OBJECTIVES: To analyze the disease burden of melanoma among middle-aged and elderly populations in China, and to predict the future trend. METHODS: Data from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 were utilized to collect incidence and mortality rates of melanoma, disability-adjusted life years (DALYs), and corresponding age crude rates among the middle-aged and elderly population in China during 1990 and 2021. Additionally, the estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was employed to assess the temporal trends. Age-period-cohort (APC) and Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) models were utilized to compute age, period, and cohort effects on incidence and mortality rates of melanoma, as well as to predict future trends up to 2035. RESULTS: During 1990-2021, the incidence rate of melanoma for males was higher than that for females among the middle-aged and elderly population in China, and the overall incidence rate increased annually with an EAPC of 2.13 (1.90-2.36), while the overall mortality rate and DALY rate showed a declining trend with an EAPC of －0.28 (－0.41-－0.15) and －0.54 (－0.68-－0.41), respectively. The results of the APC model analysis revealed that age effects on both incidence and mortality rates of melanoma in China's middle-aged and elderly population were significant, with both increasing with age. Period and cohort effects showed an upward trend for incidence rates but a downward trend for mortality rates. Moreover, the period and cohort effects for mortality rates were not significant among females. In the BAPC prediction model, the number of incidences of melanoma in middle-aged and elderly people in China would increase dramatically. By 2035, the number of incidence cases is expected to reach approximately 9600 (males) and 10 300 (females), corresponding to an incidence rate of 2.66/10⁵ and 2.67/10⁵, respectively. The number of deaths is projected to be about 2600 (males) and 3500 (females) by 2035, corresponding to a mortality rate of 0.72/10⁵ and 0.91/10⁵, respectively. CONCLUSIONS The disease burden of melanoma among the middle-aged and elderly population in China remains substantial and is expected to increase over the next decade.
Humans ; Melanoma/mortality* ; China/epidemiology* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Male ; Female ; Incidence ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Bayes Theorem ; Cost of Illness ; Skin Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Several types of arthritis share the common feature that the generation of inflammatory mediators leads to joint cartilage degradation. However, the shared mechanism is largely unknown. H2BK120ub1 was reportedly involved in various inflammatory diseases but its role in the shared mechanism in inflammatory joint conditions remains elusive. The present study demonstrated that levels of cartilage degradation, H2BK120ub1, and its regulator WW domain-containing adapter protein with coiled-coil (WAC) were increased in cartilage in human rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and osteoarthritis (OA) patients as well as in experimental RA and OA mice. By regulating H2BK120ub1 and H3K27me3, WAC regulated the secretion of inflammatory and cartilage-degrading factors. WAC influenced the level of H3K27me3 by regulating nuclear entry of the H3K27 demethylase KDM6B, and acted as a key factor of the crosstalk between H2BK120ub1 and H3K27me3. The cartilage-specific knockout of WAC demonstrated the ability to alleviate cartilage degradation in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and collagenase-induced osteoarthritis (CIOA) mice. Through molecular docking and dynamic simulation, doxercalciferol was found to inhibit WAC and the development of cartilage degradation in the CIA and CIOA models. Our study demonstrated that WAC is a key factor of cartilage degradation in arthritis, and targeting WAC by doxercalciferol could be a viable therapeutic strategy for treating cartilage destruction in several types of arthritis.

Radiochemotherapy-induced oral mucositis (OM) is a common oral complication in patients with tumors following head and neck radiotherapy or chemotherapy. Erosion and ulcers are the main features of OM that seriously affect the quality of life of patients and even the progress of tumor treatment. To date, differences in clinical prevention and treatment plans for OM have been noted among doctors of various specialties, which has increased the uncertainty of treatment effects. On the basis of current research evidence, this expert consensus outlines risk factors, clinical manifestations, clinical grading, ancillary examinations, diagnostic basis, prevention and treatment strategies and efficacy indicators for OM. In addition to strategies such as basic oral care, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents, anti-infective agents, pro-healing agents, and photobiotherapy recommended in previous guidelines, we also emphasize the role of traditional Chinese medicine in OM prevention and treatment. This expert consensus aims to provide references and guidance for dental physicians and oncologists in formulating strategies for OM prevention, diagnosis, and treatment, standardizing clinical practice, reducing OM occurrence, promoting healing, and improving the quality of life of patients.
Humans ; Chemoradiotherapy/adverse effects* ; Consensus ; Risk Factors ; Stomatitis/etiology*

Central line associated bloodstream infection (CLABSI) is the most severe complication of indwelling intravascular catheters and one of the most common causes of intensive care unit (ICU)- or hospital-acquired infections. Once CLABSI occurs, it significantly increases the risk of mortality, long of hospital stay, and healthcare economic burden. In recent years, multiple large-scale clinical studies on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of CLABSI have been completed, providing evidence-based medical support for related practices. Additionally, evolving global trends in antibiotic resistance epidemiology and the development of novel antimicrobial agents necessitate adjustments in clinical management strategies. Based on these developments, the Chinese Society of Critical Care Medicine has updated and revised the Guideline on the Prevention and Treatment of Intravascular Catheter-Related Infections (2007). This guideline was developed following the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) system for evidence quality assessment. Guided by clinical questions, the working group initiated the process by defining key clinical issues, conducting literature searches, screening studies, performing meta-analyses, and synthesizing evidence-based findings to draft preliminary recommendations. These recommendations underwent iterative revisions through expert panel reviews, remote and in-person meetings, and two rounds of voting by the Standing Committee of the Chinese Society of Critical Care Medicine before finalization. The guideline comprises 52 recommendations, focusing on adult patients with central venous catheters in ICU. Key areas addressed include: selection of catheter insertion sites and techniques, catheter type and design, catheter management, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of CLABSI. The guideline aims to provide ICU healthcare professionals with best practices for central line management, ensuring standardized clinical protocols for adult CLABSI.
Humans ; Catheter-Related Infections/therapy* ; Catheterization, Central Venous/adverse effects* ; Bacteremia/therapy* ; Intensive Care Units ; Cross Infection/prevention & control*

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and clinical therapeutic effect of in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance in patients with invasive mechanical ventilation. METHODS: A prospective observational study was conducted at the department of critical care medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University from April 2022 to May 2023. Patients who were invasively ventilated and treated with in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance were enrolled. Baseline data were collected. Sputum viscosity, oxygenation index, parameters of ventilatory function and respiratory mechanics, clinical pulmonary infection score (CPIS) and vital signs before and after day 1, 2, 3, 5, 7 of use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation were assessed and recorded. Statistical analyses were performed by using generalized estimating equation (GEE). RESULTS: A total of 13 invasively ventilated patients using in-line mechanical in-exsufflation were included, all of whom were male and had respiratory failure, with the main cause being cervical spinal cord injury/high-level paraplegia (38.46%). Before the use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation, the proportion of patients with sputum viscosity of grade III was 38.46% (5/13) and decreased to 22.22% (2/9) 7 days after treatment with in-line mechanical in-exsufflation. With the prolonged use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation, the patients' CPIS scores tended to decrease significantly, with a mean decrease of 0.5 points per day (P < 0.01). Oxygenation improved significantly, with the oxygenation index (PaO₂/FiO₂) increasing by a mean of 23.3 mmHg (1 mmHg ≈ 0.133 kPa) per day and the arterial partial pressure of oxygen increasing by a mean of 12.6 mmHg per day (both P < 0.01). Compared to baseline, the respiratory mechanics of the patients improved significantly 7 days after in-line mechanical in-exsufflation use, with a significant increase in the compliance of respiratory system (Cst) [mL/cmH₂O (1 cmH₂O ≈ 0.098 kPa): 55.6 (50.0, 58.0) vs. 40.9 (37.5, 50.0), P < 0.01], and both the airway resistance and driving pressure (DP) were significantly decreased [airway resistance (cmH₂O×L^-1×s^-1): 9.6 (6.9, 10.5) vs. 12.0 (10.0, 13.0), DP (cmH₂O): 9.0 (9.0, 12.0) vs. 11.0 (10.0, 15.0), both P < 0.01]. At the same time, no new lung collapse was observed during the treatment period. No significant discomfort was reported by patients, and there were no substantial changes in heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and mean arterial pressure before and after the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation treatment. CONCLUSIONS The combined use of the in-line mechanical in-exsufflation to assist sputum clearance in patients on invasive mechanical ventilation can effectively improve sputum characteristics, oxygenation and respiratory mechanics. The in-line mechanical in-exsufflation was well tolerated by the patients, with no treatment-related adverse events, which demonstrated its effectiveness and safety.
Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Respiration, Artificial/methods* ; Respiratory Insufficiency/therapy* ; Sputum

Objective:To explore the related risk factors contributing to re-fracture after hip surgery in elderly patients.Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 2 415 elderly individuals who underwent surgical treatment for hip fractures and were discharged from Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021.Patients were grouped into re-fracture and non-re-fracture cohorts based on whether a second fracture occurred within three years after surgery.Demographics, clinical data, and postoperative functional rehabilitation outcomes of the two groups were collected, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the independent risk factors for re-fractures after surgery.Results:A total of 2, 000 patients who completed follow-up were included in the final analysis, aged 60~91 years, with a mean age of (75.4±8.2) years.Among them, 855 were male(42.75%), and the postoperative re-fracture incidence was 28.25% (565/2 000). Univariate analysis indicated that advanced age, fracture type at first onset, lower Harris scores, insufficient rehabilitation training, osteoporosis, diabetes, cerebrovascular disorders, visual impairment, and syncope were all significantly associated with re-fracture (all P<0.05), while gender differences were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Multivariate regression confirmed the following as independent risk factors: age ≥75 years, postoperative Harris score <80, non-standard rehabilitation training, combined osteoporosis, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, visual impairment, and syncope ( OR、 RR>1). Conclusions:Elderly patients are prone to re-fracture after hip surgery, and its occurrence is closely related to advanced age, inadequate functional rehabilitation, osteoporosis, and multiple internal medical comorbidities.In clinical practice, attention should be paid to standardized postoperative rehabilitation, systematic anti-osteoporotic therapy, and active intervention of comorbidities to reduce the incidence of re-fracture and improve the long-term prognosis of patients.

Objective:To explore the related risk factors contributing to re-fracture after hip surgery in elderly patients.Methods:This retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 2 415 elderly individuals who underwent surgical treatment for hip fractures and were discharged from Shanghai Sixth People's Hospital between January 2016 and December 2021.Patients were grouped into re-fracture and non-re-fracture cohorts based on whether a second fracture occurred within three years after surgery.Demographics, clinical data, and postoperative functional rehabilitation outcomes of the two groups were collected, and univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were applied to identify the independent risk factors for re-fractures after surgery.Results:A total of 2, 000 patients who completed follow-up were included in the final analysis, aged 60~91 years, with a mean age of (75.4±8.2) years.Among them, 855 were male(42.75%), and the postoperative re-fracture incidence was 28.25% (565/2 000). Univariate analysis indicated that advanced age, fracture type at first onset, lower Harris scores, insufficient rehabilitation training, osteoporosis, diabetes, cerebrovascular disorders, visual impairment, and syncope were all significantly associated with re-fracture (all P<0.05), while gender differences were not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Multivariate regression confirmed the following as independent risk factors: age ≥75 years, postoperative Harris score <80, non-standard rehabilitation training, combined osteoporosis, diabetes, cerebrovascular disease, visual impairment, and syncope ( OR、 RR>1). Conclusions:Elderly patients are prone to re-fracture after hip surgery, and its occurrence is closely related to advanced age, inadequate functional rehabilitation, osteoporosis, and multiple internal medical comorbidities.In clinical practice, attention should be paid to standardized postoperative rehabilitation, systematic anti-osteoporotic therapy, and active intervention of comorbidities to reduce the incidence of re-fracture and improve the long-term prognosis of patients.

Alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH) is a liver disease characterized by steatosis, inflammation, and necrosis of the liver tissue as a result of excessive alcohol consumption. Pregnane X receptor (PXR) is a xenobiotic nuclear receptor best known for its function in the transcriptional regulation of drug metabolism and disposition. Clinical reports suggested that the antibiotic rifampicin, a potent human PXR activator, is a contraindication in alcoholics, but the mechanism was unclear. In this study, we showed that the hepatic expression of fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) was uniquely elevated in ASH patients and a mouse model of ASH. Pharmacological inhibiting FABP4 attenuated ASH in mice. Furthermore, treatment of mice with the mouse PXR agonist pregnenolon-16α-carbonitrile (PCN) induced the hepatic and circulating levels of FABP4 and exacerbated ASH in a PXR-dependent manner. Our mechanism study established FABP4 as a transcriptional target of PXR. Treatment with andrographolide, a natural compound and dual inhibitor of PXR and FABP4, alleviated mice from ASH. In summary, our results showed that the PXR-FABP4 gene regulatory axis plays an important role in the progression of ASH, which may have accounted for the contraindication of rifampicin in patients of alcoholic liver disease. Pharmacological inhibition of PXR and/or FABP4 may have its promise in the clinical management of ASH.

ObjectiveTo investigate risk factors for postoperative sore throat in patients with double-lumen endotracheal intubation. MethodsThe data used in this post-hoc analysis were prospectively collected from a randomized， controlled trial. Age from 18 to 65 years old， ASAI-Ⅲ patients undergoing general anesthesia with a double-lumen endotracheal tube were enrolled. The perioperative data collected retrospectively were as follows： gender， age， smoking history， endotracheal tube diameter， duration of endotracheal tube， dose of Sufentanil， use of Flurbiprofen Axetil， cough after extubation， etc..Dynamometer was applied to assess extubation force. According to occurrence of postoperative sore throat， patients were divided into two groups： those who experienced sore throats and those who did not. Comparative analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to screen the risk factors. ROC curve was used for predicting the predictive value of risk factors. ResultsAmong the 163 patients ， 74 （45.4%） had postoperative sore throat vs 89 （54.6%） not had. Multivariate logistic regression showed female ［OR95%CI=3.83（1.73， 8.50）， P=0.000 1］ and extubation force ［OR95%CI=1.78（1.45， 2.17）， P＜0.001］ were independent risk factors for postoperative sore throat. AUC value showed the extubation force was 0.773［95%CI（0.701， 0.846）， P＜0.001］. Youden index was 0.447， and the cut-off valve of extubation force was 13N. ConclusionFemale and extubation force were risk factors for sore throat in patients with double lumen endotracheal intubation.