Objective To analyze the characteristics of viral hepatitis mortality and life loss among residents in Pudong New Area from 2003 to 2023, and to provide a basis for related prevention and control work. Methods Viral hepatitis mortality data were obtained from the Pudong New Area mortality monitoring system. The crude mortality rate (CMR), standardized mortality rate (SMR), potential years of life lost (PYLL), average years of life lost (AYLL), and standardized potential years of life lost (SPYLL) were calculated to analyze viral hepatitis deaths. The average annual change (AAPC) and annual percentage change (APC) of the mortality rate were calculated by Joinpoint regression analysis to analyze the trend of mortality. Results The CMR and SMR of viral hepatitis among residents in Pudong New Area from 2003 to 2023 were 3.89/100000 and 1.98/100000, respectively. Both CMR and SMR of viral hepatitis showed a decreasing trend over time (CMR:APC=-5.476, t=-13.581, P<0.001; SMR:APC=- 7.624, t= -21.253, P<0.001). The CMR for males was 4.75/100000 and the SMR for males was 2.65/100000; the CMR for females was 3.04/100000 and the SMR for females was 1.32/100000, with a higher mortality rate for males than for females（Z_CME=12.094，P<0.001; Z_SMR=-14.718，P<0.001). Deaths were concentrated in the age groups of 45-64 years old and 65 years old and above, accounting for 91.62% of the total deaths. The PYLL of deaths due to viral hepatitis among residents in Pudong New Area from 2003 to 2023 was 26912 person-years, with a PYLLR of 0.45% and an AYLL of 8.88 years per person. Conclusion The mortality rate of viral hepatitis among the residents of Pudong New Area in 2003-2023 shows a decreasing trend over time. The mortality rate of males is higher than that of females, and the deaths of middle-aged and elderly people account for a large proportion of the total deaths. Chronic hepatitis B is the main cause of death.

Objective:To prepare pullulan-spermine (PS)-poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) conjugated with CD3 antibody, and to investigate their effects on T cell proliferation and cytokine secretion.Methods:Purulan polysaccharide was sperminized to synthesize PS, hydrophobically modified, and then grafted with PLGA to synthesize PS-PLGA. Infrared spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance hydrogen spectrum were used to characterize the structure of PS-PLGA. PS-PLGA NPs were prepared by ultrasonic dialysis method and then coupled with CD3 antibody to prepare PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs. The morphological features of PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs were observed by the transmission electron microscope. The particle sizes, Zeta potential and dispersive coefficient of the NPs were measured using the dynamic laser particle size analyzer. The amount of coupled CD3 antibody on the surface of the NPs was determined using quantitative fluorescence analysis method. The effects of 1, 10, 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs on T-cell proliferation were determined using cell counting kit-8 method. The effects of 1, 10, 50, 100, 200 μg/ml PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs on secretion of interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and tumor necrosis factor-β (TNF-β) by T cell were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Comparisons were made using independent sample t-test or one-factor analysis of variance. Results:Pullulan and PS showed strong absorption at 2 939 cm ?1, and PS had a weaker absorption peak at 3 384 cm ?1 than pullulan. The proton peaks of spermine appeared at chemical shifts of 1.25 to 1.50, 1.63, and 2.25 to 2.75. The characteristic peaks of PLGA appeared at chemical shifts of 1.50, 3.40, and 4.80 to 5.30. Compared to pullulan, the characteristic peaks of both PS and PLGA appeared in the corresponding intervals for PS-PLGA. The morphology of PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs with spermine substitution at 9.7% was all regular and circular, with a mean particle size of (173.3±24.5) nm, a Zeta potential of (?12.78±3.68) mV, the dispersive coefficient of 0.254±0.101, and the CD3 antibody mass fraction of (52.1±9.4) μg/mg. The differences in cell survival were statistically significant for PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs and PS-PLGA NPs, respectively, after co-incubation with T cell after 24, 48, and 72 h at concentrations of 50, 100, and 200 μg/ml, respectively (all P<0.05). The results of the three concentration comparisons after 24 h of co-incubation were [(129.8±23.1)% vs (95.5±8.9)%, (137.5±22.7)% vs (95.1±15.8)%, and (142.3±25.6)% vs (93.2±9.2)%]; and the results after 48 h were [(145.9±23.7)% vs (95.8±10.6)%, (149.3±23.5)% vs (94.9±16.3)%, and (161.2±26.9)% vs (91.5±8.3)%]; and the results after 72 h were [(147.6±20.1)% vs (95.9±17.8)%, (152.4±22.3)% vs (92.7±16.5)%, and (167.7±25.4)% vs (90.8±17.4)%]. The differences in the levels of IFN-γ, IL-2 and TNF-β were statistically significant (all P<0.05 or 0.01) at 50, 100 and 200 μg/ml concentrations for PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs and PS-PLGA NPs, respectively. For IFN-γ, the results of the comparison of the three concentrations were [(35.7±3.1) ng/ml vs (16.4±6.9) ng/ml, (67.3±5.2) ng/ml vs (19.6±2.8) ng/ml, and (79.0±4.2) ng/ml vs (19.3±2.3) ng/ml]; and for IL-2, the results were [(43.5±8.2) ng/ml vs (12.6±1.9) ng/ml, (53.5±7.8) ng/ml vs (15.8±3.3) ng/ml, and (64.0±8.2) ng/ml vs (17.4±3.8) ng/ml]; and for TNF-β, the results were [(108.4±18.9) pg/ml vs (40.8±1.3) pg/ml, (152.3±28.3) pg/ml vs (56.4±3.7) pg/ml and (185.0±33.6) pg/ml vs (81.6±10.2) pg/ml]. Conclusions:PS-PLGA-CD3 NPs are successfully prepared, which have the function of effectively promoting T cell proliferation and cytokine sectetion.

Objective To assess the clinical value of a novel surgical technique—Tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in the resection of anterior mediastinal masses. Methods Patients who underwent tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery via balance-shaped sternal elevation device in anterior mediastinal masses process at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University from March to April 2025 were included, and their clinical data were analyzed. Results A total of 4 patients were included, with 2 males and 2 females, aged 58-75 years. The diameter of the tumor was 2.5-3.0 cm. The operation time was 60.0-150.0 min, intraoperative blood loss was 5-10 mL, pain score on the 3rd day after surgery was 0 points, and postoperative hospital stay was 2-3 days. All patients achieved complete resection of the masses and thymus without perioperative complications. Conclusion The tubeless subxiphoid uniportal video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery with percutaneous suspension technique via balance-shaped sternal elevation device technique optimizes surgical visualization and instrument maneuverability while avoiding complications related to conventional anesthesia and tubing, thereby markedly enhancing the minimally invasive profile of anterior mediastinal masses resections. In addition to maintaining procedural safety, this approach effectively reduces postoperative pain and accelerates patient recovery, highlighting its potential for widespread clinical adoption.

Background Staff in tertiary hospitals are a high-risk group for occupational burnout. Timely identification and precise intervention are crucial for improving healthcare service quality. However, comparative studies on perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in different positions are lacking. Objective To describe the status of perceived stress and occupational burnout among hospital staff in different positions and compare the differences, explore the relationship between perceived stress and occupational burnout, and identify the influencing factors of occupational burnout. Methods In May 2022, 1526 hospital staff members were selected by convenience sampling from six tertiary hospitals in Guangzhou. Data were collected using a general information questionnaire, the Chinese Perceived Stress Scale (CPSS), and the Maslach Burnout Inventory-Human Services Survey (MBI-HSS) to assess demographic characteristics, perceived stress, and occupational burnout. Chi-square test, one-way ANOVA, and Kruskal-Wallis H test were used to compare differences in perceived stress and occupational burnout among staff in different positions. Pearson correlation analysis was used to explore possible correlation between perceived stress and occupational burnout. Multiple linear regression was conducted to identify influencing factors of occupational burnout. Results A total of 1388 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 90.96%. Among them, 437 nurses (57.0%), 273 physicians (58.6%), 24 pharmacists (57.1%), and 62 administrators (54.9%) reported positive perceived health risk stress (P=0.892). Additionally, 392 nurses (51.1%), 213 physicians (45.7%), 19 pharmacists (45.2%), and 53 administrators (46.9%) reported positive occupational burnout (P=0.005). Perceived stress was positively correlated with occupational burnout among nurses, physicians, pharmacists, and administrators (r=0.5973, 0.5687, 0.5464, and 0.5276, respectively; P＜0.01). The multiple linear regression identified perceived stress (b=1.4587, P＜0.001), job satisfaction (b=−7.4195, P＜0.001), self-rated health (b=−2.0428, P＜0.001), working years (b=−0.1135, P=0.016), and being a nurse (compared with an administrators) (b=3.2435, P=0.045) as significant factors for occupational burnout (P<0.001). Conclusion Perceived health risk stress and occupational burnout are common among hospital staff, with nurses experiencing significantly higher levels of occupational burnout compared to other positions. Hospital managers should pay more attention to staff with higher perceived stress, lower job satisfaction, poorer self-rated health, and shorter working years, particularly nurses.

Natural products (NPs) have historically been a fundamental source for drug discovery. Yet the complex nature of NPs presents substantial challenges in pinpointing bioactive constituents, and corresponding targets. In the present study, an innovative natural product virtual screening-interaction-phenotype (NP-VIP) strategy that integrates virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics to identify and validate the bioactive targets of NPs. This approach reduces false positive results and enhances the efficiency of target identification. Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM), a herb with recognized therapeutic potential against ischemic stroke (IS), was used to illustrate the workflow. Utilizing virtual screening, chemical proteomics, and metabolomics, potential therapeutic targets for SM in the IS treatment were identified, totaling 29, 100, and 78, respectively. Further analysis via the NP-VIP strategy highlighted five high-confidence targets, including poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP1), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), amyloid precursor protein (APP), glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL), and glutamate decarboxylase 67 (GAD67). These targets were subsequently validated and found to play critical roles in the neuroprotective effects of SM. The study not only underscores the importance of SM in treating IS but also sets a precedent for NP research, proposing a comprehensive approach that could be adapted for broader pharmacological explorations.

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the distribution of Y chromosome azoospermia factor (AZF) microdeletions and their association with testicular development in male pediatric patients with congenital reproductive system disorders, including hypospadias, cryptorchidism, and disorders of sex development (DSD). METHODS: A prospective cohort study was conducted on pediatric patients admitted to the Department of Urology of Shanghai Children's Hospital from November 2021 to December 2023. The observation group included boys with hypospadias, cryptorchidism, or DSD, while the control group comprised boys with phimosis, indirect inguinal hernia, or hydrocele. Blood samples were collected for AZF microdeletion analysis using multiplex PCR to detect 15 sequence-tagged sites. Testicular ultrasound was performed to record testicular position and volume. Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the groups. After matching, testicular volume differences were assessed. Stratified analyses compared testicular volume among children with AZF microdeletions, the control group, and children without micro-deletions in observation group. RESULTS: A total of 493 children were enrolled (observation group: 463; control group: 30). No Y chromosome microdeletions were detected in the control group. Four boys in the observation group had AZF microdeletions: one with cryptorchidism (AZFc+AZFd), one with isolated hypospadias (AZFc), and two with DSD (one with AZFb+AZFc+AZFd and one with AZFa). Ultrasonography measured 888 testicles. After PSM, testicular volume was significantly smaller in the observation group than in the control group (P<0.01). Stratified analysis revealed that among children under 9 years, those with AZF microdeletions tended to be older but had smaller testicular volumes compared to the control group and those without microdeletions in the observation group, although differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Among children over 9 years, ages were comparable, but children with AZF microdeletions had smaller testicular volumes than the other two groups (statistical analysis was not performed due to small sample size). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of Y chromosome microdeletions is higher in male children with congenital reproductive system disorders compared to the general population, particularly in those with DSD. Hypospadias, cryptorchidism, DSD, and AZF microdeletions may be associated with delayed testicular development in these children.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of palliative care on drug use, medical service utilization and medical expenditure of patients with advanced cancer. METHODS: A cohort of patients including pal-liative care and standard care was constructed using the medical records of the patients in Peking University Cancer Hospital from 2018 to 2020, and coarsened exact matching was used to match the two groups of patients. The average monthly opioid consumption, hospitalization rate, intensive care unit (ICU) rate and operation rate, and the average monthly total cost were selected to evaluate drug use, medical service utilization and medical expenditure. Chi-square test and Wilcoxon signed rank test were used to compare the differences between the two groups before and after exposure and the change in the palliative care group. The net impact of palliative care on the patients was calculated using the difference-in-differences analysis. RESULTS: In this study, 180 patients in the palliative care group and 3 101 patients in the stan-dard care group were finally included in the matching, and the matching effect of the two groups was good (L₁ < 0.1). Before and after exposure, the average monthly opioid consumption in the palliative care group was significantly higher than that in the standard care group (Before exposure: 0.3 DDD/person-month vs. 0.1 DDD/person-month, P < 0.01; After exposure: 0.7 DDD/person-month vs. 0.1 DDD/person-month, P < 0.01; DDD refers to defined daily dose), palliative care significantly increased the average monthly opioid consumption in the patients (0.3 DDD/person-month, P < 0.01). The hospitalization rate (48.9% vs. 74.3%, P < 0.01) and operation rate (3.9% vs. 8.8%, P < 0.01) of the patients in palliative care group were significantly lower than those in standard care group, and the ICU rate became similar between the two groups (1.1% vs. 1.6%, P=0.634). Palliative care significantly reduced the patients ' hospitalization rate (-25.6%, P < 0.01), ICU rate (-4.9%, P < 0.01) and operation rate (-14.5%, P < 0.01). Before and after exposure, the average monthly total costs of pal-liative care group were slightly higher than those of standard care group (Before exposure: 20 092.3 yuan vs. 19 132.8 yuan, P=0.725; After exposure: 9 719.8 yuan vs. 8 818.8 yuan, P=0.165). Palliative care increased the average monthly total cost by 2 208.8 yuan, but it was not statistically significant (P=0.316). CONCLUSION Palliative care can increase the opioid consumption in advanced cancer patients, reduce the rates of hospitalization, ICU and surgery, but has no significant effect on medical expenditure.
Humans ; Palliative Care/economics* ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Analgesics, Opioid/economics* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Hospitalization/economics* ; Intensive Care Units/statistics & numerical data* ; Health Expenditures/statistics & numerical data* ; Adult ; Drug Utilization/statistics & numerical data* ; Patient Acceptance of Health Care/statistics & numerical data*

Gut microbial communities are likely remodeled in tandem with accumulated physiological decline during aging, yet there is limited understanding of gut microbiome variation in advanced age. Here, we performed a metagenomics-based enterotype analysis in a geographically homogeneous cohort of 367 enrolled Chinese individuals between the ages of 60 and 94 years, with the goal of characterizing the gut microbiome of elderly individuals and identifying factors linked to enterotype variations. In addition to two adult-like enterotypes dominated by Bacteroides (ET-Bacteroides) and Prevotella (ET-Prevotella), we identified a novel enterotype dominated by Escherichia (ET-Escherichia), whose prevalence increased in advanced age. Our data demonstrated that age explained more of the variance in the gut microbiome than previously identified factors such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) or diet. We characterized the distinct taxonomic and functional profiles of ET-Escherichia, and found the strongest cohesion and highest robustness of the microbial co-occurrence network in this enterotype, as well as the lowest species diversity. In addition, we carried out a series of correlation analyses and co-abundance network analyses, which showed that several factors were likely linked to the overabundance of Escherichia members, including advanced age, vegetable intake, and fruit intake. Overall, our data revealed an enterotype variation characterized by Escherichia enrichment in the elderly population. Considering the different age distribution of each enterotype, these findings provide new insights into the changes that occur in the gut microbiome with age and highlight the importance of microbiome-based stratification of elderly individuals.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Bacteroides ; China ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/microbiology* ; Escherichia coli/classification* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/genetics* ; Metagenomics ; East Asian People

BACKGROUND:Implant restoration has become an important means to treat anterior tooth loss,and it is particularly important to select appropriate implant restoration materials.However,at present,there are some deficiencies in clinical implant materials,and researchers have been exploring suitable implant materials.OBJECTIVE:To compare the biomechanical characteristics of implants made of different materials in restoring single missing maxillary anterior teeth.METHODS:The cone beam CT data of a patient with single maxillary central incisor loss were imported into 3-matic software to establish a three-dimensional finite element analysis model of single maxillary anterior tooth loss.The model was then imported into Marc Mentat.Eight sets of implant restoration models were designed according to different implant materials(polyetheretherketone,titanium-zirconium alloy,titanium alloy,and zirconia,with the elastic modulus of the four materials increasing in sequence)and cancellous bone density(high density,low density)to simulate the stress conditions of the maxillary anterior teeth in centric occlusion.The total displacements and von Mises stresses of implants,cortical bone stresses and cancellous bone strains were compared and analyzed.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The maximum displacement of the implant gradually decreased with the increase of the modulus of elasticity of the material,and the value of the maximum displacement of the implant in the polyetheretherketone group exceeded 10 μm;the implant stress was concentrated in the labial neck in the models.The maximum stress gradually increased with the increase of the modulus of elasticity of the implant material,among which,the zirconia-low density bone model had the highest stress,which was 21.31 MPa;the cortical bone stress was concentrated in the cortical bone at the junction of the implant with the labial side,and the polyetheretherketone-low density bone group had the highest value,which was 29.90 MPa.(2)From the biomechanical point of view,titanium-zirconium alloy,titanium alloy,and zirconia can be used as implant materials for restoration of a single missing anterior tooth,and implant displacement is one of the common problems during implant restorations,but pure polyetheretherketone material may cause excessive implant displacement in implant restorations of anterior areas,causing implant failure.

Objective To retrospectively study the characteristics and short-term outcomes of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis accompanied by diastolic cardiac dysfunction,and to inform the clinical diagnosis and treatment of decompensated liver cirrhosis.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with liver cirrhosis and diastolic heart dysfunction admitted to Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from April 1,2019 to July 31,2023.The patients were divided into compensated cirrhosis group(n=37)and decompensated cirrhosis group(n=226),and those with decompensated cirrhosis were further divided into subgroups of patients with heart dysfunction(n=84)and patients without heart dysfunction(n=142).We compared two groups using the independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous data in normal distribution and data in skewed distribution,respectively;compared multiple groups using the Kruskal-Wallis H test,with subsequent paired comparisons using the Wilcoxon test;compared categorical data between two groups using the chi-square test or corrected chi-square test;identified the factors affecting patient survival using a Logistic regression model;and plotted Kaplan-Meier survival curves,with inter-group comparisons using the log-rank test.Results A total of 263 eligible patients were ultimately included,among whom 226 patients were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis(84 patients with diastolic dysfunction).Between the diastolic dysfunction group and non-diastolic dysfunction group,significant differences were detected in age(t=-4.566,P<0.05),activated partial thromboplastin time(Z=-3.026,P<0.05),prothrombin time(Z=-2.450,P<0.05),international normalized ratio(Z=2.779,P<0.05),and the proportion of moderate esophageal varices(χ2=4.273,P<0.05).During hospitalization,35 patients experienced new or aggravated ascites(18 with cardiac dysfunction and 17 without cardiac dysfunction),6 patients experienced new gastroesophageal variceal bleeding,and 9 patients experienced new or aggravated hepatic encephalopathy(3 with cardiac dysfunction and 6 without cardiac dysfunction).Jaundice was the most common decompensation event upon admission,and electrophysiological abnormalities were the most common electrocardiogram findings upon admission.During the 90-day follow-up period,30 individuals(12 with cardiac dysfunction and 18 without cardia dysfunction)died.The logistic regression analysis showed that age(odds ratio[OR]=1.075,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.033-1.119,P<0.001),N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP,OR=0.996,95%CI:0.992-0.999,P=0.016),and mild/moderate ascites(OR=0.270,95%CI:0.092-0.789,P=0.017)were independent predictive factors for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.Conclusion Timely attention should be paid to elderly patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and diastolic heart dysfunction who have a decline in NT-proBNP and mild to moderate ascites.Symptomatic treatment such as diuretics may improve diastolic heart dysfunction.