BACKGROUND: Children's respiratory health demonstrates particular sensitivity to air pollution. Existing evidence investigating the association between short-term ozone (O₃) exposure and childhood pneumonia remains insufficient and inconsistent, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs). METHOD: To provide more reliable and persuasive evidence, we implemented a multi-city, time-stratified case-crossover design with a large sample size, using data from seven representative children's hospitals across major geographical regions in China. To avoid the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, individual-level medical records of inpatient children under 6 years of age diagnosed with pneumonia during 2016-2019 were collected. Conditional logistic regression models were fitted for each city, and city-specific estimates were pooled through a meta-analysis using a random-effects model. RESULTS: In total, the study included 137,470 pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions. The highest pooled estimate for O₃ occurred at lag0-1, with a 10 µg/m³ increase in O₃ associated with a 1.57% (95% CI: 0.67%-2.48%) higher risk of pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions. Stratified analyses indicated that the effects of O₃ were robust across different sexes, age groups, and admission seasons. We also observed a statistically significant increase in risk associated with O₃ concentrations exceeding the World Health Organization Air Quality Guidelines (WHO-AQGs). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed a significant positive association between O₃ and pediatric pneumonia hospital admissions. Our findings substantially strengthen the evidence base for the adverse health impacts of O₃, underscoring the importance of O₃ pollution control and management in reducing the public health burden of pediatric pneumonia.
Humans ; Ozone/analysis* ; China/epidemiology* ; Pneumonia/chemically induced* ; Child, Preschool ; Male ; Female ; Infant ; Cross-Over Studies ; Air Pollutants/analysis* ; Hospitalization/statistics & numerical data* ; Child ; Cities/epidemiology* ; Air Pollution/adverse effects* ; Infant, Newborn ; Environmental Exposure/adverse effects*

Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.

Objective:To explore the impact of the two-way referral model on compliance and prognosis in patients with heart failure.Methods:This bidirectional cohort study enrolled chronic heart failure (CHF) patients treated at Qilu Hospital of Shandong University or designated primary hospitals between March 2018 and March 2022. Patients were categorized into two groups based on referral status: two-way referral group (participating in the referral model with≥1 follow-up visit at primary hospitals) and the core hospital group (receiving treatment and follow-up exclusively at Qilu Hospital). Baseline clinical characteristics were collected and compared between groups. Patients underwent followed-up, with primary endpoints including follow-up rate, drug (β-blockers, angiotension converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI)/angiotensin Ⅱ receptor blockers (ARB)/angiotensin receptor-neprilysin inhibitor (ARNI), sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors and mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists) utilization rate and target dose achievement rate. Secondary endpoints encompassed changes from baseline in left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDd), and N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), plus cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization. Generalized linear mixed models analyzed longitudinal trends in LVEF, LVEDd, and NT-proBNP levels. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox regression evaluated LVEF recovery rates, supplemented by subgroup analyses. Multivariate logistic regression was used to identify factors influencing target dose achievement rate for β-blockers and ACEI/ARB/ARNI therapies in CHF patients.Results:A total of 357 patients were enrolled, aged 53 (41, 63) years, including 256 males (71.7%). 157 patients were in the two-way referral group and 200 patients in the core hospital-treated group. Compared with the core hospital-treated group, the two-way referral group had lower baseline LVEF (28 (22, 34)% vs. 31 (23, 36)%, P=0.021) and systolic blood pressure (116 (104, 125) mmHg vs. 121 (109, 134) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), P=0.010). The 12-month follow-up rate of the two-way referral group was higher than the core hospital-treated group (73.8% vs. 56.0%, P=0.004). No significant between-group differences were observed in drug utilization rate of β-blockers, ACEI/ARB/ARNI, or sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitors during follow-up (all P>0.05), while mineralocorticoid receptor antagonists use showed a declining trend in both groups. Although the core hospital-treated group had higher target dose achievement rates for β-blockers (65.4% vs. 49.3%, P=0.042) and ACEI/ARB/ARNI (79.8% vs. 65.8%, P=0.046) than the two-way referral group, multivariate logistic regression indicated that the two-way referral model was not a negative predictor for these outcomes (all P>0.05). Both groups showed improved NT-proBNP, LVEDd, and LVEF from baseline (all P<0.001) with no significant difference in trends between groups (all P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the composite incidence (7.6% vs. 6.5%, P=0.674) and cumulative incidence (log-rank P=0.684) of cardiovascular death and heart failure rehospitalization at 12 months between two groups. Conclusion:The two-way referral model demonstrates advantages in improving medication adherence, drug utilization rates, and targetdoseachievement rates among CHF patients. This model not only promotes cardiac functional recovery but also reduces risks of cardiovascular mortality and heart failure rehospitalization, achieving comparable therapeutic and management outcomes to those observed in core hospital-treated patients.

Prostate cancer is a prevalent and debilitating disease that necessitates effective prevention and treatment strategies. Green tea, a well-known beverage derived from the Camellia sinensis plant, contains bioactive compounds with potential health benefits, including catechins and polyphenols. This comprehensive review aims to explore the potential benefits of green tea in prostate cancer prevention and treatment by examining existing literature. Green tea possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic properties attributed to its catechins, particularly epigallocatechin gallate. Epidemiological studies have reported an inverse association between green tea consumption and prostate cancer risk, with potential protection against aggressive forms of the disease. Laboratory studies demonstrate that green tea components inhibit tumor growth, induce apoptosis, and modulate signaling pathways critical to prostate cancer development and progression. Clinical trials and human studies further support the potential benefits of green tea. Green tea consumption has been found to be associated with a reduction in prostate-specific antigen levels, tumor markers, and played a potential role in slowing disease progression. However, challenges remain, including optimal dosage determination, formulation standardization, and conducting large-scale, long-term clinical trials. The review suggests future research should focus on combinatorial approaches with conventional therapies and personalized medicine strategies to identify patient subgroups most likely to benefit from green tea interventions.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Tea/chemistry* ; Catechin/pharmacology*

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of patients with triple/quad-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM).Methods:The clinical data of patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM from eight centers in Shanxi Province between May 2017 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method,and factors affecting survival were examined by the Cox proportional hazards model and Log-rank test.Results:Among the 112 patients with triple-class exposure,16 were quadruple-class exposed.The detection rates of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities and extramedullary lesions in patients with triple-class exposure were 57.1%and 36.6%,respectively,while those in patients with quadruple-class exposure were 87.5%and 62.5%,respectively.The median PFS and OS of patients with triple-class expos-ure were 5.6 months and 12.2 months,respectively,while those of patients with quadruple-class exposure were 9.4 months and 16.9 months,respectively.Cox model analysis showed that extramedullary lesions and multi-line treatment(≥3 lines)were independent risk factors for the survival of patients with triple-class exposed RRMM(P<0.05).Previous autologous stem cell transplantation,subsequent con-ventional drug treatment,and B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)treatment were protective factors(P<0.05).After triple-class drug resistance,the Log-rank test verified that BCMA CAR-T treatment significantly prolonged the median PFS of patients compared to conventional drug treatment(9.4 months vs.5.2 months,P=0.026 9),whereas the difference in OS was not statistic-ally significant(16.9 months vs.7.9 months,P=0.263 4).Conclusions:Patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM have a poor prognosis,and BCMA CAR-T cell therapy can improve survival in patients with triple-class drug-resistant RRMM.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and survival prognosis of patients with triple/quad-class exposed relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma(RRMM).Methods:The clinical data of patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM from eight centers in Shanxi Province between May 2017 and May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method,and factors affecting survival were examined by the Cox proportional hazards model and Log-rank test.Results:Among the 112 patients with triple-class exposure,16 were quadruple-class exposed.The detection rates of high-risk cytogenetic abnormalities and extramedullary lesions in patients with triple-class exposure were 57.1%and 36.6%,respectively,while those in patients with quadruple-class exposure were 87.5%and 62.5%,respectively.The median PFS and OS of patients with triple-class expos-ure were 5.6 months and 12.2 months,respectively,while those of patients with quadruple-class exposure were 9.4 months and 16.9 months,respectively.Cox model analysis showed that extramedullary lesions and multi-line treatment(≥3 lines)were independent risk factors for the survival of patients with triple-class exposed RRMM(P<0.05).Previous autologous stem cell transplantation,subsequent con-ventional drug treatment,and B-cell maturation antigen(BCMA)chimeric antigen receptor T-cell(CAR-T)treatment were protective factors(P<0.05).After triple-class drug resistance,the Log-rank test verified that BCMA CAR-T treatment significantly prolonged the median PFS of patients compared to conventional drug treatment(9.4 months vs.5.2 months,P=0.026 9),whereas the difference in OS was not statistic-ally significant(16.9 months vs.7.9 months,P=0.263 4).Conclusions:Patients with triple/quad-class exposed RRMM have a poor prognosis,and BCMA CAR-T cell therapy can improve survival in patients with triple-class drug-resistant RRMM.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture and establish a nomogram model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia. METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted with 613 cases of neonatal asphyxia treated in 20 cooperative hospitals in Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture from January to December 2019 as the asphyxia group, and 988 randomly selected non-asphyxia neonates born and admitted to the neonatology department of these hospitals during the same period as the control group. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for neonatal asphyxia. R software (4.2.2) was used to establish a nomogram model. Receiver operator characteristic curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical usefulness of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia, respectively. RESULTS: Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that minority (Tujia), male sex, premature birth, congenital malformations, abnormal fetal position, intrauterine distress, maternal occupation as a farmer, education level below high school, fewer than 9 prenatal check-ups, threatened abortion, abnormal umbilical cord, abnormal amniotic fluid, placenta previa, abruptio placentae, emergency caesarean section, and assisted delivery were independent risk factors for neonatal asphyxia (P<0.05). The area under the curve of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia based on these risk factors was 0.748 (95%CI: 0.723-0.772). The calibration curve indicated high accuracy of the model for predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia. The decision curve analysis showed that the model could provide a higher net benefit for neonates at risk of asphyxia. CONCLUSIONS The risk factors for neonatal asphyxia in Hubei Enshi Tujia and Miao Autonomous Prefecture are multifactorial, and the nomogram model based on these factors has good value in predicting the risk of neonatal asphyxia, which can help clinicians identify neonates at high risk of asphyxia early, and reduce the incidence of neonatal asphyxia.
Infant, Newborn ; Humans ; Male ; Pregnancy ; Female ; Nomograms ; Retrospective Studies ; Cesarean Section ; Risk Factors ; Asphyxia Neonatorum/etiology*

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis caused by gonadorelin in children in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test.Methods:The research subjects were children aged ≤14 years who experienced anaphylaxis using gonadorelin in the Chengdu Adverse Reaction Center database from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021. The purpose of medication was GnRH stimulation test. Through the hospital information system, the children′s basic information, usage of gonadorelin, occurrence of severe allergic reactions, and treatments and outcomes of anaphylaxis were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 14 cases of anaphylaxis in children caused by gonadorelin in the GnRH stimulation test were collected, including 3 males and 14 females, with an age of (9±2) years. All 14 cases were evaluated with a score of ≥5 using the Naranjo evaluation method. The dose of gonadorelin in the 14 children was (2.55±0.09) μg/kg and the drug was all given by intravenously injection; anaphylaxis occurred in 4 children during the first GnRH stimulation test and in 10 children during the second GnRH stimulation test. The time from medication to anaphylaxis occurence was (6.0±3.5) minutes. The symptoms of anaphylaxis in 14 children were systemic allergic reactions, involving various systems throughout the body. All children had 3 or more types of systemic damage. After anaphylaxis occurrence, gonadorelin was discontinued in all 14 patients; 5 received intramuscular injection of adrenaline, 5 received intravenous injection of adrenaline, 1 received intravenous injection of isoprenaline and intramuscular injection of adrenaline, and 3 received intravenous injection of dexamethasone only. After treatments, all children were improved.Conclusions:Anaphylaxis caused by gonadorelin in children is a rare but severe adverse reaction, and the drug may have a possibility of cross allergy with GnRH analogues. Therefore, when diagnosing and treating precocious puberty in children, medication should be given under monitoring conditions.

Objective:To explore the clinical characteristics of anaphylaxis caused by gonadorelin in children in gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) stimulation test.Methods:The research subjects were children aged ≤14 years who experienced anaphylaxis using gonadorelin in the Chengdu Adverse Reaction Center database from January 1, 2015 to December 31, 2021. The purpose of medication was GnRH stimulation test. Through the hospital information system, the children′s basic information, usage of gonadorelin, occurrence of severe allergic reactions, and treatments and outcomes of anaphylaxis were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Results:A total of 14 cases of anaphylaxis in children caused by gonadorelin in the GnRH stimulation test were collected, including 3 males and 14 females, with an age of (9±2) years. All 14 cases were evaluated with a score of ≥5 using the Naranjo evaluation method. The dose of gonadorelin in the 14 children was (2.55±0.09) μg/kg and the drug was all given by intravenously injection; anaphylaxis occurred in 4 children during the first GnRH stimulation test and in 10 children during the second GnRH stimulation test. The time from medication to anaphylaxis occurence was (6.0±3.5) minutes. The symptoms of anaphylaxis in 14 children were systemic allergic reactions, involving various systems throughout the body. All children had 3 or more types of systemic damage. After anaphylaxis occurrence, gonadorelin was discontinued in all 14 patients; 5 received intramuscular injection of adrenaline, 5 received intravenous injection of adrenaline, 1 received intravenous injection of isoprenaline and intramuscular injection of adrenaline, and 3 received intravenous injection of dexamethasone only. After treatments, all children were improved.Conclusions:Anaphylaxis caused by gonadorelin in children is a rare but severe adverse reaction, and the drug may have a possibility of cross allergy with GnRH analogues. Therefore, when diagnosing and treating precocious puberty in children, medication should be given under monitoring conditions.

Patients with bicuspid aortic valve are often complicated with aortic dilatation. If the aortic valve is of good quality, aortic root replacement with aortic valve preservation is feasible. A 35-year-old male patient with bicuspid aortic regurgitation complicated with ascending aortic aneurysm underwent Remodeling+Ring (modified Yacoub) operation. Echocardiography showed that there was no aortic regurgitation on the 3rd day after operation, and the patient was discharged satisfactorily on the 6th day after operation. Remodeling+Ring surgery ensures the physiological movement of the aortic valve, solves the enlarged annulus, avoids the problems caused by valve replacement, and significantly improves the quality of life of patients, which is worth popularizing.