Objective:To investigate the associations of onset age, diabetes duration, and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels with ischemic stroke risk in type 2 diabetes patients.Methods:The participants were from Comprehensive Research on the Prevention and Control of the Diabetes in Jiangsu Province. The study used data from baseline survey from December 2013 to January 2014 and follow-up until December 31, 2021. After excluding the participants who had been diagnosed with stroke at baseline survey and those with incomplete information on onset age, diabetes duration, and HbA1c level, a total of 17 576 type 2 diabetes patients were included. Cox proportional hazard model was used to calculate the hazard ratio ( HR) and 95% CI of onset age, diabetes duration, and HbA1c level for ischemic stroke. Results:During the median follow-up time of 8.02 years, 2 622 ischemic stroke cases were registered. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model showed that a 5-year increase in type 2 diabetes onset age was significantly associated with a 5% decreased risk for ischemic stroke ( HR=0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.99). A 5-year increase in diabetes duration was associated with a 5% increased risk for ischemic stroke ( HR=1.05, 95% CI: 1.02-1.10). Higher HbA1c (per 1 standard deviation increase: HR=1.17, 95% CI: 1.13-1.21) was associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke. Conclusion:The earlier onset age of diabetes, longer diabetes duration, and high levels of HbA1c are associated with an increased risk for ischemic stroke in type 2 diabetes patients.

To investigate the associations of serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) levels with the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD) and its subtypes in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Jiangsu Province.Methods:The participants were enrolled in the Comprehensive Research project regarding 'Prevention and Control of Diabetes' in Jiangsu Province. The baseline survey was conducted from 2013 to 2014, and follow-up until December 31, 2021. After excluding the participants who self-reported with chronic liver disease/stroke/coronary heart disease at baseline survey and those with incomplete information on GGT, a total of 16 147 T2DM patients were included in the final analysis. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to calculate the hazard ratio ( HR) and their 95% CI of GGT for CVD, myocardial infarction, and stroke. Restricted cubic spline models were applied to analyze the dose-response relationship between GGT and the risk of CVD and its subtypes. Results:During the median follow-up time of 8.02 years, 2 860 CVD cases were registered, including 196 cases of myocardial infarction and 2 730 cases of stroke. Multivariate Cox proportional risk regression model indicated that compared to the lowest serum GGT level group, the highest GGT level group had a 24% increased risk of CVD ( HR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.09-1.41) and a 23% increased risk of stroke ( HR=1.23, 95% CI: 1.08-1.40). The restricted cubic spline model showed a nonlinear dose-response relationship between GGT and the risk of CVD, myocardial infarction, and stroke in T2DM patients. Conclusions:High levels of GGT may be associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular disease in T2DM patients, which needs further exploration and validation in future clinical practice.

Objective To summarize the clinical experience and risk factors for acute kidney injury (AKI) in neonates undergoing congenital cardiac surgery and demonstrate whether neonatal AKI after cardiac surgery was independently related to perioperative short-term outcomes. Methods Medical records of neonates undergoing congenital heart surgery from January 2014 to September 2021 were retrospectively reviewed. The patients were divided into an AKI group and a non-AKI group according to whether the AKI occured after the surgery. Multivariate logistic analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for postoperative AKI and the relationship between postoperative AKI and postoperative short-term outcomes. Results A total of 609 patients were included. There were 395 males and 214 females with an age at surgery of 1.0-28.0 d and weight of 1.9-4.8 kg. After cardiac surgery, 139 neonates developed AKI. Multivariate logistic analysis showed that less intraoperative urine output [OR=0.96, 95%CI (0.94, 0.99), P=0.005], more intraoperative infusion of red blood cells [OR=1.49, 95%CI (1.16, 1.91), P=0.002], longer intraoperative deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time [OR=1.02, 95%CI (1.00, 1.04), P=0.020], higher vasoactive-inotropic score [OR=1.03, 95%CI (1.01, 1.04), P<0.001] and elevated lactate (increasing by 5 mmol/L) [OR=2.90, 95%CI (1.76, 4.76), P<0.001] when transferred to ICU were independent risk factors for AKI. AKI was an independent risk factor for increased in-hospital mortality [OR=12.61, 95%CI (3.00, 37.48), P<0.001]. Conclusion Less intraoperative urine output, more intraoperative infusion of red blood cells, longer intraoperative deep hypothermic circulatory arrest time, higher vasoactive-inotropic score and elevated lactate when transferred to ICU are independent risk factors for AKI. Furthermore, AKI is an independent risk factor for perioperative death after cardiac surgery.

Objective:To study the distribution of species type, biotype and genotype of human Brucella isolated and identified in Nanjing. Methods:A total of 89 strains of human Brucella were collected from microbiology laboratories of three sentinel hospitals in Nanjing from 2017 to 2022. The species type was identified using biological methods and Brucella nucleic acid detection (BCSP31-PCR and AMOS-PCR). Further biotyping of Brucella melitensis isolates was conducted by serological results of A and M factors. Meanwhile, genotype analysis was performed using multiple-locus variable number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA), multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Results:From 2017 to 2022, 89 strains of Brucella isolated and identified in Nanjing were all Brucella melitensis. Among them, Brucella melitensis biotype 3 accounted for 82.02% (73/89), and biotype 1 accounted for 17.98% (16/89). MLVA typing showed that 89 strains of Brucella melitensis belong to the "Eastern Mediterranean" cluster and could be divided into 50 MLVA genotypes; among which panel 1 had 3 genotypes, namely Type 42 (84.27%, 75/89), Type 63 (8.99%, 8/89) and Type 43 (6.74%, 6/89). The results of MLST-9 and MLST-21 were both ST8, and the core genome multilocus sequence typing (cgMLST) classified 89 strains into 11 genotypes. SNP analysis revealed a total of 4 013 SNP loci, with SNPs ranging from 0 to 409 across different strains, involving 59 SNP genotypes. Conclusions:The human Brucella strains isolated and identified in Nanjing are all Brucella melitensis, mainly biotype 3. The MLVA cluster is the "Eastern Mediterranean" cluster. The traditional MLST-9 and MLST-21 typing results are all ST8 type, while cgMLST divides all the strains into 11 genotypes with higher resolution.

Objective:To investigate the distribution and molecular characteristics of Yersinia isolated from diarrhea patients in Jiangsu Province. Methods:From 2017 to 2021, the stool samples of diarrhea patients were collected in Tongshan District of Xuzhou City and Dongtai City of Yancheng City, Jiangsu Province, where the national active monitoring sites of Yersinia enterocolitica, then Yersinia was isolated; meanwhile, suspected Yersinia strains were collected from sentinel hospitals in the province. The DNA of isolated strains was extracted for whole genome resequencing, and the data were uploaded to the EnteroBase database for Yersinia species identification; the original data were cleaned and processed for 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene polymorphism analysis. Five virulence genes (ail, ystA, ystB, yadA, virF) were scanned through the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Pathogen Virulence Factor Database (VFDB), and K-mer Tree was constructed and genomic characteristics were analyzed. Results:From 2017 to 2021, a total of 2 058 stool samples from diarrhea patients were collected, and 57 strains of Yersinia were isolated and identified; meanwhile, two Yersinia strains were collected from the sentinel hospital. Compared with EnteroBase database, 51 strains were identified as Yersinia enterocolitica, 4 strains as Yersinia proxima, 1 strain each as Yersinia aleksiciae, Yersinia massiliensis, Yersinia intermedia and Yersinia canariae. The 16S rRNA gene polymorphism analysis showed that all strains were clustered into 3 groups, which could distinguish Yersinia enterocolitica from other Yersinia. Among the 51 strains of Yersinia enterocolitica, 49 strains were virulence genotype Ⅲ(ail-, ystA-, ystB+, yadA-, virF-), two strains were virulence genotype Ⅱ(ail+, ystA+, ystB-, yadA-, virF-); and 8 other Yersinia strains were virulence genotype Ⅳ (ail-, ystA-, ystB-, yadA-, virF-). K-mer analysis could distinguish Yersinia enterocolitica from other Yersinia, JS-XZ-2020001 strain was far away from other Yersinia enterocolitica isolates, and serotype O8 strains were more concentrated. Conclusions:The clinical isolates of Yersinia enterocolitica from diarrhea patients are mainly Yersinia and other Yersinia co-exist in a small amount in Jiangsu Province, two new Yersinia species ( Yersinia proxima and Yersinia canariae) are discovered. The virulence genotype of Yersinia enterocolitica is mainly type Ⅲ. The 16S rRNA gene polymorphism analysis and K-mer analysis can effectively distinguish Yersinia enterocolitica from other Yersinia.

Objective To discuss the clinical application of controlling nutritional status(CONUT)score in predicting the prognosis of hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)patients who are treated with transarterial chemoembolization(TACE),and to construct a nomogram model integrated with multiple prognostic factors which help clinicians to accurately predict the prognosis of each patient.Methods The clinical data of 155 primary HCC patients,who were treated with TACE at the Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University of China between January 2017 and June 2020,were retrospectively analyzed.The optimal cutoff point of CONUT score was identified by receiver operation characteristics(ROC)curve and its prognostic significance was analyzed by Kaplan-Meier curve.The univariate and multivariate Cox survival analysis was performed to determine the independent prognostic factors for HCC patients treated with TACE.A nomogram model was constructed based on the significant variables which were obtained from the multivariate analysis,and its ability in predicting overall survival(OS)in HCC patients receiving TACE treatment was evaluated by using the consistency index(C-index).The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the consistency between the predicted probability and the actual probability.Results The optimal cutoff point of CONUT score for predicting OS was 4,with an AUC value of 0.766(95％CI=0.691-0.841).The patients of high CONUT score group(≥4)had larger tumor diameter(P=0.014),higher serum AFP level(P=0.002),poorer hepatic function(P＜0.01),poorer response to TACE treatment(P＜0.01),and shorter median OS(P＜0.01).Child-Pugh grade,maximum tumor diameter,serum AFP level,BCLC stage,therapeutic response to TACE,and CONUT score were the independent predictors of OS in HCC patients after TACE treatment(all P＜0.05).Based on the above variables,the nomogram model was constructed,and its C-index was 0.785(95％CI=0.691-0.879).The calibration curves showed that a good consistency existed between the predicted probability of the model and the actual probability.Conclusion CONUT score is a simple and feasible tool for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients who are treated with TACE.The nomogram model integrated with tumor biological characteristics,therapeutic response to TACE treatment and CONUT score carries a reliable predictive ability,therefore,this model is worth further promotion and verification.(J Intervent Radiol,2023,32:1190-1196)

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Objective:To identify human infection with Brucella suis, analyze its biological and molecular characteristics, and to provide basis for prevention and control of brucellosis. Methods:Brucella suis strains were isolated from the body of the first case of human Brucella suis infection in Jiangsu Province. Serum agglutination test was used for serotyping. The specific gene bcsp-31 of Brucella was detected by PCR. AMOS-PCR was used to identify IS-711. The species and biotypes were identified by multiplex PCR. The wboA gene products were sequenced and phylogenetic tree was constructed. Multilocus sequence analysis (MLSA) was used for molecular typing, and cluster analysis was performed with reference strains. Results:The strain was confirmed to be Brucella suis biotype 3 by serum agglutination test and PCR. After sequencing the wboA gene, cluster analysis of the reference sequence showed that the wboA gene was closest to the biotype 3 strain Brucella suis str. 686 (CP007719). MLSA was typed into ST17(1-6-4-1-5-3-5-2-4). Conclusions:Brucella suis biotype 3 is reported in Jiangsu Province for the first time. The MLSA type is ST17. In the future, the prevention and control of human brucellosis should be carried out. We should actively cooperate with the animal husbandry and veterinary department to increase the quarantine, immunization and other control measures.

Objective:To explore the changes of sensorimotor network functional connectivity and coefficient of variation of dyanmic functional connection in stroke patients before and after acupuncture on the left Yanglingquan by means of functional magnetic resonance, and explore the effect mechanism of needle retention.Methods:Twenty five patients with right subcortical cerebral infarction who were hospitalized in Dongzhimen Hospital from September 2014 to September 2019 were selected as the experimental group.In the same period 21 healthy controls were selected as healthy control group. The resting state and acupuncture state images were collected by functional magnetic resonance imaging, and the images were preprocessed. The sensory motor brain network of subjects was extracted by independent component analysis (ICA). The functional connectivity and dynamic changes were compared before and after acupuncture based on the sensory motor network.Results:In the experimental group, there were differences between acupuncture state and resting state in the left inferior parietal lobule. The acupuncture state was stronger than the resting state (P < 0.05, GRF correction). The coordinates of the peak point were (-27, -51, 48), the T value of the peak point was 5.502, and the number of voxels was 12. The variation of dynamic functional connectivity in the sensory motor network of acupuncture state was significantly lower than that in resting state( P<0.05, GRF correction), the peak point coordinates were (-5, -30, 39), the peak T value was -3.152, and the number of voxels is 9.In the control group, there was no significant difference between acupuncture state and resting state in functional connection of sensory motor network, while the difference of sensory motor network and thalamus between acupuncture state and resting state was statistically significant. The intensity of acupuncture state was lower than that of resting state ( P<0.05, GRF correction), the coordinates of peak point were (-12, 3, 6), the T value of peak point was -4.253, and the number of voxels was 183.There was no significant difference in the variation of dynamic functional connectivity in sensory motor network before and after acupuncture. Compared with the healthy control group, the functional connectivity of the experimental group was stronger than that of the healthy control group ( P<0.05, GRF correction). The coordinates of the peak point were (0, 42, 48), the T value of the peak point was 3.988, and the number of voxels was 53.The difference in the resting state of thalamus in the experimental group was weaker than that in the healthy control group ( P< 0.05, GRF correction), the coordinates of the peak point were (- 9, -15, 9), the T value of the peak point was -6.596, and the number of voxels was 101; there was no significant difference in the dynamic functional connectivity variability between the two groups, but there were scattered differences in the resting state ( P<0.05, GRF correction). With age, gender and course of disease as control variables, partial correlation analysis showed that the average functional connectivity strength in the sensory motor network of the experimental group was significantly higher than that of the Fugl Meyer assessment (FMA) of the lower limbs. There was a negative correlation between the scores of FMA. The correlation coefficient between the average functional connectivity in the sensory motor network of acupuncture state and the FMA score of lower extremity was -0.533 ( P=0.011), and the correlation coefficient between the average functional connectivity in the sensory motor network of acupuncture state and FMA score of lower extremity was -0.485 ( P=0.022). Conclusion:The brain function in acupuncture state sensorimotor network of patients with cerebral infarction is different from that in resting state, and this operation mode also has time-related fluctuation changes.