Objective:To investigate the value of MRI combined with serum long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) KCNQ1OT1 and microRNA-204-5p (miR-204-5p) in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.Methods:A total of 70 patients with breast cancer who were surgically diagnosed in the No.2 Hospital of Baoding, Hebei Province from January 2020 to December 2022 were selected as the study objects. Patients were divided into metastatic group ( n=31) and non-metastatic group ( n=39) according to the status of lymph node metastasis. The MRI features and the levels of serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and miR-204-5p were compared between the two groups. Receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the three detections alone and in combination for axillary lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. Results:There were statistically significant differences in tumor maximum diameter ( χ2=4.28, P=0.039) and Ki-67 expression ( χ2=10.88, P=0.001) between the metastatic and non-metastatic groups. There were statistically significant differences between the breast cancer axillary lymph node metastatic group and the non-metastatic group in the mode of internal reinforcement type ( χ2=6.60, P=0.037), peripheral vessel diameter ( t=4.33, P<0.001), number of peripheral vessel roots ( t=4.38, P<0.001), apparent diffusion coefficient ( t=3.59, P=0.001), and MRI lymph node status ( χ2=29.70, P<0.001). The level of serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 in metastatic group was higher than that in non-metastatic group (1.41±0.32 vs. 0.99±0.18, t=6.94, P<0.001), and the level of miR-204-5p was lower than that in non-metastatic group (0.72±0.17 vs. 1.03±0.21, t=6.66, P<0.001). Bioinformatics analysis showed that miR-204-5p may have a targeting relationship with lncRNA KCNQ1OT1. ROC curve analysis showed the area under the curve of MRI features, serum levels of lncRNA KCNQ1OT1, miR-204-5p and their combined detection to predict lymph node metastasis of breast cancer patients were 0.823, 0.858, 0.843, 0.946, respectively. The predictive efficacy of the combined detection was better than that of MRI features and serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and miR-204-5p levels alone ( Z=3.29, P=0.001; Z=2.07, P=0.038; Z=2.23, P=0.026) . Conclusions:Serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 level is up-regulated and the level of miR-204-5p is down-regulated in patients with axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer. And the combination of MRI features with serum lncRNA KCNQ1OT1 and miR-204-5p has high predictive efficacy in predicting lymph node metastasis in breast cancer patients.

Objective To explore the correlation between serum vitamin D(VD3)level differences and immune inflammatory markers in elderly sepsis patients.Methods A total of 103 elderly patients with sepsis(aged 65-99 years)in the ICU of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from January 2020 to December 2022 were collected and divided into two groups according to the diagnostic criteria for VD3 deficiency:VD3 deficiency group(n=32)and VD3 severe deficiency group(n=71).Correlation analysis was conducted by comparing the differences in serum 25-(OH)-D3(VD3)levels,immune function-related indicators upon admission(blood routine,infection-related proteins,combined detection of 12 cytokines,absolute count analysis of lymphocytes and subgroups,quantitative determination of infection-related immune cells,immunoglobulin,and complement),illness severity,and prognostic indicators(APACHE-II score,SOFA score,duration of ICU stay,and 28-day mortality rate).Result(1)Serum VD3 levels were lower in elderly patients with sepsis.No patient was in the VD3 normal or insufficient group.Patients with severe VD3 deficiency had higher APACHE-II scores,SOFA scores,and 28-day mortality rates than those with VD3 deficiency,and these scores were negatively correlated with serum VD3 levels(P<0.001),while the difference in ICU stay duration between the two groups was not statistically significant(P>0.05);(2)WBC,PCT,CRP,and CD4/CD8 in the VD3 deficiency group were all lower than those in the VD3 severe deficiency group(P<0.05),while IL-6,IL-10,CD45+,CD3+/CD45+,and CD19+Abs were all higher than those in the VD3 severe deficiency group(P<0.05);In the VD3 deficiency group,VD3 levels were positively correlated with CD45+(P<0.05 for all),while negatively correlated with IL-6,IL-10,PCT,and CRP(P<0.05 for all);In the VD3 severe deficiency group,there were fewer corre-lation indicators and the correlation strength was not as strong as that in the VD3 deficiency group.Conclusion(1)Elderly patients with sepsis generally have lower levels of VD3,with lower levels associated with more severe illness and poorer prognosis;(2)In elderly sepsis patients,compared to patients with severe VD3 deficiency,patients with VD3 deficiency have lower levels of inflammation,stronger cellular immune response,and stronger correlation,suggesting that the effects of different VD3 levels on immune inflammatory responses may vary in elderly sepsis patients.

This study was performed to screen the sequence of specific nanobody targeting SARS-CoV-2 S protein,and to express and purify recombinant anti-SARS-CoV-2 nanobodies,and evaluate their characteristics and application potential.Based on the previously constructed natural bacteriophage nanobody display library,the anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein nanobody sequences were screened,with biotinylated SARS-CoV-2 S protein receptor-binding domain antigen as target,by biotin-streptavidin liquid phase screening method,phage-ELISA and sequencing.Recombinant anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein nanobody expression vectors were constructed,the protein was induced by IPTG and then purified,and their characteristics and application potential were analyzed by SDS-PAGE,Westem blot and ELISA methods.Two anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein nanobody sequences were successfully obtained,and the corresponding prokaryotic expression bacteria were constructed.The recombinant anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein nanobody was expressed and purified successfully,which can specifically bind to SARS-CoV-2 S protein.In conclusion,the recombinant anti-SARS-CoV-2 S protein nanobodies have screened and expressed successfully,which provides a basis for its application in SARS-CoV-2 detection and treatment,and facilitates related researches.

Goniotomy (GT) is a safe and effective type of minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) extensively utilized in China.It is particularly suited for treating primary open-angle glaucoma and advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma.Although GT is generally safe, hyphema and postoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) spikes remain common complications after GT.Currently, there is no standardized protocol for managing these issues, which can impact clinicians' assessment of surgical outcomes and potentially affect the prognosis.Therefore, it is crucial to establish comprehensive and detailed management protocols for perioperative hyphema and IOP spike following GT.This will guide clinical practitioners in managing complications appropriately and systematically, thereby promoting the further development and refinement of MIGS.To address these concerns, several domestic glaucoma treatment experts along with members of the Glaucoma Society of Ophthalmology, Guangdong Medical Association reviewed existing literature and held recommendation meetings to develop a guideline for managing perioperative hyphema and IOP spikes following GT.It includes defining perioperative hyphema in GT, discussing its high-risk factors and outcomes, exploring methods for prevention prior to surgery and techniques to reduce bleeding during the procedure, and managing postoperative hemorrhage.Additionally, it covers defining IOP spikes after GT, investigates their causes and contributing factors, and outlines management strategies and anticipated outcomes to provide a valuable resource for clinicians.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the intervention effect of Dabufei decoction on acute lung injury in rats with high altitude hypoxia by regulating the expression of the HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway and related molecules. METHODS Sixty SPF SD rats were randomly divided into blank group, model group, positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups with 10 rats in each group. After 3 d of adaptation to feeding, the rats in the blank group and model group were given the same amount of normal saline by gavage, and the rats in Dabufei decoction high-dose, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were given gavage for 14 d, respectively. The positive drug group was given dexamethasone by intraperitoneal injection for three consecutive days before entering the chamber. Except for the blank group, the rats in each group were exposed to hypoxia in the experimental animal low-pressure simulation chamber from the 15th day for three consecutive days. At the end of the experiment, the wet to dry ratio(W/D) of the rat lung tissue was detected. The morphology of lung tissue was observed by HE staining. ELISA detected the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in serum. Western blotting and RT-qPCR were used to detect the protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue of rats. RESULTS The W/D value showed that compared with the blank group, the W/D of the model group was significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the W/D of rats in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups was significantly decreased(P<0.01 or P<0.05). HE results showed that compared with the blank group, alveolar septum thickening, pulmonary interstitial congestion, edema, inflammatory cell infiltration, and a small amount of exudation in the alveolar cavity were seen in the lung tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the thickening of alveolar walls in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were reduced, and the pulmonary interstitial congestion, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration were significantly reduced. ELISA results showed that IL-1β and IL-18 in rat serum were significantly higher in the model group than in the blank group(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the levels of IL-1β and IL-18 in the serum of the rats in the positive drug group, Dabufei decoction high-dose group, medium-dose, and low-dose groups were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01). Moreover, the results of Western blotting and RT-qPCR showed that compared with the blank group, the relative protein and mRNA expressions of HIF-1α, NLRP3, GSDMD, and caspase-1 in the lung tissue of the model group were significantly increased(P<0.01). Compared with the model group, the relative protein and mRNA of HIF-1α, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in the positive drug group and Dabufei decoction high-dose group were significantly decreased(P<0.05 or P<0.01), the relative protein of HIF-1α, NLRP3, caspase-1 and GSDMD in Dabufei decoction medium-dose group were significantly decreased and HIF-1α, caspase-1 mRNA were significantly decreased(P<0.05), the relative protein of HIF-1α and GSDMD in the low-dose group was decreased(P<0.05). The positive drug group and Dabufei decoction high-dose group had the more significant effect. CONCLUSION Dabufei decoction can regulate the HIF-1α/NLRP3 signaling pathway, inhibit pyroptosis and reduce inflammation, and has a certain protective effect on acute lung injury in rats with high altitude hypoxia.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness of point ligation therapy combined with catgut embedment in acupoint for patients with refractory facial paralysis， and to explore the possible mechanisms from the perspective of neurotrophic factors. MethodsTotally 168 patients with intractable facial paralysis were randomly divided into point ligation plus catgut embedment group and electroacupuncture group， with 84 cases in each group. Both groups took methylcobalamin tablets orally， on the basis of which the point ligation plus catgut embedment group gave point ligation therapy at Quanliao （SI 18）， Dicang （ST 4）， Jiache （ST 6）， and catgut embedment in the local acupoints on the affected side combined with the distal acupoints， and the point ligation therapy combined with catgut embedment in acupoint was performed once every 30 days for three treatments； the electroacupuncture group took the same acupoints and gave electroacupuncture， with sparse and dense waves， once every other day. Both groups were treated for 90 days. Before treatment and after 30， 60， 90 and 120 days （follow-up）， patients of both groups were observed for House-Brackmann Facial Nerve Grading （HB） and modified Portmann score； facial nerve electromyography was performed before treatment and after 90 days of treatment to record the wave amplitude and latency of facial nerve motor conduction， and serum brain-derived nerve growth factor （BDNF）， nerve growth factor （NGF）， fibroblast growth factor （FGF2） levels were determined. The clinical effectiveness of both groups after 90 days of treatment was compared， and the adverse events occurred in the course of treatment in all patients were recorded. ResultsAt 30 days， 60 days， 90 days and follow-up visits， the HB grading of patients in both groups improved compared with that before treatment （P＜0.05）； the distribution of the number of patients with HB grading in the point ligation plus catgut embedment group was superior to that in the electroacupuncture group after 60 days and 90 days of treatment and at follow-up visits （P＜0.05）. The maximal amplitude of the facial nerve electromyography in both groups after 90 days of treatment was large， and the latency was shorter when compared with those before treatment （P＜0.05）， and the maximum wave amplitude of the point ligation plus catgut embedment group was higher than that of the electro-acupuncture group， and the latency period was shorter than that of the electro-acupuncture group （P＜0.05）. The modified Portmann scores of the both groups of patients after 30， 60 and 90 days of treatment and follow-up were higher than those before treatment， and the scores of the point ligation plus catgut embedment group were higher than those of the electroacupuncture group （P＜0.05）. Serum BDNF， NGF and FGF2 levels in both groups after 90 days of treatment were higher than before， and the point ligation plus catgut embedment group was significantly higher than the electroacupuncture group （P＜0.05）. The total clinical effective rate of the point ligation plus catgut embedment group （92.68%） was higher than that of the electroacupuncture group （81.01%， P＜0.05）. Adverse reactions occurred in both groups， mainly including local haematoma or subcutaneous bleeding， allergic reaction， severe pain， and needle fainting， all of which disappeared after symptomatic treatment. ConclusionThe point ligation therapy combined with catgut embedment in acupoint for patients with refractory facial paralysis are effective. The therapy improve the facial nerve function， and its mechanism of action may be related to increasing the level of serum neurotrophic factor and thus promoting facial nerve repairment.

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of Huangqi Baihe granules on the hypoxia-inducible factor 1α （HIF-1α）/nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB）/NOD-like receptor hot protein domain related protein 3 （NLRP3） signaling pathway in a rat model of high altitude hypoxia. MethodSixty male SPF SD rats were randomly divided into blank group， model group， dexamethasone group （5 mg·kg^-1）， and high， middle， and low-dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules （4.1， 2.05， 1.025 g·kg^-1）. Among them， each Chinese medicine group was administrated orally for continuously 14 d， once a day， and the dexamethasone group was injected intraperitoneally for continuously 3 d as the positive control group. On the 15^th d， the model group， dexamethasone group， and high， middle， and low dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules were exposed to the simulated high altitude， low pressure， and low oxygen environment in the animal low-pressure simulation cabin， and the exposure lasted for 3 d. Blood was collected from the abdominal aorta and serum was separated， and the brain tissue was taken after being killed. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was used to observe the pathological changes in brain tissue. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect the content of tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and interleukin-1β （IL-1β） in rat serum. Western blot was used to detect HIF-1α， NLRP3， phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB （p-NF-κB）， NF-κB， desquamation D （GSDMD）， and cysteine aspartate-specitis protein-1（Caspase-1） in rats of each group. The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α， NLRP3， NF-κB p65， GSDMD， and Caspase-1 were detected by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. ResultThe results of HE staining showed that as compared with the normal group， the pathological sections of brain tissues in the model group showed that pyramidal cells were loosely arranged and distributed in disorder， with different sizes. Compared with the model group， the pathological changes in pyramidal cells in the dexamethasone group and high and middle-dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules were reduced. The results of ELISA showed that as compared with the normal group， the content of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in the serum of rats in the model group was significantly higher （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the content of TNF-α， IL-6， and IL-1β in the serum of rats in the dexamethasone group and high and middle-dose groups of Huangqi Baihe granules decreased significantly （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The results of Western blot showed that as compared with the normal group， the relative protein expression levels of HIF-1α， NLRP3， p-NF-κB p65， GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of the model group were significantly higher （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the relative expressions of HIF-1α， NLRP3， p-NF-κB p65， GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the dexamethasone group and the high-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules were significantly decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. The relative protein expression levels of HIF-1α， NLRP3， p-NF-κB p65， and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the middle-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules decreased significantly （P<0.01）， and the relative protein expression of HIF-1α in the brain tissue of rats in the low-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules was reduced （P<0.05）. The Real-time PCR analysis showed that as compared with the normal group， the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α， NLRP3， NF-κB p65， GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of the model group were significantly increased （P<0.01）. As compared with the model group， the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α， NLRP3， NF-κB p65， GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the dexamethasone group were significantly decreased （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α， NF-κB p65， GSDMD， and Caspase-1 in the brain tissue of rats in the high-dose group of Huangqi Baihe granules decreased significantly （P<0.01）. The mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α， NLRP3， and Caspase-1in the brain tissue of rats in the middle-dose group of Huangqi granules decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionThe protective effect of Huangqi Baihe granules on acute brain injury in low-pressure hypoxic rats may be related to the HIF-1α/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway.

With high incidence, high disability rate and serious impact on patients' quality of life, advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG) with cataract is a severe eye disease in China and its main treatment method is surgery.Phacoemulsification cataract extraction and intraocular lens implantation (PEI) combined with trabeculectomy has been used to treat advanced PACG with cataract, but there are many postoperative complications.Recently, combined PEI, goniosynechialysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) has been proven to be a safe and effective surgical treatment for advanced PACG with cataract.At present, the combined PEI+ GSL+ GT surgery has been widely applied, but there is still a lack of uniform standards for its clinical application.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete recommendation of the surgical procedures for PEI+ GSL+ GT, to standardize its application in clinical practice.Based on the analysis of the existing problems, some glaucoma experts in China have formulated detailed and complete operation norms, as well as expert recommendations on surgical indications and contraindications, anesthetic methods, surgical techniques and perioperative medication to standardize the application process of PEI+ GSL+ GT in clinical practice.

Minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) has been successfully incorporated in clinical practice in recent years.Increasing evidence shows that MIGS also plays an increasingly important role in the treatment of primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). Surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) plus goniosynechialysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT), as a new procedure, has been proven to be safe and effective in the treatment of PACG with no or mild cataracts.However, there is still a lack of uniform standards for indications, surgical procedures, and perioperative medication.Therefore, it is necessary to formulate a detailed and complete expert recommendations on surgical procedures to standardize the application of combined SPI+ GSL+ GT in the treatment.Some experts in glaucoma treatment and management in China have discussed the current problems and developing trend in MIGS for PACG and put forward the expert recommendations of standard process, including indications, anaesthetic methods, surgical site, operating procedure and rational administration of drugs in perioperation, in order to standardize the medical process of clinicians using combined SPI+ GSL+ GT in PACG treatment and lay a foundation for better evaluation of the efficacy of MIGS.

Objective:To evaluate the preliminary effectiveness and safety of surgical peripheral iridectomy (SPI) combined with goniosynechilysis (GSL) and goniotomy (GT) in the treatment of advanced primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG).Methods:A multicenter observational case series study was performed.Thirty-five eyes of 27 patients with advanced PACG, who underwent SPI+ GSL+ GT with a follow-up of at least 6 months, were included from August 2021 to January 2022 at Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Handan City Eye Hospital, Shijiazhuang People's Hospital, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University.The mean follow-up time was 9(7, 10) months.Pre- and post-operative best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and intraocular pressure (IOP) were measured with an ETDRS chart and a Goldmann applanation tonometer, respectively.The number of anti-glaucoma medications applied before and after surgery was recorded, and the complications after surgery were analyzed.Success rate of surgery was calculated.Complete surgical success was defined as an IOP of 5-18 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and 20% reduction from baseline without anti-glaucoma medication or reoperation.Qualified success was defined as achieving criterion of complete success under anti-glaucoma medications.This study adhered to the Declaration of Helsinki.The study protocol was approved by the Ethics Committee of Zhongshan Ophthalmic Center, Sun Yat-sen University (No.2021KYPJ177). Written informed consent was obtained from each subject.Results:The mean preoperative IOP was (30.83±8.87)mmHg, which was significantly decreased to (15.69±3.70)mmHg at 6 months after the surgery ( t=8.588, P<0.001), with a 44.00% (34.78%, 60.00%) decline of 13.00(8.00, 21.00)mmHg.The median number of anti-glaucoma medications was significantly reduced from 2(0, 3) preoperatively to 0 (0, 1) postoperatively ( Z=-3.659, P<0.001). The mean preoperative and postoperative 6-month BCVA were 0.80(0.63, 1.00) and 0.80(0.60, 1.00), respectively, showing no significant difference ( Z=-0.283, P=0.777). Complete surgical success rate was 62.86%(22/35), and the qualified success rate was 91.43%(32/35). Surgical complications mainly included hyphema (6/35), IOP spike (3/35), and shallow anterior chamber (4/35). There was no vision-threatening complication. Conclusions:SPI+ GSL+ GT is preliminarily effective and safe in the treatment of advanced PACG, which provides a new option for PACG.