[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.

Objective:To explore the clinicopathologic features differences between tall cell variant of papillary thyroid cancer (TCV-PTC) and PTC with tall cell features (PTC-TCF) and the factors influencing efficacy of 131I therapy in patients with TCV-PTC and PTC-TCF. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 84 patients (28 males, 56 females, age 43.5(35.0, 55.0) years) with pathologically confirmed TCV-PTC or PTC-TCF and who were treated with 131I therapy from January 2018 to June 2023 in the Department of Nuclear Medicine, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University. The patients were divided into structural incomplete response (SIR) group and non-SIR group according to 131I treatment response. Data differences were analyzed by Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher exact test, or Mann-Whitney U test. Variables with P<0.1 were enrolled in logistic multivariate regression analysis. The ROC curve was used to obtain the cut-off value of stimulated thyroglobulin (sTg). Results:A total of 37 patients with non-SIR and 6 patients with SIR were found in TCV-PTC group ( n=43), and 33 non-SIR and 8 SIR cases were found in PTC-TCF group ( n=41). Univariate analysis revealed that sTg differed significantly between non-SIR patients and SIR patients in TCV-PTC group ( Z=-2.81, P=0.003), while no significant differences observed for sex, age, multifocality, capsular invasion, T stage, N stage, B-Raf proto-oncogene, serine/threonine-protein kinase (BRAF) V600E mutation, initial recurrence risk, number of metastatic lymph nodes, maximum tumor diameter ( Z values: from -0.74 to -0.11, all P>0.05). In TCV-PTC group, sTg also differed significantly between non-SIR patients and SIR patients ( Z=-4.40, P<0.001), while the other clinical factors above and the proportion of tall cells showed no significant difference ( Z values: from -1.90 to -0.22, all P>0.05). The logistic regression analysis confirmed sTg as an independent risk factor of SIR in both TCV-PTC group (odds ratio ( OR) = 25.156, 95% CI: 2.245-281.812, P=0.009) and PTC-TCF group ( OR=19.214, 95% CI: 2.537-145.502, P=0.004). The ROC curve indicated that the cut-off value of sTg for predicting SIR was 20.75μg/L in TCV-PTC group and 18.55μg/L in PTC-TCF group. Conclusions:sTg is the independent risk factor for predicting the poor prognosis of patients with TCV-PTC (sTg≥20.75μg/L) and PTC-TCF (sTg≥18.55μg/L). However, other clinical characteristics show no statistical difference between TCV-PTC group and PTC-TCF group, suggesting that the invasiveness of PTC-TCF may not be lower than that of TCV-PTC, which close attention should be paid to in clinical practice.

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is linked to an increased prevalence of myocardial infarction (MI). However, research dedicated to elucidating the pathogenesis of AS-MI is lacking. In this study, we explored the biomarkers for enhancing the diagnostic and therapeutic efficiency of AS-MI. Datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. We employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis and machine learning models to screen hub genes. A receiver operating characteristic curve and a nomogram were designed to assess diagnostic accuracy. Gene set enrichment analysis was conducted to reveal the potential function of hub genes. Immune infiltration analysis indicated the correlation between hub genes and the immune landscape. Subsequently, we performed single-cell analysis to identify the expression and subcellular localization of hub genes. We further constructed a transcription factor (TF)-microRNA (miRNA) regulatory network. Finally, drug prediction and molecular docking were performed. S100A12 and MCEMP1 were identified as hub genes, which were correlated with immune-related biological processes. They exhibited high diagnostic value and were predominantly expressed in myeloid cells. Furthermore, 24 TFs and 9 miRNA were associated with these hub genes. Enzastaurin, meglitinide, and nifedipine were predicted as potential therapeutic agents. Our study indicates that S100A12 and MCEMP1 exhibit significant potential as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for AS-MI, offering novel insights into the underlying etiology of this condition.
Humans ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/complications* ; Systems Biology/methods* ; Myocardial Infarction/diagnosis* ; Biomarkers/metabolism* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Machine Learning

Objective:Investigate key genes influencing vascular calcification through bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation.Methods:Three vascular calcification datasets (GSE159832, GSE229679 and GSE37558) were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database. Subsequently, gene ontology (GO), Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG), and conventional gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on the common differential expressed genes(DEGs). For in vitro validation, a vascular smooth muscle cell calcification model was established by stimulating mouse primary vascular smooth muscle cells with high phosphate and calcium chloride (Pi+CaCl 2). Cells were divided into a control group and a Pi+CaCl 2 group. To investigate the role of TK1, cells were transfected with TK1-targeting siRNA (siTK1) or control siRNA (siControl) prior to Pi+CaCl 2 stimulation, creating siControl+Pi+CaCl 2 and siTK1+Pi+CaCl 2 groups. The association between key DEGs and vascular calcification was assessed at the protein and mRNA levels using Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR, respectively. Changes in the phosphorylation of the downstream effector, AKT (p-AKT/AKT), were also measured. Results:A total of 2275, 449, and 381 DEGs were identified from the three vascular calcification datasets (GSE159832, GSE229679, and GSE37558), respectively. Two common DEGs-phosphoserine aminotransferase 1 and thymidine kinase 1 (TK1)-were identified across all datasets. GO enrichment analysis revealed that TK1 was significantly enriched in pathways related to ribosome biogenesis, assembly, and rRNA processing and maturation. GSEA-KEGG analysis indicated significant enrichment in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, pathways in cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, cytoskeleton, and smooth muscle contraction. Conventional GSEA of TK1 further confirmed significant enrichment in pathways including dynein, epithelial tight junctions, axon guidance, and vascular smooth muscle contraction pathways. At the experimental level, both protein and mRNA expression of TK1, along with the p-AKT/AKT ratio, were significantly lower in the Pi+CaCl 2 group compared to the control group (all P<0.05). Furthermore, compared to the siControl+Pi+CaCl 2 group, the siTK1+Pi+CaCl 2 group exhibited decreased expression of differentiation markers, increased expression of calcification markers, and a further reduced p-AKT/AKT ratio (all P<0.05). Conclusion:Integrated bioinformatics and cellular validation demonstrate a correlation between TK1 expression and vascular calcification, suggesting a potential protective role for TK1 in this pathological process.

Objective To investigate the management and pollution status of dental unit waterlines(DUWLs)in a spe-cialized medical institution in Shanghai,providing data support for subsequent scientific infection control intervention measures.Methods Using a cross-sectional survey method and bacterial culture techniques,we investigated the disinfection management measures and bacterial contamination of DUWLs in the medical institution's dental treatment units.Results Among the 14 i-tems covered by the survey,there were significant differences in the implementation rates of each item,and the overall qualifica-tion rate of water samples from DUWLs was only 60.5％.Conclusion There are differences in the management of oral water use among clinical departments within specialized medical institutions in Shanghai,suggesting that the management level needs to be improved,and routine disinfection and maintenance of DUWLs should be strengthened.

Objective To investigate the impact of sintilimab combined with TP chemotherapy regimen on immune function and prognostic survival in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.Methods A total of 82 patients with advanced esophageal cancer who received treatment in the hospital from January 2022 to October 2023 were enrolled.They were divided into two groups with 41 cases in each group using the random number table method.The control group was given the TP chemotherapy regimen,while the observation group was treated with sintilimab in addition to the TP chemotherapy regimen used in the control group.The treatment cycle was 21 days,and both groups received 4 cycles of treatment.After that,the observation group received sintilimab monotherapy for maintenance treatment for at least 1 year.The disease control rate(DCR)and objective response rate(ORR)of the patients were recorded.The immune function,levels of inflammatory factors and tumor markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.The swallowing function and quality of life of the patients before and after treatment were evaluated using the Swallowing Safety Assessment(SSA)and the Quality of Life Instruments for Cancer Patients-Esophageal Cancer(QLICP-ES).The occurrence of adverse reactions was also recorded.After the start of treatment,the patients were followed up for 18 months,and the overall survival(OS)and survival rate were recorded.Results In the observation group,the partial remission rate and disease control rate were 53.66%and 87.80%respectively,both higher than those in the control group.After treatment,the levels of CD3+and CD4+in the observation group were(50.48±5.61)%and(37.96±4.69)%respectively,which were higher than(44.73±5.12)%and(33.15±4.21)%in the control group.The immune function of the observation group was improved compared with the control group,while the levels of inflammatory factors and tumor markers were lower than those in the control group.The swallowing function and quality of life were significantly improved compared with the control group(P<0.05).The 18-month follow-up results showed that the median overall survival(OS)in the observation group was 16(9,17)months,and that in the control group was 9(7,14)months.The OS in the observation group was longer than that in the control group(χ2=13.394,P<0.001).The 18months survival rates in the observation group and the control group were 60.98%(25/41)and 36.59%(15/41)respec-tively,with the observation group being higher than the control group(χ2=4.881,P=0.027).Conclusion The sintilimab combined with TP chemotherapy regimen is beneficial for improving immune function and enhancing the survival status of patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

Objective To investigate the intracranial hemodynamic parameters with transcranial color-coded duplex sonography(TCCS)in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after endovascular therapy,and analyze their association with functional outcomes.Methods A total of 360 elderly AIS patients undergoing endovascular therapy in our hospital from March 1,2020 to January 31,2024 were prospectively included,and according to the score of modified Rankin scale(mRS)at 90 d,they were divided into a poor function group(mRS score 3-6,145 cases)and good function group(mRS score≤2,215 cases).TCCS was conducted on all the patients in 12 h after endovascular therapy to evaluate intracranial blood flow status.Peak systolic velocity(PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV),mean blood flow velocity(MFV),pulsatility index(PI),MFV ratio and PSV ratio,adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ratio were recorded in all pa-tients.Receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was employed to analyze the value of TCCS parameters in predicting poor functional outcomes,and the AUC values and cut-off values were also analyzed.Results The PSV ratio,MFV ratio,adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ra-tio were significantly higher in the poor function group than the good function group(P＜0.01).The predictive performance of PSV ratio and MFV ratio were not good enough for poor functional outcome in the AIS patients(AUC＜0.750),while the adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ratio showed better predictive performance(P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NIHSS score at admission ≥14.00,ASPECT score at admission≥8.00,adjusted PSV ratio＞1.39 and adjusted MFV ratio＞1.40 were independent risk factors for poor functional outcomes in AIS patients(P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis indicated that combined NIHSS score at admission+ASPECT score at admission showed poor value in predicting poor functional outcome in the AIS(AUC=0.780,95％CI:0.734-0.822),the predictive performance of combination of above two scores+adjusted PSV ratio+adjusted MFV ratio was significantly improved(AUC=0.976,95％CI:0.955-0.989),with higher sensitivity and specificity(Z=8.261,P＜0.01).Conclusion Early TCCS detection in elderly AIS patients after endovascular treatment is an effective method for identifying poor functional outcomes at 90 d,with the advantages of non invasiveness and easy op-eration.And,better predictive performance is obtained when adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ratio are combined with conventional predictors.

Objective To investigate the intracranial hemodynamic parameters with transcranial color-coded duplex sonography(TCCS)in elderly patients with acute ischemic stroke(AIS)after endovascular therapy,and analyze their association with functional outcomes.Methods A total of 360 elderly AIS patients undergoing endovascular therapy in our hospital from March 1,2020 to January 31,2024 were prospectively included,and according to the score of modified Rankin scale(mRS)at 90 d,they were divided into a poor function group(mRS score 3-6,145 cases)and good function group(mRS score≤2,215 cases).TCCS was conducted on all the patients in 12 h after endovascular therapy to evaluate intracranial blood flow status.Peak systolic velocity(PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV),mean blood flow velocity(MFV),pulsatility index(PI),MFV ratio and PSV ratio,adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ratio were recorded in all pa-tients.Receiver operator characteristic(ROC)curve analysis was employed to analyze the value of TCCS parameters in predicting poor functional outcomes,and the AUC values and cut-off values were also analyzed.Results The PSV ratio,MFV ratio,adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ra-tio were significantly higher in the poor function group than the good function group(P＜0.01).The predictive performance of PSV ratio and MFV ratio were not good enough for poor functional outcome in the AIS patients(AUC＜0.750),while the adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ratio showed better predictive performance(P＜0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NIHSS score at admission ≥14.00,ASPECT score at admission≥8.00,adjusted PSV ratio＞1.39 and adjusted MFV ratio＞1.40 were independent risk factors for poor functional outcomes in AIS patients(P＜0.01).ROC curve analysis indicated that combined NIHSS score at admission+ASPECT score at admission showed poor value in predicting poor functional outcome in the AIS(AUC=0.780,95％CI:0.734-0.822),the predictive performance of combination of above two scores+adjusted PSV ratio+adjusted MFV ratio was significantly improved(AUC=0.976,95％CI:0.955-0.989),with higher sensitivity and specificity(Z=8.261,P＜0.01).Conclusion Early TCCS detection in elderly AIS patients after endovascular treatment is an effective method for identifying poor functional outcomes at 90 d,with the advantages of non invasiveness and easy op-eration.And,better predictive performance is obtained when adjusted PSV ratio and adjusted MFV ratio are combined with conventional predictors.

Objective To investigate the impact of sintilimab combined with TP chemotherapy regimen on immune function and prognostic survival in patients with advanced esophageal cancer.Methods A total of 82 patients with advanced esophageal cancer who received treatment in the hospital from January 2022 to October 2023 were enrolled.They were divided into two groups with 41 cases in each group using the random number table method.The control group was given the TP chemotherapy regimen,while the observation group was treated with sintilimab in addition to the TP chemotherapy regimen used in the control group.The treatment cycle was 21 days,and both groups received 4 cycles of treatment.After that,the observation group received sintilimab monotherapy for maintenance treatment for at least 1 year.The disease control rate(DCR)and objective response rate(ORR)of the patients were recorded.The immune function,levels of inflammatory factors and tumor markers before and after treatment were compared between the two groups.The swallowing function and quality of life of the patients before and after treatment were evaluated using the Swallowing Safety Assessment(SSA)and the Quality of Life Instruments for Cancer Patients-Esophageal Cancer(QLICP-ES).The occurrence of adverse reactions was also recorded.After the start of treatment,the patients were followed up for 18 months,and the overall survival(OS)and survival rate were recorded.Results In the observation group,the partial remission rate and disease control rate were 53.66%and 87.80%respectively,both higher than those in the control group.After treatment,the levels of CD3+and CD4+in the observation group were(50.48±5.61)%and(37.96±4.69)%respectively,which were higher than(44.73±5.12)%and(33.15±4.21)%in the control group.The immune function of the observation group was improved compared with the control group,while the levels of inflammatory factors and tumor markers were lower than those in the control group.The swallowing function and quality of life were significantly improved compared with the control group(P<0.05).The 18-month follow-up results showed that the median overall survival(OS)in the observation group was 16(9,17)months,and that in the control group was 9(7,14)months.The OS in the observation group was longer than that in the control group(χ2=13.394,P<0.001).The 18months survival rates in the observation group and the control group were 60.98%(25/41)and 36.59%(15/41)respec-tively,with the observation group being higher than the control group(χ2=4.881,P=0.027).Conclusion The sintilimab combined with TP chemotherapy regimen is beneficial for improving immune function and enhancing the survival status of patients with advanced esophageal cancer.

[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.