ObjectiveTo investigate the current professional competency among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for future training programmes. MethodsIn December 2024, a questionnaire survey was conducted by the Shanghai Nosocomial Infection Quality Control Center among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration across medical institutions at various levels and types in Shanghai using convenience sampling method. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic information and professional competency assessment. The professional competency scale comprised four dimensions: fundamental cognition, basic skills, professional expertise, and personal qualities, totaling 35 items. ResultsA total of 1 179 questionnaires were distributed, with 1 144 valid responses collected, yielding an effective response rate of 97.03%. Statistically significant differences were observed among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in terms of age (t=5.32, P=0.021), professional background (χ²=9.90, P=0.019), educational qualifications (χ²=19.10, P<0.001), professional titles (χ²=12.60, P=0.002), and the levels of medical institutions (χ²=111.08, P<0.001). The scores of full-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in fundamental cognition [92 (82, 99) points] and basic skills [88 (78, 96) points] were significantly higher than those of part-time personnel(Z=-2.21, P=0.027;Z=-2.74, P=0.006). Statistically significant differences were found in fundamental cognition scores between full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration regarding occupational safety protection, definition of healthcare-associated infection outbreaks, types of drug-resistant bacteria and their prevention and control strategies, and transmission routes of different infectious diseases (all P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed in basic skills scores including proficient use of monitoring platforms, formulation and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), independent completion of targeted surveillance, guidance on basic infection control skills, guidance for key departments, and follow-up of personnel with occupational exposure (all P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found in scores of professional knowledge and personal qualities (P>0.05). ConclusionThere are certain differences in professional competency between full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in Shanghai in terms of fundamental cognition and basic skills. Part-time personnel can effectively improve their professional competency through systematic training on basic infection control knowledge and practical skills, thereby comprehensively enhancing the overall quality of the nosocomial infection administration team.

Objective To investigate the risk factors for postoperative recurrence and metastasis in patients with T1 stageⅢ/Ⅳ clear cell renal cell carcinoma(ccRCC), and to analyze the influence of surgical methods on prognosis, so as to provide prognostic evaluation and treatment guidance for clinical practice. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 398 patients diagnosed with T1 stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ ccRCC who underwent either partial nephrectomy(PN)or radical nephrectomy(RN)at Jiangsu Province Hospital during Jan. 2008 and Sep. 2022. The patients were divided into recurrence group(n=49)and non-recurrence group(n=349)according to whether the tumor recurred during the follow-up period. The general, clinical data and prognosis were compared between the two groups. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to explore the factors influencing disease-free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)after surgery. Subgroup analysis using Kaplan-Meier curves was performed for T1a and T1b patients. Results During the median follow-up of 67(42, 98)months, the recurrence group was characterized by older age, larger tumor diameter, higher proportion of T1b stage, and more complex tumor anatomy. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that age ≥55 years and R.E.N.A.L. score ≥7 were independent risk factors for poorer DFS and OS(P＜0.05). Subgroup analysis revealed that PN or RN did not significantly affect DFS or OS in T1a patients and OS in T1b patients, while RN significantly improved DFS in T1b patients(P＜0.05). Conclusion Age ≥55 years and R.E.N.A.L. score ≥7 are independent risk factors for poor DFS and OS in highgrade T1 ccRCC patients. For T1b patients, RN may improve DFS.

Objective To observe the effects of asiaticoside on renal fibrosis in diabetic nephropathy(DN)rats by regulating the Hippo-yes-associated protein(YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif(TAZ)signaling pathway.Methods A DN rat model was established by feeding a high-sugar and high-fat diet combined with intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ).The successfully modeled rats were randomly divided into model group,low-and high-dose asiaticoside groups,and high-dose asiaticoside+XMU-MP-1(Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway activator)group,with a normal group set as control.After group intervention,blood urea nitrogen(BUN),serum creatinine(SCr),fasting blood glucose(FBG),and 24-hour urinary protein levels were measured.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe renal histopathological changes,Masson staining was used to assess renal fibrosis,and Western Blot was used to detect the protein expressions of YAP and TAZ in renal tissue.Results Compared with the normal group,the model group showed disordered renal tissue structure,enlarged and irregular cystic cavities,enlarged renal tubules with thickened basement membranes,inflammatory cell infiltration,and significant collagen deposition in the glomeruli,renal tubules,and vascular walls.The levels of FBG,BUN,SCr,24-hour urinary protein,and the protein expressions of YAP and TAZ in renal tissue were significantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the low-and high-dose asiaticoside groups showed significant improvement in renal tissue damage and fibrosis,with reduced levels of FBG,BUN,SCr,24-hour urinary protein,and decreased protein expressions of YAP and TAZ in renal tissue(P＜0.05).Compared with the high-dose asiaticoside group,the high-dose asiaticoside+XMU-MP-1 group showed a reversal in all the above indicators.Conclusion Asiaticoside may alleviate renal fibrosis and improve renal injury in DN rats by inhibiting the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway.

Objective To analyze the clinicopathological characteristics and survival prognosis of young female patients with gastric adenocarcinoma. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on female patients who underwent radical gastrectomy at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University between January 2014 and December 2020, with postoperative pathological confirmation of gastric adenocarcinoma. Those aged ≤45 years were defined as the young group (n＝287), and were matched in a 1∶2 ratio by pTNM stage with female patients aged ≥60 years (elderly group, n＝574). Clinicopathological characteristics were compared between the two groups. Survival curves were plotted using the Kaplan-Meier method, and overall survival (OS) rates were assessed by log-rank test. Prognostic factors in the young group were analyzed using Cox regression models. Results Compared to elderly patients, young female gastric cancer patients exhibited a higher prevalence of tumors in the middle third of the stomach and a lower proportion in the upper third of the stomach. Molecular profiling revealed a higher frequency of HER2-low expression and elevated Ki-67 index. Pathologically, these patients were more frequently diagnosed with poorly differentiated or undifferentiated adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell carcinoma, while Lauren classification showed a predominance of the diffuse type with a lower proportion of the intestinal type (P＜0.05). Stratified analysis showed no significant difference in OS rates between the two groups for stage Ⅱ and Ⅲ patients; however, among stage Ⅰ patients, the young group had significantly better OS rates than the elderly group (P＝0.037). Multivariate Cox analysis and log-rank test confirmed that pN₃ stage (HR＝3.576, 95%CI 1.652–7.740), stage Ⅲ (HR＝3.581, 95%CI 1.059–12.106), and diffuse type (HR＝2.711, 95%CI 1.316–5.585) were risk factors for poor prognosis in young female gastric cancer patients. Conclusions Young female patients with gastric adenocarcinoma typically present with clinicopathological features such as the diffuse type, poor differentiation, and high proliferation. Moreover, pN₃ stage, stage Ⅲ cancer, and the diffuse type histology are correlated with a poor prognosis in this demographic.

Objective : To illuminate the distribution of brucellosis patients and the epidemic typologies as well as the genetic attributes of brucellosis in Bozhou City,Anhui Province,thereby furnishing a substantive foundation for formulating efficacious prevention and control strategies for this disease within the region. Methods : The rose bengal plate agglutination test(RBPT) and the tube agglutination test(TAT) were conducted on a total of 698 blood samples that had been collected.Epidemiological data of the tested subjects were meticulously collected,followed by statistical analyses of the obtained results.The genomic DNA of positive bacterial strains was cultured and extracted.Molecular identification and typing of the isolated strains were executed through 16 S rRNA sequencing.Sequence alignment was conducted employing Clustal W and MEGA 7,with comparisons made against the outcomes of AMOS-PCR and BCSP31-PCR. Results : A total of 66 positive samples were detected through serological assays,with a positive rate of 9.46%.The demographic cohort demonstrating the highest detection rate primarily comprised individuals engaged in live sheep slaughtering.The 1 6 S rRNA gene sequencing on ten positive strains disclosed close phylogenetic affinities with Brucella melitensis.Moreover,the phylogenetic tree analysis indicated that these strains coalesced within the same branch,the findings were in alignment with the results obtained from BCSP31-PCR and AMOS-PCR assays. Conclusion Brucella melitensis assumes a predominant position in the transmission dynamics within this area,identifying individuals involved in sheep breeding,slaughtering,vending,and related occupations as high-risk groups.The outcomes of this study offer molecular biological substantiation for the distribution of brucellosis patients in this region,contribute to genotyping endeavors and tracing studies associated with the pathogen,and concurrently verify the efficacy of 16S rRNA molecular tracing.

Objective To systematically evaluate the risk prediction model of anastomotic fistula after radical resection of esophageal cancer, and to provide objective basis for selecting a suitable model. Methods A comprehensive search was conducted on Chinese and English databases including CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, CBM, PubMed, EMbase, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library for relevant studies on the risk prediction model of anastomotic fistula after radical resection of esophageal cancer from inception to April 30, 2023. Two researchers independently screened literatures and extracted data information. PROBAST tool was used to assess the risk of bias and applicability of included literatures. Meta-analysis was performed on the predictive value of common predictors in the model with RevMan 5.3 software. Results A total of 18 studies were included, including 11 Chinese literatures and 7 English literatures. The area under the curve (AUC) of the prediction models ranged from 0.68 to 0.954, and the AUC of 10 models was >0.8, indicating that the prediction performance was good, but the risk of bias in the included studies was high, mainly in the field of research design and data analysis. The results of the meta-analysis on common predictors showed that age, history of hypertension, history of diabetes, C-reactive protein, history of preoperative chemotherapy, hypoproteinemia, peripheral vascular disease, pulmonary infection, and calcification of gastric omental vascular branches are effective predictors for the occurrence of anastomotic leakage after radical surgery for esophageal cancer (P<0.05). Conclusion The study on the risk prediction model of anastomotic fistula after radical resection of esophageal cancer is still in the development stage. Future studies can refer to the common predictors summarized by this study, and select appropriate methods to develop and verify the anastomotic fistula prediction model in combination with clinical practice, so as to provide targeted preventive measures for patients with high-risk anastomotic fistula as soon as possible.

Renal fibrosis （RF） is the primary pathological feature of chronic kidney disease （CKD） progression to end-stage renal disease （ESRD）， with glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis as core pathological manifestations. It involves abnormal accumulation of extracellular matrix （ECM） components such as collagen and fibronectin， ultimately leading to structural destruction and functional losses of the kidneys. Sirtuins （SIRTs）， a class of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide （NAD+）-dependent deacetylases， play crucial roles in cellular metabolism， oxidative stress responses， inflammation regulation， and cell survival. In mammals， there are seven distinct SIRT members （SIRT1 to SIRT7）， which collectively ameliorate RF progression through multiple pathways. These include regulating the transforming growth factor （TGF）-β/Smad signaling pathway， suppressing inflammatory responses， reducing oxidative stress， modulating mitochondrial and autophagy functions， and promoting fatty acid oxidation. In recent years， traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and its active components have demonstrated significant potential in activating or modulating the SIRT protease family and its regulatory networks to ameliorate RF in a multi-target and holistic manner. However， systematic reviews in this area remain lacking. This article elucidates the mechanisms by which the SIRT protease family regulates RF and reviews the latest research advances in TCM modulation of SIRTs for the prevention and treatment of RF， aiming to provide new insights and approaches for the TCM treatment of RF.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of percutaneous transhepatic cholangial drainage (PTCD) combined with percutaneous transhepatic papillary balloon dilatation (PTPBD) in the treatment of choledocholithiasis.Methods:The clinical data of patients treated with PTCD combined with PTPBD under digital subtraction angiography for choledocholithiasis in the Interventional Department of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from June 2021 to May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed, and a total of 90 patients were enrolled, including 58 males and 32 females, aged (56.6±4.3) years. The changes of liver function, postoperative complications, and prognosis were analyzed.Results:Of 90 patients were successfully treated with PTCD, and 3 patients (3.3%) died after PTCD operation, mainly due to old age combined with a variety of underlying diseases. 85(97.7%) of the remaining 87 patients were successfully treated with PTPBD, while 2 cases (2.3%) experienced technical failure due to excessive stone size (>20 mm). Among the 90 cases after the procedure, there were 6 cases (6.7%) of abdominal pain, 3 cases (3.3%) of bleeding, 4 cases (4.4%) of fever, and no serious complications such as bile duct perforation, intestinal perforation or pancreatitis occurred. The symptoms of 87 patients were improved within 3 to 7 days after PTCD. The changes of leukocyte, total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase and C reactive protein before and after surgery were statistically significant (all P<0.001). Conclusions:PTCD combined with PTPBD is a minimally invasive treatment for common bile duct stones with obvious advantages in high success rate, safety, and effectiveness, which is especially suitable for elderly patients with multiple underlying diseases, inability to tolerate surgical procedures, or no suitable endoscopic pathways.

Objective To investigate the relationship between frailty and readmission during vulnerable periods in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.Methods Using convenience sampling method,290 elderly patients with chronic heart failure admitted to Department of Cardiovascular,the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region from December 2022 to August 2023 were selected as the research subjects.They were followed up for three months and surveyed using general information questionnaire,frailty scale,and Barthel index.Results Spearman correlation analysis showed a positive correlation between readmission during the vulnerable period and frailty(r=0.266,P＜0.05).The readmission rate during the vulnerable period was 28.6％,and the results of multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that frailty(OR=2.561,95％CI:1.409-4.654),age(OR=1.113,95％CI:1.067-1.161),and renal dysfunction(OR=2.903,95％CI:1.559-5.406)were independent risk factors for unplanned readmission during the vulnerable period in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.Conclusion There is a positive correlation between frailty and readmission during the vulnerable period in elderly patients with chronic heart failure.Frailty,age,and renal dysfunction are independent risk factors for decompensated admission events in vulnerable elderly patients with chronic heart failure.

Previous studies have found associations between color discrimination deficits and cognitive impairments besides aging. However, investigations into the microstructural pathology of brain white matter (WM) associated with these deficits remain limited. This study aimed to examine the microstructural characteristics of WM in the non-demented population with abnormal color discrimination, utilizing Neurite Orientation Dispersion and Density Imaging (NODDI), and to explore their correlations with cognitive functions and cognition-related plasma biomarkers. The tract-based spatial statistic analysis revealed significant differences in specific brain regions between the abnormal color discrimination group and the healthy controls, characterized by increased isotropic volume fraction and decreased neurite density index and orientation dispersion index. Further analysis of region-of-interest parameters revealed that the isotropic volume fraction in the bilateral anterior thalamic radiation, superior longitudinal fasciculus, cingulum, and forceps minor was significantly correlated with poorer performance on neuropsychological assessments and to varying degrees various cognition-related plasma biomarkers. These findings provide neuroimaging evidence that WM microstructural abnormalities in non-demented individuals with abnormal color discrimination are associated with cognitive dysfunction, potentially serving as early markers for cognitive decline.
Humans ; White Matter/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Cognitive Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Color Perception/physiology* ; Brain/pathology* ; Neuropsychological Tests ; Diffusion Tensor Imaging