Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality, characterized by poor prognosis due to its high proliferative and invasive potential. Tumor metabolic reprogramming, particularly involving glucose metabolism, is essential for tumor survival. This study investigates the role of the Hippo pathway effector transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) in regulating gluconeogenesis and promoting tumorigenesis in HCC. Methods: TAZ expression in HCC was analyzed using The Cancer Genome Atlas data and validated in clinical samples and cell lines. TAZ was overexpressed or silenced in HCC cell lines to evaluate its effects on cell proliferation, apoptosis, migration, and invasion. The expression and prognostic relevance of the gluconeogenesis-related genes phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase 1 (PCK1) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G6PC) were examined, along with their correlation with TAZ expression. Tumor growth was assessed in nude mice. Interactions between TAZ and the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) were investigated using co-immunoprecipitation, immunofluorescence, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays. Results: TAZ was significantly upregulated in HCC tissues and cell lines. TAZ overexpression enhanced proliferation, reduced apoptosis, and promoted migration and invasion. In contrast, PCK1 and G6PC were downregulated in HCC and showed a negative correlation with TAZ expression. Conclusion TAZ modulates gluconeogenesis and accelerates tumor growth, whereas its knockdown attenuates tumor progression. TAZ interacts with GR, suppressing its transcriptional activity on gluconeogenic gene promoters.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) on Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway in Sjögren syndrome (SS) rats. METHODS: The SS gene expression data sets GSE406611 and GSE84844 were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), and the AQP5 mRNA expression was analyzed by R software. The rat SS model was constructed. The successfully modeled rats were divided into SS group, SS+NC group, and SS+pc group, 10 rats in each group; and 10 rats were set as Normal group. The rats in the SS+NC group were injected with 10 μg of rno-pcDNA3.1-AQP5-NC at the submandibular gland, subcutaneously every day for 28 days. The rats in the SS+pc group were injected with 10 μg of rno-pcDNA3.1-AQP5 at the submandibular gland, subcutaneously every day for 28 days. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) in the serum. High-throughput sequencing was used to identify the target genes. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expressions of AQP5, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the rat submandibular gland tissue. RESULTS: In the SS dataset GSE406611 and GSE84844, the mRNA expression of AQP5 in SS was significantly reduced. Compared with the Normal group, the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the SS group were significantly increased, the mRNA and protein expressions of AQP5 were significantly decreased. After overexpression of AQP5, the content of TNF-α and IL-1β in the serum, the mRNA and protein expressions of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in the SS+pc group were significantly decreased, the mRNA and protein expressions of AQP5 were significantly increased. The differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION The expression of AQP5 is involved in the progression of SS. Increasing the expression of AQP5 can significantly inhibit inflammatory stress and reduce the pathological damage of submandibular gland tissue. This may be related to the inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB conduction.
Animals ; Toll-Like Receptor 4/genetics* ; Myeloid Differentiation Factor 88/genetics* ; Aquaporin 5/metabolism* ; Sjogren's Syndrome/genetics* ; Signal Transduction ; NF-kappa B/metabolism* ; Rats ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Interleukin-1beta/metabolism* ; Female

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and safety of open ventilation masks in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing vitrectomy under local anesthesia.Methods:A randomized clinical trial was conducted.Eighty PDR patients (80 eyes) undergoing vitrectomy with local anesthesia were enrolled at Xuzhou Municipal Hospital from May to July 2024.Patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method, with 40 cases (40 eyes) in each group.The experimental group received oxygen through an ophthalmic surgical open ventilation mask during the operation, while the control group used a traditional nasal cannula.The respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation before and after oxygen inhalation during the operation were compared between the two groups.Patient comfort level, airway patency, anxiety status, satisfaction level, operation time, surgical success rate, and incidence of intraoperative complications were also compared.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and the study protocol was appreed by the Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Municipal Hospital (No.2024-KY-065).Results:After oxygen inhalation during the operation, improvements in respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were greater in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=4.671, 7.894, 1.588; all P<0.05).The Borg, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=2.828, 4.880; both P<0.05), while the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale score was higher than that in the control group ( t=2.774, P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, surgical success rate or incidence of complications between the two groups ( t=0.595, P=0.554; χ2=0.346, 0.263; both P>0.05).Satisfaction rate of patients in the experimental group was 97.5%(39/40), which was higher than 85.0%(34/40) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=3.914, P=0.048). Conclusions:For PDR patients undergoing vitreous surgery under local anesthesia, using an ophthalmic surgical open ventilation mask for oxygen inhalation can effectively enhance respiratory comfort level, alleviate anxiety, maintain stable vital signs, improve overall comfort level, and ensure smooth surgery, without observed adverse reactions related to mask use, which makes it worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Objective:To develop and validate a predictive model for delayed emergence in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery with general anesthesia.Methods:A total of 1 468 patients admitted to the anesthesia recovery room after thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from August 2020 to August 2021 were selected via convenience sampling. Patients who underwent surgery between August 2020 and June 2021 ( n=1 213) were assigned to the modeling group, while those from July to August 2021 ( n=255) were used as the validation group. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for delayed emergence and to establish a predictive model. The performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ( AUC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results:Among the modeling group, 200 patients experienced delayed emergence, with an incidence of 16.49% (200/1 213). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of reversal agents, use of neostigmine, albumin level, presence of shivering, pain score≥4 points, extubation time, partial pressure of CO 2, partial pressure of oxygen, serum potassium level, and intraoperative fentanyl dosage were significant influencing factors ( P<0.05). The predictive model demonstrated good performance with an AUC of 0.864 [95% CI (0.828, 0.899) ], a Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ 2=5.299 ( P=0.725), cut-off value of 0.442, sensitivity of 0.794, and specificity of 0.769. In the validation group, delayed emergence occurred in 44 cases (17.25%). The model showed good validation performance with an AUC of 0.852 [95% CI (0.826, 0.878) ], Hosmer-Lemeshow χ 2=5.912 ( P=0.336), cut-off value of 0.754, sensitivity of 0.674, and specificity of 0.877. Conclusions:The predictive model constructed in this study demonstrates strong performance and can assist clinicians in the early identification of patients at risk of delayed emergence following thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery under general anesthesia.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility and safety of open ventilation masks in patients with proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) undergoing vitrectomy under local anesthesia.Methods:A randomized clinical trial was conducted.Eighty PDR patients (80 eyes) undergoing vitrectomy with local anesthesia were enrolled at Xuzhou Municipal Hospital from May to July 2024.Patients were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group using a random number table method, with 40 cases (40 eyes) in each group.The experimental group received oxygen through an ophthalmic surgical open ventilation mask during the operation, while the control group used a traditional nasal cannula.The respiratory rate, heart rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and oxygen saturation before and after oxygen inhalation during the operation were compared between the two groups.Patient comfort level, airway patency, anxiety status, satisfaction level, operation time, surgical success rate, and incidence of intraoperative complications were also compared.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki and the study protocol was appreed by the Ethics Committee of Xuzhou Municipal Hospital (No.2024-KY-065).Results:After oxygen inhalation during the operation, improvements in respiratory rate, heart rate, and oxygen saturation were greater in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=4.671, 7.894, 1.588; all P<0.05).The Borg, and Hamilton Anxiety Scale scores were lower in the experimental group than in the control group, with statistically significant differences ( t=2.828, 4.880; both P<0.05), while the Bruggrmann Comfort Scale score was higher than that in the control group ( t=2.774, P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in operation time, surgical success rate or incidence of complications between the two groups ( t=0.595, P=0.554; χ2=0.346, 0.263; both P>0.05).Satisfaction rate of patients in the experimental group was 97.5%(39/40), which was higher than 85.0%(34/40) in the control group, with a statistically significant difference ( χ2=3.914, P=0.048). Conclusions:For PDR patients undergoing vitreous surgery under local anesthesia, using an ophthalmic surgical open ventilation mask for oxygen inhalation can effectively enhance respiratory comfort level, alleviate anxiety, maintain stable vital signs, improve overall comfort level, and ensure smooth surgery, without observed adverse reactions related to mask use, which makes it worthy of clinical promotion and application.

Objective:To develop and validate a predictive model for delayed emergence in patients undergoing thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery with general anesthesia.Methods:A total of 1 468 patients admitted to the anesthesia recovery room after thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from August 2020 to August 2021 were selected via convenience sampling. Patients who underwent surgery between August 2020 and June 2021 ( n=1 213) were assigned to the modeling group, while those from July to August 2021 ( n=255) were used as the validation group. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for delayed emergence and to establish a predictive model. The performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve ( AUC) and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test. Results:Among the modeling group, 200 patients experienced delayed emergence, with an incidence of 16.49% (200/1 213). Logistic regression analysis revealed that the use of reversal agents, use of neostigmine, albumin level, presence of shivering, pain score≥4 points, extubation time, partial pressure of CO 2, partial pressure of oxygen, serum potassium level, and intraoperative fentanyl dosage were significant influencing factors ( P<0.05). The predictive model demonstrated good performance with an AUC of 0.864 [95% CI (0.828, 0.899) ], a Hosmer-Lemeshow test χ 2=5.299 ( P=0.725), cut-off value of 0.442, sensitivity of 0.794, and specificity of 0.769. In the validation group, delayed emergence occurred in 44 cases (17.25%). The model showed good validation performance with an AUC of 0.852 [95% CI (0.826, 0.878) ], Hosmer-Lemeshow χ 2=5.912 ( P=0.336), cut-off value of 0.754, sensitivity of 0.674, and specificity of 0.877. Conclusions:The predictive model constructed in this study demonstrates strong performance and can assist clinicians in the early identification of patients at risk of delayed emergence following thoracoscopic radical lung cancer surgery under general anesthesia.

Objective:To analyze the changing trends of the epidemic characteristics of human brucellosis in Hangzhou City, and to provide a basis for further formulating prevention and control measures.Methods:The epidemic data of brucellosis in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021 were collected from the "China Disease Control and Prevention Information System" and the annual reports, compilations and summaries of prevention and control work of brucellosis in Hangzhou City, and the epidemiological characteristics and trends of brucellosis cases in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2009, 2010 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021 were compared and analyzed.Results:A total of 186 cases of brucellosis were diagnosed in Hangzhou City from 2004 to 2021, with an average annual incidence rate of 0.151/100 000, ranging from 0.016/100 000 to 0.286/100 000. The incidence rate showed a stage-by-stage upward trend from 2004 to 2009, 2010 to 2015, and 2016 to 2021 ( Z = 3.15, P = 0.002). The age of onset of brucellosis cases was predominantly 18 - 60 years old, accounting for 78.49% (146/186). The male-to-female ratio was 2.10∶1.00 (126∶60). The occupational and non-occupational populations accounted for 62.90% (117/186) and 37.10% (69/186), respectively, with the proportion of non-occupational cases in the three stages being 28.57%, 23.29% and 51.76%, showing an increasing trend (χ 2trend = 9.85, P = 0.002). The regional distribution was dominated by Yuhang District, accounting for 55.91% (104/186), followed by Jianggan District (9.14%, 17/186) and Fuyang District (7.53%, 14/186). The number of brucellosis epidemic counties (cities, districts) increased from 6 to 9. The seasonal analysis showed that the proportion of cases from January to June decreased from 84.93% (23/28) from 2004 to 2009 to 54.12% (46/85) from 2016 to 2021. The proportion of infection from outside the province in the three stages was 0, 10.96% and 27.38%, respectively, showing an upward trend (χ 2trend = 18.16, P < 0.001), the main infected areas were Henan Province, Heilongjiang Province, and Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. In clinical symptoms and signs, the incidence of muscle and joint pain and low back pain increased from 60.71% (17/28) and 10.71% (3/28) from 2004 to 2009, respectively, to 83.53% (71/85) and 25.88% (22/85) from 2016 to 2021, both showing an upward trend (χ 2trend = 9.92, 4.67, P = 0.002, 0.031). Conclusions:The incidence of human brucellosis in Hangzhou City is on the rise, and the number of cases of non-occupational population has increased significantly in recent years. The sheep breeding places have gradually become the high incidence areas of brucellosis in Hangzhou City. It is recommended to strengthen the promotion and education of knowledge on brucellosis prevention among the general public, and focus on actively monitoring human brucellosis in high-risk areas.

Objective:To investigate the iodine nutritional status of pregnant women in Hangzhou City and analyze its influencing factors, in order to provide a basis for guiding pregnant women in Hangzhou City to supplement iodine scientifically.Methods:A stratified random sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey on 1 400 pregnant women in Hangzhou City from March to October 2018. Random urine samples and household salt samples from pregnant women were collected, and the levels of urine iodine and salt iodine were measured using arsenic cerium catalytic spectrophotometry and direct titration, respectively. The iodine nutritional status of pregnant women with different basic characteristics and dietary levels were analyzed and compared (Kruskal-Wallis test), and the main influencing factors affecting the urinary iodine concentration level of pregnant women were identified (the ordinal multiple classification logistic regression analysis).Results:The median urinary iodine of pregnant women was 135.00 μg/L, and the qualified iodized salt consumption rate of pregnant women was 83.36% (1 167/1 400). In terms of basic characteristics, there were statistically significant differences in the distribution level of urine iodine among pregnant women with different pregnancy frequency, delivery frequency, and natural abortion frequency ( P < 0.05). In terms of diet, the frequency of consuming milk, yogurt, meat, and whether pregnant women consumed cabbage and cauliflower showed statistically significant differences in urinary iodine distribution levels ( P < 0.05). Ordinal multiple classification logistic regression analysis showed that the urine iodine levels of pregnant women who were pregnant twice were higher than those who were pregnant ≥3 times ( OR = 1.64, P = 0.003). Pregnant women who never or occasionally consumed yogurt had lower urine iodine levels than or equal to those who consumed 2 bottles of yogurt per day ( OR = 0.53, P = 0.044). Pregnant women who never or occasionally consumed meat and those who consumed meat once a week had higher urinary iodine levels than that who consumed meat ≥2 times per week ( OR = 1.40, 1.47, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The overall iodine nutrition of pregnant women in Hangzhou City is at an deficiency level. Pregnancy experience and dietary level are influencing factors on iodine nutrition of pregnant women. It is necessary to carry out in-depth health education for pregnant women, improve the dietary structure during pregnancy, and improve the abnormal iodine nutrition of pregnant women.

Objective To investigate the influence of serum cystatin C (Cys-C) and hypersensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels on the 3-year survival of patients undergoing maintenance hemodialysis (MHD). Methods A total of 358 patients with chronic renal failure who underwent MHD at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from April 2011 to October 2020 were selected as study subjects. General clinical data, pre-dialysis laboratory test indicators, and echocardiographic indicators 3 months after dialysis were recorded. The survival status of patients after 3 years of dialysis was followed up, and the general clinical data, pre-dialysis laboratory test indicators, and echocardiographic indicators 3 months after dialysis were compared between surviving and deceased patients. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were performed to screen influencing factors of 3-year survival in MHD patients. Results At the 3-year follow-up, of the 302 MHD patients' 203 survived, and 99 died. Statistically significant differences were observed in age, primary disease, diabetes status, congestive heart failure, statin use, antiplatelet drug use, diuretic use, dialysis mode, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), total bilirubin (TBIL), β₂-microglobulin (β₂-MG), creatinine (Cr), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and serum phosphorus (P) levels between surviving patients and deaths(P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Univariate Cox regression results showed that age of MHD patients, primary disease (diabetic nephropathy, hypertensive nephropathy, polycystic kidney disease, others), comorbidities(diabetes, congestive heart failure, other cardiovascular diseases), drug use (statins, antiplatelet drugs), dialysis method (hemodialysis, hemodialysis + perfusion), laboratory test indicators [GGT, AKP, TBIL, total bile acid (TBA), albumin (ALB), Cr, Cys-C, eGFR, apolipoprotein A (APO-A), hs-CRP]were all influential factors of 3-year survival rate of MHD patients. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that age, primary disease, other cardiovascular diseases, dialysis mode, AKP, ALB, TBIL, Cys-C, and hs-CRP were significant influencing factors for the survival of patients with chronic renal failure (P < 0.05). Conclusion Serum Cys-C and hs-CRP levels before MHD in patients with chronic renal failure may be associated with their 3-year survival after dialysis treatment. High serum Cys-C may reduce the risk of poor clinical prognosis, while high serum hs-CRP may increase the risk of poor clinical prognosis.

With social development and technology progress, there is an increasing use of daily electronic products and radioactive medical devices, which increases the risk of exposure to radiation in medical practices, daily life activities, and work. Notably, the effects of radiation exposure on pregnant women and their offspring have attracted increasing attention. Comprehensive and accurate assessment and intervention of the effects of radiation exposure on pregnant women and their offspring are of great significance to reduce birth defects and achieve eugenics. This article reviews the effects of radiation exposure during pregnancy on offspring health based on animal experiments and clinical studies, and describes the possible mechanisms, so as to provide the basis for further studies.