Objective To explore the role of pulmonary function analysis in drug efficacy evaluation of radiation-induced lung injury.Methods Totally 30 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group, radiation group and dexamethasone group.Mice in radiation group and dexamethasone group were irradiated with 20 Gy X-ray on the whole chest.Then mice in dexamethasone group was intraperitoneally injected with dexamethasone at the dose of 4.5 mg/( kg· d) for 2 weeks and then the dose was halved up to 1 month after radiation while control group and radiation group were intraperitoneally injected with 0.9%saline.One month after irradiation, pulmonary function of all the mice was tested with EMKA system.Then mice were sacrificed and pathological changes of pulmonary tissue were observed by HE staining. Furthermore, the area of alveolar cavity was measured with the Image-pro plus software.Results One month after irradiation, the pulmonary function parameters of mice in radiation and dexamethasone groups, such as mid-expiratory flow, minute volume,tidal volume,peak inspiratory flow,and peak expiratory flow,decreased obviously compared with the control group, but those parameters of the dexamethasone group decreased much less significantly than in the radiation group.The pathological changes of pulmonary tissues showed that the area of alveolar cavity of radiation group and dexamethasone group was smaller than that of the control group, but the extent of the loss of alveolar cavity area of the dexamethasone group was less than in the radiation group.Neutrophils infiltration could be found in the radiation group and dexamethasone group, but was less serious in the dexamethasone group.The result of pulmonary function analysis was coincident with pathological changes of the lung.Conclusion Dexamethasone can alleviate radiation induced pulmonary injury.Pulmonary function analysis combined with pathological observation of pulmonary tissues can effectively evaluate the efficacy of drugs in radiation induced lung injury.

Objective:This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of decitabine (DAC) and identify factors influencing treatment responses in patients with primary immune thrombocytopenia (ITP) who had failed glucocorticoid therapy.Methods:Clinical data of 61 patients with glucocorticoid-resistant ITP who received DAC therapy (5 mg·m -2·d -1×3 d via intravenous infusion) for at least three cycles with 3-4-week intervals at the Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, from November 2015 to June 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results:The 61 patients comprised 20 males and 41 females, with a median age of 45 years (range: 15-81 years). Among them, 43 patients were glucocorticoid-dependent (glucocorticoid-dependent group), while 18 patients were glucocorticoid-resistant (glucocorticoid-resistant group). Following DAC treatment, 12 patients (19.67% ) achieved complete response (CR), and 16 patients (26.23% ) exhibited response (R), resulting in an overall response (OR) rate of 45.90% (28/61). Comparison between the OR group ( n=28) and the non-response (NR) group ( n=33) revealed significant differences in responses to glucocorticoids (dependent or resistant) and platelet counts before treatment ( χ2=8.789, P=0.003; z=-2.416, P=0.016). The glucocorticoid-dependent group showed higher platelet counts than the glucocorticoid-resistant group after the second and third cycles of DAC treatment ( P=0.032, 0.024). Moreover, the OR rates after the first, second, and third cycles of DAC treatment in the glucocorticoid-dependent group were all higher than those in the glucocorticoid-resistant group ( P=0.042, P=0.012, P=0.029). A significant correlation was observed between glucocorticoid dependence and responses to DAC treatment ( OR=9.213, 95% CI 1.937-43.820, P=0.005) . Conclusion:DAC demonstrates definitive efficacy with mild adverse effects in a subset of patients with glucocorticoid-resistant primary ITP. Glucocorticoid dependence and higher platelet counts before treatment are associated with a favorable response to DAC therapy.

OBJECTIVES: The long-term trends of cognitive function and its associations with physical performance remain unclear, particularly in Asian populations. The study objectives were to determine cognitive trajectories in middle-aged and elderly Chinese individuals, as well as to examine differences in physical performance across cognitive trajectory groups. METHODS: Data were extracted from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. A total of 5,701 participants (47.7% male) with a mean age of 57.8 (standard deviation, 8.4) years at enrollment were included. A group-based trajectory model was used to identify cognitive trajectory groups for each sex. Grip strength, repeated chair stand, and standing balance tests were used to evaluate physical performance. An ordered logistic regression model was employed to analyze differences in physical performance across cognitive trajectory groups. RESULTS: Three cognitive trajectory groups were identified for each sex: low, middle, and high. For both sexes, higher cognitive trajectory groups exhibited smaller declines with age. In the fully adjusted model, relative to the low trajectory group, the odds ratios (ORs) of better physical performance in the middle cognitive group were 1.37 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17 to 1.59; p<0.001) during follow-up and 1.40 (95% CI, 1.20 to 1.64; p<0.001) at the endpoint. The ORs in the high trajectory group were 1.94 (95% CI, 1.61 to 2.32; p<0.001) during follow-up and 2.04 (95% CI, 1.69 to 2.45; p<0.001) at the endpoint. CONCLUSIONS Cognitive function was better preserved in male participants and individuals with higher baseline cognitive function. A higher cognitive trajectory was associated with better physical performance over time.

Objective To investigate the clinical significance of serum and urinary levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL ) for evaluating changes of residual renal function after living donor kidney resection under different operation model in young versus elderly patients. Methods The clinical data of renal transplants were retrospectively analyzed by successfully using 66 living-related donors at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from September 2016 to October 2017. According to the operation model and age ,renal donors were divided into 4 groups :group A (young/open) ,group B (young/laparoscopic) ,group C (aged/open) ,and group D (aged/laparoscopic).Blood and urinary NGAL and serum levels of creatinine ,cystatin C ,and other indices of renal function were assayed and collected before and at 1 ,3 ,7 days after operation. Results Both blood NGAL levels and urinary NGAL levels showed no statistically significant difference (all P>0.05) among four groups both before and after operation ,except that urinary NGAL was higher in group C (aged/open) than other groups ,at 1 day after operation ,(P = 0.03).The post-vs.pre-operation level dynamic changes of renal function were four or three times higher in urine or serum NGAL level than in serum creatinine or cystatin C level at 1 day after operation ,which showed an important role for predicting an early residual renal damage and relative treatment. Conclusions NGAL can be used as indices in evaluating changes of residual renal function after living donor kidney resection ,especially in the elderly receiving open kidney resection.

Objective To investigate the clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic methods of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Methods The clinicopathological data of fourteen patients with primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively and related literatures were reviewed. Results The fourteen patients,including eight males and six females, had an age range of 23?58 years (mean 45.9 years). Four tumors were located in the right liver lobe, four in the left liver lobe and six in both. The clinical manifestations were nonspecific and variable. The most common clinical manifestation was abdominal distention or right upper quadrant pain. Radiological findings were not specific and could not distinguish primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma. Diagnosis of primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor was confirmed by pathology using immunohistochemical staining and by the absence of extrahepatic primary lesions. Extrahepatic primary neuroendocrine carcinoma was ruled out by ultrasonography, computed tomography ( CT ) , magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) , positron emission tomography?computed tomography ( PET?CT) , preoperative gastrointestinal endoscopy and long?term postoperative follow up. Three patients received surgical treatment, two cases received surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), six patients received transarterial chemoembolization, one case received orthotopic liver transplantation, one case only received exploratory laparotomy, and one case received chemotherapy. All 14 patients were followed up and seven of them are still alive, the others died of liver failure or recurrence. Conclusions Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas are extremely rare. Its diagnosis should be confirmed by pathology. Preoperative fine needle biopsy is strongly recommended. Prognosis is relatively favorable. Surgical resection is treatment of first choice, and TACE, RFA, and chemotherapy can be used for unresectable patients.

Objective To investigate the clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic methods of primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma. Methods The clinicopathological data of fourteen patients with primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinoma confirmed by pathology were analyzed retrospectively and related literatures were reviewed. Results The fourteen patients,including eight males and six females, had an age range of 23?58 years (mean 45.9 years). Four tumors were located in the right liver lobe, four in the left liver lobe and six in both. The clinical manifestations were nonspecific and variable. The most common clinical manifestation was abdominal distention or right upper quadrant pain. Radiological findings were not specific and could not distinguish primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor from hepatocellular carcinoma. Diagnosis of primary hepatic neuroendocrine tumor was confirmed by pathology using immunohistochemical staining and by the absence of extrahepatic primary lesions. Extrahepatic primary neuroendocrine carcinoma was ruled out by ultrasonography, computed tomography ( CT ) , magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) , positron emission tomography?computed tomography ( PET?CT) , preoperative gastrointestinal endoscopy and long?term postoperative follow up. Three patients received surgical treatment, two cases received surgical resection and radiofrequency ablation (RFA), six patients received transarterial chemoembolization, one case received orthotopic liver transplantation, one case only received exploratory laparotomy, and one case received chemotherapy. All 14 patients were followed up and seven of them are still alive, the others died of liver failure or recurrence. Conclusions Primary hepatic neuroendocrine carcinomas are extremely rare. Its diagnosis should be confirmed by pathology. Preoperative fine needle biopsy is strongly recommended. Prognosis is relatively favorable. Surgical resection is treatment of first choice, and TACE, RFA, and chemotherapy can be used for unresectable patients.

Objective To investigate the value of peripheral blood soluble interleukin-2 receptor(sIL-2R),CD4+lymphocyte percentage/CD8+lymphocyte percentage ratio(hereinafter referred to as CD4+/CD8+)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis.Methods A total of 102 elderly patients with newly treated active tu-berculosis admitted to the hospital from December 2019 to December 2022 were enrolled in the study as the observation group,and 102 healthy people aged 60 and older who underwent physical examination in the hos-pital during the same period were enrolled as the control group.The levels of sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+in peripheral blood were compared between the two groups,and the correlations between sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+were analyzed.The observation group was treated with 2HRZE/4HR anti-tuberculosis treatment regimen.The levels of sIL-2R,TNF-α and CD4+/CD8+in peripheral blood of patients with different efficacy before treatment,1 month and 6 months after treatment in the observation group were compared.The correla-tion between sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+,TNF-α levels and therapeutic effect was analyzed.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to analyze the efficacy of indicators in evaluating the efficacy of chemo-therapy in elderly patients.Results The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α in the observation group were higher than those in the control group,while CD4+/CD8+was lower than that in the control group,and the differ-ences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).In the observation group,sIL-2R and TNF-α were negatively correlated with CD4+/CD8+(P＜0.05),sIL-2R was positively correlated with TNF-α(P＜0.05).After 1 month and 6 months of treatment,the levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α in patients with apparent efficacy were low-er than those in patients with efficacy,and the latter were lower than those in patients with no effect,while the CD4+/CD8+in patients with apparent efficacy was higher than that in patients with efficacy,and the latter was higher than that in patients with no efficacy,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The levels of sIL-2R and TNF-α were negatively correlated with the efficacy(P＜0.05),and CD4+/CD8+was positively correlated with the efficacy(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)of sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+,and TNF-α used in combination to assess efficacy was significantly greater than the AUCs of the single indicators used in the assessment at each time point of treatment(P＜0.05),and the AUC of the combination of the indicators was greater after 6 months of treatment than after 1 month of treatment(P＜0.05).Conclusion The levels of sIL-2R,CD4+/CD8+and TNF-α are closely related to the ef-ficacy of chemotherapy in elderly patients with newly treated active pulmonary tuberculosis,and the combina-tion of the above indicators has certain reference value in evaluating the efficacy of chemotherapy in patients.

Objective:The differentially expressed genes were screened from microarray data in the patients with non-syndromic craniosynostosis, and a protein interaction network was established to screen and predict hub genes related to the disease.Methods:The data set of GSE50796 were downloaded from the GEO database, which included seven samples of the closed cranial suture tissues from the non-syndromic craniosynostosis patients, and seven samples of the unclosed cranial suture tissues from the non-syndromic craniosynostosis patients. Analyze the differentially expressed genes were collected and analyzed with GEO2R, a GEO database online tool. P<0.05 and |logFC|> 2 were set as filter criteria. The ggplot2 of R package was applied for GO enrichment analysis, and the KEGG pathway analysis was completed with Enrichr. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed via GSEA 3.0 to analyze the correlation between gene sets and phenotypes. Secondly, the STRING database was used to analyze the interaction relationships between differentially expressed proteins in different tissues, and then Cytoscape and related plug-ins were used to establish the differentially expressed protein interaction network and screen the hub genes. Meanwhile, the key modules, important biological processes, and multiple co-expression relationships were analyzed. Results:A total of 255 differentially expressed genes based on the above screening conditions were obtained. The regulation of neural development screened by GO enrichment analysis, the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway screened by KEGG enrichment analysis, the important biological pathways (DNA replication, cell cycle, cytokine and receptor interaction) screened by GSEA enrichment analysis, and the positive regulation of osteoblast differentiation screened by ClueGO analysis, might be closely related to the etiology of non-syndromic craniosynostosis. The up-regulated hub genes such as CLEC12A, MS4A3 and DNTT in the group with closed sutures were screened by protein-protein interaction network and literature analysis, which might play a vital role in the pathogenic processes of non-syndromic craniosynostosis.Conclusions:With the multi-dimensional enrichment analysis of the differentially expressed genes and the establishment of protein interaction networks, we have deepened our understanding of differentially expressed genes, important biological processes and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of non-syndromic craniosynostosis. The selected hub genes may become early diagnostic markers and potential molecular therapeutic targets.

The gummy smile means excessive gingival display, which impairs patients’ appearance, psychological status, and social relationships. With the development of orthodontics, orthognathics, periodontics, and plastic surgeries, the treatment of the gummy smile turned into comprehensive multidisciplinary approaches. The etiology and recently developed approaches will be reviewed in this article.

The gummy smile means excessive gingival display, which impairs patients’ appearance, psychological status, and social relationships. With the development of orthodontics, orthognathics, periodontics, and plastic surgeries, the treatment of the gummy smile turned into comprehensive multidisciplinary approaches. The etiology and recently developed approaches will be reviewed in this article.