ObjectiveTo conduct an epidemiological investigation, isolate and identify the pathogenic bacteria, and perform whole-genome sequencing (WGS) analysis of a food poisoning outbreak in Suzhou High-tech Zone, so as to provide references for the prevention and management of similar incidents. MethodsAn epidemiological investigation was carried out on affected individuals and restaurant staff. Multi-pathogen screening was performed on rectal swab samples from affected cases and restaurant staff, as well as on environmental swab samples from food preparation areas and retained food samples. WGS was performed on the pathogens isolated from the samples. ResultsA total of 15 cases were identified through hospital visit record reviews and on-site inquiries. Of the 15 case samples, 14 tested positive for Staphylococcus aureus (SA). In addition, 3 out of 15 staff samples and 6 out of 34 retained food samples tested positive for SA. WGS results revealed that the 6 food-derived isolates and 13 case-derived isolates shared the same sequence type (ST), Staphylococcal Protein A (SPA) type, and enterotoxin gene profile, with whole-genome single nucleotide polymorphism (wgSNP) differences of ≤5. Two novel SA sequence types: ST9159 and ST9161, were also identified in this study. ConclusionThis food poisoning outbreak is caused by contamination food with SA harbouring the seb and sec enterotoxin genes. The primary causes of contamination and cross-contamination included improper food handling practices, the use of the same utensils for raw and cooked foods, and extended storage of certain dishes at room temperature. Strengthening sanitary supervision in food handling facilities is crucial for reducing the occurrence of similar incidents.

AIM: To analyze the distribution frequency of gene polymorphisms of β receptor blockers, angiotensin receptor antagonists, angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium antagonists, and diuretics in hypertensive patients from southern Anhui province, and provide a theoretical basis for gene detection of hypertension drugs and personalized medication. METHODS: Drug gene testing information from 839 hospitalized patients with hypertension at Yijishan Hospital of Wannan Medical College from July 2021 to April 2023 were collected, and the distribution frequency of each gene locus were analyzed. RESULTS: The genotype frequencies of ACE (I/D) I/I, I/D, and D/D were 42.1%, 46.0%, and 11.9%, respectively. the genotype frequencies of ADRB1 (1165G>C) G/G, G/C, and C/C were 8.3%, 40.0%, and 51.6%, respectively. The genotype frequencies of AGTR1 (1166A>C) A/A, A/C, and C/C were 90.2%, 9.8%, and 0.0%. The genotype frequencies of CYP2C9*3 (1075A>C) *1/*1, *1/*3, and *3/*3 were 91.3%, 8.7%, and 0.0%, respectively; the genotype frequencies of CYP2D6* 10 (100C > T) *1/*1, *1/*10, and *10/*10 were 25.0%, 36.6%, and 38.4%, respectively. The genotype frequencies of CYP3A5*3 (6986A>G) *1/*1, *1/*3, and *3/*3 were 7.0%, 39.0%, and 54.0%, respectively. The frequencies of NPPA (2238T>C) T/T, T / C, and C / C genotypes were 97.9%, 2.1%, and 0.0%, respectively. In addition, there was a significant difference in the genotype distribution frequency of multiple drug related gene loci in southern Anhui compared to other regions in China (P< 0.05). CONCLUSION: The genotype distribution frequency of hypertensive drug related gene loci had certain bias in southern Anhui, and were significant different from other regions in China, indicating that conducting genetic polymorphism testing of hypertensive drugs had certain guiding significance for the individualized application of hypertensive drugs in southern Anhui.

Objective To explore the correlation between malignant tumors and serum N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP)levels.Methods A total of 336 patients with malignant tumors(cancer group)who were admitted to the Department of Cardiology,Chinese PLA General Hospital and underwent coronary angiography from January 1,2009 to December 31,2020,and were newly diagnosed and had not received any anti-tumor treatment were selected.They were matched with 1 008 patients(non-cancer group)in a 1:3 ratio using propensity score matching based on gender and age.Clinical data of the patients were collected,including age,gender,serum NT-proBNP,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),SYNTAX score,serum creatinine,and tumor diagnosis information.The patients were divided into 4 groups based on the quartiles of NT-proBNP levels:low-level group(NT-proBNP ≤ 61.80 pg/mL),medium-level group(61.80 pg/mL＜NT-proBNP≤ 152.95 pg/mL),high-level group(152.95 pg/mL＜NT-proBNP≤470.10 pg/mL),and very high-level group(NT-proBNP＞470.10 pg/mL).Ordered logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between malignant tumors and serum NT-proBNP.Results A total of 1 344 patients were included,with an average age of(65.78±9.18)years old,1 003 males(74.63％),LVEF of 60.00％(55.00％,64.00％),SYNTAX score of(13.84±11.63)points,and creatinine level of 76.60(66.50,88.88)μmol/L.Among the 336 cancer patients,the top 3 types of cancer were lung cancer(84 cases,25.00％),colorectal cancer(58 cases,17.26％),and gastric cancer(52 cases,15.48％).The NT-proBNP levels in the cancer group were significantly higher than those in the non-cancer group(208.45[85.75,601.83]pg/mL vs 134.35[57.18,430.23]pg/mL,P＜0.001).Ordered logistic regression analysis showed that in the unadjusted model,malignant tumors were significantly associated with higher NT-proBNP levels(OR=1.561,95％CI 1.538-1.584,P＜0.001);after adjusting for relevant factors,malignant tumors remained significantly associated with higher serum NT-proBNP levels(OR=1.384,95％CI 1.070-1.791,P=0.013).Conclusions NT-proBNP in malignant tumor patients is higher than that in non-malignant tumor patients,and there is a significant correlation between malignant tumors and serum NT-proBNP levels.

Objective:To investigate the current status of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in China, and to provide supporting data and reference for the development of endoscopic treatment.Methods:In this study, initiated by the Liver Health Consortium in China (CHESS), a questionnaire was designed and distributed online to investigate the basic condition of endoscopic treatment for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension in 2022 in China. Questions included annual number and indication of endoscopic procedures, adherence to guideline for preventing esophagogastric variceal bleeding (EGVB), management and timing of emergent EGVB, management of gastric and isolated varices, and improvement of endoscopic treatment. Proportions of hospitals concerning therapeutic choices to all participant hospitals were calculated. Guideline adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals were compared by using Chi-square test.Results:A total of 836 hospitals from 31 provinces (anotomous regions and municipalities) participated in the survey. According to the survey, the control of acute EGVB (49.3%, 412/836) and the prevention of recurrent bleeding (38.3%, 320/836) were major indications of endoscopic treatment. For primary [non-selective β-blocker (NSBB) or endoscopic therapies] and secondary prophylaxis (NSBB and endoscopic therapies) of EGVB, adherence to domestic guideline was 72.5% (606/836) and 39.2% (328/836), respectively. There were significant differences in the adherence between secondary and tertiary hospitals in primary prophylaxis of EGVB [71.0% (495/697) VS 79.9% (111/139), χ2=4.11, P=0.033] and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB [41.6% (290/697) VS 27.3% (38/139), χ2=9.31, P=0.002]. A total of 78.2% (654/836) hospitals preferred endoscopic therapies treating acute EGVB, and endoscopic therapy was more likely to be the first choice for treating acute EGVB in tertiary hospitals (82.6%, 576/697) than secondary hospitals [56.1% (78/139), χ2=46.33, P<0.001]. The optimal timing was usually within 12 hours (48.5%, 317/654) and 12-24 hours (36.9%, 241/654) after the bleeding. Regarding the management of gastroesophageal varices type 2 and isolated gastric varices type 1, most hospitals used cyanoacrylate injection in combination with sclerotherapy [48.2% (403/836) and 29.9% (250/836), respectively], but substantial proportions of hospitals preferred clip-assisted therapies [12.4% (104/836) and 26.4% (221/836), respectively]. Improving the skills of endoscopic doctors (84.2%, 704/836), and enhancing the precision of pre-procedure evaluation and quality of multidisciplinary team (78.9%, 660/836) were considered urgent needs in the development of endoscopic treatment. Conclusion:A variety of endoscopic treatments for gastroesophageal varices in portal hypertension are implemented nationwide. Participant hospitals are active to perform emergent endoscopy for acute EGVB, but are inadequate in following recommendations regarding primary and secondary prophylaxis of EGVB. Moreover, the selection of endoscopic procedures for gastric varices differs greatly among hospitals.

Objective:To investigate the current situation of the use of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) for portal hypertension, which should aid the development of TIPS in China.Methods:The China Portal Hypertension Alliance (CHESS) initiated this study that comprehensively investigated the basic situation of TIPS for portal hypertension in China through network research. The survey included the following: the number of surgical cases, main indications, the development of Early-TIPS, TIPS for portal vein cavernous transformation, collateral circulation embolization, intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurement, commonly used stent types, conventional anticoagulation and time, postoperative follow-up, obstacles, and the application of domestic instruments.Results:According to the survey, a total of 13 527 TIPS operations were carried out in 545 hospitals participating in the survey in 2021, and 94.1% of the hospital had the habit of routine follow-up after TIPS. Most hospitals believed that the main indications of TIPS were the control of acute bleeding (42.6%) and the prevention of rebleeding (40.7%). 48.1% of the teams carried out early or priority TIPS, 53.0% of the teams carried out TIPS for the cavernous transformation of the portal vein, and 81.0% chose routine embolization of collateral circulation during operation. Most of them used coils and biological glue as embolic materials, and 78.5% of the team routinely performed intraoperative portal pressure gradient measurements. In selecting TIPS stents, 57.1% of the hospitals woulel choose Viator-specific stents, 57.2% woulel choose conventional anticoagulation after TIPS, and the duration of anticoagulation was between 3-6 months (55.4%). The limitation of TIPS surgery was mainly due to cost (72.3%) and insufficient understanding of doctors in related departments (77.4%). Most teams accepted the domestic instruments used in TIPS (92.7%).Conclusions:This survey shows that TIPS treatment is an essential part of treating portal hypertension in China. The total number of TIPS cases is far from that of patients with portal hypertension. In the future, it is still necessary to popularize TIPS technology and further standardize surgical indications, routine operations, and instrument application.

Objective To investigate the application value of the quantitative parameters of collateral circulation based on computed tomography perfusion(CTP)in evaluating the clinical prognosis of patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods A total of 126 patients with AIS caused by middle cerebral artery occlusion were enrolled,collateral circulation were reconstructed and scored via multiphase computed tomography angiography(mCTA)based on CTP.The hypoperfusion intensity ratio(HIR)and collateral vessel density(CVD)were calculated.All patients were divided into good prognosis group(72 cases)and poor prognosis group(54 cases)based on 90 d modified Rankin scale(mRS)scores.Differences in cardiovascular risk factors,National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale(NIHSS)scores,Albert stroke program early CT(ASPECT)scores,Tmax＞10 s volume,Tmax＞6 s volume,core infarct area volume,and final infarct volume between the two groups were compared.Binary logistic regression was employed to identify independent predictors of the clinical prognosis,and the DeLong test was used to compare the efficacy of different predictors in predicting clinical prognosis.Results The good prognosis group had significantly higher ASPECT scores,mCTA scores,and CVD,but significantly lower HIR,Tmax＞10 s volume,and baseline NIHSS scores compared to the poor prognosis group(P＜0.05).Binary logistic regression analysis showed that ASPECT scores[odds ratio(OR)=0.780],mCTA scores(OR=0.669),CVD(OR=0.595),and HIR(OR=28.968)were independent predictors of clinical prognosis(P＜0.05).DeLong test found no significant difference in area under the curve(AUC)values between mCTA scores,CVD and HIR in predicting the clinical prognosis of AIS patients(P＞0.05).Conclusion Quantitative parameters such as CVD and HIR related to collateral circulation have a strong diagnostic efficacy in predicting the 90 d clinical prognosis in patients with AIS.

Purpose: This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions. Methods: A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3). Results: Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis. Conclusion In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.

Objective:The transjugular or transfemoral approach is used as a common method for hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) measurement in current practice. This study aims to confirm the safety and effectiveness of measuring HVPG via the forearm venous approach.Methods:Prospective recruitment was conducted for patients with cirrhosis who underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach at six hospitals in China and Japan from September 2020 to December 2020. Patients' clinical baseline information and HVPG measurement data were collected. The right median cubital vein or basilic vein approach for all enrolled patients was selected. The HVPG standard process was used to measure pressure. Research data were analyzed using SPSS 22.0 statistical software. Quantitative data were used to represent medians (interquartile ranges), while qualitative data were used to represent frequency and rates. The correlation between two sets of data was analyzed using Pearson correlation analysis.Results:A total of 43 cases were enrolled in this study. Of these, 41 (95.3%) successfully underwent HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach. None of the patients had any serious complications. The median operation time for HVPG detection via forearm vein was 18.0 minutes (12.3~38.8 minutes). This study confirmed that HVPG was positively closely related to Child-Pugh score ( r = 0.47, P = 0.002), albumin-bilirubin score ( r = 0.37, P = 0.001), Lok index ( r = 0.36, P = 0.02), liver stiffness ( r = 0.58, P = 0.01), and spleen stiffness ( r = 0.77, P = 0.01), while negatively correlated with albumin ( r = -0.42, P = 0.006). Conclusion:The results of this multi-centre retrospective study suggest that HVPG measurement via the forearm venous approach is safe and feasible.

Objective:To explore the risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with severe trauma and their predictive predictive value.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was used to analyze the data of 509 patients with severe trauma in the trauma database of the Trauma Center of the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2017 to December 2021, including 377 males and 132 females, aged 18-94 years [53(42, 65)years]. Injury severity score (ISS) was 16-75 points [22(18, 29)points]. Injured parts included the head and neck in 409 patients (80.35%), the chest in 328(64.44%), the abdomen in 193(37.91%), the pelvis in 142(27.90%), the spine in 79(15.52%), and the limb in 247(48.53%). According to the clinical outcome during the hospital stay, the patients were divided into survival group ( n=390) and non-survival group ( n=119). Baseline and clinical data of the two groups were compared, including gender, age, cause of injury (traffic injury, fall from height, sharp instrument injury, etc.), injury site (head and neck, chest, abdomen, pelvis, spine, limb), vital signs on admission (temperature, systolic blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate), blood tests on admission [hemoglobin, platelets, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), international normalized ratio (INR), fibrinogen (FIB)], Glasgow coma scale (GCS) upon admission to the emergency room, revised trauma score (RTS) upon admission to the emergency room, ISS after whole-body CT examination, quick sequential organ failure assessment (qSOFA) score upon admission to the emergency room, and INR combined with qSOFA score. The baseline and clinical data of the survival group and the non-survival group were first compared with univariate analysis. Then, the independent risk factors of in-hospital mortality in patients with severe trauma were determined by multivariate Logistic stepwise regression (forward and backward). Based on the above data, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were generated with Medcalc statistical software to analyze the efficacy of each risk factor in assessing in-hospital mortality in patients with severe trauma. Results:Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in age, injury site, temperature, systolic blood pressure, hemoglobin, platelet, PT, APTT, INR, FIB, GCS, RTS, ISS, qSOFA score, and INR combined with qSOFA score between the two groups ( P<0.05 or 0.01), while there were no significant differences in gender, cause of injury, heart rate, and respiratory rate between the two groups ( P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis showed that age, systolic blood pressure, APTT, ISS, and INR combined with qSOFA score were significantly correlated with in-hospital mortality in patients with severe trauma ( P<0.01). ROC curve analysis results showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of in-hospital mortality in patients with severe trauma predicted by age, systolic blood pressure, APTT, ISS, and INR combined with qSOFA score were 0.63(95% CI 0.59, 0.68) and 0.60(95% CI 0.55, 0.64), 0.66(95% CI 0.62, 0.70), 0.73(95% CI 0.69, 0.77), and 0.75(95% CI 0.72, 0.80), respectively. Conclusions:Age, systolic blood pressure, APTT, ISS, and INR combined with qSOFA score are the independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality in patients with severe trauma. ISS and INR combined qSOFA score can better predict in-hospital mortality of patients with severe trauma than age, systolic blood pressure and APTT.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intensity modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) and programmed death-1 (PD-1) immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy for patients with local failure of esophageal cancer after initial radical chemoradiotherapy.Methods:Clinical data of 80 patients with local failure of esophageal cancer after initial radical chemoradiotherapy treated with IMRT or PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy in People's Hospital of Xinghua between June 2014 and June 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. IMRT was delivered at 1.8-2.0 Gy per fraction, 5 fractions per week, with a total dose of 45.0-60.0 Gy in 40 patients (IMRT group). The other 40 patients received PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy (PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy group). Kaplan-Meier method was used for univariate analysis and the cumulative survival probability. Log-rank test was used for survival significance test. Cox proportional hazards model was used for multivariate analysis of related factors affecting overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and local control (LC).Results:By December 2023, the follow-up rate was 100%. The 1- and 2-year OS rates in the IMRT group were 66.1% and 18.9%, with a median OS time of 10.1 months. In the PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy group, the 1- and 2-year OS rates were 72.3% and 36.9%, with a median OS time of 12.4 months. There was a significant difference in OS rates between two groups ( χ2=3.89, P=0.049). The 1- and 2-year PFS rates in the IMRT group were 47.4% and 31.6%, with a median PFS time of 8.5 months. In the PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy group, the 1- and 2-year PFS rates were 70.0% and 64.2%, with a median PFS time of 11.9 months. There was no significant difference in the PFS rates between two groups ( χ2=2.66, P=0.103). The 1- and 2-year LC rates in the IMRT group were 68.6% and 62.3%, with a median LC time of 8.9 months. In the PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy group, the 1- and 2-year LC rates were 72.8% and 66.7%, with a median LC time of 12.0 months. There was no significant difference in LC rates between two groups ( χ2=0.18, P=0.672). Grade 2 radiation esophagitis and radiation pneumonitis developed in 82.5% (33/40) and 32.5% (13/40) in the IMRT group, respectively. The incidence of grade 1-2 peripheral blood leukopenia was 40.0% (16/40), 50.0% (20/40) for grade 1-2 peripheral blood thrombocytopenia, 27.5% (11/40) for moderate to severe anemia, and 20.0% (8/40) for grade 1-2 thyroid dysfunction in the PD-1 immunotherapy combined with single-agent chemotherapy, respectively. Single- and multi-factor analysis showed that the failure site ( χ2=9.01, P=0.011) and short-term efficacy ( χ2=7.78, P=0.005) were the independent prognostic factors affecting OS. The short-term efficacy was the independent prognostic factor for PFS ( χ2=31.63, P<0.001). The short-term efficacy was the independent prognostic factors affecting LCS ( χ2=17.64, P=0.001) too. Conclusion:For the patients with local failure of esophageal cancer after initial radical chemoradiotherapy, the combination of PD-1 immunotherapy with single-agent chemotherapy yields better survival prognosis than re-irradiation alone, but it is still necessary to pay attention to the related drug toxicities.