Objective To observe the value of ultrashort echo time(UTE)-MRI for evaluating pulmonary nodules.Methods Totally 58 patients with pulmonary nodules detected with CT were prospectively enrolled,and UTE-MRI was performed.Taken CT as the referent standard,the value of UTE-MRI for evaluating the diameter,composition,lung imaging reporting and data system(Lung-RADS)type and radiographic signs of pulmonary nodules was analyzed.Results CT detected 66 pulmonary nodules with a diameter of(11.60±5.20)mm in 58 patients,including 29 solid nodules,24 partially solid nodules and 13 ground-glass nodules.There were 14 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 17 type 4X lung nodules,among which 12 were found with lobulated sign,and 14 were found with spiculated sign.UTE-MRI detected 63 nodules with a diameter of(11.34±4.82)mm,including 25 solid nodules,28 partially solid nodules and 10 ground-glass nodules.There were 12 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 16 type 4X lung nodules.Among which 10 nodules were found with lobulated sign and 11 were found with spiculated sign.No significant difference of the measured diameters of lung nodules was found between UTE-MRI and CT(P=0.803),and the results of UTE-MRI and CT had good correlation and consistency(rs=0.953,ICC=0.946),which also had good consistency for assessing nodule composition and Lung-RADS type(Kappa=0.871,0.960).Meanwhile,no significant difference of the display rates of lobulated nor spiculated signs was noticed between UTE-MRI and CT(both P＞0.05).Conclusion UTE-MRI was helpful for evaluating pulmonary nodules,with efficacy comparable to CT.

Objective To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of albumin-bound Paclitaxel combined with Sintilimab on advanced esophageal cancer,and to analyze the survival benefit.Methods A total of 126 patients with advanced esophageal cancer admitted to Rugao People's Hospital from March 2020 to March 2023 were selected,and divided into the observation group(n=63)and the control group(n=63)using a random number table method.The control group was given albumin-bound Paclitaxel,while the observation group was given albumin-bound Paclitaxel combined with Sintilimab.The clinical efficacy,tumor markers[cytokeratin 19 fragment(CYFRA21-1),squamous cell carcinoma antigen(SCC-Ag),carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)],immune function indicators(Th1/Th2,Th17/Treg),PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway indicators,Karnofsky performance status(KPS)scores,overall survival,and toxic side effects were compared between the two groups.Results The objective remission rate[38.10%(24/63)]and disease control rate[87.30%(55/63)]of the observation group were higher than those of the control group[20.63%(13/63),71.43%(45/63)](P<0.05).After 2 and 4 cycles of treatment,the serum SCC-Ag,CYFRA21-1,CA125 and CEA in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);after 2 and 4 cycles of treatment,compared with the control group,the observation group showed higher Th1/Th2,and lower Th17/Treg,PD-1 and PD-L1(P<0.05).The improvement rate of quality of life,progression free survival and overall survival in the observation group were higher or longer than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of abnormal liver dysfunction,nausea and vomiting,decreased hemoglobin and leucopenia between the two groups(P>0.05),but the incidence of rash in the observation group[57.14%(36/63)]was higher than that in the control group[34.92%(22/63)](P<0.05).Conclusion Combination therapy of Sintilimab and albumin-bound Paclitaxel shows significant efficacy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.It can regulate serum tumor marker levels,improve immune function,reduce the activity of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway to inhibit disease progression,enhance survival benefits,and improve quality of life.However,attention should be paid to the observation of rash reactions during treatment.

BACKGROUND:MXene nanoparticles,due to their unique hydrophilicity,biocompatibility,and antibacterial properties,are widely used in wound,tumor,nerve repair,and cardiovascular treatments.However,it is still unclear what effect MXene nanoparticles have on diabetic wound healing.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the in vitro antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and photothermal antibacterial properties of MXene nanoparticles Ti3C2Tx as well as their effect on wound repair in diabetic mice.METHODS:(1)In vitro experiments:The cytotoxicity of Ti3C2Tx nanoparticles on mouse fibroblasts(NIH-3T3)at various concentrations was evaluated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay.NIH-3T3 cells were exposed to H2O2,and the MTT assay was used to detect the protective effects of different mass concentrations of Ti3C2Tx on NIH-3T3 cells.NIH-3T3 cells were exposed to H2O2,and the effect of Ti3C2Tx(20 μg/mL)on the generation of reactive oxygen species in NIH-3T3 cells was analyzed under illumination(or no illumination)treatment.RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into three groups:control group,lipopolysaccharide group,and lipopolysaccharide+Ti3C2Tx group.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of specific genes(CD86,interleukin 6,CD206,arginase 1)in the cells.Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)were divided into three groups:control group,Ti3C2Tx group,and Ti3C2Tx illumination group.The bacterial survival rate was calculated by plate colony counting method.(2)In vivo experiments:Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally to ICR mice to induce a diabetic condition.After successful modeling,a full-thickness skin defect wound was created on the back of the mice using a circular punch.The experiment was divided into three groups:control group(n=6),Ti3C2Tx group(n=6),and Ti3C2Tx illumination group(n=6).The wound healing was observed,and CD31 and CD206 immunohistochemical staining of wound tissue was performed on day 7 after intervention.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining of wound tissue were performed on days 7 and 14 after intervention.Ti3C2Tx solution was injected subcutaneously into ICR mice.After illumination(or non-illumination)exposure,the toxic effects of Ti3C2Tx on mice were analyzed by blood biochemical detection.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiments:Ti3C2Tx showed no cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 cells at mass concentrations ranging from 5-160 μg/mL.It increased the survival rate of NIH-3T3 cells at a mass concentration of 20 μg/mL.Ti3C2Tx at 10-80 μg/mL significantly improved the survival rate of NIH-3T3 cells under H2O2 intervention.Ti3C2Tx significantly inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in NIH-3T3 cells under the intervention of H2O2,and illumination treatment further enhanced the effect of Ti3C2Tx on inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species.Ti3C2Tx effectively inhibited macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide and promoted the transformation of cells into M2 macrophages with anti-inflammatory properties.Both Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx illumination significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus,and the inhibitory effect of Ti3C2Tx illumination was more significant.(2)In vivo experiments:Gross and histological analyses of the wound surface showed that both Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx illumination promoted wound healing in diabetic mice,and the promotion effect of Ti3C2Tx irradiation was more significant.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that both Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx illumination inhibited the inflammatory response in diabetic wounds and promoted angiogenesis,and the effect of Ti3C2Tx illumination was more significant.Blood biochemical test results showed that Ti3C2Tx and illumination had no obvious toxic effects on mice.(3)These results indicate that Ti3C2Tx nanoparticles efficiently promote the healing of skin wounds in a diabetic mouse model through antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and antibacterial actions via photothermal effects.

Objective:To observe the effect of intensified heel anti-gravity posture stability training on the gait of stroke survivors.Methods:Thirty-six hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, each of 18. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment (including limb positioning, limb movement training and conventional walking training), while the experimental group was additionally provided with 30 minutes of intense heel anti-gravity posture stability training 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the subjects′ walking speed, stride frequency, step length, peak knee flexion angle and peak hip flexion angle were documented using three-dimensional gait analysis with a movement training system.Results:The average walking speed, stride rate, step length, peak hip flexion and peak knee flexion of both groups had improved significantly after the treatments. But the average walking speed [(0.46±0.06)m/s], step length [(85.05±6.68)cm], peak hip flexion angle [(34.80±2.80)°] and peak knee flexion angle [(40.55±3.58)°] of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusions:Intensified heel anti-gravity posture stability training can significantly improve the walking speed, step length, hip flexion and knee flexion of hemiplegic stroke survivors.

BACKGROUND:MXene nanoparticles,due to their unique hydrophilicity,biocompatibility,and antibacterial properties,are widely used in wound,tumor,nerve repair,and cardiovascular treatments.However,it is still unclear what effect MXene nanoparticles have on diabetic wound healing.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the in vitro antioxidant,anti-inflammatory and photothermal antibacterial properties of MXene nanoparticles Ti3C2Tx as well as their effect on wound repair in diabetic mice.METHODS:(1)In vitro experiments:The cytotoxicity of Ti3C2Tx nanoparticles on mouse fibroblasts(NIH-3T3)at various concentrations was evaluated using the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium(MTT)assay.NIH-3T3 cells were exposed to H2O2,and the MTT assay was used to detect the protective effects of different mass concentrations of Ti3C2Tx on NIH-3T3 cells.NIH-3T3 cells were exposed to H2O2,and the effect of Ti3C2Tx(20 μg/mL)on the generation of reactive oxygen species in NIH-3T3 cells was analyzed under illumination(or no illumination)treatment.RAW264.7 macrophages were divided into three groups:control group,lipopolysaccharide group,and lipopolysaccharide+Ti3C2Tx group.Real-time quantitative PCR was used to detect the expression of specific genes(CD86,interleukin 6,CD206,arginase 1)in the cells.Escherichia coli(or Staphylococcus aureus)were divided into three groups:control group,Ti3C2Tx group,and Ti3C2Tx illumination group.The bacterial survival rate was calculated by plate colony counting method.(2)In vivo experiments:Streptozotocin was administered intraperitoneally to ICR mice to induce a diabetic condition.After successful modeling,a full-thickness skin defect wound was created on the back of the mice using a circular punch.The experiment was divided into three groups:control group(n=6),Ti3C2Tx group(n=6),and Ti3C2Tx illumination group(n=6).The wound healing was observed,and CD31 and CD206 immunohistochemical staining of wound tissue was performed on day 7 after intervention.Hematoxylin-eosin staining and Masson staining of wound tissue were performed on days 7 and 14 after intervention.Ti3C2Tx solution was injected subcutaneously into ICR mice.After illumination(or non-illumination)exposure,the toxic effects of Ti3C2Tx on mice were analyzed by blood biochemical detection.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)In vitro experiments:Ti3C2Tx showed no cytotoxicity on NIH-3T3 cells at mass concentrations ranging from 5-160 μg/mL.It increased the survival rate of NIH-3T3 cells at a mass concentration of 20 μg/mL.Ti3C2Tx at 10-80 μg/mL significantly improved the survival rate of NIH-3T3 cells under H2O2 intervention.Ti3C2Tx significantly inhibited the generation of reactive oxygen species in NIH-3T3 cells under the intervention of H2O2,and illumination treatment further enhanced the effect of Ti3C2Tx on inhibiting the generation of reactive oxygen species.Ti3C2Tx effectively inhibited macrophage inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide and promoted the transformation of cells into M2 macrophages with anti-inflammatory properties.Both Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx illumination significantly inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus,and the inhibitory effect of Ti3C2Tx illumination was more significant.(2)In vivo experiments:Gross and histological analyses of the wound surface showed that both Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx illumination promoted wound healing in diabetic mice,and the promotion effect of Ti3C2Tx irradiation was more significant.Immunohistochemical staining results showed that both Ti3C2Tx and Ti3C2Tx illumination inhibited the inflammatory response in diabetic wounds and promoted angiogenesis,and the effect of Ti3C2Tx illumination was more significant.Blood biochemical test results showed that Ti3C2Tx and illumination had no obvious toxic effects on mice.(3)These results indicate that Ti3C2Tx nanoparticles efficiently promote the healing of skin wounds in a diabetic mouse model through antioxidation,anti-inflammation,and antibacterial actions via photothermal effects.

Objective To investigate the immunomodulatory effect of albumin-bound Paclitaxel combined with Sintilimab on advanced esophageal cancer,and to analyze the survival benefit.Methods A total of 126 patients with advanced esophageal cancer admitted to Rugao People's Hospital from March 2020 to March 2023 were selected,and divided into the observation group(n=63)and the control group(n=63)using a random number table method.The control group was given albumin-bound Paclitaxel,while the observation group was given albumin-bound Paclitaxel combined with Sintilimab.The clinical efficacy,tumor markers[cytokeratin 19 fragment(CYFRA21-1),squamous cell carcinoma antigen(SCC-Ag),carbohydrate antigen 125(CA125),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)],immune function indicators(Th1/Th2,Th17/Treg),PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway indicators,Karnofsky performance status(KPS)scores,overall survival,and toxic side effects were compared between the two groups.Results The objective remission rate[38.10%(24/63)]and disease control rate[87.30%(55/63)]of the observation group were higher than those of the control group[20.63%(13/63),71.43%(45/63)](P<0.05).After 2 and 4 cycles of treatment,the serum SCC-Ag,CYFRA21-1,CA125 and CEA in the observation group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05);after 2 and 4 cycles of treatment,compared with the control group,the observation group showed higher Th1/Th2,and lower Th17/Treg,PD-1 and PD-L1(P<0.05).The improvement rate of quality of life,progression free survival and overall survival in the observation group were higher or longer than those in the control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of abnormal liver dysfunction,nausea and vomiting,decreased hemoglobin and leucopenia between the two groups(P>0.05),but the incidence of rash in the observation group[57.14%(36/63)]was higher than that in the control group[34.92%(22/63)](P<0.05).Conclusion Combination therapy of Sintilimab and albumin-bound Paclitaxel shows significant efficacy in the treatment of advanced esophageal cancer.It can regulate serum tumor marker levels,improve immune function,reduce the activity of the PD-1/PD-L1 signaling pathway to inhibit disease progression,enhance survival benefits,and improve quality of life.However,attention should be paid to the observation of rash reactions during treatment.

Objective To observe the value of ultrashort echo time(UTE)-MRI for evaluating pulmonary nodules.Methods Totally 58 patients with pulmonary nodules detected with CT were prospectively enrolled,and UTE-MRI was performed.Taken CT as the referent standard,the value of UTE-MRI for evaluating the diameter,composition,lung imaging reporting and data system(Lung-RADS)type and radiographic signs of pulmonary nodules was analyzed.Results CT detected 66 pulmonary nodules with a diameter of(11.60±5.20)mm in 58 patients,including 29 solid nodules,24 partially solid nodules and 13 ground-glass nodules.There were 14 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 17 type 4X lung nodules,among which 12 were found with lobulated sign,and 14 were found with spiculated sign.UTE-MRI detected 63 nodules with a diameter of(11.34±4.82)mm,including 25 solid nodules,28 partially solid nodules and 10 ground-glass nodules.There were 12 Lung-RADS type 2,12 type 3,12 type 4A,11 type 4B and 16 type 4X lung nodules.Among which 10 nodules were found with lobulated sign and 11 were found with spiculated sign.No significant difference of the measured diameters of lung nodules was found between UTE-MRI and CT(P=0.803),and the results of UTE-MRI and CT had good correlation and consistency(rs=0.953,ICC=0.946),which also had good consistency for assessing nodule composition and Lung-RADS type(Kappa=0.871,0.960).Meanwhile,no significant difference of the display rates of lobulated nor spiculated signs was noticed between UTE-MRI and CT(both P＞0.05).Conclusion UTE-MRI was helpful for evaluating pulmonary nodules,with efficacy comparable to CT.

Objective:To observe the effect of intensified heel anti-gravity posture stability training on the gait of stroke survivors.Methods:Thirty-six hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a control group and an experimental group, each of 18. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation treatment (including limb positioning, limb movement training and conventional walking training), while the experimental group was additionally provided with 30 minutes of intense heel anti-gravity posture stability training 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, the subjects′ walking speed, stride frequency, step length, peak knee flexion angle and peak hip flexion angle were documented using three-dimensional gait analysis with a movement training system.Results:The average walking speed, stride rate, step length, peak hip flexion and peak knee flexion of both groups had improved significantly after the treatments. But the average walking speed [(0.46±0.06)m/s], step length [(85.05±6.68)cm], peak hip flexion angle [(34.80±2.80)°] and peak knee flexion angle [(40.55±3.58)°] of the treatment group were significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusions:Intensified heel anti-gravity posture stability training can significantly improve the walking speed, step length, hip flexion and knee flexion of hemiplegic stroke survivors.

Objective To establish a GC method for simultaneous determination of volatile index components of octyl acetate,benzylacetone,myristicin and dehydrocostus lactone in Tibetan medicine Bawei Chenxiang powders.Methods A GC method was used with octyl acetate,benzylacetone,myristicin and dehydrocostus lactone as indicator components,SH-WAX capillary column(30 m×0.25 mm,0.25 μm)and temperature programming were used,the carrier gas was nitrogen,the inlet temperature was 220 ℃,the detector temperature was 240 ℃,with split injection volume of 1 μL.Results The concentrations of octyl acetate,benzylacetone,myristicin and dehydrocostus lactone showed a good linear relationship with peak area(r＞0.999 5)in the range of 12.44-124.43 μg·mL-1,2.90-29.01 μg·mL-1,15.95-159.45 μg·mL-1,15.62-156.15 μg·mL-1,respectively;the average recovery rates were 100.40％(RSD=1.55％),97.80％(RSD=1.41％),99.50％(RSD=0.77％)and 99.50％(RSD=0.85％)(n=6).Conclusion The method has good specificity,precision,repeatability and accuracy,and can be used for the determination of volatile index components in Bawei Chenxiang powders.

Objective:To summarize the experience of brain death determination under veno-arterial extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (VA-ECMO) assisted circulatory support, especially apnea test (AT) precautions, and to provide references for brain death determination in this scenario.Methods:In 78 patients who had VA-ECMO at Organ Transplant Center, Zhengzhou People's Hospital from October 2019 to December 2023, 8 organ donors had brain death determination under VA-ECMO assisted circulatory support. Baseline data, clinical data, and VA-ECMO data during AT trial were collected from these 8 patients to summarize the process of brain death determination.Results:Six of the 8 donors met the criteria of brain death; 10 EEG, 12 evoked potentials and 15 ATs were performed. Complications in ATs, including hypotension, decreased oxygenation and arrhythmia, were alleviated after timely improved VA-ECMO flow and applied cardiotonic and pressor drugs.Conclusion:AT is key for successful brain death determination in organ donors under VA-ECMO assisted circulatory support; therefore, complications should be closely monitored and managed.