Objective To analyze the impact of digital conversion of screen-film chest radiographs on image quality in patients with pneumoconiosis. Methods Ten high-kilovoltage screen-film chest radiographs from pneumoconiosis patients were digitally converted using three devices, including a digital single-lens reflex camera, a smartphone, and a medical film scanner. The image quality and optical density values before and after image adjustment were compared across different image formats. Results Before adjustment, among the 30 JPEG images, 24 had diagnostic defect areas and 26 had unqualified optical density values. In RAW format, optical density values were not qualified in 18 out of 30 images. In DICOM format, optical density values were not qualified in nine of ten images. After adjustment, optical density values were not qualified in 13 JPEG images, 12 RAW images, and one DICOM image. Comparisons of chest radiograph quality grade distributions before and after adjustment showed significant differences for all three image formats (all P<0.05). Conclusion After being digitally converted by taking images in RAW format with digital photographic equipment and undergoing post-processing adjustment, the quality of screen-film chest radiographs for pneumoconiosis can meet the diagnostic requirements.

Objective:To investigate the related factors of kidney injury in patients with masked hypertension (MHT).Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 311 MHT patients who visited Dongguan Liaobu Community Health Service from June 1,2022 to June 1, 2023 were enrolled in the study. The complete blood biochemistry, urinary microalbumin and 24-hour urinary protein tests were conducted, and the risk factors of renal injury in MHT patients were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.Results:The age of the 311 enrolled patients was(48.8±9.2)years, with 192 males(61.7%) There were 73 cases with microalbuminuria (MAU), accounting for 23.47% (73/311); and 28 cases of positive 24-hour urine total protein (24-hour UTP), accounted for 9.00% (28/311). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that fasting blood glucose level and mean nocturnal systolic blood pressure were independent risk factors of positive MAU in MHT patients ( OR=1.577, 95% CI: 1.049-2.370, P=0.030; OR=1.024, 95% CI: 1.001-1.047, P=0.038), while older age was a protective factor of MAU ( OR=0.965, 95% CI: 0.935-0.997, P=0.030); mean nocturnal systolic pressure, 24-hour mean systolic pressure and mean diurnal systolic pressure were independent risk factors of positive 24-hour UTP in MHT patients ( OR=1.031,95% CI: 1.000-1.064, P=0.049; OR=1.048,95% CI: 1.008-1.091, P=0.020; OR=1.042,95% CI: 1.003-1.083, P=0.035). Conclusion:Older age, fasting blood glucose, mean nocturnal systolic pressure, 24-hour mean systolic pressure and mean diurnal systolic pressure are associated with the renal injury in MHT patients.

Objective:To evaluate the utility of pulse oximetry-derived parameters—specifically, the pulse oximetry plethysmographic waveform area under the curve (POP AUC) and the peripheral perfusion index (PPI)—in assessing disease severity and predicting prognosis in patients with sepsis. Methods:In this prospective descriptive study, 68 patients with sepsis were categorized based on illness severity into septic shock and non-shock groups, and by 28-day outcome into survival and non-survival groups. POP AUC, PPI, and lactate (Lac) levels were recorded at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 96 hours after admission. APACHEⅡ and SOFA scores were calculated within the first 24 hours. The prognostic value of these parameters was evaluated. Results:Significant differences were observed between the septic shock and non-shock groups in POP AUC, PPI, Lac (all P < 0.05 except at 96 h), APACHEⅡ, and SOFA scores (all P < 0.05). These differences were most pronounced at admission: POP AUC0 (2475.1 ± 899.0) vs. (4260.3 ± 1028.5), PPI 0 (0.78 ± 0.74) vs. (3.13 ± 2.18), Lac 0 (4.95 ± 4.32) vs. (2.07 ± 1.55), APACHE Ⅱ (16.78 ± 5.59) vs. 11.82 ± 4.89), and SOFA (8.89 ± 3.25) vs. (5.06 ± 2.60). Optimal prognostic cut-off values were 2741.43 for POP AUC, 0.97 for PPI, 2.05 for Lac, 12.5 for APACHEⅡ, and 5.5 for SOFA. ROC curve analysis showed that at 24 hours, POP AUC and PPI had significantly larger AUC values than Lac ( P < 0.05), while no significant differences were found among other parameters. Significant differences between non-survivors and survivors were also found in POP AUC, PPI (at 0, 24, and 48 h), APACHE II, and SOFA (all P < 0.05). No significant differences were observed in PPI (72 h and 96 h) or Lac between the two outcome groups. Conclusions:POP AUC and PPI, as derived from pulse oximetry, are non-inferior to Lac, SOFA, and APACHEⅡ scores in evaluating disease severity and predicting 28-day mortality in sepsis patients. These parameters show promise as practical and non-invasive tools for clinical assessment in sepsis.

Objective:To investigate the related factors of kidney injury in patients with masked hypertension (MHT).Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. A total of 311 MHT patients who visited Dongguan Liaobu Community Health Service from June 1,2022 to June 1, 2023 were enrolled in the study. The complete blood biochemistry, urinary microalbumin and 24-hour urinary protein tests were conducted, and the risk factors of renal injury in MHT patients were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression.Results:The age of the 311 enrolled patients was(48.8±9.2)years, with 192 males(61.7%) There were 73 cases with microalbuminuria (MAU), accounting for 23.47% (73/311); and 28 cases of positive 24-hour urine total protein (24-hour UTP), accounted for 9.00% (28/311). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that fasting blood glucose level and mean nocturnal systolic blood pressure were independent risk factors of positive MAU in MHT patients ( OR=1.577, 95% CI: 1.049-2.370, P=0.030; OR=1.024, 95% CI: 1.001-1.047, P=0.038), while older age was a protective factor of MAU ( OR=0.965, 95% CI: 0.935-0.997, P=0.030); mean nocturnal systolic pressure, 24-hour mean systolic pressure and mean diurnal systolic pressure were independent risk factors of positive 24-hour UTP in MHT patients ( OR=1.031,95% CI: 1.000-1.064, P=0.049; OR=1.048,95% CI: 1.008-1.091, P=0.020; OR=1.042,95% CI: 1.003-1.083, P=0.035). Conclusion:Older age, fasting blood glucose, mean nocturnal systolic pressure, 24-hour mean systolic pressure and mean diurnal systolic pressure are associated with the renal injury in MHT patients.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety profile of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir ± ribavirin (SOF/VEL/VOX±RBV) for salvage treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients who have failed direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).Methods:Patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed DAAs±RBV treatment and were treated in five hospitals in Chongqing, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Guangxi from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study. One or more courses of DAAs±RBV therapy were evaluated for all patients who had been previously treated. Virological rebound occurrence was observed during the follow-up. SOF/VEL/VOX±RBV was used for one course of salvage treatment. Virological and biochemical indicators were analyzed before salvage therapy, post-treatment, and drug discontinuation at 12 weeks. Adverse drug events were recorded during treatment. Data between groups were compared using t-tests or non-parametric tests.Results:A total of 26 cases of chronic hepatitis C who had failed DAAs±RBV were included in this study, with an age of (52.9±9.6) years. Twenty-one cases (80.8%) were male, sixteen (61.5%) had a history of drug abuse, two (7.7%) had combined human immunodeficiency virus infection, and fourteen (53.8%) had combined cirrhosis. The previous DAA regimen of 21 cases (80.8%) included SOF/VEL. The baseline HCV RNA load of salvage treatment was (5.8±1.6) log 10 IU/ml, and 16 cases (61.5%) were genotype 3. All patients completed the 12-week SOF/VEL/VOX±RBV salvage treatment and achieved sustained virological response (SVR) at the end of treatment. All 22 cases were followed up for 12 weeks following treatment completion and attained SVR12, including patients with genotype 3 and cirrhosis. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) had normalized return rates of 94.1% and 93.8%, respectively, following therapy. ALT, AST, FIB-4 index, APRI, and aPMAP scores were significantly lower than those before treatment ( Z=-3.980, -3.875, -3.461, -3.582, P<0.05). The proportion of patients in the high-risk group of liver cancer dropped (52.6% before treatment and 33.3% after treatment), and more patients were reclassified to medium-and low-risk groups. Two cases (7.7%) experienced nausea and diarrhea, one case (3.8%) had a headache, and one case (3.8%) had fatigue, all of which were well managed during treatment. There were no serious adverse events, deaths, or interruptions of treatment due to adverse reactions. Conclusions:SOF/VEL/VOX is a safe and effective salvage treatment option for chronic hepatitis C patients who have failed DAAs therapy, and may be particularly beneficial to refractory populations infected with genotype 3 and combined with cirrhosis.

Objective:To investigate the species and distribution of mosquito-borne arboviruses in the southeastern part of Gansu province.Methods:In 2023, mosquitoes were collected using ultraviolet lights in Longnan and Tianshui regions of Gansu province. After classification by morphology, about 50 are only 1 batch. RT-qPCR was used to detect the RNA of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Banna virus (BAV), Getah virus (GETV), Culex flavivirus (CxFV) and Tahyna virus (TAHV). The genomes of the positive samples were sequenced and the genetic evolution of the virus genomes were analyzed by bioinformatics software.Results:In total, there were 8 176 mosquitoes from 4 genera and 9 species collected from Longnan and Tianshui from June to August 2023. Culex tritaeniorhynchus was the most common species with 55.80% (4 562/8 176) of the total mosquitoes collected, followed by 16.43% (1 343/8 176) of Culex pipiens pallens. A total of 263 batches of samples were obtained, and the nucleic acid test showed that 1 batch was positive for JEV, 2 batches were positive for BAV, 3 batches were positive for GETV and 25 batches were positive for CxFV. Conclusions:Culex tritaeniorhynchus was the dominant mosquito species in the southeastern part of Gansu province, and local mosquitoes carried a variety of arboviruses.

Objective:To investigate the species and distribution of mosquito-borne arboviruses in the southeastern part of Gansu province.Methods:In 2023, mosquitoes were collected using ultraviolet lights in Longnan and Tianshui regions of Gansu province. After classification by morphology, about 50 are only 1 batch. RT-qPCR was used to detect the RNA of Japanese encephalitis virus (JEV), Banna virus (BAV), Getah virus (GETV), Culex flavivirus (CxFV) and Tahyna virus (TAHV). The genomes of the positive samples were sequenced and the genetic evolution of the virus genomes were analyzed by bioinformatics software.Results:In total, there were 8 176 mosquitoes from 4 genera and 9 species collected from Longnan and Tianshui from June to August 2023. Culex tritaeniorhynchus was the most common species with 55.80% (4 562/8 176) of the total mosquitoes collected, followed by 16.43% (1 343/8 176) of Culex pipiens pallens. A total of 263 batches of samples were obtained, and the nucleic acid test showed that 1 batch was positive for JEV, 2 batches were positive for BAV, 3 batches were positive for GETV and 25 batches were positive for CxFV. Conclusions:Culex tritaeniorhynchus was the dominant mosquito species in the southeastern part of Gansu province, and local mosquitoes carried a variety of arboviruses.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety profile of sofosbuvir/velpatasvir/voxilaprevir ± ribavirin (SOF/VEL/VOX±RBV) for salvage treatment of chronic hepatitis C patients who have failed direct-acting antivirals (DAAs).Methods:Patients with chronic hepatitis C who failed DAAs±RBV treatment and were treated in five hospitals in Chongqing, Guangdong, Guizhou, and Guangxi from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in this retrospective study. One or more courses of DAAs±RBV therapy were evaluated for all patients who had been previously treated. Virological rebound occurrence was observed during the follow-up. SOF/VEL/VOX±RBV was used for one course of salvage treatment. Virological and biochemical indicators were analyzed before salvage therapy, post-treatment, and drug discontinuation at 12 weeks. Adverse drug events were recorded during treatment. Data between groups were compared using t-tests or non-parametric tests.Results:A total of 26 cases of chronic hepatitis C who had failed DAAs±RBV were included in this study, with an age of (52.9±9.6) years. Twenty-one cases (80.8%) were male, sixteen (61.5%) had a history of drug abuse, two (7.7%) had combined human immunodeficiency virus infection, and fourteen (53.8%) had combined cirrhosis. The previous DAA regimen of 21 cases (80.8%) included SOF/VEL. The baseline HCV RNA load of salvage treatment was (5.8±1.6) log 10 IU/ml, and 16 cases (61.5%) were genotype 3. All patients completed the 12-week SOF/VEL/VOX±RBV salvage treatment and achieved sustained virological response (SVR) at the end of treatment. All 22 cases were followed up for 12 weeks following treatment completion and attained SVR12, including patients with genotype 3 and cirrhosis. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) had normalized return rates of 94.1% and 93.8%, respectively, following therapy. ALT, AST, FIB-4 index, APRI, and aPMAP scores were significantly lower than those before treatment ( Z=-3.980, -3.875, -3.461, -3.582, P<0.05). The proportion of patients in the high-risk group of liver cancer dropped (52.6% before treatment and 33.3% after treatment), and more patients were reclassified to medium-and low-risk groups. Two cases (7.7%) experienced nausea and diarrhea, one case (3.8%) had a headache, and one case (3.8%) had fatigue, all of which were well managed during treatment. There were no serious adverse events, deaths, or interruptions of treatment due to adverse reactions. Conclusions:SOF/VEL/VOX is a safe and effective salvage treatment option for chronic hepatitis C patients who have failed DAAs therapy, and may be particularly beneficial to refractory populations infected with genotype 3 and combined with cirrhosis.

Cancer immunotherapy has become a new generation of anti-tumor treatment, but its indications still focus on several types of tumors that are sensitive to the immune system. Therefore, effective strategies that can expand its indications and enhance its efficiency become the key element for the further development of cancer immunotherapy. Natural products are reported to have this effect on cancer immunotherapy, including cancer vaccines, immune-check points inhibitors, and adoptive immune-cells therapy. And the mechanism of that is mainly attributed to the remodeling of the tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment, which is the key factor that assists tumor to avoid the recognition and attack from immune system and cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, this review summarizes and concludes the natural products that reportedly improve cancer immunotherapy and investigates the mechanism. And we found that saponins, polysaccharides, and flavonoids are mainly three categories of natural products, which reflected significant effects combined with cancer immunotherapy through reversing the tumor-immunosuppressive microenvironment. Besides, this review also collected the studies about nano-technology used to improve the disadvantages of natural products. All of these studies showed the great potential of natural products in cancer immunotherapy.

Objective:Taking emergency department (ED) as a starting point, to analyze the epidemiological characteristics and mortality risk factors of sepsis, and to provide evidences for ED to carry out the strategy of "three early and two lower" for sepsis.Methods:Based on the ED and inpatient medical record management information platform of Tianjin Medical University Gernal Hospital, adult ED patients with sepsis from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2020 were included according to the third international consensus definitions for sepsis and septic shock in 2016 and the consensus of Chinese experts on early prevention and blocking of sepsis in 2020. The epidemiological characteristics of patients were retrospectively analyzed. Chi-square test was used to compare the difference of age, sex, hospitalization times, length of stay, hospitalization cost and infection location between dead patients and survival patients, and a stepwise logistic regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of mortality in hospitalized patients with ED sepsis.Results:A total of 7 494 patients with sepsis in ED were included in this study, and the annual and monthly component ratios varied from 3.8‰ to 6.1‰ and 2.0‰ to 9.0‰, respectively. The main characteristics of patients with sepsis in ED were as follows: 40-69 years old (46.0%), male (59.0%), mostly diagnosed with sepsis (96.8%), mainly treated with urban health insurance (59.6%), and ED diagnosis and treatment fees of 2 000-8 000 Yuan (51.1%). The mortality of hospitalized patients with ED sepsis was 24.4% and that of hospitalized patients with septic shock was 28.8%. The main characteristics of hospitalized patients with ED sepsis were as follows: most of them were male (56.2%) patients over 70 years old (56.0%), most of them were diagnosed with sepsis (94.0%) and hospitalized for the first time (76.0%), the median hospitalization time was 15 d, most of them were hospitalized under urban health insurance (65.2%), and the median hospitalization fees was 47 000 Yuan. The risk factors of death were influenced by age and length of stay. Patients aged 70 years or older had a higher risk of death than those aged from 18 to 39 years, and patients with a length of stay of more than 7 d had a lower risk of death than those with a length of stay of shorter than 7 d. The primary infection focus were mainly respiratory and urinary systems, while the death rate of patients with hematological and abdominal infections was relatively high, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.01). Respiratory and abdominal infections were risk factors for death in patients with ED sepsis. Conclusions:The composition ratio of sepsis in ED patients is not regular in time, so vigilance of sepsis in elderly men and patients with respiratory system, blood system, urinary system and abdominal infections should be constantly raised. Patients with sepsis who are older, hospitalized more frequently, hospitalized for a shorter time, and infected in the respiratory system or abdomen have a higher risk of death.