Purpose: Our previous study showed that circulating tumor cell (CTC) count combined with gene mutation detection might help differentiate benign and malignant pulmonary nodules (PNs). Herein, we aimed to expand the study cohort and conduct further sequencing analysis. Materials and Methods: Patients with PNs were included, and CTCs were identified before operation. Low-coverage whole-genome sequencing (LC-WGS) and lung cancer-related targeted gene sequencing were performed on CTCs. The diagnostic efficacy was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. The differences in CTC counts among subgroups classified by demographic–clinical characteristics were analyzed. LC-WGS–based copy number variation (CNV) analysis and targeted gene mutation analysis were conducted. Results: A total of 172 patients were included. CTC count of 2.5 was identified by the ROC curves as the optimal diagnostic cutoff. The sensitivity and specificity of CTC count for differentiating benign and malignant PNs were 54.2% and 78.6%, respectively. The diagnostic sensitivity and specificity of combined CTC count, radiological nodule type, and any malignant imaging features were 84.7% and 71.4%, respectively. The CTC counts were significantly greater in patients with aggressive tumors, later stage, and spread through air spaces. CTCs from malignant cases had more CNVs than those from benign cases. Conclusion CTC count can be used in identifying malignant PNs. The diagnostic efficacy can be improved if combined with computed tomography imaging characteristics. Further CNV analysis might help differential diagnosis. Greater CTC count might suggest more aggressive tumors. CTC detection can provide important information and guidance for subsequent management of PNs.

Objective To explore the feasibility of magnetic compression technique (MCR) in the treatment of severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. Methods After 10 female New Zealand rabbits were selected, the distal end of the right ureter was ligated with silk thread. Two weeks after the operation, when the right ureter was dilated, the mid-ureter was ligated again with silk thread to create a severe single mid-ureteral stricture animal model. Longitudinal incisions were made at the upper and lower ends of the ligation site, and cylindrical NdFeB magnets with central holes (sub-magnets and main magnets) were placed to anastomose and recanalize the mid-ureteral stricture. The magnets were adjusted to the appropriate position to automatically align and attract each other. The longitudinal incision sites of the ureter were sutured with 6-0 Prolene thread, and the abdominal cavity was closed layer by layer. The operation time was recorded. X-ray films were taken every two days to confirm the position of the magnets and record the time of magnet detachment. Three weeks after the operation, the anastomotic specimens were obtained, and the formation of the anastomosis was evaluated with gross observation and histological staining. Results Two weeks after ligation, all experimental rabbits showed obvious dilation of the right ureter. The mid-ureteral ligation and placement of the male and female magnets were successfully completed in all 10 experimental rabbits, with an operation time of (24.00±5.15)minutes. The male and female magnets attracted each other well. X-ray examination showed that the magnets detached and entered the distal ureter (14.0±1.9) days after magnetic compression. The recanalization of the severe single mid-ureteral stricture was successfully achieved. The gross specimens and histological examination of the anastomosis showed that the anastomosis remained patent and the mucosal healing was good. All experimental rabbits survived well after the operation without serious complications. Conclusion MCT provides a new idea and novel method for the treatment of mid-ureteral stricture. This study confirmed the feasibility of this technique in treating severe single mid-ureteral stricture in a rabbit model. The operation is relatively simple and has potential for clinical application.

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical effect of meropenem combined with cefotaxime sodium on treatment of interstitial pneumonia(IP)patients complicated with pulmonary infection and observe the influence on vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)so as to provide guidance for treatment of the IP patients complicated with pulmonary infection and assessment of curative effect.METHODS A total of 102 IP patients complicated with pulmonary infection who were treated in Guiyang Second People's Hospital from Feb,2022 to Feb,2024 were recruited as the research subjects and were randomly divided into the CTX group and the combination group,with 51 cases in each group.The CTX group was treated with cefotaxime sodium,and the combination group was given meropenem combined with cefotaxime sodium.The curative effect,lung function indexes,blood gas indexes,T lymphocyte subsets,peripheral blood VEGF,TLR2 and TGF-β1 were observed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS There was significant difference in the effective rate of treatment between the combination group and the CTX group(Z=7.229,P=0.007).The lung function of the combination group was better than that of the CTX group after the treatment for 7 days(P＜0.05);the levels of helper T cell type 1(Th1),Th1/Th2 and CD4+Foxp3+Treg of the combination group were higher than those of the CTX group(P＜0.05),while the Th2 level of the combination group was low-er than that of the CTX group(P＜0.05).The levels of VEGF,TLR2 mRNA and TGF-β1 of the combination group were respectively(32.14±8.77)pg/ml,(1.23±0.30)mRNA and(17.25±4.56)pg/ml,lower than those of the CTX group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the drug-induced adverse reactions between the two groups of patients.CONCLUSIONS Meropenem combined with cefotaxime sodium can boost the curative effect on IP patients complicated with pulmonary infection,improve the lung function and blood gas indexes,reg-ulate the immune response,intensify the immune function,reduce the expression levels of VEGF,TLR2 mRNA and TGF-β1,and promote the rehabilitation of the patients.

OBJECTIVE To explore the clinical effect of meropenem combined with cefotaxime sodium on treatment of interstitial pneumonia(IP)patients complicated with pulmonary infection and observe the influence on vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),Toll-like receptor 2(TLR2)and transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1)so as to provide guidance for treatment of the IP patients complicated with pulmonary infection and assessment of curative effect.METHODS A total of 102 IP patients complicated with pulmonary infection who were treated in Guiyang Second People's Hospital from Feb,2022 to Feb,2024 were recruited as the research subjects and were randomly divided into the CTX group and the combination group,with 51 cases in each group.The CTX group was treated with cefotaxime sodium,and the combination group was given meropenem combined with cefotaxime sodium.The curative effect,lung function indexes,blood gas indexes,T lymphocyte subsets,peripheral blood VEGF,TLR2 and TGF-β1 were observed and compared between the two groups.RESULTS There was significant difference in the effective rate of treatment between the combination group and the CTX group(Z=7.229,P=0.007).The lung function of the combination group was better than that of the CTX group after the treatment for 7 days(P＜0.05);the levels of helper T cell type 1(Th1),Th1/Th2 and CD4+Foxp3+Treg of the combination group were higher than those of the CTX group(P＜0.05),while the Th2 level of the combination group was low-er than that of the CTX group(P＜0.05).The levels of VEGF,TLR2 mRNA and TGF-β1 of the combination group were respectively(32.14±8.77)pg/ml,(1.23±0.30)mRNA and(17.25±4.56)pg/ml,lower than those of the CTX group(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences in the drug-induced adverse reactions between the two groups of patients.CONCLUSIONS Meropenem combined with cefotaxime sodium can boost the curative effect on IP patients complicated with pulmonary infection,improve the lung function and blood gas indexes,reg-ulate the immune response,intensify the immune function,reduce the expression levels of VEGF,TLR2 mRNA and TGF-β1,and promote the rehabilitation of the patients.

Objective To investigate the impact of the dominant deafness point mutation p.D179N on the oli-gomeric equilibrium state of Connexin 26(Cx26).Methods The wild-type Cx26 fusion protein(Cx26-WT-GFP)and mutant fusion proteins(Cx26-D179N-GFP,Cx26-D179C-GFP)were expressed in HEK293F cells.By using Fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography(FSEC)and size-exclusion chromatography(SEC)to analysis the oligomeric state of the target protein based on malecular weight under the condition of solubilization and purifica-tion respectively.Cryo-electron microscopy(Cryo-EM)single particle analysis(SPA)was conducted to analysis the target protein's oligomeric states based on the 2D classification morphology of the protein particles.Results In vitro,the wild-type Cx26 protein(Cx26-WT)is almost exclusively dodecameric.The deafness mutation p.D179N protein(Cx26-D179N)exists as both dodecamers and hexamers,whereas the artificial mutation p.D179C protein(Cx26-D179C)does not form dodecamers.Conclusion The dominant deafness mutation GJB2 p.D179N could weaken the ability of docking between hexameric proteins,which could affect the balance between hexamers and do-decamers.

Objective To investigate the impact of the dominant deafness point mutation p.D179N on the oli-gomeric equilibrium state of Connexin 26(Cx26).Methods The wild-type Cx26 fusion protein(Cx26-WT-GFP)and mutant fusion proteins(Cx26-D179N-GFP,Cx26-D179C-GFP)were expressed in HEK293F cells.By using Fluorescence-detection size-exclusion chromatography(FSEC)and size-exclusion chromatography(SEC)to analysis the oligomeric state of the target protein based on malecular weight under the condition of solubilization and purifica-tion respectively.Cryo-electron microscopy(Cryo-EM)single particle analysis(SPA)was conducted to analysis the target protein's oligomeric states based on the 2D classification morphology of the protein particles.Results In vitro,the wild-type Cx26 protein(Cx26-WT)is almost exclusively dodecameric.The deafness mutation p.D179N protein(Cx26-D179N)exists as both dodecamers and hexamers,whereas the artificial mutation p.D179C protein(Cx26-D179C)does not form dodecamers.Conclusion The dominant deafness mutation GJB2 p.D179N could weaken the ability of docking between hexameric proteins,which could affect the balance between hexamers and do-decamers.

[Objective] To explore the clinical features of IgG4-related urinary diseases so as to provide reference for the diagnosis and treatment of such diseases. [Methods] The clinical data of 4 cases of IgG4-related urinary system diseases diagnosed and treated in Xijing Hospital of Air Force Medical University during Aug.2019 and Dec.2023 were retrospectively collected.Here, we report on the diagnosis and treatment of these patients, analysing their symptoms, serology, imaging and pathology as well as their treatment and outcomes. [Results] The patients included 2 male and 2 female.The lesions were involved with the retroperitoneum and urinary system.Three patients had symptoms of lumbar pain.The imaging manifestations were complex, including retroperitoneal mass involving urinary system organs in 2 cases, tabdense shadow of the right kidney in 1 case, and simple cystic mass of kidney in 1 case.Serum IgG4 value was not detected before surgery.All patients underwent radical surgical treatment.Postoperative pathology showed fibrous tissue hyperplasia with a large number of plasma cells, lymphocytes, a few neutrophil infiltrates, and lymphoid follicles and obliterated vasculitis in some specimens.The number of IgG4⁺ plasma cells was more than 10 in all tissues under high power microscope.After surgery, 3 patients had symptoms improved, and serum IgG4 value was within the normal range; 1 patient (patem 3) had elevated IgG4 value during follow-up, received subsequent hormone therapy, and the serum IgG 4 level remained stable. [Conclusion] The symptoms of IgG4-related diseases involving the urinary system are non-specific, and the imaging findings are various, easily confused with other diseases.Early detection of serum IgG4 and biopsy pathology can help clinicians make correct diagnosis in the early stage.

Objective To explore the characteristics of the cross-sectional area(CSA)of the vagus nerve in a healthy population in Qujing,Yunnan,and its correlation with demographic characteristics.Methods High-resolution nerve ultrasound examinations were conducted on the vagus nerve of 201 healthy volunteers from a hospital in Qujing,Yunnan from September 2022 to March 2023.The CSA was measured through transverse scans of the vagus nerve.The correlation of vagus nerve CSA with age,body mass index(BMI),and gender was assessed.Results The mean CSA of the bilateral VN were 1.9 mm2(right)and 1.3 mm2(left),respectively.The average CSA of the right vagus nerve was significantly greater than that of the left(P<0.001).In the high-age group(>50 years),the average CSA of the right vagus nerve was significantly higher than that of the low-age group(≤50 years)(P=0.0142).However,there was no statistically significant difference in the average CSA of the right vagus nerve between the BMI>24 kg/m2 group and the≤24 kg/m2 group(P=0.0852).The average CSA of the left vagus nerve showed no statistically significant differences across different age groups and BMI groups(P>0.05),but the average CSA of the bilateral vagus nerve in the male group was greater than that in the female group,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).Correlation analysis further confirmed a negative correlation between the average CSA of the right vagus nerve and age(r=-0.17,P=0.0139).Multiple linear regression models indicated that age(P=0.007)and gender(P=0.001)were independent influencing factors for the average CSA of the right vagus nerve.Conclusion In the healthy population of Qujing,Yunnan,the CSA of the right vagus nerve is significantly greater than that of the left,and males also exhibit a significantly greater CSA than females.With increasing age,the vagus nerve gradually becomes thinner.

Objective:To explore the characteristics of depression,anxiety,and stress symptoms among Chinese men who have sex with men(MSM),to determine the links of psychological resilience with these symptoms at the symptom level,and to provide insights for tailoring mental health intervention measures for MSM.Methods:A cross-sectional survey was conducted in southwestern China(Chongqing and Sichuan)from May to August 2022.The Depression,Anxiety,and Stress Scale-21 was used to assess mental health-related symptoms in MSM.Psychological resilience was evaluated using the brief version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale.A regularized partial correlation network was constructed,and then a Bayesian network was established to identify potential causal rela-tionships in symptoms.A flow network was used to explore the link between psychological resilience and symptoms of anxiety,depres-sion,and stress.Results:A total of 938 MSM were included in the analysis.The proportion of MSM with depression,anxiety,and stress was 29.74%."Panic","scared","no relax",and"down-hearted"showed high expected influence.Bridging symptoms were"panic","down-hearted",and"agitated".Central and bridging symptoms also appeared at the top of the Bayesian network.Psychological resil-ience was negatively correlated with"no initiative","down-hearted","meaningless","panic",and"no relax".Conclusion:Central symptoms"panic","scared","no relax",and"down-hearted",as well as bridging symptoms"panic","down-hearted",and"agi-tated"are identified through network analysis.The potential causal priority of these symptoms is prominent.Interventions tailored to central and bridging symptoms may be effective,and interventions for enhancing psychological resilience may alleviate negative emotion-related symptoms,especially depressive symptoms in the MSM population.

Objective To explore the effectiveness and safety of hypofractionated radiotherapy(HFRT)combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)for metachronous hepatic oligometastasis from nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC).Methods The clinical data of patients with metachronous hepatic oligometastasis from NPC,who received HFRT combined with TACE treatment at the Sichuan Provincial Cancer Hospital of China from January 2012 to October 2022,were retrospectively analyzed.The 3-year and 5-year overall survival(OS),progression-free survival(PFS),local recurrence-free survival(LRFS),no extrahepatic distant metastasis survival(EMFS),and treatment-related adverse reactions were analyzed.Results A total of 55 patients were enrolled in this study,including 36 males and 19 females,the median age at the time of occurring metachronous hepatic oligometastasis was 44(27-75)years.The 3-year and 5-year OS,PFS,LRFS,EMFS were 67.8％and 40.0％,55.8％and 30.0％,72.7％and 56.5％,63.6％and 56.5％,respectively.The subgroup analysis indicated that the treatment course of TACE ≥3 cycles could significantly improve the PFS of patients with oligometastasis.HFRT combined with TACE treatment was well tolerated by all patients,and the incidence of Grade Ⅲ-Ⅳadverse reactions was quite low.Conclusion For the treatment of metachronous hepatic oligometastasis from NPC,HFRT combined with TACE is clinically effective,besides,the patients can well tolerate the therapeutic scheme.