BACKGROUND: Meningeal metastasis (MM) is a form of malignant metastasis where tumor cells spread from the primary site to the pia mater, dura mater, arachnoid, subarachnoid space, and other cerebrospinal fluid compartments. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor types with MM. MM not only signifies that the lung cancer has progressed to an advanced stage but also leads to a range of severe clinical symptoms due to meningeal involvement. Currently, the risk factors associated with the development of MM are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for MM in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent non-surgical interventions, in order to identify LUAD patients at high risk for MM. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with LUAD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to July 2024. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation methods, and risk factors were identified through LASSO, univariate, and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients with LUAD were included in this study and divided into two groups: 87 patients with MM and 83 patients without MM. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age at diagnosis (P=0.004), presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) L858R gene mutation (P=0.008), and concurrent liver metastasis at baseline (P=0.004) were independent risk factors for developing MM in LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. Conversely, higher baseline globulin levels (P=0.039) and the presence of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutation (P=0.040) were associated with a reduced risk of MM development. CONCLUSIONS Age at diagnosis, EGFR L858R mutation status, ALK gene mutation status, concurrent liver metastasis, globulin levels at baseline were significantly associated with the risk of developing MM in patients with LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. For patients diagnosed at a younger age, carrying the EGFR L858R mutation, or presenting with baseline liver metastasis, early implementation of tertiary prevention strategies for MM is crucial. Regular monitoring of MM status should be conducted in these high-risk groups.
Humans ; Male ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Meningeal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Adult

Objective:To dry fresh Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma using different drying conditions; To investigate the effects of different drying conditions on the drying characteristics and medicinal quality of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma.Methods:With moisture, powder color, extract, total polysaccharide and ginsenoside contents of Rg 1, Re, Rf, Rb 1, Rc, Rb 2 and Rd as indexes, the drying characteristics of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma were studied based on Weibull function model, and the quality of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma after drying was evaluated by entropy weight-TOPSIS model. Results:The drying method for Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma from its origin can be achieved by controlling the relative humidity of the drying medium to 50%, drying at 70 ℃ for 24 h, and then reducing the drying temperature to 60 ℃ until the moisture content was below 12.0%. This method could achieve high drying efficiency and produce high-quality Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma.Conclusions:The drying process of Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is a falling rate process controlled by internal moisture diffusion. The drying rate of fresh Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma is affected by temperature and humidity. There is a certain correlation between the color of powder and the content of moisture, alcohol-soluble extractives and ginsenosides.

Objective To explore the effect of composite electromagnetic stimulation combined with chin tuck against resistance(CTAR)on post-stroke dysphagia.Methods From January,2021 to December,2023,156 post-stroke patients with pharyngeal dysphagia in the First Peo-ple's Hospital of Yibin were randomly divided into CTAR group(n=51),neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)+repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)group(n=52)and combination group(n=53).On the basis of routine swallowing function training,they received CTAR,NMES+rTMS and NMES+rTMS+CTAR,respectively,for four weeks.They were assessed with Functional Oral Intake Scale(FOIS),Standardized Swal-lowing Assessment(SSA),Swallowing-Quality of Life(SWAL-QOL),Rosenbek Penetration Aspiration Scale(PAS),video fluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS)(including the score of VFSS,pharyngeal transit time,and upward and forward displacement of hyoid bone),average surface electromyography(AMEG)of submental and hyoid muscles,before and after treatment.Results The inter-group effect,intra-group effect and interaction effect were significant in SSA,SWAL-QOL and AMEG of the two muscles(F>6.611,P<0.001).The inter-group effect and interaction effect were significant in FOIS,VFSS,pharyngeal transit time,upward displacement of hyoid bone and forward displacement of hyoid bone(F>3.451,P<0.05).Pairwise comparison results showed that pharyngeal transit time was shorter in the combination group than in NMES+rTMS group(P=0.048),forward displacement of hyoid bone was more in the combina-tion group than in CTAR group(P=0.002),and AMEG was higher in the combination group than in CTAR group and NMES+rTMS group(P<0.001).There was significant difference in the score of PAS among three groups(Hc=8.282,P=0.016),and it was the best in the combination group.Conclusion The combination of NMES+rTMS and CTAR is superior to single electromagnetic stimulation or CTAR in the treatment of post-stroke sysphagia.

Objective:To investigate the effect of natural plant compound puerarin(PUE)on expression of NLRP3 inflamma-some in macrophages and its effect in ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice.Methods:A mouse model of UC was established using dextran sulfate sodium(DSS).Mice received PUE via gavage for 7 consecutive days,body weight,disease activity index and colon length were measured.HE staining was performed to assess tissue pathological damage.Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in colonic lamina propria.Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the colocalization of NLRP3 inflammasome and macrophages.qRT-PCR was conducted to measure mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3-related genes in colonic tissues.Protein expression levels of ZO-1,Occludin,cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β in colonic tissues were detected by Western blot.A cell model was established using lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and adenosine triphosphate(ATP).mRNA expression levels of genes related to NLRP3 inflammasome were detected by qRT-PCR.Western blot was used to detect effects of PUE on expression levels of proteins related to NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:PUE treatment signifi-cantly improved symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice,including body weight,disease index,colon length and pathological damage.Following PUE intervention,infiltration of Ly6C+MHC Ⅱ-monocyte derived macrophages in the colonic lamina propria was reduced.Expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome related molecules in colonic tissues were decreased.PUE treatment increased expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin in intestinal epithelial cells.In vitro experiments confirmed that PUE reduced expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related molecules in macrophages induced by LPS combined with ATP,as well as protein expression level of p-NF-κB p65.Conclusion:PUE significantly alleviates the symptoms of UC by reducing intestinal tissue inflamma-tion and repairing the epithelial barrier.The mechanism may involve regulating NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby reducing the forma-tion and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of D-dimer (D-D) testing combined with multi-slice spiral CT pulmonary angiography (MSCTPA) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) based on the modified Geneva score.Methods:This study adopted a prospective design. Ninety-six patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) who received treatment at Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, from January to December 2024, were included in this study. The modified Geneva score was used to assess the clinical probability and severity of PE in these patients. Based on their modified Geneva scores, the patients were divided into high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk groups. All patients underwent both MSCTPA and D-D testing. The diagnostic value of D-D testing and MSCTPA, both individually and in combination, for PE among patients with different modified Geneva scores was evaluated.Results:Clinical diagnosis confirmed PE in 55 of the 96 suspected cases, with a positivity rate of 57.29% (55/96). According to the revised Geneva score, the high-risk group had the highest PE positivity rate (91.67%, 11/12), followed by the moderate-risk group (59.70%, 40/67) and the low-risk group (23.53%, 4/17). In the moderate-risk group, MSCTPA showed a significantly higher positive confirmation rate than negative confirmation rate ( χ2 = 12.32, P < 0.001), with a positive predictive value of 73.91% (34/46), a negative predictive value of 71.43% (15/21), specificity of 55.56% (15/27), sensitivity of 85.00% (34/40), and accuracy of 73.13% (49/67). D-D testing in the moderate-risk group also demonstrated a higher positive confirmation rate ( χ2 = 9.04, P < 0.05), with a positive predictive value of 72.73% (32/44), negative predictive value of 65.22% (15/23), specificity of 55.56% (15/27), sensitivity of 80.00% (32/40), and accuracy of 70.15% (47/67). The combination of D-D testing and MSCTPA significantly increased the positive confirmation rate for patients in the moderate-risk group compared with the negative confirmation rate ( χ2 = 28.78, P < 0.001). D-D testing combined with MSCTPA showed a positive predictive value of 83.72% (36/43), a negative predictive value of 83.33% (20/24), specificity of 74.07% (20/27), sensitivity of 90.00% (36/40), and accuracy of 83.58% (56/67) for patients in the moderate-risk group. Conclusions:D-D testing combined with MSCTPA demonstrates high diagnostic value for PE in patients assessed by the revised Geneva score, particularly for patients who are at moderate risk for PE.

Objective To explore the effect of composite electromagnetic stimulation combined with chin tuck against resistance(CTAR)on post-stroke dysphagia.Methods From January,2021 to December,2023,156 post-stroke patients with pharyngeal dysphagia in the First Peo-ple's Hospital of Yibin were randomly divided into CTAR group(n=51),neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)+repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)group(n=52)and combination group(n=53).On the basis of routine swallowing function training,they received CTAR,NMES+rTMS and NMES+rTMS+CTAR,respectively,for four weeks.They were assessed with Functional Oral Intake Scale(FOIS),Standardized Swal-lowing Assessment(SSA),Swallowing-Quality of Life(SWAL-QOL),Rosenbek Penetration Aspiration Scale(PAS),video fluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS)(including the score of VFSS,pharyngeal transit time,and upward and forward displacement of hyoid bone),average surface electromyography(AMEG)of submental and hyoid muscles,before and after treatment.Results The inter-group effect,intra-group effect and interaction effect were significant in SSA,SWAL-QOL and AMEG of the two muscles(F>6.611,P<0.001).The inter-group effect and interaction effect were significant in FOIS,VFSS,pharyngeal transit time,upward displacement of hyoid bone and forward displacement of hyoid bone(F>3.451,P<0.05).Pairwise comparison results showed that pharyngeal transit time was shorter in the combination group than in NMES+rTMS group(P=0.048),forward displacement of hyoid bone was more in the combina-tion group than in CTAR group(P=0.002),and AMEG was higher in the combination group than in CTAR group and NMES+rTMS group(P<0.001).There was significant difference in the score of PAS among three groups(Hc=8.282,P=0.016),and it was the best in the combination group.Conclusion The combination of NMES+rTMS and CTAR is superior to single electromagnetic stimulation or CTAR in the treatment of post-stroke sysphagia.

Objective:To investigate the diagnostic value of D-dimer (D-D) testing combined with multi-slice spiral CT pulmonary angiography (MSCTPA) in patients with pulmonary embolism (PE) based on the modified Geneva score.Methods:This study adopted a prospective design. Ninety-six patients with suspected pulmonary embolism (PE) who received treatment at Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, from January to December 2024, were included in this study. The modified Geneva score was used to assess the clinical probability and severity of PE in these patients. Based on their modified Geneva scores, the patients were divided into high-risk, moderate-risk, and low-risk groups. All patients underwent both MSCTPA and D-D testing. The diagnostic value of D-D testing and MSCTPA, both individually and in combination, for PE among patients with different modified Geneva scores was evaluated.Results:Clinical diagnosis confirmed PE in 55 of the 96 suspected cases, with a positivity rate of 57.29% (55/96). According to the revised Geneva score, the high-risk group had the highest PE positivity rate (91.67%, 11/12), followed by the moderate-risk group (59.70%, 40/67) and the low-risk group (23.53%, 4/17). In the moderate-risk group, MSCTPA showed a significantly higher positive confirmation rate than negative confirmation rate ( χ2 = 12.32, P < 0.001), with a positive predictive value of 73.91% (34/46), a negative predictive value of 71.43% (15/21), specificity of 55.56% (15/27), sensitivity of 85.00% (34/40), and accuracy of 73.13% (49/67). D-D testing in the moderate-risk group also demonstrated a higher positive confirmation rate ( χ2 = 9.04, P < 0.05), with a positive predictive value of 72.73% (32/44), negative predictive value of 65.22% (15/23), specificity of 55.56% (15/27), sensitivity of 80.00% (32/40), and accuracy of 70.15% (47/67). The combination of D-D testing and MSCTPA significantly increased the positive confirmation rate for patients in the moderate-risk group compared with the negative confirmation rate ( χ2 = 28.78, P < 0.001). D-D testing combined with MSCTPA showed a positive predictive value of 83.72% (36/43), a negative predictive value of 83.33% (20/24), specificity of 74.07% (20/27), sensitivity of 90.00% (36/40), and accuracy of 83.58% (56/67) for patients in the moderate-risk group. Conclusions:D-D testing combined with MSCTPA demonstrates high diagnostic value for PE in patients assessed by the revised Geneva score, particularly for patients who are at moderate risk for PE.

Objective:To investigate the effect of natural plant compound puerarin(PUE)on expression of NLRP3 inflamma-some in macrophages and its effect in ulcerative colitis(UC)in mice.Methods:A mouse model of UC was established using dextran sulfate sodium(DSS).Mice received PUE via gavage for 7 consecutive days,body weight,disease activity index and colon length were measured.HE staining was performed to assess tissue pathological damage.Flow cytometry was used to determine the proportion of peripheral blood mononuclear cells in colonic lamina propria.Immunofluorescence was employed to assess the colocalization of NLRP3 inflammasome and macrophages.qRT-PCR was conducted to measure mRNA expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3-related genes in colonic tissues.Protein expression levels of ZO-1,Occludin,cleaved caspase-1 and IL-1β in colonic tissues were detected by Western blot.A cell model was established using lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and adenosine triphosphate(ATP).mRNA expression levels of genes related to NLRP3 inflammasome were detected by qRT-PCR.Western blot was used to detect effects of PUE on expression levels of proteins related to NLRP3 inflammasome and NF-κB signaling pathway.Results:PUE treatment signifi-cantly improved symptoms of DSS-induced UC in mice,including body weight,disease index,colon length and pathological damage.Following PUE intervention,infiltration of Ly6C+MHC Ⅱ-monocyte derived macrophages in the colonic lamina propria was reduced.Expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NLRP3 inflammasome related molecules in colonic tissues were decreased.PUE treatment increased expression levels of ZO-1 and Occludin in intestinal epithelial cells.In vitro experiments confirmed that PUE reduced expression levels of NLRP3 inflammasome-related molecules in macrophages induced by LPS combined with ATP,as well as protein expression level of p-NF-κB p65.Conclusion:PUE significantly alleviates the symptoms of UC by reducing intestinal tissue inflamma-tion and repairing the epithelial barrier.The mechanism may involve regulating NF-κB signaling pathway,thereby reducing the forma-tion and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages.

Objective:To assess the correlation and consistency of electrochemiluminescence and direct chemiluminescence in detecting 12 tumor markers.Methods:A total of 2426 serum specimens were selected from the physical examination in Beijing Tiantan Hospital,Capital Medical University from March to August 2023.These specimens included 446 cases for alpha fetoprotein(AFP),284 cases for carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),289 cases for carbohydrate antigen 72-4(CA72-4),87 cases for carbohydrate antigen 19-9(CA19-9),205 cases for carbohydrate antigen 125(CA-125),216 cases for carbohydrate antigen 15-3(CA 15-3),292 cases for total prostate specific antigen(TPSA),292 cases for free prostate specific antigen(FPSA),84 cases for serum cytokeratin 19 fragment(Cyfra21-1),84 cases for neuron specific enolase(NSE),84 cases for squamous cell carcinoma associated antigen(SCC)and 63 cases for pro-gastrin-releasing peptide(PROGrp).The electrochemiluminescence and direct chemiluminescence methods were respectively used to detect the above 12 indexes,and then,the correlation and consistency between the two detection methods were analyzed.Results:The results of Pearson and Spearman correlation analysis showed that there were significantly positive correlations between electrochemiluminescence and direct chemiluminescence methods in detecting 12 tumor indexes(AFP,CEA,CA72-4,CA19-9,CA125,CA15-3,TPSA,FPSA,Cyfra21-1,NSE,SCC and PROGrp)(r=0.971,0.934,0.945,0.975,0.900,0.948,0.994,0.984,0.982,0.828,0.879,0.922,P<0.05),respectively.The total coincidence rates between the two methods were respectively 98.21%,98.24%,98.27%,98.85%,97.07%,99.54%,99.66%,99.32%,92.86%,92.86%,95.24%and 96.83%.There were consistencies between electrochemiluminescence and direct chemiluminescence methods for 10 indexes excepted CA15-3 and NSE that could not calculate Kappa values due to data reasons(Kappa=0.848,0.728,0.930,0.794,0.485,0.887,0.664,0.540,0.477,0.652,P<0.05),respectively.Conclusion:In the detections of electrochemiluminescence and direct chemiluminescence methods for tumor indexes,there are favorable correlations and consistencies between them in detecting AFP,CA72-4,CA19-9 and TPSA,and there are favorable correlations between them in detecting CEA,CA125,FPSA,Cyfra21-1,SCC and PROGrp but the consistencies between them are average in detecting these indexes,and there are favorable correlations between them in detecting CA15-3 and NSE.Clinical detection should pay attention to there may be differences in the results between different detection methods when the detection is conducted in reference laboratory.

Objective To evaluate the performance of two molecular point-of-care testing(POCT)prod-ucts in the diagnosis of influenza A virus(Flu A)and influenza B virus(Flu B)of clinical samples,and pre-liminarily evaluate the clinical diagnostic value of the changes of infection-related indicators in peripheral blood.Methods A total of 491 oropharyngeal swabs from patients with influenza-like symptoms who were treated in the hospital were recruited into this study from November 1,2019 to June 30,2023.These swabs were collected using reverse transcription real-time quantitative fluorescent polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR),and two POCT molecular products,XpertTM Xpress Flu/RSV and EasyNAT? Flu Assay,respectively.The diagnostic performance of two POCT molecular products was analyzed using RT-qPCR reaction as a standard.According to the results of RT-qPCR method,the subjects were divided into Flu A positive group,Flu B positive group and negative group(both Flu A and Flu B were negative).The levels of indicators in pe-ripheral blood of the three groups were compared to evaluate the value of these indicators in the clinical diag-nosis of Flu A and Flu B.Results Among the 491 patient specimens,the XpertTM Xpress Flu/RSV assay showed the sensitivity for Flu A was 96.88%,and the specificity was 99.75%,and the sensitivity for Flu B was 100.00%,and the specificity was 100.00%.EasyNAT? Flu Assay assay showed the sensitivity for Flu A was 94.79%,and the specificity was 96.81%,and the sensitivity for Flu B was 100.00%,and the specificity was 100.00%.And two POCT molecular methods performed well consistency(Kappa value was 0.974).There was no significant difference in the levels of C-reactive protein and serum amyloid A among the negative group,Flu A positive group,and Flu B positive group(P>0.05).But the levels of white blood cell count in the negative group were higher than those in the Flu A positive group and Flu B positive group(P<0.01).Conclusion In this paper,two typical molecular POCT products are studied.Their sensitivity and specificity are highly consistent with the results of RT-qPCR.Molecular POCT products have the advantages of flexibil-ity and rapidity,which are of great value for the improvement of clinical diagnosis and treatment.Molecular detection combined with peripheral blood infection related indicators is helpful for the early diagnosis of influ-enza virus infectious diseases.