Objective:To investigate the protective effects of incremental hemodialysis (iHD) combined with furosemide on residual kidney function (RKF) in end-stage renal disease patients who initiate dialysis with preserved RKF.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial. The patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease who initiated hemodialysis at the Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from May 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled. The clinical data were collected and analyzed. The patients were randomly assigned to either iHD group (two 4-hour sessions per week or three 3-hour sessions per week, with oral furosemide 40-80 mg twice daily) or the standard HD group (three 4-hour sessions per week, with oral furosemide 40-80 mg twice daily). Differences in clinical characteristics and RKF were assessed between the two groups of patients at 3 months and 6 months, and the differences between the clinical characteristic and the baseline level at 6 months were analyzed, along with the incidence of adverse events.Results:A total of 87 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of whom 75 completed this study. The mean age was (53.45±12.57) years old, with 37 females (49.33%) and 38 males (50.67%). The patients were assigned to iHD group (39 cases) and standard HD group (36 cases). At 3 months of the trial, compared with standard HD group, the level of serum C-reactive protein was significantly decreased, and the level of eGFR was significantly increased in the iHD group. At 6 months of the trial, the levels of systolic blood pressure, serum β 2-microglobulin, average ultrafiltration volume and C-reactive protein were significantly decreased, and the levels of eGFR, 24-hour urine volume were significantly increased in the iHD group ( P<0.05). The difference in eGFR, urine volume and systolic blood pressure between the iHD group and the baseline level was significantly smaller than that between the standard HD group and the baseline level (all P<0.05). In contrast, the differences in C-reactive protein was significantly greater than that in standard HD group and the baseline level ( P<0.05). At the 3rd, 6th month of the trial, the 24-h urine volumes of iHD group and standard HD group were (955±219) ml/24 h vs. (847±143) ml/24 h, (914±151) ml/24 h vs. (827±124) ml/24 h, showing statistically significant differences ( t=2.510, P=0.014; t=2.729, P=0.008). Adverse events mainly included pulmonary infections (22 cases), fluid overload during the dialysis interval (or more than 5% of the ideal dry weight, 12 cases), heart failure (4R or 4NR grade, 7 cases), hyperkalemia (6 cases), and thrombosis or failure of vascular access (3 cases). The incidence of adverse events did not differ statistically between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:iHD combined with furosemide helps preserve RKF and maintain urine output within 6 months compared with standard HD in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of the nasal cycle and the patterns of bilateral nasal airflow distribution in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 29 healthy subjects (control group: 16 males, 13 females; age range 23-60 years, mean 31.03±8.67 years) and 41 patients with OSA (OSA group: 34 males, 7 females; age range 20-62 years, mean 39.73±11.27 years) who visited the Sleep Medicine Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between March 2022 and April 2025. Whole-night split-channel nasal airflow and polysomnography were performed to calculate nasal airflow laterality, nasal cycle duration, and the effects of severity, sleep stages, and body position on bilateral nasal airflow distribution during sleep were analyzed.Results:The nasal cycle duration in OSA patients was significantly shorter than in controls (179.5 min vs. 312.5 min, χ 2=14.01, P<0.001). Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and age were independent influencing factors. In the OSA group, the incidence of nasal cycle transitions within 10 minutes after wake [(observed)7/50 vs. 2/55(expected), χ 2=14.32, P<0.001], REM sleep [(observed)23/34 vs. 14/43(expected), χ 2=8.14, P=0.004], and position changes (21/36 vs. 11/46, χ 2=12.02, P<0.001) was higher, while, in the control group, it was only associated with REM sleep (15/15 vs. 8/22, χ 2=8.80, P=0.003). Nasal airflow lateralization in the OSA group showed a stronger correlation with body position. The nasal airflow lateralization in the supine position was significantly lower in OSA patients than in controls [REM stage: 0.626 (0.425, 0.743) vs. 0.781 (0.706, 0.857), Z=3.62, P<0.001; N3 stage: 0.526 (0.438, 0.600) vs. 0.716 (0.608, 0.853), Z=2.17, P=0.032; N1/2 stage: 0.702 (0.526, 0.787) vs. 0.747 (0.663, 0.820), Z=1.68, P=0.095]. Multiple linear regression revealed that AHI explained 31.3% of the variance in nasal airflow lateralization during supine REM sleep. Conclusions:The nasal airflow regulation during sleep in OSA patients differs from that in healthy individuals. Compared with healthy subjects, OSA patients exhibit shorter nasal cycle durations, reduced nasal airflow lateralization in the supine position, and a higher likelihood of nasal cycle transitions triggered by position changes or arousal. Healthy subjects demonstrate high and stable nasal airflow asymmetry during sleep, with minimal influence from sleep stages or body position.

Cancer immunotherapy has emerged as a promising strategy. However, low response rates and immune-related side effects have plagued immunotherapy. Metallic nanoparticles, utilizing metals as their framework, are gaining prominence in cancer immunotherapy. Metal ions have shown the ability to modulate immune status by activating the cGAS-STING pathway and inducing immunogenic cell death (ICD), thereby enabling multidimensional activation of immunotherapy. Metallic nanoparticles offer significant advantages in cancer immunotherapy, leading to their increasing use in enhancing therapeutic outcomes. In view of the ever-increasing research on metallic nanoparticles, this review presents the construction, characterization, and enhanced cancer immunotherapeutic effects of different types of metal nanosystems from the perspective of the immunoregulatory mechanisms of metal ions. We delve into the current limitations and future directions of metallic nanoparticles in this rapidly evolving field. To the best of our knowledge, this review offers the most up-to-date and systematic analysis of metallic nanoparticles in immunotherapeutic applications. It is anticipated that this review of metallic nanoparticles will inspire a more refined and intelligent design of metallic nanoparticles for future research, paving the way for advancing their clinical applications.

An ideal dermal filler should integrate filling, repair, and anti-aging effects, with immediate tissue augmentation, slow degradation, and progressive stimulation of collagen regeneration. However, commonly used hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogels, while effective for rapid filling, suffer from limited duration of support, weak cell adhesion, and an inability to promote collagen regeneration. Silk fibroin (SF), a natural protein from silkworm cocoons, is known for its excellent cell adhesion and collagen-stimulating abilities. However, its limited gelation capability restricts its potential application as a standalone injectable hydrogel. Based on a complementary strategy, this study combines the rapid gelling properties of HA with the collagen regenerative properties of SF to create a co-crosslinked HA-SF hydrogel. The composite hydrogel merges HA's rapid filling effect with SF's strong tissue adhesion and collagen-stimulating abilities. The formulation, physicochemical properties, degradation, biocompatibility, and filling effects of the HA-SF hydrogel were systematically investigated. HA-SF hydrogel exhibits excellent mechanical properties and ensures long-term support while maintaining injectability. Interestingly, after intradermal injection in the UVB-induced photoaging model, HA-SF hydrogel not only enhances hydrogel-cell interaction but also continues to stimulate collagen regeneration, especially type III collagen. This dual action achieves the biological effects of repair and anti-aging while maintaining the filling effect. Proteomic analysis confirms that repair and anti-aging effects are enhanced by the regulation of skin fibroblasts and modulation of amino acid and lipid metabolism. This composite hydrogel holds strong promise for clinical applications, offering a safer, long-lasting, and more natural injectable filler that combines filling, repair, and anti-aging into one system.

Objective To investigate the susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans strains to antifungal drugs and examine the relevant clinical manifestations and laboratory test results in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai during the period from 2019 to 2023.Methods The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF and biochemical identification cards.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)values of 5-fluorocytosine,amphotericin B,fluconazole,voriconazole,and itraconazole against C.neoformans strains were measured using broth microdilution method.The corresponding clinical data were reviewed and compared.Results Majority(78.7％)of the 75 strains of C.neoformans were isolated from cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).The prevalence of wild type(WT)strains was the lowest(36.0％)for itraconazole and the highest(94.7％)for voriconazole.Cryptococcus capsular antigen test was positive in 62 strains.The results of Cryptococcus capsular antigen test was consistent with fungal culture in 96.9％of the cases.Conclusions Most of the C.neoformans strains were isolated from CSF.The prevalence of non-WT C.neoformans strains was the highest for itraconazole.The prevalence of WT C.neoformans strains was the highest for voriconazole.

Objective To investigate the susceptibility of Cryptococcus neoformans strains to antifungal drugs and examine the relevant clinical manifestations and laboratory test results in a tertiary hospital in Shanghai during the period from 2019 to 2023.Methods The isolates were identified by MALDI-TOF and biochemical identification cards.The minimum inhibitory concentration(MIC)values of 5-fluorocytosine,amphotericin B,fluconazole,voriconazole,and itraconazole against C.neoformans strains were measured using broth microdilution method.The corresponding clinical data were reviewed and compared.Results Majority(78.7％)of the 75 strains of C.neoformans were isolated from cerebrospinal fluid(CSF).The prevalence of wild type(WT)strains was the lowest(36.0％)for itraconazole and the highest(94.7％)for voriconazole.Cryptococcus capsular antigen test was positive in 62 strains.The results of Cryptococcus capsular antigen test was consistent with fungal culture in 96.9％of the cases.Conclusions Most of the C.neoformans strains were isolated from CSF.The prevalence of non-WT C.neoformans strains was the highest for itraconazole.The prevalence of WT C.neoformans strains was the highest for voriconazole.

Objective:To investigate the protective effects of incremental hemodialysis (iHD) combined with furosemide on residual kidney function (RKF) in end-stage renal disease patients who initiate dialysis with preserved RKF.Methods:This was a randomized controlled trial. The patients diagnosed with end-stage renal disease who initiated hemodialysis at the Department of Nephrology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from May 2021 to May 2023 were enrolled. The clinical data were collected and analyzed. The patients were randomly assigned to either iHD group (two 4-hour sessions per week or three 3-hour sessions per week, with oral furosemide 40-80 mg twice daily) or the standard HD group (three 4-hour sessions per week, with oral furosemide 40-80 mg twice daily). Differences in clinical characteristics and RKF were assessed between the two groups of patients at 3 months and 6 months, and the differences between the clinical characteristic and the baseline level at 6 months were analyzed, along with the incidence of adverse events.Results:A total of 87 patients met the inclusion and exclusion criteria, of whom 75 completed this study. The mean age was (53.45±12.57) years old, with 37 females (49.33%) and 38 males (50.67%). The patients were assigned to iHD group (39 cases) and standard HD group (36 cases). At 3 months of the trial, compared with standard HD group, the level of serum C-reactive protein was significantly decreased, and the level of eGFR was significantly increased in the iHD group. At 6 months of the trial, the levels of systolic blood pressure, serum β 2-microglobulin, average ultrafiltration volume and C-reactive protein were significantly decreased, and the levels of eGFR, 24-hour urine volume were significantly increased in the iHD group ( P<0.05). The difference in eGFR, urine volume and systolic blood pressure between the iHD group and the baseline level was significantly smaller than that between the standard HD group and the baseline level (all P<0.05). In contrast, the differences in C-reactive protein was significantly greater than that in standard HD group and the baseline level ( P<0.05). At the 3rd, 6th month of the trial, the 24-h urine volumes of iHD group and standard HD group were (955±219) ml/24 h vs. (847±143) ml/24 h, (914±151) ml/24 h vs. (827±124) ml/24 h, showing statistically significant differences ( t=2.510, P=0.014; t=2.729, P=0.008). Adverse events mainly included pulmonary infections (22 cases), fluid overload during the dialysis interval (or more than 5% of the ideal dry weight, 12 cases), heart failure (4R or 4NR grade, 7 cases), hyperkalemia (6 cases), and thrombosis or failure of vascular access (3 cases). The incidence of adverse events did not differ statistically between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:iHD combined with furosemide helps preserve RKF and maintain urine output within 6 months compared with standard HD in patients with end-stage renal disease.

Objective:To investigate the characteristics of the nasal cycle and the patterns of bilateral nasal airflow distribution in patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA).Methods:This cross-sectional study analyzed data from 29 healthy subjects (control group: 16 males, 13 females; age range 23-60 years, mean 31.03±8.67 years) and 41 patients with OSA (OSA group: 34 males, 7 females; age range 20-62 years, mean 39.73±11.27 years) who visited the Sleep Medicine Center of Beijing Tongren Hospital, Capital Medical University, between March 2022 and April 2025. Whole-night split-channel nasal airflow and polysomnography were performed to calculate nasal airflow laterality, nasal cycle duration, and the effects of severity, sleep stages, and body position on bilateral nasal airflow distribution during sleep were analyzed.Results:The nasal cycle duration in OSA patients was significantly shorter than in controls (179.5 min vs. 312.5 min, χ 2=14.01, P<0.001). Apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) and age were independent influencing factors. In the OSA group, the incidence of nasal cycle transitions within 10 minutes after wake [(observed)7/50 vs. 2/55(expected), χ 2=14.32, P<0.001], REM sleep [(observed)23/34 vs. 14/43(expected), χ 2=8.14, P=0.004], and position changes (21/36 vs. 11/46, χ 2=12.02, P<0.001) was higher, while, in the control group, it was only associated with REM sleep (15/15 vs. 8/22, χ 2=8.80, P=0.003). Nasal airflow lateralization in the OSA group showed a stronger correlation with body position. The nasal airflow lateralization in the supine position was significantly lower in OSA patients than in controls [REM stage: 0.626 (0.425, 0.743) vs. 0.781 (0.706, 0.857), Z=3.62, P<0.001; N3 stage: 0.526 (0.438, 0.600) vs. 0.716 (0.608, 0.853), Z=2.17, P=0.032; N1/2 stage: 0.702 (0.526, 0.787) vs. 0.747 (0.663, 0.820), Z=1.68, P=0.095]. Multiple linear regression revealed that AHI explained 31.3% of the variance in nasal airflow lateralization during supine REM sleep. Conclusions:The nasal airflow regulation during sleep in OSA patients differs from that in healthy individuals. Compared with healthy subjects, OSA patients exhibit shorter nasal cycle durations, reduced nasal airflow lateralization in the supine position, and a higher likelihood of nasal cycle transitions triggered by position changes or arousal. Healthy subjects demonstrate high and stable nasal airflow asymmetry during sleep, with minimal influence from sleep stages or body position.

The construction of clinical research management system in public hospitals is an important platform for China's clinical research workers to achieve new products conversion and application.At present,China have basically realized the informatization of clinical trial management process and scientific research project,improved the efficiency and quality of scientific research management,but there is still a large distance from the requirements of digital management platform.The core problem is that there is no unified standard for clinical data collection,disjointed management of the whole process,and backward communication and collaboration mode.The establishment of a standardized disease database has become an effective means to achieve standardized clinical data,and it is the basis for opening up the clogging point of the whole process management and realizing multi-department data sharing.