Objective To understand the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of healthcare-associated infec-tion(HAI)in neonates with different gestational ages and birth weights,and provide guidance for personalized cli-nical diagnosis and treatment.Methods According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria,240 neonates with HAI in the neonatal intensive care unit(NICU)of a hospital in Handan City from January 2018 to December 2022 were selected as the study group,720 neonates without HAI were selected as the control group based on systematic sam-pling method with a ratio of 1∶3.The incidence of HAI,distribution characteristics of infection site,pathogenic features of HAI,as well as the effect of different delivery modes on HAI in neonates with different gestational ages and birth weights were analyzed.Results Neonates with gestational age＜28 weeks and birth weight＜1 000 g had the highest incidence of HAI,which were 19.48％and 20.41％,respectively.Among neonates with gestational age＜28 weeks,unidentified site infection were the most(37.50％),while in all gestational age groups within 28-36+6 weeks,bloodstream infection(BSI)and respiratory system infection were predominant.For neonates with gestational age ≥37 weeks,BSI and unidentified site infection occurred frequently.Among neonates in all weight groups,BSI was the most frequent,followed by respiratory system infection.Pathogens from different sites of in-fections in neonates with different gestational ages and birth weights varied.Among neonates with gestational age of 28-31+6 weeks and birth weight of 1 000-1 499 g,the constituent of birth modes showed statistically significant difference between neonates with and without HAI(both P＜0.05).Conclusion Epidemiological and clinical chara-cteristics of HAI in neonates with different gestational ages and birth weights are different.For the prevention and control of HAI,individualized diagnosis and treatment plans should be developed to achieve precise prevention and control,reduce the incidence of HAI,and improve the overall treatment level of neonates.

Objective To investigate the attributable risk(AR)of Acinetobacter baumannii(AB)infection in criti-cally ill patients.Methods A multicenter retrospective cohort study was conducted among adult patients in inten-sive care unit(ICU).Patients with AB isolated from sterile body fluid and confirmed with AB infection in each cen-ter were selected as the infected group.According to the matching criteria that patients should be from the same pe-riod,in the same ICU,as well as with similar APACHE Ⅱ score(±5 points)and primary diagnosis,patients who did not infect with AB were selected as the non-infected group in a 1:2 ratio.The AR was calculated.Results The in-hospital mortality of patients with AB infection in sterile body fluid was 33.3％,and that of non-infected group was 23.1％,with no statistically significant difference between the two groups(P=0.069).The AR was 10.2％(95％CI:-2.3％-22.8％).There is no statistically significant difference in mortality between non-infected pa-tients and infected patients from whose blood,cerebrospinal fluid and other specimen sources AB were isolated(P＞0.05).After infected with AB,critically ill patients with the major diagnosis of pulmonary infection had the high-est AR.There was no statistically significant difference in mortality between patients in the infected and non-infec-ted groups(P＞0.05),or between other diagnostic classifications.Conclusion The prognosis of AB infection in critically ill patients is highly overestimated,but active healthcare-associated infection control for AB in the ICU should still be carried out.

Mutations in myosin heavy chain 7(MYH7)and myosin binding protein C3(MYBPC3)genes encoding thick filaments are the main cause of hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM),while a small part of HCM is caused by mutations of troponin C1,slow skeletal and cardiac type(TNNC1),troponin T2,cardiac type(TNNT2),troponin I3,cardiac type(TNNI3),actin alpha cardiac muscle 1(ACTC1),and tropomyosin 1(TPM1)genes encoding thin filaments.In this review,we mainly introduce the detailed mechanism and research status of HCM caused by mutations of the gene encoding cardiomyocyte sarcomere in the past few years,in order to provide reference for further study of the pathogenesis and treatment of HCM.

Objective Data mining technology was used to mine the medication rules of the prescriptions used in the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis by Chinese medical master XUAN Guo-Wei.Methods The medical records of effective cases of pediatric atopic dermatitis treated by Professor XUAN Guo-Wei at outpatient clinic were collected,and then the medical data were statistically analyzed using frequency statistics,association rule analysis and cluster analysis.Results A total of 242 prescriptions were included,involving 101 Chinese medicinals.There were 23 commonly-used herbs,and the 16 high-frequency herbs(frequency＞100 times)were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma,Saposhnikoviae Radix,Glehniae Radix,Perillae Folium,Ophiopogonis Radix,Cynanchi Paniculati Radix et Rhizoma,Microctis Folium,Dictamni Cortex,Scrophulariae Radix,Coicis Semen,Cicadae Periostracum,Lilii Bulbus,Rehmanniae Radix,Kochiae Fructus,Sclerotium Poriae Pararadicis,and Euryales Semen.The analysis of the medicinal properties showed that most of the herbs were sweet and cold,and mainly had the meridian tropism of the spleen,stomach and liver meridians.The association rule analysis yielded 24 commonly-used drug combinations and 20 association rules.Cluster analysis yielded 2 core drug combinations.Conclusion For the treatment of pediatric atopic dermatitis,Professor XUAN Guo-Wei focuses on the clearing,supplementing and harmonizing therapies,and the medication principle of"supporting the healthy-qi to eliminate the pathogen,and balancing the yin and yang"is applied throughout the treatment.

SARS-CoV-2 has posed a significant threat to a subset of the patient population.The occurrence of hematological malignancies and tumor treatment can lead to immunosuppression in patients,which significantly increases the risk of serious complications,severe incidence and mortality after SARS-CoV-2 infection.The treatment of a patient with follicular lymphoma infected with SARS-CoV-2 was described in detail.The patient remained positive for RT-PCR tests during the hospitalization for nearly 90 days.After undergoing 5 rounds of antiviral treatment,along with glucocorticoid anti-inflammatory therapy,low-molecular-weight heparin for anticoagulation,antibiotics for infection control,and respiratory support through the use of a ventilator,the patient eventually obtained negative result of the RT-PCR test.Subsequently,the patient was successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and discharged.By summarizing the treatment process of this case,we hoped to provide reference and experience for future clinical diagnosis and treatment.

OBJECTIVE: This study was aimed at investigating the carrier rate of, and molecular variation in, α- and β-globin gene mutations in Hunan Province. METHODS: We recruited 25,946 individuals attending premarital screening from 42 districts and counties in all 14 cities of Hunan Province. Hematological screening was performed, and molecular parameters were assessed. RESULTS: The overall carrier rate of thalassemia was 7.1%, including 4.83% for α-thalassemia, 2.15% for β-thalassemia, and 0.12% for both α- and β-thalassemia. The highest carrier rate of thalassemia was in Yongzhou (14.57%). The most abundant genotype of α-thalassemia and β-thalassemia was -α ^3.7/αα (50.23%) and β ^IVS-II-654/β ^N (28.23%), respectively. Four α-globin mutations [CD108 (ACC>AAC), CAP +29 (G>C), Hb Agrinio and Hb Cervantes] and six β-globin mutations [CAP +8 (C>T), IVS-II-848 (C>T), -56 (G>C), beta nt-77 (G>C), codon 20/21 (-TGGA) and Hb Knossos] had not previously been identified in China. Furthermore, this study provides the first report of the carrier rates of abnormal hemoglobin variants and α-globin triplication in Hunan Province, which were 0.49% and 1.99%, respectively. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates the high complexity and diversity of thalassemia gene mutations in the Hunan population. The results should facilitate genetic counselling and the prevention of severe thalassemia in this region.
Humans ; beta-Thalassemia/genetics* ; alpha-Thalassemia/genetics* ; Hemoglobinopathies/genetics* ; China/epidemiology* ; High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing

This study compared the chemical profiles, component content, dry paste yield, and pharmacological effects of samples obtained from the mixed single decoctions and the combined decoction of Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GQD), aiming to provide an experimental foundation for evaluating the equivalence of the two decocting methods and the suitability of TCM formula granules in clinical application. The same decoction process was used to prepare the combined decoction and mixed single decoctions of GQD. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS) was employed to compare the chemical profiles between the two groups. High-performance liquid chromatography(HPLC) was used to compare the content of nine characteristic components between the two groups. Then, a delayed diarrhea mouse model induced by irinotecan was established to compare the pharmacological effects of the two groups on chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. The UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS in ESI~+ and ESI~- modes identified 59 chemical components in the compound decoction and mixed single decoctions, which showed no obvious differences in component species. The content of baicalin and wogonoside was higher in the compound decoction, while that of puerarin, daidzein-8-C-apiosylglucoside, berberine, epiberberine, wogonin, glycyrrhizic acid, and daidzein was higher in the mixed single decoctions. Further statistical analysis revealed no significant difference in the content of the nine characteristic components between the compound decoction and the mixed single decoctions. The dry paste yield had no significant difference between the two groups. Compared with the model group, both compound decoction and mixed single decoctions alleviated the weight loss and reduced diarrhea index in mice. Both of them lowered the levels of tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β(IL-1β), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2), intercellular adhesion molecule-1(ICAM-1), interleukin-10(IL-10), malondialdehyde(MDA), and nitric oxide(NO) in the colon tissue. Furthermore, they significantly increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase(GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase(SOD). Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining showed that colon tissue cells were tightly arranged with clear nuclei in both groups without obvious difference. The compound decoction and mixed single decoctions showed no significant differences in chemical component species, content of nine characteristic components, dry paste yield, or the pharmacological effects on alleviating chemotherapy-induced diarrhea. The findings provide a reference for evaluating the flexibility and superiority of combined or single decocting method in the preparation of TCM decoctions or formula granules.
Animals ; Mice ; Biological Products ; Chromatography, High Pressure Liquid ; Coleoptera ; Cyclooxygenase 2 ; Diarrhea/drug therapy* ; Antineoplastic Agents

Purpose: The global fight against the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has led to widespread vaccination efforts, yet the optimal dosing schedule for SARS-CoV-2 vaccines remains a subject of ongoing research. This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of administering two booster doses as the third and fourth doses at different intervals to enhance vaccine protection. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at a military regional hospital operated by the Ministry of National Defense in Taiwan. A cohort of vaccinated individuals was selected, and their vaccine potency was assessed at various time intervals following their initial vaccine administration. The study participants received booster doses as the third and fourth doses, with differing time intervals between them. The study monitored neutralizing antibody titers and other relevant parameters to assess vaccine efficacy. Results: Our findings revealed that the potency of the SARS-CoV-2 vaccine exhibited a significant decline 80 days after the initial vaccine administration. However, a longer interval of 175 days between booster injections resulted in significantly higher neutralizing antibody titers. The individuals who received the extended interval boosters exhibited a more robust immune response, suggesting that a vaccine schedule with a 175-day interval between injections may provide superior protection against SARS-CoV-2. Conclusion This study underscores the importance of optimizing vaccine booster dosing schedules to maximize protection against SARS-CoV-2. The results indicate that a longer interval of 175 days between the third and fourth doses of the vaccine can significantly enhance the neutralizing antibody response, potentially offering improved protection against the virus. These findings have important implications for vaccine distribution and administration strategies in the ongoing battle against the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic. Further research and large-scale trials are needed to confirm and extend these findings for broader public health implications.

The resin ethanol extract of Gegen Qinlian Decoction(GGQLD) has been found to significantly alleviate the intestinal toxicity caused by Irinotecan, but further research is needed to establish its overall quality and clinical medication standards. This study aimed to establish an HPLC characteristic fingerprint of the resin ethanol extract of GGQLD, predicted the targets and signaling pathways of its pharmacological effects based on network pharmacology, identified core compounds with pharmacological relevance, and analyzed potential quality markers(Q-markers) of the resin eluate of GGQLD for relieving Irinotecan-induced toxicity. By considering the uniqueness, measurability, and traceability of Q-markers based on the "five principles" of Q-markers and combining them with network pharmacology techniques, the overall efficacy of the resin ethanol extract of GGQLD can be characterized. Preliminary predictions suggested that the four components of puerarin, berberine, baicalin, and baicalein might serve as potential Q-markers for the resin etha-nol extract of GGQLD. This study provides a basis and references for the quality control and clinical mechanism of the resin ethanol extract of GGQLD.
Irinotecan ; Network Pharmacology ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use*

Objective: To investigate the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and sexual development in Chinese children. Methods: A nationwide multicenter and population-based large cross-sectional study was conducted in 13 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities of China from January 2017 to December 2018. Data on sex, age, height, weight were collected, BMI was calculated and sexual characteristics were analyzed. The subjects were divided into four groups based on age, including ages 3-<6 years, 6-<10 years, 10-<15 years and 15-<18 years. Multiple Logistic regression models were used for evaluating the associations of BMI with sexual development in children. Dichotomous Logistic regression was used to compare the differences in the distribution of early and non-early puberty among normal weight, overweight and obese groups. Curves were drawn to analyze the relationship between the percentage of early puberty and BMI distribution in girls and boys at different Tanner stages. Results: A total of 208 179 healthy children (96 471 girls and 111 708 boys) were enrolled in this study. The OR values of B2, B3 and B4+ in overweight girls were 1.72 (95%CI: 1.56-1.89), 3.19 (95%CI: 2.86-3.57), 7.14 (95%CI: 6.33-8.05) and in obese girls were 2.05 (95%CI: 1.88-2.24), 4.98 (95%CI: 4.49-5.53), 11.21 (95%CI: 9.98-12.59), respectively; while the OR values of G2, G3, G4+ in overweight boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.38), 1.52 (95%CI: 1.36-1.70), 1.88 (95%CI: 1.66-2.14) and in obese boys were 1.27 (95%CI: 1.17-1.37), 1.59 (95%CI: 1.43-1.78), and 1.93 (95%CI: 1.70-2.18) (compared with normal weight Tanner 1 group,all P<0.01). Analysis in different age groups found that OR values of obese girls at B2 stage and boys at G2 stage were 2.02 (95%CI: 1.06-3.86) and 2.32 (95%CI:1.05-5.12) in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, respectively (both P<0.05). And in the age group of 6-10 years, overweight girls had a 5.45-fold risk and obese girls had a 12.54-fold risk of B3 stage compared to girls with normal BMI. Compared with normal weight children, the risk of early puberty was 2.67 times higher in overweight girls, 3.63 times higher in obese girls, and 1.22 times higher in overweight boys, 1.35 times higher in obese boys (all P<0.01). Among the children at each Tanner stages, the percentage of early puberty increased with the increase of BMI, from 5.7% (80/1 397), 16.1% (48/299), 13.8% (27/195) to 25.7% (198/769), 65.1% (209/321), 65.4% (157/240) in girls aged 8-<9, 10-<11 and 11-<12 years, and 6.6% (34/513), 18.7% (51/273), 21.6% (57/264) to 13.3% (96/722), 46.4% (140/302), 47.5% (105/221) in boys aged 9-<10, 12-<13 and 13-<14 years, respectively. Conclusions: BMI is positively correlated with sexual development in both Chinese boys and girls, and the correlation is stronger in girls. Obesity is a risk factor for precocious puberty in preschool children aged 3-<6 years, and 6-<10 years of age is a high risk period for early development in obese girls.
Adolescent ; Body Mass Index ; Child ; Child, Preschool ; China/epidemiology* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Obesity/epidemiology* ; Overweight/epidemiology* ; Puberty ; Puberty, Precocious ; Sexual Development