Objective:The aim of this study was to assess the frailty status of patients with heart failure undergoing CRT-D and then explore the predictive value of frailty for all-cause mortality and heart failure-related readmissions in these patients.Methods:We retrospectively included 374 patients with chronic heart failure who underwent CRT-D treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University between June 2020 and June 2024. Based on the Tilburg Debilitation Assessment Scale, 175 patients (46.8%) were classified as frail while 199 (53.2%) were classified as non-frail. The baseline data between the two groups was compared using Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier curves were used for survival analysis. P-values of <0.05 indicated statistically significant differences. Results:A total of 374 patients aged 25-93 (68±11) years were enrolled in this study, 101 (27.0%) of which were female. Among these, 175 (46.8%) were categorized as frail, and 199 (53.2%) were classified as non-frail. Over a median follow-up time of 23 (5, 45) months, 35 (9.4%) patients experienced all-cause mortality, with 30 (17.1%) deaths occurring in the frail group and 5 (2.5%) in the non-frail group; meanwhile, readmission events due to heart failure occurred in a total of 174 (46.5%) patients, including 122 (70.1%) in the frail group, and 52 (29.9%) in the non-frail group. Cox analysis showed that frailty was a significant determinant of all-cause mortality ( HR=21.25, 95% CI 3.99-113.30, P<0.001) and readmission among heart failure patients receiving CRT-D ( HR=2.52, 95% CI 1.73-3.68, P<0.001). Log-rank tests showed that the survival rate of patients in the frail group was significantly lower than that of patients in the non-frail group ( HR=7.22, 95% CI 2.80-18.60, P<0.001) and the risk of readmission events due to heart failure was significantly higher among patients in the frail group than among those in the non-frail group ( HR=2.75, 95% CI 1.98-3.81, P<0.001). Conclusions:Frailty is an independent predictor of postoperative all-cause mortality and the occurrence of heart failure-related readmissions in patients with heart failure treated receiving CRT-D.

Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

On the basis of that the fluorescence wavelength of copper nanoclusters(CuNCs)could cover the entire visible region,multicolor fluorescent CuNCs/starch composites were prepared and applied in fingermark development.With L-glutathione as the reducing agent and protective ligand,blue emissive and orange emissive CuNCs solutions were obtained in alkaline solutions at 90℃and 25℃,respectively.With the aggregation-induced emission effect induced by ethanol as a poor solvent,the fluorescence of orange emissive CuNCs with a higher intensity was achieved in an ethanol-water solution.With ascorbic acid as the reducing agent and 3-mercaptopropionic acid as the protective agent,green emissive CuNCs solution was prepared in an acid solution.Particle morphologies,chemical compositions and optical properties of these three CuNCs above were investigated using physical characterization and spectroscopic analysis,indicating that well-dispersed CuNCs had excellent photoluminescent properties.These CuNCs solutions were combined with starch to form composite powders by simply drying.The influences of the type of CuNCs and the ratio of CuNCs to starch on the emission wavelength and fluorescence intensity of the products were studied.The obtained CuNCs/starch composites could emit blue,green and orange fluorescence under 365 nm ultraviolet light,respectively,which were suitable for fingermark development.Minutiae and partial level-3 features of latent fingermarks could be effectively developed.High-quality fluorescence fingermark images would be captured using appropriate optical filters to eliminate background interference of various substrates.

Due to the poor ionization efficiency and the weak mass spectrometry(MS)intensity of weakly polar substances,direct analysis using the traditional electrospray ionization mass spectrometry(ESI-MS)is a big challenge.In this study,a novel rapid on-site detection method of four prohibited sex hormones in cosmetics was proposed using online derivatization strategy coupled with a miniature mass spectrometer.The target substances in the samples were extracted by a custom-made polyaniline/multi-walled carbon nanotube solid-phase microextraction(SPME)probe.The stirring speed was 200 r/min,the extraction temperature was 40℃,and the extraction time was 2 min.A pulled dual-channel θ borosilicate glass capillary emitter was used as the nano-ESI ion source.The SPME probe was inserted into the channel containing methanol in theθborosilicate glass capillary.When the spray voltage was applied,the four sex hormones were desorbed and formed spray microdroplets,which then collided with the hydroxylamine microdroplets generated from the other channel.The microdroplets of reaction product entered into the miniature mass spectrometer for direct analysis.The limits of detection(LOD)and limits of quantification(LOQ)for the four sex hormones were 10-20 ng/mL and 20-50 ng/mL,respectively.The recoveries were from 84.6%to 107.8%with the relative standard deviations(RSD)from 4.1%to 11.6%.Compared to detection without derivatization,the MS signals of the four target substances were increased by 3 to 15 times.This method was simple,rapid,highly efficient and sensitive,and suitable for on-site rapid analysis of weakly polar sex hormones in cosmetics.

Objective To explore the clinical characteristics and treatment of immune checkpoint inhibitors(ICIs)-associated myocarditis in patients with bladder cancer(BCa).Methods Clinical and follow-up data of 213 BCa patients treated with ICIs in our hospital during Jan.2020 and May 2024 were collected.The data of 7 patients(3.3％)who developed ICIs-associated myocarditis were analyzed.Results The cohort included 2 females and 5 males(median age:72 years).Four patients were asymptomatic,while 3 presented with chest tightness,dyspnea,or orthopnea.All patients showed significantly elevated high-sensitivity troponin T.Only 2 patients had markedly increased N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide.Electrocardiograms were normal in 4 patients,while 2 patients exhibited significantly reduced left ventricular global longitudinal strain on echocardiography,with cardiac magnetic resonance confirming acute myocarditis.All patients discontinued ICIs and received first-line methylprednisolone upon diagnosis.Two patients showed no improvement after 5 days of treatment and received second-line therapy.One patient received intravenous immunoglobulin and infliximab without response,but improved after third-line tofacitinib.One patient developed acute respiratory failure after intravenous immunoglobulin administration and was then transferred to ICU,and died of multiple organ failure after 10 days.Conclusion ICIs-associated myocarditis is a relatively rare but clinically distinct immune-related adverse reaction during BCa treatment.Methylprednisolone is the first-line therapy,while critically ill and steroid-resistant patients often require early combined immunosuppressants based on individualized multidisciplinary discussion.

Objective:To explore the causal relationship between 1 400 blood metabolites and hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism by using Mendelian randomization(MR) approach.Methods:This study employed a bi-directional Mendelian randomization analysis and sourced data of blood metabolites related to hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism from the genome-wide association study(GWAS) database. R software and TwoSampleMR software package were used for analysis. The inverse variance weighting method(IVW) was used as the main method, and MR-Egger regression, weighted median method, simple mode and weighted mode were used as supplementary methods to analyze the causal relationship between blood metabolites and hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. The false-positive rate was corrected by false discovery rate(FDR, FDR<0.2) to control for false positives; Meta-analysis of different sample pools was performed for overall assessment. Results:The analysis found three blood metabolites significantly linked to hypothyroidism: pregnenediol disulfate(IVW: OR=1.068, 95% CI 1.032-1.106, P<0.001), 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-linoleoyl-GPE(IVW: OR=0.891, 95% CI 0.840-0.944, P<0.001), and linoleic-arachidonic glycerin(IVW: OR =0.923, 95% CI 0.885-0.963, P<0.001). Glutamine was also noted(IVW: OR=0.998, 95% CI 0.997-0.999, P<0.001). Reverse MR showed no significant correlation between hyperthyroidism and the four metabolites(IVW: P>0.05). Validation from FinnGen Biospecimen Library and UKB Biospecimen Library confirmed these findings. Conclusions:Among 1 400 blood metabolites, pregnenediol disulfate showed a positive correlation with hypothyroidism. In contrast, 1-(1-enyl-palmitoyl)-2-linoleoyl-GPE and linoleic-arachidonic glycerin exhibited negative correlations with hypothyroidism, while glutamine showed a negative correlation with hyperthyroidism. This study offers insights into the pathogenesis, early screening, and treatment of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

Objective To investigate the effects of chronic restraint stress for 28 days(day and night)on mood and cognitive-like behavior in male and female ICR mice,to provide a basis for the selection of sex and restraint period in chronic restraint stress model animals.Methods A total of 72 male and female(1∶1)ICR mice were divided into six groups:male control,daytime restraint,and nighttime restraint groups,and female control,daytime restraint,and nighttime restraint groups.Mice in all but the control groups were bound for 10 h/d and restrained continuously for 28 days to establish a chronic restraint stress model.The emotional and cognitive behaviors induced by restraint in male and female mice at different times were observed by open field,Y maze,novel inhibition feeding,elevated cross maze,tail suspension,forced swimming,and dark-avoidance experiments.Results In the tail suspension experiment,the immobility time of male mice in the daytime restraint group was significantly increased compared with that in the control group(P＜0.05),and the immobility times of male mice in the daytime and nighttime restraint groups were also significantly increased in the forced swimming experiment,compared with those in the control group(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the female daytime restraint and female control groups in the novelty inhibition feeding experiment,but the feeding latency of the nighttime restraint group was significantly longer than that of the control group(P＜0.05)and the daytime restraint group(P＜0.05).The feeding latency of female mice was significantly longer than that of males during nighttime restraint(P＜0.05).In the open field test,compared with the male control group,the female control group showed a significant decrease in central area time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time(P＜0.05).Compared with the female control group,the female daytime restraint group exhibited a significant decrease in central area time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference between the groups in the elevated cross maze and Y maze experiments.There was no significant difference in dark latency between the daytime restraint group and the control group,but darkness latency was significantly shorter in the nighttime restraint group compared with those in the control group(P＜0.05).When male and female mice were combined,the immobility time in the daytime restraint group was significantly increased in the tail suspension experiment(P＜0.05),the immobility times of mice in the daytime and nighttime restraint groups were significantly increased in the forced swimming experiment(P＜0.01,P＜0.05),and the central zone time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time of daytime restraint mice were significantly shorter compared with those in the control group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).There was no significant difference in the central zone time and the ratio of central area time to peripheral area time in the nighttime restraint groups,and no significant difference in average speed or total distance between the daytime and nighttime restraint groups.Conclusions Male mice exhibited depression after 28 d of chronic restraint stress during the daytime,while female mice were prone to anxiety after 28 d of chronic restraint stress.Male mice experienced learning and memory impairment after 28 d of chronic restraint stress during the night.

Objective:To evaluate the value of HALP index on postoperative survival of patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 165 patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma who underwent surgery at Beijing Chaoyang Hospital, Capital Medical University from Jan 2011 to Dec 2022. Hemoglobin, albumin, lymphocyte count, and platelet count were recorded within one week before surgery, and hemoglobin×albumin×lymphocyte count/platelet count (HALP) was calculated. The receiver operating characteristic curve was drawn to determine the optimal cutoff value for predicting postoperative survival. According to the cutoff value, the patients were divided into high HALP group and low HALP group, and the prognosis of different groups was compared. Multivariate COX regression analysis was used to construct a prediction model for variables with statistically significant differences.Results:The median overall survival (OS) for the entire cohort was 29 months, with cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 78.2%, 38.8%, and 30.4%, respectively. The low-HALP group (median OS: 22 months) had significantly inferior survival compared to the high-HALP group (median OS: 37 months), with 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival rates of 70.1%,31.4%,22.8% vs. 89.7%,45.3%,38.1% ( χ2=7.695, P=0.006). Conclusion:The HALP index calculated from the patient's preoperative indicators can be used to predict the overall survival of patients with distal cholangiocarcinoma.

Objective:To evaluate the utility of neoadjuvant vesical imaging-reporting and data system (NeoVI-RADS) in predicting tumor residuals and diagnosing muscle-invasive bladder cancer (MIBC) in patients undergoing neoadjuvant therapy, as well as its application in prognostic stratification.Methods:A retrospective case series analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 91 patients with bladder cancer who received neoadjuvant therapy at the Department of Urology, First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from July 2014 to June 2024. There were 84 male cases and 7 female cases, with an age of (66±9) years (range:45 to 85 years). The clinical staging of the patients was ≥T2 based on imaging. All of them underwent three or more cycles of neoadjuvant therapy, and had post-treatment multiparametric MRI (mp-MRI) evaluation. Based on the results of mp-MRI, the NeoVI-RADS was established and employed to assess tumor residuals and muscle invasion. The receiver operating characteristic curve was plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. Kaplan-Meier survival curves based on overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) were plotted, and the Log-rank test was used for survival analysis comparison between groups.Results:In the neoadjuvant treatment cohort, the AUC for predicting tumor residuals post-neoadjuvant therapy using NeoVI-RADS was 0.900, with an accuracy of 93.4%, sensitivity of 95.8%, and a specificity of 85.0%. The NeoVI-RADS demonstrated strong diagnostic performance for MIBC, achieving an AUC of 0.900. At a NeoVI-RADS score cutoff of 4, the accuracy was 84.5%, with a sensitivity of 87.5% and a specificity of 72.9%. Additionally, compared to patients with NeoVI-RADS scores of 0 (5-year OS and CSS rates both 100%) or scores of 1 to 3 (5-year OS and CSS rates both 90.9%), patients with scores of 4 to 5 had significantly worse OS (5-year rate 63.0%) and CSS (5-year rate 66.3%) (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in OS or CSS between patients with NeoVI-RADS scores of 0 and those with scores of 1 to 3 (all P>0.05). Conclusion:NeoVI-RADS demonstrates significant diagnostic and prognostic value in the context of neoadjuvant treatment for bladder cancer, effectively assessing tumor residuals and muscle invasion, thereby enhancing patient management and facilitating personalized treatment approaches.