Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of intraoperative pleural irrigation with Nocardia rubra cell-wall skeleton (N-CWS) for reducing pleural effusion drainage after radical surgery for lung cancer. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of lung cancer patients who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University between December 2024 and May 2025. Patients were divided into a control group and an irrigation group based on the intraoperative use of N-CWS. Patients in the irrigation group received pleural irrigation with 800 μg of N-CWS diluted in 10 mL of normal saline. The following outcomes were compared between the two groups: pleural effusion drainage volume at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h postoperatively, degree of air leak, chest tube duration, postoperative length of stay, and the incidence of adverse events (fever, chest pain, and nausea and vomiting). Results A total of 245 patients were included (97 males, 148 females) with a mean age of (61.28±6.26) years, with 205 in the control group and 40 in the irrigation group. Compared to the control group, the irrigation group showed significantly lower pleural effusion drainage volumes at 0-24 h, 24-48 h, and 48-72 h, as well as shorter chest tube duration and postoperative length of stay (all P<0.05). There was no statistical difference in the degree of postoperative air leak (P=0.661). No significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding the highest body temperature within 72 h post-surgery (P=0.130), fever grade (P=0.196), severity of chest pain (P=0.105), or the incidence of nausea and vomiting (P=0.376). Conclusion Intraoperative pleural irrigation with N-CWS in patients undergoing lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection for lung cancer can significantly reduce postoperative pleural effusion drainage volume, shorten chest tube duration and length of hospital stay. The procedure is safe and feasible.

Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO₂)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO₂ dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO₂-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO₂ exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO₂ exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.

Background Regulatory interactions between microRNAs (miRNAs) and messenger RNAs (mRNAs) are involved in the progression of pulmonary fibrosis, which can either promote or inhibit the development of this disease. Objective To explore the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network during the progression of silica (SiO₂)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice using integrated mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq analysis. Methods A mouse model of pulmonary fibrosis was established by dynamic SiO₂ dust exposure. The experimental design included a blank control group and four SiO₂-exposed groups (7, 14, 28, and 56 d, n=10 per group). Successful model induction was confirmed by histopathological analysis (HE and Masson staining), hydroxyproline (HYP) quantification, and expression of key fibrosis-related cytokines [fibroblast growth factor (FGF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)]. Lung tissues from mice in each group were subjected to sequencing, and Mfuzz was used for time-series gene clustering to identify dynamic progression patterns. DESeq2 was utilized to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and differentially expressed miRNAs. Enrichment analysis of DEGs was performed to identify critical signaling pathways and biological processes underlying pulmonary fibrosis progression. Expression of four selected miRNAs was subsequently validated by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). The target mRNAs of key miRNAs were comprehensively predicted by integrating miRBase, starBase, and miRTarBase to construct the regulatory networks and investigate potential functions. Results SiO₂ exposure led to time-dependent aggravation of pulmonary fibrosis in mice, evidenced by increased fibrous deposition, elevated HYP levels (P < 0.01), and up-regulation of four kinds of pro-fibrotic cytokines (P < 0.01) compared with the NT group. Mfuzz clustering revealed the stage-specific characteristics. Compared to controls, 231, 662, 448, and 1020 DEGs were identified after SiO₂ exposure at 7, 14, 28, and 56 d, respectively, primarily enriched in immune responses and chemokine signaling. During critical fibrotic phases—7 d (acute inflammation and initiation) and 28 d (chronic inflammation and establishment)—18 differentially expressed miRNAs were identified; notably mmu-miR-135b-5p was significantly dysregulated at both time points. The expression trends of the four key miRNAs (mmu-miR-135b-5p, mmu-miR-708-5p, mmu-miR-21a-3p, and mmu-miR-205-5p) were consistent with the sequencing results. Furthermore, bioinformatics databases were used to predict the target mRNAs of key miRNAs. The constructed network highlighted critical miRNA-mRNA pairs—including mmu-miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg which were closely associated with inflammatory response, extracellular matrix deposition, and fibroblast activation. Conclusion The progression of pulmonary fibrosis is accompanied by dynamic changes in miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks. The identified miRNA-target axes (e.g., miR-135b-5p and Meis1, mmu-miR-708-5p and Mmp25, mmu-miR-21a-3p and Cacna1d, and mmu-miR-205-5p and Ereg—) may play important roles in fibrogenesis and provide potential therapeutic targets for pulmonary fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Disease-modifying therapies have been approved for the treatment of relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS). The present study aims to examine the safety of teriflunomide in Chinese patients with RMS. METHODS: This non-randomized, multi-center, 24-week, prospective study enrolled RMS patients with variant (c.421C>A) or wild type ABCG2 who received once-daily oral teriflunomide 14 mg. The primary endpoint was the relationship between ABCG2 polymorphisms and teriflunomide exposure over 24 weeks. Safety was assessed over the 24-week treatment with teriflunomide. RESULTS: Eighty-two patients were assigned to variant ( n  = 42) and wild type groups ( n  = 40), respectively. Geometric mean and geometric standard deviation (SD) of pre-dose concentration (variant, 54.9 [38.0] μg/mL; wild type, 49.1 [32.0] μg/mL) and area under plasma concentration-time curve over a dosing interval (AUC tau ) (variant, 1731.3 [769.0] μg∙h/mL; wild type, 1564.5 [1053.0] μg∙h/mL) values at steady state were approximately similar between the two groups. Safety profile was similar and well tolerated across variant and wild type groups in terms of rates of treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE), treatment-related TEAE, grade ≥3 TEAE, and serious adverse events (AEs). No new specific safety concerns or deaths were reported in the study. CONCLUSION: ABCG2 polymorphisms did not affect the steady-state exposure of teriflunomide, suggesting a similar efficacy and safety profile between variant and wild type RMS patients. REGISTRATION NCT04410965, https://clinicaltrials.gov .
Humans ; Crotonates/adverse effects* ; Toluidines/adverse effects* ; Nitriles ; Hydroxybutyrates ; Female ; Male ; Adult ; ATP Binding Cassette Transporter, Subfamily G, Member 2/genetics* ; Middle Aged ; Multiple Sclerosis, Relapsing-Remitting/genetics* ; Prospective Studies ; Young Adult ; Neoplasm Proteins/genetics* ; East Asian People

BACKGROUND: Telesurgery has the potential to overcome spatial limitations for surgeons, which depends on surgical robot and the quality of network communication. However, the influence of network latency and bandwidth on telesurgery is not well understood. METHODS: A telesurgery system capable of dynamically adjusting image compression ratios in response to bandwidth changes was established between Beijing and Sanya (Hainan province), covering a distance of 3000 km. In total, 108 animal operations, including 12 surgical procedures, were performed. Total latency ranging from 170 ms to 320 ms and bandwidth from 15-20 Mbps to less than 1 Mbps were explored using designed surgical tasks and hemostasis models for renal vein and internal iliac artery rupture bleeding. Network latency, jitter, frame loss, and bit rate code were systemically measured during these operations. National Aeronautics and Space Administration Task Load Index (NASA-TLX) and a self-designed scale measured the workload and subjective perception of surgeons. RESULTS: All 108 animal telesurgeries, conducted from January 2023 to June 2023, were performed effectively over a total duration of 3866 min. The operations were completed with latency up to 320 ms and bandwidths as low as 1-5 Mbps. Hemostasis for vein and artery rupture bleeding models was effectively achieved under these low bandwidth conditions. The NASA-TLX results indicated that latency significantly impacted surgical performance more than bandwidth and image clarity reductions. CONCLUSIONS This telesurgery system demonstrated safety and reliability. A total of 320 ms latency is acceptable for telesurgery operations. Reducing image clarity can effectively mitigate the potential latency increase caused by decreased bandwidth, offering a new method to reduce the impact of latency on telesurgery.
Animals ; Robotic Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Laparoscopy/methods*

Objective This study aimed to analyze the characteristics and clinical significance of peripheral lymphocytic subsets and cytokine levels, including interleukin 1β(IL-1β), IL-2, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12P70, IL-17A, tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α), interferon γ(IFN-γ) and IFN-α, in patients with primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), to provide some novel insights into the pathogenesis of PBC. Methods We retrospectively collected clinical features and laboratory data from hospitalized patients who were primarily diagnosed with PBC and from healthy physical examinees at the Third People's Hospital of Changzhou between January 1, 2023, and June 30, 2024. Results A total of 152 PBC patients and 96 healthy controls who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were enrolled. Significant differences were observed in baseline characteristics and laboratory data between the two groups. After the propensity score matching (PSM) analysis, 61 PBC patients and 61 healthy controls were successfully matched, ensuring that the general characteristics (age and gender) of the two groups were balanced and comparable. Compared to the control group, the proportion of peripheral lymphocytes was significantly higher in the PBC group (31.9% vs. 17.8%), primarily due to an increase in CD4⁺ T cells (46.77% vs. 41.19%), while CD8⁺T cells were significantly decreased (19.73% vs. 22.07%). Notably, the proportions of CD4⁺ programmed cell death 1 (PD-1)⁺ T and CD8⁺PD-1⁺ T cells were elevated, with CD8⁺PD-1⁺ T cells showing a significant positive correlation with the severity of liver inflammation (r=0.41). Furthermore, the mitochondrial mass (MM) of CD4⁺ T cells was significantly increased in PBC patients, whereas no significant changes were observed in the MM of CD8⁺ T cells or the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of CD3⁺ T cells. Additionally, the plasma levels of cytokines, such as IL-4, IL-8, IL-10 and IFN-α, were abnormally elevated. The plasma levels of IL-5 and IL-1β were negatively correlated with the stage of liver fibrosis in patients with PBC (r=-0.52). Conclusion The overactivation and proliferation of CD4⁺ T cells, along with the suppression of CD8⁺ T cell function and increased PD-1 expression leads to T cell exhaustion, indicating significant immunological alterations in PBC patients. These changes are closely associated with the disease progression. Additionally, cytokines are likely involved in the immune regulation process of PBC and may influence the pathogenic mechanisms of the disease. Regular monitoring of lymphocyte subsets and cytokine levels can help assess the immune status and disease activity in patients with PBC, thereby guiding the individualized treatment strategies.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Liver Cirrhosis, Biliary/blood* ; Retrospective Studies ; T-Lymphocyte Subsets/immunology* ; Aged ; Cytokines/blood* ; Adult ; CD8-Positive T-Lymphocytes/immunology*

Objective To discuss the main pathological types and imaging characteristics of pulmonary nodules that are highly suspected to be malignant in clinical practice but are pathologically confirmed to be benign. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on the clinical data of patients with pulmonary nodules who were initially highly suspected of malignancy but were subsequently pathologically confirmed to be benign. These patients were treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from December 2020 to April 2023. Based on the outcomes of preoperative discussions, the patients were categorized into a benign group and a suspicious malignancy group. The clinical data and imaging characteristics of both groups were compared. Results A total of 232 patients were included in the study, comprising 112 males and 120 females, with a mean age of (50.7±12.0) years. Among these, 127 patients were classified into the benign group, while 105 patients were categorized into the suspicious malignancy group. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups regarding age, gender, symptoms, smoking history, or tumor history (P>0.05). However, significant differences were noted in nodule density, CT values, margins, shapes, and malignant signs (P＜0.05). Further analysis revealed that in the suspicious malignancy group, solid nodules were predominantly characterized by collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (33.3%), followed by tuberculosis (20.4%) and fungal infections (18.5%). In contrast, non-solid nodules were primarily composed of collagen nodules and fibrous tissue hyperplasia (41.2%) and atypical adenomatous hyperplasia (17.7%). Conclusion Benign pulmonary nodules that are suspected to be malignant are pathologically characterized by the presence of collagen nodules, fibrous tissue hyperplasia, tuberculosis, atypical adenomatous hyperplasia, and fungal infections. Radiologically, these nodules typically present as non-solid lesions and may exhibit features suggestive of malignancy, including spiculation, lobulation, cavitation, and pleural retraction.

Objective To explore the effect of composite electromagnetic stimulation combined with chin tuck against resistance(CTAR)on post-stroke dysphagia.Methods From January,2021 to December,2023,156 post-stroke patients with pharyngeal dysphagia in the First Peo-ple's Hospital of Yibin were randomly divided into CTAR group(n=51),neuromuscular electrical stimulation(NMES)+repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation(rTMS)group(n=52)and combination group(n=53).On the basis of routine swallowing function training,they received CTAR,NMES+rTMS and NMES+rTMS+CTAR,respectively,for four weeks.They were assessed with Functional Oral Intake Scale(FOIS),Standardized Swal-lowing Assessment(SSA),Swallowing-Quality of Life(SWAL-QOL),Rosenbek Penetration Aspiration Scale(PAS),video fluoroscopic swallowing study(VFSS)(including the score of VFSS,pharyngeal transit time,and upward and forward displacement of hyoid bone),average surface electromyography(AMEG)of submental and hyoid muscles,before and after treatment.Results The inter-group effect,intra-group effect and interaction effect were significant in SSA,SWAL-QOL and AMEG of the two muscles(F>6.611,P<0.001).The inter-group effect and interaction effect were significant in FOIS,VFSS,pharyngeal transit time,upward displacement of hyoid bone and forward displacement of hyoid bone(F>3.451,P<0.05).Pairwise comparison results showed that pharyngeal transit time was shorter in the combination group than in NMES+rTMS group(P=0.048),forward displacement of hyoid bone was more in the combina-tion group than in CTAR group(P=0.002),and AMEG was higher in the combination group than in CTAR group and NMES+rTMS group(P<0.001).There was significant difference in the score of PAS among three groups(Hc=8.282,P=0.016),and it was the best in the combination group.Conclusion The combination of NMES+rTMS and CTAR is superior to single electromagnetic stimulation or CTAR in the treatment of post-stroke sysphagia.

OBJECTIVE To establish HPLC fingerprints of three drying processes(Atmospheric pressure drying,Decompression drying,Freeze-drying)of Danggui Buxue granules,and combine them with antioxidant tests to determine the optimal drying process and main active components of Danggui Buxue granules.METHODS The fingerprints of multiple batches of Danggui Buxue granules were established by HPLC;the"Fingerprint Similarity Evaluation System of Traditional Chinese Medicine Chromatogram"was used to evaluate the similarity;Hierarchical Cluster Analysis(HCA)and Principal Component Analysis(PCA)were used to characterize the different drying processes of Danggui Buxue granules;evaluate the antioxidant activity of Danggui Buxue granules in different drying processes using 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy(DPPH)and 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid)diammonium salt(ABTS)free radical scavenging method;the spectrum-effect relationship between Danggui Buxue granules fingerprint and antioxi-dant activity was analyzed by grey correlation degree and Pearson,Spearman,Kendall's tau-b correlation analysis methods.RE-SULTS The results of fingerprint showed that there were 16 common peaks in 30 batches of Danggui Buxue granules,and 6 of them were identified by comparison.The results of Cluster Analysis and Principal Component Analysis showed that 30 batches of Danggui buxue granules were divided into 3 categories,and the difference between the groups of atmospheric pressure drying was the least.The results of oxidation test showed that different drying processes of Danggui Buxue granules had good antioxidant activity,and the atmos-pheric pressure drying had the lowest IC50 and the strongest antioxidant activity.Finally,combining the results of gray correlation anal-ysis and correlation analysis,the compounds F2,F10,F13(calycosin),F15(formononetin),F16 might be important characteristic peaks reflecting the antioxidant activity of Danggui Buxue granules.CONCLUSION Compared with other drying processes,atmos-pheric pressure drying has higher batch consistency and stronger antioxidant activity,and can be used as the preferred drying process for Danggui Buxue granules,and components 2,10,13,15 and 16 are the main active ingredients for Danggui Buxue granules to exert antioxidant effects.

Objective To explore the clinical application value of simple artery occlusion (SAO) in revealing intersegmental planes during thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients who underwent thoracoscopic pulmonary segmentectomy at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University from February 2022 to December 2023. Patients were divided into a conventional group and a SAO group based on the method used to reveal the intersegmental plane during surgery. The two groups were compared in terms of intraoperative blood loss, operation time, postoperative drainage volume, time to intubation, postoperative pulmonary air leakage, and conversion to open thoracotomy rate. Results A total of 318 patients were included. There were 181 patients in the conventional group, including 86 males and 95 females, with an average age (53.35±9.20) years, and there were 137 patients in the SAO group, including 58 males and 79 females, with an average age (55.26±11.46) years. There were no statistical differences in general patient information between the two groups (P>0.05). The SAO group had less intraoperative blood loss [MD=17.568, 95%CI (9.968, 25.168), P<0.001] and postoperative drainage volume [MD=275.587, 95%CI (188.999, 362.175), P<0.001], shorter drainage tube duration [MD=1.000, 95%CI (1.000, 2.000), P<0.001] and operation time [MD=20.709, 95%CI (16.258, 25.159), P<0.001]. The incidence of postoperative pulmonary air leakage complications in the SAO group was lower than that in the conventional group [RR=0.361, 95%CI (0.181, 0.722), P=0.003]. Conclusion SAO can reduce surgical difficulty, shorten operation time, decrease the incidence of postoperative pulmonary air leakage, and enhance the safety of anatomical pulmonary segmentectomy, making it worthy of clinical promotion and application.