ObjectiveTo investigate the contamination status, transmission risk and drug resistance of Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) on the object surfaces in the surrounding environment of hospitalized patients infected with carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) , so as to provide a scientific guidance for the prevention and control of healthcare-associated infection. MethodsSamples from the surfaces of objects in the surrounding environment of CRKP infected patients living in the intensive care unit (ICU) and hand specimens from healthcare workers were collected for KP isolation and identification, as well as drug susceptible test in a medical institution located in Minhang District, Shanghai from 2021 to 2023. Additionally, both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the influencing factors associated with KP contamination in the hospital environment. ResultsA total of 546 surface samples were collected from the surrounding environment objects of 15 patients infected with CRKP, with a KP detection rate of 6.59% (36/546).The KP detection rate in the ICU of general ward (10.22%) was higher than that in the ICU of emergency department (2.94%) (χ²=12.142, P<0.001). Moreover, the KP detection rate on the surfaces of patient-contacted items (15.66%) was higher than that on shared-use items (6.25%), cleaning items (10.00%), and medical supplies (3.30%) (χ²=17.943, P<0.001). Besides, the detection rate of KP in items sent out of hospital for disinfection (15.38%) was higher than that in those self-disinfected (4.20%) (χ²=19.996, P<0.001).The highest detection rate of KP was observed in high-temperature washing (15.13%, 18/119) (χ²=21.219, P<0.001), while the lowest detection rate was observed in antibacterial hand sanitizer with trichlorohydroxydiphenyl ether sanitizing factor (0, 0/60) ( χ²=21.219, P<0.001).The detection rate of KP in samples taken more than 24 hours after the last disinfection (23.08%) was higher than that in those taken at 4 to24 hours (12.90%) and less than 4 hours (4.22%) (χ²=23.398,P<0.001).ICU of general ward (OR=4.045, 95%CI: 2.206‒7.416), patient-contacted items (OR=3.113, 95%CI: 1.191‒8.141), and self-disinfection ( OR=0.241, 95%CI:0.144‒0.402) were influencing factors for KP contamination in environmental surface. From 2021 to 2023, the drug resistance rates of hospital environmental KP isolates showed an upward trend (P<0.001) to antibiotics such as ceftazidime and gentamicin. Furthermore, high drug resistance rates of KP (>90%) were observed to ciprofloxacin, levofloxacin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, and cefepime. ConclusionCRKP can be transmitted outward through the surfaces of objects in the patients’ surroundings, and the drug resistance situation is severe. In clinical settings, it is necessary to implement isolation measures for CRKP infection patients, to increase the frequency of disinfection for objects in their surroundings, to strengthen hand hygiene practices, and to use antibiotics appropriately.

The present study employed UPLC-MS/MS to analyze and identify compounds in the raw powder of Tongluo Shenggu capsules. An HPLC method for the determination of vitexin content was established. The analysis of this drug was performed on a 30 ℃ thermostatic Acquity UPLC® BEH C18 (2.1 mm×100 mm,1.7 μm) column, with the mobile phase comprising 0.2% formic acid-methanol flowing at 0.3 mL /min in a gradient elution manner. Mass spectrometry was detected by ESI sources in both positive and negative ion modes for qualitative identification of chemical constituents. 12 flavonoid and 3 stilbenes compounds in the raw powder of Tongluo Shenggu capsules were successfully identified. Additionally, an HPLC method for the determination of vitexin content was established using a XBridge C18 column (4.6 mm × 250 mm, 5 µm) with a mobile phase of 0.05% glacial acetic acid in methanol for gradient elution, at a column temperature of 30 °C, a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min, and an injection volume of 20 μL. The method demonstrated good linearity in the concentration range of 10 µg/mL to 40 µg/mL (R=1.000) with an average recovery rate of 96.7%. The establishment of these methods provides a scientific basis for the quality control and development of the raw powder of Tongluo Shenggu capsules.

Objective To investigate the basic information of human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune deficiency syndrome(HIV/AIDS)patients who infected with Epstein-Barr virus(EBV)or human Cytomegalovirus(HCMV),collect the relevant clinical immunological data and analyze the influencing factors.Method A total of 1 093 HIV/AIDS patients treated in the First Hospital of Changsha from January to December 2022 and underwent EBV and HCMV screening were collected.Flow cytometry was used to detect the CD4+T lymphocytes.Fluorescence quantitative PCR was applied for HIV-RNA,EBV-DNA,and HCMV-DNA testing.Statistical analysis was carried out by using SPSS 27.0,and logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of HIV/AIDS patients complicated with viral infection.Results Among 1 093 HIV/AIDS patients,the positive rates of EBV-DNA and HCMV-DNA were 48.22%(527/1 093)and 19.03%(208/1 093),respectively.As the number of CD4+T lymphocytes increased,the positive rates of EBV-DNA and HCMV-DNA decreased,and the differences was statistically significant(χ2=39.50,143.0,all P<0.001).As the level of HIV-RNA increased,the positive rates of EBV-DNA and HCMV-DNA increased,and the differences were statistically significant(χ2=46.18,124.3,all P<0.001).The patients receiving antiretroviral therapy(ART)significantly decreased the positive rates of EBV-DNA and HCMV-DNA(χ2=30.60,96.59,all P<0.001).There was a significant negative correlation between the number of CD4+T lymphocytes and the level of HIV-RNA(r=-0.49,P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis showed that the CD4+T lymphocyte count<200/μl(OR=1.46,95%CI:1.02～2.08,P=0.037),HIV-RNA load>200 copies/ml(OR=1.70,95%CI:1.18～2.44,P=0.004)and the age>30 years old(OR=2.15,95%CI:1.44～3.19,P<0.001)were risk factors for HIV/AIDS patients infected with EBV.Without regularly receiving ART(OR=1.83,95%CI:1.10～3.02,P=0.019),HIV-RNA load>200 copies/ml(OR=2.56,95%CI:1.50～4.35,P<0.001)and the CD4+T lymphocyte count<200/μl(OR=4.61,95%CI:2.57～8.28,P<0.001)were risk factors for HCMV infection in HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusion To reduce the possibility of opportunistic infection in HIV/AIDS patients,the surveillance of EBV and HCMV and regular ART should be strengthened,especially when the number of CD4+T lymphocytes decreases(<200/μl),the level of HIV RNA increases(>200 copies/ml)or the age>30 years old.

BACKGROUND:Due to the young age of children,the occipital condyle and foramen magnum are not fully developed,and they are prone to various diseases and injuries in the occipitocervical junction,which requires surgical treatment in severe cases.However,anatomical parameters for the development of the occipital condyle and foramen magnum in children are lacking. OBJECTIVE:To measure the morphological structure of the occipital condyle and foramen magnum by three-dimensional reconstruction technique,and to provide important anatomical parameters for occipitocervical junction lesions,related surgical procedures and forensic identification. METHODS:Imaging data of 389 cases of primitive children and adolescents involved in skull base undergoing spiral CT scanning(247 males and 142 females)aged 1-18 years were collected and divided into 1-3-year-old group,4-6-year-old group,7-9-year-old group,10-12-year-old group,13-15-year-old group,and 16-18-year-old group according to their age.Mimics 16.0 software was used to reconstruct the skull base and measure the length and width of the foramen magnum.A formula was used to calculate the area and index of the foramen magnum.We measured the length,width and height of the occipital condyle,the angle between the long axis and the sagittal axis of the occipital condyle(O-S angle),the included angle between the midpoint of the front and back edges of the foramen magnum and the connection between the back edge of occipital condyle and the intersection point of the foramen magnum(F-O angle),and the included angle between the midpoint of the front and back edges of the foramen magnum and the midpoint of the back wall of the sublingual neural tube(F-H angle).Gender,side and age differences were analyzed among the indicators. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In foramen magnum measurement,there was no significant difference between sexes in the index of the foramen magnum(P>0.05),but there were significant differences in length,width and area of the foramen magnum(P<0.05).(2)The O-S angle,F-O angle and F-H angle of the occipitral condyle were not significantly different between genders(P>0.05),but length,width and height of the occipital condyle were significantly different between genders(P<0.05).(3)There were no significant differences in the length of the occipital condyle among different groups(P>0.05),but there were significant differences in the width and height of the occipital condyle,O-S angle,F-O angle and F-H angle among different groups(P<0.05).(4)Length,width and area of the foramen magnum,length,width and height of the occipital condyle showed a wavy increasing trend with the increase of age,while O-S,F-O and F-H angles showed a wavy decreasing trend with the increase of age,while the index of the foramen magnum showed no significant change.(5)In conclusion,there are gender and lateral differences in the morphological indexes of the foramen magnum and the occipital condyle in children.These differences can provide an important reference for clinical surgical approach selection and forensic examination.

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.

The unique advantages of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in treating late onset hypogonadism in male have gradually emerged with the continuous deepening of the understanding and research on late onset hypogonadism in male. Time sequence is a general summary of the natural growth and operational laws. Tian gui and testosterone have their normal time sequences, and they may be associated with each other. A man′s tian gui follows the regular time sequence from " inception" to " exhaustion" throughout " eight" under normal physiological conditions. " Tian gui out of time sequence" includes the loss of tian gui exuberance (dysfunction of viscera dominated by the liver) and exhaustion in the time sequence (pathological deficiency of viscera dominated by the kidney), resulting in " tian gui exhaustion" in advance of " eight eight". Tian gui and testosterone are key concepts in Chinese and Western medicine for understanding late onset hypogonadism in male. The theory of " tian gui out of time sequence" may be closely related to the core pathogenesis of this condition, particularly in cases of liver depression and kidney deficiency. This study suggests that restoring the normal time sequence of tian gui while treating the liver and kidney simultaneously through time-sharing treatment should be effective. The use of Xiongcan Yishen Formula has shown promising therapeutic result, offering new insights and references for treating late onset hypogonadism in male using TCM.

Background::Carotid intima-media thickness (IMT) and diameter, stiffness, and wave reflections, are independent and important clinical biomarkers and risk predictors for cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of the present study was to establish nationwide reference values of carotid properties for healthy Chinese adults and to explore potential clinical determinants.Methods::A total of 3053 healthy Han Chinese adults (1922 women) aged 18-79 years were enrolled at 28 collaborating tertiary centers throughout China between April 2021 and July 2022. The real-time tracking of common carotid artery walls was achieved by the radio frequency (RF) ultrasound system. The IMT, diameter, compliance coefficient, β stiffness, local pulse wave velocity (PWV), local systolic blood pressure, augmented pressure (AP), and augmentation index (AIx) were then automatically measured and reported. Data were stratified by age groups and sex. The relationships between age and carotid property parameters were analyzed by Jonckheere-Terpstra test and simple linear regressions. The major clinical determinants of carotid properties were identified by Pearson’s correlation, multiple linear regression, and analyses of covariance.Results::All the parameters of carotid properties demonstrated significantly age-related trajectories. Women showed thinner IMT, smaller carotid diameter, larger AP, and AIx than men. The β stiffness and PWV were significantly higher in men than women before forties, but the differences reversed after that. The increase rate of carotid IMT (5.5 μm/year in women and 5.8 μm/year in men) and diameter (0.03 mm/year in both men and women) were similar between men and women. For the stiffness and wave reflections, women showed significantly larger age-related variations than men as demonstrated by steeper regression slopes (all P for age by sex interaction <0.05). The blood pressures, body mass index (BMI), and triglyceride levels were identified as major clinical determinants of carotid properties with adjustment of age and sex. Conclusions::The age- and sex-specific reference values of carotid properties measured by RF ultrasound for healthy Chinese adults were established. The blood pressures, BMI, and triglyceride levels should be considered for clinical application of corresponding reference values.

Objective To investigate the distribution of the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)constitution types in the patients with nonspecific low back pain(NLBP)and to explore the correlation of the thickness of ligamentum flavum with the age,body mass index(BMI),gender,the presence of diabetes mellitus,and the grading of hypertension.Methods Sixty patients with NLBP admitted to Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital from January 2023 to June 2023 were selected as the study subjects.The TCM constitution types of the patients were identified,the thickness of the ligamentum flavum at lumbar vertebrae 4/5 segment(L4/5)disc level was measured by computerized tomography(CT)scanning,and the patients'age,genders,TCM constitution types,BMI,the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus,and hypertension grading were recorded.Correlation analysis and linear regression analysis were used for the exploration of the relevant influencing factors for the thickness of the ligamentum flavum of patients with NLBP.Results(1)The average thickness of ligamentum flavum in the 60 patients with NLBP was(2.60±0.72)mm.(2)The TCM constitutions of NLBP patients were classified into four types,of which blood stasis constitution was the most common,accounting for 21 cases(35.0%),followed by 19 cases(31.7%)of damp-heat constitution,12 cases(20.0%)of phlegm-damp constitution,and 8 cases(13.3%)of qi deficiency constitution.(3)The results of correlation analysis showed that BMI,gender,TCM constitution type and the presence or absence of diabetes mellitus had no influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum in NLBP patients(P＞0.05),while the age and hypertension grading had an influence on the thickness of ligamentum flavum(P＜0.01).(4)The results of linear regression analysis showed that the age had an influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(b = 0.034,t = 6.282,P＜0.01),while the influence of the hypertension grading had no influence on the thickness of the ligamentum flavum(P＞0.05).Conclusion The TCM constitution type of NLBP patients is predominated by blood stasis constitution,the thickness of ligamentum flavum is significantly affected by the age,and hypertension may be a potential factor affecting the thickness of ligamentum flavum.

Objective To observe the clinical efficacy of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula for the treatment of lumbar spinal stenosis(LSS)with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome.Methods Sixty patients with LSS of qi deficiency and blood stasis type were randomly divided into trial group and control group,with 30 cases in each group.The trial group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation(a chiropractic manipulation performed under the positive cooperation of the patients at three postures)combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula,while the control group was treated with"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medicine.The course of treatment for the two groups covered 4 weeks.Before and after treatment,the patients of the two groups were observed in the changes of pain visual analogue scale(VAS)score,Japanese Orthopedic Association(JOA)score of lumbar function,Oswestry Disability Index(ODI)score,straight-leg raising test results and serum interleukin 6(IL-6)and C-reactive protein(CRP)levels.After treatment,the clinical efficacy and safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After 4 weeks of treatment,the total effective rate of the trial group was 96.67％(29/30)and that of the control group was 63.33％(19/30).The intergroup comparison(tested by Fisher's exact test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the trial group was significantly superior to that of the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After treatment,the lumbar function indicators of pain VAS scores and ODI scores in the trial group were significantly lower(P＜0.05),and the JOA scores were significantly higher than those before treatment(P＜0.05),while in the control group,only the ODI scores were significantly lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the decrease of VAS and ODI scores and the increase of JOA scores in the trial group were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the Laseque s sign of the trial group was significantly improved compared with that before treatment(P＜0.05),while no significant improvement was presented in the control group(P＞0.05).The intergroup comparison showed that the improvement of Laseque's sign in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the levels of serum inflammatory factors of IL-6 and CRP in the two groups were lower than those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the decrease of serum IL-6 level in the trial group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05),but CRP level in the two groups after treatment did not differ from that before treatment,no statistically significant difference was shown between the two groups after treatment,either(P＞0.05).(5)The incidence of adverse reactions in the trial group was 6.67％(2/30)and that in the control group was 13.33％(4/30),and the intergroup comparison(by Fisher's exact test)showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The therapeutic effect of"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with Tongluo Huoxue Formula exert certain effect for the treatment of LSS patients with qi deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and it has more obvious advantages in improving the lumbar function,promoting the rehabilitation of the patients,and lowering the level of serum inflammatory factors than"triple-posture positive bone-setting"chiropractic manipulation combined with conventional western medication.

Objective To understand the change in distribution and antimicrobial resistance of bacteria isolated from blood specimens of Hunan Province,and provide for the initial diagnosis and treatment of clinical bloodstream infection(BSI).Methods Data reported from member units of Hunan Province Antimicrobial Resistance Survei-llance System from 2012 to 2021 were collected.Bacterial antimicrobial resistance surveillance method was imple-mented according to the technical scheme of China Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System(CARSS).Bacteria from blood specimens and bacterial antimicrobial susceptibility testing results were analyzed by WHONET 5.6 soft-ware and SPSS 27.0 software.Results A total of 207 054 bacterial strains were isolated from blood specimens from member units in Hunan Province Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance System from 2012 to 2021,including 107 135(51.7％)Gram-positive bacteria and 99 919(48.3％)Gram-negative bacteria.There was no change in the top 6 pathogenic bacteria from 2012 to 2021,with Escherichia coli(n=51 537,24.9％)ranking first,followed by Staphylococcus epidermidis(n=29 115,14.1％),Staphylococcus aureus(n=17 402,8.4％),Klebsiella pneu-moniae(17 325,8.4％),Pseudomonas aeruginosa(n=4 010,1.9％)and Acinetobacter baumannii(n=3 598,1.7％).The detection rate of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus(MRSA)decreased from 30.3％in 2015 to 20.7％in 2021,while the detection rate of methicillin-resistant coagulase-negative Staphylococcus(MRCNS)showed an upward trend year by year(57.9％-66.8％).No Staphylococcus was found to be resistant to vancomy-cin,linezolid,and teicoplanin.Among Gram-negative bacteria,constituent ratios of Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were 43.9％-53.9％and 14.2％-19.5％,respectively,both showing an upward trend(both P＜0.001).Constituent ratios of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii were 3.6％-5.1％and 3.0％-4.5％,respectively,both showing a downward trend year by year(both P＜0.001).From 2012 to 2021,resistance rates of Escherichia coli to imipenem and ertapenem were 1.0％-2.0％and 0.6％-1.1％,respectively;presenting a downward trend(P＜0.001).The resistant rates of Klebsiella pneumoniae to meropenem and ertapenem were 7.4％-13.7％and 4.8％-6.4％,respectively,presenting a downward trend(both P＜0.001).The resistance rates of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter baumannii to carbapenem antibiotics were 7.1％-15.6％and 34.7％-45.7％,respectively.The trend of resistance to carbapenem antibiotics was relatively stable,but has de-creased compared with 2012-2016.The resistance rates of Escherichia coli to the third-generation cephalosporins from 2012 to 2021 were 41.0％-65.4％,showing a downward trend year by year.Conclusion The constituent ra-tio of Gram-negative bacillus from blood specimens in Hunan Province has been increasing year by year,while the detection rate of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacillus remained relatively stable in the past 5 years,and the detection rate of coagulase-negative Staphylococcus has shown a downward trend.