Objective To explore the effects of different serum potassium levels on the 28-day prognosis of elderly patients with sepsis. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data and laboratory indicators within 24 hours after the diagnosis in 204 elderly patients with sepsis admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January 2018 to January 2022. According to the potassium concentrations in the blood of the patients within 24 hours after admission to intensive care unit (ICU), the patients were divided into the hyperkalemia group (K^＋≥5.3 mmol/L), normokalemia group (K^＋ 3.5–＜5.3 mmol/L), and hypokalemia group (K^＋＜3.5 mmol/L). According to 28-day outcomes, the patients were divided into the death group and survival group. The acute physiological and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) Ⅱ score, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and laboratory indicators were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis. Results Compared with the normokalemia group (n＝99), patients in both the hyperkalemia (n＝61) and hypokalemia (n＝44) groups had significantly higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP) and procalcitonin (PCT), longer duration of mechanical ventilation, longer length of hospital stay and ICU stay, and higher mortality (P ＜ 0.05). The death group (n＝49) had significantly higher APACHE Ⅱ score, SOFA score, white blood cell (WBC) counts, CRP level, and PCT level than the survival group (n＝155, P＜0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that increased or decreased serum potassium level, higher SOFA score, and increased WBC counts were independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis (P＜0.05). Quadratic fitted curve showed a U-shaped association between serum potassium levels and 28-day mortality risk in elderly patients with sepsis, with the lowest mortality risk observed within the intermediate (normal) range, and both hypokalemia and hyperkalemia were associated with an increased mortality risk (P＝0.182). Conclusion Both increased and decreased serum potassium levels are independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with sepsis, which should be given particular attention in clinical management.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） is a common clinical chronic airway disease with high morbidity， high mortality， a heavy disease burden， and complex mechanisms that have not been fully elucidated. Clinical problems promote the continuous progress of basic research. The establishment and evaluation of animal models is an important way to delve into the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of COPD. On the basis of the etiology， pathogenesis， diagnostic criteria， and syndrome differentiation of COPD in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） and Western medicine， this paper summarizes the establishment methods and characteristics of existing animal models of COPD and analyzes the fitting degree of the models with the disease characteristics in Western medicine and syndrome characteristics in TCM. The results showed that the animal models of COPD in Western medicine were mainly induced by single factors and compound factors， and the model with the highest fitting degree was established by cigarette smoke combined with lipopolysaccharide and hormone. The model showed a fitting degree of 84% with the disease characteristics in Western medicine and 70% with the syndrome characteristics in TCM， being consistent with the clinical characteristics of COPD induced by multiple factors. Most of the animal models of COPD in TCM were established on the basis of disease models and combined with TCM etiology and pathogenesis characteristics， and prepared by syndrome differentiation. Among them， the model of accumulation of cold and water retention in lung had the highest fitting degree of 92% with the TCM diagnostic criteria. The models of phlegm-heat obstructing lung and phlegm-stasis obstructing lung had the fitting degree of 94% with clinical manifestations in Western medicine and the highest fitting degree with the diagnostic criteria in Western medicine. Different animal models of COPD have their own advantages and disadvantages， and most of them simply replicate the manifestations of COPD at a certain stage， failing to reflect the multiple causes and the dynamic changes of TCM etiology and pathogenesis. Moreover， the syndromes of these models fail to match the clinical syndromes in TCM. Therefore， establishing the animal models reflecting clinical characteristics of COPD in TCM and Western medicine and improving the model evaluation criteria are important contents to promote the overall development of integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine for COPD.

Immunotherapy has been widely used in cancer treatment in recent years and functions by stimulating the immune system to kill tumor cells. Radiation therapy (RT) uses radiation to induce DNA damage and kill tumor cells. However, this activates the body's immune system, promoting the release of tumor-related antigens from inactive dendritic cells, which stimulates the recurrence and metastasis of tumors in immune system tissues. The combination of RT and immunotherapy has been increasingly evaluated in recent years, with studies confirming the synergistic effect of the two antitumor therapies. Particularly, the combination of RT by dose adjustment with different immunotherapies has positive implications on antitumor immunity as well as disease prognosis compared with respective monotherapies. This review summarizes the current research status, progress, and prospects of RT combined with immunotherapy in cancer treatment. It additionally discusses the prevalent concerns regarding the dose, time window, and toxicity of this combination therapy.
Humans ; Neoplasms/radiotherapy* ; Immunotherapy/methods* ; Combined Modality Therapy ; Radiotherapy/methods*

Objective:To determine the prevalence, risk factors, and longitudinal associations of loneliness during mid- to late pregnancy with anxiety and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy.Methods:In this prospective cohort study, 1 107 pregnant women at 24-28 weeks' gestation were enrolled between June 2021 and December 2022. Psychological status was assessed during mid-pregnancy (24-28 weeks) and late pregnancy (≥32 weeks) using standardized electronic questionnaires, including the Revised University of California Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA) Loneliness Scale-Short Form (Cronbach's α=0.82), Patient Health Questionnaire-9 ( α=0.86), and Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 ( α=0.88). Multivariate logistic regression identified independent risk factors for loneliness. Cross-lagged path models analyzed the longitudinal predictions between loneliness and anxiety/depressive symptoms. Results:The prevalence of loneliness decreased significantly from 10.8% (120/1 107) in mid-pregnancy to 4.8% (37/777) in late pregnancy ( χ2=21.81, P<0.001). Multivariate analysis identified independent risk factors for loneliness: age <30 years ( OR=1.70, 95% CI: 1.15-2.50), annual household income <50 000 CNY ( OR=2.53, 95% CI: 1.28-5.02), unemployment during pregnancy ( OR=1.57, 95% CI: 1.03-2.39), history of alcohol consumption ( OR=1.63, 95% CI: 1.03-2.56), and the presence of mid-pregnancy depressive ( OR=2.76, 95% CI: 1.51-5.04) and anxiety symptoms ( OR=1.65, 95% CI: 1.01-2.71) (all P<0.05). Cross-lagged path models indicated bidirectional associations between loneliness and both anxiety ( β=0.32, P<0.01) and depressive symptoms ( β=0.28, P<0.01). However, the predictive effect of loneliness on subsequent depressive and anxiety symptoms ( β=0.28-0.32) was substantially stronger than the reverse prediction (mid-pregnancy anxiety on late-pregnancy loneliness: β=0.12; mid-pregnancy depression on late-pregnancy loneliness: β=0.11). Loneliness demonstrated high temporal stability (autoregressive effects β=0.29-0.32). Conclusion:Loneliness in mid-pregnancy exhibits a symmetric bidirectional association with anxiety and depressive symptoms in late pregnancy, suggesting it may be a core driver in the development of these emotional symptoms. Younger maternal age (<30 years), low household income (<50 000 CNY/year), unemployment during pregnancy, and a history of alcohol consumption were associated with a higher risk of loneliness and should be prioritized for psychological screening and intervention.

Objective·To retrieve and evaluate evidence related to weight management during endocrine therapy for prostate cancer patients,and summarize the best evidence available.Methods·The PIPOST model was adopted to construct evidence-based questions.Following the"6S"model of evidence resources,a systematic computer-based search was conducted to retrieve relevant evidence on weight management during prostate cancer endocrine therapy from various databases and websites,including Guidelines International Network,BMJ Best Practice,UpToDate,JBI Evidence-Based Healthcare Center Database,American Guidelines Network,Medlive,Cochrane Library,PubMed,CINAHL,Web of Science,Embase,CNKI,Chinese Biomedical Literature Database,Wanfang Database,and VIP Database,as well as the websites of the American Urological Association,European Urological Association,and Urological Branch of Chinese Medical Association.The evidence retrieved included guidelines,clinical decisions,recommended practices,expert consensuses,evidence summaries,systematic reviews,and original studies.The search period spanned from database establishment to December 2023.Two researchers independently evaluated the quality of the included literature.The included articles were read one by one and summarized according to themes.Priority was given to high-level,high-quality,and newly published authoritative literature during evidence screening and extraction.The included and extracted evidence was uniformly classified into levels 1?5 according to the JBI evidence pre-classification and evidence recommendation level system,and the evidence recommendations were divided into strongly recommended(Grade A)and weakly recommended(Grade B).Results·A total of 12 articles were retrieved,consisting of 4 guidelines,3 expert consensuses,2 evidence summaries,2 randomized controlled trials,and 1 quasi-experimental study.All 12 articles were rated as high quality and were included.The best evidence was summarized into 8 aspects:weight management assessment and monitoring,multidisciplinary collaboration,personalized support,family involvement strategies,nutrition management strategies,exercise management strategies,health education,and follow-up management.Conclusion·The best evidence for weight management during endocrine therapy for prostate cancer is summarized into eight aspects.In clinical application,specific clinical situations and patient characteristics should also be considered to improve the effectiveness of clinical interventions and the quality of care.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy and the mid- and long-term follow-up outcomes of transanal anaplasty for treating rectovestibular fistula.Methods:The clinical data of 68 female infants diagnosed with rectovestibular fistula undergoing transanal anoplasty at the Department of Pediatric Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Oct 2014 to Dec 2023 was collected. Postoperative complications, perineal and anal appearances, and defecation function of postoperative children aged 3 years or older were recorded.Results:After surgery 68 children followed-up for 6 months of recent with short-term complications in 6 cases, including 3 cases of incision infection, 2 cases of rectal mucosal prolapse, and 1 case of anal stenosis. Rintala score was (18.65±1.99). Twenty-five children underwent anorectal manometry, no significant differences were observed in the maximal systolic pressure of the anal canal( t=-0.596, P=0.563) and the maximum systolic time( t=-0.183, P=0.854). The resting pressure( t=-3.050, P=0.005), functional length( t=2.696, P=0.012), and positive rate of rectal anal inhibitory reflex( χ2=6.382, P=0.012) of the anal canal were significantly lower than those of the normal group( P<0.05). Conclusions:Transanal anaplasty for the treatment of rectovestibular fistula in girls has a low incidence of complications. It results in a normal perineal body appearance, good anal bowel control, and high quality of life.

Burn is a common trauma,and debridement is an important step in the treatment of burn.Traditional surgical debridement is the standard of care,but it can lead to additional trauma,infection and other complications,with a low compliance.Enzymatic debridement,a new debridement strategy,can promote wound healing,reduce infection,inhibit scar formation,avoid secondary damage,greatly relieve pain,and shorten wound healing time.This paper comprehensively compares enzymatic debridement versus traditional surgical debridement in the management of burn injuries,and reviews the advantages and latest advancements of enzymatic debridement in burn management.

Objective:To investigate the optimization of inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer spectral detector CT (DLCT) virtual monoenergetic images (VMI) combined with multiphase scanning.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 184 patients who underwent inferior vena cava imaging using dual-layer detector spectral CT at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, from January 2021 to October 2024. Each patient underwent multiphase scanning (60, 80, and 120 s after contrast injection were referred to as the first, second, and third phases, respectively). The images were reconstructed into conventional 120 kVp polyenergetic image (PI) and VMIs at 40, 50, 60, 70, and 80 keV. Image quality of 120 kVp PI and VMI for each phase was evaluated. The objective image quality indicators included CT value, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), and noise. Comparisons of the above indictors within the same phase were performed using repeated measures ANOVA or the Friedman test, while comparisons between different phases were conducted using one-way ANOVA or the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results:At the same phase, the CT value, SNR, and CNR of the 40 keV VMI were higher than those of other energy level VMIs and PI (all P<0.001). The SNR of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly higher than in the first phase ( P<0.05), while there was no significant difference between the first and second phases ( P>0.05). The standard deviation (SD) of the 40 keV VMI in the third phase was significantly lower than that in the first and second phases (all P<0.05). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI were higher than those for other energy level VMIs and PI at the same phase ( P<0.001). The subjective scores for the 40 keV VMI in the third phase were higher than those in the second and first phases ( P<0.001). The percentage of scores≥4 in the third phase (77.17%,142/184) was significantly higher than those in the first phase (28.26%,52/184) and second phase (61.96%,114/184) ( P<0.001). Conclusion:In inferior vena cava imaging, the 40 keV VMI, combined with the optimal phase (120 s delay), effectively optimizes image quality.

BACKGROUND:The use of assistive devices and technologies for blindness is a common intervention for people with visual impairment today,improving participation in activities of daily living and work-learning abilities,and facilitating return to family and society.The forms,technologies and functions of assistive devices for blindness in the age of digital information and intelligence vary,and their classification has not yet been effectively discussed and evaluated in a uniform manner.OBJECTIVE:To classify and evaluate the compensation function of intelligent guide devices for the people with visual impairment in China based on the International Classification of Functioning,Disability and Health(ICF).METHODS:CNKI,CQVIP and WanFang databases were searched for relevant literature.The time frame for the search was from January 1,2013 to December 31,2023.Based on the ICF theoretical model and framework structure,the terminology structure and coding procedure were applied to summarize the relevant visual impairment assessment categories,collate and analyze the research and classification of the compensation function of intelligent assistive devices for the people with visual impairment in China.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)A total of 197 articles were finally included.There was 1 article on body function,containing b2(b210);1 article on body structure,containing s2(s220);119 articles addressing activity and participation,containing d1(10 articles involving d110,d115,d120,d140,and d166,)d3(4 articles involving d315,d325,d345,and d360),d4(102 articles involving d465,d470),and d8(3 articles involving d820,d825);76 articles addressing environmental factors,including e1(72 articles involving e115,e120,e125,e130,e140,e150,e155,e160)and e2(4 articles involving e210 and e240).(2)The ICF-based research classification of the compensation function of intelligent guide devices for the people with visual impairment contains 4 parts,8 classifications and 25 categories,with areas related to physical compensation,daily necessities,education and learning,traveling and blindness guidance,and layout planning.

Objective To investigate the effects of cucurbitacin B (CucB) on alleviating skin lesions and inflammation in psoriasis mice via the cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Methods The expression of genes associated with the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in psoriatic lesions and non-lesional skin was analyzed, and hallmark gene set enrichment analysis was performed. The cytotoxicity of CucB on BMDMs was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay. The expression levels of genes and proteins related to the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, along with the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, were measured at different concentrations of CucB using quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and ELISA. Imiquimod-induced psoriasis BALB/c mice were divided into four groups: normal group, model group, low-dose CucB group [0.1 mg/ (kg.d)], and high-dose CucB group [0.4 mg/ (kg.d)], with five mice per group. PASI scoring was performed to assess the severity of psoriasis after 6 days of treatment, and HE staining was conducted to observe pathological damage. Meanwhile, the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and their secretion were detected by qPCR and ELISA. Results Most cGAS-STING signaling-related genes were upregulated in lesional skin of psoriasis patients, and the hallmark gene set enrichment analysis revealed that the most significantly upregulated genes were primarily associated with immune response signaling pathways. CucB inhibited dsDNA-induced phosphorylation of interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and STING proteins in both bone-marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs) and THP-1 cells. CucB also suppressed dsDNA-induced mRNA expression of IFNB1, TNF, IFIT1, CXCL10, ISG15, and reduced the secretion of cytokines such as IFN-β, IL-1β, and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. In the imiquimod-induced psoriasis mouse model, CucB treatment reduced psoriatic symptoms, alleviated skin lesions, and attenuated inflammation. ELISA and qPCR results showed that CucB significantly reduced serum secretion levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β, as well as the mRNA levels of IL23A, IL1B, IL6, TNF, and IFNB1. Conclusion CucB inhibits cytoplasmic DNA-induced activationc of the GAS-STING pathway. CucB significantly attenuates skin lesions and inflammation in IMQ-induced psoriatic mice, and the potential molecular mechanism may be related to the down-regulation of the cGAS-STING pathway.
Animals ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Mice ; Nucleotidyltransferases/genetics* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Skin/metabolism* ; Triterpenes/therapeutic use* ; Humans ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Inflammation/drug therapy* ; Male