Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

ObjectiveTo obtain the epidemiological characteristics of re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Pudong New Area from March to July 2022, including clinical manifestations, duration of a negative nucleic acid conversion after tested for re-positive, and length of time from the discharge of the initial infection to the most recent re-positivity, so as to provide a scientific basis for the prevention and control of COVID-19. MethodsA questionnaire survey was conducted among the re-positive cases infected with SARS-CoV-2 after discharged from hospital/quarantine facility in Pudong New Area, and descriptive epidemiological methods were used for characteristics analysis. ResultsA total of 2 422 re-positive cases met the inclusive and exclusive criteria, with males accounting for 61.02%. The age distribution mainly fell between 18 and <60 years old, accounting for 62.39%. Clinical manifestations were predominantly asymptomatic (72.15%), followed by cough (12.03%) and sore throat (6.58%). Among the stratified randomized sample of 416 individuals, there were statistically significant differences in symptoms (χ²=262.667, P<0.001), clinical typing (χ²=12.996, P=0.001), and duration of a negative nucleic acid conversion (χ²=142.578, P<0.001) between the initial positive and re-positive instances. Besides, statistically significant differences in symptoms (χ²=13.696, P=0.016) and self-perception of the severity of re-infection (χ²=7.923, P=0.048) between the initial and re-positive cases were observed by different genders. ConclusionAmong re-positive cases, males experienced milder symptoms compared to females, and the self-perception of symptoms during re-positivity is milder than that in the initial positive infection. The length of time for negative nucleic acid conversion during the initial positive period is shorter than that during the re-positive period.

Objective:To evaluate the value of target blood pressure management based on cerebral oximetry index (COx) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in preventing postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods:One hundred and fifty-seven patients with ATAAD, aged 18-64 yr, regardless of gender, were divided into 2 groups by a random number table method: traditional experience group (group C, n=81) and COx management group (group M, n=76). The mean arterial pressure in group C was maintained in the traditional range of 60-80 mmHg during CPB. In group M, the mean arterial pressure range was obtained based on the COx and maintained within this range during CPB. The primary outcome assessed was the development of delirium within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included other postoperative complications, tracheal extubation time, and duration of cardiac intensive care unit stay. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence and severity scores of POD were significantly decreased, the duration of POD was shortened, the duration of POD was shortened, the extubation time and duration of cardiac intensive care unit stay were shortened, and the incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction and acute kidney injury was decreased in group M ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Target blood pressure management based on COx during CPB is helpful in reducing the occurrence of POD and improving the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for ATAAD.

Objective:To identify the risk factors for postoperative delirium (POD) in frail elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery and develop a ROC prediction model.Methods:The medical records of patients of either sex, aged ≥65 yr, of American Society of Anesthesiologists Physical Status classification Ⅲ or Ⅳ, with frailty index score>0.25, underwent open heart surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) from January 2022 to June 2022, were collected retrospectively.The patients were divided into POD group and non-POD group according to POD occurred within 7 days after operation.Clinical information such as gender, age, Mini-mental State Examination score, past medical history, results of the laboratory test before surgery, operation time, cerebral oxygen saturation (rSO 2), rSO 2 baseline (rSO 2 baseline), lowest intraoperative rSO 2 value before, during and after CPB (CPB 1rSO 2 lowest, CPB 2rSO 2 lowest, CPB 3rSO 2 lowest) , the greatest decrease in intraoperative rSO 2 from the baseline value before, during and after CPB (CPB 1rSO 2 decrease, CPB 2rSO 2 decrease, CPB 3rSO 2 decrease) were recorded.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for POD, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to evaluate the accuracy of the related risk factors. Results:A total of 130 patients were enrolled, with 32 cases in POD group and 98 cases in non-POD group, and the incidence of POD was 24.6%.The results of logistic regression analysis showed that the CPB 2rSO 2 decrease, CPB 2rSO 2 lowest and operation time were independent risk factors for POD ( P<0.05). The area under the ROC curve (95% confidence interval) of CPB 2rSO 2 decrease>11.2% predicting POD was 0.655 (0.533-0.778), sensitivity 68.9%, and specificity 62.9%.The area under the ROC curve (95% confidence interval) of operation time>237.5 min predicting POD was 0.751 (0.652-0.849), sensitivity 62.5%, and specificity 78.6%. Conclusions:CPB 2rSO 2 decrease, CPB 2rSO 2 lowest and operation time are independent risk factors for POD in frail elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery; both CPB 2rSO 2 decrease and operation time can effectively predict the occurrence of POD in frail elderly patients undergoing cardiac surgery.

Objective:To compare the effects of different fractions of inspired O 2 (FiO 2) during general anesthesia induction on perioperative pulmonary function in patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery. Methods:A total of 100 patients, aged 30-64 yr, with body mass index<30 kg/m 2, of American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ, scheduled for elective total laparoscopic hysterectomy, were divided into 4 groups ( n=25 each) using a random number table method: group A, group B, group C and group D. In A, B, C and D groups, FiO 2 was 40%, 60%, 80% and 100%, respectively.Immediately after the establishment of electrocardiogram monitoring after entering the operation room (T 0), immediately after tracheal intubation (T 1), immediately after creation of pneumoperitoneum (T 2), at 30 min of pneumoperitoneum (T 3), immediately before tracheal intubation (T 4) and at 15 min after tracheal intubation (T 5), ventral (ROIⅠ), middle ventral (ROIⅡ), middle dorsal (ROIⅢ) and dorsal (ROI Ⅳ) lung ventilation were recorded using electrical impedance tomography.The impedance ratio (IR) was calculated and the safety time without ventilation was recorded.Blood samples were collected from the radial artery at T 0-2 and T 5 for blood gas analysis, arterial oxygen partial pressure (PaO 2) and arterial carbon dioxide partial pressure (PaCO 2) were recorded, and oxygenation index (OI) was calculated.The occurrence of pulmonary complications within 3 days after operation was recorded. Results:Compared with group D, the ventilation in ROIⅠ and ROIⅡwas significantly increased, the ventilation in ROIⅢ and ROIⅣ was decreased, and IR was increased at T 1 and T 2 in A, B and C groups, PaO 2 and OI were decreased at T 1, and the safety time without ventilation was prolonged in A and B groups, and PaO 2 was decreased, OI was increased at T 1 ( P<0.05), and no significant was change in the safety time without ventilation in group C ( P>0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of pneumoperitoneum among the 4 groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:During general anesthesia induction, 80% FiO 2 has the least effect on lung function in the patients undergoing gynecological laparoscopic surgery.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of respiratory variations of internal jugular vein (IJV) in monitoring fluid responsiveness in patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.Methods Fifty American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ or Ⅱ patients of both sexes,aged 40-64 yr,scheduled for elective radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer,were enrolled in this study.Before induction of anesthesia,the hemodynamic parameters such as heart rate,central venous pressure,cardiac index,stroke volume index (SVI),stroke volume variation and respiratory variation of IJV were recorded after haemodynamics was stable and were recorded again at 10 min after endotracheal intubation,and a loading dose of 6％ 130/0.4 hydroxyethyl starch 7 ml/kg was infused over 15 min.The parameters mentioned above were recorded within 5 min after loading dose.Patients were divided into 2 groups according to the percentage of increase in SVI (△SVI) after volume expansion:△SVI≥ 15％ was considered to be a positive response (responder group) and △SVI＜15％ was considered to be a negative response after volume expansion (non-responder group).Results The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of respiratory variations of IJV in monitoring fluid responsiveness and 95％ confidence interval were 0.852 (0.744-0.961).Respiratory variation of IJV 24.6％ was considered as the cut-off value and used to monitor fluid responsiveness,and the sensitivity and specificity were 67.6％ and 92.3％,respectively.Conclusion Respiratory variation of IJV can be considered as an effective index in monitoring fluid responsiveness in the patients undergoing radical gastrectomy for gastric cancer.

Objective To evaluate the use of intercostal trocars (ICS) and transthoracic trocars in laparoscopic resection of liver segments 7 and 8.Method From November 2015 to June 2017,20 patients who underwent laparoscopic S7 or 8 segmentectomy for liver tumors in the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery,the First Affiliated Hospital,Guangxi Medical University were analyzed retrospectively.Results Ports were inserted at the 8th or 9th ICS,respectively,in addition to the conventional abdominal ports.The mean operation time was 225.0 min (110.0 ～ 486.0 min).Anatomical resection was completed in 1 patient,and non-anatomical resection in 19 patients.The conversion rate was 0％.Pringle's maneuver was used in 9 patients.The mean blood loss was 85.0 (25.0 ～410.0) ml,and the mean length of hospital stay was 7.0 (5.0 ～ 12.0) days.The complication rate was 10.0％.Pathologic findings revealed that 17,2,1 patient(s) had HCC,hemangioma,and inflammatory nodule,respectively.The mean tumor size and tumor free margin were 33.8 (15.0 ～ 74.0) mm;and 15.0 (1.0 ～ 30.0) mm,respectively.There was no HCC recurrence on follow-up,expect for one patient who developed tumor recurrence at 20 months after laparoscopic liver resection.Conclusions In selected patients,laparoscopic liver resection using intercostal trocars was useful and safe for tumors located in liver segments 7 and 8.The long-term oncologic outcomes need to be further evaluated.

Objective To evaluate the accuracy of respirophasic variation in carotid artery blood flow peak velocity(ΔVpeak-CA)in predicting fluid responsiveness in the patients undergoing surgery in the prone position. Methods Forty-three American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ pa-tients of both sexes, aged 45-75 yr, with body mass index of 20-25 kg∕m2, scheduled for elective posteri-or approach lumbar surgery, were enrolled in the study.After induction of anesthesia, hydroxyethyl starch 130∕0.4 sodium chloride injection 7 ml∕kg was intravenously infused over 20 min when the patients were in the prone position.Subjects were classified as responders if stroke volume index increased≥15% after vol-ume expansion.The receiver operating characteristic curve for ΔVpeak-CA in determining positive fluid re-sponsiveness was drawn. Results The results of receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that: the cut-off value of ΔVpeak-CA in predicting positive fluid responsiveness was 7.94%, sensitivity 81.8%, specificity 70.0%, and the area under the curve(95% confidence interval)was 0.818 (0.378-0.757). Conclusion Respirophasic ΔVpeak-CA can accurately predict fluid responsiveness in the patients undergoing surgery in the prone position.