OBJECTIVE: To investigate chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection's effect on gestational liver function, pregnancy and delivery complications, and neonatal development. METHODS: A total of 157 HCV antibody-positive (anti-HCV[+]) and HCV RNA(+) patients (Group C) and 121 anti-HCV(+) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group B) were included as study participants, while 142 anti-HCV(-) and HCV RNA(-) patients (Group A) were the control group. Data on biochemical indices during pregnancy, pregnancy complications, delivery-related information, and neonatal complications were also collected. RESULTS: Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) rates in Group C during early, middle, and late pregnancy were 59.87%, 43.95%, and 42.04%, respectively-significantly higher than Groups B (26.45%, 15.70%, 10.74%) and A (23.94%, 19.01%, 6.34%) ( P < 0.05). Median ALT levels in Group C were significantly higher than in Groups A and B at all pregnancy stages ( P < 0.05). No significant differences were found in neonatal malformation rates across groups ( P > 0.05). However, neonatal jaundice incidence was significantly greater in Group C (75.16%) compared to Groups A (42.25%) and B (57.02%) ( χ ² = 33.552, P < 0.001). HCV RNA positivity during pregnancy was an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice ( OR = 2.111, 95% CI 1.242-3.588, P = 0.006). CONCLUSIONS Chronic HCV infection can affect the liver function of pregnant women, but does not increase the pregnancy or delivery complication risks. HCV RNA(+) is an independent risk factor for neonatal jaundice.
Humans ; Female ; Pregnancy ; Adult ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pregnancy Outcome ; Infant, Newborn ; Viremia/virology* ; Hepatitis C ; Hepacivirus/physiology* ; Hepatitis C, Chronic/virology* ; Young Adult ; Alanine Transaminase/blood*

OBJECTIVE: Recombination events are common and serve as the primary driving force of diverse human adenovirus (HAdV), particularly in children with acute respiratory tract infections (ARIs). Therefore, continual monitoring of these events is essential for effective viral surveillance and control. METHODS: Respiratory specimens were collected from children with ARIs between January 2022 and December 2023. The penton base, hexon, and fiber genes were amplified from HAdV-positive specimens and sequenced to determine the virus type. In cases with inconsistent typing results, genes were cloned into the pGEM-T vector to detect recombination events. Metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) was performed to characterize the recombinant HAdV genomes. RESULTS: Among 6,771 specimens, 277 (4.09%, 277/6,771) were positvie for HAdV, of which 157 (56.68%, 157/277) were successfully typed, with HAdV-B3 being the dominant type (91.08%, 143/157), and 14 (5.05%, 14/277) exhibited inconsistent typing results, six of which belonged to species B. The penton base genes of these six specimens were classified as HAdV-B7, whereas their hexon and fiber genes were classified as HAdV-B3, resulting in a recombinant genotype designated P7H3F3, which closely resembled HAdV-B114. Additionally, a partial gene encoding L1 52/55 kD was identified, which originated from HAdV-B16. CONCLUSION A novel recombinant, P7H3F3, was identified, containing sequences derived from HAdV-B3 and HAdV-B7, which is similar to HAdV-B114, along with additional sequences from HAdV-B16.
Humans ; Adenoviruses, Human/isolation & purification* ; Respiratory Tract Infections/epidemiology* ; Child, Preschool ; Child ; Recombination, Genetic ; Male ; Beijing/epidemiology* ; Infant ; Female ; Phylogeny ; Adenovirus Infections, Human/epidemiology* ; Acute Disease ; Genome, Viral

OBJECTIVE: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) can result in fatigue and post-exertional malaise; however, whether severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection exacerbates lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) is unclear. This study investigated the association between prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection and postpartum LUTS. METHODS: A multicenter, retrospective cohort study was conducted at two tertiary hospitals in China from November 1, 2022, to November 1, 2023. Participants were classified into infected and uninfected groups based on SARS-CoV-2 antigen results. LUTS prevalence and severity were assessed using self-reported symptoms and the Incontinence Impact Questionnaire-Short Form (IIQ-7). Pelvic floor muscle activity was measured using electromyography following the Glazer protocol. Group comparisons were performed to evaluate the association of SARS-CoV-2 infection with LUTS and electromyography parameters, with stratified analyses conducted using SPSS version 26.0. RESULTS: Among 3,652 participants (681 infected, 2,971 uninfected), no significant differences in LUTS prevalence or IIQ-7 scores were observed. However, SARS-CoV-2 infection was an independent factor influencing the electromyographic activity of the pelvic floor muscles (mean tonic contraction amplitudes), regardless of delivery mode ( P = 0.001). CONCLUSION Prenatal SARS-CoV-2 infection was not significantly associated with an increased risk of postpartum LUTS but independently altered pelvic floor muscle electromyographic activity, suggesting potential neuromuscular effects.
Humans ; Female ; COVID-19/epidemiology* ; Retrospective Studies ; Adult ; Pregnancy ; Lower Urinary Tract Symptoms/virology* ; Postpartum Period ; Pregnancy Complications, Infectious/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Electromyography ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pelvic Floor/physiopathology* ; Prevalence

Objective To investigate the dosimetric differences in preoperative short-course volumetric modulated arc therapy(VMAT)for rectal cancer using different fluence smoothing(FS)levels in the Monaco Treatment Planning System(Monaco TPS).Methods Twenty rectal cancer patients who received preoperative neoadjuvant short-course VMAT at some hospital from September 2021 to December 2022 were retrospectively selected.Four groups of radiotherapy plans were formulated using the Monaco TPS for each case,which were classified into an off group,a low group,a medium group and a high group based on the FS levels.Then the four groups were compared in terms of the dosimetric parameters,monitor unit and number of the segments in the planning target volume(PTV)and organ at risk(OAR).Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 27.0 software.Results All the four groups had the doses to the target volume meeting clinical requirements,which had no significant differences in the doses to 5％(D5％)and 95％(D95％)to the target volume and the maximum dose(Dmax),minimum dose(Dmin),mean dose(Dmean)and conformity index(all P＞0.05).Statistical differences were found between the homogeneity indexes of the four groups(P＜0.05),with the medium group behaving the best.The number of the segments rose while the mornitor units decreased siginificantly with the increase of FS levels,with the differences being statistically significant(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences between the V25,V20,V15 and V10 of the small intestine,the V25 and V20 of the bladder and the V15 and V10 of the left and right femur(all P＞0.05).Conclusion In preoperative short-course VMAT for rectal cancer,clinical requirements can be met with different FS levels in the Monaco TPS,and medium-level FS results in optimal overall dose distribution in terms of treatment planning.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):48-53]

[Objective]To evaluate the utility of left atrial(LA)volume and strain measured by 4D auto left atrial quantification(4D auto LAQ)in differentiating pre-capillary from post-capillary pulmonary hypertension(PH),and to compare its discriminative performance with echocardiographic pulmonary to left atrial global strain ratio(ePLAGS).[Methods]A total of ninety-eight subjects with intermediate to high probability of PH were prospectively enrolled.Clinical history and laboratory data were collected.All patients underwent comprehensive transthoracic echocardiography,and LA volume and strain parameters were measured by dedicated commercial software for LA 4D analysis.[Results]Based on pulmonary arterial wedge pressure,patients were divided into pre-capillary PH group[n=39;mean age(53±24)years]and post-capillary PH group[n=59;mean age(57±18)years].Compared to the pre-capillary PH group,the post-capillary PH group showed significantly higher LAVImax,LAVImin and LAVIpreA but markedly lower LASr and LAScd.Multivariate logistic regression identified LAVImax[OR:1.40;95%CI:(1.052,1.872);P=0.021]and LAScd[OR:1.76;95%CI:(1.183,2.489);P=0.004]as independent predictors of post-capillary PH.ROC analysis demonstrated that LAVImax(AUC=0.82,P＜0.001)and LAScd(AUC=0.78,P＜0.001)had strong discriminating power for predicting post-capillary PH group,with optimal cutoff values of 35.69 mL/m2(sensitivity 86%,specificity 74%)and-9%(sensitivity 80%,specificity70%).[Conclusion]LAVImax and LAScd measured with 4D auto LAQ are robust parameters for distinguishing pre-capillary PH from post-capillary PH.

Objective:To explore the influencing factors of dietary habits on the progression from prediabetes to type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)in elderly individuals undergoing health check-ups.Methods:In the cross-sectional study, we enrolled individuals aged 60-70 years with fasting plasma glucose (FPG)≥6.0 mmol/L who underwent health examinations at the Health Management Medical Center of Wenjiang District People's Hospital in Chengdu from 2019 to 2022.Demographic characteristics, dietary habit questionnaires, and FPG values were collected.Unconditional binary logistic regression analysis was used to identify factors influencing the natural progression from prediabetes to T2DM.A nomogram prediction model was established based on logistic regression results, and its predictive performance was evaluated by calculating the C-statistics and drawing a calibration curve.Results:A total of 13 681 elderly participants with FPG ≥6.0 mmol/L were included, comprising 4 306(31.5%)prediabetes cases(FPG 6.0-7.0 mmol/L), aged(63.54±16.49)years and 9 375(68.5%)T2DM cases(FPG>7.0 mmol/L), aged(63.09±16.21)years.Unconditional binary logistic regression analysis showed that frequent breakfast( OR=0.777, 95% CI: 0.696-0.868, P<0.001), dietary preference for light diet( OR=0.781, 95% CI: 0.710-0.858, P<0.001), salty taste( OR=0.571, 95% CI: 0.504-0.648, P<0.001), raw food( OR=0.327, 95% CI: 0.224-0.478, P<0.001)and spicy taste( OR=0.124, 95% CI: 0.112-0.137, P<0.001)were the protective factors for the conversion of prediabetes to the T2DM stage in the elderly physical examination population.While fast eating rate( OR=4.327, 95% CI: 3.978-4.772, P<0.001), dietary preference for sweets( OR=5.168, 95% CI: 4.703-5.678, P<0.001), and high-fat diet( OR=1.401, 95% CI: 1.275-1.539, P<0.001)were risk factors for conversion of prediabetes to T2DM stage.C-statistic of the Nomogram prediction model was 0.781; the goodness-of-fit test of the calibration curve was χ2=11.258, P=0.188, and the model predicted well. Conclusions:Regular breakfast, light diet, and dietary preferences for salty, raw, and spicy foods were protective factors for the transition from prediabetes to T2DM stage, whereas rapid eating rate, preference for sweets, and high-fat diets were risk factors for the transition from prediabetes to T2DM stage in the medical examination population.The constructed risk prediction model helped to find out the magnitude of the risk of T2DM in an individual, which increases the evidence for the transition from prediabetes to T2DM stage prevention evidence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a hospital-made resuscitation pack, a Chinese medicinal herbal compound formula designed to enhance recovery in post-bronchoscopy patients. METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial, eligible patients were randomly assigned 1:1 to either the treatment or control groups. The patients in the treatment group applied the resuscitation pack, which contained aromatic compounded Chinese herbs. The patients in the control group applied a hospital-made, single herb placebo pack. Packs were placed on the Tiantu (CV 22) acupuncture point for 4 h as soon as the bronchoscopy finished. Efficacy indicators, such as recovery time, patients' symptoms including nausea and dizziness, and adverse events (AEs) were observed and compared. The outcome indices were evaluated at baseline, 1 and 24 h after the bronchoscopy. Subgroup analysis was further performed by patients' age and depth of sedation. RESULTS: When applying generalized estimating equations (GEE) to evaluate the intensity of post-bronchoscopy nausea and vomiting, the intensity was lower in the treatment group (163 cases) compared with the control group (162 cases; 95% CI: 0.004, 0.099, P=0.03]. Also, significantly lower intensity of nausea was observed in the 60-70 years of age subgroup (95% CI: 0.029, 0.169, P=0.006) and deep sedation subgroup (95% CI: 0.002, 0.124; P=0.04). There was no significant difference in dizziness between two groups by GEE (95% CI: -0.134, 0.297; P=0.459). In addition, no serious AEs were observed in either group. CONCLUSIONS Our study found that the resuscitation pack markedly improved patients' symptoms by reducing nausea and vomiting after bronchoscopy without AEs, compared with placebo in the perioperative period. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2000038299).
Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Bronchoscopy/adverse effects* ; Single-Blind Method ; Aged ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/adverse effects* ; Treatment Outcome ; Resuscitation ; Adult ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Lymph node metastasis (LNM) is a crucial risk factor influencing an unfavorable prognosis in specific cancers. Fundamental research illuminates our understanding of tumor behavior and identifies valuable therapeutic targets. Nevertheless, the exploration of fundamental theories and the validation of clinical therapies hinge on preclinical experiments. Preclinical models, in this context, serve as the conduit connecting fundamental theories to clinical outcomes. In vivo models established in animals offer a valuable platform for comprehensively observing interactions between tumor cells and organisms. Using various experimental animals, including mice, diverse methods, such as carcinogen-induced tumorigenesis, tumor cell line or human tumor transplantation, genetic engineering, and humanization, have been used effectively to construct numerous models for tumor LNM. Carcinogen-induced models simulate the entire process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Transplantation models, using human tumor cell lines or patient-derived tumors, offer a research platform closely mirroring the histology and clinical behavior of human tumors. Genetically engineered models have been used to delve into the mechanisms of primary tumorigenesis within an intact microenvironment. Humanized models are used to overcome barriers between human and murine immune systems. Beyond mouse models, various other animal models have unique advantages and limitations, all contributing to exploring LNM. This review summarizes existing in vitro and animal preclinical models, identifies current bottlenecks in preclinical research, and offers an outlook on forthcoming preclinical models.
Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Lymphatic Metastasis/pathology* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Cell Line, Tumor

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the effect of interferon-λ1 (IFN-λ1) on glucocorticoid (GC) resistance in human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) stimulated by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). METHODS: HBECs were divided into five groups: control, dexamethasone, IFN-λ1, RSV, and RSV+IFN-λ1. CCK-8 assay was used to measure the effect of different concentrations of IFN-λ1 on the viability of HBECs, and the sensitivity of HBECs to dexamethasone was measured in each group. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), glucocorticoid receptor (GR), and MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1). Western blot was used to measure the protein expression level of GR in cell nucleus and cytoplasm, and the nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio of GR was calculated. RESULTS: At 24 and 72 hours, the proliferation activity of HBECs increased with the increase in IFN-λ1 concentration in a dose- and time-dependent manner (P˂0.05). Compared with the RSV group, the RSV+IFN-λ1 group had significant reductions in the half-maximal inhibitory concentration of dexamethasone and the mRNA expression level of p38 MAPK (P<0.05), as well as significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of GR and MKP-1, the level of GR in cell nucleus and cytoplasm, and the nuclear/cytoplasmic GR ratio (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS IFN-λ1 can inhibit the p38 MAPK pathway by upregulating MKP-1, promote the nuclear translocation of GR, and thus ameliorate GC resistance in HBECs.
Humans ; p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Glucocorticoids/pharmacology* ; Receptors, Glucocorticoid/analysis* ; Dual Specificity Phosphatase 1/physiology* ; Dexamethasone/pharmacology* ; Drug Resistance/drug effects* ; Respiratory Syncytial Viruses ; Interferons/pharmacology* ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Epithelial Cells/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cells, Cultured

Objective To understand the characteristics of occupational noise hazards in key industries in Huizhou City. Methods A total of 247 enterprises from 13 key industries in Huizhou City were selected as the research subjects using the stratified judgment sampling method. The worksite survey of occupational health and workplace noise intensity and spectrum monitoring were conducted at key work sites using "questionnaires and on-site inspections" method. Results The rate of noise intensity exceeding national standards was 53.4% (132/247). The median, 25th and 75th percentile of noise pressure levels in workplaces and worksites were 85.1 (81.2, 91.2)and 82.5 (78.8, 86.3) dB(A), respectively. The high-noise workplaces accounted for 50.0% (479/958). The rate of noise intensity exceeding national standard at work sites was 32.9% (303/921). The sound pressure level of noise at work sites was positively correlated with sound pressure level of noise sources (Spearman correlation coefficient=0.73, P<0.01). The top three high-risk work sites for exceeding national noise standards were grinding, frame nailing, and material cutting, with exceedance rates of 84.6%, 81.3%, and 62.8%, respectively. The frequency characteristics of the top ten high-risk work sites were mainly high-frequency noise. There were significant differences in noise spectrum characteristics among different workpiece materials used in similar types of work sites (all P<0.05), though high-frequency noise remained dominant. Conclusion Noise hazards in workplaces of key industries in Huizhou City are relatively severe. Continuous attention should be given to key work sites with high over-standard rate, such as grinding, frame nailing, and material cutting, and noise control strategies should be developed based on frequency spectrum characteristics.