Objective This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of 18F-FDG PET/CT Metabolic and Heterogeneity Parameters Combined with Clinical Features Before Definitive Chemoradiotherapy(D-CRT)in predicting the prognosis of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)Patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 106 patients with ESCC who received D-CRT at the first affiliated Hospital of University of Science and Technology of China between January 2017 and December 2021.All patients underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT examination before the treatment.The primary tumor′s metabolic and heterogeneity parameters were obtained through data processing.All patients were followed up for overall survival.The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze the association between clinical features,tumor metabo-lism and heterogeneity parameters and patient prognosis.Results The 1-and 1.5-year overall survival rates of all patients were 77.4%and 51.9%.The median survival time was 20 months.Univariate analysis showed that N stage,M stage,metabolic tumor volume,total lesion glycolysis,heterogeneity index-2(HI-2),and coefficient of variation with a threshold of 40%maximum standard uptake value(CV40%)were correlated with the prognosis of ESCC(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis showed that N stage and CV40%were independent predictors of prognosis in patients with ESCC(P = 0.039 and P<0.001,respectively).Conclusion N stage and tumor metabolic heterogeneity parameter CV40%,which offering a degree of predictive value,are closely related to the prognosis of patients with ESCC treated with D-CRT.

Objective To explore the feasibility and accuracy of using indocyanine green fluorescence (ICGF) to identify the intersegmental plane after ligation of the target pulmonary vein during thoracoscopic segmentectomy. Methods From December 2022 to June 2023, the patients with pulmonary nodules undergoing video-assisted thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy with intersegmental plane displayed using ICGF after ligation of the target pulmonary vein by the same medical team in our hospital were collected. Preoperative three-dimensional reconstruction was used to identify the target segment where the pulmonary nodule was located and the anatomical structure of the arteries, veins, and bronchi in the target segment. The intersegmental plane was first determined by the inflation-deflation method after the target pulmonary vein was ligated during the operation. During the waiting period, the target artery and bronchus could be separated but not cut off. The inflation-deflation boundary was marked by electrocoagulation, and then ICGF was injected via peripheral vein to identify the intersegmental plane again, and the consistency of the two intersegmental planes was finally evaluated. Results Finally 32 patients were collected, including 14 males and 18 females, with an average age of 58.69±11.84 years, ranging from 25 to 76 years. The intersegmental plane determined by inflation-deflation method was basically consistent with ICGF method in all patients. All the 32 patients successfully completed uniportal thoracoscopic segmentectomy without ICGF-related complications or perioperative death. The average operation time was 98.59±20.72 min, the average intraoperative blood loss was 45.31±35.65 mL, and the average postoperative chest tube duration was 3.50±1.16 days. The average postoperative hospital stay was 4.66±1.29 days, and the average tumor margin width was 26.96±5.86 mm. Conclusion The ICGF can safely and accurately identify the intersegmental plane by target pulmonary venous preferential ligation in thoracoscopic segmentectomy, which is a useful exploration and important supplement to the simplified thoracoscopic anatomical segmentectomy.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of using Bacillus Calmette-Guérin （BCG） versus epirubicin for intravesical perfusion after transurethral resection of bladder tumor （TUR-BT） in patients with intermediate- to high-risk non-muscle- invasive bladder cancer （NMIBC）. METHODS From the perspective of China’s health system， a Markov cohort model was constructed based on the ChiCTR-IIR-16008357 study. Quality-adjusted life years （QALYs） were used as the health outcome measure， with the willingness-to-pay（WTP） threshold set at one time the per capita gross domestic product of China in 2023 （89 358 yuan/QALY）. A cost-utility analysis was used to compare the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio （ICER） of the BCG regimen relative to the epirubicin regimen for intravesical perfusion after TUR-BT in patients with intermediate- to high-risk NMIBC in China. In addition， sensitivity analysis was performed. RESULTS The incremental cost of the BCG regimen compared to the epirubicin regimen was 34 309.51 yuan， with an incremental utility of 0.800 QALYs， resulting in an ICER of 42 871.33 yuan/QALY， which is below the WTP threshold. When the WTP threshold was 89 358 yuan/QALY， the probability that the BCG regimen would be acceptable was 77.70% in the probabilistic sensitivity analysis， higher than that of the epirubicin regimen， and the acceptability of the BCG regimen increased with increasing in the WTP threshold. CONCLUSIONS When the WTP threshold was set at one time the per capita gross domestic product of China in 2023， compared to epirubicin， BCG used for intravesical perfusion after TUR-BT in patients with intermediate- to high-risk NMIBC demonstrated better cost-effectiveness.

Objective To investigate the alleviation of Nippostrongylus brasiliensis infection on dextran sulfate sodium salt (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in mice, and to explore the underlying mechanism. Methods Thirty male C57BL/6J mice of the SPF grade, each weighing approximately 25 g, were randomly divided into three groups, including the blank control group (NC group), DSS modeling group (DSS group), and N. brasiliensis treatment group (Nb + DSS group), of 10 mice in each group. Mice in the DSS group were orally administered with 3.5% DSS daily since day 1 (D0) for 6 successive days, and given normal drinking water since D6, and animals in the Nb + DSS group were subcutaneously injected with the third-stage larvae of N. brasiliensis at a dose of 500 larvae per mice 5 days prior to D0, followed by oral administration with 3.5% DSS daily since D0 for 6 successive days and normal drinking water since D6, while mice in the NC group were given normal drinking water. Mouse body weight and stool were observed and the disease activity index (DAI) was scored in each group during the study period. All mice were sacrificed on D9. The mouse colon length was measured, and mouse colon specimens were subjected to hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and histopathological scoring. In addition, the mRNA and protein expression of interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-10 was quantified in mouse colon specimens using quantitative fluorescent real-time PCR (qPCR) assay and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and the mRNA and protein expression of mucosal repair-associated molecules zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), mucin 2 (MUC2) and claudin-1 was detected in mouse colon specimens using qPCR assay and immunofluorescence assay. Results The mice body weights, DAI scores and colon lengths were (26.26 ± 1.93), (22.39 ± 1.65), (25.00 ± 1.58) g (F = 8.06, P < 0.01); (1.89 ± 0.34), (0.47 ± 0.39), 0 points (F = 57.61, P < 0.000 1); and (42.50 ± 5.75), (56.20 ± 5.96) mm and (61.17 ± 7.88) mm (F = 13.72, P < 0.001) in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups on D9, respectively, and elevated mouse body weight (P < 0.05), reduced DAI score (P < 0.000 1) and increased colon length (P < 0.01) were observed in the Nb + DSS group relative to the DSS group on D9. Pathological examinations showed that the colonic crypts were relatively intact and the inflammatory cell infiltration was lower in the mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in DSS the group. There was a significant difference in the histopathological scores of mouse colon specimens among the NC group (0 point), the DSS group [(2.00 ± 1.22) points] and the Nb + DSS group [(0.20 ± 0.45) points] (F = 10.71, P < 0.01), respectively, and the histopathological score of mouse colon specimens was significantly higher in the DSS group than in the NC and Nb + DSS groups (both P values < 0.01). qPCR assay quantified that the relative IL-10 and IL-1β mRNA expression was 1.25 ± 0.08, 0.44 ± 0.14 and 1.30 ± 0.45 (F = 10.66, P < 0.01), and 0.22 ± 0.13, 1.14 ± 0.31 and 0.41 ± 0.19 (F = 16.89, P < 0.001) in mouse colon specimens in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups, respectively, and higher IL-10 mRNA expression and lower IL-1β mRNA expression were found in mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in the DSS group (both P values < 0.01). The relative MUC2, claudin-1 and ZO-1 mRNA expression was 0.87 ± 0.25, 0.34 ± 0.26 and 4.21 ± 0.55 (F = 121.60, P < 0.000 1), 1.05 ± 0.41, 0.16 ± 0.09 and 0.22 ± 0.11 (F = 14.00, P < 0.01), and 1.03 ± 0.10, 0.60 ± 0.11 and 1.64 ± 0.28 (F = 32.16, P < 0.000 1) in mouse colon specimens in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups, respectively, and significantly higher MUC2 and ZO-1 mRNA expression was quantified in mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in the DSS group (both P values < 0.05). The mean fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and claudin-1 were 17.18 ± 2.08, 12.38 ± 1.21 and 18.06 ± 2.59 (F = 8.95, P < 0.01) and 13.50 ± 1.63, 9.66 ± 2.03 and 13.61 ± 0.97 (F = 6.96, P < 0.05) in mouse colon specimens in the NC, DSS and Nb + DSS groups, respectively, and the mean fluorescence intensities of ZO-1 and claudin-1 were significantly greater in mouse colon specimens in the Nb + DSS group than in the DSS group (both P values < 0.05). Conclusion N. brasiliensis infection may remarkably alleviate DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in mice through promoting expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines, inhibiting expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and facilitating mucosal repair in colon tissues.

Objective To investigate the effects of dynamic lung compliance(Cdyn)-guided indi-vidual positive end-expiratory pressure(PEEP)titration on pulmonary function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.Methods Sixty-eight elderly patients were selected for laparoscopic radical resection of colorectal cancer,37 males and 31 females,aged 65-79 years,BMI<30 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were divided into two groups using the random number table method:individualized PEEP group(group P)and control group(group C),34 patients in each group.In group P,the patients received recruitment maneuvers and PEEP titration test at immediately after intubation,immediately after establishing pneumoperitoneum-Trendelenburg position and immediately after pneumoperitoneum.The patients in group C received PEEP 5 cmH2 O during procedure.The three best titra-tion PEEP and the actual tidal volume(VT)in group P were also recorded.PaO2,PaCO2,PETCO2 10 mi-nutes after the tracheal intubation(T1),10 minutes(T2)and 1 hour(T3)after establishing pneumoperito-neum-Trendelenburg position,at the end of the surgery but before extubation(T4)were recorded,and the oxygenation index(OI),physiological dead space to tidal volume(Vd/VT),alveolar arterial oxygen differ-ence(A-aDO2),driving pressure,and Cdyn were calculated.Concentrations of interleukin-8(IL-8),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Clara cell secretoyr protein(CC16)and lung alveolar surface active sub-stances-D(SP-D)in the serum samples were determined by ELISA before anesthesia induction(T0)and 10 minutes after extubation(T5).Postoperative pulmonary complications(PPCs)were also recordrd.Results The individualized PEEP of Cdyn?guided PEEP titration was 4 cmH2O. Compared with group C, the PaO2 and OI in group C were significantly increased at T4, the Cdyn was significantly increased at T1,T3, and T4, the driving pressure was significantly decreased at T1 -T4, the serum concentration of CC16 was significantly decreased at T5 ( P < 0. 05). There were no significant differences in PaCO2, PET CO2,A?aDO2, and Vd/ VT between the two groups. There was no severe PPCs in the two groups. Conclusion Pressure?controlled ventilation modes combined with Cdyn?guide PEEP titration can increase the Cdyn, reduce thedriving pressure, and improve OI at the end of the operation, reduce the concentrations of CC16 at postop?eration, improve pulmonary function in elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery.

With the process of China’s aging population intensifying， palliative care， as an important guarantee for improving the quality of life of terminally ill patients， is receiving more and more social attention， and the demand is constantly increasing. Palliative care needs versatile professionals， and general education can enhance people’s awareness and understanding of it， enabling more people to understand， accept， and participate in palliative care. With the advancement of knowledge and technology in palliative care， the traditional cramming education models are no longer able to meet the actual needs. Therefore， there is an urgent need to innovate palliative care education strategies. By analyzing the current problems in the general education of palliative care in China， this paper proposed thoughts and suggestions for general and innovative education of palliative care in several aspects， such as establishing general and innovative education systems and evaluation systems of palliative care， diversifying educational contents and methods， strengthening medical staffs training， promoting diversified student groups， and strengthening the popularization of palliative care knowledge among the public.

Cryptogenic multifocal ulcerous stenosing enteritis（CMUSE） is a rare and difficult disease characte-rized by chronic recurrent intestinal obstruction and gastrointestinal bleeding caused by multiple ulcers and strictures of the small intestine. There is still a lack of mature and systematic guidance for the treatment of the disease. This paper reported a case of CMUSE mainly manifested as fatigue， abdominal distention， and edema of both lower limbs ， who is treated by integrated traditional Chinese and western medicine. In western medicine treatment， hormone and symptomatic treatment are mainly used. In traditional Chinese medicine treatment， the method of fortifying spleen and reinforcing healthy qi is taken as the basis； during the active stage of the disease， the method of moving qi and removing stagnation， clearing and removing dampness and heat， astringing and engendering flesh should be combined with， while during the remission stage， it is advised to unite with the method of diffusing lung and moving water， regulating and harmonizing zang-fu （脏腑） organs； simultaneously， replenishing qi and invigorating blood can be used throughout the treatment， and attach importance to the maintenance therapy of the traditional Chinese medicine immunomo-dulatory agent Tripterygium glycosides. After more than 2 years of treatment， the patient's clinical symptoms were significantly relieved， and all indicators basically restored to normal， having a stable condition.

Objective : To explore the effects of microRNA-155 (miR-155) on apoptosis of chronic myeloid leukemia ( CML) cells，and the influence of miRNA-155 regulating the expression of heat shock proteins ( HSP) 27， HSP60，HSP70． Methods : Reverse transcription-quantitative real-time PCR ( RT-qPCR) was used to detect the expression levels of miR-155 in CML-resistant imatinib (IM) cell line K562-G and CML cell line K562 ．K562-G cells were infected with the lentivirus carrying miR-155 or the negative control lentivirus ，and they were named miR-155 group and control group．The effect of miR-155 on the proliferation of drug-resistant cells was detected by cell counting kit-8 ( CCK-8) method. RT-qPCR and Western blot were used to detect the effect of miR-155 on the expression of heat shock proteins HSP27，HSP60，HSP70．Flow cytometry was used to detect the percentage of cell apoptosis in miR-155 group and control group. Results : ompared with K562 cells，miR-155 showed low expres- sion in K562-G cells (P ＜0. 05) ．The proliferation of miR-155 group cells decreased significantly from the 36th hour (P＜0. 05) ．Compared with the control group，in the miR-155 group，HSP60 and HSP70 increased (P < 0. 05) ，while HSP27 decreased (P＜0. 01) ．The apoptosis rate of miR-155 group was higher than that of control group (P＜0. 05) ． Conclusion miR-155 promotes the apoptosis of chronic myeloid leukemia cells，increases the expression of HSP60 and HSP70，and decreases the expression of HSP27 .

DNA polymerase theta (Polθ), also known as DNA polymerase θ, is the member of the DNA polymerase A family and plays a crucial role in the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSB). Polθ has 3 distinct structural domains: the N-terminal helicase-like domain with a conserved sequence, the C-terminal polymerase domain, and the central domain, which is a disordered sequence connecting these two regions. Notably, Polθ is the only known polymerase in eukaryotes that possesses helicase activity. However, it is also an error-prone polymerase. When DNA DSBs occur, a specialized network consisting of at least 4 pathways, including classical-non homologous end joining (C-NHEJ), homologous recombination (HR), single-strand annealing (SSA), and alternative-end joining (Alt-EJ), is responsible for repairing DNA damage caused by DSBs. In the absence of major DNA repair pathways like HR, cells rely on Alt-EJ pathway mediated by Polθ to repair damaged DNA and maintain genomic stability. Nevertheless, due to the low fidelity of Polθ, Alt-EJ repair often leads to errors. Depletion of Polθ has shown to increases DSB formation and compromise genomic stability. Conversely, overexpression of Polθ has been associated with increases DNA damage markers and impairs cell cycle progression. As a result, the impact of Polθ on genome stability remains controversial. Furthermore, overexpression of Polθ is frequently observed in cancer and is associated with a characteristic mutational signature and poor prognosis. Depleting Polθ in an HR-deficient background has been shown to impair cell viability, suggesting a synthetic lethal (SL) relationship between Polθ and HR factors. In recent years, targeted chemotherapy drugs that inhibit tumor growth have gained significant attention. However, off-target effects and drug resistance pose challenges for clinical application, particularly with poly-ADP-ribose polymerase inhibitor (PARPi). Blocking Polθ activity in HR-deficient tumor cells has been found to reverse PARPi resistance, making Polθ a very promising therapeutic target in cancer treatment. The availability of crystal structures for both helicase and polymerase domain has facilitated the design of potent inhibitors of Polθ. Currently, several highly specific and effective small molecule inhibitors targeting Polθ, such as Novobiocin, RP-6685, and ART558, have been reported to effectively block various cancers with HR deficiency. The initial success of these inhibitors points to new directions for treating BRCA1/2-mutated tumors. Additionally, reducing the Alt-EJ repair pathway mediated by Polθ can improve HR repair efficiency and increase the chance of exogenous gene target integration (TI), suggesting potential new applications for Polθ inhibitors. This article reviews the recent research progress on the molecular function of Polθ and its involvement in the Alt-EJ pathway modification mechanism, providing insights for a deeper understanding of this field.

Objective To establish a clinical-CT model,and to observe its value for evaluating lymphovascular invasion(LVI)and/or perineural invasion(PNI)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods Data of 156 ESCC patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into positive group(n=58,LVI[+]and/or PNI[+])and negative group(n=98,LVI[-]and PNI[-])according to postoperative pathological results.Clinical and CT data were compared between groups.Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a model,and its efficacy of evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),tumor thickness,tumor volume and CT venous phase value(CTV),the difference between CTV and CT plain phase value(CTP)(△CTV-P)and venous phase enhancement rate(V％)were found between groups(all P＜0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)of the above parameters for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 0.702,0.690,0.731,0.744,0.621,0.631 and 0.599,respectively.CEA,CA199,tumor thickness,tumor volume and CTV were all independent predictive factors for ESCC LVI and/or PNI.A combined model was established based on the above features,and its accuracy,sensitivity and specificity for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 82.05％,65.52％and 91.84％,respectively,with AUC of 0.838,higher than that of each single parameter(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The established clinical-CT model could effectively evaluate ESCC LVI and/or PNI.