Objective:To investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 137 patients with Stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated at our hospital from January 2018 to May 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a group treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group, n = 43) and a group treated with only chemoimmunotherapy ( n = 94). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between the groups. With overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as study endpoints, the survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression method. Results:Before calibration, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group significantly outperformed the sole chemoimmunotherapy group in median PFS (13.6 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.501, 95% CI: 0.309-0.811, P = 0.005). After calibration using the COX proportional-hazards model for age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, smoking history, T/N/M stage, and tumor location, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group still had significant advantages in PFS (14.7 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.441, 95% CI: 0.261-0.745, P = 0.002). IPTW analysis further confirmed this trend (13.9 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.492, 95% CI: 0.304-0.795, P < 0.001). Specifically, the median OS of the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group demonstrated significant improvement in all analyses: pre-calibration (29.5 months vs. 18.0 months; HR: 0.507, 95% CI: 0.297-0.867, P = 0.013), after calibration using the Cox model (27.5 months vs. 16.7 months; HR: 0.470, 95% CI: 0.266-0.830, P = 0.009), and after calibration using IPTW (29.5 months vs. 16.9 months; HR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.262-0.764, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of radiotherapy and first-line chemoimmunotherapy can significantly improve survival outcomes of patients with advanced ESCC, suggesting its potential as a standard treatment strategy.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in the survival, growth and maintenance of neurons, plays an important role in pathophysiological processes in various neuropsychiatric diseases. In recent years, attention has been widely paid to the roles of BDNF in regulating immunity and participating in inflammatory reactions in non-nervous systems, and more and more studies have shown that BDNF plays an important role in various skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, connective tissue diseases and skin tumors. This review summarizes research advances in the role of BDNF in relevant skin diseases.

Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs), intricate reticular structures released by activated neutrophils, play a pivotal regulatory role in the pathogenesis of malignant tumors. Lung cancer is one of the most prevalent malignancies globally, with persistently high incidence and mortality rates. Recent studies have revealed that NETs dynamically modulate the tumor microenvironment through unique pathological mechanisms, exhibiting complex immunoregulatory characteristics during the progression of lung cancer, and this discovery has increasingly become a focal point in tumor immunology research. This paper provides a comprehensive review of the latest advancements in NETs research related to lung cancer, offering an in-depth analysis of their impact on lung cancer progression, their potential diagnostic value, and the current state of research on targeting NETs for lung cancer prevention and treatment. The aim is to propose novel strategies to enhance therapeutic outcomes and improve the prognosis for lung cancer patients.
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Extracellular Traps/immunology* ; Humans ; Lung Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Neutrophils/metabolism* ; Animals ; Tumor Microenvironment

Protrusive facial deformities, characterized by the forward displacement of the teeth and/or jaws beyond the normal range, affect a considerable portion of the population. The manifestations and morphological mechanisms of protrusive facial deformities are complex and diverse, requiring orthodontists to possess a high level of theoretical knowledge and practical experience in the relevant orthodontic field. To further optimize the correction of protrusive facial deformities, this consensus proposes that the morphological mechanisms and diagnosis of protrusive facial deformities should be analyzed and judged from multiple dimensions and factors to accurately formulate treatment plans. It emphasizes the use of orthodontic strategies, including jaw growth modification, tooth extraction or non-extraction for anterior teeth retraction, and maxillofacial vertical control. These strategies aim to reduce anterior teeth and lip protrusion, increase chin prominence, harmonize nasolabial and chin-lip relationships, and improve the facial profile of patients with protrusive facial deformities. For severe skeletal protrusive facial deformities, orthodontic-orthognathic combined treatment may be suggested. This consensus summarizes the theoretical knowledge and clinical experience of numerous renowned oral experts nationwide, offering reference strategies for the correction of protrusive facial deformities.
Humans ; Orthodontics, Corrective/methods* ; Consensus ; Malocclusion/therapy* ; Patient Care Planning ; Cephalometry

Lumbar disc (LD) herniation and aging are prevalent conditions that can result in substantial morbidity. This study aimed to clarify the mechanisms connecting the LD aging and herniation, particularly focusing on cellular senescence and molecular alterations in the nucleus pulposus (NP). We performed a detailed analysis of NP samples from a diverse cohort, including individuals of varying ages and those with diagnosed LD herniation. Our methodology combined histological assessments with single-nucleus RNA sequencing to identify phenotypic and molecular changes related to NP aging and herniation. We discovered that cellular senescence and a decrease in nucleus pulposus progenitor cells (NPPCs) are central to both processes. Additionally, we found an age-related increase in NFAT1 expression that promotes NPPC senescence and contributes to both aging and herniation of LD. This research offers fresh insights into LD aging and its associated pathologies, potentially guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies to target the root causes of LD herniation and aging.
Intervertebral Disc Displacement/metabolism* ; Humans ; Aging/pathology* ; Nucleus Pulposus/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Transcriptome ; Middle Aged ; Lumbar Vertebrae/pathology* ; Adult ; Cellular Senescence ; Stem Cells/pathology* ; Aged ; Intervertebral Disc Degeneration/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 137 patients with Stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated at our hospital from January 2018 to May 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a group treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group, n = 43) and a group treated with only chemoimmunotherapy ( n = 94). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between the groups. With overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as study endpoints, the survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression method. Results:Before calibration, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group significantly outperformed the sole chemoimmunotherapy group in median PFS (13.6 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.501, 95% CI: 0.309-0.811, P = 0.005). After calibration using the COX proportional-hazards model for age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, smoking history, T/N/M stage, and tumor location, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group still had significant advantages in PFS (14.7 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.441, 95% CI: 0.261-0.745, P = 0.002). IPTW analysis further confirmed this trend (13.9 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.492, 95% CI: 0.304-0.795, P < 0.001). Specifically, the median OS of the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group demonstrated significant improvement in all analyses: pre-calibration (29.5 months vs. 18.0 months; HR: 0.507, 95% CI: 0.297-0.867, P = 0.013), after calibration using the Cox model (27.5 months vs. 16.7 months; HR: 0.470, 95% CI: 0.266-0.830, P = 0.009), and after calibration using IPTW (29.5 months vs. 16.9 months; HR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.262-0.764, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of radiotherapy and first-line chemoimmunotherapy can significantly improve survival outcomes of patients with advanced ESCC, suggesting its potential as a standard treatment strategy.

[Objective]To evaluate the feasibility of animal model of simulated adenoid hypertrophy by combining animal model of allergic rhinitis and chronic pharyngitis from the perspective of predictive validity.[Methods]Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model control group,montelukast group and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)group,with 10 rats in each group.The model control group,montelukast group and TCM group all established rat model of allergic rhinitis and the rat model of chronic pharyngitis was also established in the same time,which combined the simulated adenoid hypertrophy rat model,while the blank group was replaced the equivalent amount of 0.9%sodium chloride solution.After molding,the montelukast group was gavaged with montelukast sodium particles,the TCM group was gavaged with Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao Decoction,model control group and blank group received equal amount of 0.9%sodium chloride solution,the course of treatment would all be 8 weeks.After molding and after the course of treatment,the symptom performance of model animals was assessed by animal behavioral score and the eosinophil percentage(EOS%),interleukin-4(IL-4),immunoglobulin E(IgE)and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)levels in blood serum and nasopharyngeal mucosal tissues were tested,and the pathomorphological changes of nasal and pharyngeal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.[Results]After molding,the levels of animal behavioral score,EOS%,serum and tissue IL-4,IgE,and HIF-1α level in model control group,montelukast group and TCM group were significantly upregulated compared with blank group(P<0.01),and the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa showed different degrees of disease-related histopathological changes.After treatment,the levels of each index in montelukast group and TCM group were lower compared with that before treatment,and were also lower than that in model control group,all differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the histopathological damage was relieved than before the treatment.[Conclusion]The simulated rat model is similar to adenoid hypertrophy in terms of symptom manifestations and pathological changes,and effective drugs used clinically have similar efficacy in simulated rat models.In terms of predictive validity,the animal model of simulated adenoid hypertrophy can be made by combining animal model of allergic rhinitis and chronic pharyngitis,but it still needs further exploration and improvement.

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), a protein involved in the survival, growth and maintenance of neurons, plays an important role in pathophysiological processes in various neuropsychiatric diseases. In recent years, attention has been widely paid to the roles of BDNF in regulating immunity and participating in inflammatory reactions in non-nervous systems, and more and more studies have shown that BDNF plays an important role in various skin diseases, such as atopic dermatitis, connective tissue diseases and skin tumors. This review summarizes research advances in the role of BDNF in relevant skin diseases.

[Objective]To evaluate the feasibility of animal model of simulated adenoid hypertrophy by combining animal model of allergic rhinitis and chronic pharyngitis from the perspective of predictive validity.[Methods]Forty SD rats were randomly divided into blank group,model control group,montelukast group and traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)group,with 10 rats in each group.The model control group,montelukast group and TCM group all established rat model of allergic rhinitis and the rat model of chronic pharyngitis was also established in the same time,which combined the simulated adenoid hypertrophy rat model,while the blank group was replaced the equivalent amount of 0.9%sodium chloride solution.After molding,the montelukast group was gavaged with montelukast sodium particles,the TCM group was gavaged with Yunpi Huatan Tongqiao Decoction,model control group and blank group received equal amount of 0.9%sodium chloride solution,the course of treatment would all be 8 weeks.After molding and after the course of treatment,the symptom performance of model animals was assessed by animal behavioral score and the eosinophil percentage(EOS%),interleukin-4(IL-4),immunoglobulin E(IgE)and hypoxia-inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α)levels in blood serum and nasopharyngeal mucosal tissues were tested,and the pathomorphological changes of nasal and pharyngeal mucosa were observed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.[Results]After molding,the levels of animal behavioral score,EOS%,serum and tissue IL-4,IgE,and HIF-1α level in model control group,montelukast group and TCM group were significantly upregulated compared with blank group(P<0.01),and the nasal and pharyngeal mucosa showed different degrees of disease-related histopathological changes.After treatment,the levels of each index in montelukast group and TCM group were lower compared with that before treatment,and were also lower than that in model control group,all differences were statistically significant(P<0.05,P<0.01),and the histopathological damage was relieved than before the treatment.[Conclusion]The simulated rat model is similar to adenoid hypertrophy in terms of symptom manifestations and pathological changes,and effective drugs used clinically have similar efficacy in simulated rat models.In terms of predictive validity,the animal model of simulated adenoid hypertrophy can be made by combining animal model of allergic rhinitis and chronic pharyngitis,but it still needs further exploration and improvement.

Purpose: This study examined the diagnostic value of high-frequency ultrasound (HFUS) features in differentiating between benign and malignant skin lesions. Methods: A total of 1,392 patients with 1,422 skin lesions who underwent HFUS examinations were included in an initial dataset (cohort 1) to identify features indicative of malignancy. Qualitative clinical and HFUS characteristics were recorded for all lesions. To determine which HFUS and clinical features were suggestive of malignancy, univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were employed. The diagnostic performance of HFUS features combined with clinical information was evaluated. This assessment was validated using internal data (cohort 2) and multicenter external data (cohort 3). Results: Features significantly associated with malignancy included age above 60 years; lesion location in the head, face, and neck or genital regions; changes in macroscopic appearance; crawling or irregular growth pattern; convex or irregular base; punctate hyperechogenicity; blood flow signals; and feeding arteries. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve, sensitivity, and specificity of HFUS features combined with clinical information were 0.946, 92.5%, and 86.9% in cohort 1; 0.870, 93.1%, and 80.8% in cohort 2 (610 lesions); and 0.864, 86.2%, and 86.6% in cohort 3 (170 lesions), respectively. However, HFUS is not suitable for evaluating lesions less than 0.1 mm in thickness or lesions exhibiting surface hyperkeratosis. Conclusion In a clinical setting, the integration of HFUS with clinical information exhibited good diagnostic performance in differentiating malignant and benign skin lesions. However, its utility was limited in evaluating extremely thin lesions and those exhibiting hyperkeratosis.