Objective:To investigate the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELN) on survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients with postoperative pathological stage pN3b.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 279 pN3b gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (September 2008 to April 2023), with 35 patients receiving combination chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy (immunotherapy group) and 244 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy alone (nonimmunotherapy group). Additionally, 422 patients with pN3b from the SEER database (2005 to 2020) were collected as an external validation cohort to determine the optimal cutoff value for the number of lymph nodes examined in the nonimmunotherapy group. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the nonimmunotherapy group of the Nanfang Hospital cohort, stratified by whether the number of examined lymph nodes was above or below the ELN optimal cutoff value. These findings were subsequently validated in the SEER cohort.Results:The optimal ELN cutoff value (34 nodes) was determined using X-tile software and by constructing an ELN-HR fitting model with inflection point identification. In the nonimmunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 exhibited significantly prolonged survival compared to ELN ≤34 (median OS: 25.0 (95%CI:20.5-29.5) to 17.0 (95%CI:12.7-21.3) months, P=0.004; median RFS: 19.0 (95%CI:15.6-22.4) to 13.0 (95%CI:9.5-16.5) months, P=0.048). Multivariate Cox analysis also showed ELN >34 to be an independent protective factor for both OS (HR=0.576, 95%CI: 0.397-0.836) and RFS (HR=0.701, 95%CI: 0.492-0.998). In the SEER cohort, ELN >34 was associated with a 5-month OS extension (19 to 14 months, P=0.065), with multivariate analysis supporting its independent prognostic significance (HR=0.729, 95%CI: 0.580-0.915, P=0.006). Notably, in the immunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 ( n=30) achieved a median OS of 41 months, but the median OS had not been reached in the ELN ≤34 group ( n=5) (1 death at 48 months). Conclusion:Higher ELN (>34) correlates with improved survival in nonimmunotherapy-treated pN3b gastric cancer patients. However, in pN3b gastric cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, the optimal ELN threshold requires further exploration to determine.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS), its different components and the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp in Uygur population in rural areas of southern Xinjiang.Methods:This study was a prospective cohort study. A baseline survey was conducted in August 2016. A typical sampling method was used to select 10 476 Uygur people in rural areas of southern Xinjiang as the research objects. Baseline clinical data were collected, including demographic data such as age, gender, and education level, and laboratory examination indicators such as blood glucose and triglyceride levels. According to the MS diagnostic criteria of the relevant guidelines, 10 476 subjects were divided into the MS group (3 475 cases) and the non-MS group (7 001 cases). The incidence of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp was followed up in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively. Cox regression was used to analyze the correlation between MS, its different components and the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp. Chi-square test and independent sample t test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The median follow-up time was 6.43 years in 10 476 subjects, and the overall cumulative incidence of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp was 5.43% (569/10 476). The cumulative incidence of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp in the MS group was 10.73% (373/ 3 475), which was significantly higher than that in the non-MS group (2.80% (196/7 001)); χ2= 284.62, P<0.001). The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, 41 to 59 years old ( HR=1.26, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.03 to 1.54, P=0.025), ≥60 years old ( HR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.45, P<0.001), female ( HR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.60, P=0.001), MS ( HR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.59 to 3.01, P<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia ( HR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.83, P=0.001), hypertension ( HR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.62, P=0.023), and hyperglycemia ( HR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.52, P=0.041) were independent risk factors for cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp. After the adjustment of age and gender, MS ( HR=3.39, 95% CI: 2.82 to 4.07, P<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia ( HR=2.37, 95% CI: 2.00 to 2.81, P<0.001), hypertension ( HR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.66 to 2.41, P<0.001), and hyperglycemia ( HR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.55 to 2.23, P<0.001) were still correlated with cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp, and there was the srtongest correlation between MS and cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp. The results of univariate Cox regression analysis showed that along with the increase of accumulated of MS components, the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp significantly increased (1 to 5 components corresponding HR (95% CI) were 1.92 (1.13 to 3.24), 2.21 (1.32 to 3.69), 6.91 (4.22 to 11.30), 8.56 (5.15 to 14.22), and 10.73 (5.66 to 20.33); P=0.015, =0.002, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001); after age and gender were adjusted, this trend still existed (1 to 5 components corresponding HR (95% CI) were 1.81(1.07 to 3.06), 1.95(1.16 to 3.27), 5.64(3.42 to 9.32), 6.69(3.97 to 11.25), and 7.76(4.04 to 14.91); P=0.028, =0.012, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001). Conclusion:MS and its components can increase the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp, and the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp significantly increases along with the increase of accumulated of MS components.

Mannheimia varigena(M.varigena)is a significant pathogen causing bovine respiratory disease.Transferrin binding protein B(TbpB)is a lipoprotein directly exposed to the outer mem-brane of the cell,which is not only involved in the bacterial iron metabolism pathway,but also an important virulence factor.This study aims to lay the groundwork for developing novel subunit vaccines by conducting site-directed mutagenesis on M.varigena TbpB binding-related residues and evaluating their immunogenicity.Based on whole-genome sequencing of a bovine M.varigena i-solate,its iron uptake pathway was predicted.Key amino acid residues of M.varigena TbpB that play a role for binding to bovine transferrin(bTf)was identified by bioinformatics.We constructed two M.varigena TbpB mutants(Y205A and Y258A)and assessed their bTf binding activity and immunogenicity through dot blot assays and mouse immunization studies.Dot blot assays result showed that the Y258A mutation caused TbpB to lose its ability to bind to bTf.Mouse immuniza-tion studies showed that,compared to wild-type TbpB,the mutants of TbpB induced higher levels of specific antibodies.In challenge experiments,mice immunized with mutant TbpB exhibited high-er survival rates.These results demonstrate that site-directed mutagenesis can enhance the immu-nogenicity of TbpB.This study provides a novel approach for developing new subunit vaccines a-gainst M.varigena.

Objective:To investigate the impact of the number of examined lymph nodes (ELN) on survival outcomes in gastric cancer patients with postoperative pathological stage pN3b.Methods:This retrospective cohort study included 279 pN3b gastric cancer patients who underwent D2 gastrectomy at Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University (September 2008 to April 2023), with 35 patients receiving combination chemotherapy and anti-PD-1 therapy (immunotherapy group) and 244 receiving adjuvant chemotherapy alone (nonimmunotherapy group). Additionally, 422 patients with pN3b from the SEER database (2005 to 2020) were collected as an external validation cohort to determine the optimal cutoff value for the number of lymph nodes examined in the nonimmunotherapy group. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the nonimmunotherapy group of the Nanfang Hospital cohort, stratified by whether the number of examined lymph nodes was above or below the ELN optimal cutoff value. These findings were subsequently validated in the SEER cohort.Results:The optimal ELN cutoff value (34 nodes) was determined using X-tile software and by constructing an ELN-HR fitting model with inflection point identification. In the nonimmunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 exhibited significantly prolonged survival compared to ELN ≤34 (median OS: 25.0 (95%CI:20.5-29.5) to 17.0 (95%CI:12.7-21.3) months, P=0.004; median RFS: 19.0 (95%CI:15.6-22.4) to 13.0 (95%CI:9.5-16.5) months, P=0.048). Multivariate Cox analysis also showed ELN >34 to be an independent protective factor for both OS (HR=0.576, 95%CI: 0.397-0.836) and RFS (HR=0.701, 95%CI: 0.492-0.998). In the SEER cohort, ELN >34 was associated with a 5-month OS extension (19 to 14 months, P=0.065), with multivariate analysis supporting its independent prognostic significance (HR=0.729, 95%CI: 0.580-0.915, P=0.006). Notably, in the immunotherapy group, patients with ELN >34 ( n=30) achieved a median OS of 41 months, but the median OS had not been reached in the ELN ≤34 group ( n=5) (1 death at 48 months). Conclusion:Higher ELN (>34) correlates with improved survival in nonimmunotherapy-treated pN3b gastric cancer patients. However, in pN3b gastric cancer patients treated with immunotherapy, the optimal ELN threshold requires further exploration to determine.

To summarise the clinical experience of treating insomnia with the method of resolving depression， regulating the middle， and tranquilising mind. It is believed that the key to the pathogenesis of insomnia lies in qi depression， disharmony of qi pivot， and disharmony of qi and blood， and the core treatment is to resolve depression， regulating the middle， and tranquilising mind. The self-prescribed Jieyu Anmian Formula （解郁安眠方） could be used as the basic treatment， then modified according to the performance of the patient and syndromes. For syndrome of liver depression restricting spleen， the treatment should soothe liver and invigorate spleen， resolve depression and regulate the middle； for syndrome of liver depression and phlegm coagulation， the treatment should resolve depression and phlegm， support the earth and free the wood； for syndrome of liver depression transforming into fire， the treatment should soothe liver and clear fire， resolve depression and dysphoria； for syndrome of qi stagnation and blood stasis， the treatment should activate blood and regulate the middle， resolve depression and tranquilise mind.

Objective To analyze the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infection in this hospital in the past 7 years,and to provide reference for clinical treatment and prevention and control strategies of fun-gal infection.Methods The fungal data and clinical data of related patients isolated from clinical samples in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from early January 2018 to the end of May 2024 were selected,and the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infection in this hospital were identified and described through multi-angle statistical analysis.Results A total of 4 479 patients with filamentous fungal infection were en-rolled.The proportion of male patients[57.5％(2 576/4 479)]was higher than that of female patients[42.5％(1 903/4 143)],mainly distributed in internal medicine,Intensive Care Unit(ICU)and emergency de-partment,among which internal medicine accounted for the highest proportion[50.0％(2 241/4 479)].About 90.0％of the specimens were from the lower respiratory tract,in addition to specimens from skin and soft tis-sue,tissue,ear and blood culture.In terms of seasonal distribution,there are more patients in winter.The fun-gi were mainly composed of Aspergillus,Mucor,Cerdosporium,Fusarium and Penicillium,among which As-pergillus was the most abundant,accounting for 74.6％of the total.Aspergillus fumigatus was the most a-bundant Aspergillus,accounting for 42.5％of the total Aspergillus(1 418/3 340).Among the related infec-tions caused by mold,Aspergillus was the most common in the lower respiratory tract,accounting for 76.8％.Among them,Aspergillus fumigatus accounted for the highest proportion(33.6％).98.6％of the molds infected the ear were Aspergillus,of which Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus were the most common.Skin infections are mainly caused by Sporothrix schenckii,Trichophyton rubrum,Microsporum ca-nis.The results of in vitro drug sensitivity test showed that the four common Aspergillus isolated in this hos-pital were sensitive to voriconazole,and amphotericin B had better antifungal activity against Mucorales in vitro.Conclusion Based on the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infections in this hospital,it is recommended that special attention be paid to the admission of patients in the respiratory department during the peak infection period in autumn and winter.In the treatment of fungal infections in different regions and on different body parts,attention should be paid to the differences in the distribution of bacterial species.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between metabolic syndrome (MS), its different components and the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp in Uygur population in rural areas of southern Xinjiang.Methods:This study was a prospective cohort study. A baseline survey was conducted in August 2016. A typical sampling method was used to select 10 476 Uygur people in rural areas of southern Xinjiang as the research objects. Baseline clinical data were collected, including demographic data such as age, gender, and education level, and laboratory examination indicators such as blood glucose and triglyceride levels. According to the MS diagnostic criteria of the relevant guidelines, 10 476 subjects were divided into the MS group (3 475 cases) and the non-MS group (7 001 cases). The incidence of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp was followed up in 2019, 2021 and 2023, respectively. Cox regression was used to analyze the correlation between MS, its different components and the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp. Chi-square test and independent sample t test were used for statistical analysis. Results:The median follow-up time was 6.43 years in 10 476 subjects, and the overall cumulative incidence of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp was 5.43% (569/10 476). The cumulative incidence of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp in the MS group was 10.73% (373/ 3 475), which was significantly higher than that in the non-MS group (2.80% (196/7 001)); χ2= 284.62, P<0.001). The results of multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that, 41 to 59 years old ( HR=1.26, 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 1.03 to 1.54, P=0.025), ≥60 years old ( HR=1.88, 95% CI: 1.45 to 2.45, P<0.001), female ( HR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.13 to 1.60, P=0.001), MS ( HR=2.19, 95% CI: 1.59 to 3.01, P<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia ( HR=1.47, 95% CI: 1.18 to 1.83, P=0.001), hypertension ( HR=1.30, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.62, P=0.023), and hyperglycemia ( HR=1.24, 95% CI: 1.01 to 1.52, P=0.041) were independent risk factors for cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp. After the adjustment of age and gender, MS ( HR=3.39, 95% CI: 2.82 to 4.07, P<0.001), hypertriglyceridemia ( HR=2.37, 95% CI: 2.00 to 2.81, P<0.001), hypertension ( HR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.66 to 2.41, P<0.001), and hyperglycemia ( HR=1.86, 95% CI: 1.55 to 2.23, P<0.001) were still correlated with cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp, and there was the srtongest correlation between MS and cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp. The results of univariate Cox regression analysis showed that along with the increase of accumulated of MS components, the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp significantly increased (1 to 5 components corresponding HR (95% CI) were 1.92 (1.13 to 3.24), 2.21 (1.32 to 3.69), 6.91 (4.22 to 11.30), 8.56 (5.15 to 14.22), and 10.73 (5.66 to 20.33); P=0.015, =0.002, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001); after age and gender were adjusted, this trend still existed (1 to 5 components corresponding HR (95% CI) were 1.81(1.07 to 3.06), 1.95(1.16 to 3.27), 5.64(3.42 to 9.32), 6.69(3.97 to 11.25), and 7.76(4.04 to 14.91); P=0.028, =0.012, <0.001, <0.001, and <0.001). Conclusion:MS and its components can increase the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp, and the risk of cholecystolithiasis and gallbladder polyp significantly increases along with the increase of accumulated of MS components.

Mannheimia varigena(M.varigena)is a significant pathogen causing bovine respiratory disease.Transferrin binding protein B(TbpB)is a lipoprotein directly exposed to the outer mem-brane of the cell,which is not only involved in the bacterial iron metabolism pathway,but also an important virulence factor.This study aims to lay the groundwork for developing novel subunit vaccines by conducting site-directed mutagenesis on M.varigena TbpB binding-related residues and evaluating their immunogenicity.Based on whole-genome sequencing of a bovine M.varigena i-solate,its iron uptake pathway was predicted.Key amino acid residues of M.varigena TbpB that play a role for binding to bovine transferrin(bTf)was identified by bioinformatics.We constructed two M.varigena TbpB mutants(Y205A and Y258A)and assessed their bTf binding activity and immunogenicity through dot blot assays and mouse immunization studies.Dot blot assays result showed that the Y258A mutation caused TbpB to lose its ability to bind to bTf.Mouse immuniza-tion studies showed that,compared to wild-type TbpB,the mutants of TbpB induced higher levels of specific antibodies.In challenge experiments,mice immunized with mutant TbpB exhibited high-er survival rates.These results demonstrate that site-directed mutagenesis can enhance the immu-nogenicity of TbpB.This study provides a novel approach for developing new subunit vaccines a-gainst M.varigena.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and effectiveness of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) by using zero-profile anchored cage (ZAC) in treatment of consecutive three-level cervical spondylosis, by comparing with plate-cage construct (PCC). METHODS: A clinical data of 65 patients with cervical spondylosis admitted between January 2020 and December 2022 and met the selection criteria was retrospectively analyzed. During consecutive three-level ACDF, 35 patients were fixed with ZAC (ZAC group) and 30 patients with PCC (PCC group). There was no significant difference in baseline data between the two groups ( P>0.05), including gender, age, body mass index, surgical segment, preoperative Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) score, Neck Disability Index (NDI), visual analogue scale (VAS) score, prevertebral soft tissue thickness (PSTT), cervical lordosis, and surgical segmental angle. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, clinical indicators (JOA score, NDI, VAS score), and radiological indicators (cervical lordosis, surgical segmental angle, implant subsidence, surgical segment fusion, and adjacent segment degeneration), and the postoperative complications [swelling of the neck (PSTT), dysphagia] were recorded and compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Patients in both groups were followed up 24-39 months. There was no significant difference in follow-up duration between the two groups ( P>0.05). The operation time and intraoperative blood loss were lower in ZAC group than in PCC group, and the length of hospital stay was longer, but there was no significant difference ( P>0.05). At each time point after operation, both groups showed significant improvements in JOA score, VAS score, and NDI compared with preoperative scores ( P<0.05), but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point after operation ( P>0.05). Both groups showed an increase in PSTT at 3 days and 3, 6 months after operation compared to preoperative levels ( P<0.05), but returned to preoperative levels at last follow-up ( P>0.05). The PSTT at 3 days and 3 months after operation were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05), and there was no significant difference between the two groups at 6 months and at last follow-up ( P>0.05). The incidences of dysphagia at 3 days and 3 months were significantly lower in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05), while no significant difference was observed at 6 months and last follow-up between the two groups ( P>0.05). There was no postoperative complication in both groups including hoarseness, esophageal injury, cough, or hematoma. Both groups showed improvement in cervical lordosis and surgical segmental angle compared to preoperative levels, with a trend of loss during follow-up. The cervical lordosis loss and surgical segmental angle loss were significantly more in the ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05). The incidence of implante subsidence was significantly higher in ZAC group than in PCC group ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference between the ZAC group and PCC group in the incidences of surgical segment fusion and adjacent segment degeneration ( P>0.05). CONCLUSION In consecutive three-level ACDF, both ZAC and PCC can achieve satisfactory effectiveness. The former can reduce the incidence of postoperative dysphagia, while the latter can better maintain cervical curvature and reduce the incidence of implant subsidence.
Humans ; Spondylosis/surgery* ; Cervical Vertebrae/surgery* ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Diskectomy/instrumentation* ; Bone Plates ; Treatment Outcome ; Adult ; Aged ; Internal Fixators ; Operative Time ; Length of Stay

Objective:To compare image quality and diagnostic parameters of whole-brain CT perfusion scans under different scanning conditions and assess the utility of deep learning image reconstruction algorithm (DLIR) in reducing tube current during low-dose scans.Methods:Method A total of 105 patients with suspected acute ischemic stroke (AIS) were prospectively enrolled in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March, 2022 to March, 203 and their baseline information was recorded. All patients underwent head non-contrast CT and CT perfusion (CTP) examinations. CTP scanning was performed at 80 kV in two groups with the tube current of 150 mA (regular dose) and 100 mA (low dose), respectively. The CTP images of 150 mA group were reconstructed using filtered back-projection algorithm as well as adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V (ASIR-V) at 40% and 80% strength levels, which were denoted as groups A-C. The CTP images of 100 mA group were reconstructed using ASIR-V80%, DLIR-M, and DLIR-H, which were denoted as groups D-F. Clinical baseline characteristics and radiation doses were compared between the two groups under different scanning conditions. Furthermore, we assessed the subjective and objective image quality, conventional perfusion parameters, and abnormal perfusion parameters of AIS patients across the six groups of reconstructed CTP images.Results:Under the scanning conditions of 150 mA and 100 mA, 47 and 48 patients were diagnosed with AIS, respectively. There were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between the two groups. However, there was a significant difference in the mean effective radiation dose (5.71 mSv vs. 3.80 mSv, t = 2 768.30, P < 0.001). The standard deviation (SD) of noise, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) were significantly different among the six groups of reconstructed images ( F = 40.58-212.13, P < 0.001). In GM, the SD values in groups C, D, and F were lower than those in other groups ( P < 0.05), and the SNR values in groups C and F were higher than those in other groups ( P < 0.05). In WM, the SD and SNR values in groups C and F were significantly different from those in other groups ( P < 0.05). Additionally, CNR values in groups C and F were higher than those in other groups ( P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in subjective scores among groups B, C, and F ( P > 0.05). Regarding perfusion parameters in the brain GM, groups D and E had lower cerebral blood volume (CBV) values compared to groups A to C ( P < 0.05), and group F had lower CBV values than group B ( P < 0.05). In the brain WM, group D had consistently lower mean transit time (MTT) values compared to the other groups ( P < 0.05). Notably, there were no significant differences in AIS lesion detection rates and relevant diagnostic parameters across the six image groups. Conclusions:Low-tube current CTP scan combined with the DLIR-H algorithm can enhance image quality without affecting perfusion parameters such as CBV and MTT, while reducing radiation dose by 30%. This algorithm can be routinely applied in brain CTP examinations.