Probiotics play a crucial role in colon cancer treatment by metabolizing prebiotics to generate short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs). Colon cancer patients are frequently propositioned to supplement with probiotics to enhance the conversion and utilization of prebiotics. Nevertheless, the delivery and colonization of probiotics is hindered by the harsh conditions of gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Here, we devised a straightforward yet potent modified prebiotic-based "shield" (Gelatin-Inulin, GI), employing dietary inulin and natural polymer gelatin crosslinked via hydrogen bonding for enveloping Lactobacillus reuteri (Lr) to formulate synbiotic hydrogel capsules (Lr@Gl). The GI "shield" serves as a dynamic barrier, augmenting the resistance of Lr to gastric acid and facilitating its bioactivity and adherence in the GIT, synergizing with Lr to elicit an anti-tumor effect. Simultaneously, Lr@GI demonstrates anti-tumor effects by depleting glutathione to release reactive oxygen species, accompanied by the activation of NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3), and the induction M1 macrophage polarization. Furthermore, Lr@GI can not only promote the recovery of intestinal barrier but also regulate intestinal flora, promoting the production of SCFAs and further exerting anti-tumor effect. Crucially, Lr@GI also potentiates the anti-tumor effect of 5-Fluorouracil. The construction and synergistic anti-tumor mechanism of synbiotic hydrogel capsules system provide valuable insights for gut microbial tumor therapy.

Objective:To explore an evaluation method for the operational status of tertiary public hospitals, identify strengths and weaknesses in hospital operations, and provide decision-making support for hospital managers.Methods:In 2023, an evaluation index system for the operation of tertiary public hospitals was constructed based on literature analysis and the Delphi method. The combined weights of the evaluation indexes were determined using the cooperative game theory method. An evaluation model for hospital operational status based on the extensible cloud model was established, with the determination of evaluation index thresholds and standards based on the operational data of a tertiary public hospital in Liaoning Province from 2020 to 2022. The operational status of the hospital was then comprehensively evaluated using the evaluation model based on the hospital′s operational data from 2023.Results:The constructed evaluation index system for the operation of tertiary public hospitals included five dimensions and 14 indicators: financial health, service efficiency, medical quality, satisfaction, and sustainable development. The indicators with higher weight values were net cash flow (0.135), average appointment rate for outpatient patients (0.088), and budget savings from government procurement (0.087). The overall operational status evaluation score of the sample hospital was 4.48, with an evaluation grade of level V. The scores for the dimensions of financial health, medical quality, and sustainable development were 4.99, 4.74, and 5.00, respectively, all reaching level V. The scores for service efficiency and satisfaction were 4.00 and 3.70, respectively, both at level Ⅳ.Conclusions:The evaluation index system and the determined weights constructed in this study were reasonable to a certain extent. The hospital operational status evaluation model based on the extensible cloud model can objectively reflect the operational status of the hospital, and the evaluation results can provide decision-making support for managers.

Objective:Bibliometric analysis was performed to map scientific knowledge landscape, so that to explore the research status and future trends in the field of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) over the past decade.Methods:Literature on CRGNB published between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2024 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) database and Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used for bibliometric analysis.Results:A total of 3 340 Chinese and 10 761 English publications were included in this study. The annual Chinese publications remained stable, while English publications exhibited a linear growth. It was anticipated that the English publications would decline in the forthcoming years, although remaining high. China contributed the highest number of publications, and Zhejiang University was the institution with the largest number of publications. Bonomo RA, Chen L, etc. were high-impact authors in the field of CRGNB and had formed a stable cooperative group. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy was the journal with the largest number of publications. High-frequency keywords in the domain of CRGNB were comprehensively categorized into four distinct clusters, including carbapenem resistance mechanisms and gene transmission, antimicrobial drugs and combination therapy, management of critically ill patients, and infections and colonization. It was imperative to acknowledge the significance of all of these research areas. Burst word analysis suggested that carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales virulence genes as well as new isoforms of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) had become a research hotspot. Conclusions:The issue of carbapenem resistance remains a significant concern. Current research focus on the resistance mechanisms and antimicrobial agents, highlighting its significant academic advancement and practical applications. Fostering international collaboration through academic exchanges between research teams worldwide is imperative to establish robust cooperative relationships, facilitate multidisciplinary cooperation, and promote high-quality research.

Objective Aedes albopictus is the primary vector of the dengue virus.Screening and the analysis of immune-related genes in DENV2-infected Ae.albopictus provides a scientific basis for further research on blocking the extrinsic incubation period of the dengue virus.Methods Through the approach of literature mining,thirty-three potential immune-related genes were screened from species such as Aedes aegypti and Anopheles gambiae,which have a close genetic relationship with Ae.albopictus.The protein—protein interaction(PPI)analysis is employed to explore the interaction relationship of the proteins encoded by genes.The alterations in mRNA expression levels of the relevant genes in DENV2-infected Ae.albopictus midgut were detected using the qRT-PCR method.Results The PPI results indicates that TLR and Spz of Ae.albopictus;Rel1,Rel2,DefC,Spz,PIWI,Ago2,DOME and HOP of Ae.aegypti;and Rel1,Rel2,CACT,STAT and DOME of An.gambiae exhibit PPI relationships.After Ae.albopictus was infected with DENV2,10 genes showed significant difference in expression.Ago3(7.39,P<0.05),DOMEa(1.63,P<0.01),DOMEb(21.29,P<0.001),and TLRb(1.61,P<0.05)were significantly up-regulated.Rel1(0.62,P<0.001),CACTl(0.65,P<0.001),Rel2a(0.65,P<0.01),Rel2b(0.24,P<0.001),GATAa(0.64,P<0.01)and DefC(0.28,P<0.05)were significantly down-regulated.Conclusions The concordance of Ae.albopictus with Ae.aegypti was higher than that with An.gambiae.DOMEb,Ago3,Rel2b and DefC,can serve as the preferred target genes for subsequent studies on DENV2 immune blockade.

Objective:To explore an evaluation method for the operational status of tertiary public hospitals, identify strengths and weaknesses in hospital operations, and provide decision-making support for hospital managers.Methods:In 2023, an evaluation index system for the operation of tertiary public hospitals was constructed based on literature analysis and the Delphi method. The combined weights of the evaluation indexes were determined using the cooperative game theory method. An evaluation model for hospital operational status based on the extensible cloud model was established, with the determination of evaluation index thresholds and standards based on the operational data of a tertiary public hospital in Liaoning Province from 2020 to 2022. The operational status of the hospital was then comprehensively evaluated using the evaluation model based on the hospital′s operational data from 2023.Results:The constructed evaluation index system for the operation of tertiary public hospitals included five dimensions and 14 indicators: financial health, service efficiency, medical quality, satisfaction, and sustainable development. The indicators with higher weight values were net cash flow (0.135), average appointment rate for outpatient patients (0.088), and budget savings from government procurement (0.087). The overall operational status evaluation score of the sample hospital was 4.48, with an evaluation grade of level V. The scores for the dimensions of financial health, medical quality, and sustainable development were 4.99, 4.74, and 5.00, respectively, all reaching level V. The scores for service efficiency and satisfaction were 4.00 and 3.70, respectively, both at level Ⅳ.Conclusions:The evaluation index system and the determined weights constructed in this study were reasonable to a certain extent. The hospital operational status evaluation model based on the extensible cloud model can objectively reflect the operational status of the hospital, and the evaluation results can provide decision-making support for managers.

Objective:Bibliometric analysis was performed to map scientific knowledge landscape, so that to explore the research status and future trends in the field of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria (CRGNB) over the past decade.Methods:Literature on CRGNB published between January 1st, 2015 and December 31st, 2024 was retrieved from the China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI) database and Web of Science Core Collection (WoSCC). VOSviewer and CiteSpace were used for bibliometric analysis.Results:A total of 3 340 Chinese and 10 761 English publications were included in this study. The annual Chinese publications remained stable, while English publications exhibited a linear growth. It was anticipated that the English publications would decline in the forthcoming years, although remaining high. China contributed the highest number of publications, and Zhejiang University was the institution with the largest number of publications. Bonomo RA, Chen L, etc. were high-impact authors in the field of CRGNB and had formed a stable cooperative group. Antimicrobial Agents and Chemotherapy was the journal with the largest number of publications. High-frequency keywords in the domain of CRGNB were comprehensively categorized into four distinct clusters, including carbapenem resistance mechanisms and gene transmission, antimicrobial drugs and combination therapy, management of critically ill patients, and infections and colonization. It was imperative to acknowledge the significance of all of these research areas. Burst word analysis suggested that carbapenem-resistant Enterobacterales virulence genes as well as new isoforms of Klebsiella pneumoniae carbapenemase (KPC) had become a research hotspot. Conclusions:The issue of carbapenem resistance remains a significant concern. Current research focus on the resistance mechanisms and antimicrobial agents, highlighting its significant academic advancement and practical applications. Fostering international collaboration through academic exchanges between research teams worldwide is imperative to establish robust cooperative relationships, facilitate multidisciplinary cooperation, and promote high-quality research.

【Objective】 To explore the factors influencing the survival and prognosis of patients with bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) after surgical treatment, and to establish an artificial intelligence algorithm to predict the effects of different surgical regimens. 【Methods】 BUC patients treated with surgery during Jan.2007 and Jan.2019 in The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University and Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University were enrolled. The complete clinical and follow-up data were collected. Deep neural network (DNN) was used to establish an artificial intelligence algorithm model. A prediction model of survival and prognosis was established, and the influencing factors of survival were explored and ranked by the artificial intelligence algorithm. 【Results】 A total of 832 patients were involved, including 438 (52.64%) treated in The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, and 394 (47.36%) treated in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University. Of all cases, 579 (69.6%) were non-muscle invasive bladder cancer, and 253 (30.4%) were muscle invasive bladder cancer. Transurethral resection of bladder tumor was conducted in 539 (64.8%) cases, partial cystectomy in 66 (7.9%) cases, and total cystectomy in 227 (27.3%) cases. The data of patients treated in Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University were used for DNN modeling, and the data of patients treated in Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University were used for external verification after modeling. Finally, it was concluded that the factors affecting survival and prognosis were T stage, pathological grade, hypertension or cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease, hemoglobin, blood calcium, smoking, albumin, lymphocytes, age, ratio of albumin/globulin, operation method, N stage, and creatinine clearance rate in descending order. The model could be used for preoperative prediction. 【Conclusion】 Through DNN modeling and external verification, the influencing factors of postoperative survival can be predicted for patients with bladder cancer, and the surgical effects can also be predicted before operation. The model can provide artificial intelligence algorithm support for the selection of surgical methods and postoperative follow-up plans.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the application among intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT), three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy(3D-CRT) and conventional radiotherapy (CRT) for locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer. METHODS: From January 2015 to December 2016, 93 locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer patients with clinical stage cT3N+M0 or cT4N0/+M0 who underwent preoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy at Department of Colorectal Surgery, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University and had complete data were enrolled in this retrospective cohort study. Patients were divided into IMRT group (17 cases), 3D-CRT group (28 cases) and CRT group (48 cases) according to different radiotherapy methods. The frequency and dose of CRT were 1 time/day, 5 times/week, for a total of 5 weeks, with a single dose of 2.0 Gy, the total dose was 50 Gy. Frequency and dose of 3D-CRT and IMRT were 1 time/day, 5 times/week, for a total of 23 to 28 times, with a single dose of 1.8 to 2.0 Gy, and a total dose of 45.0 to 50.4 Gy. The chemotherapy regimen was performed with capecitabine tablets at a dose of 825 mg/m twice a day for 5 days every week, at the same time during radiotherapy. The efficacy, chemotherapy adverse reactions and immune function of the three groups were compared. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in the baseline data among the three groups (all P>0.05). The proportion of patients receiving permanent ostomy in the IMRT group and the 3D-CRT group was 29.4%(5/17) and 32.1%(9/28) respectively, which was lower than 58.3%(28/48) in CRT group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=7.982, P=0.030), while this proportion was not significantly different between IMRT and 3D-CRT group(χ²=0.037, P=0.848). The pathologic complete response(pCR) rate was 23.7%(22/93) in the whole study, and the pCR rate was 39.3%(11/28) in the 3D-CRT group, which was higher than that of CRT group and IMRT group [12.5%(6/48) and 29.4%(5/17)], and the difference was statistically significant (χ²=7.407, P=0.025), while there was no significant difference in pCR rate between CRT group and IMRT group (χ²=2.554, P=0.110). There was no adverse reaction of grade 3 or above in all three groups. No significant difference in the incidence of bone marrow suppression, abnormal liver and kidney function markers, digestive tract reaction or radiation dermatitis was found(all P>0.05). After receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy, the proportion of CD3/CD4 cells in the IMRT group and the CRT group decreased compared with that before treatment(23.1±9.3 vs. 31.1±10.9, 27.4±10.7 vs. 33.6±7.2, respectively); the proportion of CD3/CD8 cells was up-regulated (36.1±15.2 vs. 24.8±10.9, 30.9±14.4 vs. 24.0±8.3,respectively), and the differences were statistically significant (both P<0.05), while the above indexes before and after treatment were not significantly different in the 3D-CRT group(all P>0.05). After treatment, the proportion of CD4/CD8 cells in IMRT group decreased (0.8±0.6 vs. 1.6±1.0, t=3.838, P=0.003), while this proportion was not significantly different in CRT group and 3D-CRT group(all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS IMRT and 3D-CRT can reduce the rate of permanent stoma. 3D-CRT can increase pCR rate. No obvious advantage is shown in IMRT as compared with 3D-CRT in the short-term efficacy. On the contrary, an immunosuppressive status may occur. Therefore, 3D-CRT is recommended as the best preoperative treatment strategy for patients with locally advanced middle-low rectal cancer, especially for those with immunosuppression status.
Humans ; Radiotherapy ; methods ; standards ; Radiotherapy Dosage ; Radiotherapy Planning, Computer-Assisted ; Radiotherapy, Conformal ; standards ; Radiotherapy, Intensity-Modulated ; standards ; Rectal Neoplasms ; radiotherapy ; Retrospective Studies

AIM: To investigate the change of myopic choroidal neovascularization treated by ranibizumab and evaluate their value in monitoring the effect of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor ( VEGF) therapy. ·METHODS: The study enrolled 30 patients ( 30 eyes ) diagnosed with myopic choroidal neovascularization. All affected eyes were treated with intravitreal ranibizumab 0. 05mL ( 10mg/mL ). Best corrected visual acuity ( BCVA ) , non-contact tonometer, ophthalmoscope, fundus fluorescein angiograph ( FFA ) and OCTA were evaluated monthly until 6mo. The changes of BCVA and central macular thickness ( CMT) were compared at 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment. ·RESULTS:All patients received an average of 1. 70±0. 65 injections. BCVA was 0. 96 ± 0. 17 ( LogMAR ) before therapy, and BCVA 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment respectively improved by 0. 23 ± 0. 09, 0. 34 ± 0. 07, 0. 38 ± 0. 11. The differences were significant ( t=5. 461, 8. 191, 8. 894; P<0. 05 ). Mean CMT decreased form 281. 07 ± 13. 72μm to 261. 33 ± 13. 13μm, 243. 47 ± 16. 65μm, 234. 73 ± 17. 52μm respectively 1, 3 and 6mo after treatment, showing significant differences (t=12. 007, 13. 360, 9. 531;P<0. 05). OCTA revealed a progressively smaller vascular lesion and reduction in capillary density. · CONCLUSION: Intravitreal ranibizumab for CNV secondary to pathologic myopia is effective and safe;OCTA is a noninvasive and time-saving new technology, and it also is a promising tool for clinicians to make preliminary diagnosis and assess treatment efficacy in the follow-up visits.

Increasing evidence suggests that hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs) are sustained by a distinct subpopulation of self-renewing cells known as cancer stem cells (CSC). However, our understanding of their regulation is limited. Rapid reversible changes of CSC-like cells within tumors may result from the effect of biological mediators found in the tumor microenvironment. This paper aims to explore how nitrite, a key cellular modulator whose level is elevated in many tumors, affects CSC-like phenotypes of human hepatoma cells SMMC-7721 cells. The SMMC-7721 cell line was cultured under serum-free conditions to produce floating spheres. The distribution of cell cycle was analyzed by flow cytometry, the capability of cells self-renew was detected by colony-forming capabilities and spheroid-formation assay, the expression of stemness protein such as CD133, CD90 and EpCAM were determined by flow cytometry and Western blot, cell invasion was analyzed by transwell assay, and viability of SMMC-7721 parental cells and spheroids cancer cells was determined by the 3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Xenograft tumor models were established by subcutaneously injecting SMMC-7721 spheroids cancer cells, the transplanted tumor tissue ROS levels was detected by reactive oxygen species (ROS) test kits, the expression of HIF-1α was observed by immunofluorescence. Our results showed that the SMMC-7721 spheroid cells were enriched with CSCs properties, indicated by the ability to self-renew, increased expression of CSCs markers, and increased resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs. Additionally, SMMC-7721 parental cells and spheroids cancer cells were treated with 150 μmol·L^-1 sodium nitrite for 6 days, compared with control cells, an increased accumulation of G₀/G₁ phase cells was observable in treatment cells. Indeed, our data demonstrated that in parent cells and spheres cells that were treated with sodium nitrite for different time, the cells' ability to chemoresistance and invasion, clone-forming efficiencies and the spheres forming ability were significantly higher than that of control cells. Exposure of sodium nitrite regulated CSC-like phenotype, indicated by increased expression of known CSC markers, CD133, CD90 and EpCAM in the exposed parental cells, as well as in dormant spheroids cancer cells. Compared with the parent cells, the above effects of nitrite on the spheres cells were significantly enhanced. In vivo data also presented a more significant promotion of tumor xenograft growth from the nitrite treatment than from either of the control. Mechanistic analysis indicated that nitrite induced the upregulation of HIF-1α as well as the downregulation of ROS in the tumor microenvironment. These results suggest that nitrite increases the invasiveness of SMMC-7721 cells through up-regulation of tumor stemness.