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.

Objective:To investigate the impact of flow diverter (FD) malapposition at the aneurysm neck on clinical outcomes and complications of intracranial aneurysms, and identify the influencing factors for intraoperative FD malapposition.Methods:A retrospective study was performed; 153 patients with unruptured saccular aneurysms at the C4-C7 segments of the internal carotid artery accepted single FD implantation at Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2022 to March 2024 were chosen. Intraoperative high-resolution C-arm CT was utilized to assess FD apposition at the aneurysm neck. (1) Based on FD apposition at the aneurysm neck as shown, these 153 patients were divided into a malapposition group ( n=23, including 16 patients with malapposition being identified as residual malapposition after intraoperative corrective measures such as microwire massage and 7 patients with malapposition being newly detected in this study) and a complete apposition group ( n=130). Perioperative and follow-up complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the final follow-up (mRS score of 0-2 as favorable outcome), and angiographic outcomes were evaluated by DSA at the final follow-up. Differences in clinical and angiographic outcomes and complication rate were compared between the malapposition group and complete apposition group. (2) Based on FD apposition at the aneurysm neck as shown, these 153 patients were divided into an intraoperative malapposition group ( n=74, including 67 patients with malapposition being detected during surgery and 7 patients with malapposition being newly detected in this study) and an intraoperative complete apposition group ( n=79). Univariate analysis was performed to compare the clinical variables between the intraoperative malapposition group and intraoperative complete apposition group; multivariate Logistic regression was further employed to identify the independent influencing factors for FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck. Results:(1) Four patients (all from the malapposition group) developed perioperative acute in-stent thrombosis. Nine patients experienced ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during the follow-up, including 6 from the malapposition group and 3 from the complete apposition group; the complication rate in the malapposition group (6/23, 26.1%) was significantly higher than that in the complete apposition group (3/130, 2.3%) during the follow-up ( P<0.05). At the final follow-up, 2 patients (both from the malapposition group) had poor clinical outcome, while the remaining 151 patients had favorable outcome. Proportion of patients with favorable outcome between the two groups was statistically different (91.3%[21/23] vs. 100.0%[130/130], P<0.05). Delayed occlusion was detected in 46 patients (12 from the malapposition group and 34 from the complete apposition group) at the final angiographic follow-up. FD restenosis/re-occlusion was noted in 10 patients, including 6 from the malapposition group and 4 from the complete apposition group. Significant difference in delayed occlusion rate (52.2%[12/23] vs. 26.2%[34/130]) and long-term in-stent stenosis/occlusion rate (26.1%[6/23] vs. 3.1%[4/130]) was observed between the two groups ( P<0.05). (2) Significant difference in aneurysm neck diameter, FD angulation, parent artery stenosis, parent artery diameter ratio>1.2, and presence of branching vessels at the FD implantation site was noted between the intraoperative complete apposition group and intraoperative malapposition group ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that aneurysm neck diameter ( OR=1.431, 95% CI: 1.096-1.868, P=0.008), parent artery diameter ratio>1.2 ( OR=2.199, 95% CI: 1.083-4.463, P=0.029), and FD angulation ( OR=1.019, 95% CI: 1.002-1.036, P=0.027) were independent influencing factors for FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck. Conclusion:In FD implantation for intracranial aneurysms, FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck adversely affects delayed occlusion rate and complication rate; aneurysms with wider aneurysm neck diameter, parent artery diameter ratio>1.2, and greater FD angulation are trend to have FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To investigate the impact of flow diverter (FD) malapposition at the aneurysm neck on clinical outcomes and complications of intracranial aneurysms, and identify the influencing factors for intraoperative FD malapposition.Methods:A retrospective study was performed; 153 patients with unruptured saccular aneurysms at the C4-C7 segments of the internal carotid artery accepted single FD implantation at Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2022 to March 2024 were chosen. Intraoperative high-resolution C-arm CT was utilized to assess FD apposition at the aneurysm neck. (1) Based on FD apposition at the aneurysm neck as shown, these 153 patients were divided into a malapposition group ( n=23, including 16 patients with malapposition being identified as residual malapposition after intraoperative corrective measures such as microwire massage and 7 patients with malapposition being newly detected in this study) and a complete apposition group ( n=130). Perioperative and follow-up complications were recorded. Clinical outcomes were assessed using modified Rankin Scale (mRS) at the final follow-up (mRS score of 0-2 as favorable outcome), and angiographic outcomes were evaluated by DSA at the final follow-up. Differences in clinical and angiographic outcomes and complication rate were compared between the malapposition group and complete apposition group. (2) Based on FD apposition at the aneurysm neck as shown, these 153 patients were divided into an intraoperative malapposition group ( n=74, including 67 patients with malapposition being detected during surgery and 7 patients with malapposition being newly detected in this study) and an intraoperative complete apposition group ( n=79). Univariate analysis was performed to compare the clinical variables between the intraoperative malapposition group and intraoperative complete apposition group; multivariate Logistic regression was further employed to identify the independent influencing factors for FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck. Results:(1) Four patients (all from the malapposition group) developed perioperative acute in-stent thrombosis. Nine patients experienced ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke during the follow-up, including 6 from the malapposition group and 3 from the complete apposition group; the complication rate in the malapposition group (6/23, 26.1%) was significantly higher than that in the complete apposition group (3/130, 2.3%) during the follow-up ( P<0.05). At the final follow-up, 2 patients (both from the malapposition group) had poor clinical outcome, while the remaining 151 patients had favorable outcome. Proportion of patients with favorable outcome between the two groups was statistically different (91.3%[21/23] vs. 100.0%[130/130], P<0.05). Delayed occlusion was detected in 46 patients (12 from the malapposition group and 34 from the complete apposition group) at the final angiographic follow-up. FD restenosis/re-occlusion was noted in 10 patients, including 6 from the malapposition group and 4 from the complete apposition group. Significant difference in delayed occlusion rate (52.2%[12/23] vs. 26.2%[34/130]) and long-term in-stent stenosis/occlusion rate (26.1%[6/23] vs. 3.1%[4/130]) was observed between the two groups ( P<0.05). (2) Significant difference in aneurysm neck diameter, FD angulation, parent artery stenosis, parent artery diameter ratio>1.2, and presence of branching vessels at the FD implantation site was noted between the intraoperative complete apposition group and intraoperative malapposition group ( P<0.05). Multivariate Logistic regression indicated that aneurysm neck diameter ( OR=1.431, 95% CI: 1.096-1.868, P=0.008), parent artery diameter ratio>1.2 ( OR=2.199, 95% CI: 1.083-4.463, P=0.029), and FD angulation ( OR=1.019, 95% CI: 1.002-1.036, P=0.027) were independent influencing factors for FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck. Conclusion:In FD implantation for intracranial aneurysms, FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck adversely affects delayed occlusion rate and complication rate; aneurysms with wider aneurysm neck diameter, parent artery diameter ratio>1.2, and greater FD angulation are trend to have FD malapposition at the aneurysm neck.

AIM To establish the quality standard of the zhujieshen Formula Granules based on standard decoction.METHODS The contents and transfer rates of ginsenoside Ro and chikusetsu saponin Ⅳa in standard decoction and formula granules were determined by HPLC,after which the transfer rates were calculated.The HPLC characteristic chromatograms of standard decoctions were established,after which cluster analysis and principal component analysis were adopted.Then the HPLC characteristic chromatograms of formula granules were established.RESULTS Nine common peaks were found in the HPLC characteristic chromatograms of seventeen batches of standard decoctions with the similarities of more than 0.9(except for S6,S12),which were clustered into two categories,and the accumulative variance contribution rate of three principal components reached 86.7％.The contents of ginsenoside Ro in three batches of formula granules were 83.1-88.6 mg/g,and the transfer rates were 53.1％-55.5％.The contents of chikusetsusaponin Ⅳa were 14.8-15.0 mg/g,and the transfer rates were 47.4％-48.1％.Nine common peaks were found in the HPLC characteristic chromatograms of three batches of formula granules with the similarities of 0.998,0.998 and 0.999,respectively.CONCLUSION This reasonable and reliable method can comprehensively evaluate the quality of Zhujieshen Formula Granules,and provide a reference for the quality control.

Objective:To assess the efficacy and safety of overlapping braided carotid artery stent (Wallstent) implantation in large extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms (15 mm≤diameter<25 mm) and giant ones (diameter≥25 mm).Methods:A retrospective study was performed; the clinical data of 23 patients with large or giant extracranial internal carotid artery aneurysms accepted overlapping Wallstent stent implantation in Department of Interventional Radiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from August 2015 to June 2023 were collected. Immediately after implantation, DSA was used to evaluate the retention of contrast agent within the aneurysms and high-resolution C-arm CT (HR-CBCT) was used to detect the apposition between the two stents and between the stents and inner wall of the blood vessel. Perioperative complications were recorded. Clinical follow-up was performed bi-monthly via outpatient visits or telephone, and modified Rankin scale (mRS) was used to assess the prognoses (mRS scores of 0-2 as good prognosis) at the last follow-up; aneurysm occlusion was evaluated in a 6-month follow-up by DSA and in-stent restenosis in a final imaging follow-up by DSA or CTA according to the OKM grading. Results:Twenty-two patients had successful overlapping implantation of 2 Wallstent stents; blood flow was restricted in one patient due to carotid artery dissection at the distal end of the aneurysm during stent implantation and restored after a Neuroform EZ stent and 2 Wallstent stent implantation from the distal-proximal lesion; technical success rate of 95.7% (22/23) was obtained. DSA immediately after implantation showed obvious contrast medium retention in all aneurysms. HR-CBCT indicated good stent apposition in 21 patients and mild incomplete stent apposition in 2. Clinical follow-up was finished in 23 patients, ranged 6-31 months (mean 11.5±6.3 months); all patients had good prognosis at the last follow-up. Imaging follow-up, including at least once DSA, was conducted for all patients, with intervals ranging from 6 to 15 months (mean 10.4±3.4 months); DSA 6 months after implantation showed complete aneurysm occlusion in 19 patients (OKM grading D) and a bit of residual contrast in 4 patients (OKM grading C); final imaging follow-up (DSA in 2 and CTA in 21) revealed in-stent stenosis in 2 patients (stenosis rates of 51% and 87%) with obvious improved stenosis after balloon angioplasty and patent stents in 21 patients without evidence of aneurysm opacification.Conclusion:Overlapping braided carotid artery stent (Wallstent) implantation is an effective and safe approach for managing large or giant extracranial carotid artery aneurysms.

Anti-tumor traditional Chinese medicine has a long history of clinic application, in which the star molecules have always been the hotspot of modern drug research, but they are limited by the solubility, stability, targeting, bioactivity or toxicity of the monomer components of traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules and other pharmacokinetic problems, which hinders the traditional Chinese medicine anti-tumor star molecules for further clinical translation and application. Currently, the nanosystems prepared by supramolecular technologies such as molecular self-assembly and nanomaterial encapsulation have broader application prospects in improving the anti-tumor effect of active components of traditional Chinese medicine, which has attracted extensive attention from scholars at home and abroad. In this paper, we systematically review the research progress in preparation of supramolecular nano-systems from anti-tumor star molecule of traditional Chinese medicine, and summarize the two major categories and ten small classes of carrier-free and carrier-based supramolecular nanosystems and their research cases, and the future development direction is put forward. The purpose of this paper is to provide reference for the research and clinical transformation of using supramolecular technology to improve the clinical application of anti-tumor star molecule of traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective To analyze the relationship between diurnal temperature range (DTR) and the hospitalization of stroke in Lanzhou,so as to provide a scientific basis for probing into the mechanism of temperature changes in inducing stroke and formulating comprehensive prevention and control measures for stroke by relevant departments.Methods The information of the patients hospitalized due to stroke in Lanzhou during January 2014 to December 2019 and the air pollutants (PM₁₀,SO₂,and NO₂) and meteorological data in the same period were collected for statistical analysis.Spearman rank correlation analysis was performed to analyze the correlations between air pollutants and meteorological factors.The distributed lag nonlinear model was adopted to fit the relationship between DTR and the number of stroke inpatients,and three-dimensional diagrams and the correlation diagrams of DTR against stroke risk were established.The stratified analysis was performed according to gender and age (< 65 years and ≥65 years).Results From 2014 to 2019,a total of 92 812 stroke patients were hospitalized in Lanzhou,with a male-to-female ratio of 1.35:1.There was a nonlinear relationship between DTR and the number of stroke inpatients in Lanzhou,which presented a lag effect.The low DTR at 4.5 ℃ had the largest RR value of 1.25 (95%CI=1.16-1.35) for stroke inpatients at a cumulative lag of 18 d.The effect of high DTR (18.5 ℃) on the hospitalization of stroke patients peaked at a cumulative lag of 21 d,with an RR value of 1.09 (95%CI=1.01-1.18).The stratified analysis results suggested that low levels of DTR had greater effects on the hospitalization of male stroke patients and stroke patients <65 years.Conclusions Short-term exposure to different levels of DTR had an impact on the number of stroke inpatients,and low levels of DTR had a slightly greater impact on stroke inpatients than high levels of DTR.Importance should be attached to the protection of males and people aged <65 years at low levels of DTR.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Temperature ; Stroke ; Cold Temperature ; Hot Temperature ; Air Pollutants ; China/epidemiology*

This study aimed to investigate the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on erectile function in Chinese patients with chronic prostatitis/chronic pelvic pain syndrome (CP/CPPS). A retrospective study was conducted on 657 CP/CPPS patients who visited The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University (Changsha, China) from November 2018 to November 2022. Patients were divided into two groups based on the timeline before and after the COVID-19 outbreak in China. The severity of CP/CPPS, penile erection status, anxiety, and depression was evaluated using the National Institutes of Health-Chronic Prostatitis Symptom Index (NIH-CPSI), International Index of Erectile Function-5 (IIEF-5), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) scales, respectively. Compared with patients before the COVID-19 outbreak, more CP/CPPS patients developed severe erectile dysfunction (ED) due to depression and anxiety caused by the pandemic. After developing moderate-to-severe ED, mild and moderate-to-severe CP/CPPS patients exhibited more apparent symptoms of anxiety and depression ( P < 0.001 and P = 0.001, respectively), forming a vicious cycle. The COVID-19 pandemic has adversely affected the psychological status of CP/CPPS patients, exacerbating their clinical symptoms and complicating ED. The exacerbation of clinical symptoms further worsens the anxiety and depression status of patients, forming a vicious cycle. During the COVID-19 pandemic, paying more attention to the mental health of CP/CPPS patients, strengthening psychological interventions, and achieving better treatment outcomes are necessary.
Male ; Humans ; Erectile Dysfunction/etiology* ; Pandemics ; Penile Erection ; Prostatitis/complications* ; Retrospective Studies ; East Asian People ; COVID-19/complications* ; Chronic Disease ; Pelvic Pain/complications*