Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumor (WDPMT).Methods:Sixteen cases of resected WDPMTs diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China from 2017 to 2024 were collected and the clinicopathological features were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 7 males amd 9 females, with a mean age of 53.8±14.8 years (range, 25-83 years). Tumor size ranged from 3 to 12 mm in maximum diameter. Of the 16 cases, 15 involved the peritoneum and 1 involved the pleura, one of which occurred on the surface of ovary. All cases were incidentally identified during unrelated surgical procedures. Histologically, tumors exhibited arborizing papillary growth patterns and frequently displayed hierarchically branching papilla. Tumor cells showed cuboidal to flattened cell morphology with minimal nuclear atypia. Mitotic figures were not noted in all cases. Entrapped gland-like tumor cell clusters were found in the stroma of tumor papilla in 1 of the 16 cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed mesothelial markers (Calretinin, D2-40, and CK5/6) in all cases, and BAP1 and MTAP were immunoreactive in all tested cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed no CDKN2A deletions.Conclusions:WDPMT predominantly occurs in the peritoneum and typically demonstrates indolent biological behaviors. It often shows overlapping features with mesothelioma in situ and epithelioid mesothelioma. The hierarchical branching papillae is its diagnostic hallmark, while routine immunohistochemical evaluation of BAP1 and MTAP is also recommended for differential diagnosis of these tumors.

Objective:To observe the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at different frequencies on cognitive impairment due to high-altitude hypoxia.Methods:Sixty officers and soldiers displaying cognitive impairment in a hypoxic high-altitude environment were randomly divided into 15Hz, 20Hz and 25Hz groups, each of 20. They were given rTMS at those frequencies for 30 days. Before the stimulation and after 15 and 30 days, event-related potentials, latencies of mismatched negativity (MMN) and P300 signals were recorded. The participants′ cognition was also evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Correlation between the electrophysiological indexes and the MoCA scores was computed.Results:After 15 days, all had shorter MMN latencies, higher total MoCA scores and better memory scores. The only significant difference among the three groups was in the average memory scores. After 15 days, MMN latency was significantly negatively correlated with the memory scores in all three groups ( r=0.44 to -0.54). Conclusions:rTMS at frequencies above 15Hz can effectively relieve cognitive impairment, especially memory dysfunction, resulting from high-altitude hypoxia.

Carotid artery perivascular adipose tissue (PVAT) can influence plaque formation and progression. Recently, carotid artery PVAT density has emerged as a novel imaging biomarker being capable of reflecting local metabolic and inflammatory states of adipose tissue. It is closely associated with vulnerable plaque characteristics, such as intraplaque hemorrhage, thinning or rupture of the fibrous cap, lipid-rich necrotic core, and calcification. Therefore, carotid artery PVAT density holds promise as a key parameter for early identification of vulnerable carotid plaques and stroke risk prediction. This article reviews the definition and pathophysiological mechanism of PVAT and application of imaging techniques in PVAT, as well as the association between carotid artery PVAT density and vulnerable characteristics of plaques, with the aim of providing references for early identification of asymptomatic high-risk plaques and individualized prevention strategies of ischemic stroke.

Objective:To investigate the changes in sympathetic nerve activity after lower limb immobilization and the role of sympathetic nerve in regulating disuse atrophy of skeletal muscles.Methods:The experiment was divided into the following 3 parts: ① Twelve 8-week-old male C57 mice were randomly divided into a blank control group and a hind limb fixation group ( n=6). The blank control group received no intervention while the hind limb fixation group received splint fixation of the hind limbs for 2 weeks before the musculoskeletal multi-dimensional characterization was completed at the behavioral, pathological and molecular levels. ② Thirty-six 8-week-old male C57 mice were selected and randomly divided into a control group and 5 hind limb fixation groups (for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days) ( n=6). The control group was fed normally until 14 days without any intervention while the 5 hind limb fixation groups were sampled after fixation for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days, respectively. The level of norepinephrine in the serum and the expression level of tyrosine hydroxylase (TH), a marker of sympathetic nerve activity in the paraventricular nucleus of hypothalamus (PVN), were detected to observe the plasticity of sympathetic nerve activity. ③ Eighteen 8-week-old male C57 mice were selected and randomly divided into a blank control group, a hind limb fixation group and a hind limb fixation plus medication group ( n=6). The blank control group received no intervention while the 2 fixation groups were injected with phosphate buffer (PBS) and propranolol hydrochloride solution for 2 consecutive weeks, respectively. The parameters related to the skeletal muscles were compared between the 3 groups. Results:① Compared with the control group, the mass and function of skeletal muscles in the hind limb fixation group were statistically significantly decreased ( P<0.05). ② The levels of serum norepinephrine [(3.27±1.03) ng/mL, (9.21±1.05) ng/mL, (6.36±0.88) ng/mL, (3.84±1.00) ng/mL, and (3.91±0.75) ng/mL] and the PVN TH levels (42.00%±5.38%, 61.67%±5.57%, 55.82%±3.11%, 50.90%±2.53%, and 39.17%±9.07%) in the 5 hind limb fixation groups (for 1, 3, 5, 7 and 14 days) were significantly higher than those in the control group [(1.81±0.72)] ng/mL and 23.33%±5.50%] ( P<0.05). ③ The wet weight of the gastrocnemius muscle [(93.50±4.32) mg] and the cross-section area of the tibial anterior muscle [(1,180.00±95.09) μm 2] in the hind limb fixation plus medication group were increased significantly compared with those in the hind limb fixation group [(80.83±9.99) mg and (907.80±121.00) μm 2] ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Overactivation of the sympathetic nervous system occurs in the mice model of skeletal muscle disuse atrophy after hind limb fixation. Inhibition of sympathetic nerve activity may reduce the severity of skeletal muscle atrophy at the lower limbs.

Objective To analyze the early prognosis of repairing adult aortic insufficiency with the Florida sleeve procedure. Methods The patients with aortic insufficiency who underwent Florida sleeve repair in the Nanjing First Hospital, Nanjing Medical University between August 2020 and May 2024 were selected. Their general data, perioperative conditions, and echocardiographic data before, during, and after the procedure and at follow-up were analyzed. Results Fifteen patients were included, consisting of 12 males and 3 females, aged 33-71 (53.5±12.4) years. Preoperative echocardiography indicated that there was 1 patient of rheumatic disease, 7 patients of degenerative disease, 4 patients secondary to aortic aneurysm, and 3 patients of bicuspid aortic valve. The severity distribution included 2 patients of severe insufficiency, 4 patients of moderate-to-severe insufficiency, 5 patients of moderate insufficiency, and 4 patients of mild-to-moderate insufficiency. The mean cardiopulmonary bypass time was (135.0±40.0) minutes, the aortic cross-clamp time was (109.9±38.6) minutes, and the median ICU stay was 1.0 day. No mortality was recorded within 30 days postoperatively. Follow-up echocardiography showed that the valve regurgitation, left ventricular end-diastolic diameter, left ventricular end-systolic diameter, and sinus diameter all achieved the desired outcomes. Conclusion Florida sleeve repair for aortic valve in patients with a sinus diameter less than 50 mm not only effectively improves hemodynamics in adults with aortic insufficiency, but also has the advantages of low surgical risk and rapid postoperative recovery, making it a promising procedure for clinical application.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism by which serum amyloid P component (SAP) alleviates periodontitis in mice, providing an experimental basis to establish SAP as a novel therapeutic agent for periodontitis. Methods: Ethical approval was obtained from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee. Periodontitis models were established in wild-type (WT) mice and SAP-transgenic (SAP-Tg) mice, divided into four groups: WT control (WT group), WT periodontitis (WT+P group), SAP-Tg control (Tg group), and SAP-Tg periodontitis (Tg+P group). On day 7, the mice were euthanized, and periodontal tissues, teeth, and alveolar bone were collected. SAP protein expression was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Micro-CT and HE staining were used to measure alveolar bone resorption (distance from the cementoenamel junction to the alveolar bone crest). Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) staining was performed to assess osteoclast number, and immunohistochemistry (IHC) was employed to evaluate macrophage infiltration. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines including interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured by qRT-PCR. Oral microorganism composition was analyzed using 16S ribosomal RNA (16S rRNA) gene sequencing. Additionally, macrophages from WT and SAP-Tg mice were isolated to establish an in vitro inflammation model, divided into WT+LPS and Tg+LPS groups. The expression of macrophage polarization-related genes including inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), CD86, CD163, and CD206) were assessed by qRT-PCR. After the induction of osteoclast differentiation, TRAP staining was performed. Results: ELISA results demonstrated that periodontal tissues from Tg+P group mice exhibited higher levels of SAP expression compared to the WT+P group. Micro-CT and HE staining analyses revealed that the Tg+P group showed reduced alveolar bone resorption, indicated by a shorter distance between the cementoenamel junction and alveolar bone crest, compared to the WT+P group. Furthermore, TRAP staining results indicated a decrease in osteoclast numbers in the Tg+P group compared to the WT+P group. IHC and qRT-PCR results indicated reduced macrophage infiltration and decreased expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in the Tg+P group. Oral microorganism sequencing showed no significant difference in periodontitis-associated pathogenic bacteria between WT+P and Tg+P groups. In vitro experiments demonstrated that compared to the WT+LPS group, the Tg+LPS group exhibited downregulated M1 macrophage markers (iNOS and CD86) and upregulated M2 macrophage markers (CD163 and CD206). TRAP staining confirmed fewer osteoclasts in the Tg+LPS group. Conclusion SAP overexpression effectively alleviates periodontitis severity in mice by inhibiting M1 macrophage polarization, reducing pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and suppressing osteoclast differentiation, thereby attenuating alveolar bone resorption.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility and effectiveness of three-dimensional visualization technology in the precise diagnosis and treatment of locally advanced differentiated thyroid cancer(DTC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 196 patients with locally advanced DTC treated at the 960th Hospital of the PLA from December 2021 to August 2023. The cohort included 71 male and 125 female patients, with a mean age of 43.7 years (rangd from 18 to 77 years). All patients underwent neck-enhanced CT scans and were divided into two groups: the study group( n=102), which underwent preoperative three-dimensional visualization of CT data, and the control group( n=94), which did not. Baseline data for both groups were matched using SPSS27.0 with 1∶1 propensity score matching (PSM) and the caliper value was 0.02. A total of 49 patients were included in each group, including 35 first-time surgeries and 14 reoperation. Among the 70 first-time surgeries, 29 patients underwent robotic surgery and 41 underwent open surgery. Among the 28 reoperations, 4 underwent robotic surgery and 24 underwent open surgery. In the study group, three-dimensional visual models were used to comprehensively evaluate the tumor and metastatic lesion size, spatial location, and adjacent relationship with surrounding organs, surgical treatments were guided by these models, whereas the control group relied on two-dimensional imaging for guidance. The clinical data were statistically analyzed using SPSS27.0. Results:All operations were successfully completed. There were no statistical differences in baseline data between the two groups( P>0.05). Among first-time surgeries, the study group showed shorter operation times [175(145, 200) min vs 205(182, 249) min, P<0.001], a lower incidence of postoperative chyle leak (0 vs 8.57%, P=0.027), a higher rate of robotic surgery (48.57% vs 34.28%, P=0.225), a greater number of harvested lymph nodes [46(40, 62) vs 37(28, 56), P=0.032], a greater number of cervical lymph node metastasis[15(7, 22) vs 5(1, 14), P=0.004] and a larger diameter of metastasis lymph nodes[12(10, 16) mm vs 4(1, 10) mm, P<0.001]. There were no significant differences in intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage days and incidence of hypoparathyroidism( P>0.05). During the reoperation, the study group had shorter operation times[103.5(95.0, 122.5) min vs 146.50(133.25, 172.25) min, P<0.001], less intraoperative blood loss[12.50(8.75, 22.50) mL vs 30.00(17.50, 35.00) mL, P=0.021], fewer postoperative drainage days[5.00(4.00, 6.00) d vs 6.00(5.00, 7.25) d, P=0.016] and a lower incidence of hypoparathyroidism(7.14% vs 42.86%, P=0.038).The robotic surgery rate was higher in the study group (21.42% vs 7.14%, P=0.596). There were no significant differences in lymph node dissection numbers, metastatic lymph node counts, or chyle leak incidences between the two groups ( P>0.05). No acute bleeding or incision infection occurred in any patient postoperatively. Conclusion:Three-dimensional visualization technology is an effective preoperative assessment method for evaluating the resectability of tumors and metastases lesions in locally advanced DTC. It enhances the accuracy and safety of surgery for locally advanced DTC.

Objective:To investigate the induction effect of different concentrations of glucose on the polarization of Raw264.7 macrophages in vitro.Methods:The Raw264.7 cells cultured in DMEM medium were divided into control group(5.5 mmol·L-1 glucose),different high-glucose groups(15.0,25.0,35.0,and 45.0 mmol·L-1 glucose),and positive control group[lipopolysaccharide(LPS)].The cells were cultured for 3,6,and 9 h,respectively.Cell morphology was observed in various groups.Cell counting kit-8(CCK-8)method was used to assess the survival rates of cells in various groups.Real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)method was used to detect the expression levels of interleukin-6(IL-6),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),and interleukin-10(IL-10)mRNA in cells in various groups.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to measure the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-10 in the cell supernatants in various groups.Flow cytometry was used to determine the percentages of M1 and M2 macrophage markers,CD86+and CD163+cells,in various groups.Results:In control group,theRaw264.7 cells adhered to the culture dish,with a predominantly round morphology.The cells in 35.0 mmol·L-1 high-glucose group and positive control group showed elongated shapes and pseudopodium formation,indicating inflammatory changes.Compared with control group,the survival rates in different high-glucose groups at 6,12,24,and 48 h after treatment were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with control group,after 3 h of treatment,the expression levels of IL-6 and IL-10 mRNA in the cells in 35.0 mmol·L-1 high-glucose group were increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),while no significant changes were observed in IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-10 levels in the cell supernatants(P＞0.05);after 6 h of treatment,the expression level of TNF-α mRNA in the cells in 35.0 mmol·L-1 high-glucose group was increased(P＜0.001),and the levels of IL-6,TNF-α,and IL-10 in the cell supernatants were significantly increased(P＜0.05 or P＜0.001);after 3 h of treatment,the percentages of macrophage markers CD86+cells and CD163+cells in 35.0 mmolL-1 high-glucose group were significantly increased(P＜0.01 or P＜0.001).Conclusion:A certain high concentration of glucose may induce the polarization of Raw264.7 macrophages towards the M1 subtype in vitro.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of well-differentiated papillary mesothelial tumor (WDPMT).Methods:Sixteen cases of resected WDPMTs diagnosed at the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China from 2017 to 2024 were collected and the clinicopathological features were retrospectively analyzed.Results:There were 7 males amd 9 females, with a mean age of 53.8±14.8 years (range, 25-83 years). Tumor size ranged from 3 to 12 mm in maximum diameter. Of the 16 cases, 15 involved the peritoneum and 1 involved the pleura, one of which occurred on the surface of ovary. All cases were incidentally identified during unrelated surgical procedures. Histologically, tumors exhibited arborizing papillary growth patterns and frequently displayed hierarchically branching papilla. Tumor cells showed cuboidal to flattened cell morphology with minimal nuclear atypia. Mitotic figures were not noted in all cases. Entrapped gland-like tumor cell clusters were found in the stroma of tumor papilla in 1 of the 16 cases. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells expressed mesothelial markers (Calretinin, D2-40, and CK5/6) in all cases, and BAP1 and MTAP were immunoreactive in all tested cases. Fluorescence in situ hybridization revealed no CDKN2A deletions.Conclusions:WDPMT predominantly occurs in the peritoneum and typically demonstrates indolent biological behaviors. It often shows overlapping features with mesothelioma in situ and epithelioid mesothelioma. The hierarchical branching papillae is its diagnostic hallmark, while routine immunohistochemical evaluation of BAP1 and MTAP is also recommended for differential diagnosis of these tumors.

Objective:To observe the effect of high-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) at different frequencies on cognitive impairment due to high-altitude hypoxia.Methods:Sixty officers and soldiers displaying cognitive impairment in a hypoxic high-altitude environment were randomly divided into 15Hz, 20Hz and 25Hz groups, each of 20. They were given rTMS at those frequencies for 30 days. Before the stimulation and after 15 and 30 days, event-related potentials, latencies of mismatched negativity (MMN) and P300 signals were recorded. The participants′ cognition was also evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA). Correlation between the electrophysiological indexes and the MoCA scores was computed.Results:After 15 days, all had shorter MMN latencies, higher total MoCA scores and better memory scores. The only significant difference among the three groups was in the average memory scores. After 15 days, MMN latency was significantly negatively correlated with the memory scores in all three groups ( r=0.44 to -0.54). Conclusions:rTMS at frequencies above 15Hz can effectively relieve cognitive impairment, especially memory dysfunction, resulting from high-altitude hypoxia.