Objective To explore the impact of number of positive regional lymph nodes (nPRLN) in N1 stage on the prognosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods Patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC who underwent lobectomy and mediastinal lymph node dissection from 2010 to 2015 were screened from SEER database (17 Regs, 2022nov sub). The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was determined using X-tile software, and patients were divided into 2 groups according to the cutoff value: a nPRLN≤optimal cutoff group and a nPRLN>optimal cutoff group. The influence of confounding factors was minimized by propensity score matching (PSM) at a ratio of 1 : 1. Kaplan-Meier curves and Cox proportional hazards models were used to evaluate overall survival (OS) and lung cancer-specific survival (LCSS) of patients. Results A total of 1316 patients with TxN1M0 stage NSCLC were included, including 662 males and 654 females, with a median age of 67 (60, 73) years. The optimal cutoff value of nPRLN was 3, with 1165 patients in the nPRLN≤3 group and 151 patients in the nPRLN>3 group. After PSM, there were 138 patients in each group. Regardless of before or after PSM, OS and LCSS of patients in the nPRLN≤3 group were superior to those in the nPRLN>3 group (P<0.001). N1 stage nPRLN>3 was an independent prognostic risk factor for OS [HR=1.52, 95%CI (1.22, 1.89), P<0.001] and LCSS [HR=1.72, 95%CI (1.36, 2.18), P<0.001]. Conclusion N1 stage nPRLN>3 is an independent prognostic risk factor for NSCLC patients in TxN1M0 stage, which may provide new evidence for future revision of TNM staging N1 stage subclassification.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Xibining Ⅱ formula in alleviating synovial inflammation and fibrosis in knee osteoarthritis （KOA） rats based on Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） pathway. METHODS Seventy-five male SD rats were randomly divided into sham operation group （Sham group）， KOA group， Xibining Ⅱ low-dose group （XBNⅡ-L group， 4 g/kg）， Xibining Ⅱ high-dose group （XBNⅡ-H group， 8 g/kg）， and Xibining Ⅱ high-dose combined with STAT3 activator Colivelin trifluoroacetate （C-TFA） group [C-TFA group， 8 g/kg Xibining Ⅱ+ 1.0 mg/（kg·d） C-TFA]， with 15 rats in each group. Except for the Sham group， the KOA model was established by anterior cruciate ligament transection in the other groups. After successful modeling， each group was given corresponding drugs by intragastric administration and （or） intraperitoneal injection once daily for 28 consecutive days. After the last medication， the pathological changes of synovial tissue of knee joint in each group were evaluated and the indicators were calculated. The levels of serum inflammatory factors were detected. The positive expressions of phosphorylated JAK2 （p-JAK2） and phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3） in synovial tissue of the knee joint were detected. The expressions of JAK2/STAT3 pathway-related proteins and mRNAs in synovial tissue were detected. RESULTS Compared with the Sham group， the synovial lining cells in the KOA group showed significant proliferation and disordered arrangement； the Krenn score， fibrosis ratio， positive area percentage of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3， p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3， protein expression of Collagen-Ⅰ and α -smooth muscle actin， the mRNA expression of JAK2， STAT3， Collagen-Ⅰ and α -smooth muscle actin， as well as serum levels of interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the KOA group， the above pathological changes were significantly improved in each dose group of Xibining Ⅱ formula， and all indicators were significantly decreased （ P ＜0.05）， with the XBNⅡ-H group showing better effects than the XBNⅡ-L group （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the XBNⅡ-H group， the above pathological damages were aggravated in the C-TFA group， and all indicators were significantly worsened （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Xibining Ⅱ formula can alleviate synovial inflammation and fibrosis in KOA rats， and its mechanism may be related to inhibiting the activation of JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Objective To observe the volume changes of brain regions and their correlation with cognitive function in temporal lobe epilepsy(TLE)patients.Methods Fifty TLE patients(TLE group)and 34 healthy controls(control group)were prospectively enrolled.Brain 3D-T1WI was collected,brain regions were delineated with automated segmentation technique,and hippocampus was segmented additionally with hippocampal brain template(HBT).The volume of brain regions were compared between groups,and the correlation of brain region volume with Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)score were analyzed.Results Compared with control group,in TLE group,bilateral cerebrum white matter,right globus pallidus,left posterior cingulate gyrus,left precentral gyrus,right fusiform gyrus,left cerebellum white matter,corpus callosum,left hippocampus(HBT segmentation and conventional segmentation)and right thalamus volumes decreased significantly(all P＜0.05),while right choroid plexus volume increased significantly(P＜0.05).The volume of left hippocampus(HBT segmentation)and right fusiform gyrus were both positively correlated with MoCA score in TLE group(r=0.335,0.376,P=0.009,0.007).Conclusion Widespread atrophy of brain regions could be seen in TLE patients,which were correlated with cognitive function.

Objective:To investigate the effects of Xingnao Yisui Decoction on the behaviour of vascular dementia (VaD) rats and the apoptosis of neurons in the CA1 region of the hippocampus; To explore its mechanism of action.Methods:Totally 60 adult SD rats with similar levels of cognitive function were selected and divided into Xingnao Yisui Decoction high-, medium- and low-dosage groups, donepezil group, model group and sham-operation group according to the random number table method, with 10 rats in each group. Except for the sham-operation group, the VaD model was prepared using a modified bilateral common carotid artery ligation method in all the groups. Xingnao Yisui Decoction high-, medium- and low-dosage groups were gavaged with 19.62, 9.81, 4.91 g/(kg·d) of Xingnao Yisui Decoction respectively, the donepezil group was gavaged with 0.5 mg/(kg·d) of donepezil solution, and the sham-operation group and the model group were given equal amount of saline gavage, 1 time/d for 4 weeks. Morris water maze experiment was used to observe the behavioral changes in each group, TUNEL staining was used to observe the apoptosis of neurons in CA1 area of hippocampus. Realtime PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of NF-κB and MMP-9. ELISA was used to detect the changes of serum NF-κB, MMP-9, p53, Bcl-2 and Bax protein levels.Results:Compared with the model group, the escape latency of rats in the donepezil group and Xingnao Yisui Decoction high-, medium- and low-dosage groups was shortened ( P<0.05); the times of crossing the platform and the stay time in the target quadrant increased ( P<0.05); the number of apoptotic cells in hippocampal CA1 region decreased ( P<0.01); the number of apoptotic cells in hippocampal CA1 region decreased ( P<0.01); the mRNA expression of NF- κB and MMP-9 in hippocampal mRNA level decreased ( P<0.01); the content of NF-κB, MMP-9, p53 and Bax decreased ( P<0.01), while the content of Bcl-2 increased ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Xingnao Yisui Decoction can effectively mediate the NF-κB-MMP-9 pathway to improve the permeability of the blood-brain barrier and regulate p53-Bcl-2-Bax to reduce apoptosis of neurons in CA1 area of hippocampus, thus significantly improve the learning and memory ability of VaD rats.

Objective Performing physical tasks in the low-pressure environment of space poses a significant physiological challenge for astronauts.This study investigates the localized thermophysiological effects of typical physical tasks on different body segments and analyzes the mechanisms by which low-pressure environments influence human task performance.The findings aim to provide a theoretical basis for the thermal control design of spacesuits,focusing on both localized thermoregulation and overall task performance.Methods Two typical physical tasks—15 kg weighted walking and 25 kg load-carrying—were conducted in a simulated low-pressure composite environment chamber.The chamber was set to an altitude-equivalent pressure of 57 kPa(4500 m),with a temperature of 26℃and humidity of 40％.Six non-acclimatized adult male participants were recruited.After environmental stabilization,12-point skin temperatures were recorded throughout the tasks,and localized temperature data were statistically analyzed.Results Under low-pressure conditions,different body regions exhibited distinct thermal responses over time depending on the task type,while the same body region showed varied responses under different task conditions.During walking,temperatures in the primary active regions(thighs and calves)decreased,with most other body regions(except the pelvis and feet)gradually cooling as the task progressed.In contrast,during load-carrying,temperatures in the primary active regions(back and upper arm muscles)increased significantly.Conclusion Astronauts performing different tasks in low-pressure environments experience distinct localized thermophysiological effects.Therefore,spacesuit thermal control systems should not only account for task intensity and metabolic differences but also adapt localized heating/cooling based on task-specific thermal profiles.This approach enables targeted intelligent thermal regulation,enhancing operational support in specific mission scenarios.

[Purpose]To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of esophageal cancer world-wide and in China.[Methods]Data were extracted from the GLOBOCAN 2022 database.The in-cidence and mortality of esophageal cancer worldwide and in China were analyzed,stratified by sex,age group,and human development index(HDI).Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to evaluate the association between the HDI and the mortality-to-incidence ratio(MIR)of esophageal cancer.[Results]In 2022,there were an estimated 511 054 new cases and 445 391 deaths from esophageal cancer globally,with age-standardized incidence and mortality rates(ASIR and ASMR)of 5.0/105 and 4.3/105,respectively.In China,there were an estimated 224 012 new cases and 187 467 deaths accounting for 43.8％and 42.1％of global totals,respectively.Both the new cases and deaths of esophageal cancer in China ranked the first worldwide.The ASIR and ASMR in China were 8.3/105 and 6.7/105,both were as twice as the global average.The ASIR and ASMR for males were higher than those for females.The incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer increased with age,and more than 50％of global cases and deaths in individuals aged over 70 years old occurred in China.Additionally,a significantly negative correlation was ob-served between HDI and MIR of esophageal cancer(ρ=-0.67,P＜0.001),and MIR in China(0.81)was comparable to that of countries or regions with a very high HDI.[Conclusion]The burden of esophageal cancer remains significant worldwide and in China,particularly among males and the elderly.The MIR of esophageal cancer in China is still relatively high.The primary and secondary prevention measures should be strengthened to reduce the incidence and mortality of esophageal cancer.

Objective:To analyze the changes in the phylogenetic and antigenic characteristics of the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of influenza virus A(H3N2) [A(H3N2)] during the 2022-2024 influenza seasons in Beijing.Methods:The data of influenza-like cases and A(H3N2) strains from 17 network laboratories and their corresponding sentinel hospitals were collected during the 2022-2024 influenza seasons. The HA genes were amplified and sequenced after extracting nucleic acids of the chosen virus strains. BioEdit, the nucleotide and amino acid sequence identity were conducted, and the maximum likelihood method in MEGA 5.0 software was used to construct the phylogenetic tree of HA genes. Web Logo displayed the amino acid mutation, and the N-glycosylation sites of HA online were analyzed using the NetNGlyc1.0 Server online. The Datamonkey platform was utilized to analyze the positive selection pressure sites of the HA protein.Results:The 2022-2024 influenza season includes 2022-2023 and 2023-2024. During the influenza seasons of 2022-2024, the positive rates of A(H3N2) nucleic acid were 10.35% (2 127/20 543) and 10.47% (4 386/41 876), respectively. In the 2022-2023 influenza season, there were two peaks in the A(H3N2). The comparison of HA genes between all A(H3N2) strains studied with the 2022-2024 vaccine strain (A/Darwin/9/2021) revealed that all of the strains studied have the two amino acid mutations involving 186 and 225 receptor binding sites. There were 31 amino acid substitutions in the 2022-2023 influenza season, of which 18 variant sites involved antigenic determinants. There were 35 amino acid mutations during the 2023-2024 influenza season, of which 14 were related to antigenic determinants. There were changes in the genetic evolutionary subclades of A(H3N2) strains in two influenza seasons: from 2022 to 2023, three evolutionary subclades were co-prevalent together, with the 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1 accounting for 76.67% (23/30), the 3C.2a1b.2a.1a accounting for 20.00% (6/30), the 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.1 accounting for 3.33% (1/30); from 2023 to 2024, two subclades were prevalent, with 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.3a.1 accounting for 95.12% (39/41) and 3C.2a1b.2a.2a.1 accounting for 4.88% (2/41). The glycosylation site changes of the HA protein of A(H3N2) have been enhanced from 2023 to 2024. The 145 amino acid position of the HA protein of the A(H3N2) was the positive selection site for stress selection site analysis.Conclusions:The evolutionary subclades of the HA gene of A(H3N2) in Beijing showed changes from 2022 to 2024, and the glycosylation site polymorphism of the HA protein of A(H3N2) significantly increased from 2023 to 2024. Continuous monitoring of HA mutations in the A(H3N2) is crucial, providing a basis for developing influenza prevention and control strategies, as well as new strategic support for screening influenza vaccine components, vaccine design, and discovery of drug targets.

[Purpose]To analyze the epidemiology and disease burden of gastric cancer in China,Japan and Republic of Korea from 1990 to 2021 and to predict changing trends from 2022 to 2031.[Methods]Data were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease(GBD)database.Age-stan-dardized incidence rate(ASIR),age-standardized mortality rate(ASMR),crude incidence rate(CIR),crude mortality rate(CMR),and disability-adjusted life years(DALY)rate for China,Japan and Republic of Korea from 1990 to 2021 were analyzed.Joinpoint regression software was used to analyze trends and calculate annual percentage changes.The autoregressive integrated moving average(ARIMA)model was applied to predict incidence and mortality from 2022 to 2031.[Results]In 2021,China had 611 799 new gastric cancer cases and 445 013 deaths,with an ASIR of 29.05/105 and an ASMR of 21.51/105,both significantly higher than those in Japan and Republic of Korea.Among men in China,both the ASIR(44.48/105)and ASMR(32.61/105)were the highest among the three countries,exceeding those in Japan(38.77/105,20.26/105)and Re-public of Korea(38.98/105,20.50/105).Among women,China had the highest number of new cases,but its ASIR(15.23/105)was slightly lower than Republic of Korea's(15.57/105)and higher than Japan's(14.66/105).However,China's ASMR among women(12.02/105)remained significantly higher than Japan's(7.64/105)and Republic of Korea's(8.08/105).From 1990 to 2021,ASIR,ASMR and DALY rates for gastric cancer declined in all three countries,but the reduction in China was significantly smaller than that in Japan and Republic of Korea,with Republic of Korea showing the steepest declines across all indicators.ARIMA model predictions indicated significant differences in disease burden among the three countries from 2022 to 2031.ASIR is projected to continue declining in China and Republic of Korea,reaching 22.87/105 and 12.45/105,respectively by 2031,while in Japan it is predicted to rise to 26.55/105.ASMR is projected to decline in all three countries,reaching 13.71/105(China),10.44/105(Japan),and 9.08/105(Republic of Korea)in 2031.[Conclusion]Among China,Japan and Republic of Korea,China had the highest ASIR and ASMR of gastric cancer in 2021.Moreover,from 1990 to 2021,the reductions in ASIR,ASMR and DALY rates for gastric cancer were the smallest in China compared to Japan and Republic of Korea.These findings suggest that the disease burden of gastric cancer remains substantial in China,high-lighting the need for increased efforts in gastric cancer screening and early diagnosis and treatment.

Objective To analyze the current status of medical services in secondary and tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province based on DRG,and to provide effective support for the implementation strategies of bidirectional referral.Methods The DRG group was used to analyze 42.348 3 million cases from 75 secondary hospitals and 69 tertiary hospitals in Shandong Province from 2019 to 2023.Experts were organized to establish standards for bidirectional referral of diseases.Results(1)35 high-frequency DRG disease groups with diagnosis,treatment ability and medical resources in secondary hospitals were selected,(2)The medical expenses and medical quality in the high-frequency DRG disease groups within secondary hospitals were lower than those in tertiary hospitals,(3)To develop standardized referral standards and programs with esophageal cancer as an example.Conclusion It is urgent to triage patients gradually and accurately through disease classification management,and formulate disease diagnosis and treatment plans and bidirectional referral standards to improve the medical quality of secondary hospitals.