BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) presents a significant health burden in Asia and remains a critical challenge. This study aims to delineate the PAH burden in Asia from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: Using the latest data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021, we evaluated and analyzed the distributions and patterns of PAH disease burden among various age groups, sexes, regions, and countries in Asia. Additionally, we examined the associations between PAH disease burden and key health system indicators, including the socio-demographic index (SDI) and the universal health coverage (UHC) index. RESULTS: In 2021, there were 25,989 new PAH cases, 103,382 existing cases, 13,909 PAH-associated deaths, and 385,755 DALYs attributed to PAH in Asia, which accounted for approximately 60% of global PAH cases. The age-standardized rates (ASRs) for prevalence and deaths were 2.05 (95% uncertainty interval [UI]: 1.66-2.52) per 100,000 population and 0.31 (95% UI: 0.23-0.38) per 100,000 population, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, Asia reported the lowest ASRs for PAH prevalence but the highest ASRs for deaths compared to other continents. While the ASRs for prevalence increased slightly, ASRs for mortality and DALYs decreased over time. This increasing burden of PAH was primarily driven by population growth and aging. The burden was especially pronounced among individuals aged ≥60 years and <9 years, who collectively accounted for the majority of deaths and DALYs. Moreover, higher SDI and UHC levels were linked to reduced incidence, but higher prevalence rates. CONCLUSIONS Although progress has been made in reducing PAH-related mortality and DALYs, the disease continues to impose a substantial burden in Asia, particularly among older adults and young children. Region-specific health policies should focus on improving early diagnosis, expanding access to treatment, and effectively addressing the growing PAH burden in the region.
Humans ; Global Burden of Disease ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Asia/epidemiology* ; Prevalence ; Aged ; Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension/mortality* ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; Infant ; Hypertension, Pulmonary/epidemiology*

Objective:? To summarize the achievements in improving the consistency of clinical liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) testing results.Methods:? From 2021 to 2024, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University recruited laboratories voluntarily participating in the MSHP (Clinical LC-MS/MS Testing Consistency Program). As of Batch 202404, a total of 76 laboratories had enrolled, including 60 medical institutions (all tertiary hospitals) and 16 third-party laboratories. Test items were established, and comparative samples were distributed regularly-each item′s samples covered three concentrations (high, medium, and low). Samples were shipped via cold chain and tested within one week. Our laboratory′s measurements served as the target, with participating labs′ results within ±25% of the target deemed qualified. Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess consistency.Results:Taking 3-MT (3-methoxytyramine) as an example, the coefficients of variation (CVs) for the project′s three concentration levels improved from 17.00%, 47.18%, and 4.88% in the first comparative batch to 9.59%, 9.59%, and 6.1% in Batch 202404. Passing-Bablok regression results for the 5 units participating in 3-MT testing showed that Laboratory A had proportional bias but no systematic bias (regression slope [95% CI]: 0.903 [0.862-0.952]; intercept [95% CI]: 0.912 [-1.921-6.073]). The remaining laboratories exhibited no proportional or systematic bias with the target (Laboratory B: slope 1.031 [0.961-1.147], intercept-0.733 [-4.641-8.272]; Laboratory C: slope 0.982 [0.940-1.009], intercept-0.576 [-2.675-1.891]; Laboratory D: slope 0.973 [0.939-1.066], intercept-1.168 [-6.108-1.649]; Laboratory E: slope 0.999 [0.905-1.051], intercept-1.876 [-6.111-3.508]). Bland-Altman analysis indicated that all 5 laboratories′ results generally showed good consistency with the target. Through quality feedback and optimizing sample preparation concentrations, result consistency was enhanced.? Conclusion:? Clinical LC-MS/MS testing consistency programs contribute to improving the comparability of test results.

Objective To establish and validate a method for simultaneous analysis of fluconazole,linezolid,voriconazole and cont-ezolid by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and conduct preliminary assessment its value of application value in clinical therapeutic drug monitoring.Methods Using an isotopic internal standard method,the serum samples were pretreated with protein precipitation.The supernatant was diluted after centrifugation,and detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer.Refer-ring to the Recommendations for Clinical Application of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS)and Clinical and Labora-tory Standards Instituhe(CLSI)C62A,the performance of the LC-MS method was verified,including quantitation limits,linearity,trueness,precision,matrix effect,carry-over,interference,dilution consistency and stability.The blood samples from patients who were treated with fluconazole,linezolid,voriconazole,and contezolid were collected and measured for trough or peak concentrations.Results The quantitation limits of fluconazole,linezolid,voriconazole and contezolid by this method were 1 μg/mL,0.25 μg/mL,0.25 μg/mL and 0.1 μg/mL,respectively.The linear ranges were 1-100 μg/mL,0.25-25 μg/mL,0.25-25 μg/mL,and 0.1-10μg/mL,respectively.The recovery rates were 103.0％-105.7％,103.1％-108％,102.4％-106.2％and 101.0％-109.9％,respectively.The precisions,expressed as coefficient of variation(CV),were 1.7％-3.4％,2.1％-4.8％,1.9％-3.1％,and 3.1％-6.8％,respective-ly.No obvious matrix effect,carry-over contamination and interference were found.The dilution consistency and stability were satisfac-tory.The concentrations of fluconazole,linezolid and voriconazole within the reference interval accounted for 49.1％,52.5％and 80.7％of the total samples,respectively.The peak concentration of contezolamide was(14.02±4.94)μg/mL(n=4),and the trough concen-tration was(0.34±0.20)μg/mL(n=5).Conclusion In this study,a method for simultaneous analysis of the concentrations of flu-conazole,linezolid,voriconazole and contezolid was successfully established and verified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spec-trometry.This method is simple,rapid,and suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring,and providing a basis for the optimization of drug regimens.

Objective To establish and validate a method for simultaneous analysis of fluconazole,linezolid,voriconazole and cont-ezolid by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry,and conduct preliminary assessment its value of application value in clinical therapeutic drug monitoring.Methods Using an isotopic internal standard method,the serum samples were pretreated with protein precipitation.The supernatant was diluted after centrifugation,and detected by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometer.Refer-ring to the Recommendations for Clinical Application of Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry(LC-MS)and Clinical and Labora-tory Standards Instituhe(CLSI)C62A,the performance of the LC-MS method was verified,including quantitation limits,linearity,trueness,precision,matrix effect,carry-over,interference,dilution consistency and stability.The blood samples from patients who were treated with fluconazole,linezolid,voriconazole,and contezolid were collected and measured for trough or peak concentrations.Results The quantitation limits of fluconazole,linezolid,voriconazole and contezolid by this method were 1 μg/mL,0.25 μg/mL,0.25 μg/mL and 0.1 μg/mL,respectively.The linear ranges were 1-100 μg/mL,0.25-25 μg/mL,0.25-25 μg/mL,and 0.1-10μg/mL,respectively.The recovery rates were 103.0％-105.7％,103.1％-108％,102.4％-106.2％and 101.0％-109.9％,respectively.The precisions,expressed as coefficient of variation(CV),were 1.7％-3.4％,2.1％-4.8％,1.9％-3.1％,and 3.1％-6.8％,respective-ly.No obvious matrix effect,carry-over contamination and interference were found.The dilution consistency and stability were satisfac-tory.The concentrations of fluconazole,linezolid and voriconazole within the reference interval accounted for 49.1％,52.5％and 80.7％of the total samples,respectively.The peak concentration of contezolamide was(14.02±4.94)μg/mL(n=4),and the trough concen-tration was(0.34±0.20)μg/mL(n=5).Conclusion In this study,a method for simultaneous analysis of the concentrations of flu-conazole,linezolid,voriconazole and contezolid was successfully established and verified by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spec-trometry.This method is simple,rapid,and suitable for therapeutic drug monitoring,and providing a basis for the optimization of drug regimens.

Objective:? To summarize the achievements in improving the consistency of clinical liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) testing results.Methods:? From 2021 to 2024, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University recruited laboratories voluntarily participating in the MSHP (Clinical LC-MS/MS Testing Consistency Program). As of Batch 202404, a total of 76 laboratories had enrolled, including 60 medical institutions (all tertiary hospitals) and 16 third-party laboratories. Test items were established, and comparative samples were distributed regularly-each item′s samples covered three concentrations (high, medium, and low). Samples were shipped via cold chain and tested within one week. Our laboratory′s measurements served as the target, with participating labs′ results within ±25% of the target deemed qualified. Passing-Bablok regression and Bland-Altman analysis were used to assess consistency.Results:Taking 3-MT (3-methoxytyramine) as an example, the coefficients of variation (CVs) for the project′s three concentration levels improved from 17.00%, 47.18%, and 4.88% in the first comparative batch to 9.59%, 9.59%, and 6.1% in Batch 202404. Passing-Bablok regression results for the 5 units participating in 3-MT testing showed that Laboratory A had proportional bias but no systematic bias (regression slope [95% CI]: 0.903 [0.862-0.952]; intercept [95% CI]: 0.912 [-1.921-6.073]). The remaining laboratories exhibited no proportional or systematic bias with the target (Laboratory B: slope 1.031 [0.961-1.147], intercept-0.733 [-4.641-8.272]; Laboratory C: slope 0.982 [0.940-1.009], intercept-0.576 [-2.675-1.891]; Laboratory D: slope 0.973 [0.939-1.066], intercept-1.168 [-6.108-1.649]; Laboratory E: slope 0.999 [0.905-1.051], intercept-1.876 [-6.111-3.508]). Bland-Altman analysis indicated that all 5 laboratories′ results generally showed good consistency with the target. Through quality feedback and optimizing sample preparation concentrations, result consistency was enhanced.? Conclusion:? Clinical LC-MS/MS testing consistency programs contribute to improving the comparability of test results.

Therapeutic drug monitoring is a good interpretation of personalized medicine, which helps to improve the safety and effectiveness of patient medication. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has gradually been widely accepted by clinical laboratories due to its characteristics of specificity, sensitivity, and flexibility in method development. This article introduces the importance and analytical techniques for therapeutic drug monitoring, describes the application and development of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug monitoring, new advances in the detection of different drug types and sample types, and challenges in automation, convenience, and standardization.

Therapeutic drug monitoring is a good interpretation of personalized medicine, which helps to improve the safety and effectiveness of patient medication. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has gradually been widely accepted by clinical laboratories due to its characteristics of specificity, sensitivity, and flexibility in method development. This article introduces the importance and analytical techniques for therapeutic drug monitoring, describes the application and development of liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry for therapeutic drug monitoring, new advances in the detection of different drug types and sample types, and challenges in automation, convenience, and standardization.

In recent years, mass spectrometry-based protein analysis has emerged as a powerful tool in clinical laboratories, offering more reliable assessments than conventional laboratory tools and providing benefits for disease diagnosis and treatment. The use of targeted protein quantitation has gained widespread acceptance, particularly in the detection of insulin-like growth factor I, thyroglobulin, and monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Meanwhile, significant advancements have been made in non-targeted protein analysis, such as the diagnosis of amyloidosis, monoclonal gammopathies, and membranous nephropathy. High-resolution mass spectrometry has enabled the identification and differentiation of pathogenic proteins in these diseases, as well as the discovery of new proteins involved in disease onset and progression. As a result, clinical diagnosis and disease differentiation have improved, as well as our understanding of these diseases.

Objective:To investigate the clinical effect of self-designed modified rhomboid flap in repairing rhomboid, round, and teardrop-shaped wounds on the face.Methods:A retrospective observational study was conducted. From August 2018 to April 2020, 30 patients with facial lesions admitted into Ruijin Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine and the People's Hospital of Jianchuan County in Yunnan province met the inclusion criteria, including 16 males and 14 females, aged 23 to 88 years. The wound area ranged from 1.0 cm×1.0 cm to 7.0 cm×5.0 cm, with 10 cases of rhomboid wounds, 12 cases of round wounds, and 8 cases of teardrop-shaped wounds. The self-designed modified rhomboid flaps were applied to repair the wounds and after that, the patients were followed up for 1 to 18 months to record the survival of flaps, wound tension, scar formation and complications after surgery.Results:No necrosis or blackening was observed at the tip of the flaps after surgery. All the flaps survived and the wounds healed well with little tension, minimal scars, and no complications.Conclusions:The self-designed modified rhomboid flap is especially suitable for facial wounds with multiple important organs, multiple anatomical subunits, and areas with large changes in soft tissue tension, which can reduce not only the rotation of the flap, but also unnecessary excision of normal skin and soft tissue.

To examine the feasibility of using a computer tool for stratifying the severity of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) based on computed tomography (CT) images. We retrospectively examined 44 confirmed COVID-19 cases. All cases were evaluated separately by radiologists (visually) and through an in-house computer software. The degree of lesions was visually scored by the radiologist, as follows, for each of the 5 lung lobes:0, no lesion present;1,<1/3 involvement;2,>1/3 and<2/3 involvement;and 3,>2/3 involvement. Lesion density was assessed based on the proportion of ground-glass opacity (GGO), consolidation and fibrosis of the lesions. The parameters obtained using the computer tool included lung volume (mL), lesion volume (mL), lesion percentage (％), and mean lesion density (HU) of the whole lung, right lung, left lung, and each lobe. The scores obtained by the radiologists and quantitative results generated by the computer software were tested for correlation. A Chi-square test was used to test the consistency of radiologist- and computer-derived lesion percentage in the right/left lung, upper/lower lobe, and each of the 5 lobes. The results showed a strong to moderate correlation between lesion percentage scores obtained by radiologists and the computer software (r ranged from 0.7679 to 0.8373, P < 0.05), and a moderate correlation between the proportion of GGO and mean lesion density (r=-0.5894, P<0.05), and proportion of consolidation and mean lesion density (r=0.6282, P<0.05). Computer-aided quantification showed a statistical significant higher lesion percentage for lower lobes than that assessed by the radiologists (x2 = 8.160, P = 0.004). Our experiments demonstrated that the computer tool could reliably and accurately assess the severity and distribution of pneumonia on CT scans.