Association between socioeconomic and motherhood characteristics with receiving community-based treatment services among justice-involved young female drug users: a retrospective cohort study in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND: Drug-involved individuals who contact treatment services in Taiwan are mostly driven by criminal justice systems either as an alternative or adjunct to criminal sanctions for a drug offence. With a focus on justice-involved young female drug users, the present study examines the extent to which socioeconomic and motherhood characteristics are associated with receiving deferred prosecution, a scheme diverting drug offenders to community-based addiction treatment. METHODS: We identified a cohort of 5869 women under the age of 30 arrested for using Schedule II drugs (primarily amphetamine-like stimulants) from the 2011-2017 National Police Criminal Records in Taiwan. Information concerning socioeconomic characteristics, pregnancy and live birth history, and deferred prosecution was obtained through linkage with the 2006-2019 National Health Insurance, birth registration, and deferred prosecution datasets. Multinomial logistic regression was used to evaluate the association with stratification by recidivism status. RESULTS: Within six months of arrest, 21% of first-time offenders (n = 2645) received deferred prosecution and 23% received correction-based rehabilitation; the corresponding estimates for recidivists (n = 3224) were 6% and 15%, respectively. Among first-time offenders, low/unstable income was associated with lower odds of deferred prosecution (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 0.71; 95% CI: 0.58, 0.88). For recidivists, those with low/unstable income (aOR = 1.58) or unemployment (aOR = 1.58) had higher odds of correction-based rehabilitation; being pregnant at arrest was linked with reduced odds of deferred prosecution (aOR = 0.31, 95% CI: 0.13, 0.71) and correction-based rehabilitation (aOR = 0.50, 95% CI: 0.32, 0.77). CONCLUSIONS: For the young women arrested for drug offences, disadvantaged socioeconomic conditions were generally unfavored by the diversion to treatment in the community. Childbearing upon arrest may lower not only the odds of receiving medical treatment but also correctional intervention. The criminal prosecution policy and process should be informed by female drug offenders' need for treatment and recovery.

The association of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity and sedentary behaviour with abdominal aortic calcification.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: The increasing prevalence of metabolic and cardiovascular diseases poses a significant challenge to global healthcare systems. Regular physical activity (PA) is recognized for its positive impact on cardiovascular risk factors. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA), sedentary behavior (SB), and abdominal aortic calcification (AAC) using data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES). METHODS: The study used data from NHANES participants aged 40 and above during the 2013-2014 cycle. AAC scores were assessed using the Kauppila scoring system, and MVPA and SB were self-reported. Sociodemographic variables were considered, and multivariable linear regression models were used to analyze associations between MVPA, SB, and AAC scores. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on age, sex, BMI, hypertension, and diabetes. RESULTS: The study included 2843 participants. AAC prevalence was higher in older age groups, smokers, and those with diabetes or hypertension. Lower socioeconomic status was associated with higher AAC prevalence. Individuals engaged in any level of MVPA exhibited lower AAC rates compared to inactive individuals. Not engaging in occupational MVPA (ß = 0.46, 95% confidence interval = 0.24‒0.67, p < .001) and prolonged SB (ß = 0.28, 95% confidence interval = 0.04‒0.52, p = .023) were associated with higher AAC scores. However, no significant associations were found for transportation and leisure time MVPA. Subgroup analysis revealed age and hypertension as effect modifiers in the MVPA-AAC relationship. CONCLUSIONS: This study highlights the potential benefits of engaging in occupational MVPA and reducing SB in mitigating AAC scores, particularly among older individuals and those with hypertension.

Long-term effects of blood pressure 130-139/80-89 mmHg on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among Chinese adults with different glucose metabolism.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the risks of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality associated with blood pressure (BP) levels of 130-139/80-89 mmHg in Chinese adults with different glucose metabolism, during a long-term follow-up of over 20 years. METHODS: A prospective population-based cohort of 2,132 adults in Shanghai was established in 2002 and followed for 21 years. The association between BP categories and mortality was assessed, and the risk was further analyzed using multiple Cox regression analysis by combining BP and blood glucose categories. RESULTS: The final analysis included 2,004 participants, with 397 all-cause and 166 cardiovascular mortality. The incidence of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality per 1,000 person-years for different BP categories were as follows: BP < 130/80 mmHg (4.5 and 1.3), 130-139/80-89 mmHg (7.7 and 2.9), and ≥ 140/90 mmHg or treated groups (19.9 and 8.7), respectively. After adjusting for age, sex, and other factors, BP ≥ 140/90 mmHg was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality across different blood glucose categories. However, using BP < 130/80 mmHg and normoglycemia as the reference, a BP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg was significantly associated with higher risks of all-cause (hazard ratio 3.30 [95% confidence interval 1.48-7.38], P < 0.01) and cardiovascular mortality (9.60 [1.93-47.7], P < 0.01) in diabetes, but not in those with normoglycemia or prediabetes. CONCLUSIONS: BP of 130-139/80-89 mmHg may lead to a significantly higher risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in Chinese adults with diabetes, but not in those with normoglycemia or prediabetes. This suggests that the targeted BP for people with diabetes should be < 130-139/80-89 mmHg.

Anxiety prevalence and its association with physical activity in patients with non-communicable diseases during COVID-19 lockdown: a cross-sectional study in Shanghai, China.

BACKGROUND: Quarantine due to the COVID-19 pandemic may have created great psychological stress among vulnerable populations. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of anxiety and explore the association between physical activities (PA) and anxiety risk in people with non-communicable diseases during the period of COVID-19 lockdown. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional telephone survey from February 25 to April 20, 2020, the period of COVID-19 lockdown in Shanghai. Up to 8000 patients with type 2 diabetes and/or hypertension were selected using multi-stage cluster random sampling. PA level was measured based on the International Physical Activity Questionnaire using Metabolic Equivalent for Task scores, while symptoms of anxiety were assessed by the 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale. Multiple logistic regression analyses were performed to evaluate the associations of type and level of PA with the risk of anxiety. RESULTS: Of a total 4877 eligible patients, 2602 (53.4%) reported with anxiety, and 2463 (50.5%), 123 (2.5%) and 16 (0.3%) reported with mild, moderate, and severe anxiety. The prevalence of anxiety was higher in the females, the elders, non-smokers, non-drinkers, and patients with diabetes, and the associations of anxiety with sex, age, smoking, drinking and diagnosis of diabetes were significant. A significant negative association was observed for housework activities (OR 0.53, 95%CI: [0.45, 0.63], p < 0.001) and trip activities (OR 0.55, 95%CI: [0.48, 0.63], p < 0.001) with anxiety, but no significant was found for exercise activities (OR 1.06, 95%CI: [0.94, 1.20], p = 0.321). Compared with patients with a low PA level, those with a moderate (OR 0.53, 95%CI: [0.44, 0.64], p < 0.001) or a high PA level (OR 0.51, 95%CI: [0.43, 0.51], p < 0.001) had a lower prevalence of anxiety. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates a higher prevalence of anxiety in patients with hypertension, diabetes, or both during the COVID-19 lockdown. The negative associations of housework and trip activities with anxiety highlight the potential benefit of PA among patients with non-communicable diseases.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 in human plasma and lung tissue.

PURPOSE: We investigated plasma angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) concentration in a population sample and the ACE2 expression quantitated with the diaminobenzidine mean intensity in the lung tissue in patients who underwent lung surgery. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were recruited from a residential area in the suburb of Shanghai for the plasma ACE2 concentration study (n = 503) and the lung tissue samples were randomly selected from the storage in Ruijin Hospital (80 men and 78 age-matched women). RESULTS: In analyses adjusted for covariables, men had a significantly higher plasma ACE2 concentration (1.21 vs. 0.98 ng/mL, p = 0.027) and the mean intensity of ACE2 in the lung tissue (55.1 vs. 53.9 a.u., p = 0.037) than women. With age increasing, plasma ACE2 concentration decreased (p = 0.001), while the mean intensity of ACE2 in the lung tissue tended to increase (p = 0.087). Plasma ACE2 concentration was higher in hypertension than normotension, especially treated hypertension (1.23 vs. 0.98 ng/mL, p = 0.029 vs. normotension), with no significant difference between users of RAS inhibitors and other classes of antihypertensive drugs (p = 0.64). There was no significance of the mean intensity of ACE2 in the lung tissue between patients taking and those not taking RAS inhibitors (p = 0.14). Neither plasma ACE2 concentration nor the mean intensity of ACE2 in the lung tissue differed between normoglycemia and diabetes (p ≥ 0.20). CONCLUSION: ACE2 in the plasma and lung tissue showed divergent changes according to several major characteristics of patients.Plain language summary What is the context? • The primary physiological function of ACE2 is the degradation of angiotensin I and II to angiotensin 1-9 and 1-7, respectively. • ACE2 was found to behave as a mediator of the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS) infection. • There is little research on ACE2 in humans, especially in the lung tissue. • In the present report, we investigated plasma ACE2 concentration and the ACE2 expression quantitated with the diaminobenzidine mean intensity in the lung tissue respectively in two study populations. What is new? • Our study investigated both circulating and tissue ACE2 in human subjects. The main findings were: • In men as well as women, plasma ACE2 concentration was higher in younger than older participants, whereas the mean intensity of ACE2 in the lung tissue increase with age increasing. • Compared with normotension, hypertensive patients had higher plasma ACE2 concentration but similar mean intensity of ACE2 in the lung tissue. • Neither plasma ACE2 concentration nor lung tissue ACE2 expression significantly differed between users of RAS inhibitors and other classes of antihypertensive drugs. What is the impact? • ACE2 in the plasma and lung tissue showed divergent changes according to several major characteristics, such as sex, age, and treated and untreated hypertension. • A major implication is that plasma ACE2 concentration might not be an appropriate surrogate for the ACE2 expression in the lung tissue, and hence not a good predictor of SARS-COV-2 infection or fatality.

Chromosome-level genome assembly of the Muscovy duck provides insight into fatty liver susceptibility.

The Muscovy duck (Cairina moschata) is an economically important poultry species, which is susceptible to fatty liver. Thus, the Muscovy duck may serve as an excellent candidate animal model of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. However, the mechanisms underlying fatty liver development in this species are poorly understood. In this study, we report a chromosome-level genome assembly of the Muscovy duck, with a contig N50 of 11.8 Mb and scaffold N50 of 83.16 Mb. The susceptibility of Muscovy duck to fatty liver was mainly attributed to weak lipid catabolism capabilities (fatty acid ß-oxidation and lipolysis). Furthermore, conserved noncoding elements (CNEs) showing accelerated evolution contributed to fatty liver formation by down-regulating the expression of genes involved in hepatic lipid catabolism. We propose that the susceptibility of Muscovy duck to fatty liver is an evolutionary by-product. In conclusion, this study revealed the potential mechanisms underlying the susceptibility of Muscovy duck to fatty liver.

Machine learning model predicts the occurrence of acute kidney injury after open surgery for abdominal aortic aneurysm repair. / æœºå™¨å­¦ä¹ æ¨¡åž‹é¢„æµ‹å¼€æ”¾æ‰‹æœ¯ä¿®å¤è ¹ä¸»åŠ¨è„‰ç˜¤åŽæ€¥æ€§è‚¾æŸä¼¤çš„å‘ç”Ÿ.

OBJECTIVES: Abdominal aortic aneurysm is a pathological condition in which the abdominal aorta is dilated beyond 3.0 cm. The surgical options include open surgical repair (OSR) and endovascular aneurysm repair (EVAR). Prediction of acute kidney injury (AKI) after OSR is helpful for decision-making during the postoperative phase. To find a more efficient method for making a prediction, this study aims to perform tests on the efficacy of different machine learning models. METHODS: Perioperative data of 80 OSR patients were retrospectively collected from January 2009 to December 2021 at Xiangya Hospital, Central South University. The vascular surgeon performed the surgical operation. Four commonly used machine learning classification models (logistic regression, linear kernel support vector machine, Gaussian kernel support vector machine, and random forest) were chosen to predict AKI. The efficacy of the models was validated by five-fold cross-validation. RESULTS: AKI was identified in 33 patients. Five-fold cross-validation showed that among the 4 classification models, random forest was the most precise model for predicting AKI, with an area under the curve of 0.90±0.12. CONCLUSIONS: Machine learning models can precisely predict AKI during early stages after surgery, which allows vascular surgeons to address complications earlier and may help improve the clinical outcomes of OSR.

Association of the D-amino acid oxidase gene with methadone dose in heroin dependent patients under methadone maintenance treatment.

Methadone is a synthetic opioid used for the maintenance treatment (MMT) of heroin dependence. It primarily binds to the µ-opioid receptor (MOR; with its gene, namely OPRM1). Methadone is also an N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonist. The role of NMDA receptor in the regulatory mechanisms of methadone dosage in heroin dependent patients is so far not clear. D-amino acid oxidase (DAO) is an important enzyme that indirectly activates the NMDA receptor through its effect on the D-serine level. To test the hypothesis that genetic polymorphisms in the DAO gene are associated with methadone treatment dose and responses, we selected four single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in DAO from the literature reports of the Taiwanese population. SNPs were genotyped in 344 MMT patients. In this study, we identified a functional SNP rs55944529 in the DAO gene that reveals a modest but significant association with the methadone dosage in the recessive model of analysis (P = 0.003) and plasma concentrations (P = 0.003) in MMT patients. However, it did not show association with plasma methadone concentration in multiple linear regression analysis. It is also associated with the methadone adverse reactions of dry mouth (P = 0.002), difficulty with urination (P = 0.0003) in the dominant model, and the withdrawal symptoms of yawning (P = 0.005) and gooseflesh skin (P = 0.004) in the recessive model. Our results suggest a role of the indirect regulatory mechanisms of the NMDA reporter, possibly via the DAO genetic variants, in the methadone dose and some adverse reactions in MMT patients.

Prognostic significance of visit-to-visit variability, and maximum and minimum LDL cholesterol in diabetes mellitus.

BACKGROUND: Current guidelines for dyslipidemia management recommend that the LDL-C goal be lower than 70 mg/dL. The present study investigated the prognostic significance of visit-to-visit variability in LDL-C, and minimum and maximum LDL-C during follow-up in diabetes mellitus. METHODS: The risk of outcomes in relation to visit-to-visit LDL-C variability was investigated in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes (ACCORD) Lipid trial. LDL-C variability indices were coefficient of variation (CV), variability independent of the mean (VIM), and average real variability (ARV). Multivariable Cox proportional hazards models were employed to estimate the adjusted hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). RESULTS: Compared with the placebo group (n=2667), the fenofibrate therapy group (n=2673) had a significantly (P<0.01) lower mean plasma triglyceride (152.5 vs. 178.6 mg/dL), and total cholesterol (158.3 vs.162.9 mg/dL) but a similar mean LDL-C during follow-up (88.2 vs. 88.6 mg/dL, P>0.05). All three variability indices were associated with primary outcome, total mortality and cardiovascular mortality both in the total population and in the fenofibrate therapy group but only with primary outcome in the placebo group. The minimum LDL-C but not the maximum during follow-up was significantly associated with various outcomes in the total population, fenofibrate therapy and placebo group. The minimum LDL-C during follow-up ≥70 mg/dL was associated with an increased risk for various outcomes. CONCLUSIONS: Visit-to-visit variability in LDL-C was a strong predictor of outcomes, independent of mean LDL-C. Patients with LDL-C controlled to less than 70 mg/dL during follow-up might have a benign prognosis. ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT00000620.

Endoscopic Ureteral Dilation Balloon Catheter for a Difficult Ureter: A New Novel Approach.

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to assess the safety and efficacy of INNOVEXTM ureteral dilation balloon catheter to promote the likelihood of passing the ureter to complete primary ureteroscopy (URS). METHODS: This was a prospective case series of patients during URS between August 2018 and January 2020 at the Pudong New District People's Hospital. A 12-Fr INNOVEXTM ureteral dilation balloon catheter was used to dilate the ureter when a 5° Wolf 6.0/7.5-Fr ureteroscope encounters an unpredictable hindrance to retrograde access for ureteral stones. Patients with documented ureteral strictures, radiation therapy, or urothelial cancer were excluded from the analysis. The primary outcomes were to characterize the use, safety, and efficacy of ureteral dilation balloon catheter to promote stone treatment during URS. RESULTS: Eight hundred and sixty-two patients underwent primary URS of ureteral stones over the study period. The use of a ureteral dilation balloon catheter to promote ureteral access was performed in 65 (7.54%) cases and effectively allowed completion of the procedure in 58 (89.23%) cases. No ureteral perforation and access loss occurred during the operation. Seven patients required ureteral stent placement for passive ureteral dilation, with definitive stone treatment later. Postoperative radiographic follow-up was available for 63 (96.92%) cases, and no ureteral stenosis was observed after balloon dilation. CONCLUSION: The use of a new ureteral dilation balloon catheter before endoscopic treatment of ureteral stones was associated with a high success rate and few complications. The convenient use method under direct vision at the whole process may increase the willingness of doctors to use it. In addition, it may reduce the need for secondary procedures for patients undergoing URS to manage ureteral stones.

Splice-Site Variants in the Gene Encoding GABA-A Receptor Delta Subunit Are Associated with Amphetamine Use in Patients under Methadone Maintenance Treatment.

Chronic opioid use disorder patients often also use other substances such as amphetamines. The gene-based analysis method was applied in the genomic database obtained from our previous study with 343 methadone maintenance treatment (MMT) patients. We found that the gene encoding gamma-aminobutyric acid type A receptors (GABA-A receptor) delta subunit isoforms (GABRD) was associated with amphetamine use in heroin dependent patients under MMT in Taiwan. A total of 15% of the 343 MMT patients tested positive for amphetamine in the urine toxicology test. Two genetic variants in the GABRD, rs2889475 and rs2376805, were found to be associated with the positive urine amphetamine test. They are located in the exon 1 of the splice variant and altered amino acid compositions (T126I, C/T, for rs2889475, and R252Q, G/A, for rs2376805). The CC genotype carriers of rs2889475 showed a four times higher risk of amphetamine use than those with TT genotype. The GG genotype carriers of rs2376805 showed a three times higher risk of amphetamine use than the AA genotype carriers. To our knowledge, this is the first report that demonstrated an association of the delta splice variant isoform in the GABA-A receptor with an increased risk of amphetamine use in MMT patients. Our results suggest that rs2889475 and rs2376805 may be indicators for the functional role and risk of amphetamine use in MMT patients.

White-Light Emission and Circularly Polarized Luminescence from a Chiral Copper(I) Coordination Polymer through Symmetry-Breaking Crystallization.

Achieving white-light emission, especially white circularly polarized luminescence (CPL) from a single-phase material is challenging. Herein, a pair of chiral CuI coordination polymers (1-M and 1-P) have been prepared by the asymmetrical assembly of achiral ligands and Cu2 I2 clusters. The compounds display dual emission bands and can be used as single-phase white-light phosphors, achieving a "warm"-white-light-emitting diode with an ultra-high color rendering index (CRI) of 93.4 and an appropriate correlated color temperature (CCT) of 3632 K. Meanwhile, corresponding CPL signals with maximum dissymmetry factor |glum |=8×10-3 have been observed. Hence, intrinsic white-light emission and CPL have been realized simultaneously in coordination polymers for the first time. This work gains insight into the nature of chiral assembly from achiral units and offers a prospect for the development of single-phase white-CPL materials.

Treatment of Masked Hypertension with a Chinese Herbal Formula: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Masked hypertension is associated with adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Nonetheless, no randomized controlled trials exist in the treatment of masked hypertension. The aim of this randomized, placebo-controlled trial was to investigate the efficacy and safety of blood pressure (BP)-lowering treatment with a Chinese herbal formula, gastrodia-uncaria granules, in patients with masked hypertension. METHODS: Patients with an office BP of <140/90 mm Hg and daytime ambulatory BP of 135 to 150 mm Hg systolic or 85 to 95 mm Hg diastolic were randomly assigned 1:1 to the treatment of gastrodia-uncaria granules or placebo 5 to 10 g twice daily for 4 weeks. The primary efficacy variable was the change in daytime ambulatory BP. RESULTS: At baseline, office and daytime BP of the 251 participants (mean age, 50.4 years; 53.4% men; mean body mass index 24.5 kg/m2; and 2.8%, 1.6%, and 30.7% with cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and smoking, respectively) averaged 129/82 and 135/89 mm Hg, respectively. In the intention-to-treat analysis, daytime systolic/diastolic BP was reduced by 5.44/3.39 and 2.91/1.60 mm Hg in the gastrodia-uncaria granules and placebo groups, respectively. The between-group difference in BP reductions was significant for the daytime (2.52/1.79 mm Hg; P≤0.025) and 24-hour BP (2.33/1.49 mm Hg; P≤0.012), but not for the clinic and nighttime BPs (P≥0.162). The per-protocol analysis in 229 patients produced similar results. Only 1 adverse event (sleepiness during the day) was reported, and no serious adverse event occurred. CONCLUSIONS: BP-lowering treatment with Chinese traditional medicine gastrodia-uncaria granules is efficacious for patients with masked hypertension. Registration: URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT02156024.

Population pharmacokinetic and optimization of polymyxin B dosing in adult patients with various renal functions.

AIMS: Current FDA-approved label recommends that the dosage of polymyxin B should be adjusted according to renal function. However, the correlation between polymyxin B pharmacokinetics (PK) and creatinine clearance (CrCL) is poor. This study aimed to develop a population PK model of polymyxin B in adult patients with various renal functions and to identify a dosing strategy. METHODS: A retrospective PK study was performed in 32 adult patients with various renal function. Nonlinear mixed effects modelling was applied to build a population PK model of polymyxin B followed by Monte Carlo simulations which designed polymyxin B dosing regimens across various renal function. RESULTS: Polymyxin B PK analyses included 112 polymyxin B concentrations at steady state from 32 adult patients, in which 71.9% of them were critically ill. In the final PK model, CrCL was the significant covariate on CL (typical value 1.59 L/h; between-subject variability 13%). The mean (SD) individual empirical Bayesian estimate of CL was 1.75 (0.43) L/h. In addition, a new dosing strategy combining the PK/pharmacodynamic (PD) targets and Monte Carlo simulation indicated that the reduction of polymyxin B dose in patients with renal insufficiency improved the probability of achieving optimal exposure. For severe infections caused by organisms with minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) ≥ 2 mg/L, a high daily dose of polymyxin B might be possible for bacterial eradication, but the risk of nephrotoxicity is increased. CONCLUSIONS: Renal function plays a significant role in polymyxin B PK, and the dose of polymyxin B should be adjusted according to CrCL in patients with renal insufficiency.

Population pharmacokinetics of the anti-PD-1 antibody camrelizumab in patients with multiple tumor types and model-informed dosing strategy.

Camrelizumab, a programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) inhibitor, has been approved for the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma, nasopharyngeal cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The aim of this study was to perform a population pharmacokinetic (PK) analysis of camrelizumab to quantify the impact of patient characteristics and to investigate the appropriateness of a flat dose in the dosing regimen. A total of 3092 camrelizumab concentrations from 133 patients in four clinical trials with advanced melanoma, relapsed or refractory classical Hodgkin lymphoma and other solid tumor types were analyzed using nonlinear mixed effects modeling. The PKs of camrelizumab were properly described using a two-compartment model with parallel linear and nonlinear clearance. Then, covariate model building was conducted using stepwise forward addition and backward elimination. The results showed that baseline albumin had significant effects on linear clearance, while actual body weight affected intercompartmental clearance. However, their impacts were limited, and no dose adjustments were required. The final model was further evaluated by goodness-of-fit plots, bootstrap procedures, and visual predictive checks and showed satisfactory model performance. Moreover, dosing regimens of 200 mg every 2 weeks and 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks provided similar exposure distributions by model-based Monte Carlo simulation. The population analyses demonstrated that patient characteristics have no clinically meaningful impact on the PKs of camrelizumab and present evidence for no advantage of either the flat dose or weight-based dose regimen for most patients with advanced solid tumors.

Alcohol consumption in relation to cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in an elderly male Chinese population.

BACKGROUND: We investigated the association of alcohol consumption with cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular mortality in elderly Chinese men. METHODS: Our participants were recruited from residents living in a suburban town of Shanghai (≥60 years of age, n = 1702). Alcohol intake was classified as non-drinkers, past drinkers (stopped drinking for ≥12 months), and current light-to-moderate (1 to 299 g/week) and heavy drinkers (≥300 g/week). Alcoholic beverages were classified as beer/wine, rice aperitif and liquor/mix drinking. RESULTS: During 5.9 years (median) of follow-up, all-cause, cardiovascular and non-cardiovascular deaths occurred in 211, 98 and 113 participants, respectively. The corresponding incidence rates were 23.6/1000, 10.9/1000 and 12.6/1000 person-years, respectively. Both before and after adjustment for confounding factors, compared with non-drinkers (n = 843), past drinkers (n = 241), but not the current light-to-moderate (n = 241) or heavy drinkers (n = 377), had a higher risk of all-cause (adjusted hazard ratio [HR] 1.90, 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.35-2.68, P = 0.0003) and non-cardiovascular mortality (HR 2.46, 95% CI 1.55-3.91, P = 0.0001). Similar trends were observed for cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.44, 95% CI 0.85-2.44, P = 0.18). In similar unadjusted and adjusted analyses, compared with the current beer/wine drinkers (n = 203), liquor/mix drinkers (n = 142), but not aperitif drinkers (n = 273), had a significantly higher risk of all-cause (HR 3.07, 95% CI 1.39-6.79, P = 0.006), and cardiovascular mortality (HR 10.49, 95% CI 2.00-55.22, P = 0.006). Similar trends were observed for non-cardiovascular mortality (HR 1.94, 95% CI 0.73-5.16, P = 0.18). CONCLUSIONS: Our study showed risks of mortality associated with past drinking and liquor drinking in the elderly Chinese men.

Serum uric acid change in relation to antihypertensive therapy with the dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers.

PURPOSE: We investigated serum uric acid changes in relation to the achieved clinic and ambulatory blood pressure after 8 weeks of antihypertensive therapy with two dihydropyridine calcium channel blockers. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study participants were patients with clinic and ambulatory hypertension, enrolled in a randomised controlled trial that compared amlodipine (5-10 mg, n = 215) and nifedipine gastrointestinal therapeutic system (GITS, 30-60 mg, n = 203). Hyperuricaemia was defined as a serum uric acid concentration of ≥420 µmol/L in men and ≥360 µmol/L in women. Analysis of covariance and multiple regression analyses were performed to study the associations between serum uric acid changes and the achieved clinic and ambulatory blood pressure during follow-up. RESULTS: At baseline, 67 (16.0%) of the 418 patients had hyperuricaemia. Antihypertensive treatment reduced clinic and 24-h daytime and night-time systolic/diastolic blood pressure by a mean (±standard error [SE]) change of -17.4 ± 0.6/-8.6 ± 0.4 mm Hg and -13.7 ± 0.5/-8.3 ± 0.3 mm Hg, -13.8 ± 0.6/-8.4 ± 0.4 mm Hg, and -12.7 ± 0.7/-8.0 ± 0.4 mm Hg, respectively. Antihypertensive treatment reduced serum uric acid by a mean (±SE) change of -9.3 ± 2.8 µmol/L. The serum uric acid changes differed according to the achieved clinic and ambulatory blood pressure, and were statistically significant (mean ± SE -20.6 ± 6.6 to -10.7 ± 2.9 µmol/L, p ≤ 0.04) at the systolic/diastolic ranges of 130-139/≥90 mm Hg in clinic pressure, and <130/75-84 mm Hg, <145/80-84 mm Hg and <120/65-69 mm Hg in 24-h, daytime and night-time ambulatory pressure. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that antihypertensive therapy with a dihydropyridine calcium channel blocker was associated with reduced serum uric acid, especially when 24-h ambulatory systolic blood pressure was controlled.

Genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes and transporters have no impact on mycophenolic acid pharmacokinetics in adult kidney transplant patients co-treated with tacrolimus: A population analysis.

WHAT IS KNOWN AND OBJECTIVE: Mycophenolate mofetil, an ester prodrug of mycophenolic acid (MPA), is widely used to prevent graft rejection after kidney transplantation. The pharmacokinetic (PK) of MPA has been extensively studied, which revealed a high degree of variability. An integrated population PK (PopPK) model of MPA and its main metabolite mycophenolic acid glucuronide (MPAG) was developed using the adult patients who underwent kidney transplant and were administered oral mycophenolate mofetil combined with tacrolimus. METHODS: In total, 917 MPA and 740 MPAG concentrations in191 adult patients were analysed via nonlinear mixed-effects modelling. The concentration-time data were adequately described using a chain compartment model, including central and peripheral compartments for MPA and a central compartment for MPAG. Stepwise forward inclusion and backward elimination procedures were used to investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms, including in UGT1A8, UGT1A9, UGT2B7, ABCB1, ABCC2, ABCG2, SLCO1B1, SLCO1B3, and HNF1α. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: These genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes and transporters have no obvious impact on the PK of MPA in adult patients who underwent kidney transplant and were co-treated with tacrolimus. The post-transplant time, serum albumin, and creatinine clearance were identified as significant covariates affecting the PK of MPA and MPAG, which should be considered in the clinical use of mycophenolate mofetil. WHAT IS NEW AND CONCLUSION: We established a PopPK model of MPA and MPAG in Chinese adult patients who underwent kidney transplant and were co-treated with tacrolimus. Genetic polymorphisms in metabolic enzymes and transporters showed no obvious impact on MMF PK. A model-informed dosing strategy was proposed by the established model, and MMF dose adjustment should be based on ALB levels and the post-transplantation time.

[Effects of intermittent hypoxia stimulation with different frequencies on HT22 cell viability and expression of Hif-1α and p-NF-κB].

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) could induce cognitive impairment through oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the degree of cell damage is closely related to the IH stimulus frequency. IH stimulation with different frequencies also induces opposite results on neuronal cell lines. Therefore, this study was aimed to compare the effects of IH stimulation with three different frequencies on murine hippocampal neuronal HT22 cell activity, and to explore the molecular mechanism of the IH stimulus frequency-related neuron injury. HT22 cells were cultured and divided into control group and three IH stimulation groups with different frequencies. Oxygen concentration in the chamber was circulated between 21% and 1% (IH1 group, 6 cycles/h; IH2 group, 2 cycles/h; IH3 group, 0.6 cycle/h). Cell morphology was observed at 6, 12, 24 and 48 h of IH treatment. Cell viability was determined by the CCK-8 kit, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) content in cell supernatant was determined by LDH kit, oxidative stress level was detected by the reactive oxygen species (ROS) probe, and protein expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (Hif-1α) and phosphorylated nuclear factor κB (p-NF-κB) were detected by Western blot. The results showed that, compared with control group, cell number and activity in the three IH groups were decreased, LDH content and ROS levels were increased with the prolongation of IH stimulation time, and the changes were most obvious in the IH1 group among those of the three IH groups. Hif-1α expression and the p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio were also up-regulated with the prolongation of IH stimulation time, and the changes of IH1 group were the most significant. These results suggest that IH stimulation induces oxidative stress injury in HT22 cells, which is related to increased Hif-1α expression and NF-κB phosphorylation. Moreover, the higher frequency of IH stimulation induces more serious cell injury.

Detection rate and treatment gap for atrial fibrillation identified through screening in community health centers in China (AF-CATCH): A prospective multicenter study.

BACKGROUND: Atrial fibrillation (AF) is underdiagnosed and especially undertreated in China. We aimed to investigate the prevalence of unknown and untreated AF in community residents (≥65 years old) and to determine whether an education intervention could improve oral anticoagulant (OAC) prescription. METHODS AND FINDINGS: We performed a single-time point screening for AF with a handheld single-lead electrocardiography (ECG) in Chinese residents (≥65 years old) in 5 community health centers in Shanghai from April to September 2017. Disease education and advice on referral to specialist clinics for OAC treatment were provided to all patients with actionable AF (newly detected or undertreated known AF) at the time of screening, and education was reinforced at 1 month. Follow-up occurred at 12 months. In total, 4,531 participants were screened (response rate 94.7%, mean age 71.6 ± 6.3 years, 44% male). Overall AF prevalence was 4.0% (known AF 3.5% [n = 161], new AF 0.5% [n = 22]). The 183 patients with AF were older (p < 0.001), taller (p = 0.02), and more likely to be male (p = 0.01), and they had a higher prevalence of cardiovascular disease than those without AF (p < 0.001). In total, 85% (155/183) of patients were recommended for OAC treatment by the established guidelines (CHA2DS2-VASc ≥ 2 for men; ≥ 3 for women). OAC prescription rate for known AF was 20% (28/138), and actionable AF constituted 2.8% of all those screened. At the 12-month follow-up in 103 patients (81% complete), despite disease education and advice on specialist referral, only 17 attended specialist clinics, and 4 were prescribed OAC. Of those not attending specialist clinics, 71 chose instead to attend community health centers or secondary hospital clinics, with none prescribed OAC, and 15 had no review. Of the 17 patients with new AF and a class 1 recommendation for OAC, only 3 attended a specialist clinic, and none were prescribed OAC. Of the 28 AF patients taking OAC at baseline, OAC was no longer taken in 4. Ischemic stroke (n = 2) or death (n = 3) occurred in 5/126 (4%), with none receiving OAC. As screening was performed at a single time point, some paroxysmal AF cases may have been missed; thus, the rate of new AF may be underestimated. CONCLUSIONS: We demonstrated a noticeable gap in AF detection and treatment in community-based elderly Chinese: actionable AF constituted a high proportion of those screened. Disease education and advice on specialist referral are insufficient to close the gap. Before more frequent or intensive screening for unknown AF could be recommended in China, greater efforts must be made to increase appropriate OAC therapy in known AF to prevent AF-related stroke.