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 practice and application effect of lean Six Sigma （LSS） management in the cost- benefit management of PIVAS operation in a tertiary comprehensive hospital （hereinafter referred to as “S Hospital”）， providing reference for the operation and management of PIVAS in hospitals. METHODS The five steps （define， measure， analyze， improve and control， i.e. DMAIC） of LSS management were implemented for PIVAS operation cost-benefit of S Hospital， and lean management was implemented for its cost-benefit management elements （human resource cost， medical and health material cost， and all-in-one parenteral nutrition preparation income）. Several intervention measures including personnel training and performance assessment， refined management system of consumables， and doctor’s advice package of full parenteral nutrition were developed. Finally， the overall improvement effect was evaluated by the total benefit， total cost and net benefit of PIVAS. The effects of human resource allocation optimization and improvement were evaluated by the work efficiency， work quality， job satisfaction， turnover rate and accumulated rest days. The effects of consumables cost management were evaluated by the amount of medical and health materials cost. The improvement effects of all-in-one parenteral nutrition preparation income were evaluated by the profit amount， quantity and the proportion of single bottle of parenteral nutrition. RESULTS After implementing DMAIC in S Hospital， the total benefit of PIVAS was increased from （471 366.50±9 201.5） yuan/month to （479 679.50±14 320.14） yuan/month （P＞ 0.05）， the total cost was decreased from （305 878.88±3 201.75） yuan/month to （294 610.59±5 007.33） yuan/month （P＜0.05）， and the net benefit of PIVAS was increased by 11.83% compared with that before the improvement. The work efficiency， work quality and job satisfaction of employees were significantly improved， the accumulated rest days were significantly reduced， and the turnover rate of third-party employees was reduced from 15.0% before the improvement to 7.5% after the improvement. The cost of medical and health materials significantly decreased from （67 826.42±2 812.76） yuan/month before improvement to （56 384.33±4 607.67） yuan/month after improvement （P＜0.05）. The quantity of all-in-one parenteral nutrition was significantly increased from （1 263.75±135.83） group/month before improvement to （2 061.25±89.04） group/month after improvement （P＜0.05）， and the proportion of users of single bottle of parenteral nutrition in total users decreased from 93.25% before improvement to 58.75% after improvement. The profit of all-in-one parenteral nutrition was 63.18% higher than that before implementing DMAIC. CONCLUSIONS The implementation of PIVAS operation cost-benefit management based on DMAIC is conducive to strengthening the cost control of PIVAS and promoting the healthy development of PIVAS.

Objective: To investigate the expression of peroxiredoxin 4 (PRDX4) in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) and its effect on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of OSCC cells. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA) database was used to analyze the expression of PRDX4 in OSCC. Quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western Blot (WB) were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of PRDX4 in OSCC cell lines and normal oral mucosal epithelial cells. PRDX4 was knocked down in CAL-27 cells and divided into two groups: the si-PRDX4 group and si-NC group. SCC-9 cells overexpressing PRDX4 were divided into two groups: the PRDX4 overexpression group (transfected with pcDNA3.1-PRDX4 plasmid) and the vector group (the control group; transfected with pcDNA3.1-NC plasmid). A cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) and plate colony formation assay were used to detect cell proliferation. Transwell assay and cell scratch test were used to detect cell invasion and migration ability. WB was used to detect the effects of knockdown or overexpression of PRDX4, p38MAPK agonist or inhibitor on the expression of p38MAPK-related signaling pathway proteins, and epithelial mesenchymal transition proteins in OSCC cells. Results: PRDX4 was highly expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The results of qRT-PCR and WB showed that PRDX4 was highly expressed in OSCC cell lines compared with normal oral mucosal epithelial cells. The CCK-8 assay showed that the si-PRDX4 group had significantly lower OD values than the si-NC group at 24, 48, and 72 h (P<0.05). The PRDX4 overexpression group had a significantly higher OD value than the vector group at 24, 48, and 72 h (P<0.05). The plate colony formation assay showed that the si-PRDX4 group had a significantly lower number of colonies than the si-NC group (P<0.05). The number of colonies formed in the PRDX4 overexpression group was significantly higher than that in the vector group (P<0.05). The cell scratch test showed that the wound healing area of the si-PRDX4 group was less than that of the si-NC group (P<0.05). The scratch healing area of the PRDX4 overexpression group was significantly higher than that of the vector group (P<0.05). The Transwell invasion assay showed that the number of transmembrane cells in the si-PRDX4 group was lower than that in the si-NC group (P<0.05). The number of transmembrane cells in the PRDX4 overexpression group was significantly higher than that in the vector group (P<0.05). The WB results showed that knockdown and overexpression of PRDX4 could downregulate and upregulate the expression of the p38MAPK signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition related proteins, respectively, and the addition of p38MAPK agonist and inhibitor could significantly reverse the expression of related proteins. Conclusion PRDX4 is highly expressed in OSCC. Knocking down the expression of PRDX4 in OSCC cells can downregulate the expression of p38 MAPK signal axis and EMT-related signal proteins, thereby inhibiting the proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition of cells.

BACKGROUND:Osteosarcoma has a complex pathogenesis and a poor prognosis.While advancements in medical technology have led to some improvements in the 5-year survival rate,substantial progress in its treatment has not yet been achieved. OBJECTIVE:To screen key molecular markers in osteosarcoma,analyze their relationship with osteosarcoma treatment drugs,and explore the potential disease mechanisms of osteosarcoma at the molecular level. METHODS:GSE99671 and GSE284259(miRNA)datasets were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus database.Differential gene expression analysis and Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis(WGCNA)on GSE99671 were performed.Functional enrichment analysis was conducted using Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes separately for the differentially expressed genes and the module genes with the highest positive correlation to the disease.The intersection of these module genes and differentially expressed genes was taken as key genes.A Protein-Protein Interaction network was constructed,and correlation analysis on the key genes was performed using CytoScape software,and hub genes were identified.Hub genes were externally validated using the GSE28425 dataset and text validation was conducted.The drug sensitivity of hub genes was analyzed using the CellMiner database,with a threshold of absolute value of correlation coefficient|R|>0.3 and P<0.05. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Differential gene expression analysis identified 529 differentially expressed genes,comprising 177 upregulated and 352 downregulated genes.WGCNA analysis yielded a total of 592 genes with the highest correlation to osteosarcoma.(2)Gene Ontology enrichment results indicated that the development of osteosarcoma may be associated with extracellular matrix,bone cell differentiation and development,human immune regulation,and collagen synthesis and degradation.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment results showed the involvement of pathways such as PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,focal adhesion signaling pathway,and immune response in the onset of osteosarcoma.(3)The intersection analysis revealed a total of 59 key genes.Through Protein-Protein Interaction network analysis,8 hub genes were selected,which were LUM,PLOD1,PLOD2,MMP14,COL11A1,THBS2,LEPRE1,and TGFB1,all of which were upregulated.(4)External validation revealed significantly downregulated miRNAs that regulate the hub genes,with hsa-miR-144-3p and hsa-miR-150-5p showing the most significant downregulation.Text validation results demonstrated that the expression of hub genes was consistent with previous research.(5)Drug sensitivity analysis indicated a negative correlation between the activity of methotrexate,6-mercaptopurine,and pazopanib with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,PLOD2,and MMP14.Moreover,zoledronic acid and lapatinib showed a positive correlation with the mRNA expression of PLOD1,LUM,MMP14,PLOD2,and TGFB1.This suggests that zoledronic acid and lapatinib may be potential therapeutic drugs for osteosarcoma,but further validation is required through additional basic experiments and clinical studies.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the clinical efficacy of different acupuncture methods in the treatment of ankylosing spondylitis (AS) at different stages. METHODS: Thirty-two patients with AS were treated with acupuncture at ashi points (tendon focus), triple acupuncture method was used in the acute phase, accompanied needling method was used in the remission phase, once a day, 5 times a week for 4 weeks. The Bath ankylosing spondylitis disease activity index (BASDAI) score, Bath ankylosing spondylitis functional index (BASFI) score and TCM symptom grade quantitative standard score before and after treatment were observed, and the efficacy was evaluated. RESULTS: After treatment, the BASDAI score, BASFI score and TCM symptom grade quantitative standard score were reduced compared with those before treatment (P<0.01), the effective rate was 96.9% (31/32). CONCLUSION Different acupuncture methods in the treatment of AS at different stages could improve signs and symptoms, such as pain, activity limitation and morning stiffness.
Humans ; Spondylitis, Ankylosing/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Adult ; Middle Aged ; Young Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP), a rare and recurrent autoinflammatory disease, imposes a substantial burden on patients and society. Awareness of GPP in China remains limited. METHODS: This cross-sectional survey, conducted between September 2021 and May 2023 across 14 hospitals in China, included GPP patients of all ages and disease phases. Data collected encompassed demographics, clinical characteristics, economic impact, disease severity, quality of life, and treatment-related complications. Risk factors for GPP recurrence were analyzed. RESULTS: Among 127 patients (female/male ratio = 1.35:1), the mean age of disease onset was 25 years (1st quartile [Q1]-3rd quartile [Q3]: 11-44 years); 29.2% had experienced GPP for more than 10 years. Recurrence occurred in 75.6% of patients, and nearly half reported no identifiable triggers. Younger age at disease onset ( P  = 0.021) and transitioning to plaque psoriasis ( P  = 0.022) were associated with higher recurrence rates. The median diagnostic delay was 8 months (Q1-Q3: 2-41 months), and 32.3% of patients reported misdiagnoses. Comorbidities were present in 53.5% of patients, whereas 51.1% experienced systemic complications during treatment. Depression and anxiety affected 84.5% and 95.6% of patients, respectively. During GPP flares, the median Dermatology Life Quality Index score was 19.0 (Q1-Q3: 13.0-23.5). This score showed significant differences between patients with and without systemic symptoms; it demonstrated correlations with both depression and anxiety scores. Treatment costs caused financial hardship in 55.9% of patients, underscoring the burden associated with GPP. CONCLUSIONS The substantial disease and economic burdens among Chinese GPP patients warrant increased attention. Patients with early onset disease and those transitioning to plaque psoriasis require targeted interventions to mitigate the high recurrence risk.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Psoriasis/pathology* ; Adult ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Adolescent ; Child ; Young Adult ; Quality of Life ; Middle Aged ; China/epidemiology* ; Recurrence ; Risk Factors ; Surveys and Questionnaires ; East Asian People

Medical institutions, with their clinical practice foundation and abundant human use experience data, have become important carriers for the inheritance and innovation of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) and the "cradles" of the preparation of new TCM. To effectively promote the transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and establish an effective evaluation index system for the transformation of new TCM conforming to the characteristics of TCM, consensus experts adopted the literature research, questionnaire survey, Delphi method, etc. By focusing on the policy and technical evaluation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions, a comprehensive evaluation from the dimensions of drug safety, efficacy, feasibility, and characteristic advantages was conducted, thus forming a comprehensive evaluation system with four primary indicators and 37 secondary indicators. The expert consensus reached aims to encourage medical institutions at all levels to continuously improve the high-quality research and development and transformation of new TCM originating from the TCM clinical practice in medical institutions and targeted at clinical needs, so as to provide a decision-making basis for the preparation, selection, cultivation, and transformation of new TCM for medical institutions, improve the development efficiency of new TCM, and precisely respond to the public medication needs.
Medicine, Chinese Traditional/standards* ; Humans ; Consensus ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Surveys and Questionnaires

This study developed a core outcome set(COS) for traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) interventions in diabetic peripheral neuropathy(DPN), standardizing evaluation metrics for TCM efficacy and providing a new framework for DPN treatment and management. A systematic search was conducted across databases, including CNKI, Wanfang, and PubMed, targeting clinical trial literature published between January 1, 2013, and January 1, 2023. The search focused on extracting outcome indicators and measurement tools used in TCM treatments for DPN. Retrospective data collection was performed from January 2018 to June 2023, involving 200 DPN patients hospitalized at the Department of Endocrinology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine. Additionally, semi-structured interviews were conducted with inpatients, outpatients, their families, and nursing staff to further refine and enhance the list of outcome indicators. After two rounds of Delphi questionnaire survey and consensus meeting, a consensus was reached. The study initially retrieved 3 421 publications, of which 170 met the inclusion criteria after review. These publications, combined with retrospective analysis and semi-structured interviews, supplemented the list of indicators. After two rounds of Delphi surveys, experts agreed on 24 indicators and 6 measurement tools. The final COS determined by expert consensus meeting included 5 domains and 13 outcome indicators: neurological function signs, quality of life, TCM syndrome score, nerve conduction velocity, current perception threshold test, fasting blood glucose, 2 h postprandial blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, complete blood count, urinalysis, liver function test, kidney function test, and electrocardiogram.
Humans ; Diabetic Neuropathies/drug therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome ; Male ; Female

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the expression of CD19/CD73 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and its correlation with clinical features. METHODS: The clinical data of 60 CLL patients and 40 healthy volunteers (control group) from January 2022 to November 2023 were retrospectively analyzed. The levels of CD19 and CD73 in peripheral blood of CLL patients were measured by flow cytometry. Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. RESULTS: The hemoglobin (Hb) and CD19/CD73 levels in CLL group were significantly lower than those in control group, while CD19, CD73 and β₂-MG were significantly higher (all P <0.001). According to ROC curve analysis, the AUC value of CD19/CD73 for CLL diagnosis was 0.980 (95%CI : 0.949-1.000, P <0.05), the specificity was 92.50%, and the sensitivity was 98.30%. The CD19/CD73 level of CLL patients with splenomegaly was significantly lower than those without splenomegaly (P <0.01). There was no significant correlation between CD19/CD73 and Hb in CLL patients ( r =0.056, P >0.05). CD19/CD73 was positively correlated with β₂-MG ( r =0.837, 95%CI : 0.740 2-0.899 6, P <0.01). According to the median value (12.84) of CD19/CD73, the patients were divided into high and low expression groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the overall survival rate and progression-free survival rate at 18^th month in the low expression group were 87.08% and 93.25%, while those in the high expression group were 96.41% and 99.90%, respectively (both P <0.05). CONCLUSION The level of CD19/CD73 is low in CLL patients, which can be used as an auxiliary index for clinical diagnosis of CLL. CD19/CD73 is closely related to splenomegaly in CLL patients. Low expression of CD19/CD73 predicts poor prognosis.
Humans ; Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism* ; 5'-Nucleotidase/metabolism* ; Antigens, CD19/metabolism* ; Retrospective Studies ; Male ; Female ; Prognosis ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Adult ; GPI-Linked Proteins