AIM:To analyze the influencing factors of visual outcome after vitrectomy for polypoidal choroidal vasculopathy(PCV)combined with vitreous hemorrhage and establish a predictive model.METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 129 cases(129 eyes)of patients who underwent vitrectomy for PCV combined with vitreous hemorrhage from June 2021 to January 2024 in our hospital. They were divided into elevated group(71 eyes)and non-elevated group(58 eyes)according to visual outcome at early posoperative stage(within 24 mo). Another 30 cases(30 eyes)of PCV with vitreous hemorrhage undergoing vitrectomy were selected as external validation data. The predictive value of the model for the postoperative visual outcomes of both internal and external populations was evaluated.RESULTS: The non-elevated group had a higher proportion of patients aged ≥60 years, diabetes, continuous abnormalities of the ellipsoid zone(EZ)during surgery, bleeding involving the macular fovea, and postoperative retinal scar formation than the elevated group were independent factors affecting postoperative visual acuity(all P<0.05). The AUC of the predictive model for predicting the postoperative visual outcomes of internal and external populations was 0.824(95%CI: 0.750-0.898)and 0.809(95%CI: 0.723-0.865), respectively.CONCLUSION:Patients aged ≥60 years, diabetes, intraoperative continuous abnormalities of EZ, bleeding involving the macular fovea, and postoperative retinal scar formation are influencing factors for visual outcome after vitrectomy in patients with PCV combined with vitreous hemorrhage. A predictive model based on those factors has been established, which has a certain predictive value for postoperative visual outcome.

This study investigated the role of the nuclear factor of activated T cells c3 (NFATc3) in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) during aortic aneurysm and dissection (AAD) progression and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Cytoplasmic and nuclear NFATc3 levels were elevated in human and mouse AAD. VSMC-NFATc3 deletion reduced thoracic AAD (TAAD) and abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) progression in mice, contrary to VSMC-NFATc3 overexpression. VSMC-NFATc3 deletion reduced extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation and maintained the VSMC contractile phenotype. Nuclear NFATc3 targeted and transcriptionally upregulated matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) and MMP2, promoting ECM degradation and AAD development. NFATc3 promoted VSMC phenotypic switching by binding to eukaryotic elongation factor 2 (eEF2) and inhibiting its phosphorylation in the VSMC cytoplasm. Restoring eEF2 reversed the beneficial effects in VSMC-specific NFATc3-knockout mice. Cabamiquine-targets eEF2 and inhibits protein synthesis-inhibited AAD development and progression in VSMC-NFATc3-overexpressing mice. VSMC-NFATc3 promoted VSMC switch and ECM degradation while exacerbating AAD development, making it a novel potential therapeutic target for preventing and treating AAD.

Objective:To observe the changes of macular structure and microvessels in eyes with diabetes macular ischemia (DMI).Methods:A retrospective case study. From January 2023 to July 2023, 23 patients of 31 eyes diagnosed with DMI at Tangshan Ophthalmological Hospital were included in this study. Among them, there were 14 males with 23 eyes; Female cases with 8 eyes. Age were (59.5±4.6) years old. According to the DMI grading standard formulated by the research group for early treatment of diabetes retinopathy, the patients were divided into mild DMI group, moderate DMI group, and severe DMI group, with 8, 12, and 11 eyes respectively. The blood flow density (VD), perfusion area (FA), small vessel VD (SVD), inner retinal capillary plexus VD, FA, and outer retinal, choroidal, and ganglion cell complex (GCC) thickness within 1 mm of the macular fovea in retinal superficial vascular plexus (SVP)were measured using a scanning frequency light source optical coherence tomography instrument. The changes in macular structure and microvasculature in the affected eyes of different degrees of DMI groups were compared and observed. Inter group comparisons were conducted using one-way ANOVA or Kruskal Wallis H-test. Spearman correlation analysis was used to analyze the correlation between DMI severity and GCC, outer retina, choroid thickness, VD, FA and SVP VD, SVD and FA in inner retina. Results:The GCC ( F=70.670), outer retinal thickness ( H=12.393), VD ( F=105.506), SVD ( H=25.300), FA ( F=107.655), and VD ( H=24.098) and FA ( H=25.300) of the retinal SVP in the mild, moderate, and severe DMI groups were compared, and the differences were statistically significant ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in choroidal thickness ( H=2.441, P>0.05). Pairwise comparison between groups: VD, SVD, FA of GCC thickness and SVP, and VD of inner retina were statistically significant between severe DMI group and moderate DMI group, and between moderate DMI group and mild DMI group ( P<0.05). The thickness of outer retina was statistically significant between severe DMI group and moderate DMI group ( P<0.05). Inner retinal FA: there were statistically significant differences between severe DMI group, moderate DMI group and mild DMI group ( P<0.05). The correlation analysis results showed that GCC ( r s=-0.918), outer retinal thickness ( r s=-0.448), and inner retinal VD ( r s=-0.894) and FA ( r s=-0.918), as well as VD ( r s=-0.919), SVD ( r s=-0.924), and FA ( r s=-0.939) of retinal SVP, were all negatively correlated with the degree of DMI ( P<0.05). There was no correlation between choroidal thickness and degree of DMI ( r s=-0.081, P>0.05). Conclusion:The thickness of GCC, outer retina and choroid, the VD, SVD, and FA of the retinal SVP, the VD and FA of inner retina are all reduced in eyes with different degrees of DMI, while all of them are negatively correlated with the degree of DMI, except for choroid thickness.

Objective The purpose of this study was to investigate the application value of Chromosomal microarray analysis(CMA)in prenatal diagnosis of nuchal translucency(NT)thickening and nasal bone dyscalci-fication.Methods The fetuses diagnosed with NT thickening and nasal bone dyscalcification at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center of Meizhou People's Hospital from September 2022 to April 2024,who underwent CMA and karyotype analysis were collected to analyze the relationship between NT thickening and nasal bone dyscalcification and chromosome abnormalities.The detection of chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses with NT thickening,nasal bone dyscalcification and the value of ultrasound combined with CMA in prenatal diagnosis were analyzed.Results In 75 fetuses with NT thickening and/or nasal bone dyscalcification,11 cases of chromosome aneuploidy were detected by karyotype analysis,and 5 cases of pathogenic copy number variations(CNV)were detected by CMA,with an additional detection rate of 6.7%.The additional diagnosis rates of CMA were 6.0%and 5.0%in fetuses with simple NT thickening and nasal bone dyscalcification,respectively.Conclusion CMA technique is of high value in prenatal diagnosis of fetuses with NT thickening and nasal bone dyscalcification,it can improve the detec-tion rate of fetal chromosomal abnormalities,and the combined application of multiple techniques can provide a more comprehensive evaluation of the fetuses.

Objective To investigate the virological features of patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB)and metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)through a stratified analysis.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed for 131 patients with CHB and MAFLD and 168 patients with CHB alone who underwent percutaneous liver biopsy and did not receive antiviral therapy or withdrew from drugs for more than 6 months in Beijing YouAn Hospital,Capital Medical University,from January 1,2013 to December 31,2019.The two groups were compared in terms of general data,biochemical parameters,and virological parameters.The patients in the two groups were stratified according to liver inflammation grade(G)and liver fibrosis stage(S),and the patients with CHB and MAFLD were further analyzed based on the degree of hepatic steatosis and NAFLD activity score(NAS).Virological features(the serum levels of HBV DNA and HBV HBsAg)were compared between groups.The Wilcoxon test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups,and the Kruskal-Wallis H test was used for comparison between multiple groups and further comparison between two groups;the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups.Results Compared with the CHB group,the CHB+MAFLD group had a significantly higher proportion of male patients,a significantly higher proportion of patients with hypertension or type 2 diabetes mellitus,and significantly higher levels of the blood biochemical parameters of triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,apolipoprotein B,alanine aminotransferase,gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase,uric acid,and fasting blood glucose(all P<0.05),as well as significantly lower levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol,apolipoprotein A1,and HBV DNA(all P<0.05).The stratified analysis based on liver fibrosis stage showed that for both the patients with CHB alone and those with CHB and MAFLD,the significant fibrosis(S2—4)group had a significantly lower level of HBV DNA than the non-significant fibrosis(S0—1)group(P<0.05),and for the patients with CHB alone,the significant fibrosis(S2—4)group had a significantly lower level of HBsAg than the non-significant fibrosis(S0—1)group(P<0.05).The stratified analysis based on inflammation grade showed that for the patients with CHB and MAFLD,the high inflammation grade(G3)group had a significantly higher level of HBV DNA than the low inflammation grade(G1—2)group(P<0.05),and in the low inflammation grade(G1—2)group,the patients with CHB and MAFLD had a significantly lower level of HBsAg than the patients with CHB alone(P<0.05).The stratified analysis based on the degree of hepatic steatosis showed that the level of HBV DNA gradually decreased with the increase in the degree of steatosis,and the severe steatosis group had a significantly lower level of HBV DNA than the mild group(P<0.05),while there was no significant difference in HBsAg level between the groups with different degrees of hepatic steatosis(P>0.05).The stratified analysis based on NAS score showed that the NAS≥4 group had significantly higher levels of HBV DNA and HBsAg than the NAS<4 group(both P<0.05).Conclusion Patients with CHB and MAFLD have significant abnormalities in metabolic markers and aminotransferases,while virological indicators show different features in stratified analyses based on various indicators.

Humans ; Prognosis ; Multiple Myeloma/diagnosis* ; Neoplasm Staging ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Patients ; Retrospective Studies

Objective:To analyze the relationship between mesenteric fat or creeping fat and bowel stricture or penetrating disease of Crohn's disease (CD).Methods:Clinical data of 101 CD patients undergoing bowel surgery at Department of General Surgery in our hospital between Mar 2021 and Dec 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The characteristics of mesenteric fat, creeping fat, luminal cross-section diameter, and the intestinal stricture index were analyzed. The Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation between disease behavior and mesenteric fat score or creeping fat score.Results:Totally 101 CD patients were enrolled, with 68 stricturing diseases and 33 penetrating diseases. CD patients with stricturing diseases had higher score of mesenteric disease activity index (4.6±1.9 vs. 3.7±2.0, t=2.212, P=0.029) and creeping fat index (4.2±2.0 vs. 2.9±1.6, t=3.154, P=0.002) than those in patients with penetrating diseases. The mesenteric fat and creeping fat score positively correlated with the intestinal stricture index, C-reactive protein, and fecal calprotectin, and negatively correlated with minimum luminal cross-section diameter. Conclusion:The higher score of mesenteric fat and creeping fat were observed in CD patients with stricturing disease, which were associated with intestinal stricture index and inflammation status.

Objective:To observe the multimodal imaging characteristics of tamoxifen retinopathy.Methods:A retrospective case study. From January 2019 to December 2021, 4 patients (8 eyes) with tamoxifen retinopathy diagnosed in Tangshan Eye Hospital were included in the study. All patients were female, with sick binoculus. The age was 59.5±4.6 years. After breast cancer resection, tamoxifen 20 mg/d was taken orally consecutively, including 1, 1, and 2 cases who took tamoxifen orally for 5, 7, and ≥10 years. All eyes were examined by fundus color photography, optical coherence tomography (OCT), OCT angiography (OCTA), fundus fluorescein angiography (FFA), and fundus autofluorescence (AF). The multi-mode image features of the fundus of the affected eyes were observed.Results:The yellow white dot crystal like material deposition in the macular area was observed in all eyes. In fundus AF examination, macular area showed patchy strong AF. FFA examination showed telangiectasia and fluorescein leakage in macular area at late stage. OCT showed that punctate strong reflexes could be seen between the neuroepithelial layers in the macular region with the formation of a space between the neuroepithelial layers, the interruption of the elliptical zone (EZ), and the formation of a hole in the outer lamella including 4, 5 and 3 eyes; The thickness of ganglion cells in macular region decreased in 7 eyes. OCTA showed that the blood flow density of the superficial retinal capillary plexus around the arch ring was decreased, and the retinal venules were dilated in 2 eyes; Deep capillary plexus (DCP) showed telangiectasia.Conclusion:Deposition of yellowish white dot like crystals can be seen in the macular region of tamoxifen retinopathy; dotted strong reflex between neuroepithelial layers, cavity formation, thinning of ganglion cell layer, EZ middle fissure and outer lamellar fissure; DCP capillaries and venules around the arch were dilated; telangiectasia in macular region; flaky strong AF in macular region.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for postoperative surgical site infections (SSIs) in patients with Crohn's disease (CD).Methods:This retrospective observational study included CD patients undergoing bowel resection between July 2015 and July 2018. The prevalence and risk factors of SSIs were evaluated. The microbiological evaluation from patients with SSIs was performed by bacterial culture and drug sensitivity test.Results:There were 66 patients suffering SSIs, with 41 incisional SSIs and 32 organ/space SSIs. Multivariate analysis identified the preoperative infliximab therapy ( OR 2.338,95% CI 1.192-4.587, P=0.013), laparoscopic surgery ( OR 0.460,95% CI 0.226-0.936, P=0.013), and preoperative white blood cell ( OR 2.008,95% CI 1.018-3.961, P=0.044) as independent factors for SSIs. Fifty-nine strains of pathogenic bacteria were detected in 66 cases of CD combined with SSIs, including 36 strains of gram-negative bacteria, 5 strains of gram-positive bacteria, and 2 strains of fungi. Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae were main G - bacteria, with high resistance to common used antibiotics. Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus faecium were main G -. 62.1% of the SSIs grew extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL)-producing pathogens in their bacteria cultures and 37.9% grew non-ESBL microbes. Conclusion:The incidence of SSIs was higher in CD patients. Preoperative infliximab therapy, preoperative white blood cell, and laparoscopic surgery were predictors of SSIs.

Objective To explore the diagnostic value of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 724 (CA724) combined with long non-coding RNA MALAT1 in gastric cancer. Methods A total of 100 patients with gastric cancer diagnosed in Changzhou Cancer Hospital, Soochow University from March 2013 to February 2018 were collected as the case group, and 100 healthy people during the same period in our hospital were collected as the control group. The levels of serum CEA, CA724 were detected by using chemiluminesent immunoassay assay, and the relative expression of MALAT1 was detected by using real-time fluorescence quantification polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The relationships between CEA, CA724, MALAT1 and the clinicopathological features of gastric cancer were analyzed. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the diagnostic value of CEA, CA724 and MALAT1 in patients with gastric cancer. The odds ratio (OR) and 95％ confidence interval (CI) were calculated by using logistic regression. Results The levels of serum CEA, CA724 and MALAT1 in the case group were higher than those in the control group [(3.08 ±0.21) ng/ml vs. (0.74 ±0.11) ng/ml, t= 3.814, P= 0.002; (4.28 ±0.17) U/ml vs. (0.51± 0.07) U/ml, t=4.703, P<0.01; (113.9±3.9) vs. (36.1±1.2), t=7.160, P<0.01 respectively], and the three indexes were related to the pathological types and TNM staging of gastric cancer (all P< 0.05), and the most significant increase was seen in tubular adenocarcinoma patients and stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the area under curve (AUC) of serum CEA, CA724 and MALAT1 in the differential diagnosis between the gastric cancer and the healthy people were 0.675 (95％CI 0.578-0.755, P= 0.001), 0.865 (95％CI 0.800-0.922, P< 0.01) and 0.847 (95％CI 0.771-0.911, P< 0.01), and the sensitivity was 69.1％, 80.2％, 85.8％, and specificity was 63.5％, 77.4％, 74.5％, respectively. AUC of combination of the three indicators for diagnosis of gastric cancer was 0.887 (95％CI 0.821-0.949, P<0.001), and the sensitivity was 84.3％ and the specificity was 91.9％. Logistic regression results showed that high levels of serum CEA, CA724 and MALAT1 were risk factors for gastric cancer. After adjusting for age, sex, smoking history and drinking history, high levels of serum CEA, CA724 and MALAT1 remained the independent risk factors for gastric cancer. Conclusion The combined detection of serum CEA, CA724 and MALAT1 can be used to predict the risk of gastric cancer, and the three have a value for the diagnosis of gastric cancer, which is worthy of clinical application.