Objective To discuss the main pathological types and imaging characteristics of pulmonary nodules that are highly suspected to be malignant in clinical practice but are pathologically confirmed to be benign. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodules who were initially highly suspected of malignancy but were subsequently pathologically confirmed to be benign. These patients were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from December 2020 to April 2023. Based on the outcomes of preoperative discussions, the patients were categorized into a benign group and a suspicious malignancy group. The clinical data and imaging characteristics of both groups were compared. Results A total of 232 patients were included in the study, comprising 112 males and 120 females, with a mean age of (50.7±12.0) years. Among these, 127 patients were classified into the benign group, while 105 patients were categorized into the suspicious malignancy group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gender, symptoms, smoking history, or tumor history (P>0.05). However, significant differences were noted in nodule density, CT values, margins, shapes, and malignant signs (P＜0.05). Further analysis revealed that in the suspicious malignancy group, solid nodules were predominantly characterized by collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (33.3%), followed by tuberculosis (20.4%) and fungal infections (18.5%). In contrast, non-solid nodules were primarily composed of collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (41.2%) and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (17.7%). Conclusion Benign pulmonary nodules that are suspected to be malignant are pathologically characterized by the presence of collagen nodules, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, tuberculosis, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and fungal infections. Radiologically, these nodules typically present as non-solid lesions and may exhibit features suggestive of malignancy, including spiculation, lobulation, cavitation, and pleural retraction.

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a globally prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory condition, is still an incurable disease. In the present study, we have validated the impact of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)-related oxidative stress and inflammatory response in clinical AR patient peripheral blood and nasal swab samples, emphasizing the biological relevance of Keap1 and AR. Targeting Keap1 -nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related anti-oxidative stress may be effective for AR intervention. Drawing inspiration from the Keap1 homodimerization and the E3 ligase characteristics, we herein present a design of novel bivalent molecules for chemical knockdown of Keap1. For the first time, we characterized ternary complexes of Keap1 dimer and one molecule of bivalent compounds. The best bivalent molecule 8 encompasses robust capacity to degrade Keap1 as a homoPROTAC^KEAP1. It efficaciously suppresses inflammatory cytokines in extensively different cells, including human nasal epithelial cells. Moreover, in an AR mouse model, we confirmed that the chemical degradation induced by homoPROTAC^KEAP1 led to therapeutic benefits in managing AR symptoms, oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, our findings underscore the efficacy of targeting the Keap1 system through the homoPROTAC-ing technology as an innovative and promising treatment strategy for the incurable allergic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and related risk factors of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with diarrhea admitted to the ICU of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from May 1 to August 30, 2023 were selected. Patients were divided into CDI group and non-CDI group based on the presence or absence of CDI. Clinical data from two groups of patients meeting the criteria were collected and compared, including gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), length of hospital stay, serum lactic acid, parenteral nutrition time, white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), coagulation indicators, albumin, antibiotic exposure, etc. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for CDI in ICU diarrhea patients. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to analyze the predictive value of each index for CDI in diarrhea patients. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients with diarrhea were enrolled, including 9 patients in the CDI group and 15 patients in the non-CDI group. The time of parenteral nutrition in the CDI group was significantly longer than that in the non-CDI group [days: 18.0 (13.5, 19.5) vs. 10.0 (4.0, 18.0)], the serum lactic acid level [mmol/L: 4.40 (3.00, 15.25) vs. 2.50 (1.90, 3.20)] and the ratio of serum lactic acid > 3.9 mmol/L [66.67% (6/9) vs. 6.67% (1/15)] were significantly higher than those in the non-CDI group, with statistical significance (all P < 0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the serum lactic acid level of the patients was an independent risk factor for CDI [odds ratio (OR) = 3.193, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.011-10.080, P = 0.048]. ROC curve showed that serum lactic acid level had a high predictive value for CDI in ICU patients with diarrhea, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.815, respectively. When the cut-off value of serum lactic acid was 3.9 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 66.7% and the specificity was 93.3%. CONCLUSION Patients with diarrhea who have higher serum lactate levels (> 3.9 mmol/L) on admission are at increased risk of developing CDI.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Intensive Care Units ; Clostridium Infections ; Clostridioides difficile ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Diarrhea/microbiology* ; Logistic Models ; ROC Curve ; Adult

Objective:The establish a standardized training assessment indicator system for young teachers in medical colleges and universities, and to improve the quality of training.Methods:A preliminary assessment indicator system was established through literature analysis and small-sample expert interviews, and then the Delphi method was used to conduct consultation with 40 experts familiar with the standardized training of young teachers in medical colleges and universities. The assessment indicator system was modified based on the opinions of the experts, and consultation was conducted again until basically consistent opinions were obtained from the experts. The analytic hierarchy process was used to assign weights to each indicator, and SPSS 17.0 was used for data analysis and processing.Results:After two rounds of expert consultation, 35 experts agreed with each indicator at a rate of more than 90%, and their opinions were basically consistent. The weight variation coefficient (W value) of each indicator ranged from 0.00 to 0.15, indicating a high degree of concentration. Finally, a standardized training assessment indicator system was established for young teachers, which consisted of 4 first-level indicators, 11 second-level indicators, and 35 third-level indicators.Conclusions:This assessment indicator system provides a basis for scientific evaluation of the quality of standardized training for young teachers in medical colleges and universities and improves the quality and efficiency of standardized training for young teachers by "promoting construction through evaluation and promoting supervision through evaluation".

90Y microspheres radioembolization therapy is an emerging interventional technique used for the treatment and palliative care of intermediate and advanced liver cancer, which was registered by National Medical Products Administration for imported drugs in 2022. In order to improve the tumor response rate and reduce toxic effects, the dose assessment for the tumor and healthy tissues is implemented throughout treatment. The efficiency and accuracy of estimation method are the keys to improving the therapeutic effect. This article investigated and summarized six evaluation method and their latest progress, discussed the unique advantages and applicable scenarios of each methods, and explored the possible challenges faced in clinical applications. This study would support the development and standardization of dose prediction and evaluation in radioembolization with 90Y microspheres.

BACKGROUND:Kinesio taping is often used for the treatment of various sports injuries.The methods of foot and ankle sports taping are complex and diverse.Among them,Fascia taping is applicable to a wider range of people and can be used for different foot posture types,but it still lacks of practical verification,and its specific biomechanical role is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To observe the changes in plantar pressure characteristics of subjects with different foot positions during walking and jogging after Fascia taping. METHODS:Thirty-seven young healthy subjects were recruited from the Yantai campus of Binzhou Medical University to conduct the test.They were scored according to the foot posture index-six items version,and were divided into the supination foot group,the neutral foot group,and the pronation foot group.The static foot morphological indexes(including navicular drop,arch height index,arch height flexibility-longitudinal arch,and arch height flexibility-transverse arch)and the pressure-time integral of each foot zone during walking and jogging were collected and calculated respectively before and after Kinesio taping.The specific biomechanical mechanism of Fascia taping was analyzed. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)General data:There was no statistical difference among the three groups of subjects in general data,such as gender,height,and body mass index(P>0.05).Before taping,there was a significant difference in the foot morphological indexes and the areas of the outer front foot,midfoot,and hindfoot between different foot posture groups(P<0.01).(2)Static foot morphological indexes:After taping,there was no statistically significant difference between the groups in navicular drop,arch height flexibility-longitudinal arch,and arch height flexibility-transverse arch(P>0.05),while there was still a significant difference between the groups in the arch height index(P<0.05).In the supination foot group,the arch height index increased slightly,but there was no significant difference before and after taping(P>0.05).In the pronation foot group,the navicular drop and arch height flexibility-longitudinal arch was significantly reduced,and the arch height index was increased.There was a significant difference before and after taping(P<0.05).(3)The index of plantar pressure during walking:After taping,there was no significant difference between the three groups in the area of lateral forefoot and medial midfoot(P>0.05).In the pronation foot group,the lateral load of the forefoot increased after taping(P<0.05).In the supination position group,the load of the lateral forefoot and midfoot regions increased significantly(P<0.05),while the difference in the rear foot region was not significant(P>0.05).(4)The index of plantar pressure during jogging:After taping,there was no statistically significant difference between groups in the lateral forefoot(P>0.05).In the pronation foot group,the load of the medial forefoot increased significantly(P<0.05).In the supination position group,the load of the lateral forefoot,the middle foot and the rear foot region increased significantly(P<0.05).(5)The results showed that the Fascia taping was suitable for different foot postures.It could not only correct the static foot structure of subjects with different foot postures,but also regulate the abnormal plantar pressure distribution during the dynamic activities of walking and jogging,and the load of the midfoot,forefoot,and hindfoot in the supination and pronation posture tended to normal foot posture load level.

BACKGROUND:During stair walking,different muscles work in concert and compensate for each other,and it is unclear whether weakened muscle strength actually affects stair fall risk in older adults.Real-time electromyographic signals from older adults during stair walking are used to reflect high fall risk in older adults during stair walking,which may further improve the accuracy of prediction methods. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of aging on lower limb muscle activation in older adults during stair walking and to analyze the relationship between their muscle activation characteristics and stair fall risk. METHODS:Subjects were divided by age into an older group(n=19)and a younger group(n=18)group and were asked to walk on a 10-step staircase at a natural speed,incorporating surface electromyography acquisition technology,to capture surface electromyography signals during stair walking and calculate the root mean square(RMS)to analyze differences in muscle activation levels.Logistic regression analysis was utilized to establish a predictive model for stair fall risk in older adults by incorporating the lateral femoral and gastrocnemius muscle RMS.The discrimination of the model was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic curve and area under the curve,and the fit of the model was evaluated using the Hosmer-Lemeshow test RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Activation of the rectus femoris(Z=-3.464,P=0.001;t=3.379,P=0.002)and lateral gastrocnemius muscle(Z=-2.978,P=0.003;Z=-3.555,P<0.001)was higher in older adults than in younger adults when walking up and down stairs.Activation of the anterior tibialis(Z=-2.350,P=0.019)and medial(Z=2.321,P=0.020)and lateral(t=3.158,P=0.004)gastrocnemius muscles was higher in older adults when ascending stairs than descending stairs.Older adults at risk for falls had less activation of the lateral femoral muscle(Z=-2.613,P=0.009),medial gastrocnemius muscle(Z=-2.286,P=0.022)when walking upstairs,and lateral femoral muscle(Z=-2.368,P=0.018)when walking downstairs than did older adults not at risk for falls.The predictive ability,goodness of fit,and discrimination of the stair fall prediction model for older adults based on surface electromyography were good(P-value of 0.010 for the Omnibus test of the model coefficients,P-value of 0.214 for the Hosmer-Lemeshow test,and the area of the curve of the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle=0.856,P=0.009).(5)The model was modeled with a cut-off value of 38.64 for the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle RMS value and there was a 0.952-fold increase in the risk of staircase falls for each unit decrease in the upper staircase lateral femoral muscle RMS in older adults.

Following the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence technologies, especially the development of large language models like ChatGPT, the field of medical clinical practice is undergoing an unprecedented technological revolution. These advanced technologies, through efficient processing and analysis of large datasets, not only provide medical professionals with auxiliary diagnoses and treatment suggestions but also significantly enhance the quality and efficiency of medical education. This study conducts a comprehensive analysis and review of the applications of large language models in various aspects, including clinical inquiry, history collection, medical literature writing, clinical decision support, optimization of medical portal websites, patient health management, medical education, academic research, and scientific writing. However, the application of these technologies is not without flaws and presents several limitations and ethical challenges. This paper focuses on challenges related to technological errors, academic dishonesty, abuse risks, over-reliance, possibilities of misdiagnosis and treatment errors, and issues of accountability. In conclusion, large language models demonstrate tremendous potential in the integration and advancement of medical practices. Nevertheless, while fully harnessing the benefits brought by ChatGPT, it is essential to acknowledge and address these ethical challenges to ensure that the application of ChatGPT in the medical field is responsible and effective.

Objective To screen mitochondria-targeting differential genes in alveolar macrophages of silicosis pa-tients and explore the role of mitochondrial homeostasis in alveolar macrophages of silicosis patients.Methods High-throughput sequencing dataset GSE174725 was downloaded,and differentially expressed genes were screened with R software and P＜0.05,|LogFC|＞1,and then intermixed with mitochondrial gene bank MitoCarta3.0 to obtain mitochondria-targeted differentially expressed genes.Then enrichment analysis was carried out to obtain the biological processes and pathways involved in differential genes,and the protein-protein interaction network was constructed.In addition,alveolar macrophages from silicosis patients and healthy controls were collected,the ex-pression levels of differential genes were detected by RT-qPCR,and the expressions of mitochondria-related factors mitochondrial fusion protein 1(MFN1),optic atrophy 1(OPA1)and dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1)in alveolar macrophages of silicosis patients were investigated by Western blot.Results A total of 204 differentially expressed genes were screened in silicosis patients,among which 62 differentially expressed genes were up-regulated,142 dif-ferentially expressed genes were down-regulated,and 22 differentially expressed genes were mitochondria-targeted.The concentration analysis of differentially expressed genes targeted by mitochondria showed that the cell compo-nents mainly enriched included mitochondrial membrane,endoplasmic membrane side components,etc.The bio-logical processes mainly enriched included mitochondrial electron transfer from NADH to ubiquinone,inflammatory response,immune response,etc.The main molecular functions enriched included the rotation mechanism of proton transport ATP synthase activity,NADH dehydrogenase activity,chemokine activity,etc.KEGG enrichment analy-sis mainly focused on the involvement in chemical carcinogenesis-ROS,IL-17 signaling pathway,toll-like receptor signaling pathway,chemokine signaling pathway,TNF signaling pathway,etc.In addition,RT-qPCR results showed that the expressions of mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase 1,mitochondrial cytochrome coxidase 2,mito-chondrial cytochrome coxidase 3,mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 1,mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 3,mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase 5,superoxide dismutase and mitochondri-ally encoded ATP synthase 6 gene were down-regulated in silicosis patients(P＜0.05).Western blot and RT-qPCR results showed that,in silicosis patients,the expression of MFN1 and OPA1 decreased(P＜0.05),while the expression of DRP1 increased(P＜0.05).Conclusion Bioinformatics analysis and validation,eight mito-chondrial targeted differential genes(MT-CO1,MT-C02,MT-CO3,MT-ND1,MT-ND3,MT-ND5,SOD and MT-ATP6)were finally obtained,which were enriched in mitochondrial respiratory chain and oxidative stress pathways and might play an important role in the process of silicosis.

Objective:To analyze the association between visceral fat area (VFA) and fatty liver based on quantitative CT (QCT) in people receiving health examination with normal body mass index (BMI).Methods:A cross-sectional study. A total of 1 305 physical examiners who underwent chest CT and QCT examination in the Department of Health Management of Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January to December 2021 were retrospectively selected as subjects. The physical components at the central level of the lumbar two cone were measured with QCT, including subcutaneous fat area (SFA), VFA and liver fat content (LFC). And the metabolic indexes, such as blood lipids and blood glucose, were collected. The t-test and χ2 test were used to analyze the correlation between the detection rate of fatty live and LFCr and age and gender. According to level of VFA (<100 cm 2, 100-150 cm 2 and≥150 cm 2), the subjects were divided into three groups, and one-way ANOVA and χ2 test were used in comparison between groups. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the correlation between VFA and metabolic indexes and LFC. Results:Of the 1 305 subjects, there were 634 males and 671 females. The detection rate of fatty liver in normal BMI population was 65.67%, and it was 72.71% and 59.02% respectively in men and women ( χ2=27.12, P<0.001), and the detection rate of fatty liver and LFC increased with age (both P<0.05). With the increase of VFA, the age, BMI, SFA, LFC, total cholesterol (TC), triacylglycerol (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), fasting blood glucose (FBG), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood uric acid and prevalence of fatty liver increased (all P<0.05), and the low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) decreased ( P<0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that after adjustment for age factors, regardless of male or female, LFC was independently positively related with VFA, BMI, and ALT (male β=0.206, 0.145, 0.174, female β=0.194, 0.150, 0.184; all P<0.05). FBG was positively correlated with male independently ( β=0.134; P<0.001). The indicators related to female independently were TC, TG, and blood uric acid ( β=-0.121, 0.145, 0.141, all P<0.05) Conclusion:In the population receiving health examination with normal BMI, the VFA measured by QCT technique is closely related to fatty liver.