and control mice in the same litter.The DNA was extracted from the tails of mice after numbering,and the offspring genotype was identified by PCR.qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of NLRP3 gene in the liver tissue.HE staining was used to observe the morphological changes in liver tissues,and serum liver transaminases and inflammatory factors were detected.The changes in body weight,liver-to-body ratio and special circumstances during reproduction and development of mice in the two groups were observed.Results The offspring genotype of the target mice in the F2 generation was consistent with theoretical result of NLRP3flox/flox/AlbCre+/-.The mRNA and protein levels of NLRP3 in liver tissues of mice in the hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group were significantly lower than those in the control group in the same litter(P<0.05).The mice in the hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group was not affected in terms of growth,development and reproduction after the NLRP3 gene knockout.There were no statistically significant differences in the body weight,liver-to-body ratio,liver tissue morphology,serum liver transaminase or inflammatory factors between the hepatocyte NLRP3 knockout group and the control group in the same litter(P>0.05).Conclusion The Cre-LoxP gene knockout technology can be used to successfully construct a hepatocyte-specific NLRP3 gene knockout mouse model,providing an important technical support for the next step of studying the function of the NLRP3 gene in the liver at the animal level.

Objective To analyze the factors influencing the deterioration of nutritional status after radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy for esophageal cancer,so as to provide reference for nutritional management during antitumor therapy.Methods A total of 106 patients with esophageal cancer who received radiotherapy or radiochemotherapy at Anqing First People's Hospital of Anhui Medical University from Dec.2017 to Dec.2023 were enrolled.Patients'gender,age,surgical history,timing of radiotherapy intervention,synchronous chemoradiotherapy,radiotherapy dose,clinical stage,initial nutritional status,and performance status score were collected.The patient generated subjective global assessment scale(PG-SGA)scores were monitored before and after antitumor treatment.According to the nutritional status at the beginning of enrollment and at the end of radiotherapy,the patients were assigned to deterioration group or non-deterioration(stable or improved)group.The clinical characteristics of the 2 groups were compared.The factors influencing the deterioration of nutritional status were screened by logistic regression analysis.The correlation between nutritional status deterioration and adverse reactions(radiation esophagitis,pulmonary infection,neutropenia,thrombocytopenia,and elevated aminotransferase)was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis.Results There were no significant differences in gender,radiotherapy dose,initial nutritional status,or performance status score between the 2 groups for the deterioration of nutritional status after radiotherapy(all P＞0.05).The proportions of patients with previous surgical history of esophageal cancer,synchronous chemoradiotherapy,initiation of radiotherapy at less than 90%of target calorie requirement,and clinical stage Ⅳ were significantly higher in the deterioration group than those in the non-deterioration group(all P＜0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that clinical stage Ⅳ(odds ratio[OR]=4.684,95%confidence interval[CI]1.252-17.519,P=0.022)and previous surgical history of esophageal cancer(OR=7.338,95%CI 1.878-28.666,P=0.004)were the independent adverse risk factors for the deterioration of nutritional status after radiotherapy/radiochemotherapy.The timing of radiotherapy intervention was also an independent risk factor for the deterioration of nutritional status,and taking the tolerance of 70%-90%target energy as the reference level,starting radiotherapy when the tolerance of 90%-100%target energy had the optimal protection of nutritional status(OR=0.166,95%CI 0.050-0.551,P=0.003).Spearman correlation analysis showed that the deterioration of nutritional status was positively correlated with elevated transaminases after radiotherapy(rs=0.283,P=0.003),while it was not correlated with the other adverse reactions(all P＞0.05).Conclusion Under the standard nutritional intervention model,patients with previous surgery and recurrent metastatic esophageal cancer who receive radiotherapy/chemoradiotherapy are still at risk of nutritional status deterioration.Tolerance to 90%-100%target energy requirement may be a more appropriate timing for radiotherapy intervention.When the nutritional status deteriorates during treatment,it is necessary to be alert to the elevated transaminases.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of indocyanine green angiography (ICGA)-assisted design and harvest of expanded flaps for scar reconstruction.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From April 2019 to August 2023, 19 patients with scars (8 males, 11 females; aged 3-38 years) treated at the Plastic Surgery Hospital of Peking Union Medical College and Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences met the inclusion criteria. The scars were distributed on the head, face, trunk, and extremities. In stage Ⅰ surgery, skin soft tissue expanders were implanted in suitable areas around the scars for skin soft tissue expansion. In stage Ⅱ surgery, the scar tissue was excised, resulting in wound areas ranging from 100 to 210 cm 2, and expanded flaps were designed. ICGA was used to identify target perforators and their accompanying veins, and the flap design was adjusted to ensure the inclusion of complete arterial and venous axes. The expanded flap with an area of 120 to 240 cm2 was harvested using unilateral back-cut technique and transferred to the recipient site, and the donor site wound was sutured directly. The durations of the arterial and venous phases of ICGA during flap design were recorded. The length-to-width ratios of the back-cut flaps were calculated for different regions. After stage Ⅱ surgery, the blood perfusion and survival of the flap, the wound healing at the donor site, and the occurrence of complications were observed. During follow-up, the appearance, color, and texture of the patient's flap were observed. Results:The arterial phase of ICGA lasted 10-27 (18±5) s, and the venous phase lasted 78-116 (100±10) s. The length-to-width ratios of the back-cut flaps were 1.22±0.32, 1.63±0.12, and 1.15±0.21 for the head and neck, trunk, and limb regions, respectively. After stage Ⅱ surgery, one patient had a large area of insufficient blood perfusion in the flap. By comparing ICGA images before and after flap transfer, the sutures at the oral commissure were loosened, the blood flow of the flap was restored. The blood perfusion of the flaps in other patients was good. All flaps survived completely, with well-healed donor site wounds and no complications. During 0.5-14.0 months of follow-up, all flaps of patients demonstrated excellent appearance, with color and texture matching the surrounding skin.Conclusions:As a means of superficial blood flow visualization, ICGA can not only clearly show the microvascular distribution of the expanded flap before operation, assist in optimizing the design of the flap, but also evaluate the blood perfusion of the flap after operation, reduce the occurrence of complications, and provide a full-process navigation for the harvesting of expanded flaps, thereby improving the safety of flap transfer for scar reconstruction.

Multi-conjugate vaccine and polyvalent vaccine can reduce the number of vaccinations, improve vaccination efficiency, and provide wider protection against diseases, and can not only brings convenience to recipients but also reduce healthcare costs, making it a key focus in modern vaccine development. However, even if the components of the vaccine are derived from already approved monovalent vaccines, it must still be considered as a new vaccine and undergo randomized controlled clinical trials to evaluate their safety and efficacy in humans. Due to the inclusion of multiple antigens, clinical evaluation must consider the potential interactions between or among the components, as well as the impacts of adjuvants, preservatives, and other ingredients on the vaccines' safety and efficacy. These factors introduce certain specific challenges in the clinical evaluation of multi-conjugate vaccine and polyvalent vaccine. This article summarizes the key elements and methods of clinical study design for multi-conjugate vaccine and polyvalent vaccine in terms of safety, immunogenicity, and protective efficacy, and discuss the problems and challenges exisitng in vaccine clinical evaluation to provide reference for the standardization of clinical study design of multi-conjugate vaccine and polyvalent vaccine.

Aim To explore the roles and mechanisms of long non-coding RNA(lncRNA)AC087388.1 and poly(A)binding protein cytoplasmic 1(PABPC1)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Meth-ods The expression level of AC087388.1 in ESCC tissues and cells was detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR)and fluorescence in situ hybridization experiments and its clinical relevance was analyzed.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8),clone formation,scratch and Transwell inva-sion assays were used to detect the effects of knock-down of AC087388.1 on the cell viability,prolifera-tion,migratory,and invasion of ESCC cells respectively ability,and sub-localization in cells.RNA pull down and Western blot experiments were employed to verify the interaction between AC087388.1 and PABPC1 in ESCC cells.Salvage experiments were performed to detect the effect of AC087388.1 targeting PABPC1 on ESCC cells.Results AC087388.1 was highly ex-pressed in ESCC tissues and cells and positively corre-lated with clinical stage of ESCC patients,mainly local-ized in cytoplasm.Knockdown AC087388.1 inhibited ESCC cell viability,proliferation,migration and inva-sionability.PABPC1 was selected from the results of RNA Pull Down-MS experiments for subsequent experi-ments,and AC087388.1 was verified to bind to PAB-PC1 by RNA Pull Down and Western blot experiments.Overexpression of AC087388.1 was verified by rescue experiment to reverse the effects of knockdown of PAB-PC1 on ESCC cell viability,proliferation,migration and invasion.Conclusions High expression of AC087388.1 correlates with clinical stage and may be a risk factor for ESCC progression.AC087388.1 pro-motes the cell viability,proliferation,migration and in-vasive ability of ESCC cells by targeting PABPC1,which may be a novel biomarker for the diagnosis and treatment of ESCC.

Objective:To investigate the effect of mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the sense of personal control and illness perception of young and middle-aged patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), so as to provide theoretical and practical guidance for the psychological care of patients after PCI.Methods:A randomized controlled trial was conducted. From January 2022 to December 2023, young and middle-aged patients after PCI admitted to the Department of Cardiology, Qinhuai Medical District, Eastern Theater Command General Hospital of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army were selected as the research subjects by convenient sampling method, patients were divided into the experimental group and the control group by the random number table method. The control group was given routine nursing, and the experimental group was given mindfulness-based cognitive therapy on the basis of routine nursing. The Personal Mastery Scale (PMS), Cardiac Self-Efficacy Questionnaire (CSEQ), and Brief Illness Perception Questionnaire (BIPQ) were used to evaluate personal sense of control, self-efficacy, and illness perception before and after the intervention respectively.Results:A total of 80 young and middle-aged patients after PCI were included. There were 40 cases in the control group, including 25 males and 15 females, aged (49.43 ± 5.55) years old. There were 40 cases in the experimental group, including 19 males and 21 females, aged (49.03 ± 4.19) years old. Before the intervention, there was no statistically significant difference in the PMS, CSEQ and BIPQ scores between the two groups of patients (all P>0.05). After the intervention, the PMS, CSEQ scores of the patients in the experimental group were (23.03 ± 2.54), (45.85 ± 8.16) points respectively, which were higher than (21.95 ± 2.28), (39.05 ± 8.78) points in the control group, the BIPQ score of the patients in the experimental group was(39.63 ± 8.12) points, which was lower the (45.45 ± 8.64) points in the control group, the differences were statistically significant ( t=-2.00, -3.59, 3.11, all P<0.05). Conclusions:Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy can effectively improve the sense of personal control and self-efficacy of young and middle-aged patients after PCI, reduce the sense of threat to the disease.