Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is the main histological type of esophageal cancer in China, which seriously threatens the health of people. The application of immunotherapy, mainly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has greatly improved the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, but the efficacy of treatment is still limited. Tertiary lymphoid structure (TLS) is an ectopic organized lymphoid structure that accumulates in non-lymphoid organs. Previous studies have found that TLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma is associated with better patient outcomes and enhanced immunotherapy efficacy. Based on current researches about TLS in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, this paper reviews the relationship between TLS and the prognosis and immunotherapy of patients. We hope to provide reference for the precise immunotherapy of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

ObjectiveTo investigate the correlation between sleep patterns and myopia progression among younger school-age children at a primary school in Changning District of Shanghai, based on the data from the Shanghai Students’ Common Diseases and Health Influencing Factors Monitoring System and a sleep-specific survey, so as to provide data support for myopia prevention and control in this age group. MethodsOne primary school was selected from the common diseases and health influencing factors monitoring system for students in Changning District, Shanghai. A total of 230 first-grade students were included in the study. Myopia and refractive parameters were examined, and sleep patterns were investigated. General demographic characteristics and myopia-related behavior data of the students were also collected. Sleep patterns were evaluated in terms of sleep duration, sleep efficiency, and sleep quality, with the latter assessed using the Chinese version of the Children’s Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ). Multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression models were used to analyze the association between sleep patterns and myopia progression among these students. ResultsThe results of the regression analyses revealed that the total CSHQ score of the students at baseline survey was (48.85±7.15) points. Their sleep efficiency was (94.49±8.48)%, sleep duration was (9.58±0.93) hours, and the proportion of those with insufficient sleep (<10 hours) was 78.26%. At baseline survey, students’ higher daytime sleepiness scores were associated with lower spherical equivalent (SE) ( β=-0.18, 95%CI: -0.31 to -0.04) and an increased risk of axial length (AL) / corneal radius (CR) ratio >3 (OR=1.52, 95%CI: 1.00 to 2.29), whereas longer sleep duration and higher sleep efficiency were associated with higher SE (β=0.18, 95%CI: 0.05 to 0.32; β=0.17, 95%CI: 0.04 to 0.31, respectively), shorter (AL) (β=-0.15, 95%CI: -0.27 to -0.03; β=-0.13, 95%CI: -0.25 to 0, respectively) and a reduced risk of AL /CR>3 (OR=0.70, 95%CI: 0.51 to 0.96; OR=0.73, 95%CI: 0.53 to 0.99, respectively). At baseline survey, children’s higher propensity for sleep problems (OR=1.70, 95%CI: 1.04 to 2.78), sleep resistance (OR=2.26, 95%CI: 1.36 to 3.75), and sleep anxiety scores (OR=2.15, 95%CI: 1.33 to 3.48) were all associated with an increased risk of AL/CR >3 at follow-up (all P<0.05). Furthermore, higher sleep anxiety scores predicted prolonged AL at follow-up (β=0.03, 95%CI: 0 to 0.05). According to the mixed-effects model, higher daytime sleepiness scores and prolonged sleep duration were independently linked to reduced right-eye SE (β=-0.05, 95%CI: -0.10 to 0, P<0.05) and shorter right-eye AL (β=-0.05, 95%CI: -0.10 to 0, P<0.05). ConclusionIn this school in Shanghai, there are problems of insufficient and poor-quality sleep among young children. Sleep problems such as sleep resistance, delayed sleep onset, sleep anxiety, and daytime sleepiness among children may accelerate the risk of myopia progression, while longer sleep duration and higher sleep efficiency may serve as protective factors against the occurrence and development of myopia.

Purpose To explore the value of gray-scale ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound of carotid plaques combined with clinical factors in predicting the recurrence risk of ischemic stroke(IS)in patients with mild to moderate carotid stenosis.Materials and Methods A total of 101 patients with mild to moderate carotid artery stenosis who were initially diagnosed with IS in the First Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital were prospectively collected from May 2022 to August 2023.After one year of follow-up,patients were divided into recurrent group(n=33)and non-recurrent group(n=68)according to whether new IS occurred.The characteristics of plaque ultrasound and the clinical information of patients were compared between the two groups.A multivariate Logistic prediction model was established and its efficacy was evaluated.Results The results of multivariate analysis showed that low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(OR=2.116,P=0.046),C-reactive protein(OR=3.707,P=0.008),plaque internal echo(OR=7.410,P=0.029)and intraplaque neovascularization grading 3(OR=17.155,P=0.030)were independent risk factors for the recurrence of IS.The area under the curve of the model established using the above indicators was 0.825,the sensitivity and specificity were 87.50%and 65.15%,respectively.Conclusion The ultrasound features of carotid plaque are closely related to recurrent IS,which can provide an important basis for the clinical treatment of patients with mild-moderate carotid artery stenosis complicated with IS.

Objective To develop a novel method for measuring the Hounsfield Unit(HU)value of the surface carbon fiber material of the Varian Exact IGRT Couch,and to establish a treatment couch model in the treatment planning system(TPS)for correcting the attenuation of radiation dose caused by the treatment couch.Methods Two different field combinations were used to measure the radiation dose attenuation at the thin end and the middle medium-thickness part of the Varian Exact IGRT Couch.Dose deviations were measured when radiation passed through the treatment couch or not.Multiple sets of different HU values for the couch surface materials were defined in the TPS,and the dose difference between with and without couch was calculated under the same conditions as the measurements.The HU value of the treatment couch material corresponding to the actual measurements was found by data comparison and analysis.Results The attenuation for two interpenetrating fields was-2.49%to-1.69%at the thin end,and-3.43%to-2.23%at the medium-thickness part.The attenuation for multiple oblique incident fields ranged from-3.12%to-2.17%at the thin end,and that was-3.59%to-2.86%at the medium-thickness part.When the HU values of the couch model's surface and internal materials in the TPS were defined as-500 and-960,for two interpenetrating fields,the attenuation was-2.57%to-1.53%at the thin end,and-3.28%to-2.18%at the medium-thickness part;while for multiple oblique incident fields,the attenuation was-3.12%to-2.21%at the thin ends,and-3.42%to-2.43%at the medium-thickness part.These calculated results were consistent with the actual measurement values.For 40 verification plans,the average point dose difference between measurement and calculation in TPS were 0.90%and 0.89%at the thin end and medium-thickness part,respectively.Conclusion This novel measurement method can measure the HU value of the surface carbon fiber material and internal foam material of Exact IGRT Couch.Defining the HU values of these two materials of the couch model in the TPS as-500 and-960 can correct the radiation dose attenuation caused by the treatment couch,thereby improving the dose accuracy of the target volume and organs-at-risk.

Objective:To study the effects of remimazolam on stress response index, T lymphocyte subsets and postoperative delirium in patients undergoing modified radical mastectomy.Methods:A total of 120 patients with breast cancer who underwent modified radical mastectomy in our hospital from Aug. 2024 to Dec. 2024 were separated into the control group (n=60, anesthetic induction and maintenance with Propofol) and the observation group (n=60, anesthetic induction and maintenance with remimazolam) according to random number table method, and the other anesthetic drugs were the same. The operation time, anesthesia recovery time, postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction of the two groups were observed, and the changes of stress response indexes and T lymphocyte subsets indexes at different time points were compared, and the adverse reactions after anesthesia were counted.Results:The incidence of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in the observation group was lower than that in the control group ( x2=4.62, 5.18, P < 0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in operation time or anesthesia recovery time between the two groups ( t=0.43, 1.71, P > 0.05). The observation group had lower serum cortisol (Cor), norepinephrine (NE) and epinephrine (E) levels 30 min after anesthesia induction (T 1) and immediately after surgery (T 2) ( t=5.53, 6.71, 9.33, 6.74, 7.26, 8.77, P < 0.05), while the comparison of those indexes before surgery (T 0) and 12 h after surgery (T 3) showed no statistically significant difference ( t=1.19, 1.85, 0.90, 1.55, 1.64, 1.81, P > 0.05). The levels of CD3 +T, CD4 +T and CD4 +/CD8 + in the observation group were higher than those in the control group at T 1, T 2 and T 3 ( t=2.21, 4.94, 4.77, 4.44, 6.24, 7.07, 2.11, 2.56, 2.15, P < 0.05), and there was no statistically significant difference in those indexes between the two groups at T 0 ( t=0.76, 0.79, 1.51, P > 0.05). The incidence of adverse reactions after anesthesia showed no statistically significant difference between the two groups [25.00% (15/60) and 33.33% (20/60) ] ( χ2=1.008, P > 0.05) . Conclusion:The induction and maintenance of remimazolam anesthesia can effectively reduce the incidence of postoperative delirium and cognitive dysfunction in patients with modified radical mastectomy, relieve the body stress response of patients, and effectively reduce the influence of anesthesia on T lymphocytes.

Objective To develop a Nomogram clinical prediction model for the pathological occurrence of extraprostatic extension(EPE)after radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients,using simplified site-specific magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)indicators and other clinical parameters.Methods A total of 181 prostate cancer patients[mean age(69.0±7.3)years]who underwent radical prostatectomy were included.These patients had received 3-Tesla multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging(3-T mpMRI)within 6 months prior to surgery.Based on mpMRI measurements[capsular contact length(CCL)>15 mm,capsular bulging/irregularities,diameter of index lesion(dIL),and evident extraprostatic extension(eEPE)],the dIL?sEPE grading system was derived.The optimal cut-off value of dIL(denoted as dIL)was determined using the Youden J index,and categorized it into a binary variable.A Logistic regression model was established based on the dIL?sEPE grading and clinical scores.The predictive performance of clinical indicators,MRI indicators,and combined clinical and MRI indicators were compared.Finally,a clinical prediction model integrating both clinical and MRI data was developed.Results Pathological EPE was found in 46 out of 181 cases(25.4% ).A Nomogram prediction model for EPE was established with a combination of the dIL?sEPE grading and clinical indicators.Conclusion The combination of dIL?sEPE grading with clinical indicators accurately predicts extracapsular extension in prostate cancer.The Nomogram model that established,based on MRI imaging characteristics and clinical indicators has good performance and is easy to use.It is beneficial to stratifying management for prostate cancer patients,and it provides valuable guidance for patients suitable for nerve-sparing surgery.

Objective To explore the correlation between chronic diseases and the risk of benign prostatic hyperplasia(BPH)in middle-aged and older Chinese man.Methods Data from the 2013 China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study(CHARLS)were used,including 4 509 male participants aged 45 years and older.Chronic diseases and BPH diagnoses were obtained through a questionnaire survey.Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent risk factors for BPH.Restricted cubic splines(RCS)were used to explore the nonlinear relationship between variables and BPH prevalence,while stratified analyses were conducted to assess the differential impact of chronic diseases on BPH prevalence in different subgroups.Results Compared to patients without BPH,those with BPH had a significantly higher prevalence of comorbid chronic diseases,including hypertension,diabetes,chronic respiratory diseases,chronic heart disease,stroke,chronic kidney disease,chronic digestive diseases,arthritis or rheumatism,depression,and memory-related disorders.Multivariable Logistic regression analysis indicated that factors such as the 10-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale(CESD-10)scores(OR=1.043,95% CI:1.022-1.063,P<0.001),chronic respiratory disease(OR=1.518,95% CI:1.143-1.998,P=0.003),chronic heart disease(OR=1.515,95% CI:1.143-1.998,P=0.003),chronic kidney disease(OR=2.384,95% CI:1.799-3.137,P<0.001),and chronic digestive disease(OR=1.427,95% CI:1.129-1.796,P=0.003)were independently associated with the occurrence of BPH.RCS analysis demonstrated no non-linear association between age,BMI,and CESD-10 scores and BPH.Stratified analysis revealed that the influence of these chronic conditions on BPH remained constantly stable across different subgroups.Conclusion BPH is commonly comorbid with various chronic diseases.Future treatment strategies for BPH should consider the shared pathological mechanisms between BPH and these chronic conditions,with a focus on integrated interventions targeting common pathways.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for muscle cramps in maintenance hemodialysis patients and construct a nomogram prediction model.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing regular hemodialysis at the Blood Purification Center of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University (West and East Campuses) from June 2023 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into a muscle cramps group and a non-muscle cramps group based on whether cramps occurred during or after dialysis. Patients from the West Campus were allocated to the training set, while those from the East Campus were assigned to the validation set, with an approximately 5∶1 ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for muscle cramps in the training set. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using R software. Model performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis in both the training and validation sets.Results:A total of 498 maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled, including 409 in the training set (22.98% incidence of muscle cramps) and 89 in the validation set. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that heart failure history ( OR=8.566, 95% CI 2.448-29.979, P=0.001), pre-dialysis corrected narrowed inferior vena cava width ( OR=0.531, 95% CI 0.433-0.650, P<0.001), increased ultrafiltration rate ( OR=1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.003, P=0.002), decreased hemoglobin level ( OR=0.971, 95% CI 0.948-0.994, P=0.014), and decreased serum albumin ( OR=0.886, 95% CI 0.799-0.982, P=0.021) were independent associated factors for muscle cramps in the training set. The nomogram model based on these factors demonstrated an area under the ROC curve ( AUC) of 0.813 (95% CI 0.760-0.866, P<0.001) in the training set, with a Brier score of 0.129, indicating stable predictive performance. In the validation set, the area under of the ROC curve was 0.821 (95% CI 0.731-0.911, P<0.001) with a Brier score of 0.142. The decision curve showed that the model provided high clinical net benefit when the risk threshold probability for muscle cramps ranged from 0.22 to 0.77. Conclusion:Combined heart failure, narrowed inferior vena cava width, increased ultrafiltration rate, and decreased hemoglobin and serum albumin levels were the independent correlated factors for muscle spasm in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The nomogram model constructed based on these risk factors holds significant clinical value for predicting muscle cramps in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for muscle cramps in maintenance hemodialysis patients and construct a nomogram prediction model.Methods:It was a retrospective cohort study. Patients undergoing regular hemodialysis at the Blood Purification Center of the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University (West and East Campuses) from June 2023 to December 2023 were enrolled in this study. Patients were divided into a muscle cramps group and a non-muscle cramps group based on whether cramps occurred during or after dialysis. Patients from the West Campus were allocated to the training set, while those from the East Campus were assigned to the validation set, with an approximately 5∶1 ratio. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for muscle cramps in the training set. A nomogram prediction model was constructed using R software. Model performance was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration curve, and decision curve analysis in both the training and validation sets.Results:A total of 498 maintenance hemodialysis patients were enrolled, including 409 in the training set (22.98% incidence of muscle cramps) and 89 in the validation set. Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that heart failure history ( OR=8.566, 95% CI 2.448-29.979, P=0.001), pre-dialysis corrected narrowed inferior vena cava width ( OR=0.531, 95% CI 0.433-0.650, P<0.001), increased ultrafiltration rate ( OR=1.002, 95% CI 1.001-1.003, P=0.002), decreased hemoglobin level ( OR=0.971, 95% CI 0.948-0.994, P=0.014), and decreased serum albumin ( OR=0.886, 95% CI 0.799-0.982, P=0.021) were independent associated factors for muscle cramps in the training set. The nomogram model based on these factors demonstrated an area under the ROC curve ( AUC) of 0.813 (95% CI 0.760-0.866, P<0.001) in the training set, with a Brier score of 0.129, indicating stable predictive performance. In the validation set, the area under of the ROC curve was 0.821 (95% CI 0.731-0.911, P<0.001) with a Brier score of 0.142. The decision curve showed that the model provided high clinical net benefit when the risk threshold probability for muscle cramps ranged from 0.22 to 0.77. Conclusion:Combined heart failure, narrowed inferior vena cava width, increased ultrafiltration rate, and decreased hemoglobin and serum albumin levels were the independent correlated factors for muscle spasm in maintenance hemodialysis patients. The nomogram model constructed based on these risk factors holds significant clinical value for predicting muscle cramps in maintenance hemodialysis patients.

Objective:To investigate the influence of contrast-enhanced computed tomography(CECT)on dose calculation in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)-guided online adaptive radiotherapy(oART)based on the electron density(ED)assignment method for rectal cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the medical data of 15 patients with locally advanced rectal cancer at middle-low segments,who admitted to the Chinese PLA General Hospital between December 2023 and April 2025.All patients underwent both plain computed tomography(PCT)and CECT scans during location.The average HU and ED value of all organs that were extracted from PCT and CECT images in the treatment plan system were obtained,and the influences of contrast agent of intake on image characteristics of the structure of each organ(small intestine,femoral head,bladder)were analyzed.PCT was used as referred image to design reference plan(Pref).The synthetic CT(sCT)was simulated and generated on the basis of PCT and CECT,respectively.The beam flow field that was same with Pref was used to recalculate dose on sCT,and then,the online plan(PPCT)based on PCT,and the online plan(PCECT)based on CECT were obtained,respectively,which can simulate the online dose calculation of MRI-guided online adaptive radiotherapy(oART).The Pref was used as reference to compare dosimetric parameters for target region and organ at risk(OAR)through dose volume histogram(DVH)and planed evaluation indicators.Additionally,three dimension(3D)slicer software was used to perform γ analysis for the results of dose distribution,and explore the differences among PPCT,PCECT and Pref on dose distribution.Results:In terms of image characteristics,the HU values of soft-tissue organs(intestine,bladder,spinal cord,soft tissue)and planning target volume(PTV)in CECT were higher than those in PCT,and the differences of them were statistically significant(Zintestines=-2.188,Zbladder=-3.196,tspinal cord=-3.767,tsoft tissue=-10.083,tPTV=-4.693,P<0.05),while its influence was less on bone tissue.The statistical results of ED were consistent with those of HU.Regarding to dosimetric parameters,there was no statistically significant difference in target coverage rate between PPCT and Pref(P>0.05),and the D50%of the PPCT[(2724.25±19.91)cGy]was higher than that of the Pref[(2718.99±21.13)cGy],and the difference was statistically significant(t=-3.679,P=0.002).However,the target coverage rate of PCECT was 94.65(94.04,95.27)%,and the difference of that between PCECT and Pref was statistically significant(Z=-2.158,P=0.031).For OAR,the differences of Dmax value of the small intestine,and the V20 of the left femoral head between PPCT and Pref were significant(Z=-2.556,-2.529,P<0.05).The differences of the Dmax of small intestine,and the D50%of bladder between PCECT and Pref were significant(t=-4.821,2.171,P<0.05).The comparative γ passed rates of PPCT,PCECT and Pref under the standards of 3 mm/3%and 2 mm/2%were all above 95%,and the differences were not significant(P>0.05).Conclusions:The influence of CECT on dose calculation in MRI-guided oART based on ED assignment method for rectal cancer is relatively small,which can be directly used in the design of reference plan,but the maximum dose of radiation-sensitive organs such as the small intestine should be paid attention.