Objective: To investigate the current status of benefit finding among young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and analyze its influencing factors, so as to provide a reference for improving the level of benefit finding in this population. Methods: From November 2022 to May 2023, young and middle-aged patients with T2DM aged 18-59 years hospitalized in the endocrinology departments of 2 tertiary hospitals in Hengyang City, Hunan Province were selected as survey subjects by a convenience sampling method. Basic demographic information was collected using a general questionnaire survey. Benefit finding, resourcefulness, and stigma were evaluated using the Benefit Finding Scale, the Chinese Version of the Resourcefulness Scale, and the Type 2 Diabetes Stigma Assessment Scale, respectively. A multiple linear regression model was used to analyze the influencing factors of benefit finding among young and middle-aged patients with T2DM. Results: A total of 305 young and middle-aged patients with T2DM were investigated, including 222 males (72.79%) and 83 females (27.21%). There were 231 cases aged 45-59 years, accounting for 75.74%. The scores for benefit finding, resourcefulness, and stigma were (42.86±6.06), (75.12±11.30), and (41.20±10.10), respectively. Multiple linear regression analysis showed that young and middle-aged patients with T2DM who were male (β′=0.088), aged 18-<45 years (β′=0.083), absence of diabetes complications (β′=0.124), and had higher resourcefulness scores (β′=0.679) had higher levels of benefit finding, while patients with higher stigma scores (β′=-0.097) had lower levels of benefit finding. Conclusion The level of benefit finding among young and middle-aged patients with T2DM was moderate, and was related to gender, age, diabetes complications, resourcefulness, and stigma.

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.

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction (BYHWD) on vascular aging. METHODS: Eighteen male SD rats were randomized into young group, intraperitoneal D-galactose injection-induced aging group, and BYHWD gavage group. The changes in pulse wave velocity (PWV), vascular SA-β-gal activity, and expressions of p16, p21 and SA‑β‑gal of the rats were examined. Serum exosomes were isolated from the rats, and after characterization using NTA and TEM and for surface markers and vascular cell markers, were examined for miR-590-5p expression using qRT-PCR. The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and cytokine levels were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to predict the potential target genes of miR-590-5p and validate its targeting relationship with SLC8A3, whose expressions were detected in the vascular tissues of the rats by Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the young rats, the aging rats exhibited significantly increased PWV in the abdominal aorta with elevated vascular expressions of p16, p21 and SA-β-gal, which were all reversed by BYHWD treatment. The isolated serum exosomes were positive for CD63, CD81, CD31 and SM-22, and the exosomes from aging rats showed significantly downregulated expression of miR-590-5p, which was upregulated after BYHWD treatment. The aging rat vessels showed an increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio with elevated M1-specific cytokines and reduced M2-specific cytokines, and BYHWD treatment effectively inhibited M1 polarization of the macrophages. Pearson analysis revealed a negative correlation between exosomal miR-590-5p upregulation and the M1/M2 ratio. Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-590-5p targets SLC8A3. Western blotting demonstrated increased SLC8A3 expression in aging rat vessels, which was downregulated after BYHWD treatment. CONCLUSIONS BYHWD attenuates vascular aging in rats by modulating macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing vascular inflammation via exosomal miR-590-5p-mediated downregulation of SLC8A3.
Animals ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Male ; Macrophages/drug effects* ; Rats ; Exosomes/metabolism* ; Aging/drug effects* ; Signal Transduction

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 To investigate the mechanism underlying the inhibitory effect of Buyang Huanwu Decoction(BYHWD)on vascular aging.Methods Eighteen male SD rats were randomized into young group,intraperitoneal D-galactose injection-induced aging group,and BYHWD gavage group.The changes in pulse wave velocity(PWV),vascular SA-β-gal activity,and expressions of p16,p21 and SA-β-gal of the rats were examined.Serum exosomes were isolated from the rats,and after characterization using NTA and TEM and for surface markers and vascular cell markers,were examined for miR-590-5p expression using qRT-PCR.The M1/M2 macrophage ratio and cytokine levels were evaluated using immunofluorescence staining and qRT-PCR.Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assays were carried out to predict the potential target genes of miR-590-5p and validate its targeting relationship with SLC8A3,whose expressions were detected in the vascular tissues of the rats by Western blotting.Results Compared with the young rats,the aging rats exhibited significantly increased PWV in the abdominal aorta with elevated vascular expressions of p16,p21 and SA-β-gal,which were all reversed by BYHWD treatment.The isolated serum exosomes were positive for CD63,CD81,CD31 and SM-22,and the exosomes from aging rats showed significantly downregulated expression of miR-590-5p,which was upregulated after BYHWD treatment.The aging rat vessels showed an increased M1/M2 macrophage ratio with elevated M1-specific cytokines and reduced M2-specific cytokines,and BYHWD treatment effectively inhibited M1 polarization of the macrophages.Pearson analysis revealed a negative correlation between exosomal miR-590-5p upregulation and the M1/M2 ratio.Bioinformatics analysis and dual-luciferase assays confirmed that miR-590-5p targets SLC8A3.Western blotting demonstrated increased SLC8A3 expression in aging rat vessels,which was downregulated after BYHWD treatment.Conclusion BYHWD attenuates vascular aging in rats by modulating macrophage M1 polarization and suppressing vascular inflammation via exosomal miR-590-5p-mediated downregulation of SLC8A3.

[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 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 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 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 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.