OBJECTIVE To investigate the application value of narrow-band CE-Chirp ASSR(NB CE-Chirp ASSR)and modulated acoustic ASSR in the assessment of hearing threshold in children with hearing impairment.METHODS Forty-eight children with sensorineural hearing loss were tested by pure tone audiometry(PTA),NB CE-Chirp ASSR and modulated acoustic ASSR.According to the results of pure tone audiometry,they were divided into mild to moderate group(48 ears)and severe to profound group(48 ears).The difference and correlation between pure tone hearing threshold and ASSR response threshold of different stimuli were compared between 500-4 000 Hz.RESULTS The absolute differences between the NB CE-Chirp ASSR response threshold and the PTA threshold in 48 children were all smaller than the differences between the modulated acoustic ASSR response threshold and the PTA threshold,and the differences were statistically significant(P<0.001).Under the same stimulus sound,the absolute difference between ASSR response threshold and pure tone hearing threshold in the mild to moderate group was higher than that in the severe to very severe group.The correlation coefficients between NB CE-Chirp ASSR threshold and pure tone hearing threshold are higher than those between modulated sound ASSR threshold and pure tone hearing threshold at 500-4 000 Hz.The test time of NB CE-Chirp ASSR[(20.92±9.33)min]was significantly shorter than that of modulated acoustic ASSR[(33.68±10.97)min](P=0.004).CONCLUSION NB CE-Chirp ASSR can more accurately assess the hearing threshold of children with different degrees of hearing loss than modulated acoustic ASSR.

Objective:To explore the effects and safety of Qigong Pills in IVF-ET outcome of PCOS infertility patients with phlegm-dampness type.Methods:A randomized controlled trial study was carried out. In the Reproductive and Genetic Medicine Center of Dalian Women and Children Medical Center (Group) from January 2021 to December 2023, 60 patients with sputum and damp-induced PCOS infertility assisted by in-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer (IVF-ET) were enrolled and randomly divided into 2 groups by block randomization method, with 30 cases in each group. Patients in both groups took ethinylestradiol cyproterone tablets orally on the 2nd to 5th day of the 1st menstrual cycle before IVF-ET cycle, and received down-regulation treatment on the 18th to 20th day of menstruation. After confirming that the down-regulation standard was reached, Qigong Pills was added to the treatment group, and placebo was taken orally until the trigger day. Two groups of patients underwent transvaginal ultrasound-guided ovarian aspiration after injection of chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) for 24-36 h. The total amount of Gn, the days of Gn, the endometrial thickness of HCG, the number of eggs obtained, the rate of diprokaryotic (2PN) fertilization, the number of transferable embryos, the number of high-quality embryos, the rate of high-quality embryos, the incidence of OHSS and the clinical pregnancy rate were compared between the two groups.Results:Among the 60 patients, 28 cases in the final treatment group and 27 cases in the control group were included in the outcome index evaluation. During controlled hyperstimulation (COH), the total Gn [2 025 (1 575, 2 325) U vs. 2 700 (2 025, 3 150) U, Z=-3.67] and the number of Gn days of the treatment group [10 (8,11) d vs. 11 (9,13) d, Z=-2.31] were lower than those in control group ( P<0.001 or P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in endometrial thickness between 2 groups on HCG day ( P>0.05); the number of high-quality embryos [3 (3, 4) vs. 2 (2, 3), Z=0.11] and the rate of high-quality embryos [46.28% (87/188) vs. 35.19% (57/162), Z=4.42] in the treatment group were higher than those in the control group ( P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the number of eggs obtained, the fertilization rate of 2PN and the number of transferable embryos between the two groups ( P>0.05). The incidence of OHSS was 3.6% (1/28) in the treatment group and 11.1% (3/27) in the control group, without statistical significance ( P=0.352). The clinical pregnancy rate was 53.6% (15/28) in the treatment group and 37.0% (10/27) in the control group, without statistical significance ( P=0.218). There was no significant difference in the safety indexes of liver and kidney function between 2 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Qigong Pills combined with IVF-ET can effectively reduce the total amount of Gn and the number of days of treatment in PCOS infertility patients with phlegm-dampness type, increase the number and rate of high-quality embryos, and improve the outcome of IVF-ET, and it is safe and effective.

ObjectiveTo identify the active components in Maimendong decoction (MMDD) against pulmonary fibrosis (PF) and validate their molecular effects in vitro, while focusing on the role of methylophiopogonanone B in regulating fibrosis.MethodsData on MMDD components and targets were gathered from databases including BATMAN-TCM and PubMed, whereas the PF gene data were sourced from GeneCards, OMIM, and TTD. Shared targets were determined using the STRING database, and molecular docking was used to analyze the essential molecules associated with fibrosis. To simulate PF conditions, human embryonic lung fibroblasts (HPF) and A549 cells were exposed to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Various assays were used to determine the effects of MMDD and methylophiopogonanone B on signaling pathways, apoptosis, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition.ResultsWe identified 11 active components from MMDD extracts that targeted 511 shared proteins associated with PF, revealing 10 key targets in network analysis. Gene ontology analysis indicated that processes and pathways such as apoptosis regulation and PI3K/Akt signaling were involved. In vitro experiments revealed that MMDD downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I (COL-I), and collagen type III and regulated Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways to promote apoptosis. The flow cytometry apoptosis assay revealed that MMDD promoted the TGF-β1-induced apoptosis of myofibroblasts. The primary active ingredient in MMDD, methylophiopogonanone B, reduced α-SMA, COL-I, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR-related protein levels in TGF-β1-treated HPF cells, decreased Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, and increased Bax. Moreover, methylophiopogonanone B increased E-cadherin levels and reduced α-SMA, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, and snail in TGF-β1-treated A549 cells.ConclusionMethylophiopogonanone B demonstrated the potential to treat PF by inducing myofibroblast apoptosis and inhibiting EMT. However, despite encouraging initial results, further clinical research is warranted to verify the safety and efficacy of methylophiopogonanone B in the management of PF

POEMS syndrome is a rare condition associated with plasma cell disorders， and it often involves multiple systems and has diverse clinical manifestations. This article reports two cases of POEMS syndrome with hepatosplenomegaly as the initial manifestation. During the course of the disease， the patients presented with lower limb weakness， hepatosplenomegaly， lymph node enlargement， ascites， hypothyroidism， positive M protein， and skin hyperpigmentation， and ¹⁸F-FDG PET-CT imaging revealed bone lesions mainly characterized by osteolytic changes and plasma cell tumors. There was an increase in the serum level of vascular endothelial growth factor. The patients were finally diagnosed with POEMS syndrome， and the symptoms were relieved after immunomodulatory treatment.

BACKGROUND: Double-stranded RNA-specific adenosine deaminase 1 (ADAR1) binds to double-stranded RNA and catalyzes the deamination of adenosine (A) to inosine (I). The functional mechanism of ADAR1 in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remains incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the prognostic significance of ADAR1 in NSCLC and to elucidate its potential role in regulating tumor cell proliferation and migration. METHODS: Data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cBioPortal were analyzed to assess the correlation between high ADAR1 expression and clinicopathological features as well as prognosis in lung cancer. We performed Western blot (WB), cell proliferation assays, Transwell invasion/migration assays, and nude mouse xenograft modeling to examine the phenotypic changes and molecular mechanisms induced by ADAR1 knockdown. Furthermore, the ADAR1 p150 overexpression model was utilized to validate the proposed mechanism. RESULTS: ADAR1 expression was significantly elevated in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) tissues compared with adjacent non-tumor tissues (LUAD: P=3.70×10-15, LUSC: P=0.016). High ADAR1 expression was associated with poor prognosis (LUAD: P=2.03×10-2, LUSC: P=2.81×10-2) and distant metastasis (P=0.003). Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) indicated that elevated ADAR1 was associated with mitogen-activated protein kinase/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (MAPK/ERK) pathway activation, matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) expression, and cell adhesion. ADAR1 and MMP-9 levels showed a strongly positive correlation (P=6.45×10-34) in 10 lung cancer cell lines, highest in H1581. Knockdown of ADAR1 in H1581 cells induced a rounded cellular morphology with reduced pseudopodia. Concomitantly, it suppressed cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and in vivo tumorigenesis. It also suppressed ERK phosphorylation and downregulated cellular Finkel-Biskis-Jinkins murine osteosarcoma viral oncogene homolog (c-FOS), MMP-9, N-cadherin, and Vimentin. Conversely, ADAR1 p150 overexpression in PC9 cells enhanced ERK phosphorylation and increased c-FOS and MMP-9 expression. CONCLUSIONS High ADAR1 expression is closely associated with poor prognosis and distant metastasis in NSCLC patients. Mechanistically, ADAR1 may promote proliferation, invasion, migration, and tumorigenesis in lung cancer cells via the ERK/c-FOS/MMP-9 axis.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Adenosine Deaminase/genetics* ; Matrix Metalloproteinase 9/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/physiopathology* ; Cell Movement ; Animals ; Mice ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Female ; Male ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-fos/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; MAP Kinase Signaling System ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Mice, Nude ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/genetics*

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) is a multifunctional protein involved in diverse cellular functions, notably DNA damage repair. Pharmacological inhibition of PARP1 has therapeutic benefits for various pathologies. Despite the increased use of PARP inhibitors, challenges persist in achieving PARP1 selectivity and effective blood-brain barrier (BBB) penetration. The development of a PARP1-specific positron emission tomography (PET) radioligand is crucial for understanding disease biology and performing target occupancy studies, which may aid in the development of PARP1-specific inhibitors. In this study, we leverage the recently identified PARP1 inhibitor, AZD9574, to introduce the design and development of its ¹⁸F-isotopologue ([¹⁸F]AZD9574). Our comprehensive approach, encompassing pharmacological, cellular, autoradiographic, and in vivo PET imaging evaluations in non-human primates, demonstrates the capacity of [¹⁸F]AZD9574 to specifically bind to PARP1 and to successfully penetrate the BBB. These findings position [¹⁸F]AZD9574 as a viable molecular imaging tool, poised to facilitate the exploration of pathophysiological changes in PARP1 tissue abundance across various diseases.

Recruitment is a critical part of human resource management.Conducting recruitment with competency models can significantly enhance match candidates to positions.This paper outlines the theoretical support for competency models.By analyzing the construction process of competency models in public hospitals and their application in recruitment,it aims to explore problems in the implementation of competency models in recruitment and provide suggestions.

Objective To investigate the distribution of serum specific IgG antibodies against food in children with autism spectrum disorders(ASD),and provide experimental evidence for improving gastrointestinal symptoms of ASD children.Methods A retrospec-tive study was conducted on 411 children with ASD visited the Department of Psychology and Behavior of Hebei Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2022.Additionally,631 healthy children who underwent physical examination during the same period were collected as the healthy control group.Their venous blood samples were collected,and ELISA was used to detect the levels of 14 kinds of serum specific IgG antibodies against food.The distribution characteristics of food intolerance in children with different genders and ages were investigated.Results The total positive rate of specific IgG antibodies against food in children with ASD reached 91.84%(405/441).The top 3 positive rates of specific IgG antibodies were against egg(71.89%),milk(56.70%),and wheat(56.02%),respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group(χ2=42.81,27.48,and 26.88,re-spectively,P＜0.05).The comparative results of gender composition showed that the positive rate of specific IgG antibody against rice in female ASD children(15.96%)was significantly higher than that in male ASD children(4.90%,χ2=11.84,P＜0.05).The posi-tive rates of specific IgG antibodies against egg and wheat in male and female ASD children were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group(χ2=19.44 and 4.42 for males,χ2=4.66 and 10.93 for females,P＜0.05).The positive rate of specific IgG anti-body against milk in male ASD children was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group(χ2=12.62,P＜0.05),while those against soybean and rice in female ASD children were also significantly higher than that in the healthy control group(χ2=7.00 and 5.42,P＜0.05).There were significant differences in the positive rates of food intolerance to milk and soybean in ASD children with different ages(χ2=13.74 and 9.70,P＜0.05)and they decreased with age.The positive rates of specific IgG antibody against wheat in ASD children aged 2-3 and 4-6 years were significantly higher than those in the healthy control group(χ2=5.78 and 4.55,P＜0.05).The positive rate of specific IgG antibody against milk in ASD children aged 4-6 years was significantly higher than that in the healthy control group(χ2=7.57,P＜0.05).Conclusion The highest positive rate of specific IgG antibodies against food in ASD chil-dren is against egg,which is not related to the patient's gender.Next are milk and wheat.The gastrointestinal issues and related food intolerance should be taken into account in the management of patients with ASD.

Objective To predict the lymphovascular invasion(LVI)status of breast cancer patients based on digital breast tomo-synthesis(DBT)intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomogram.Methods A total of 192 breast cancer patients from 2 institu-tions were retrospectively selected,in which institution 1 was used for train(n=113)and test(n=49),while institution 2 was used for external validation(n=30).Radiomics features were extracted and selected based on intratumoral and peritumoral 1 mm regions from DBT images.Different machine learning algorithms were used to construct intratumoral,peritumoral,and combined intratumoral and peritumoral models,respectively.Patient clinical data were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analy-ses to identify independent risk factors for the clinical imaging model.The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The radiomics features with the optimal diagnostic performance and the selected clinical imaging features were combined to construct a comprehensive clinical-radiomics model,and a nomogram was drawn.Results The combined intratumoral and peritumoral model was the optimal radiomics model.Maximum tumor diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.486,P=0.014],suspicious malignant calcifications(OR=2.898,P=0.015),and axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis(OR=3.615,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for LVI positive.Furthermore,the area under the curve(AUC)of the comprehensive clinical-radiomics model in the training set,test set and external valida-tion set was 0.889,0.916,and 0.862,respectively,which was higher than those of the combined intratumoral and peritumoral model(0.858,0.849,0.844)and the clinical imaging model(0.743,0.759,0.732).Conclusion The predictive nomogram,derived from both radiomics and clinical imaging features,is relatively accurate in identifying future LVI occurrence in breast cancer,demonstra-ting its potential as an assistive tool for clinicians to devise individualized treatment regimes.

Objective:To analyze the safety and short-term efficacy of thoracic radiotherapy combined with anlotinib in the treatment of inoperable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods:A prospective study was conducted on patients with unresectable locally advanced NSCLC who were intolerant to concurrent chemoradiotherapy and treated at the Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from October 2020 to September 2023. Anlotinib was administered orally concurrently with radiotherapy (days 1-14, 21 days per cycle, for 3 cycles). Adverse effects and short-term tumor recurrence were observed from the beginning of radiotherapy to the 3-month post-radiotherapy. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) rates from the date of initial treatment (induction therapy), and intergroup comparisons were performed using the log-rank test.Results:The median age was 62 years (range:42-76 years), with a male predominance ( n=36, 88%) of the included 41 patients. The incidence of grade 3-4 acute hematologic adverse events was 20% (8 cases); the incidence of grade 3 hemoptysis was 2% (1 case), with no grade 4 hemoptysis; the incidence of grade 3-4 radiation pneumonitis was 10% (4 cases). No grade 5 adverse events were observed in the entire cohort. With a median follow-up of 19.7 months (range: 7.1-50.1 months), 19 patients (46%) experienced recurrence, including 4 patients (10%) with local recurrence, 6 patients (15%) with regional lymph node recurrence, and 11 patients (27%) with distant metastases. The 1-year PFS rate was 78.3%. 8 patients (20%) died, including 3 patients died from COVID-19 infection during the follow-up period, 1 patient who died from hypostatic pneumonia due to prolonged bed rest after cerebral infarction, and 4 patients died from tumor-related causes. The 1-year OS rate was 78.0%. Conclusions:Thoracic radiotherapy combined with anlotinib demonstrates good safety, manageable adverse events, and favorable short-term efficacy in NSCNC patients intolerant to concurrent chemoradiotherapy.