An overview of solutions for airborne viral transmission reduction related to HVAC systems including liquid desiccant air-scrubbing

The spread of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 affects the health of people and the economy worldwide. As air transmits the virus, heating, ventilation and air-conditioning (HVAC) systems in buildings, enclosed spaces and public transport play a significant role in limiting the transmission of airborne pathogens at the expenses of increased energy consumption and possibly reduced thermal comfort. On the other hand, liquid desiccant technology could be adopted as an air scrubber to increase indoor air quality and inactivate pathogens through temperature and humidity control, making them less favourable to the growth, proliferation and infectivity of microorganisms. The objectives of this study are to review the role of HVAC in airborne viral transmission, estimate its energy penalty associated with the adoption of HVAC for transmission reduction and understand the potential of liquid desiccant technology. Factors affecting the inactivation of pathogens by liquid desiccant solutions and possible modifications to increase their heat and mass transfer and sanitising characteristics are also described, followed by an economic evaluation. It is concluded that the liquid desiccant technology could be beneficial in buildings (requiring humidity control or moisture removal in particular when viruses are likely to present) or in high-footfall enclosed spaces (during virus outbreaks).

PDIA4 promotes glioblastoma progression via the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway

Protein disulfide isomerase A4 (PDIA4) is highly expressed in clear cell ovarian carcinoma and lung cancer. Through analysis of TCGA database and CGGA database, we noted that PDIA4 is a key promotor of glioblastoma (GBM). However, the detailed role and molecular mechanism of PDIA4 in GBM remain unclear. In this study, the expression pattern and biological role of PDIA4 in GBM was investigated. PDIA4 was overexpressed in GBM tumor samples and cell lines and positively correlated with pathological grades in glioma patients. In addition, downregulation of PDIA4 promoted apoptosis and inhibited proliferation of GBM. Meanwhile, there was a concurrent decrease in aerobic glycolysis metabolites. Mechanistically, PDIA4 downregulation promoted the apoptosis of GBM cells by increased the expression of apoptosis pathway proteins (caspase 3, caspase 9 and Bax). Downregulation of PDIA4 decreased energy demand and inhibited GBM growth in vitro and in vivo. Besides, such effect also inhibited the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway by inhibiting protein phosphorylation levels of PI3K, AKT and m-TOR. After addition of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway activator 740Y-P, the effect of PDIA4 knockdown on GBM was reversed. Therefore, we believe that PDIA4 regulates the proliferation via activating the PI3K/AKT/m-TOR pathway and suppression of apoptosis in glioblastoma. It could be used as a potential target for the treatment of GBM.

[Pediatric SMARCB1/INI1-deficient poorly differentiated chordoma of the skull base: report of five cases and review of literature]

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and differential diagnosis of pediatric SMARCB1/INI1-deficient poorly differentiated chordoma (PDC) of the skull base. Methods: Five cases of SMARCB1/INI1-deficient PDC were identified in 139 cases of chordoma diagnosed in Sanbo Brain Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China from March 2017 to March 2021. The clinical and imaging data of the 5 PDCs were collected. H&E and immunohistochemical staining, and DNA methylation array were used, and the relevant literatures were reviewed. Results: All 5 PDCs were located at the clivus. The average age of the patients was 6.4 years, ranging from 3 to 16 years. Three patients were female and two were male. Morphologically, in contrast with classical chordomas, they presented as epithelioid or spindle tumor cells organized in sheets or nests, with necrosis, active mitoses, and infiltration into surrounding tissue. All cases showed positivity of CKpan, EMA, vimentin and brachyury (nuclear stain), and loss of nuclear SMARCB1/INI1 expression. S-100 protein expression was not frequent (2/5). Ki-67 proliferative index was high (20%-50%). All cases had over-expressed p53. It was necessary to differentiate SMARCB1/INI1-dificient PDC from SMARCB1/INI1-dificient tumors occurring at skull base of children or the tumors with epithelial and spindle cell morphological features. The 3 PDCs with DNA methylation testing showed the methylation profiles different from the pediatric atypical teratoid/rhabdoid tumors. They formed an independent methylation profile cluster. The clinical prognosis of the 5 patients was poor, and the overall survival time was 2-17 months. Conclusions: PDC is a special subtype of chordoma, which often affects children and occurs in the clivus. The PDC shares epithelioid or spindle cell morphologic features which are different from the classic chordoma. Besides the typical immunohistochemical profile of chordoma, PDC also has loss of nuclear SMARCB1/INI1 expression and distinct epigenetic characteristics.

The Burden of Colorectal Cancer Attributable to Diet Low in Fiber from 1990 to 2019: A Global, Regional and National Analysis

OBJECTIVES

The colorectal cancer (CRC) burden is increasingly high. The aim of this study was to investigate temporal and geographical trends in CRC deaths and disability-adjusted life-years (DALYs) attributable to diet low in fiber globally from 1990 to 2019.

DESIGN

Cross-sectional study.

SETTING

The study based on the Global Burden of Disease Study (GBD) 2019.

PARTICIPANTS

The population comprised individuals from 204 countries and territories who were diagnosed with CRC attributable to diet low in fiber from 1990 to 2019.

MEASUREMENTS

Deaths, DALYs, age-standardized mortality rates (ASMR), and age-standardized DALY rates (ASDR) for CRC attributable to diet low in fiber were described, and estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) was further calculated to assess the burden in different regions, countries, sexes, and age groups. Additionally, we explored the association between EAPC and ASMR/ASDR (in 1990) and Human Development Index (HDI, in 2019).

RESULTS

From 1990 to 2019, global ASMR and ASDR for CRC attributable to diet low in fiber decreased slightly, but the corresponding deaths and DALYs increased by 63.37% and 51.36%, respectively. Those burden varied considerably between regions and countries. The burden was higher in high, high-middle and middle SDI regions, especially in Asia and Western Europe, but when HDI > 0.7, an increasingly rapid decline in ASMR and ASDR was revealed. Unexpectedly, many less well-developed countries within the traditionally low deaths and DALYs regions of Africa, Central Latin America, and Middle East showed gradual increases in ASMR and ASDR.

CONCLUSION

The global burden of CRC attributable to diet low in fiber has decreased over the last 30 years, but remains at a high level. It is essential for decision-makers to take targeted measures for improving population awareness and intake of dietary fiber.

Series representations and simulations of isotropic random fields in the Euclidean space

This paper introduces the series expansion for homogeneous, isotropic and mean square continuous random fields in the Euclidean space, which involves the Bessel function and the ultraspherical polynomial, but differs from the spectral representation in terms of the ordinary spherical harmonics that has more terms at each level.The series representation provides a simple and efficient approach for simulation of isotropic (non-Gaussian) random fields.

Radical-mediated rearrangements: past, present, and future

Rearrangement reactions, one of the most significant transformations in organic chemistry, play an irreplaceable role in improving synthetic efficiency and molecular complexity. Concomitant cleavage and reconstruction of chemical bonds can display the great artistry and the glamour of synthetic chemistry. Over the past century, ionic rearrangement reactions, in particular those involving cationic pathways, have represented most of the research. Alongside the renaissance of radical chemistry, radical-mediated rearrangements have recently seen a rapid increase of attention from the chemical community. Many new radical rearrangements that extensively reveal the migratory behaviour of functional groups have been unveiled in the last decade. This Review provides a comprehensive perspective on the area from the past to present achievements, and brings up the prospects that may inspire colleagues to develop more useful synthetic tools based on radical rearrangements.

Does gut microbiota regulate brooding in geese?

Domestic geese can reduce the amount of food intake when brooding. Because of the reduction in food intake, the total number of microorganisms in the gut is also reduced. Will this affect the goose’s thinking and make the goose stop brooding and eat food? We hypothesize that gut microbiota affects the brain through a brain–gut peptide and further regulates the breeding behavior of geese. In this study, we evaluated the microbiome related to the goose and transcription groups of brooding and egg production periods. The changes and differences in gut microbiota and gene expression of female geese in different reproduction periods were analyzed, and the possible interaction between them was explored. The results showed that the relative abundance of Faecalibacterium with a growth-promoting effect in the cecum was higher in the egg production group than in the brooding group. Microbial metabolic pathways with significant differences between the two groups were also enriched in the secondary functional groups with different gut microbiota metabolism. The downregulated genes in the egg production group were mainly related to energy metabolism, such as ATP synthesis-related genes. These results suggest that the brooding group’s gut microbiota can make relevant changes according to the reproduction stage of the goose. Since the amount of food taken in is reduced, it can promote the decomposition of the host’s fat. Simultaneously, insulin is also used to deliver messages to the brain; it is necessary to end the brooding behavior at an appropriate time and for eating to start.

Correlation between culprit vessel/tirofiban and reperfusion bradyarrhythmia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction after emergency PCI

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the correlation between culprit vessel/tirofiban and reperfusion bradyarrhythmia in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) after emergency percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).

PATIENTS AND METHODS

A total of 123 STEMI patients undergoing emergency PCI in our hospital from September 2018 to September 2019 were selected and divided into the reperfusion arrhythmias (RA) group (50 cases) and non-RA group (NRA, 73 cases) according to whether RA occurring during PCI. The baseline data such as age and underlying disease were statistically analyzed. Then, the differences were compared between the two groups. According to whether reperfusion bradyarrhythmia (RB) occurring during PCI, 123 STEMI patients were divided into the RB group (63 cases) and non-RB group (60 cases). The relation between culprit vessel/tirofiban and RB was analyzed. ROC curves analysis and multivariate logistic regression were conducted for the risk factors of RA and RB.

RESULTS

Among 123 patients with STEMI after PCI treatment, 73 patients had RA (59.35%), including RB 63 cases and tachyarrhythmia 10 cases. Results of single factor analysis showed that there was statistical significance in 3 factors including the patient age, infarction area and vascular blood flow TIMI classification between RA group and NRA group (p<0.05). ROC curve analysis indicated that the continuous variable patent ages had predictive value in the prevalence of RA, which resulting in an AUC 0.624 and a cut-off pointed age 57 (sensitivity 72.60, specificity 52.00). Multivariate regression analysis showed that the patient age (>57 years old), infarction area in inferior wall and grade 0 lesion vascular blood flow TIMI classification in RA group was significantly higher than that in NRA group (p<0.05). Tirofiban was not associated with RB in STEMI patients treated with emergency PCI, while culprit vessel was statistically significant between RB group and NRB group (p<0.05). Multivariate regression analysis indicated that culprit vessel of the right coronary artery and grade 0 lesions vascular blood flowed TIMI classification was independent risk factors to occurring RB in the STEMI patients with emergency PCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Tirofiban was not associated with RB in STEMI patients treated with emergency PCI. However, it may increase the risk of RB development when the culprit vessel is the right coronary artery. Therefore, timely corresponding treatments and reduction of reperfusion damage are of great significance for those patients.

Camrelizumab combined with ablation and chemotherapy for pancreatic cancer with liver metastases: A single-arm, phase II, prospective clinical study

TPS4169

Background: Pancreatic cancer represents one of the most aggressive tumors and the majority of patients receive a diagnosis of metastatic disease, mainly in the liver, leading to poor prognosis and survival. Currently, chemotherapy has been the treatment of choice for fit patients with pancreatic cancer liver metastases (PCLM), reaching a median survival of about 5 to 7 months. In addition, local ablation of the metastatic tumors, by increasing neoantigen exposure and transforming the immune microenvironment to reduce the progression of liver metastases, might increase the survival benefit of patients. Camrelizumab, an anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody, has obtained preliminary results in metastatic pancreatic cancer. Therefore, this study aims to explore the effectiveness and safety of camrelizumab combined with ablation and chemotherapy in the treatment of PCLM. Methods: In this single-arm, prospective, phase II study, 34 patients with histological or cytological diagnosis of PCLM, ECOG performance score of 0-1, no prior chemotherapy or the interval of adjuvant chemotherapy ≥6 months, plan to be enrolled. The enrolled patients first received ablation surgery of liver metastases, then chemotherapy (the standard regimen for advanced pancreatic cancer, determined by the investigator) combined with camrelizumab (200 mg, iv, q3w) is administered 1 week after ablation. If the patient has multiple metastatic tumors, the ablation needs to be performed in stages. The treatment regimens will continue until the disease progression, unacceptable toxicity or withdrawal of consent. The primary endpoint is 6-month progress-free survival (6-month PFS) rate (per RECIST v1.1 by researcher). Secondary endpoints are objective response rate, disease control rate, progression-free survival, overall survival and safety. On the basis of a threshold 6-month PFS rate of 25%, targeting an expected 6-month PFS rate of 44% and assuming 18 months follow-up, 80% power and a one-sided α = 0.05, this design requires 34 evaluable patients to be accrued over 2 years. Clinical trial information: NCT04420130.

Chemical formation and source apportionment of PM2.5 at an urban site at the southern foot of the Taihang mountains

The region along the Taihang Mountains in the North China Plain (NCP) is characterized by serious fine particle pollution. To clarify the formation mechanism and controlling factors, an observational study was conducted to investigate the physical and chemical properties of the fine particulate matter in Jiaozuo city, China. Mass concentrations of the water-soluble ions (WSIs) in PM_2.5 and gaseous pollutant precursors were measured on an hourly basis from December 1, 2017, to February 27, 2018. The positive matrix factorization (PMF) method and the FLEXible PARTicle (FLEXPART) model were employed to identify the sources of PM_2.5. The results showed that the average mass concentration of PM_2.5 was 111 μg/m³ during the observation period. Among the major WSIs, sulfate, nitrate, and ammonium (SNA) constituted 62% of the total PM_2.5 mass, and NO₃^- ranked the highest with an average contribution of 24.6%. NH₄⁺ was abundant in most cases in Jiaozuo. According to chemical balance analysis, SO₄^2-, NO₃^-, and Cl^- might be present in the form of (NH₄)₂SO₄, NH₄NO₃, NH₄Cl, and KCl. The liquid-phase oxidation of SO₂ and NO₂ was severe during the haze period. The relative humidity and pH were the key factors influencing SO₄^2- formation. We found that NO₃^- mainly stemmed from homogeneous gas-phase reactions in the daytime and originated from the hydrolysis of N₂O₅ in the nighttime, which was inconsistent with previous studies. The PMF model identified five sources of PM_2.5: secondary origin (37.8%), vehicular emissions (34.7%), biomass burning (11.5%), coal combustion (9.4%), and crustal dust (6.6%).

Inflammatory Markers Predict Survival in Patients With Advanced Gastric and Colorectal Cancers Receiving Anti-PD-1 Therapy

There is a lack of useful biomarkers for predicting the efficacy of anti-programmed death-1 (PD-1) therapy for advanced gastric and colorectal cancer. To address this issue, in this study we investigated the correlation between inflammatory marker expression and survival in patients with advanced gastric and colorectal cancer. Data for 111 patients with advanced gastric and colorectal cancer treated with anti-PD-1 regimens were retrospectively analyzed. Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), monocyte-to-lymphocyte ratio (MLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), and clinical characteristics of each patient were selected as the main variables. Overall response rate, disease control rate, and progression-free survival were primary endpoints, and overall survival and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) were secondary endpoints. The chi-squared test and Fisher's exact test were used to evaluate relationships between categorical variables. Uni- and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed, and median progression-free survival and overall survival were estimated with the Kaplan-Meier method. The overall response rate and disease control rate of anti-PD-1therapy in advanced gastric and colorectal tumors were 12.61 and 66.66%, respectively. The patients with MLR < 0.31, NLR < 5, and PLR < 135 had a significantly higher disease control rate than those with MLR > 0.31, NLR > 5, and PLR > 135 (P < 0.05). The multivariate analysis revealed that MLR < 0.31, BMI > 18.5, and anti-PD-1 therapy in first-line were associated with prolonged PFS. MLR < 0.31 and BMI > 18.5 were associated with prolonged overall survival. The irAE rate differed significantly between PLR groups, and PLR < 135 was associated with an increased rate of irAEs (P = 0.028). These results indicate that the inflammatory markers NLR, MLR, and PLR have clinical utility for predicting survival or risk of irAEs in patients with advanced gastric cancer and colorectal cancer.

Effect of strontium ranelate on rabbits with steroid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head through TGF-β1/BMP2 pathway

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of strontium ranelate (SR) on steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head (SIONFH) in rabbits and its regulatory mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The ONFH model was established in 30 rabbits using steroid and they were randomly divided into Control group, Model group, and SR group. After SR intervention, the rabbits were sacrificed and sampled. The pathological injury of the femoral head in each group was detected via hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, the level of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) in the femoral head in each group was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) and protein expression levels of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), as well as the bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP2) in the femoral head in each group, were determined using Reverse Transcription-Polymerase Chain Reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The rabbit model of SIONFH was successfully established. Compared with Control group, the Model group had a severer pathological injury of the femoral head, a lower level of VEGF in the femoral head, significantly decreased mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1 and BMP2. Compared with Model group, the SR group had markedly improved pathological injury of the femoral head, a higher level of VEGF in the femoral head, significantly increased mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1, as well as BMP2.

CONCLUSIONS

SR can remarkably improve the pathological injury of the femoral head and increase the expression of VEGF in SIONFH rabbits, whose potential mechanism may be related to the activation of the TGF-β1/BMP2 signaling pathway.

MiR-19a suppress apoptosis of myocardial cells in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion through PTEN/Akt/P-Akt signaling pathway

OBJECTIVE

To detect differentially expressed micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) in rats with myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MIR), and to explore the influence of miR-19a on MIR rats and its mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were used to prepare MIR models, RNAs were extracted, and miRNA sequencing analysis was carried out to determine differentially expressed miRNAs related to MIR. Secondly, the predicted target genes of miR-19a were collected, and WebGestalt was applied to analyze gene ontology (GO) and pathway enrichment. Thirdly, the expression of the related proteins and the apoptosis of myocardial cells in MIR rats were detected via Western blotting. Fourthly, the interaction between miR-19a and the target gene phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) was examined through Luciferase reporter assay.

RESULTS

Compared with that in the Sham operation (Sham) group, the miR-19a expression in rat myocardial tissues in the MIR group was significantly increased (p<0.05). Compared with those in the miR-negative control (miR-NC) group, the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expressions of PTEN in the miR-19a group were notably decreased (p<0.05). In comparison with the miR-NC group, miR-19a group had elevated expression of phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt) (p<0.05). The Luciferase reporter gene assay manifested the direct binding of miR-19a to PTEN mRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

MiR-19a inhibits the PTEN expression by directly binding to the 3'-UTR of PTEN mRNA, thus activating the Akt/p-Akt signaling pathway to suppress the apoptosis of myocardial cells in MIR injury.

Efficacy observation of albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with S1, sequential and alternate gemcitabine combined with oxaliplatin in the first-line treatment of metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (mPDAC): A single-arm, prospective study

409

Background:Chemotherapy is effective in mPDAC but the effect is not satisfactory. Alternate sequential treatment appears to be feasible and effective, with manageable toxicities and decreased neurotoxicity. Similar studies have not been carried out in China. Therefore, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with S1, sequential and alternate gemcitabine combined with oxaliplatin in the first-line treatment of patients with mPDAC. Methods:Based on an expected 6-month PFS rate of 45% and a threshold 6-month PFS rate of 25%, a one-sided exact test is applied setting α = 0.025. The number of patients required for a power of 80% was calculated to be 24. Considering the drop rate of 15%, 30 patients need to be enrolled in the experiment. This open-label, single-arm, prospective study enrolled patients with locally advanced and metastatic pancreatic cancer, who have not received prior chemotherapy regimens and radiation therapy between Jan, 2019 and Dec, 2020. The patient receives the NS regimen first:albumin-bound paclitaxel(125mg/m2) was administered for the first and eighth day by intravenous drip and S1 (40-60 mg)was administered orally twice a day for 2 cycles with 3-week cycle. Then the GEMOX regimen is applied sequentially and alternately: Gemcitabine (1000mg/m2, intravenous infusion for 30 minutes, administration on the first and eighth days) and oxaliplatin (130mg/m2, intravenous injection for 2 hours, administration on the second day) were given for 2 cycles with 3-week cycle. After that, the NS and GEMOX regimen were alternately used again. The treatment was continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxic effects. Results:In this study, 36 eligible patients received the sequential treatment of the above regimen with a median age of 59 years (range 35 to 67 years). 24 patients were eligible for efficacy analysis. Median follow up time was 8.8 months. 45.8% (11/24) of patients completed 3 alternating (8 cycles) treatment, and 33.3% (8/24) of patients completed 2 alternating (6 cycles) treatment, other patients only completed 1 alternate treatment. 6-month PFS rate was 70.8%(17/24), The median PFS of 24 patients was 8.9 months. The final OS and PFS was not yet achieved. The most common grade 3/4 treatment related AEs were thrombocytopenia (13.33%), granulopenia (8.3%), peripheral nerve toxicity (5.6%), and all adverse reactions could be recovered to less than grade 2 after suspension of medication or reduction of dose. Conclusions: The treatment of albumin-bound paclitaxel combined with S1, sequential and alternate gemcitabine combined with oxaliplatin showed promising efficacy and manageable toxicities in patients with mPDAC, and required more prospective patients to be enrolled. Clinical trial information: ChiCTR1900024867.

Correlation between Sarcopenia and Arteriosclerosis in Elderly Community Dwellers: A Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND

Evidence suggests that arteriosclerosis and sarcopenia (decreased muscle mass) share some of their many causes. However, after controlling for confounding factors, it is unclear whether the presence of arteriosclerosis correlates with sarcopenia.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this paper is to explore whether sarcopenia is associated with arteriosclerosis.

DESIGN

A multicenter cross-sectional community-based study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A total of 2511 elderly subjects from six Chinese community health service centers in Anhui province were surveyed through an e-health promotion system to collect basic data and measurements of brachial-ankle pulse wave (baPWV), body composition, and handgrip strength (HGS). Pearson's correlation and binary logistic regression analyses were performed to identify associations between sarcopenia and high baPWV.

RESULTS

The prevalence rates of sarcopenia were 12.9% in men and 15.3% in women according to the 2019 standard of Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. Among subjects with high baPWV, the proportion of sarcopenia was higher compared to those with normal baPWV (men: 17.7% vs. 3.7%; women: 20.4% vs. 4.9%, both p<0.001). Binary logistic regression analysis revealed that sarcopenia was associated with high baPWV (p<0.0001, odds ratio=1.619) after adjusting for confounding factors. HGS slightly and negatively correlated with baPWV (-0.19 in men and -0.18 in women).

CONCLUSIONS

The intertwined pathophysiological mechanisms shared by arteriosclerosis and sarcopenia are potential targets for future interventions to reduce morbimortality in subjects with both disorders. Upcoming prospective studies and clinical trials are expected to advance these findings.

The Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform Cohort (PDTAP) Study: Design and methods

OBJECTIVES

The primary objective of the Peritoneal Dialysis Telemedicine-assisted Platform Cohort (PDTAP) Study is to explore potential predictors and their effects on patient survival, technique survival, and the occurrence of infectious and noninfectious complications.

DESIGN

The PDTAP study is a national-level cohort study in China. A newly developed PD telemedicine application provided a unique and convenient way to collect multicenter, structured data across units.

SETTING

The PDTAP study was underway in 27 hospitals from 14 provinces located at 7 geographical regions (northwest, northeast, north, central, southwest, southeast, and south) in China.

PARTICIPANTS

Our study aims to enroll at least 7000 adult patients with end-stage renal disease receiving PD.

METHODS

Approval has been obtained through the ethics committees of all hospitals. All participants signed the informed consent form after the center had received ethics board approval in accordance with the Declaration of Helsinki.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient survival, technique survival, hospitalization, and the occurrence of infectious and noninfectious complications.

CONCLUSIONS

The PDTAP study aims to explore potential predictors and their effects on patient survival, technique survival, and infectious and noninfectious complications using a newly developed PD telemedicine system to collect multicenter, structured data in real-world practice. Substantial and transformable findings in relation to PD practices were expected. This study also developed a national-level infrastructure for further collaboration and ancillary investigation.

Mental health problems and correlates among 746 217 college students during the coronavirus disease 2019 outbreak in China

AIMS

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic is a major public health concern all over the world. Little is known about the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on mental health in the general population. This study aimed to assess the mental health problems and associated factors among a large sample of college students during the COVID-19 outbreak in China.

METHODS

This cross-sectional and nation-wide survey of college students was conducted in China from 3 to 10 February 2020. A self-administered questionnaire was used to assess psychosocial factors, COVID-19 epidemic related factors and mental health problems. Acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were measured by the Chinese versions of the impact of event scale-6, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7, respectively. Univariate and hierarchical logistic regression analyses were performed to examine factors associated with mental health problems.

RESULTS

Among 821 218 students who participated in the survey, 746 217 (90.9%) were included for the analysis. In total, 414 604 (55.6%) of the students were female. About 45% of the participants had mental health problems. The prevalence rates of probable acute stress, depressive and anxiety symptoms were 34.9%, 21.1% and 11.0%, respectively. COVID-19 epidemic factors that were associated with increased risk of mental health problems were having relatives or friends being infected (adjusted odds ratio = 1.72-2.33). Students with exposure to media coverage of the COVID-19 ≥3 h/day were 2.13 times more likely than students with media exposure <1 h/day to have acute stress symptoms. Individuals with low perceived social support were 4.84-5.98 times more likely than individuals with high perceived social support to have anxiety and depressive symptoms. In addition, senior year and prior mental health problems were also significantly associated with anxiety or/and depressive symptoms.

CONCLUSIONS

In this large-scale survey of college students in China, acute stress, anxiety and depressive symptoms are prevalent during the COVID-19 pandemic. Multiple epidemic and psychosocial factors, such as family members being infected, massive media exposure, low social support, senior year and prior mental health problems were associated with increased risk of mental health problems. Psychosocial support and mental health services should be provided to those students at risk.