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.

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 investigate the safety and efficacy of submucous radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate, and to provide a clinical basis for the surgical treatment of allergic rhinitis in children. Methods:Patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome and allergic rhinitis who were admitted to the Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery of Shanghai Children's Hospital from January 2021 to December 2023 and underwent bilateral submucous radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate and radiofrequency ablation of the adenoid tonsil were included in the study. Observational and statistical indexes were used to evaluate the curative effect. Results:A total of 51 cases were included in this study, and 43 cases were followed up for half a year. Submucous radiofrequency ablation of the inferior turbinate plus radiofrequency ablation of the adenoid tonsil achieved a good effect （total effective rate 93%）, and there was a statistically significant difference in the preoperative and postoperative symptoms of the children（P<0.05）. There were no complications such as bleeding, Eustachian tube injury, nasal adhesion, or nasal dryness. Conclusion:Under the premise of strict control of surgical indications, children with allergic rhinitis can be treated surgically. Inferior turbinate submucous radiofrequency ablation is more minimally invasive, effective, and safe, and can be used in clinical practice.
Humans ; Turbinates/surgery* ; Rhinitis, Allergic/surgery* ; Radiofrequency Ablation/methods* ; Child ; Male ; Female ; Sleep Apnea, Obstructive/surgery* ; Treatment Outcome ; Catheter Ablation ; Adolescent

Most cancers are currently incurable, partly due to abnormal post-translational modifications (PTMs). In this study, we initially used multiple myeloma (MM) as a working model and found that SUMOylation activating enzyme subunit 1 (SAE1) promotes the malignancy of MM. Through proteome microarray analysis, SAE1 was identified as a potential target for bioactive colcemid or its derivative colchicine. Elevated levels of SAE1 were associated with poor clinical survival and increased MM proliferation in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, SAE1 directly SUMOylated and upregulated the total protein expression of p27, leading to LLPS-mediated nuclear export of p27. Our study also demonstrated the involvement of SAE1 in other types of cancer cells, and provided the first monomer crystal structure of SAE1 and its key binding model with colchicine. Colchicine also showed promising results in the Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft (PDX) model. Furthermore, a controlled clinical trial with 56 MM patients demonstrated the clinical efficacy of colchicine. Our findings reveal a novel mechanism by which tumor cells evade p27-induced cellular growth arrest through p27 SUMOylation-mediated nuclear export. SAE1 may serve as a promising therapeutic target, and colchicine may be a potential treatment option for multiple types of cancer in clinical settings.

Allergic rhinitis (AR), a globally prevalent immune-mediated inflammatory condition, is still an incurable disease. In the present study, we have validated the impact of the Kelch-like ECH associated protein 1 (Keap1)-related oxidative stress and inflammatory response in clinical AR patient peripheral blood and nasal swab samples, emphasizing the biological relevance of Keap1 and AR. Targeting Keap1 -nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) related anti-oxidative stress may be effective for AR intervention. Drawing inspiration from the Keap1 homodimerization and the E3 ligase characteristics, we herein present a design of novel bivalent molecules for chemical knockdown of Keap1. For the first time, we characterized ternary complexes of Keap1 dimer and one molecule of bivalent compounds. The best bivalent molecule 8 encompasses robust capacity to degrade Keap1 as a homoPROTAC^KEAP1. It efficaciously suppresses inflammatory cytokines in extensively different cells, including human nasal epithelial cells. Moreover, in an AR mouse model, we confirmed that the chemical degradation induced by homoPROTAC^KEAP1 led to therapeutic benefits in managing AR symptoms, oxidative stress and inflammation. In summary, our findings underscore the efficacy of targeting the Keap1 system through the homoPROTAC-ing technology as an innovative and promising treatment strategy for the incurable allergic disorders.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the clinical characteristics and related risk factors of Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) in intensive care unit (ICU). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted. Patients with diarrhea admitted to the ICU of the General Hospital of Ningxia Medical University from May 1 to August 30, 2023 were selected. Patients were divided into CDI group and non-CDI group based on the presence or absence of CDI. Clinical data from two groups of patients meeting the criteria were collected and compared, including gender, age, acute physiology and chronic health evaluation II (APACHE II), length of hospital stay, serum lactic acid, parenteral nutrition time, white blood cell count (WBC), procalcitonin (PCT), C-reactive protein (CRP), coagulation indicators, albumin, antibiotic exposure, etc. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis was performed to analyze the risk factors for CDI in ICU diarrhea patients. Receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was drawn to analyze the predictive value of each index for CDI in diarrhea patients. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients with diarrhea were enrolled, including 9 patients in the CDI group and 15 patients in the non-CDI group. The time of parenteral nutrition in the CDI group was significantly longer than that in the non-CDI group [days: 18.0 (13.5, 19.5) vs. 10.0 (4.0, 18.0)], the serum lactic acid level [mmol/L: 4.40 (3.00, 15.25) vs. 2.50 (1.90, 3.20)] and the ratio of serum lactic acid > 3.9 mmol/L [66.67% (6/9) vs. 6.67% (1/15)] were significantly higher than those in the non-CDI group, with statistical significance (all P < 0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that the serum lactic acid level of the patients was an independent risk factor for CDI [odds ratio (OR) = 3.193, 95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 1.011-10.080, P = 0.048]. ROC curve showed that serum lactic acid level had a high predictive value for CDI in ICU patients with diarrhea, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.815, respectively. When the cut-off value of serum lactic acid was 3.9 mmol/L, the sensitivity was 66.7% and the specificity was 93.3%. CONCLUSION Patients with diarrhea who have higher serum lactate levels (> 3.9 mmol/L) on admission are at increased risk of developing CDI.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Risk Factors ; Intensive Care Units ; Clostridium Infections ; Clostridioides difficile ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Diarrhea/microbiology* ; Logistic Models ; ROC Curve ; Adult

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and mechanism of FuKe Yangrong capsule(FKYRC)in treating anovulatory infertility(AI)using network pharmacology and clinical observation meth-ods.Methods A total of 110 AI patients who visited the hospital from January 2023 to July 2024 were select-ed as the research subjects.They were divided into three groups according to the treatment method:traditional Chinese medicine treatment group(n=30,treated only with FKYRC),western medicine treatment group(n=40,treated only with letrozole),and combination treatment group(n=40,treated only with FKYRC+letrozole).After 4 cycles of treatment,the total effective rate,maximum follicle diameter,pre-ovulation endo-metrial thickness,ovulation rate and pregnancy rate,and embryo survival rate of each group were compared af-ter treatment.Using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform(TCMSP)and GeneCards database,the core active ingredients,target proteins,and AI related targets of FKYRC were obtained,and common targets were screened.Then,a protein-protein interaction(PPI)network was constructed,and gene ontology(GO)function and Kyoto Gene and Genome Database(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed using a bioinformatics platform for visualization.Finally,three-dimen-sional visualization analysis was performed.Results The total clinical efficacy of the traditional Chinese medi-cine group,western medicine group,and combination therapy group were 90.00％,92.50％,and 97.50％,re-spectively.The ovulation rates were 60.00％,70.00％,and 87.50％,respectively.The pregnancy rates were 33.33％,37.5％,and 60.00％,respectively.The survival rates of embryos were 60.00％,73.30％,and 95.80％,respectively,and the differences between the groups were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The maximum follicle diameter and pre-ovulation endometrial thickness in the combination therapy group were higher than those in the traditional Chinese medicine group and the western medicine group,and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Network pharmacology discovered 239 active ingredients and 3 977 target genes in FKYRC.After screening,200 active ingredients and 299 target genes were identified.A total of 478 disease target genes,38 potential interaction targets,and 19 core targets were obtained.Molecular func-tions,cellular components,and biological processes mainly involved steroid protein binding,estrogen response elements,estrogen receptor activity,nuclear chromatin,and other aspects.KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that FKYRC anti AI core targets were mainly enriched in estrogen signaling pathway,P53 signaling pathway,advanced glycation end product receptor(AGE-RAGE)of diabetes complications and other signaling pathways.The key targets of FKYRC against AI were two estrogen receptors(ESR1 and ESR2),steroid re-ceptor(AR),and peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ(PPARG).Conclusion The combined treat-ment of FKYRC and letrozole can improve AI patients' clinical symptoms,increase ovulation rate,pregnancy rate,and embryo survival rate.The active ingredients in FKYRC can comprehensively regulate the core targets of AI,and may promote follicular development and maturation in infertile patients with ovulation disorders through signaling pathways such as estrogen,P53,and AGE-RAGE,thereby increasing pregnancy rate.

Objective To analyze the prescription patterns of Professor Chen Bin in treating chronic superficial gastritis(CSG)with data mining methods.Methods Prescription data from effective medical records of outpatients with CSG treated by Professor Chen Bin at the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from October of 2022 to April of 2023 were collected.R language,SPSS,and IBM SPSS Modeler were used to perform frequency statistics,association rule analysis,and systematic cluster analysis on the prescription data,and then the medication and prescription patterns of Professor Chen Bin in treating CSG were explored.Results A total of 64 outpatient prescriptions formulated by Professor Chen Bin were included,involving 95 Chinese herbal medicines.The top 10 frequently-used herbs were Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma Praeparata cum Melle(Zhigancao),Bupleuri Radix(Chaihu),Pinelliae Rhizoma Praeparatum(Fabanxia),Jujubae Fructus(Dazao),Zingiberis Rhizoma(Ganjiang),Codonopsis Radix(Dangshen),Scutellariae Radix(Huangqin),Paederiae Herba(Jishiteng),Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium(Chenpi),and Taraxaci Herba(Pugongying).Most of the herbs were warm,cold,and mild in nature,and were sweet in flavor.And the herbs mainly had the meridian tropism of spleen,stomach,and liver meridians,and had the primary therapeutic effects of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi,regulating qi,and resolving dampness.Based on the results of association rule analysis,a total of 21 core herb combinations were screened out,and cluster analysis yielded 4 clustered prescriptions.Combining the results of high-frequency herb statistics and cluster analysis and based on the traditional Chinese medicine theory,the core herbs for treating CSG was identified as Zhigancao,Chaihu,Fabanxia,Dazao,Ganjiang,Dangshen,Huangqin,Jishiteng,Chenpi,and Pugongying.Conclusion In treating CSG,Professor Chen Bin adheres to the treatment principle of replenishing qi and regulating the pivot,and the therapeutic methods of regulating qi movement,strengthening the spleen and harmonizing the stomach are applied with Xiaochaihu Decoction as the fundamental prescriptions.His view of treatment by focusing on the spleen and stomach,emphasizing the combination of herbs with cold and warm properties and based on syndrome differentiation will provide a reference for the clinical application of traditional Chinese medicine in treating CSG.

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.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Zuoguiwan in ameliorating polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS） by network pharmacology and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry （LC-MS）-based metabolomics. MethodThe active ingredients and potential targets of Zuoguiwan for treating PCOS were predicted by bioinformatics. SD rats were assigned into a control group and a modeling group. The rat model of PCOS was established by gavage with letrozole （1 mg·kg^-1） combined with feeding with a high-fat diet. At the end of modeling， the modeled rats were assigned into model （normal saline）， metformin （300 mg·kg^-1）， and Zuoguiwan （concentrate 1.62 g·kg^-1） groups. The body weight and oestrous cycle of each rat were recorded， and the ovary was stained with hematoxylin and eosin for observation of ovarian morphology. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was employed to determine the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， luteinizing hormone （LH）， anti-mullerian hormone （AMH）， testosterone （T）， and estradiol （E₂）， and the LH/FSH ratio was calculated. Serum metabolomics of rats was conducted by orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA） to screen the metabolite-enriched pathways. Furthermore， network pharmacology and association analysis were employed construct the compound-response-enzyme-gene network. ResultA total of 503 potential targets of Zuoguiwan and 5 843 targets of PCOS were screened out， with 271 common targets. The Gene Ontology enrichment analysis revealed that the common targets were involved in the response to lipopolysaccharide， etc.， and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes （KEGG） enrichment yielded 119 pathways. Animal experiments showed that compared with the control group， the model group presented increased body weight （P<0.01）， elevated LH and AMH levels （P<0.01）， increased LH/FSH ratio （P<0.01）， lowered E₂ level （P<0.01）， and increased cystic follicles. Compared with the model group， Zuoguiwan and metformin decreased the body weight （P<0.01）， reduced atretic follicles and cystic follicles， increased mature follicles and corpus luteum， and thickened the granulosa layer. Moreover， Zuoguiwan lowered the T， FSH， LH， and AMH， and LH/FSH levels （P<0.01） and elevated the E₂ level （P<0.01）. The principal component analysis and OPLS-DA in metabolomics showed that the differential metabolites between Zuoguiwan and model groups included 26 up-regulated metabolites in the Zuoguiwan group. There were 8 common pathways predicted by the KEGG enrichment analysis in network pharmacology and the metabolite enrichment in metabolomics. The results of topological analysis revealed the pathways of steroid hormone biosynthesis and glycerol-phospholipid metabolism， and the constructed compound-response-enzyme-gene network revealed that the key targets were protein kinase B1 （Akt1）， epithelial growth factor receptor （EGFR）， prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 2 （PTGS2）， and mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 （MAPK1）. ConclusionZuoguiwan regulated the steroid hormone biosynthesis pathway to recover hormone levels， promote follicle production and development， and improve ovarian function， which may be the potential mechanism of this medicine in treating PCOS.