ObjectiveTo investigate the value of preoperative dual-layer spectral detector CT （DLCT） parameters in predicting lymph node metastasis （LNM） of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms （NF-pNENs）. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with pathologically confirmed NF-pNENs who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced DLCT examination between September 2019 and July 2024. Regions of interest （ROIs） were manually delineated on three representative slices of the solid component of the lesion， and the mean values were recorded. Conventional CT parameters， monochromatic energy images （40 keV， 70 keV， 100 keV）， iodine concentration maps， and effective atomic number （Z_eff） maps in the pancreatic parenchymal phase and portal venous phase were acquired. A total of 34 parameters， including clinical characteristics， imaging features， conventional CT and DLCT quantitative parameters， were analyzed. Intergroup differences were compared between the LNM and non-LNM groups. Independent predictive factors were screened using logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator （LASSO） regression. Receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves were generated for each predictive model， and the area under the curve （AUC） was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy. ResultsA total of 82 patients with NF-pNENs were enrolled， including 37 males and 45 females， with a mean age of 49.7±14.7 years. Thirty patients were performed with LNM and 52 were with non-LNM. After univariate logistic regression， LASSO regression and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses， body mass index （BMI）， organ invasion， normalized CT value in the portal venous phase （nCTv） and normalized iodine concentration in the portal venous phase （nICv） were identified as independent predictive factors. The AUCs of the clinical-radiological qualitative model （BMI+organ invasion）， conventional CT model （nCTv）， DLCT model （nICv） and comprehensive model （organ invasion+nICv） were 0.815 （0.719， 0.910）， 0.750 （0.642， 0.858）， 0.829 （0.733， 0.925） and 0.865 （0.879， 0.953）， respectively. The comprehensive model combining clinical-radiological and DLCT characteristics exhibited superior predictive performance. ConclusionDLCT parameters are more effective than conventional CT parameters in predicting LNM in NF-pNENs， enabling non-invasive preoperative prediction and assisting clinical decision-making.

ObjectiveTo investigate the value of preoperative dual-layer spectral detector CT （DLCT） parameters in predicting lymph node metastasis （LNM） of non-functional pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms （NF-pNENs）. MethodsA retrospective study was conducted on patients with pathologically confirmed NF-pNENs who underwent preoperative contrast-enhanced DLCT examination between September 2019 and July 2024. Regions of interest （ROIs） were manually delineated on three representative slices of the solid component of the lesion， and the mean values were recorded. Conventional CT parameters， monochromatic energy images （40 keV， 70 keV， 100 keV）， iodine concentration maps， and effective atomic number （Z_eff） maps in the pancreatic parenchymal phase and portal venous phase were acquired. A total of 34 parameters， including clinical characteristics， imaging features， conventional CT and DLCT quantitative parameters， were analyzed. Intergroup differences were compared between the LNM and non-LNM groups. Independent predictive factors were screened using logistic regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator （LASSO） regression. Receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curves were generated for each predictive model， and the area under the curve （AUC） was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy. ResultsA total of 82 patients with NF-pNENs were enrolled， including 37 males and 45 females， with a mean age of 49.7±14.7 years. Thirty patients were performed with LNM and 52 were with non-LNM. After univariate logistic regression， LASSO regression and multivariate stepwise logistic regression analyses， body mass index （BMI）， organ invasion， normalized CT value in the portal venous phase （nCTv） and normalized iodine concentration in the portal venous phase （nICv） were identified as independent predictive factors. The AUCs of the clinical-radiological qualitative model （BMI+organ invasion）， conventional CT model （nCTv）， DLCT model （nICv） and comprehensive model （organ invasion+nICv） were 0.815 （0.719， 0.910）， 0.750 （0.642， 0.858）， 0.829 （0.733， 0.925） and 0.865 （0.879， 0.953）， respectively. The comprehensive model combining clinical-radiological and DLCT characteristics exhibited superior predictive performance. ConclusionDLCT parameters are more effective than conventional CT parameters in predicting LNM in NF-pNENs， enabling non-invasive preoperative prediction and assisting clinical decision-making.

ObjectiveTo explore the therapeutic effect of Xuebijing injection （XBJ） on severe acute pancreatitis induced acute lung injury （SAP-ALI） by regulating formyl peptide receptors （FPRs）/nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor 3 （NLRP3） inflammatory pathway. MethodsSixty rats were randomly divided into a sham group， a SAP-ALI model group， low-， medium-， and high-dose XBJ groups （4， 8， and 12 mL·kg^-1）， and a positive drug （BOC2， 0.2 mg·kg^-1） group. For the sham group， the pancreas of rats was only gently flipped after laparotomy， and then the abdomen was closed， while for the remaining five groups， SAP-ALI rat models were established by retrograde injection of 5% sodium taurocholate （Na-Tc） via the biliopancreatic duct. XBJ and BOC2 were administered via intraperitoneal injection once daily for 3 d prior to modeling and 0.5 h after modeling. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta 6 h after the completion of modeling， and the expression of interleukin （IL）-1β， IL-6， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in plasma was measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The amount of ascites was measured， and the dry-wet weight ratios of pancreatic and lung tissue were determined. Pancreatic and lung tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining to observe pathological changes and then scored. The protein expression levels of FPR1， FPR2， and NLRP3 in lung tissue were detected by the immunohistochemical method. Western blot was used to detect the expression of FPR1， FPR2， and NLRP3 in lung tissue. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） was used to detect the mRNA expression of FPR1， FPR2， and NLRP3 in lung tissue. ResultsCompared with the sham group， the SAP-ALI model group showed significantly decreased dry-wet weight ratio of lung tissue （P<0.01）， serious pathological changes of lung tissue， a significantly increased pathological score （P<0.01）， and significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of FPR1， FPR2， and NLRP3 in lung tissue （P<0.01）. After BOC2 intervention， the above detection indicators were significantly reversed （P<0.01）. After treatment with XBJ， the groups of different XBJ doses achieved results consistent with BOC2 intervention. ConclusionXBJ can effectively improve the inflammatory response of the lungs in SAP-ALI rats and reduce damage. The mechanism may be related to inhibiting the expression of FPRs and NLRP3 in lung tissue， which thereby reduces IL-1β and simultaneously antagonize the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.

This study aimed to address the limitations of current diagnostic methods for well leg compartment syndrome(WLCS),including invasiveness,high costs,and insufficient accuracy,by proposing a solution based on electrical impedance tomography(EIT)technology.The electrical response characteristics of the human calf muscle to changes in compartment pressure using EIT were investigated,aiming to visualize the effects of pressure variations on the electrical properties within the compartment and to provide technical support for early non-invasive detection of WLCS.EIT sensors were placed on the right calf of the experimental subjects,with pressure applied externally to the right thigh.Measurements were conducted in two phases:pre-pressure(pre)and post-pressure(post).Pre-pressure,the conductivity distribution image σpre was measured when the calf was placed horizontally.Post-pressure,the calf was raised at an angle of approximately 30°,and pressures of 0,40,80,and 120 mmHg were applied to the right thigh,and the corresponding conductivity distribution images σP=0,σP=40,σP=80,andσP=120were recorded.To quantitatively analyze the pressure effects on the compartment response,paired sample t-test was used to assess the spatial-mean conductivity((σ))from the EIT reconstructed images.Compared to the horizontal position of the right calf,raising the calf at approximately 30° resulted in a significant increase in the spatial-mean conductivity(σ)of the M1 compartment.Furthermore,when pressure was applied to the right thigh while the calf remained at a 30° angle,the spatial-mean conductivity of the M1 compartment σM1 showed an increasing trend with rising pressure.The results indicated that as compartment pressure increased,the volume of extracellular fluid and ion concentration significantly increased,leading to an increase in conductivity,which reflected ischemia and hypoxia in muscle tissue and the related pathophysiological changes.EIT,due to its high sensitivity to conductivity changes,offered a potential effective diagnostic method for non-invasively monitoring the onset and progression of muscle compartment syndrome.

Forensic medicine has been designated as a first-level discipline,presenting new opportunities and challenges for the development of forensic medicine.Since the 1980s,the establishment of foren-sic medicine discipline and the cultivation of high-level forensic talents have become hot topics in the development of forensic medicine in China.Since the 13th Five-Year Plan,the forensic team of Shanxi Medical University has been aiming at the forefront,proposing the development goals of"Five First-class"and the discipline development path"Six Major Achievements".It has selected benchmark disci-plines,identified gaps in disciplinary development,unified thoughts,formulated completion timelines,concentrated superior resources,assigned tasks to individuals,and created an"Organized Fill-in-the-Blank Format"forensic medicine discipline construction model with the characteristics of the new era.The construction model of forensic medicine has achieved good results in the goals,discipline frame-work,scientific research,talent cultivation,discipline team and platform construction,forming a rela-tively complete discipline construction and management system,and accumulating valuable experience for the construction of first-level discipline and high-level talent cultivation of forensic medicine.

OBJECTIVE: To preliminarily investigate the effect of buccal acupuncture therapy on ameliorating postoperative pain and enhancing recovery quality among patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal cancers. METHODS: Fifty-two participants were randomized at a 1:1 ratio to either the buccal acupuncture or the control group. The acupuncture protocol entailed targeting 5 predetermined acupoints [CA-2 (Upper jiao), CA-3 (Middle jiao), CA-4 (Lower jiao), CA-6 (back), and CA-7 (waist) and two adjustable acupoints [CA-1 (head) and CA-8 (sacrum)] on each side of the face. The outcomes included the Numeric Rating Scale (NRS) scores for each day within 7 days postoperatively, 15-Item Quality of Recovery Scale (QoR-15) scores, analgesics consumption during and after surgery, incidences of postoperative nausea and vomiting, and perioperative levels of interleukin-6 and glucose. Adverse events related to acupuncture were recorded. RESULTS: Of the initial 52 participants, 46 completed the study and were included in the analysis. Findings indicated that the buccal acupuncture group experienced significantly reduced resting NRS scores in post-anesthesia care unit and throughout the postoperative phase (P=0.001 and P=0.003, respectively), along with enhanced QoR-15 scores on the 3rd postoperative day (P=0.008), compared to the control group. No notable differences were identified in the remaining indicators (P>0.05). CONCLUSION Buccal acupuncture therapy demonstrated significant effectiveness in reducing postoperative pain and improving recovery quality for patients undergoing radical resection of gastrointestinal cancers, presenting a viable intervention without associated adverse outcomes. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200060441).
Humans ; Male ; Pilot Projects ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Pain, Postoperative/therapy* ; Middle Aged ; Gastrointestinal Neoplasms/surgery* ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult

Objective To explore the effectiveness of an integrated laparoscopic simulation training course (best essential surgical technique training, BEST) in enhancing laparoscopic peritoneal suturing techniques in surgical residents.Methods As an integrated two-stage program, the BEST course applied basic laparoscopic training system with simple molds in phase Ⅰ training, and then adopted advanced laparoscopic training system, 3D Laparoscope and ex-vivo animal models in phase Ⅱ training. The laparoscopic suturing techniques were practiced in phase Ⅱ training. From August 2021 to July 2024, surgical residents in the second year of the national standardized training program were divided into pilot and control groups based on whether they had undergone the BEST course. Two cases of laparoscopic peritoneal suture were performed by the surgical residents under supervision in the department of gastrointestinal surgery. The operative time, quality of suture, and independent completion rate were compared between the two groups.Results A total of 33 surgical residents (19 in pilot group and 14 in control group) were included in this study, and a total of 66 cases of laparoscopic peritoneal suture were performed (38 in pilot group and 28 in control group). The operative time was significantly shorter in pilot group than that in control group (15.7 min vs. 17.5 min, P=0.025). The quality of suture was significantly better in pilot group compared to control group (P=0.023). In pilot group, all peritoneal sutures were performed by residents independently, whereas in control group, 3 cases (10.7%) were assisted by the supervisor, and the independent completion rate was different significantly (P=0.039).Conclusions The BEST course can help improve surgical residents′ laparoscopic peritoneal suturing techniques and could be promoted in the national standardized training program for surgical residents.

Objective·To investigate the differential gene expression of microglia in the gray and white matter of multiple sclerosis(MS)using single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis,aiming to explore their roles in disease progression,and identify key transcriptional regulatory networks associated with the disease.Methods·snRNA-seq data of frozen human brain tissue samples from MS patients and control individuals were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO)database.R language,along with R packages such as Seurat,was employed to identify cell types based on specific cell markers.Microglia were extracted from the identified cell populations and classified based on their anatomical origin,either gray matter or white matter.Dimensionality reduction and clustering techniques were utilized to identify distinct microglial subpopulations with differential characteristics.Differentially expressed genes(DEGs)between the MS and control groups at the subpopulation level were analyzed by using the Seurat package.Gene set enrichment analysis of Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)was conducted on the DEGs to further explore the biological significance of these differences.Monocle3 was used for pseudotime analysis to study dynamic changes in microglia subpopulations during disease progression.Single cell regulatory network inference and clustering(SCENIC)method was applied to analyze transcription factor(TF)regulatory networks,aiming to identify key transcription factors potentially involved in MS regulation.Results·After quality control,a total of 149 062 nuclei were retained for analysis.Following dimensional reduction and clustering,12 238 microglia were identified by using key markers,including DOCK8,CSF1R,P2RY12,and CD74.The results of GO and KEGG pathway analysis showed that in gray matter microglia,functions such as endocytosis,ion homeostasis,and lipid localization were downregulated during disease progression,while in white matter microglia,functions such as protein folding,cytoplasmic translation,and response to thermal stimuli were upregulated.SCENIC analysis revealed that the expression of transcription factors such as FLI1,MITF,and FOXP1 was upregulated in MS.Conclusion·Microglia play a critical role in MS,with white matter microglia being more significantly impacted by MS than their gray matter counterparts.Transcription factors such as FLI1,MITF,and FOXP1 are identified as key regulators involved in disease modulation,with their associated transcriptional regulatory networks playing a central role in disease modulation.

Objective:To investigate the impact of donor age on early postoperative liver function recovery in liver transplant recipients, as well as the incidence and risk factors for arterial complications following liver transplantation.Methods:A total of 518 patients who underwent liver transplantation at the Organ Transplantation Center of the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between January 2021 and January 2024 were included in the study. Based on donor age, patients were classified into the elderly donor group (≥70 years, n=28) and the non-elderly donor group (<70 years, n=490). Liver function indicators—including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), and direct bilirubin (DBIL)—were measured on postoperative days 1, 3, 7, and 14. The incidence of arterial complications, including hepatic artery thrombosis and hepatic artery stenosis, was recorded. Recipients were further categorized into the arterial complication group (n=26) and the non-arterial complication group (n=492) based on postoperative outcomes, and clinical characteristics of donors and recipients were compared. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify risk factors for arterial complications.Rusults:No significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics between the elderly and non-elderly donor groups ( P>0.05). However, the elderly donor group exhibited significantly higher AST, ALT, TBIL, and DBIL levels at all postoperative time points compared to the non-elderly donor group (all P<0.05). Specifically, on postoperative day 1, AST and ALT levels were (1,024.57±256.49) U/L and (756.24±145.89) U/L in the elderly donor group, compared to (895.23±225.19) U/L and (614.85±126.51) U/L in the non-elderly donor group. On day 3, AST and ALT levels were (402.46±71.61) U/L and (423.31±87.44) U/L versus (226.37±66.54) U/L and (256.79±70.25) U/L, respectively. On day 7, AST and ALT levels were (91.78±21.84) U/L and (92.36±21.62) U/L versus (68.41±18.38) U/L and (77.47±18.16) U/L. By day 14, AST and ALT levels were (67.52±10.35) U/L and (72.17±16.28) U/L versus (35.32±9.27) U/L and (48.56±14.10) U/L, respectively ( P<0.05 for all comparisons). For bilirubin indicators, TBIL and DBIL levels in the elderly donor group were also consistently higher than in the non-elderly donor group. On day 1, TBIL and DBIL were (95.76±21.93) μmol/L and (64.22±15.07) μmol/L, compared to (77.59±20.48) μmol/L and (51.18±12.96) μmol/L. By day 14, TBIL and DBIL levels had decreased to (41.26±8.30) μmol/L and (32.45±6.21) μmol/L, compared to (28.39±7.15) μmol/L and (20.58±5.04) μmol/L in the non-elderly donor group ( P<0.05 for all comparisons). The incidence of hepatic artery complications was 10.71% (3/28) in the elderly donor group and 4.69% (23/490) in the non-elderly donor group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05). Statistical analysis employing independent t-tests and χ2 tests demonstrated significant differences between the arterial complication group and non-arterial complication group in donor quality ratio ( P<0.05) and incidence of hepatic arterial hypoperfusion ( P<0.05). Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis, after adjusting for confounding factors (e.g., recipient gender, age, body mass index [BMI], primary disease, and donor-recipient blood type compatibility), identified recipient-to-donor mass ratio ( OR=1.352, P<0.05) and insufficient hepatic arterial blood flow ( OR=1.497, P<0.05) as independent risk factors for arterial complications following liver transplantation. Conclusion:Elderly liver donors can have a certain impact on early postoperative liver function recovery in liver transplant recipients, but have no significant impact on the occurrence of arterial complications after liver transplantation. The mass ratio of recipients to donors and insufficient hepatic arterial blood flow are independent risk factors for arterial complications after liver transplantation.

This study reports the diagnosis and treatment of six cases of post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder (PTLD) in liver transplant recipients, confirmed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University between August 2017 and May 2023. The report includes details on anti-rejection therapy, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and cytomegalovirus (CMV) infections, imaging findings, histopathological results, treatment courses, and prognoses. By summarizing the clinical experience in the diagnosis and management of PTLD following liver transplantation, this study aims to provide valuable insights and references for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of this condition.