Objective To explore the impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes (nPRLN) in N1 stage on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection from 2010 to 2015 were screened from SEER database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was determined using X-tile software, and patients were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff value: a nPRLN≤optimal cutoff group and a nPRLN>optimal cutoff group. The influence of confounding factors was minimized by propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1 : 1. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of patients. Results A total of 1316 patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC were included, including 662 males and 654 females, with a median age of 67 (60, 73) years. The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was 3, with 1165 patients in the nPRLN≤3 group and 151 patients in the nPRLN>3 group. After PSM, there were 138 patients in each group. Regardless of before or after PSM, OS and LCSS of patients in the nPRLN≤3 group were superior to those in the nPRLN>3 group (P<0.001). N1 stage nPRLN>3 was an independent prognostic risk factor for OS [HR=1.52, 95%CI (1.22, 1.89), P<0.001] and LCSS [HR=1.72, 95%CI (1.36, 2.18), P<0.001]. Conclusion N1 stage nPRLN>3 is an independent prognostic risk factor for NSCLC patients in TxN1M0 stage, which may provide new evidence for future revision of TNM staging N1 stage subclassification.

Objective To establish an individualized nomogram model and evaluate its efficacy to provide a possible evaluation basis for the prognosis of lower third and abdominal part of oesophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC). Methods Lower third and abdominal part of EAC patients from 2010 to 2015 were chosen from the SEER Research Plus Database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The patients were randomly allocated to the training cohort and the internal validation cohort with a ratio of 7∶3 using bootstrap resampling. The Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was used to determine significant contributors to overall survival (OS) in EAC patients, which would be elected to construct the nomogram prediction model. C-index, calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were performed to evaluate its efficacy. Finally, the efficacy to evaluate the OS of EAC patients was compared between the nomogram prediction model and TNM staging system. Results In total, 3945 patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC were enrolled, including 3475 males and 470 females with a median age of 65 (57-72) years. The 2761 patients were allocated to the training cohort and the remaining 1184 patients to the internal validation cohort. In the training and the internal validation cohorts, the C-index of the nomogram model was 0.705 and 0.713, respectively. Meanwhile, the calibration curve also suggested that the nomogram model had a strong capability of predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. The nomogram also had a higher efficacy than the TNM staging system in predicting 1-, 3-, and 5-year OS rates of EAC patients. Conclusion This nomogram prediction model has a high efficiency for predicting OS in the patients with lower third and abdominal part of EAC, which is higher than that of the current TNM staging system.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Objective To observe the value of right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain(RVFWLS)to pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP)ratio(RVFWLS/PASP)for evaluating systolic function of right ventricle(RV)in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy(HCM).Methods Fifty-two HCM patients were retrospectively collected and divided into group A(RVFWLS/PASP≤0.75,n=26)and B(RVFWLS/PASP＞0.75,n=26)according to median RVFWLS/PASP.Meanwhile,26 healthy individuals were included as control group.Parameters of echocardiography and speckle tracking imaging(STI)were obtained and compared among 3 groups.The correlations of RVFWLS/PASP and other parameters were analyzed with linear regression.Results In group A and B,left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF),RV septal longitudinal strain(RVSepLS),RVFWLS,RV end-diastolic volume index(RVEDVi),RV stroke volume(RVSV),RV fractional area change(RVFAC)and left ventricular global longitudinal strain(LVGLS)were all lower,while the ratio of peak E blood flow velocity at mitral orifice diastole to early mitral intervalal annulus diastole velocity(E/e′)were higher than those in control group(all adjusted P＜0.05).Compared with group B and control group,group A had higher PASP but lower RV ejection fraction(RVEF)(all adjusted P＜0.05).Furthermore,RVFWLS and LVGLS were both lower in group A than in group B(both adjusted P＜0.05).Linear regression analysis showed that RVSepLS and RVEF were independently linearly related to RVFWLS/PASP(both P＜0.05).Conclusion RVFWLS/PASP could be used to monitor changes of RV systoic function in HCM patients at early stage.

Objective:To explore the interaction of IL-2,IL-6 factors and intestinal flora disorder in patients with rheumatoid arthritis complicated with interstitial lung disease(RA-ILD).Methods:A total of 100 RA patients diagnosed at Shijiazhuang People's Hospital from June 2021 to June 2022 were enrolled and divided into the RA-ILD group(with ILD,n=27)and RA-noILD group(with-out ILD,n=73)according to the results of pulmonary CT and clinical manifestations.Fecal samples were collected from all partici-pants,and intestinal flora levels were cultured and analyzed.Bacterial DNA was extracted from fecal samples,and the 16S rDNA gene was amplified by PCR to generate DGGE profiles of gut microbiota.The Shannon-Wiener index,evenness,and richness of intestinal bacteria were calculated.Cluster analysis was performed to compare structural differences in gut microbiota between the groups.Demo-graphic characteristics,clinical symptoms,laboratory parameters,and intestinal flora-related indicators were compared between the groups.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was conducted to identify independent risk factors for ILD development in RA pa-tients.Spearman correlation analysis was used to evaluate relationships between serum IL-2,IL-6 levels and gut microbiota parame-ters.Cox proportional hazards regression analysis was performed to determine independent factors influencing disease progression in RA-ILD patients.Results:Smoking,age≥53.77 years old,anti-CCP antibody≥334.60 RU/ml,IL-6≥199.47 ng/ml,IL-2<3.10 ng/ml,richness<18.39,Shannon-Wiener index<2.88,Bifidobacterium<7.27 CFU/g,Bacteroides fragilis<7.75 CFU/g,Hmax<3.14 and flora uniformity<0.92 were independent factors affecting the occurrence of ILD in patients with RA.In patients with RA-ILD,serum IL-6 level was negatively correlated with richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Hmax and flora evenness,while serum IL-2 level was positively correlated with richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Hmax and flora evenness.Smoking,age,anti-CCP antibody,IL-6,IL-2,richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Bifidobacterium,Bacteroides fragilis,Hmax and flora uniformity were independent factors affecting the outcome of RA-ILD patients(P<0.05).Conclusion:Smoking,age,anti-CCP antibody,IL-6,IL-2,richness,Shannon-Wiener index,Bifido-bacterium,Bacteroides fragilis,Hmax and flora uniformity have significant diagnostic and prognostic value for RA-ILD.The changes of intestinal microbial community in patients with RA-ILD and the changes in the number and structure of intestinal bacteria may be one of the important factors of RA patients complicated with ILD.

Objective:To develop a tool package that meets the routine statistical analysis requirements of population-based cancer registries in China based on R language, with the aim of improving data quality and efficiency, and promoting the nationwide scientific utilization of cancer registry data.Methods:The functional demands for statistical analysis of population-based cancer registry staff were collected through questionnaires or face-to-face interviews. Based on the concept of generic functions in R software's S3 object system, functions were developed by defining specific S3 classes for different data types, allowing the same function to perform diverse tasks depending on the class of input data. A stepwise development strategy was adopted to ensure logical coherence among functional modules, and all functions were systematically tested and validated in accordance with standard R package development guidelines.Results:Six categories of functions, including data reading, data manipulation, data processing, statistical calculation, visualization, and statistical reporting, were developed to support routine statistical analysis of population-based cancer registry data. Data reading functions support reading data formats required by the National Cancer Registry. Data manipulation functions empower conditional filtering of registry data and support regrouping, merging, or transforming the data based on registry attributes (such as urban/rural location) to accommodate different analytical needs. Data processing functions includes age grouping, International Classification of Diseases 10 th Revision (ICD-10) classification, childhood cancer classification, and population estimation. Statistical calculation functions permit the calculation of age-standardized rates, truncated rates, cumulative rates, cumulative risks, life tables, and expansion from abridged to complete life tables. Visualization functions can generate commonly used statistical charts, including population pyramids, bar charts, and line graphs. Statistical reporting functions can integrate key indicators, charts, and narrative descriptions into comprehensive cancer registry reports. Conclusion:An R package named Canregtools was developed based on the concept of S3 generic functions. This package is free of charge, open-source, and highly efficient. It can meet the diversified needs in cancer registry data analysis, visualization, and reporting through standardized data processing workflows, thereby enhancing the quality and efficiency of routine statistical analysis in population-based cancer registries in China.

Objective To retrospectively study the characteristics and short-term outcomes of patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis accompanied by diastolic cardiac dysfunction,and to inform the clinical diagnosis and treatment of decompensated liver cirrhosis.Methods We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients with liver cirrhosis and diastolic heart dysfunction admitted to Nanfang Hospital of Southern Medical University from April 1,2019 to July 31,2023.The patients were divided into compensated cirrhosis group(n=37)and decompensated cirrhosis group(n=226),and those with decompensated cirrhosis were further divided into subgroups of patients with heart dysfunction(n=84)and patients without heart dysfunction(n=142).We compared two groups using the independent samples t-test and Mann-Whitney U test for continuous data in normal distribution and data in skewed distribution,respectively;compared multiple groups using the Kruskal-Wallis H test,with subsequent paired comparisons using the Wilcoxon test;compared categorical data between two groups using the chi-square test or corrected chi-square test;identified the factors affecting patient survival using a Logistic regression model;and plotted Kaplan-Meier survival curves,with inter-group comparisons using the log-rank test.Results A total of 263 eligible patients were ultimately included,among whom 226 patients were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis(84 patients with diastolic dysfunction).Between the diastolic dysfunction group and non-diastolic dysfunction group,significant differences were detected in age(t=-4.566,P<0.05),activated partial thromboplastin time(Z=-3.026,P<0.05),prothrombin time(Z=-2.450,P<0.05),international normalized ratio(Z=2.779,P<0.05),and the proportion of moderate esophageal varices(χ2=4.273,P<0.05).During hospitalization,35 patients experienced new or aggravated ascites(18 with cardiac dysfunction and 17 without cardiac dysfunction),6 patients experienced new gastroesophageal variceal bleeding,and 9 patients experienced new or aggravated hepatic encephalopathy(3 with cardiac dysfunction and 6 without cardiac dysfunction).Jaundice was the most common decompensation event upon admission,and electrophysiological abnormalities were the most common electrocardiogram findings upon admission.During the 90-day follow-up period,30 individuals(12 with cardiac dysfunction and 18 without cardia dysfunction)died.The logistic regression analysis showed that age(odds ratio[OR]=1.075,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.033-1.119,P<0.001),N-terminal pro-B-type natriuretic peptide(NT-proBNP,OR=0.996,95%CI:0.992-0.999,P=0.016),and mild/moderate ascites(OR=0.270,95%CI:0.092-0.789,P=0.017)were independent predictive factors for cirrhotic cardiomyopathy.Conclusion Timely attention should be paid to elderly patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis and diastolic heart dysfunction who have a decline in NT-proBNP and mild to moderate ascites.Symptomatic treatment such as diuretics may improve diastolic heart dysfunction.

Objective: To explore the association between negative life events and smartphone addiction among middle school students, so as to provide theoretical support and practical guidance for prevention and intervention of smartphone addiction among middle school students. Methods: Using cluster sampling, 8 890 students were selected to survey from 27 junior high schools and 3 senior high schools in a district of Shenzhen in 2022 (baseline) and 2023 (followup). Data were collected through selfresigned questionnaires on basic information, the Smartphone Addiction Scale-Short Version, and the Adolescent Selfrating Life Events Checklist. Mixedeffects models were employed to analyze the association. Results: Compared to 2022, the punishment scores of middle school students in 2023 [1.00 (0.00, 6.00) and 1.00 (0.00, 6.00)] decreased (Z=4.27), while the scores of interpersonal stress, learning stress and adaptation [4.00(0.00, 8.00), 4.00(0.00, 8.00); 4.00(1.00, 8.00), 5.00(2.00, 9.00); 2.00 (0.00, 6.00), 3.00 (0.00, 7.00)] increased (Z=-3.04, -8.36, -6.80) (P<0.01). Mixedeffects models revealed a positive doseresponse relationship between negative life events and smartphone addiction (OR=1.08-1.17, P<0.01). Stepwise regression showed independent positive effects of interpersonal stress (OR=1.05), academic stress (OR=1.03), and adaptation stress (OR=1.11) on smartphone addiction (P<0.01). Subgroup analysis of nonaddicted students in 2022 confirmed persistent associations for academic stress (OR=1.03) and adaptation (OR=1.07) (P<0.01). Conclusion Negative life events exhibit a positive doseresponse relationship with smartphone addiction, particularly interpersonal stress, academic stress, and adaptationrelated events.