Objective To investigate the regulatory mechanism of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in different types of mitral valvular disease (MVD) with atrial fibrillation (AF). Methods From August 2011 to August 2012, patients with moderate to severe MVD accompanied by AF who required mitral valve replacement at the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, were included. Based on echocardiographic results, patients were divided into two groups: a mitral regurgitation (MR) with AF (MR-AF) group and a mitral stenosis (MS) with AF (MS-AF) group. Left atrial tissue samples were collected during surgery. Techniques such as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting were used to detect key molecules in the TGF-β1/JNK pathway. Results Sixteen patients were enrolled. There were 8 patients in the MR-AF group, including 5 males and 3 females, with an average age of (41.38±11.19) years; and 8 patients in the MS-AF group, including 6 males and 2 females, with an average age of (43.12±5.30) years. The left atrial volume load was higher in MR-AF patients, while the left atrial pressure load was higher in MS-AF patients. In MS-AF patients, the relative expression levels of MAPK9, JUN, CASP3, BAX, and BCL2 mRNA in left atrial tissues were significantly upregulated. The serum TGF-β1 protein level and the relative expression levels of p-JNK, p-c-Jun, and Caspase-3 proteins in the left atrial tissues of the MR-AF group were higher. Myocardial cell damage was more severe in the MS-AF group, and the protein expression level of Bcl-2 was higher. Conclusion Different MVD have distinct hemodynamic characteristics. The myocardium of the left atrium in MR-AF patients is more prone to apoptosis, possibly through the activation of the TGF-β1/JNK signaling pathway.

Objective To study the correlation between Periostin, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and chronic cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) combined with lung cancer. Methods A total of 102 lung cancer and coronary heart disease patients at Tianjin Chest Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were prospectively enrolled, and they were divided into a chronic cough group (n=42) and a non-chronic cough group (n=60) based on whether chronic cough occurred after surgery. Serum levels of Periostin and IL-33 were measured on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days post-lobectomy. The Pearson method was employed to analyze the correlation between Periostin and IL-33 levels and the severity of cough. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing the occurrence of chronic cough. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to assess the potential value of serum Periostin and IL-33 levels in predicting postoperative chronic cough. Results In patients with chronic cough, the peripheral blood Periostin and IL-33 levels measured on days 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those in patients with non-chronic cough, and the interactions between the two groups and at different time points were significant (P<0.001). The degree of cough was positively correlated with the levels of Periostin and IL-33 on days 7 and 14 (P<0.05), but had no significant correlation with the levels on day 1 (P>0.05). In patients with lung cancer, after thoracoscopic lobectomy, Periostin [OR=1.619, 95%CI (1.295, 2.025)] and IL-33 [OR=1.831, 95%CI (1.216, 2.758)] on day 7 and Periostin [OR=1.952, 95%CI (1.306, 2.918)] and IL-33 [OR=1.742, 95%CI (1.166, 2.603)] on day 14 were identified as risk factors for chronic cough. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of Periostin on day 7 was 69.05%, the specificity was 71.67%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.756 [95%CI (0.616, 0.893)]. The sensitivity of Periostin on day 14 increased to 71.43% and the specificity was 76.67%, AUC was 0.762 [95%CI (0.633, 0.898)]. At the same time, the critical value of IL-33 on day 7 was 45.03 pg/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were both 83.33%, the AUC was 0.884 [95%CI (0.789, 0.980)], and the critical value of IL-33 on day 14 was 56.01 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 85.71%, the specificity was 80.00%, and the AUC was 0.899 [95%CI (0.799, 0.999)]. Joint logistic regression analysis of Periostin and IL-33 levels on days 7 and 14 showed showed that the sensitivity was 95.24%, the specificity was 95.00%, and the AUC reached 0.993 [95%CI (0.979, 1.000)]. Conclusion Periostin and IL-33 levels, measured at various time points, are abnormally elevated following thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with combined CABG and lung cancer. These levels significantly correlate with cough severity. Given their predictive potential for chronic cough, these markers are deemed valuable biomarkers.

Clamshell incision is widely used in the surgical resection of complex mediastinal tumors, but it is also controversial. Its advantages are the full exposure of the field of vision and the huge operating space, while its disadvantages are the destruction of chest wall muscles and respiratory function impairment. At present, there is a lack of norms for the selection and application of Clamshell incisions, and the definition of complex mediastinal tumors is ambiguous and the dimensions are single. Therefore, this article reviews the literature and combines practical experience to systematically summarize the application progress of Clamshell incisions in the surgical resection of complex mediastinal tumors, with the aim of providing guidance for clinical work.

BACKGROUND:Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis is a common spinal deformity that seriously affects the physical and mental health of patients.Modal analysis will focus on analyzing the natural vibration characteristics of the thoracic spine and its stability and response under the influence of external vibration.This analysis is expected to not only enhance the understanding of the thoracic curvature of adolescent idiopathic scoliosis,but also provide new perspectives and methods for developing new treatment strategies,designing personalized braces,and evaluating surgical outcomes.OBJECTIVE:To create a three-dimensional finite element model to evaluate the response modes of the entire thoracic spine and intervertebral discs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients at different vibration frequencies,and determine the potential frequency range of injury risk.METHODS:This study was jointly conducted at the Sixth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University and the School of Mechanical Engineering at the Boda Campus of Xinjiang University from June 2023 to June 2024.The research subject was a patient with severe spinal and thoracic curvature.CT images were obtained using Siemens dual source spiral CT scanning,and a fine T1-T12 three-dimensional finite element model was established using software such as Mimics,Geomagic Studio,Solidworks,and Hypermesh.Abaqus software was used to perform modal analysis on the model and obtain the maximum amplitude and corresponding vibration modes of the first 12 modes of the entire thoracic spine and intervertebral disc.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The modal analysis results showed that the entire thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs mainly bent and twisted around the X and Y axes in the lower order modes,while increasing rotation around the Z axis in the higher order modes.(2)The T1-T3 and T6-T8 segments showed the most significant deformation and higher load burden,indicating that these regions played a crucial role in the development of scoliosis.(3)When the natural frequency was concentrated between 98.832 to 121.97 cycles/s for a long time,the vibration displacement of the entire thoracic vertebrae and intervertebral discs was large,which might lead to spinal injury.(4)Through finite element modal analysis,this study provides a scientific basis for understanding the response of the entire thoracic spine and intervertebral discs in adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients under various vibration frequencies,thereby offering crucial insights into clinical treatment,prevention,and particularly,vibration-related protective strategies.Furthermore,by identifying the potential frequency range of injury risk,this study provides an important basis for developing vibration protection measures and optimizing spinal care strategies for adolescent idiopathic scoliosis patients.

Objective:To examine the relationships between perceived organizational support in job resources, self-efficacy in personal resources, and teaching commitment based on the job requirement-resource model, and to explore the path of influencing clinical teachers' teaching commitment.Methods:Using the convenience sampling method, 463 clinical teachers from 16 university-affilicated hospitals in Shandong Province, China were selected as the study subjects. Surveys were conducted using the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Self-efficacy Scale, and Teaching Commitment Scale. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. A structural equation model was constructed using AMOS 26.0 to test the mediation effect.Results:①The level of teaching commitment of clinical teachers was relatively high, with a total score of (45.25±9.21) points. The total score of perceived organizational support was (38.22±9.75) points, and the total score of self-efficacy was (112.27±17.30) points. ②Perceived organizational support and self-efficacy were positively correlated with teaching commitment ( r=0.59, r=0.65, both P<0.01). ③ Perceived organizational support had significant and direct positive effects on teaching commitment and self-efficacy ( β=0.36, β=0.51, both P<0.01). Self-efficacy significantly and positively affected teaching commitment ( β=0.47, P<0.01). Self-efficacy played a significant and partial mediating role in the effect of perceived organizational support on teaching commitment (standardized mediating effect value of 0.239, P<0.01), and the mediating effect percentage was 39.83%. Conclusions:Perceived organizational support not only directly predicts clinical teachers' teaching commitment, but also indirectly affects teaching commitment through self-efficacy. University-affiliated hospital administrators should pay attention to clinical teachers' perceived organizational support to improve their self-efficacy and teaching commitment, thereby ensuring teaching quality.

Objective To study the impact of tympanic membrane opening on respiratory-driven middle ear pressure in patients with patulous eustachian tube(PET),using a simplified in vitro model.Methods CT imaging data from a PET patient(with full-length eustachian tube opening observed during a Valsalva maneuver followed by breath-holding)were used to design a simplified eustachian tube model.Two simplified in vitro models of the eusta-chian tube were constructed using silicone-based 3D printing technology and connected to a pressure controller and pressure sensors.The pressure controller was activated to introduce negative-pressure airflow into the nasopharyn-geal model to simulate respiratory-induced middle ear pressure fluctuations.A hemostat was used to alternately open and close the external interface of the middle ear chamber,simulating conditions of an open and intact tympanic membrane,while middle ear pressure was continuously monitored using pressure sensors.Results In the first mod-el,with-800 mbar negative pressure applied at the nasopharynx,the middle ear pressure stabilized between-3.9 mbar and-4.3 mbar with tympanic membrane opening,and between-7.9 mbar and-8.2 mbar with intact tym-panic membrane.In the second model,under the same pressure setting,middle ear pressure stabilized between-2.7 mbar and-3.1 mbar with tympanic membrane opening,and between-5.0 mbar and-7.7 mbar with intact tympanic membrane.Conclusion This study,based on a simplified in vitro model,demonstrates that tympanic membrane opening can effectively reduce respiratory-driven pressure in the middle ear.This phenomenon may partly explain the clinical efficacy of tympanostomy tube insertion in certain PET patients.

Clamshell incision is widely used in the surgical resection of complex mediastinal tumors, but it is also controversial. Its advantages are the full exposure of the field of vision and the huge operating space, while its disadvantages are the destruction of chest wall muscles and respiratory function impairment. At present, there is a lack of norms for the selection and application of Clamshell incisions, and the definition of complex mediastinal tumors is ambiguous and the dimensions are single. Therefore, this article reviews the literature and combines practical experience to systematically summarize the application progress of Clamshell incisions in the surgical resection of complex mediastinal tumors, with the aim of providing guidance for clinical work.

Objective:To examine the relationships between perceived organizational support in job resources, self-efficacy in personal resources, and teaching commitment based on the job requirement-resource model, and to explore the path of influencing clinical teachers' teaching commitment.Methods:Using the convenience sampling method, 463 clinical teachers from 16 university-affilicated hospitals in Shandong Province, China were selected as the study subjects. Surveys were conducted using the Perceived Organizational Support Scale, Self-efficacy Scale, and Teaching Commitment Scale. A statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0. A structural equation model was constructed using AMOS 26.0 to test the mediation effect.Results:①The level of teaching commitment of clinical teachers was relatively high, with a total score of (45.25±9.21) points. The total score of perceived organizational support was (38.22±9.75) points, and the total score of self-efficacy was (112.27±17.30) points. ②Perceived organizational support and self-efficacy were positively correlated with teaching commitment ( r=0.59, r=0.65, both P<0.01). ③ Perceived organizational support had significant and direct positive effects on teaching commitment and self-efficacy ( β=0.36, β=0.51, both P<0.01). Self-efficacy significantly and positively affected teaching commitment ( β=0.47, P<0.01). Self-efficacy played a significant and partial mediating role in the effect of perceived organizational support on teaching commitment (standardized mediating effect value of 0.239, P<0.01), and the mediating effect percentage was 39.83%. Conclusions:Perceived organizational support not only directly predicts clinical teachers' teaching commitment, but also indirectly affects teaching commitment through self-efficacy. University-affiliated hospital administrators should pay attention to clinical teachers' perceived organizational support to improve their self-efficacy and teaching commitment, thereby ensuring teaching quality.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of modified endoscopic autologous cartilage eustachian tube pharyngeal orifice tuboplasty(MEACETT)in patients with patulous eustachian tube(PET).Meth-ods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 patients(30 ears)diagnosed with PET who underwent MEACETT.Autologous cartilage was used through the incision at the posterior end of the inferior turbi-nate and filled into the lateral wall of the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube.Without affecting the movement function of the eustachian tube during swallowing,the collapse of the pharyngeal orifice was fully filled.Before and after the surgery,the visual analogue scale(VAS),the eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7(ETDQ-7)and hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)was used for assessment to evaluate the surgical efficacy.Results There was no significant difference in depression scores before and after surgery(P＞0.05).However,postopera-tive anxiety scores,ETDQ-7 scores,and VAS scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores(P＜0.05).Among the 27 patients,9 showed significant symptom relief,13 exhibited partial relief,and 5 had no significant change compared to preoperative symptoms.The overall response rate of the treatment(significant relief and partial relief)was 81.48％(22/27).All surgeries were successfully performed.Except for secretory otitis media occurring in 2 cases,no major complications were observed.Conclusion MEACETT demonstrates significant symptom relief in PET patients,with high surgical safety and low complication rates,making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the R value in tubomanometry(TMM)for the di-agnosis of patulous eustachian tube(PET).Methods The clinical data of 58 patients with PET and 65 controls were retrospectively analyzed.TMM was performed on both groups under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of the R value for PET was evaluated through receiver operating char-acteristic(ROC)curves.Results In the control group,the average R values under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar were 0.86±0.50,0.76±0.41,and 0.68±0.34 respectively.In contrast,the corresponding R values in the PET group were significantly lower,which were 0.56±0.38,0.50±0.36,and 0.46±0.38 respec-tively.According to the ROC curve analysis,the areas under the curve(AUC)at these pressures were 0.62,0.74,and 0.74 respectively.The specificity and sensitivity of the R value under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar were 76.90％and 54.30％,74.60％and 68.10％,86.90％and 54.30％,respectively.Under pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar,the incidence rates of R＞1 in the control group and the PET group were 29.23％(38/130)and 12.77％(12/94)(x2=8.69,P=0.003),20.00％(26/130)and 6.38％(6/94)(x2=7.20,P=0.007),10.00％(13/130)and 3.19％(3/94)(x2=2.87,P=0.09)respectively.Conclusion Although the low R value in TMM reflects the presence of PET to some extent,it does not provide adequate sensitivity and specificity to serve as an independent diagnostic criterion for PET.