BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is a common cardiac arrhythmia in the elderly. This study aimed to evaluate urban-rural disparities in its prevalence and management in elderly Chinese. METHODS: Consecutive participants aged ≥ 65 years attending outpatient clinics were enrolled for AF screening using handheld single-lead electrocardiogram (ECG) from April 2017 to December 2022. Each ECG rhythm strip was reviewed from the research team. AF or uninterpretable single-lead ECGs were referred for 12-lead ECG. Primary study outcome comparison was between rural and urban areas for the prevalence of AF. The Student's t-test was used to compare mean values of clinical characteristics between rural and urban participants, while the Pearson's chi-square test was used to compare between-group proportions. Multivariate stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AF and various patient characteristics. RESULTS: The 29,166 study participants included 13,253 men (45.4%) and had a mean age of 72.2 years. The 7073 rural participants differed significantly (P ≤ 0.02) from the 22,093 urban participants in several major characteristics, such as older age, greater body mass index, and so on. The overall prevalence of AF was 4.6% (n = 1347). AF was more prevalent in 7073 rural participants than 22,093 urban participants (5.6% vs. 4.3%, P < 0.01), before and after adjustment for age, body mass index, blood pressure, pulse rate, cigarette smoking, alcohol consumption and prior medical history. Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified overweight/obesity (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.17-1.54) in urban areas and cigarette smoking (OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.20-2.17) and alcohol consumption (OR = 1.42, 95% CI: 1.04-1.93) in rural areas as specific risk factors for prevalent AF. In patients with known AF in urban areas (n = 781) and rural areas (n = 338), 60.6% and 45.9%, respectively, received AF treatment (P < 0.01), and only 22.4% and 17.2%, respectively, received anticoagulation therapy (P = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS In China, there are urban-rural disparities in AF in the elderly, with a higher prevalence and worse management in rural areas than urban areas. Our study findings provide insight for health policymakers to consider urban-rural disparity in the prevention and treatment of AF.

BACKGROUND: Both medication and non-medication therapies are effective approaches to control blood pressure (BP) in hypertension patients. However, the association of joint changes in antihypertensive medication use and healthy lifestyle index (HLI) with BP control among hypertension patients is seldom reported, which needs to provide more evidence by prospective intervention studies. We examined the association of antihypertensive medication use and HLI with BP control among employees with hypertension in China based on a workplace-based multicomponent intervention program. METHODS: Between January 2013 and December 2014, a cluster randomized clinical trial of a workplace-based multicomponent intervention program was conducted in 60 workplaces across 20 urban areas in China. Workplaces were randomly divided into intervention (n = 40) and control (n = 20) groups. Basic information on employees at each workplace was collected by trained professionals, including sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, family history, lifestyle behaviors, medication status and physical measurements. After baseline, the intervention group received a 2-year intervention to achieve BP control, which included: (1) a workplace wellness program for all employees; (2) a guidelines-oriented hypertension management protocol. HLI including nonsmoking, nondrinking, adequate physical activity, weight within reference range and balanced diet, were coded on a 5-point scale (range: 0-5, with higher score indicating a healthier lifestyle). Antihypertensive medication use was defined as taking drug within the last 2 weeks. Changes in HLI, antihypertensive medication use and BP control from baseline to 24 months were measured after the intervention. RESULTS: Overall, 4655 employees were included (age: 46.3 ± 7.6 years, men: 3547 (82.3%)). After 24 months of the intervention, there was a significant improvement in lifestyle [smoking (OR = 0.65, 95% CI: 0.43-0.99; P = 0.045), drinking (OR = 0.52, 95% CI: 0.40-0.68; P < 0.001), regular exercise (OR = 3.10, 95% CI: 2.53-3.78; P < 0.001), excessive intake of fatty food (OR = 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06-0.52; P = 0.002), restrictive use of salt (OR = 0.26, 95% CI: 0.12-0.56; P = 0.001)]. Compare to employees with a deteriorating lifestyle after the intervention, those with an improved lifestyle had a higher BP control. In the intervention group, compared with employees not using antihypertensive medication, those who consistent used (OR = 2.34; 95% CI: 1.16-4.72; P = 0.017) or changed from not using to using antihypertensive medication (OR = 2.24; 95% CI: 1.08-4.62; P = 0.030) had higher BP control. Compared with those having lower HLI, participants with a same (OR = 1.38; 95% CI: 0.99-1.93; P = 0.056) or high (OR = 1.79; 95% CI: 1.27~2.53; P < 0.001) HLI had higher BP control. Those who used antihypertensive medication and had a high HLI had the highest BP control (OR = 1.88; 95% CI: 1.32-2.67, P < 0.001). Subgroup analysis also showed the consistent effect as the above. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that adherence to antihypertensive medication treatment and healthy lifestyle were associated with a significant improvement in BP control among employees with hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Based on the China-VHD database, this study sought to develop and validate a Valvular Heart Disease- specific Age-adjusted Comorbidity Index (VHD-ACI) for predicting mortality risk in patients with VHD. METHODS & RESULTS: The China-VHD study was a nationwide, multi-centre multi-centre cohort study enrolling 13,917 patients with moderate or severe VHD across 46 medical centres in China between April-June 2018. After excluding cases with missing key variables, 11,459 patients were retained for final analysis. The primary endpoint was 2-year all-cause mortality, with 941 deaths (10.0%) observed during follow-up. The VHD-ACI was derived after identifying 13 independent mortality predictors: cardiomyopathy, myocardial infarction, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, pulmonary artery hypertension, low body weight, anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, renal insufficiency, moderate/severe hepatic dysfunction, heart failure, cancer, NYHA functional class and age. The index exhibited good discrimination (AUC, 0.79) and calibration (Brier score, 0.062) in the total cohort, outperforming both EuroSCORE II and ACCI (P < 0.001 for comparison). Internal validation through 100 bootstrap iterations yielded a C statistic of 0.694 (95% CI: 0.665-0.723) for 2-year mortality prediction. VHD-ACI scores, as a continuous variable (VHD-ACI score: adjusted HR (95% CI): 1.263 (1.245-1.282), P < 0.001) or categorized using thresholds determined by the Yoden index (VHD-ACI ≥ 9 vs. < 9, adjusted HR (95% CI): 6.216 (5.378-7.184), P < 0.001), were independently associated with mortality. The prognostic performance remained consistent across all VHD subtypes (aortic stenosis, aortic regurgitation, mitral stenosis, mitral regurgitation, tricuspid valve disease, mixed aortic/mitral valve disease and multiple VHD), and clinical subgroups stratified by therapeutic strategy, LVEF status (preserved vs. reduced), disease severity and etiology. CONCLUSION The VHD-ACI is a simple 13-comorbidity algorithm for the prediction of mortality in VHD patients and providing a simple and rapid tool for risk stratification.

Objective To compare the fidelity of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease(COPD)models established using two methods:exposure to cigarette smoke(CS)and exposure to motor vehicle exhaust(MVE)in rats.Methods Twenty-four male SD rats were randomly divided into control,CS-exposed(CS),and MVE-exposed(MVE)groups,with 8 rats per group.Rats in CS and MVE groups were exposed to CS or MVE,respectively,to induce COPD models.After COPD model established,lung function of each group was assessed.Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was collected to measure inflammatory cell counts,levels of inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-α,and expression levels of mucin 5AC(MUC5AC).Lung tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin(HE)to observe pulmonary tissue and airway pathological changes.Periodic acid-Schiff(PAS)staining was used to detect goblet cell hyperplasia in airways.Results Compared with control group,rats in CS and MVE groups showed significantly increased inspiratory resistance(RI),total lung capacity(TLC),and lung static compliance(Cchord)(P<0.05),while expiratory flow parameters FEV50/FVC were significantly decreased(P<0.05).Compared with MVE group,rats in CS group had significantly higher RI,TLC,and Cchord(P<0.05),and lower FEV50/FVC(P<0.05).HE staining of lung tissues showed that mean linear intercept(MLI)was significantly higher in both CS and MVE groups compared with control group(P<0.05),with CS group having higher MLI than MVE group(P<0.05).BALF analysis revealed that white blood cells,neutrophils,macrophages,lymphocytes,IL-6,and TNF-α levels were significantly higher in both CS and MVE groups compared with control group(P<0.05),and inflammatory cell counts,IL-6,and TNF-α levels were higher in CS group compared with MVE group(P<0.05).PAS staining of lung tissues indicated that goblet cells in large airways were significantly increased in both CS and MVE groups compared with control group(P<0.05),with CS group showing higher goblet cell counts than MVE group(P<0.05).Expression levels of MUC5AC in BALF were significantly higher in both CS and MVE groups compared with control group(P<0.05),with CS group having significantly higher MUC5AC levels than MVE group(P<0.05).Conclusions Exposure to CS or MVE can establish a rat model of COPD,with CS exposure better mimicking characteristics of acute exacerbation of COPD compared to MVE exposure.

Objective : Objective To investigate the demand for health management and influencing factors among occupational population at high risk of stroke, so as to provide insights into the development of stroke health management strategies among occupational population. Methods: Occupational population aged 40 to 60 years who participated in health examination were sampled from three tertiary hospitals in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province using a quota sampling method in the ratio of 4∶1∶1, from August to December 2020. Participants' blood biochemistry tests and health examination were collected through the examination reports, and the participants at high risk of stroke were screened using the assessment criteria for high-risk of stroke. Participants' general information and demand for health management were collected using questionnaire surveys. In addition, factors affecting the demand for health management were identified using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 3 003 people who participated in health examination were investigated, and 1 062 participants met the assessment criteria for high risk of stroke, accounting for 35.36%. There were 1 000 men (94.16%) and 62 women (5.84%), with a mean age of (49.26±4.97) years. There were 414 professional and technical staff (39.50%). There were 709 participants (66.76%) with demand for health management, with the top three in the demand as health checkups (915 participants, accounting for 86.16%), health consultation (601 participants, accounting for 56.60%) and exercise guidance (560 participants, accounting for 52.73%), and 210 participants (19.77%) received health management. Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that occupational population at high risk of stroke who received health management were more likely to have the demand for health management (OR=2.158, 95%CI: 1.479-3.149). Conclusions The occupational population at high risk of stroke have the demand for health management. Having received health management may affect the demand for health management among occupational population at high risk of stroke.

During the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC) , many patients have developed drug resistance due to the use of targeted EGFR inhibitors. The main reasons for drug resistance are EGFR site mutations and bypass activation. Activation of ALK pathway is one of the major types of bypass activation. A recent authoritative study indicates that ALK is closely related to immunotherapy. This article reviews the treatment of ALK in tumors from three aspects: the structure and physiological function of ALK, the small molecule inhibitor of ALK, the biological function of ALK and its related treatment methods for NSCLC, and prospects future directions for better application of ALK in the treatment of NSCLC.

Objective: To investigate the implementation of sex education and its influencing factors among preschool teachers in Luzhou City, Sichuan Province, so as to provide insights into promoting the development of sex education, physical and mental health for preschool children. Methods: In January 2022, preschool teachers were sampled in 24 kindergartens in Longmatan District, Naxi District and Hejiang County of Luzhou City using the stratified random cluster sampling method. Demographic information, knowledge, attitudes, implementation of sex education, as well as difficulties, support, and needs in implementing sex education among preschool teachers were collected through questionnaire surveys. Factors affecting practice of sex education by preschool teachers were analyzed using a multivariable logistic regression model. Results: A total of 461 preschool teachers were included, including 456 females (98.92%), and had a median age of 28.00 (interquartile range, 9.50) years. The proportions of preschool teachers with good and pass of knowledge about sex education for preschool children were 10.20% and 57.48%, respectively. The proportions of preschool teachers with positive and general attitudes towards sex education were 28.20% and 36.44%, respectively. A total of 343 preschool teachers had implemented sex education (74.40%). A lack of a relaxed social environment was the main difficulty in carrying out sex education for preschool children (76.14%), while support from parents of preschool children was the primary need for conducting sex education activities (75.27%). Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that age (>30 years, OR=2.218, 95%CI: 1.256-3.917), kindergarten type (public, OR=2.101, 95%CI: 1.253-3.524), attitude towards sex education (positive, OR=2.083, 95%CI: 1.036-4.187), participation in activities related to sex education (OR=6.355, 95%CI: 3.362-12.015), and communication with parents about sex education (OR=5.399, 95%CI: 3.152-9.248) were influencing factors for practice of sex education by preschool teachers. Conclusions The main difficulty in the practice of sex education for preschool children by preschool teachers in Luzhou City is a lack of a relaxed social environment, and there is a high demand for support from parents. Age, kindergarten type, attitude towards sex education, participation in activities related to sex education, and communication with parents about sex education are associated factors.

Objective To understand the current situation and influencing factors of kindergarten teach-ers'participation in training for preschool sex education in Luzhou city,and provide a basis for improving the sex education literacy of kindergarten teachers in the future.Methods A multi-stage stratified cluster sampling meth-od was adopted,and a questionnaire survey was conducted from December 2021 to January 2022 on the knowl-edge,attitude,and practice of preschool sex education among all the teachers in 24 kindergartens in Luzhou city.Results Among the 461 teachers,43.0％had participated in lectures/courses/training activities related to pre-school sex education;99.1％hoped to participate in lectures/courses/training activities related to preschool sex education;82.6％learned about child sexual knowledge through school education;75.5％expressed the hope to learn about child sexual knowledge through expert training.The results of multivariate Logistic regression showed that except private kindergartens as an inhibiting factor(OR=0.57,95％CI=0.37-0.87,P=0.008),high monthly income(OR=3.52,95％CI=1.13-9.30,P=0.011),more ways to know about sex education knowledge(OR=2.87,95％CI=1.76-4.70,P＜0.001),and social support(OR=1.58,95％CI=1.04-2.38,P=0.030)were promoting factors for teachers to participate in the training for preschool sex educa-tion.Conclusions The kindergarten teachers presented a participation rate but a high demand for the training for preschool sex education.They mainly obtain the sex education knowledge from school education.The nature of kindergarten,monthly income of teachers,social support situation,and ways of understanding sex education knowledge are the key factors influencing the teachers'participation in the training for preschool sex education.

Objective To develop the knowledge,attitude,and practice evaluation scale for teach-ers'early childhood sex education and analyze the reliability and validity of the scale,providing evaluation tools for the research on teachers'early childhood sex education.Methods On the basis of relevant guidelines,pub-lications,and the theory of knowledge,attitude,and practice,a preliminary pool of items for the scale was formed by group discussions.The scale was drafted after two rounds of Delphi expert consultation.In May 2023,stratified cluster sampling was conducted,and 535 preschool teachers from Changshou District,Chongqing were selected for a survey.Cronbach's α coefficient,split-half reliability,exploratory factor analysis,and content validity were adopted to assess the reliability and validity of the scale.Results An evaluation scale for teachers'early childhood sex education was formulated,involving 27 items in 3 dimensions of knowledge,attitude,and practice.The total Cronbach's α coefficient of the scale was 0.875,and that of the knowledge,attitude,and practice dimensions were 0.902,0.743,and 0.879,respectively.The total split-half reliability of the scale was 0.937,and that of the knowledge,attitude,and practice dimensions were 0.934,0.821,and 0.912,re-spectively.The content validity of the scale was good,with a factor loading range of 0.500-0.836 and a cumu-lative variance contribution rate of 61.57.The average score of teachers'knowledge,attitude,and practice in sex education was 72.85±7.13,with a good rate of 70.84％.Conclusions The developed scale for evaluating teacher's early childhood sex education demonstrates good reliability and validity,and it can be used to evaluate the teachers'knowledge,attitude,and practice in early childhood sex education.The evaluation results indicate that teachers have low levels of knowledge,attitude,and practice in sex education,and relevant departments need to carry out training on the sex education for young children.