ObjectiveTo investigate the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of psittacosis cases in Fuyang District of Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, and to provide evidence for clinical diagnosis, treatment, and prevention and control of this disease. MethodsEpidemiological investigation data and clinical records of psittacosis cases residing in Fuyang District of Hangzhou from September 2020 to February 2025 were collected. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze temporal-spatial-demographic distribution characteristics, exposure history, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, treatment and laboratory findings. Comprehensive analyses were further conducted incorporating environmental surveillance and case follow-up data. ResultsAmong the 16 psittacosis cases, the male-to-female ratio was 1∶1, with an incidence rate of 0.57/100 000 for both males and females. The mean age was (59.88±10.66) years old, and the highest incidence rates were in the 70‒79 years and 60‒69 years age groups, with an incidence rate of 1.41/100 000 and 1.30/100 000, respectively. Fourteen cases (87.50%) had a history of avian exposure. The predominant clinical symptoms included fever (15 cases, 93.75%), cough (11 cases, 68.75%), expectoration (9 cases, 56.25%), and fear of cold (8 cases, 50.00%). All cases showed elevated levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), and the results of chest computed tomography (CT) indicated pneumonia in every case. Neutrophil percentage was elevated in 87.50% (14/16) of cases, while lymphocyte percentage was reduced in 93.75% (15/16) of cases. The median time from onset to first medical consultation was 4.00 days, the median time from onset to confirmed diagnosis was 9.50 days, and the median time of hospitalization was 9.00 days. Compared with non-severe cases, the severe group had significantly higher neutrophil percentage, CRP levels, and longer intervals from onset to confirmed diagnosis, onset to first antibiotic administration, and duration of hospitalization. All cases recovered and were discharged, and more than 50% were treated with omadacycline following confirmed diagnosis. ConclusionMost psittacosis cases reported definitive avian exposure history in Fuyang District of Hangzhou. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical for preventing disease progression to severe stages.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Objective:To compare minimally invasive surgery with traditional open surgery, analyze the current application status of health economic evaluations in the treatment of digestive tract cancers, such as esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer by minimally invasive surgery and provide evidence for the rational selection of clinical treatment, alleviation of disease-related economic burdens, and rational allocation of healthcare resources.Methods:By using five databases, i.e. China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang data, Chinese Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, and Embase, a database was established to retrieve all the papers about health economic studies of minimally invasive surgery for esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer published until December 31, 2023. Literature was analyzed by using software NoteExpress 3.8, and data were processed using Excel 2021. The quality of included papers was evaluated using the CHEERS 2022 checklist, and Meta-analysis was conducted by using software Stata 17.0.Results:A total of 10 919 relevant papers were retrieved, and 59 studies were included. Only 14 studies (23.7%) used standard health economic evaluation methods. Meta-analysis results revealed no significant differences in direct medical expenditure and total expenditure between minimally invasive surgery and open surgery. However, the expenditure for minimally invasive surgery exhibited a significant increase [mean difference ( MD)=5 973.12 yuan, P<0.001], while hospital stay and indirect expenditure significantly decreased ( MD: -4.85 days and -733.79 yuan, P<0.001). In China, for gastric cancer, the direct medical expenditure of endoscopic surgery was lower than that of open surgery ( MD=-33 000.00 yuan) with no significant difference ( P<0.001). In colorectal cancer cases, the direct medical and surgical expenditures for laparoscopic surgery were higher than those for open surgery ( MD: 4 277.94 yuan and 4 267.80 yuan, P<0.001), while the indirect and total medical expenditures decreased ( MD: -768.34 yuan and -159.10 yuan). Hospital stays in patients who had minimally invasive surgery for all three types of cancer were shorter than those who had open surgery ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the treatment of gastrointestinal cancer, compared with open surgery, minimally invasive surgery shows higher expenditure, but has advantages, such as shorter hospital stay and lower indirect expenditure, and there were no significant differences in direct medical and total expenditures between the two approaches. When conducting health economic evaluation, factors such as postoperative complications, hospital stay, and patient's economic status should be considered for their impact on total medical expenditure. It is necessary to pay attention to the application of health economic evaluations in healthcare decision-making.

Objective:To study the association between subtypes of hypertension and risk for all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortalities in the elderly in communities of Beijing.Methods:The data were collected from the Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study. The elderly in 5 urban areas (former Xicheng, former Xuanwu, Fangshan, Haidian and Tongzhou) and 4 rural areas (Yanqing, Miyun, Huairou and Daxing) in Beijing were selected as the study subjects by multi-stage stratified cluster random sampling. The baseline survey was conducted from July 2009 to September 2015. The follow-up was conducted until March 31, 2021, and a total of 6 326 participants were enrolled. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the association of SBP, DBP, normal blood pressure, high normal blood pressure, simple systolic hypertension, simple diastolic hypertension and systolic diastolic hypertension with all-cause mortality and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality.Results:By March 31, 2021, the median follow-up time was 6.30 years, the all-cause mortality density was 201.67/10 000 person-years, and the cardio-cerebrovascular mortality density was 90.20/10 000 person-years. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression model analysis showed that the risk for all-cause mortality increased by 5.6% ( HR=1.056, 95% CI: 1.020-1.092), and the risk for cardio-cerebrovasculvar mortality increased by 12.5% ( HR=1.125, 95% CI: 1.071-1.182) for every 10 mmHg increase in SBP. The risk for all-cause mortality increased by 8.6% ( HR=1.086, 95% CI: 1.023-1.152), and the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality increased by 19.9% ( HR=1.199, 95% CI: 1.101-1.306) for every 10 mmHg increase in DBP. Compared with the normal blood pressure group, the risk for all-cause mortality increased by 64.8% ( HR=1.648, 95% CI: 1.049-2.591) and the risk for cardio- cerebrovascular mortality increased by 112.8% ( HR=2.128, 95% CI: 1.069-4.233) in the simple diastolic hypertension group. The risk for all-cause mortality increased by 34.4% ( HR=1.344, 95% CI: 1.023-1.467) and the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality increased by 111.3% ( HR=2.113, 95% CI: 1.384-3.225) in the systolic-diastolic hypertension group. Conclusions:In the elderly in communities of Beijing, beside systolic-diastolic hypertension. It is necessary to pay close attention to the simple diastolic hypertension, which has lower prevalence, and give targeted prevention and treatment.

Objective:To investigate the association of urinary albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) in normal range and cardiovascular health (CVH) score with cardio-cerebroascular and all-cause mortality in urban elderly residents in Beijing.Methods:Based on Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study, data from 1 817 elderly participants with normal UACR were analyzed, and UACR was used as both continuous and categorical variable. "Life's Essential 8" was used to develop a CVH score. Statistical analysis was performed by using software SPSS 26.0 and R 4.2.1, including two independent samples t-test, χ2 test and non-parametric test. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard regression models stratified by CVH score and the restricted cubic spline were used to analyse the association of UACR with the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality. Results:By March 31, 2021, the median follow-up time M ( Q1, Q3) was 11.28 (10.84, 11.36) years, a total of 308 deaths were recorded during follow-up, and the mortality density was 163.87/10 000 person-years. The age of the participants was (71.4±6.6) years, and 1 070 participants were women. The results showed that the risk for both cardio-cerebrovascular disease and all-cause mortality decreased with the decrease of UACR in the low CVH score group ( HR=0.500, 95% CI: 0.341-0.734; HR=0.793, 95% CI: 0.647-0.971), and in the high CVH score group, there was a decreasing trend in the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality with the decrease of UACR ( HR=0.665, 95% CI: 0.447-0.990). Compared with the participants with low CVH score and higher UACR, the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality decreased by 68.9% and 45.6%, respectively, in the participants with high CVH score and lower UACR ( HR=0.311, 95% CI: 0.131-0.739; HR=0.544, 95% CI: 0.360-0.822), and the risk for all-cause mortality decreased by 26.7% in the participants with high CVH score and higher UACR ( HR=0.733, 95% CI: 0.542-0.993). Conclusions:In urban elderly residents in Beijing, higher UACR were associated with a significantly increased risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality, and in the low-CVH score group, decreased UACR was protective factor against cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality. The combined effect of cardiovascular health status and normal UACR had a greater protection against the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality.

Objective:To describe and analyze the distribution characteristics of a body shape index (ABSI) and its association with all-cause mortality in the elderly in communities of Beijing.Methods:The baseline and follow-up data of 10 423 subjects in Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study were used. The endpoint outcome was all-cause mortality in follow-up. The associations of ABSI, BMI and waist circumference with all-cause mortality were analyzed with a Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results:The mean follow-up time in this cohort was 6.36 years and the all-cause mortality was 15.27%. The restricted cubic spline results showed that ABSI showed a "U" association with all-cause mortality in the total population. After adjustment for confounding factors, compared with the normal ABSI group, the risk for all-cause mortality was higher in the low ABSI group ( HR=1.69, 95% CI: 1.32-2.17) and high ABSI group ( HR=1.75, 95% CI: 1.40-2.18). Compared with the normal BMI group, low BMI was associated with an increased risk for all-cause mortality ( HR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.40-2.08). Compared with the normal waist circumference group, central obesity was associated with a decreased risk for all-cause mortality ( HR=0.89, 95% CI: 0.80-0.99). The results of gender specific analysis on ABSI association with all-cause mortality were similar to that in total population, but the strength of association varied among different age groups. Cross-grouping results showed that older people with normal BMI and waist circumference and abnormal ABSI had an increased risk of all-cause mortality ( HR=1.91, 95% CI: 1.22-2.99). Conclusions:In Beijing, ABSI is correlated with the risk for all-cause mortality in the elderly population, which is more sensitive and specific than the traditional indicators (BMI and waist circumference). They can be used as one of the physical measurement indicators for all-cause mortality risk prediction in the health risk assessment and management in the elderly.

Objective:To explore the association between physical activity (PA) level and all-cause mortality in the elderly with different obesity status in Beijing.Methods:The study subjects were from the Cardiovascular and Cognitive Healthy Study in Middle-Aged and Elderly Residents of Beijing, a total of 3 746 individuals aged ≥60 years in the baseline survey between 2013 and 2015 were included in the study. Questionnaire survey and physical examination were conducted to collect the basic information of the individuals. The metabolic equivalent of the elderly was used to calculate the PA level, and an international PA questionnaire was used to determine the PA intensity. BMI, waist-to-height ratio (WHtR) and a body shape index (ABSI) were used to evaluate individuals' obesity status. The distribution of different PA levels under different obesity states was described by using bar chart and cumulative percentage bar chart. Cox proportional hazard regression model was used to analyze the correlation between the level of PA and all-cause mortality risk in different types of obesity status.Results:By December 31, 2019, the median follow-up time was 5.46 years, and the mortality density was 244.55/10 000 person-years. Compared with the individuals in high-PA intensity group, the all-cause mortality risk increased by 41% ( HR=1.41, 95% CI: 1.14-1.76) and 122% ( HR=2.22, 95% CI: 1.76-2.81), respectively, in moderate and low PA intensity groups. Compared with the individuals in high-PA intensity-high-obesity group, based on the BMI, the all-cause mortality risk increased by 85% ( HR=1.85, 95% CI: 1.08-3.16) and 250% ( HR=3.50, 95% CI: 2.01-6.10) in those in moderate-PA intensity-high-obesity group and in low-intensity-high-obesity group. Based on the WHtR, the all-cause mortality risk increased by 53% ( HR=1.53, 95% CI: 1.02-2.29) and 218% ( HR=3.18, 95% CI: 2.09-4.86), respectively, in those with moderate-PA intensity-high-obesity and those with low-PA intensity-high-obesity. According to the ABSI, the all-cause mortality risk increased by 120% in those in low-PA intensity-high-obesity group ( HR=2.20, 95% CI: 1.53-3.18). Based on any one of the indicators BMI, WHtR, or ABSI, there was no significant difference in all-cause mortality risk between high-intensity-moderate-obesity group and high-intensity-low-obesity group (all P>0.05). Conclusions:PA level is closely associated with the all-cause mortality risk in the elderly in communities of Beijing. Increasing PA level can not only reduce the all-cause mortality risk but also reduce even eliminate the excess all-cause mortality risk associated with obesity.

Objective:To analyze the association between different lipid indicators and cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in the elderly, identify a better lipid indicator for the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in the elderly in communities of Beijing.Methods:The elderly aged 60 years and above were selected from the Beijing Healthy Aging Cohort Study from July 2009 to September 2015. Remnant cholesterol (RC) was derived by calculation. The Cox proportional hazard regression models determined the HR and 95% CI incidating the associations of baseline different lipid indicators with cardio-cerebrovascular and all-cause mortality. Results:By March 31, 2021, with a mean follow-up duration of 6.88 years in the study population, a total of 492 cardio-cerebrovascular deaths and 1 056 all-cause deaths wre recorded. The HR values indicating the association between LDL-C, HDL-C, and RC were 0.87 (95% CI: 0.78-0.97), 0.46 (95% CI: 0.35-0.62), and 1.29 (95% CI: 1.14-1.45) for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality, respectively, and 0.93 (95% CI: 0.86-1.00), 0.66 (95% CI: 0.55-0.80) and 1.22 (95% CI: 1.12-1.33) for all-cause mortality. The associations of RC and HDL-C with cardio-cerebrovascular mortality were consistent regardless of hyperlipidemia in the elderly. Subgroup analyses showed that elevated RC was associated with increased risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality, and elevated HDL-C was associated with decreased risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in the elderly in different gender, age, smoking status, drinking status, and diabetes status groups in communities of Beijing. Conclusion:RC might be a better potential lipid indicator for the risk for cardio-cerebrovascular mortality in the elderly in communities compared with traditional cholesterol indicator.

Background::B-cell maturation antigen (BCMA)-directed chimeric antigen receptor T (CAR-T) therapy yield remarkable responses in patients with relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma (R/RMM). Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) reportedly exhibits distinct advantages in addressing the challenges posed by tumor heterogeneity in the distribution and genetic variations in R/RMM.Methods::Herein, the ctDNA of 108 peripheral blood plasma samples from patients with R/RMM at the First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University was thoroughly investigated before administration of anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy to establish its predictive potential. Flow cytometry is used primarily to detect subgroups of T cells or CAR-T cells.Results::In this study, several tumor and T cell effector-mediated factors were considered to be related to treatment failure by an integrat analysis, including higher percentages of multiple myeloma (MM) cells in the bone marrow ( P = 0.0125), lower percentages of CAR-T cells in the peripheral blood at peak ( P = 0.0375), and higher percentages of CD8 + T cells ( P = 0.0340). Furthermore, there is a substantial correlation between high ctDNA level (>143 ng/mL) and shorter progression-free survival (PFS) ( P = 0.007). Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that high levels of ctDNA (>143 ng/mL), MM-driven high-risk mutations (including IGLL5 [ P = 0.004], IRF4 [ P = 0.024], and CREBBP [ P = 0.041]), number of multisite mutations, and resistance-related mutation ( ERBB4, P = 0.040) were independent risk factors for PFS. Conclusion::Finally, a ctDNA-based risk model was built based on the above independent risk factors, which serves as an adjunct non-invasive measure of substantial tumor burden and a prognostic genetic feature that can assist in predicting the response to anti-BCMA CAR-T therapy.

The catalytic activity of 3-mercaptopyruvate (3MP) sulfurtransferase (MPST) converts 3MP to hydrogen sulfide (H₂S). However, the regulatory mechanisms governing MPST and its impact on the brain remain largely unexplored. Our study reveals the neuroprotective role of endothelial MPST-generated H₂S, regulated by protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A). Bioinformatics analysis and RNA sequencing demonstrated that endothelial PP2A is associated with neurodegenerative disease pathways. Cerebral ischemic mice exhibited significant inactivation of endothelial PP2A, evidenced by the reduction of PP2Acα in the brain endothelium. Mice with endothelium-specific null PP2A (PP2A^EC-cKO) exhibited neuronal loss, cognitive dysfunction, and long-term potentiation deficits. Postnatal inactivation of endothelial PP2A also contributes to cognitive dysfunction and neuronal loss. However, regaining endothelial PP2A activity by overexpressing Ppp2ca rescued neuronal dysfunction. Mechanistically, PP2A deficiency is intricately linked to the MPST-H₂S signaling pathway. A robust reduction in endothelial MPST-dependent H₂S production followed PP2A deficiency. Exogenous H₂S treatment and AAV-mediated overexpression of MPST in brain endothelial cells significantly mitigated neuronal dysfunction in PP2A^EC-cKO mice. Furthermore, PP2A deficiency promotes an increase in calcium influx and calpain2 phosphorylation, subsequently leading to MPST degradation. The PP2A activator (FTY720) and MPST activator (3MP sodium) both remarkably restored endothelial MPST-dependent H₂S production, subsequently rescuing ischemia-induced neurological deficits. In conclusion, our study demonstrates that endothelial PP2A deficiency leads to MPST degradation by activating calpain2, thus damaging neuronal function.