Objective:To investigate the role of the Smad3 signaling pathway in the process of silica-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) .Methods:In September 2022, lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to different concentrations of silica suspension (0, 50, 100, and 150 μg/ml) for 6 and 12 hours. Additionally, SIS3, a specific inhibitor of phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) , was utilized to establish the p-Smad3 inhibition model. The cells were divided into four groups: blank control gruop, silica group, SIS3 intervention group, and SIS3 +silica group. Cell morphology was observed using an inverted fluorescence microscope, while cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) . The mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin (E-Cad) , N-cadherin (N-Cad) , Vimentin, Smad3, and p-Smad3 were analyzed by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Differences between two groups were compared using Student's t-test, and multiple group comparisons were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance with the Student-Newman-Keuls test.Results:Compared with the blank control group, the morphology of BEAS-2B cells shifted from epithelial to mesenchymal cell-like following silica exposure, and the cell viability of BEAS-2B cells declined after exposure to 150 μg/ml silica for 6 and 12 hours. Furthermore, silica exposure led to significant reductions in mRNA and protein expression levels of the epithelial cellular marker (E-Cad) in BEAS-2B cells, accompanied by increased expressions of interstitial cellular markers (N-Cad and Vimentin) . Importantly, the level of p-Smad3/Smad3 expression levels was also elevated in silica-treated cells ( P<0.05) . Compared to the blank control group, the level of p-Smad3/Smad3 expression levels was significantty reduced. Moreover, compared to the silica group, the protein expression levels of N-Cad and Vimentin in the cell of the SIS3+silica group were significantly reduced, while the E-Cad expression was increased ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Silica exposure can prmote the epithelial mesenchymaol transformotion process by activating smod3 signa ling pathuay, and in hibiting smad3 signa ling pathuay can effctively alleviate the occurrence of epithelial mesenchymal transformation process.

Objective To analyze the lung function condition and the prevalence of pulmonary ventilation disorders in the occupational population of Wuhan, and to explore their influencing factors. Methods Physical examination data from the Wuhan Prevention and Treatment Center for Occupational Diseases were used in this study, and finally 9499 people were selected as the study subjects. The linear regression model and logistic regression model were used to analyze the influencing factors of pulmonary ventilation function and pulmonary dysfunction. The restricted cubic spline was used to explore the nonlinear relationship. Results The prevalence of pulmonary ventilation disorders was 1.7%, and the lung function indexes FVC, FEV1, and FEV1/FVC were significantly lower in the population aged >27 years than in the population aged <27 years (P<0.001). The lung function indexes FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in females than in males (P<0.001). The lung function indexes FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in underweight occupational groups than in normal-weight groups (P<0.001), and FVC and FEV1 were significantly lower in dust-exposed occupational groups than in groups without dust exposure(P<0.05). Restricted cubic spline plots showed a nonlinear relationship between age and lung function indexes FVC and FEV1 (P_nonlinear< 0.05). Age and BMI were the risk factors for pulmonary ventilation disorders. Conclusion Age, gender, BMI, and dust exposure are risk factors for decreased FVC and FEV1. Age is the risk factor for decreased FEV1/FVC. Age and BMI are the risk factors for pulmonary ventilation disorders.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate programmed death-ligand 1 tumor proportion score in predicting the safety and efficacy of PD-1/PD-L1 antibody-based therapy in treating patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a real-world setting. METHODS: This retrospective, multicenter, observational study enrolled adult patients who received PD-1/PD-L1 antibody-based therapy in China and met the following criteria: (1) had pathologically confirmed, unresectable stage III-IV NSCLC; (2) had a baseline PD-L1 tumor proportion score (TPS); and (3) had confirmed efficacy evaluation results after PD-1/PD-L1 treatment. Logistic regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, and Cox regression were used to assess the progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), and immune-related adverse events (irAEs) as appropriate. RESULTS: A total of 409 patients, 65.0% ( n = 266) with a positive PD-L1 TPS (≥1%) and 32.8% ( n = 134) with PD-L1 TPS ≥50%, were included in this study. Cox regression confirmed that patients with a PD-L1 TPS ≥1% had significantly improved PFS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.747, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.573-0.975, P = 0.032). A total of 160 (39.1%) patients experienced 206 irAEs, and 27 (6.6%) patients experienced 31 grade 3-5 irAEs. The organs most frequently associated with irAEs were the skin (52/409, 12.7%), thyroid (40/409, 9.8%), and lung (34/409, 8.3%). Multivariate logistic regression revealed that a PD-L1 TPS ≥1% (odds ratio [OR] 1.713, 95% CI 1.054-2.784, P = 0.030) was an independent risk factor for irAEs. Other risk factors for irAEs included pretreatment absolute lymphocyte count >2.5 × 10 9 /L (OR 3.772, 95% CI 1.377-10.329, P = 0.010) and pretreatment absolute eosinophil count >0.2 × 10 9 /L (OR 2.006, 95% CI 1.219-3.302, P = 0.006). Moreover, patients who developed irAEs demonstrated improved PFS (13.7 months vs. 8.4 months, P <0.001) and OS (28.0 months vs. 18.0 months, P = 0.007) compared with patients without irAEs. CONCLUSIONS A positive PD-L1 TPS (≥1%) was associated with improved PFS and an increased risk of irAEs in a real-world setting. The onset of irAEs was associated with improved PFS and OS in patients with advanced NSCLC receiving PD-1/PD-L1-based therapy.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Lung Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Aged ; B7-H1 Antigen/metabolism* ; Programmed Cell Death 1 Receptor/metabolism* ; Adult ; Aged, 80 and over ; Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors/therapeutic use*

To investigate the effect of isthmin-1 (ISM1) on the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanism, this study analyzed the expression of ISM1 in pancreatic cancer patients and normal pancreatic tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Western blot was employed to detect differences in ISM1 protein expression between pancreatic cancer cell lines (Aspc1, Bxpc3, PANC1, SW1990) and the pancreatic epithelial cell line (hPNE). Cell models with stable ISM1 overexpression and knockdown were constructed, and changes in cell migration and invasion capabilities were assessed via Transwell invasion assays and wound healing assays. Meanwhile, Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of key markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, TCGA and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized to analyze pathways regulated downstream of ISM1 and the mechanisms promoting pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was used to screen for vimentin as an ISM1-binding protein, and the interaction between ISM1 and vimentin was verified by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Bxpc3 cells overexpressing ISM1 were treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) to detect vimentin protein stability. The results indicate that ISM1 promotes the EMT process by inhibiting vimentin degradation, thereby enhancing the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. This study provides new experimental evidence for elucidating the mechanism of pancreatic cancer metastasis.

Objective:To retrospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of total 3D laparo-scopic ileal ureters replacement for bilateral ureters combined with bladder augmentation in patients with post-radiotherapy long-segment bilateral ureteral strictures and contracted bladder.Methods:Clinical data of two patients(aged 72 and 54 years)with radiation-induced long-segment bilateral ureteral stric-tures and reduced bladder capacity,treated at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from Octo-ber 2023 to June 2024,were analyzed.Both presented with bilateral flank pain,recurrent chills/fever,urinary frequency,and urgency.Preoperative ureteral stricture lengths were measured as follows:left 10.4 cm and right 8.7 cm in the first case;left 10.6 cm and right 11.7 cm in the second case.Bladder capacity assessed by nephrostomy-assisted antegrade urography was 90 mL and 130 mL respectively.Both underwent single-position,one-stage totally 3D laparoscopic bilateral ileal ureteral replacement and blad-der augmentation based on membrane anatomy principles,with regular postoperative follow-up.Results:Procedures were completed by the same experienced urologist.Operative times were 420 min and 355 min,with intraoperative blood loss of 50 mL(no transfusion required).Postoperative bowel function re-sumed at the end of 4.5 and 3 days.No major perioperative complications occurred.Ureteral stents were removed at 2 months postoperatively,with imaging showing improved hydronephrosis,unobstructed ure-teral drainage,symmetrical bladder morphology,and smooth walls.Postoperative bladder capacities were 230 mL and 250 mL.Follow-up durations were 10 and 8 months.Both patients experienced significant relief of flank pain and lower urinary tract symptoms.No complications(enteric fistula,urinary fistula,or metabolic acidosis)were observed.At the final follow-up,one patient had mildly elevated serum cre-atinine,while the other showed reduced levels compared with preoperative values;both remained stable.Conclusion:Membrane anatomy-based dissection facilitates safe mobilization of fibrotic ureters with mini-mal bleeding and collateral damage.Total intracorporeal 3D laparoscopic ileal ureters replacement for bi-lateral ureters combined with bladder augmentation effectively addresses long-segment ureteral obstruction and improves bladder capacity.This approach is technically safe and feasible,though further validation with larger clinical cohorts is warranted.

Objective In response to the clinical needs for personalized wrist orthoses,a topological optimization design method was proposed to achieve an integrated macro-and micro-structural optimization of a personalized,lightweight,and comfortable wrist orthosis.Methods A composite biomechanical finite element model of the wrist orthosis and upper limb was established to quantify the effects of the orthosis geometry on its fixation performance and comfort.A multi-condition topological optimization and microstructure design approach was employed to optimize the non-load-bearing areas of the orthosis.The orthosis was manufactured using three-dimensional(3D)-printed polyether ether ketone(PEEK),and the feasibility of the design was validated.Results While maintaining mechanical strength,the weight of the 3D-printed PEEK orthosis was reduced by 28％compared to the traditional orthoses.Both the pressure at the skin contact interface and the results of a subjective questionnaire indicated that test subjects experienced a high level of comfort wearing the orthosis.Conclusions The orthosis design achieved personalization,lightweight structure,and high comfort while ensuring mechanical strength and fixation performance.

Objective:To retrospectively evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of total 3D laparo-scopic ileal ureters replacement for bilateral ureters combined with bladder augmentation in patients with post-radiotherapy long-segment bilateral ureteral strictures and contracted bladder.Methods:Clinical data of two patients(aged 72 and 54 years)with radiation-induced long-segment bilateral ureteral stric-tures and reduced bladder capacity,treated at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University from Octo-ber 2023 to June 2024,were analyzed.Both presented with bilateral flank pain,recurrent chills/fever,urinary frequency,and urgency.Preoperative ureteral stricture lengths were measured as follows:left 10.4 cm and right 8.7 cm in the first case;left 10.6 cm and right 11.7 cm in the second case.Bladder capacity assessed by nephrostomy-assisted antegrade urography was 90 mL and 130 mL respectively.Both underwent single-position,one-stage totally 3D laparoscopic bilateral ileal ureteral replacement and blad-der augmentation based on membrane anatomy principles,with regular postoperative follow-up.Results:Procedures were completed by the same experienced urologist.Operative times were 420 min and 355 min,with intraoperative blood loss of 50 mL(no transfusion required).Postoperative bowel function re-sumed at the end of 4.5 and 3 days.No major perioperative complications occurred.Ureteral stents were removed at 2 months postoperatively,with imaging showing improved hydronephrosis,unobstructed ure-teral drainage,symmetrical bladder morphology,and smooth walls.Postoperative bladder capacities were 230 mL and 250 mL.Follow-up durations were 10 and 8 months.Both patients experienced significant relief of flank pain and lower urinary tract symptoms.No complications(enteric fistula,urinary fistula,or metabolic acidosis)were observed.At the final follow-up,one patient had mildly elevated serum cre-atinine,while the other showed reduced levels compared with preoperative values;both remained stable.Conclusion:Membrane anatomy-based dissection facilitates safe mobilization of fibrotic ureters with mini-mal bleeding and collateral damage.Total intracorporeal 3D laparoscopic ileal ureters replacement for bi-lateral ureters combined with bladder augmentation effectively addresses long-segment ureteral obstruction and improves bladder capacity.This approach is technically safe and feasible,though further validation with larger clinical cohorts is warranted.

Objective In response to the clinical needs for personalized wrist orthoses,a topological optimization design method was proposed to achieve an integrated macro-and micro-structural optimization of a personalized,lightweight,and comfortable wrist orthosis.Methods A composite biomechanical finite element model of the wrist orthosis and upper limb was established to quantify the effects of the orthosis geometry on its fixation performance and comfort.A multi-condition topological optimization and microstructure design approach was employed to optimize the non-load-bearing areas of the orthosis.The orthosis was manufactured using three-dimensional(3D)-printed polyether ether ketone(PEEK),and the feasibility of the design was validated.Results While maintaining mechanical strength,the weight of the 3D-printed PEEK orthosis was reduced by 28％compared to the traditional orthoses.Both the pressure at the skin contact interface and the results of a subjective questionnaire indicated that test subjects experienced a high level of comfort wearing the orthosis.Conclusions The orthosis design achieved personalization,lightweight structure,and high comfort while ensuring mechanical strength and fixation performance.

Objective:To investigate the role of the Smad3 signaling pathway in the process of silica-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) .Methods:In September 2022, lung epithelial cells (BEAS-2B) were exposed to different concentrations of silica suspension (0, 50, 100, and 150 μg/ml) for 6 and 12 hours. Additionally, SIS3, a specific inhibitor of phosphorylated Smad3 (p-Smad3) , was utilized to establish the p-Smad3 inhibition model. The cells were divided into four groups: blank control gruop, silica group, SIS3 intervention group, and SIS3 +silica group. Cell morphology was observed using an inverted fluorescence microscope, while cell viability was assessed using a Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) . The mRNA and protein expression levels of E-cadherin (E-Cad) , N-cadherin (N-Cad) , Vimentin, Smad3, and p-Smad3 were analyzed by Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting, respectively. Differences between two groups were compared using Student's t-test, and multiple group comparisons were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance with the Student-Newman-Keuls test.Results:Compared with the blank control group, the morphology of BEAS-2B cells shifted from epithelial to mesenchymal cell-like following silica exposure, and the cell viability of BEAS-2B cells declined after exposure to 150 μg/ml silica for 6 and 12 hours. Furthermore, silica exposure led to significant reductions in mRNA and protein expression levels of the epithelial cellular marker (E-Cad) in BEAS-2B cells, accompanied by increased expressions of interstitial cellular markers (N-Cad and Vimentin) . Importantly, the level of p-Smad3/Smad3 expression levels was also elevated in silica-treated cells ( P<0.05) . Compared to the blank control group, the level of p-Smad3/Smad3 expression levels was significantty reduced. Moreover, compared to the silica group, the protein expression levels of N-Cad and Vimentin in the cell of the SIS3+silica group were significantly reduced, while the E-Cad expression was increased ( P<0.05) . Conclusion:Silica exposure can prmote the epithelial mesenchymaol transformotion process by activating smod3 signa ling pathuay, and in hibiting smad3 signa ling pathuay can effctively alleviate the occurrence of epithelial mesenchymal transformation process.