Objective To study the predictive value of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI)combined with AIMS65score for death and rebleeding within 6 weeks in patients with cirrhosis with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB).Methods The clinical data of 302 patients with cirrhosis with UGIB who attended the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from June 2019 to April 2024 were retrospectively collected.Binary Logistic regression was used to analyse the independent risk factors for death within 6 weeks and rebleeding.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to compare its efficacy in predicting death and rebleeding within 6 weeks.Results Univariate and multivariate Logistic regres-sion analyses showed that APRI and AIMS65score were independent risk factors for death within 6 weeks in cirrhosis with UGIB;ROC curves showed that the AUC values of APRI combined with AIMS65score were higher than those of APRI,AIMS65score,Child-Pugh score,and MELD score(P＜0.05),and their AUC values were 0.889,0.775,0.859,0.832 and 0.735.History of previous bleed-ing,APRI,and AIMS65score were independent risk factors for rebleeding within 6 weeks in cirrhosis with UGIB;ROC curves showed that the AUC values of APRI,AIMS65score,Child-Pugh score,MELD score,and APRI combined with AIMS65score had AUC values of 0.709,0.729,0.735,0.688 and 0.774,respectively.And the predictive efficacy of APRI combined with AIMS65score was better than that of APRI,AIMS65score,and MELD score(P＜0.05).Conclusion APRI and AIMS65score are independent risk factors for death and rebleeding within 6 weeks in cirrhosis with UGIB,and the combination of the two has better predictive value for the short-term prog-nosis of patients with cirrhosis with UGIB.

Objective·To investigate the causal relationship between plasma zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein 1(AZGP1)and heart failure(HF)by using Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis and experimental validation.Methods·A two-sample MR analysis was performed to assess the causal relationship between AZGP1 and HF by integrating large-scale genome-wide association study(GWAS)data on plasma proteins and HF.The inverse-variance weighted(IVW)method was employed as the primary analytical approach,supplemented by MR-Egger regression,weighted median,and simple median methods.Horizontal pleiotropy was tested by using MR-PRESSO global test and MR-Egger intercept analysis.Colocalization analysis was conducted to validate genetic locus overlap.Additionally,a clinical cohort(84 HF patients and 68 healthy controls)was analyzed,with plasma AZGP1 levels quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results·MR analysis showed that elevated plasma AZGP1 levels were significantly associated with reduced HF risk(OR=0.82,95%CI 0.75?0.90,P=1.70×10-5).Colocalization analysis confirmed that AZGP1 expression and HF shared causal genetic variants(posterior probability for H4=0.69).Sensitivity and reverse MR analyses supported the robustness of the results.ELISA confirmed that plasma AZGP1 levels were significantly lower in HF patients compared to healthy controls,reinforcing its protective role in HF.Conclusion·This study demonstrates AZGP1 exerts a protective causal effect on HF and may serve as a potential biomarker for HF treatment.

Objective·To investigate the causal relationship between plasma zinc-alpha-2-glycoprotein 1(AZGP1)and heart failure(HF)by using Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis and experimental validation.Methods·A two-sample MR analysis was performed to assess the causal relationship between AZGP1 and HF by integrating large-scale genome-wide association study(GWAS)data on plasma proteins and HF.The inverse-variance weighted(IVW)method was employed as the primary analytical approach,supplemented by MR-Egger regression,weighted median,and simple median methods.Horizontal pleiotropy was tested by using MR-PRESSO global test and MR-Egger intercept analysis.Colocalization analysis was conducted to validate genetic locus overlap.Additionally,a clinical cohort(84 HF patients and 68 healthy controls)was analyzed,with plasma AZGP1 levels quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).Results·MR analysis showed that elevated plasma AZGP1 levels were significantly associated with reduced HF risk(OR=0.82,95%CI 0.75?0.90,P=1.70×10-5).Colocalization analysis confirmed that AZGP1 expression and HF shared causal genetic variants(posterior probability for H4=0.69).Sensitivity and reverse MR analyses supported the robustness of the results.ELISA confirmed that plasma AZGP1 levels were significantly lower in HF patients compared to healthy controls,reinforcing its protective role in HF.Conclusion·This study demonstrates AZGP1 exerts a protective causal effect on HF and may serve as a potential biomarker for HF treatment.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of delirium after endovascular aortic repair, and to provide a basis for clinical nursing and prevention of this condition. Methods Patients who underwent endovascular aortic repair at Fuwai Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences from 2018 to 2019 were selected. The Chinese version of the Nursing Delirium Screening Scale (Nu-DESC) was used to assess whether postoperative delirium occurred. Patients with a Nu-DESC score≥ 3 were assigned to the delirium group. Non-delirium patients who had the same surgeon and adjacent surgical order were selected at a 1 : 4 ratio to form the non-delirium group. Univariate analysis was performed on the clinical data of the two groups. Factors with P<0.1 in the univariate analysis and those considered clinically significant were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to identify the influencing factors of postoperative delirium. Stratified analysis was conducted based on thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) and endovascular abdominal aortic repair (EVAR). Results A total of 213 patients were included, comprising 46 in the delirium group and 167 in the non-delirium group. The overall mean age was (60.3±12.0) years, and 183 (85.9%) were male. Univariate analysis showed that emergency admission, preoperative neutrophil percentage, aortic dissection, surgical duration, intubation time, and ICU stay may be associated with postoperative delirium. Multivariate analysis revealed that longer operative and intubation times were associated with a higher likelihood of delirium. In the stratified analysis, the results for the TEVAR group were consistent with the overall findings, whereas no significant differences were observed in the EVAR group. Conclusion Longer surgical and intubation times are associated with an increased risk of delirium in patients undergoing TEVAR. No significant factors influencing delirium are identified in patients undergoing EVAR.

Objective To study the predictive value of aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index(APRI)combined with AIMS65score for death and rebleeding within 6 weeks in patients with cirrhosis with upper gastrointestinal bleeding(UGIB).Methods The clinical data of 302 patients with cirrhosis with UGIB who attended the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University from June 2019 to April 2024 were retrospectively collected.Binary Logistic regression was used to analyse the independent risk factors for death within 6 weeks and rebleeding.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was plotted and the area under the curve(AUC)was calculated to compare its efficacy in predicting death and rebleeding within 6 weeks.Results Univariate and multivariate Logistic regres-sion analyses showed that APRI and AIMS65score were independent risk factors for death within 6 weeks in cirrhosis with UGIB;ROC curves showed that the AUC values of APRI combined with AIMS65score were higher than those of APRI,AIMS65score,Child-Pugh score,and MELD score(P＜0.05),and their AUC values were 0.889,0.775,0.859,0.832 and 0.735.History of previous bleed-ing,APRI,and AIMS65score were independent risk factors for rebleeding within 6 weeks in cirrhosis with UGIB;ROC curves showed that the AUC values of APRI,AIMS65score,Child-Pugh score,MELD score,and APRI combined with AIMS65score had AUC values of 0.709,0.729,0.735,0.688 and 0.774,respectively.And the predictive efficacy of APRI combined with AIMS65score was better than that of APRI,AIMS65score,and MELD score(P＜0.05).Conclusion APRI and AIMS65score are independent risk factors for death and rebleeding within 6 weeks in cirrhosis with UGIB,and the combination of the two has better predictive value for the short-term prog-nosis of patients with cirrhosis with UGIB.

Objective This paper aims to analyze the current situation of procurement project demonstration in public hospitals to enhance cost control capabilities and improve services provided by public hospitals.Methods This study took the project demonstration of equipment procurement at a specific tertiary hospital as an example to identify common defects in the pro-ject demonstration and enhance its effectiveness in public hospitals.Results The current project demonstration process in public hospitals lacked integration with the actual hospital situation,resulting in excessively long time for demonstration,low efficiency,and unclear responsibilities.Conclusion Adopting flexible forms,shortening the duration,expanding departmental involvement,and ensuring administrative departments serve clinics in an integrated manner are key to enhancing the project demonstration ca-pacity in public hospitals.

Objective:To investigate the effect of extracellular vesicles derived from lung tissue on intrapulmonary inflammation and the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) in sepsis rats.Methods:Sepsis rat model was established by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). Collagenase D and DNase I were used to dissociate the lung tissue, the impurities were removed by centrifugation, and finally, the extracellular vesicles (Ti-EVs) derived from lung tissue were separated and extracted by differential ultracentrifugation. Eighteen male SD rats were randomly divided into the sham group, sepsis group and Ti-EVs group: in the Ti-sEV group, a sepsis model was established by CLP, and Ti-EVs suspension was instilled through the airway; rats in the CLP group received CLP, and an equal volume of PBS was instilled through the airway; and rats in the sham group was treated with sham operation. The pathological changes of lung tissue were detected by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining after 24 h. The content of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Immunofluorescence was used to detect the NETs content in lung tissue.Results:The isolated extracellular vesicles derived from rat lung tissue were observed by transmission electron microscopy as double-layer circular cystic vesicles with particle diameter mainly distributed at 150 nm. Western blot showed positive expression of EVs markers CD9, CD63, and Tsg101. HE staining of lung tissue showed alveolar integrity damage and a large number of inflammatory cells infiltrated in the lung of sepsis rats. Compared with the CLP group, the degree of lung tissue damage was more serious in the Ti-EVs group and the levels of IL-1β, TNF-α and IL-6 in the BALF of rats were significantly increased ( P<0.01). The formation of NETs in the lungs of the rats in the sepsis group and the Ti-EVs group was observed under the laser confocal microscope. Compared with the sepsis group, the fluorescence intensity of NETs in the lung tissues of the Ti-EVs group increased significantly. Conclusions:After enzymatic digestion, differential ultracentrifugation and other treatments, the extracellular vesicles derived from rat lung tissue with high purity can be successfully isolated and extracted. In the process of septic lung injury, extracellular vesicles in lung tissue can aggravate the inflammatory response in the lung and promote the formation of NETs.

Background: Patients with acute gouty arthritis experienc severe pain and often have concomitant limited joint movement. High-dose intake of anti-inflammatory analgesics often results in adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, and might increase the risk of gastrointestinal bleeding. In order to reduce the adverse reactions by oral intake, local use of externally useddrugs with the same active ingredients as the oral intake is an option in clinical practice. However, externally useddrugs take effect slowly and efficacy to reduce painful feelingis unsatisfactory. Therefore, it is demanding to develop a safe and effective treatment plan. In this regard, researchers have put up a hypothesis. The skin of the human body has a dense stratum corneum, which is difficult for externally used drugs to penetrate effectively; if the keratin barrier of the skin around affected joints can be broken without further damaging the skin, externally applied drugs may safely and effectively alleviate the local symptoms of acute gouty arthritis. The nano plum blossom needle is made of a modern new material. The needle body is thin and the diameter of the needle tip is only 300 nm. The needle is used clinically to break through the keratin barrier of the human skin and promote the absorption of external medicine. Therefore, this trial was designed to preliminarily evaluate the safety and effectiveness of using the nano plum blossom needle for the introduction of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel in the treatment of acute gouty arthritis. Methods: A randomized controlled trial including 83 patients with acute gouty arthritis was conducted, who was assigned to three groups, the intervention group, control group 1, and control group 2 in a ratio of 2:2:1, respectively. The nano plum blossom needle was used for the introduction of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel in the intervention group; the nano plum blossom needle was used as a placebo along with the local use of diclofenac diethylamine emulgel in control group 1; and the nano plum blossom needle was used alone in control group 2. The treatments were applied once a day until the pain was completely relieved and the course of treatment lasted up to 7 days. The primary outcome measurement was the visual analog scale for evaluating the degree of pain. The secondary outcome indicators included scoring of the symptoms and signs with comprehensive consideration of the joint skin color, local tenderness, and degree of joint motion, the time and dose of emergency medication usage during trial, and adverse events. Discussion: This trial couldprovide preliminary evidence for evidence-based practice of using nano plum blossom needle transdermal drug delivery technology for diclofenac diethylamine emulgel for the treatment of acute gouty arthritis, and provide a reference for sample size calculation and experimental design of future clinical trials verifying the effectiveness and safety of such a technical scheme in a larger target population. Registration information This study has been registered in the China Clinical Trial Registry Centerwith the registration code of ChiCTR-IOR-17012154.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the specificity and sensitivity of the modified microbubble test in identifying the peripherally inserted central venous catheters (PICC) tip based on the chest X-ray location as the "gold standard", and to find out an accurate and noninvasive PICC tip positioning method that can save time and cost. METHODS: Convenient sampling method was conducted. The patients under PICC guided by ultrasound in intensive care unit (ICU) or PICC clinic of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from August 2017 to February 2018 were enrolled. All patients were followed up by ultrasound guided PICC catheter placement, modified microbubble test and chest X-ray localization. The relationship between the density of microbubbles in modified microbubble test and the location of PICC tip in chest X-ray localization was analyzed. Using chest X-ray localization as the "gold standard", the diagnostic evaluation indexes such as specificity and sensitivity of PICC tip identification by modified microbubble test were calculated. RESULTS: A total of 120 patients were enrolled during the study period, excluding those who refused to participate in the study, unclear right atrial ultrasound, conscious intolerance, unclear chest X-ray, and finally 108 patients completed the modified microbubble test and chest X-ray tip localization. According to the chest X-ray localization results of 108 patients, 69 patients (63.9%) were in ideal locations, 33 (30.6%) were in dissatisfactory position, and 6 (5.5%) were in malposition. There was no significant difference in gender, age, tube placement, depth of catheterization, placement of catheterization room, and catheterization among the three groups. In the modified microbubble test, there were 74 patients (68.5%) with grade I microbubble, 25 (23.2%) with grade II microbubble, and 9 (8.3%) with grade III microbubble. There was a correlation between microbubble density and the tip position of the catheter, showing a moderate intensity correlation, and the contingency coefficient was 0.662. The sensitivity of the modified microbubble test for PICC tip positioning was 95.7% (66/69), the specificity was 89.7% (35/39), the rate of missed diagnosis was 4.4% (3/69), the misdiagnosis rate was 10.3% (4/39), the positive predictive value was 94.3% (66/70), the negative predictive value was 92.1% (35/38), and the Youden index was 0.85. The consistency between the two methods was good, and the Kappa value was 0.86. CONCLUSIONS Compared with the chest X-ray localization method, the modified microbubble test method has high sensitivity and specificity in identifying PICC in the position, and the operation is simple, noninvasive, with less time and low cost. The modified microbubble test can be used as a screening test for PICC tip position, especially in ICU. When there are technical limitations or suspicious patient, further chest X-ray is necessary.
Catheterization, Central Venous ; Catheterization, Peripheral ; Central Venous Catheters ; Humans ; Microbubbles ; Ultrasonography

OBJECTIVE: To recombine the induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) derived from the urine of septic encephalopathy (SE) patients, and provided a specificity cell model to explore the mechanism of the neuronal damage and treatment for SE patients. METHODS: Urine of SE patient was collected, and tubular epithelial cells were isolated and cultured from the urine. iPSC were derived from SE patient by introducing 4 transcription factors OCT4, Klf4, Sox2, c-Myc (OKSM) into patient-specific urine cells by Millipore's Human STEMCCA^TM Constitutive Polycistronic (OKSM) Lentivirus Kit. Colony morphology, alkaline phosphatase (AKP) activity, immunofluorescence staining, quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR), and differentiation ability were used to identify the pluripetency of these iPSC lines. In addition, neurons were derived from these iPSC by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) pathway. RESULTS: The SE-iPSC exhibited morphological and growth characteristics of human embryonic stem cell (hES), showed positivity for AKP by histochemical staining, and expressed embryonic stem cell (ESC) marker genes. There was a significant statistical difference in ESC-marker mRNA expression between the SE-iPSC and the urine cells [NANOG mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 1.153±0.142 vs. 0.126±0.024, t = -10.688; REX1 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 1.419±0.206 vs. 0.103±0.066, t = -14.245; OCT4 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 1.233±0.176 vs. 0.201±0.022, t = -9.028; Sox2 mRNA (2^-ΔΔCt): 1.334±0.119 vs. 0.159±0.017, t = -12.653, all P < 0.01]. Subcutaneous injection of iPSC into NOD-SCID mice resulted in teratomas containing tissues from all the 3 germ layers. Furthermore, neurons were successfully induced from SE-iPSC. CONCLUSIONS The SE patient-specific iPSC could be generated from urine cells and differentiated into neurons, furthermore, the SE-iPSC cell line can be used as models for further elucidating the cellular pathology and developing therapeutic strategies for SE.
Animals ; Brain Diseases ; Cells, Cultured ; Fibroblasts ; Humans ; Kruppel-Like Factor 4 ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred NOD ; Mice, SCID ; Sepsis