This paper systematically reviews the current status of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine in the treatment of Helicobacter pylori （Hp） infection， as well as recent progress in clinical and basic research both in China and internationally. It summarizes the advantages of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） in Hp infection management， including improving Hp eradication rates， enhancing antibiotic sensitivity， reducing antimicrobial resistance， decreasing drug-related adverse effects， and ameliorating gastric mucosal lesions. These advantages are particularly evident in patients who are intolerant to bismuth-containing regimens， those with refractory Hp infection， and individuals with precancerous gastric lesions. An integrated， whole-process management approach and individualized， staged comprehensive treatment strategies combining TCM and western medicine are proposed for Hp infection. Future prevention and control of Hp infection should adopt an integrative Chinese-western medical strategy， emphasizing prevention， strengthening primary care， implementing proactive long-term monitoring， optimizing screening strategies， and advancing the development of novel technologies and mechanistic studies of Chinese herbal interventions. These efforts aim to provide a theoretical basis and practical pathways for the establishment and improvement of Hp infection prevention and control systems.

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 evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture manipulation on treatment of intractable facial paralysis (IFP), and verify the practicality and precision of the Anzhong Facial Paralysis Precision Scale (Eyelid Closure Grading Scale, AFPPS-ECGS). METHODS: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to June 2024. Eighty-nine IFP participants were randomly assigned to an ordinary acupuncture group (OAG, 45 cases) and a characteristic acupuncture group (CAG, 44 cases) using a random number table method. The main acupoints selected included Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Dicang (ST 4), Chengjiang (CV 24), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Jiache (ST 6), Fengchi (GB 20), and Hegu (LI 4). The OAG patients received ordinary acupuncture manipulation, while the CAG received characteristic acupuncture manipulation. Both groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week, with 10 times per course, lasting for 10 weeks. Facial recovery was assessed at baseline and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment course by AFPPS-ECGS and the House-Brackmann (H-B) Grading Scale. Infrared thermography technology was used to observe the temperature difference between healthy and affected sides in various facial regions. Adverse events and laboratory test abnormalities were recorded. The correlation between the scores of the two scales was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: After the 2nd treatment course, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in AFPPS-ECGS scores (P<0.05), with even greater significance after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Similarly, H-B Grading Scale scores demonstrated significant differences between groups following the 3rd treatment course (P<0.05). Regarding temperature measurements, significant differences in temperatures of frontal and ocular areas were observed after the 2nd course (P<0.05), becoming more pronounced after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Additionally, mouth corner temperature differences reached statistical significance by the 3rd course (P<0.05). No safety-related incidents were observed during the study. Correlation analysis revealed that the AFPPS-ECGS and the H-B Grading Scale were strongly correlated (r=0.86, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.91 at baseline, and after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd treatment course, respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is an effective treatment for IFP, and the characteristic acupuncture manipulation enhances the therapeutic effect. The use of the AFPPS-ECGS can more accurately reflect the recovery status of patients with IFP. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200065442).
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged

This consensus will introduce the characteristics of fillers used in the surgical cavities of domestic nasal surgery patients based on relevant literature and expert opinions. It will also provide recommendations for the selection of cavity fillers for different nasal diseases, with chronic sinusitis as a representative example.
Humans ; Nasal Cavity/surgery* ; Nasal Surgical Procedures ; China ; Consensus ; Sinusitis/surgery* ; Dermal Fillers

Sigma-1 receptor (σ ₁R) has become a focus point of drug discovery for central nervous system (CNS) diseases. A series of novel 1-phenylethan-1-one O-(2-aminoethyl) oxime derivatives were synthesized. In vitro biological evaluation led to the identification of 1a, 14a, 15d and 16d as the most high-affinity (K _i < 4 nmol/L) and selective σ ₁R agonists. Among these, 15d, the most metabolically stable derivative exhibited high selectivity for σ ₁R in relation to σ ₂R and 52 other human targets. In addition to low CYP450 inhibition and induction, 15d also exhibited high brain permeability and excellent oral bioavailability. Importantly, 15d demonstrated effective antipsychotic potency, particularly for alleviating negative symptoms and improving cognitive impairment in experimental animal models, both of which are major challenges for schizophrenia treatment. Moreover, 15d produced no significant extrapyramidal symptoms, exhibiting superior pharmacological profiles in relation to current antipsychotic drugs. Mechanistically, 15d inhibited GSK3β and enhanced prefrontal BDNF expression and excitatory synaptic transmission in pyramidal neurons. Collectively, these in vivo proof-of-concept findings provide substantial experimental evidence to demonstrate that modulating σ ₁R represents a potential new therapeutic approach for schizophrenia. The novel chemical entity along with its favorable drug-like and pharmacological profile of 15d renders it a promising candidate for treating schizophrenia.

This study aimed to comprehensively examine the association of gallstones, cholecystectomy, and cancer risk. Multivariable logistic regressions were performed to estimate the observational associations of gallstones and cholecystectomy with cancer risk, using data from a nationwide cohort involving 239 799 participants. General and gender-specific two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was further conducted to assess the causalities of the observed associations. Observationally, a history of gallstones without cholecystectomy was associated with a high risk of stomach cancer (adjusted odds ratio (aOR)=2.54, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.50-4.28), liver and bile duct cancer (aOR=2.46, 95% CI 1.17-5.16), kidney cancer (aOR=2.04, 95% CI 1.05-3.94), and bladder cancer (aOR=2.23, 95% CI 1.01-5.13) in the general population, as well as cervical cancer (aOR=1.69, 95% CI 1.12-2.56) in women. Moreover, cholecystectomy was associated with high odds of stomach cancer (aOR=2.41, 95% CI 1.29-4.49), colorectal cancer (aOR=1.83, 95% CI 1.18-2.85), and cancer of liver and bile duct (aOR=2.58, 95% CI 1.11-6.02). MR analysis only supported the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer. This study added evidence to the causal effect of gallstones on stomach, liver and bile duct, kidney, and bladder cancer, highlighting the importance of cancer screening in individuals with gallstones.
Humans ; Mendelian Randomization Analysis ; Gallstones/complications* ; Female ; Male ; Cholecystectomy/statistics & numerical data* ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Aged ; Adult ; Neoplasms/etiology* ; Stomach Neoplasms/epidemiology*

Objective To analyze the monitoring of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in the intensive care unit(ICU)over the past 12 years based on Joinpoint regression model,and evaluate the trend changes and relevant fac-tors of HAI incidence.Methods ICU patients in a tertiary first-class hospital from January 2012 to December 2023 were selected and performed prospective monitoring.Trend changes of HAI incidence and the correlation with con-sumption of hand hygiene products as well as HAI management measures were analyzed.Results From 2012 to 2023,6 929 ICU patients were included in the monitoring,543 patients had 655 episodes of HAI,with incidence and case incidence of HAI being 7.84％ and 9.45％,respectively.The average severity of the disease was 3.62,and the adjusted HAI incidence was 2.17％.The daily incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP),cathe-ter-associated urinary tract infection(CAUTI),and central line-associated bloodstream infection(CLABSI)were 6.19‰,3.45‰,and 1.23‰,respectively.The consumption of hand hygiene products was 122.98 mL/bed-day.The compliance rate and correct rate of hand hygiene were 90.63％and 90.46％,respectively.From 2012 to 2023,incidence of HAI(51.29％vs 4.39％),case incidence of HAI(72.41％vs 4.94％),the adjusted incidence of HAI(15.98％vs 1.04％),daily incidence of VAP(22.50‰ vs 4.33‰),daily incidence of CAUTI(14.23‰ vs 1.64‰),and daily incidence of CLABSI(10.60‰ vs 0.20‰)all decreased significantly(all P＜0.05).Both con-sumption of hand hygiene products(75.16 mL/bed-day vs 147.35 mL/bed-day)and correct rate of hand hygiene(85.00％vs 90.28％)increased significantly(both P＜0.05).A total of 1 946 pathogens were detected,with an increase in the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus(1.30％ vs 9.57％)and a decrease in the proportion of fungi(11.04％vs 1.74％).The daily consumption of hand hygiene products negatively correlated with the incidence of HAI,the case incidence of HAI,as well as the daily incidence of CAUTI and CLABSI(all P＜0.05).Incorpora-ting HAI real-time monitoring system and HAI management into performance assessment could decrease HAI-rela-ted incidence(P＜0.05).Conclusion HAI-related incidence presents a downward trend.Scientific and comprehen-sive HAI prevention and control management measures such as healthcare workers'hand hygiene management,on-line HAI real-time monitoring system,and incorporating HAI management into performance assessment can de-crease HAI-related incidence and promote the improvement of medical quality.

Aim To investigate the effect of N6-methy-ladenosine(m6A)demethylase ALKBH5 on the prolif-eration and migration of cardiac fibroblasts(CFs)in-duced by high glucose.Methods Primary CFs were isolated from neonatal mouse hearts and identified u-sing optical and confocal microscopy.Cell activation was induced using a high-glucose medium(33 mmol·L-1 glucose).An ALKBH5 overexpression model was established by transfecting CFs with an ALKBH5 ex-pression vector in a high-glucose medium.The expres-sion of ALKBH5 in CFs was assessed through immuno-fluorescence staining,Western blot and RT-qPCR.Changes in m6A levels were evaluated using Dot blot a-nalysis.Additionally,Alterations in the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA)and collagenⅠ,a pivotal fibrosis indicator,were measured using Western blot.The proliferation and migration ability of CFs were assessed through EdU staining and Transwell migration assay,respectively.Results Following treatment with high glucose,the expression of ALKBH5 in CFs notably decreased,while m6A level increased.This was accompanied by a significant increase in the expression of the proliferation marker PCNA and the fi-brosis marker collagen Ⅰ.Additionally,there was a sig-nificant improvement in the ability of proliferation and migration.Overexpression of ALKBH5 resulted in a significant decrease in the expressions of PCNA and collagen Ⅰ,leading to the inhibition of both proliferation and migration in CFs.Conclusion Overexpression of ALKBH5 suppresses the expression of PCNA and colla-gen Ⅰ,consequently reducing the proliferation and mi-gration of CFs,potentially through m6A methylation modification.

Objective To analyze the molecular epidemiology and colistin-resistant genes of carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae(CRKP)by whole-genome sequencing,and to provide reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods 57 CRKP strains isolated from clinical specimens of hospitalized patients in a tertiary general first-class hospital in Anhui Province from 2021 to 2023 were collected and antimicrobial susceptibility testing was performed.Multilocus sequence typing,capsule serotype,resistance genes,and virulence genes of CRKP strains were analyzed by whole-genome sequencing technique,and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis was conducted on sequences of all strains.Colistin resistance-related genes were amplified by polymerase chain reaction(PCR).Results 57 CRKP strains exhibited resistance to 14 antimicrobial agents,with the exception of tigecycline.The se-quencing results showed that 93.0％(53/57)of CRKP carried blaKPC-2,and the ST11 type CRKP strain had the highest detection rate(51/57,89.5％).Single nucleotide polymorphism clustering analysis showed that the 57 CRKP strains were divided into 11 clone groups,of which 4 clone groups were all ST11-KL64 type CRKP.40(70.2％)CRKP strains carried multiple virulence genes.Five strains of CRKP were colistin-resistant strains,the resistance mechanism involved the insertion of ISKpn26 element at site 70 of the mgrB gene.Conclusion The CRKP strain is primarily characterized by the production of KPC-2 ST11-KL64,with disseminated transmission in intensive care unit.The insertion of ISKpn26 element leading to mgrB gene mutation is related to resistance of CRKP to colistin in this region.

BACKGROUND: While emotional distress, encompassing anxiety and depression, has been associated with negative clinical outcomes, its impact across various clinical departments and general hospitals has been less explored. Previous studies with limited sample sizes have examined the effectiveness of specific treatments (e.g., antidepressants) rather than a systemic management strategy for outcome improvement in non-psychiatric inpatients. To enhance the understanding of the importance of addressing mental health care needs among non-psychiatric patients in general hospitals, this study retrospectively investigated the impacts of emotional distress and the effects of early detection and management of depression and anxiety on hospital length of stay (LOS) and rate of long LOS (LLOS, i.e., LOS >30 days) in a large sample of non-psychiatric inpatients. METHODS: This retrospective cohort study included 487,871 inpatients from 20 non-psychiatric departments of a general hospital. They were divided, according to whether they underwent a novel strategy to manage emotional distress which deployed the Huaxi Emotional Distress Index (HEI) for brief screening with grading psychological services (BS-GPS), into BS-GPS ( n = 178,883) and non-BS-GPS ( n = 308,988) cohorts. The LOS and rate of LLOS between the BS-GPS and non-BS-GPS cohorts and between subcohorts with and without clinically significant anxiety and/or depression (CSAD, i.e., HEI score ≥11 on admission to the hospital) in the BS-GPS cohort were compared using univariable analyses, multilevel analyses, and/or propensity score-matched analyses, respectively. RESULTS: The detection rate of CSAD in the BS-GPS cohort varied from 2.64% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.49%-2.81%) to 20.50% (95% CI: 19.43%-21.62%) across the 20 departments, with a average rate of 5.36%. Significant differences were observed in both the LOS and LLOS rates between the subcohorts with CSAD (12.7 days, 535/9590) and without CSAD (9.5 days, 3800/169,293) and between the BS-GPS (9.6 days, 4335/178,883) and non-BS-GPS (10.8 days, 11,483/308,988) cohorts. These differences remained significant after controlling for confounders using propensity score-matched comparisons. A multilevel analysis indicated that BS-GPS was negatively associated with both LOS and LLOS after controlling for sociodemographics and the departments of patient discharge and remained negatively associated with LLOS after controlling additionally for the year of patient discharge. CONCLUSION Emotional distress significantly prolonged the LOS and increased the LLOS of non-psychiatric inpatients across most departments and general hospitals. These impacts were moderated by the implementation of BS-GPS. Thus, BS-GPS has the potential as an effective, resource-saving strategy for enhancing mental health care and optimizing medical resources in general hospitals.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Length of Stay/statistics & numerical data* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Psychological Distress ; Inpatients/psychology* ; Aged ; Anxiety/diagnosis* ; Depression/diagnosis*