Objective:To investigate the influence of liver drainage volume on overall survival time in patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:Data of 633 patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction (BismuthⅡ-Ⅳ) who underwent endoscopic stent drainage in 3 endoscopy centers from January 2002 to May 2019 were retrospectively analyzed. Main observation indicators included clinical success rate, stent patency, overall survival, the effective liver drainage volume, and complication incidence.Results:The clinical success rates of patients with liver drainage volume <30%, 30%-50%, and >50% were 56.8% (25/44), 77.3% (201/260) and 84.2% (277/329) respectively. The incidences of early cholangitis were 31.8% (14/44), 18.8% (49/260) and 16.1% (53/329). The median stent patency time was 4.5 (95% CI: 1.8-7.2) months, 5.6 (95% CI: 5.0-6.2) months and 6.6 (95% CI: 5.2-8.0) months. The overall survival time was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.8-3.0) months, 4.0 (95% CI: 3.4-4.6) months and 4.9 (95% CI:4.4-5.4) months, respectively. The clinical success rate ( χ 2=8.28, P=0.012), median stent patency period ( χ 2=18.87, P=0.015) and overall survival time ( χ 2=6.93, P=0.024) of 30%-50% liver drainage volume group were significantly higher than those of <30% group. Further multivariate cox regression analysis showed that the disease type (hepatocellular carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.50, 95% CI:1.18-1.91, P=0.001; gallbladder carcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.45, 95% CI:1.14-1.85, P=0.002; metastatic cholangiocarcinoma VS hilar cholangiocarcinoma: HR=1.48, 95% CI:1.08-2.04, P=0.015), bilirubin level >200 μmol/L ( HR=1.35, 95% CI:1.14-1.60, P<0.001),metal stents ( HR=0.67, 95% CI:0.56-0.79, P<0.001), liver drainage volume (volume 30%-50% VS <30%: HR=0.64, 95% CI: 0.45-0.90, P=0.010; volume>50% VS <30%: HR=0.58, 95% CI:0.41-0.81, P=0.002) and anti-tumor therapy ( HR=0.51, 95% CI:0.42-0.61, P<0.001) were independent predictors for overall survival time of patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Conclusion:When endoscopic stent drainage is performed for patients with unresectable malignant hilar bile duct obstruction, at least 30% liver volume is required for better overall survival. In addition, the use of metal stent drainage and anti-tumor therapy may increase survival benefits.

Objective: To compare the differences in clinical symptoms and the time required for diagnosis of benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) between older patients and young and middle-aged patients in the structured inquiry of dizziness history. Methods: The medical records of 6 807 patients diagnosed with BPPV from the Vertigo Database of Vertigo Clinical Diagnosis, Treatment, and Research Center of Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, between January 2019 and October 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The data included basic demographic information, clinical symptoms in a structured medical history questionnaire, and the time interval from the appearance of BPPV symptoms to diagnosis consultation. The patients were divided into the young and middle-aged group (<65 years old) and the older group (≥65 years old). The differences in clinical symptoms and consultation time were compared between these two groups. Categorical variables were represented by numbers (%), and compared using Chi-squared tests or Fisher's exact probability test for analysis; whereas, continuous variables conforming to normal distribution were represented by mean±standard deviation. Both data groups were compared and analyzed by Student's t-test. Results: The mean age of the older group was 65-92 (71±5) years, while the mean age of the middle-aged group was 18-64 (49±12) years. The incidence of vertigo (42.5% vs. 49.1%, χ²=23.69, P<0.001); vertigo triggered by changes in position of the head or body (52.4% vs. 58.7%, χ²=22.31, P<0.001); and autonomic symptoms (10.1% vs. 12.4%, χ²=7.09, P=0.008) were lower, but hearing loss (11.8% vs. 7.8%, χ²=27.36, P<0.001) and sleep disorders (18.5% vs. 15.2%, χ²=11.13, P=0.001) were higher in the older group than in the young and middle-aged group. The time from the appearance of dizziness to diagnosis was commonly longer in the older patient group than the other group (55.0% vs. 38.5%, χ²=55.95, P<0.001). Conclusions: Older patients with BPPV have more atypical symptoms and complex concomitant symptoms than young and middle-aged patients. For older patients with dizziness, positional testing is needed to confirm the possibility of BPPV even if the clinical symptoms are atypical.
Middle Aged ; Humans ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Adult ; Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo/therapy* ; Dizziness/diagnosis* ; Retrospective Studies ; Patients ; Surveys and Questionnaires

Objective: This cross-sectional investigation aimed to determine the incidence, clinical characteristics, prognosis, and related risk factors of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain in mainland China. Methods: Data of patients with SARS-CoV-2 from December 28, 2022, to February 21, 2023, were collected through online and offline questionnaires from 45 tertiary hospitals and one center for disease control and prevention in mainland China. The questionnaire included demographic information, previous health history, smoking and alcohol drinking, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination, olfactory and gustatory function before and after infection, other symptoms after infection, as well as the duration and improvement of olfactory and gustatory dysfunction. The self-reported olfactory and gustatory functions of patients were evaluated using the Olfactory VAS scale and Gustatory VAS scale. Results: A total of 35 566 valid questionnaires were obtained, revealing a high incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain (67.75%). Females(χ2=367.013, P<0.001) and young people(χ2=120.210, P<0.001) were more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Gender(OR=1.564, 95%CI: 1.487-1.645), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), oral health status (OR=0.881, 95%CI: 0.839-0.926), smoking history (OR=1.152, 95%CI=1.080-1.229), and drinking history (OR=0.854, 95%CI: 0.785-0.928) were correlated with the occurrence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2(above P<0.001). 44.62% (4 391/9 840) of the patients who had not recovered their sense of smell and taste also suffered from nasal congestion, runny nose, and 32.62% (3 210/9 840) suffered from dry mouth and sore throat. The improvement of olfactory and taste functions was correlated with the persistence of accompanying symptoms(χ2=10.873, P=0.001). The average score of olfactory and taste VAS scale was 8.41 and 8.51 respectively before SARS-CoV-2 infection, but decreased to3.69 and 4.29 respectively after SARS-CoV-2 infection, and recovered to 5.83and 6.55 respectively at the time of the survey. The median duration of olfactory and gustatory dysfunctions was 15 days and 12 days, respectively, with 0.5% (121/24 096) of patients experiencing these dysfunctions for more than 28 days. The overall self-reported improvement rate of smell and taste dysfunctions was 59.16% (14 256/24 096). Gender(OR=0.893, 95%CI: 0.839-0.951), SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status (OR=1.334, 95%CI: 1.164-1.530), history of head and facial trauma(OR=1.180, 95%CI: 1.036-1.344, P=0.013), nose (OR=1.104, 95%CI: 1.042-1.171, P=0.001) and oral (OR=1.162, 95%CI: 1.096-1.233) health status, smoking history(OR=0.765, 95%CI: 0.709-0.825), and the persistence of accompanying symptoms (OR=0.359, 95%CI: 0.332-0.388) were correlated with the recovery of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to SARS-CoV-2 (above P<0.001 except for the indicated values). Conclusion: The incidence of olfactory and taste dysfunctions related to infection with the SARS-CoV-2 Omicron strain is high in mainland China, with females and young people more likely to develop these dysfunctions. Active and effective intervention measures may be required for cases that persist for a long time. The recovery of olfactory and taste functions is influenced by several factors, including gender, SARS-CoV-2 vaccination status, history of head and facial trauma, nasal and oral health status, smoking history, and persistence of accompanying symptoms.
Female ; Humans ; Adolescent ; SARS-CoV-2 ; Smell ; COVID-19/complications* ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; COVID-19 Vaccines ; Incidence ; Olfaction Disorders/etiology* ; Taste Disorders/etiology* ; Prognosis

Abstract: Objective （ ） To evaluate the internal exposure levels and risk in nuclear medicine workers NMWs engaged in Methods radionuclide therapy in Guangdong Province. A total of 61 NMWs from eight hospitals in Guangdong Province were selected as the study subjects using the convenient sampling method. The 0.364 MeV full energy peak efficiency was detected in （ ） in vitro ， - deltoid muscle of right upper arm as background and thyroid gland by direct measurement method and the iodine 131 （131 ） Results ，131 I activity in thyroid gland was calculated to evaluate the internal irradiation level. Among the 61 NMWs I was ， detected in the thyroid gland of four nuclear medical staffs in three hospitals and the detection rate was 6.6%. The median and - ［M（ P-P ）］ 131 （ - ） 0 100 percentile 0 100 of thyroid I activity were 42.9 35.1 47.1 Bq. When assuming that the monitoring period was ， M（ P-P ） （ - ） ， 30 days the 0 100 of single committed effective dose in thyroid gland was 0.014 0.011 0.015 mSv and the annual dose （ - ） Conclusion of internal irradiation was 0.162 0.132 0.180 mSv/a. The internal exposure of NMWs in the eight hospitals in （ ） ， Guangdong Province meets the annual effective dose limits ≤20.000 mSv/a . However it is necessary to pay attention to the internal radiation protection of NMWs and take reasonable protective measures to reduce the internal exposure risk of NMWs.

Objective:To investigate the application value of different metal stents place-ment position in endoscopic drainage of malignant hilar bile duct obstruction.Methods:The retro-spective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 300 patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction who were admitted to 3 medical centers, including 216 patients in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University, 48 patients in the Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University, 36 patients in the First People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, from January 2012 to January 2019 were collected. There were 164 males and 136 females, aged (67±12)years. All patients were determined to be unresectable by multidisciplinary consultation and underwent endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography. Observation indicators: (1) clinicopathological features of patients; (2) follow-up; (3) analysis of influencing factors for patency time of metal biliary stents and overall survival time of patients. Follow-up was conducted using outpatient examination and telephone interview to detect patency of metal biliary stents and survival of patients up to July 2019 or death of patients. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the independent sample t test. Measurement data with skewed distribution were represented as M( Q1, Q3), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were expressed as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the rank sum test. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate survival rates and draw survival curves, and Log-Rank test was used to conduct survival analysis. COX regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Factors with P<0.1 in univariate analysis were included in multivariate analysis. Results:(1) Clinicopathological features of patients. Of the 300 patients, 163 cases underwent endoscopic drainage with at least one metal biliary stent' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla (hereinafter referred to as crossing papilla), and 137 cases underwent endoscopic drainage with no metal biliary stent' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla (hereinafter referred to as no crossing papilla). Age, disease type (hilar cholangiocarcinoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, intrahepatic cholangio-carcinoma, gallbladder carcinoma, metastatic cholangiocarcinoma), metal biliary stents type (unilateral metal biliary stent, bilateral metal biliary stents) of patients with crossing papilla were (68±13)years, 95, 8, 11, 31, 18, 63, 100, respectively. The above indicators of patients with no crossing papilla were (64±12)years, 63, 22, 20, 23, 9, 126, 11, respectively. There were significant differences in the above indicators between patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla ( t=2.70, χ2=17.69, 90.79, P<0.05). (2) Follow-up. All the 300 patients were followed up for 5.4(3.1,9.3)months. The patency time of metal biliary stents was 9.0(8.2,9.8)months and 6.4(4.8,8.0)months of patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla, showing a significant difference between them ( χ2=8.23, P<0.05). The overall survival time was 5.5(4.2,6.8)months and 5.5(4.3,6.8)months of patients with crossing papilla and patients with no crossing papilla, showing no significant difference between them ( χ2=0.28, P>0.05). (3) Analysis of influencing factors for patency time of metal biliary stents and overall survival time of patients. Results of univariate analysis showed that type of metal biliary stents and the placement position of metal biliary stents were related factors affecting the patency time of metal biliary stents [ hazard ratio( HR)=0.44, 0.60, 95% confidence intervals as 0.30?0.64, 0.42?0.85, P<0.05]. Results of multi-variate analysis showed that bilateral metal biliary stents was an independent protective factor for the patency time of metal biliary stents ( HR=0.46, 95% confidence interval as 0.29?0.72, P<0.05). Results of univariate analysis showed that disease type (intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma versus hilar cholangiocarcinoma), preoperative serum total bilirubin, type of metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy were related factors affecting the overall survival time of patients ( HR=1.05, 1.43, 0.72, 0.61, 95% confidence intervals as 0.70?1.57, 1.12?1.83, 0.55?0.92, 0.47?0.81, P<0.05). Results of multi-variate analysis showed that age >60 years, disease type as hepatocellular carcinoma, preoperative serum total bilirubin >200 μmol/L were independent risk factors for the overall survival time of patients ( HR=1.35, 1.98, 1.46, 95% confidence intervals as 1.02?1.79, 1.40?2.80, 1.13?1.89, P<0.05), and bilateral metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy were independent protective factors for the overall survival time of patients ( HR=0.68, 0.60, 95% confidence intervals as 0.53?0.89, 0.45?0.80, P<0.05). Conclusions:Endoscopic drainage with or without metal biliary stents' distal portion crossing the duodenal main papilla is safe and feasible for patients with malignant hilar bile duct obstruction. Bilateral metal biliary stents is an independent protective factor for the patency time of metal biliary stents. Age >60 years, disease type as hepatocellular carcinoma, preoperative serum total bilirubin >200 μmol/L are independent risk factors for the overall survival time of patients, and bilateral metal biliary stents, anti-tumor therapy are independent protective factors for the overall survival time of patients.

Wild castor grows in the high-altitude tropical desert of the African Plateau,a region known for high ultraviolet radiation,strong light,and extremely dry condition.To investigate the potential genetic basis of adaptation to both highland and tropical deserts,we generated a chromosome-level genome sequence assembly of the wild castor accession WT05,with a genome size of 316 Mb,a scaffold N50 of 31.93 Mb,and a contig N50 of 8.96 Mb,respectively.Compared with cultivated castor and other Euphorbiaceae species,the wild castor exhibits positive selection and gene family expansion for genes involved in DNA repair,photosynthesis,and abiotic stress responses.Genetic variations associated with positive selection were identified in several key genes,such as LIG1,DDB2,and RECGI,involved in nucleotide excision repair.Moreover,a study of genomic diversity among wild and cultivated accessions revealed genomic regions containing selection signatures associated with the adaptation to extreme environments.The identification of the genes and alleles with selection signatures provides insights into the genetic mechanisms under-lying the adaptation of wild castor to the high-altitude tropical desert and would facilitate direct improvement of modern castor varieties.

BACKGROUND: The prevalence of skin diseases and diabetes mellitus (DM) are prominent around the world. The current scope of knowledge regarding the prevalence of skin diseases and comorbidities with type 2 DM (T2DM) is limited, leading to limited recognition of the correlations between skin diseases and T2DM. METHODS: We collected 383 subjects from the Da Qing Diabetes Study during the period from July 9th to September 1st, 2016. The subjects were categorized into three groups: Normal glucose tolerance (NGT), impaired glucose tolerance (IGT), and T2DM. The prevalence and clinical characteristics of skin diseases were recorded and investigated. RESULTS: In this cross-sectional study, 383 individuals with ages ranging from 53 to 89-year-old were recruited. The overall prevalence of skin diseases was 93.5%, and 75.7% of individuals had two or more kinds of skin diseases. Additionally, there were 47 kinds of comorbid skin diseases in patients with T2DM, of which eight kinds of skin diseases had a prevalence >10%. The prevalence of skin diseases in NGT, IGT, and T2DM groups were 93.3%, 91.5%, and 96.6%, respectively; stratified analysis by categories showed a statistically significant difference in "disturbances of pigmentation" and "neurological and psychogenic dermatoses". The duration of T2DM also significantly associated with the prevalence of "disturbances of pigmentation" and "neurological and psychogenic dermatoses". Subsequently, the prevalence of "disturbances of pigmentation" was higher in males than females in NGT (P < 0.01) and T2DM (P < 0.01) groups. In addition, the difference in the prevalence of "disturbances of pigmentation" was also significant in NGT and T2DM groups (P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS There was a high prevalence of skin diseases in the Da Qing Diabetes Study. To address the skin diseases in the Da Qing Diabetes Study, increased awareness and intervention measures should be implemented.
Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Blood Glucose ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/epidemiology* ; Female ; Glucose Intolerance/epidemiology* ; Glucose Tolerance Test ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Skin Diseases/epidemiology*

Objective: Dermoscopy is a useful technique for improving the diagnostic accuracy of various types of skin disorders. In China, dermoscopy has been widely accepted, and domestic researchers have made tremendous progress in the field of dermoscopy. The main purpose of this review is to summarize the current status of dermoscopy in China and identify its future directions. Data sources: Articles included in this review were obtained by searching the following databases: Wanfang, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed, and the Web of Science. We focused on research published before 2019 with keywords including dermoscopy, dermoscopic, dermoscope and trichoscopy. Study selection: A total of 50 studies were selected. Of these studies, 20 studies were in Chinese and 30 in English, research samples of all the studies were collected from Chinese populations. Results: Since 2000, more than 380 articles about dermoscopy have been published in domestic or foreign journals. Dermoscopy can improve the diagnostic accuracy of neoplastic diseases, evaluating the therapeutic effect of treatment, and determining the treatment endpoint, and it can also assist in the differential diagnosis of inflammatory diseases and in the assessment of the severity of the disease. In addition, researches about the applications of dermoscopy during surgical treatment have been published. Training courses aiming to improve the diagnostic ability of dermatologists, either face-to-face or online, have been offered. The Chinese Skin Image Database, launched in 2017 as a work platform for dermatologists, has promoted the development of dermoscopy in China. Computer-aided diagnostic systems based on the Chinese population are ready for use. In the future, cooperation, resource sharing, talent development, image management, and computer-aided diagnosis will be important directions for the development of dermoscopy in China. Conclusion Dermoscopy has been widely used and developed in China, however, it still needs to address more challenges in the future.

A fast, simple and cost-effective UPLC-MS / MS method was established for determination of 16 kinds of mycotoxins in vegetable oils with stable isotope dilution technique. Samples were extracted by acetonitrile-water-acetic acid 84: 15: 1(V/ V) and then diluted using water without any further clean-up steps. The mycotoxins were fully separated on a pentafluorophenyl column. Matrix effects were efficiently compensated by the [ 13 C]-labelled internal standards. The mean recoveries at three different concentration levels ranged from 74. 2％ to 105. 6％ , with RSD varied from 0. 3％ to 13. 9％ . Finally, the method was applied to analyze several kinds of vegetable oil samples. The method was simple, rapid, high sensitive and suitable for the determination of mycotoxins in vegetable oils.

Allergic rhinitis (AR) is a global health problem that causes major illnesses and disabilities worldwide. Epidemiologic studies have demonstrated that the prevalence of AR has increased progressively over the last few decades in more developed countries and currently affects up to 40% of the population worldwide. Likewise, a rising trend of AR has also been observed over the last 2–3 decades in developing countries including China, with the prevalence of AR varying widely in these countries. A survey of self-reported AR over a 6-year period in the general Chinese adult population reported that the standardized prevalence of adult AR increased from 11.1% in 2005 to 17.6% in 2011. An increasing number of original articles and imporclinical trials on the epidemiology, pathophysiologic mechanisms, diagnosis, management and comorbidities of AR in Chinese subjects have been published in international peer-reviewed journals over the past 2 decades, and substantially added to our understanding of this disease as a global problem. Although guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of AR in Chinese subjects have also been published, they have not been translated into English and therefore not generally accessible for reference to non-Chinese speaking international medical communities. Moreover, methods for the diagnosis and treatment of AR in China have not been standardized entirely and some patients are still treated according to regional preferences. Thus, the present guidelines have been developed by the Chinese Society of Allergy to be accessible to both national and international medical communities involved in the management of AR patients. These guidelines have been prepared in line with existing international guidelines to provide evidence-based recommendations for the diagnosis and management of AR in China.
Adult ; Asian Continental Ancestry Group* ; China ; Comorbidity ; Developed Countries ; Developing Countries ; Diagnosis* ; Epidemiologic Studies ; Epidemiology ; Global Health ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity* ; Prevalence ; Rhinitis, Allergic*