Objective To describe the significance of the pretreatment inflammatory indicators in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after undergoing radical radiotherapy. Methods The data of 246 ESCC patients who underwent radical radiotherapy were retrospectively collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses by using the Cox proportional risk regression model. Software R (version 4.2.0) was used to create the nomogram of prognostic factors. Results The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of PLR, NLR, and SII were 146.06, 2.67, and 493.97, respectively. The overall response rates were 77.6% and 64.5% in the low and high NLR groups, respectively (P<0.05). The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients in the low PLR, NLR, and SII group was better than that of patients in the high PLR, NLR, and SII group (all P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that gender, treatment modalities, T stage, and NLR were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS). In addition, T stage and NLR were independent factors affecting the progression-free survival (PFS) (all P<0.05). The nomogram models of OS and PFS prediction were established based on multivariate analysis. The C-index values were 0.703 and 0.668. The calibration curves showed excellent consistency between the predicted and observed OS and PFS. Conclusion The pretreatment values of PLR, NLR, and SII are correlated with the prognosis of patients with ESCC who underwent radical radiotherapy. Moreover, NLR is an independent factor affecting the OS and PFS of ESCC patients. The NLR-based nomogram model has a good predictive ability.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics,treatment,and prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor-related diabetes mellitus(ICI-DM).Methods The clinical characteristics,laboratory examinations,treatment regimens,and follow-up outcomes of 10 ICI-DM patients who were diagnosed and treated in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between July 2019 and December 2024 were retrospectively analyzed.Relevant literatures were retrieved from domestic and foreign databases such as PubMed,CNKI,and VIP.The clinical characteristics of ICI-DM were summarized based on the literature results.Results All 10 patients were PD-1 inhibitor users,including 5 males and 5 females,with a median age of 54.5(51.3,64.0)years and a body mass index(BMI)of(22.0±2.15)kg/m2.Among them,9 cases(90.0%)were fulminant type 1 diabetes mellitus(FT1DM);9 cases(90.0%)had a severity of adverse events reaching grade 3-4 according to the Common Terminology Criteria for adverse events(CTCAE).The median time from PD-1 inhibitor treatment to the occurrence of the classic diabetes symptoms referred to as"three more and one less"(polyuria,polydipsia,polyphagia,and weight loss)in all patients was 145.5(110.5,204.8)days,and the medication duration was 6.0(4.3,7.8)cycles.The average blood glucose level of the 10 patients at the time of consultation was 25.3(10.0-41.4)mmol/L,and the glycated hemoglobin(HbA1c)level was 8.0%(6.6%-10.9%).Eight patients had fasting and 2-hour C-peptide levels<0.1 ng/ml(fasting C-peptide from<0.010 to 0.067 ng/ml,2-hour C-peptide from<0.010 to 0.077 ng/ml).Nine of the 10 patients were negative for diabetes autoantibodies,while 1 was not tested.All 10 patients were successfully treated with insulin and other therapies.During the follow-up after discharge,all patients still relied on insulin treatment,and no significant recovery of pancreatic islet β cell function was observed compared with that at discharge.Literature review revealed that ICI-DM was more common in PD-1 inhibitor users,with clinical mainly manifested as diabetic ketoacidosis(DKA)(65.4%)and diabetic ketosis(13.1%).Patients had severely impaired pancreatic islet function and required long-term insulin treatment,and some cases were complicated by thyroid or pituitary dysfunction.Conclusions ICI-DM typically presents as FT1DM,often manifesting with DKA or diabetic ketosis at onset.It is characterized by severe and irreversible loss of pancreatic islet function,necessitating lifelong insulin therapy.To enable early detection and prompt treatment,close monitoring of blood glucose is essential during ICI treatment.

Lung cancer has the highest incidence and mortality among malignant tumors in China.Persistent subsolid nodules(SSNs)are closely associated with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma.Artificial intelligence(AI),as an emerging technology,is capable of performing in-depth analysis of large-scale imaging data through autonomous learning and possesses the ability to predict outcomes from new data,demonstrating great potential and application prospects in the assessment of SSNs.AI can not only effectively assist radiologists in diagnosis and treatment,but also improve work efficiency while reducing misdiagnosis and missed diagnosis rates.This review summarizes the recent applications and research progress of AI in the assessment of SSNs,to provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of SSNs.

China emerges as a major country in nuclear energy development and the application of nuclear and radiologic technology. The diagnosis and treatment of acute radiation syndrom (ARS) caused by external irradiation represent a core function in the country′s medical rescue of nuclear and radiological emergencies. Clinically, ARS manifests hematopoietic, gastrointestinal, cutaneous, and central nervous system syndromes, with specific clinical manifestations, signs, severity, and prognosis strongly correlated with radiation dose. China has established a number of national and provincial centers for treating radiation-induced damage. Nevertheless, most medical staff have limited experience in ARS treatment. This consensus presents a summary of recent experience in treating ARS of China. In combination with recommendations from international organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO), this consensus proposes key evidence of critical clinical issues of ARS, covering all links in the rescue of external irradiation-induced ARS. Initially, clinical diagnosis, syndromes, and severe degrees should be determined based on clinical symptoms and dose estimates. It is necessary to normalize clinical treatment measures for hematopoietic recovery, gastrointestinal injury treatment, infection control, symptomatic treatment, and multi-organ function preservation. To this end, this consensus offers cautions. This consensus provides principles of treatment with traditional Chinese medicine, psychological intervention, and follow-up. Additionally, it highlights multidisciplinary collaboration. It is recommended that this consensus be applied in relevant treatment centers.

Objective To investigate the current situation of the ventilator use and management in secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province to provide references for management and training of ventilator users.Methods A questionnaire survey involving in 235 nurses from 13 secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province was conducted in terms of general information of the respondents,pipeline connection and parameter setup of ventilators,cleaning,sterilization and maintenance of ventilators,identification and treatment of ventilator alarms and hospital-acquired infection prevention and control.Results The results showed 20.4％of the respondents were nurses from critical care departments,and 79.6％of the respondents underwent the training for using the ventilator in their department;91.9％of the respondents could conduct ventilator self-testing by connecting the simulated lungs after the ventilator was switched on;66.4％of the respondents indicated that the initial parameters of the ventilator were set by the doctor;60.9％of the respondents proved that the performance monitoring and routine maintenance of the ventilator were carried out by the nurse;63.4％of the respondents showed disposable lines were commonly used in the departments.There were 89.8％of the respondents said the daily sterilization and management of the ventilator were performed by the nurse;46.0％of the respondents expressed the external surface of the ventilator was disinfected mainly with gamma disinfectant wipes;44.7％of the respondents indicated the external surface of the ventilator was sterilized every day;48.5％of the respondents said the internal airway of the ventilator was disinfected;57.0％of the respondents proved the disinfection was conducted after the expiratory flow sensors were used by any patient.There were 74.5％of the respondents that had paid attention to the ventilator waveform,and by the ventilator waveform only 21.3％were correct in determining whether there was secretion or fluid in the circuit and 22.1％in clarifying whether there was air leakage in the circuit.There were 59.1％of the respondents indicated that the closed suction tube was replaced once every 24 h;71.1％of the respondents could perform airbag pressure monitoring by the special pressure gauge.Conclusion Most of the nurses from secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province can use ventilators correctly,who have problems in disinfection specifications,infection prevention and control or recognition of ventilation waveform.It's suggested the training be strengthened to enhance the clinical nursing staffs in ventilator management.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):75-80]

Diabetic nephropathy(DN)is a serious complication of diabetes mellitus and a leading cause of end-stage renal diseases.In DN patients,key pathological mechanisms include proteinuria,glomerulo-sclerosis,and fibrosis,largely driven by poor glycemic control and oxidative stress caused by prolonged hyperglycemia.This stress damages renal podocytes and triggers inflammatory mesenchymal infiltration of renal tubular cells,exacerbating the progression of proteinuria and fibrosis.Human umbilical cord-de-rived mesenchymal stem cells(hUC-MSCs)offer promising potential for treating DN due to their strong anti-oxidative properties.In this study,we developed a DN mouse model and treated the mouse via tail vein injections of hUC-MSCs(1×106 cells/mouse).The results indicated that hUC-MSCs significantly lowered fasting blood glucose levels(22.5±3.0 vs 14.7±1.1,P＜0.01)and improved glucose toler-ance,as shown by intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test(IPGTT)results(P＜0.05).Additionally,the renal function improved in hUC-MSCs-treated mice,with marked reductions in oxidative stress markers,including blood urea nitrogen(BUN),urinary creatinine(Ucr),urinary protein(PRO),superoxide dismutase(SOD),and malondialdehyde(MDA)(P＜0.05).Histological analyses through hematoxy-lin-eosin(H&E),Periodic Acid-Schiff(PAS),and Sirius red staining demonstrated alleviation of glo-merular mesangial hyperplasia,glomerular hypertrophy,and tubular inflammation.Furthermore,hUC-MSCs treatment downregulated the expression of oxidative stress-related proteins,such as NADPH oxi-dase 4(NOX4)and thioredoxin-interacting protein(TXNIP),and reduced reactive oxygen species(ROS)production(P＜0.05).Meanwhile,human renal cortical proximal tubule epithelial cells(HK-2 cells)were selected for validation in vitro experiments using high glucose treatment followed by super-natants of hUC-MSCs(MSC-CM),and Western blotting showed that the expression of both NOX4 and TXNIP was inhibited(P＜0.05)and ROS expression was reduced.In conclusion,hUC-MSC treatment effectively lowered blood glucose levels and improved renal function in DN mice,likely through the sup-pression of NOX4 expression and TXNIP-mediated oxidative stress.

The increasing prevalence of aging has led to a rising incidence of comorbidity of sarcopenia and obesity, posing significant burdens on socioeconomic and public health. Current research has systematically explored the pathogenesis of each condition; however, the mechanisms underlying their comorbidity remain unclear. This study reviews the current literature on sarcopenia and obesity in the aging population, focusing on their shared biological mechanisms, which include loss of autophagy, abnormal macrophage function, mitochondrial dysfunction, and reduced sex hormone secretion. It also identifies metabolic mechanisms such as insulin resistance, vitamin D metabolism abnormalities, dysregulation of iron metabolism, decreased levels of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide, and gut microbiota imbalances. Additionally, this study also explores the important role of genetic factors, such as alleles and microRNAs, in the co-occurrence of sarcopenia and obesity. A better understanding of these mechanisms is vital for developing clinical interventions and preventive strategies.
Humans ; Sarcopenia/physiopathology* ; Obesity/physiopathology* ; Aging/physiology* ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Insulin Resistance ; Comorbidity ; Vitamin D/metabolism* ; Gonadal Steroid Hormones/metabolism* ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome ; Mitochondria ; MicroRNAs

ObjectiveThe nucleolar protein PES1 (Pescadillo homolog 1) plays critical roles in ribosome biogenesis and cell cycle regulation, yet its involvement in cellular senescence remains poorly understood. This study aimed to comprehensively investigate the functional consequences of PES1 suppression in cellular senescence and elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying its regulatory role. MethodsInitially, we assessed PES1 expression patterns in two distinct senescence models: replicative senescent mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and doxorubicin-induced senescent human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Subsequently, PES1 expression was specifically downregulated using siRNA-mediated knockdown in these cell lines as well as additional relevant cell types. Cellular proliferation and senescence were assessed by EdU incorporation and SA-β-gal staining assays, respectively. The expression of senescence-associated proteins (p53, p21, and Rb) and SASP factors (IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8) were analyzed by Western blot or qPCR. Furthermore, Northern blot and immunofluorescence were employed to evaluate pre-rRNA processing and nucleolar morphology. ResultsPES1 expression was significantly downregulated in senescent MEFs and HepG2 cells. PES1 knockdown resulted in decreased EdU-positive cells and increased SA‑β‑gal-positive cells, indicating proliferation inhibition and senescence induction. Mechanistically, PES1 suppression activated the p53-p21 pathway without affecting Rb expression, while upregulating IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-8 production. Notably, PES1 depletion impaired pre-rRNA maturation and induced nucleolar stress, as evidenced by aberrant nucleolar morphology. ConclusionOur findings demonstrate that PES1 deficiency triggers nucleolar stress and promotes p53-dependent (but Rb-independent) cellular senescence, highlighting its crucial role in maintaining nucleolar homeostasis and regulating senescence-associated pathways.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and immunological mechanisms of pegylated interferon α-2b (Peg-IFNα-2b) antiviral therapy in treatment-naive patients with chronic hepatitis B(CHB).Methods:A total of 166 treatment-naive CHB patients, who were treated at Department of Infectious Diseases, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from March 2021 to March 2023, were enrolled in this study. All the patients received Peg-IFNα-2b therapy for 48 weeks. Serum hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA, HBV serological markers, biochemical parameters, peripheral blood lymphocyte subsets and serum cytokine levels were detected and compared before and after treatment. Chi-square test, Mann-Whitney U test and paired sample t test were used for statistical comparison. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the influencing factors of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) seroconversion by stepwise regression method, and the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to evaluate the predictive efficacy of immune indicators on HBsAg seroconversion. Results:Among the 166 treatment-naive CHB patients, the rate of HBV DNA negativity following 48 weeks of Peg-IFNα-2b therapy was 71.08%(118/166), the rate of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) negativity was 32.05%(25/78), and the rate of HBsAg negativity was 20.48%(34/166). HBsAg negativity rate was 52.17%(24/46) in patients with baseline HBsAg<200 IU/mL, 10.26%(4/39) in patients with baseline HBsAg 200 to <1 200 IU/mL, and 7.41%(6/81) in patients with baseline HBsAg≥1 200 IU/mL, and the difference was statistically significant( χ2=39.37, P<0.001). After 48 weeks of treatment, serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), total bilirubin (TBil), and alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) were significantly lower than those before treatment ( Z=9.33, 8.58, 5.99, 2.36, respectively, all P<0.05). lmmune indicators were detected in 58 patients, and the proportion of peripheral blood lymphocytes increased significantly post-treatment, with notable increases in CD3 + CD8 + T/CD3 + T, CD3 + CD4 + DR + /CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD8 + DR + /CD3 + CD8 + , CD3 + CD8 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD8 + , CD3 + CD8 + CD28 + /CD3 + CD8 + , and CD19 + B cells, and the differences were all statistically significant ( t=-2.56, t=-8.65, Z=-3.58, t=-3.66, Z=-3.04, t=-3.62, t=-3.87, respectively, all P<0.05). Conversely, the proportion of CD3 + , CD3 + CD4 + T/CD3 + T, CD3 + CD4 + CD45RO + /CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD8 + CD45RO + /CD3 + CD8 + and the CD4 + /CD8 + ratio decreased significantly post-treatment ( t=3.13, t=5.61, t=3.69, Z=3.95, Z=7.33, respectively, all P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in the proportion of CD16 + CD56 + natural killer (NK) cells, CD3 + CD4 + CD28 + /CD3 + CD4 + , CD3 + CD4 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD4 + cells before and after treatment (all P>0.05). Serum levels of interleukin(IL)-8, IL-12P70, and IL-17 significantly decreased post-treatment ( Z=2.85, 3.26, 4.12, respectively, all P<0.05), while IL-2, IL-1β, and interferon(IFN)-α levels were significantly elevated compared to baseline ( Z=-4.92, -4.85, -9.01, respectively, all P<0.001). There were no significant differences in IL-4, IL-6, and IL-10 levels before and after treatment (all P>0.05). Logistic regression analysis identified CD3 + CD8 + T/CD3 + T(odd ratios ( OR)=1.198, 95%confidence interval( CI) 1.003 to 1.432, P=0.046), CD3 + CD4 + DR + /CD3 + CD4 + ( OR=1.185, 95% CI 1.035 to 1.357, P=0.014), CD3 + CD8 + DR + /CD3 + CD8 + ( OR=0.813, 95% CI 0.690 to 0.958, P=0.013), CD3 + CD4 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD4 + ( OR=0.678, 95% CI 0.488 to 0.940, P=0.020), CD3 + CD8 + CD38 + /CD3 + CD8 + ( OR=1.272, 95% CI 1.069 to 1.512, P=0.007), CD19 + B cells( OR=0.752, 95% CI 0.582 to 0.971, P=0.029), IL-2( OR=8.568, 95% CI 1.927 to 38.087, P=0.005), and IL-17( OR=0.728, 95% CI 0.535 to 0.989, P=0.042) as independent factors influencing HBsAg seroconversion. The area under the curve (AUC) of the proportion of dCD19 + B cells (the reciprocal of CD19 + B cells) for predicting HBsAg seroconversion was 0.716, the sensitivity was 0.636, and the specificity was 0.809. The AUC of IL-2 was 0.657, the sensitivity was 0.818, and the specificity was 0.404. The AUC of dIL-17 (the reciprocal of IL-17 levels) was 0.624, the sensitivity was 0.727, and the specificity was 0.489. The AUC of IL-2 and dIL-17 as a combined predictor was 0.830, the sensitivity was 0.909, and the specificity was 0.787. Conclusions:Peg-IFNα-2b demonstrates significant antiviral, biochemical, and serological responses in treatment-naive CHB patients, with enhanced efficacy in patients exhibiting HBsAg levels <200 IU/mL. In patients with HBsAg<200 IU/mL, the rate of HBsAg negativity reached 52.17%.Peg-IFNα-2b can regulate the immune function of patients with CHB by increasing the proportion of activated T lymphocyte subsets and functional subsets. The proportion of CD19 + B cells, IL-2 levels, and IL-17 levels hold predictive value for achieving HBsAg seroconversion.

Objective To investigate the current situation of the ventilator use and management in secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province to provide references for management and training of ventilator users.Methods A questionnaire survey involving in 235 nurses from 13 secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province was conducted in terms of general information of the respondents,pipeline connection and parameter setup of ventilators,cleaning,sterilization and maintenance of ventilators,identification and treatment of ventilator alarms and hospital-acquired infection prevention and control.Results The results showed 20.4％of the respondents were nurses from critical care departments,and 79.6％of the respondents underwent the training for using the ventilator in their department;91.9％of the respondents could conduct ventilator self-testing by connecting the simulated lungs after the ventilator was switched on;66.4％of the respondents indicated that the initial parameters of the ventilator were set by the doctor;60.9％of the respondents proved that the performance monitoring and routine maintenance of the ventilator were carried out by the nurse;63.4％of the respondents showed disposable lines were commonly used in the departments.There were 89.8％of the respondents said the daily sterilization and management of the ventilator were performed by the nurse;46.0％of the respondents expressed the external surface of the ventilator was disinfected mainly with gamma disinfectant wipes;44.7％of the respondents indicated the external surface of the ventilator was sterilized every day;48.5％of the respondents said the internal airway of the ventilator was disinfected;57.0％of the respondents proved the disinfection was conducted after the expiratory flow sensors were used by any patient.There were 74.5％of the respondents that had paid attention to the ventilator waveform,and by the ventilator waveform only 21.3％were correct in determining whether there was secretion or fluid in the circuit and 22.1％in clarifying whether there was air leakage in the circuit.There were 59.1％of the respondents indicated that the closed suction tube was replaced once every 24 h;71.1％of the respondents could perform airbag pressure monitoring by the special pressure gauge.Conclusion Most of the nurses from secondary and tertiary medical institutions in Sichuan Province can use ventilators correctly,who have problems in disinfection specifications,infection prevention and control or recognition of ventilation waveform.It's suggested the training be strengthened to enhance the clinical nursing staffs in ventilator management.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(3):75-80]