Objective To explore the risk factors for healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in lung transplant re-cipients(LTRs),and construct a predictive nomogram model.Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent lung transplant in Wuxi People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into a training set(n=506)and a validation set(n=218).Independent risk factors were screened through LASSO regression,and multivariate logistic regression was included to construct a nomogram pre-diction model.The discrimination,calibration,and clinical applicability of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit,and decision curves.Results Among the 506 LTRs,201 developed HAIs,with an incidence of 39.72％.The major infection site was lower respiratory tract,and the major pathogen were Gram-negative bacilli(Acinetobacter baumannii).Older age,use of extracorpo-real membrane oxygenation(ECMO),double-lung transplant,surgery duration＞3 hours,long duration of contin-uous fever,frequent abnormal blood routine examination,and long duration of combined use of antimicrobial agents were identified as independent risk factors for HAI after lung transplant.The ROC curve analysis results showed that the areas under the curve(AUCs)of the training set and the validation set were 0.74(95％CI:0.70-0.78)and 0.71(95％CI:0.64-0.78),respectively.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results showed that there was no sta-tistically significant difference between the predictive and actual probability of HAI(P＞0.05).The clinical decision curve results indicated that the model had clinical benefits at a threshold probability value of 7％-71％.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model constructed in this study can effectively evaluate the risk of postoperative infection in LTRs.The model is stable and has high clinical application value,providing scientific reference for postoperative infection prevention and control.

Objective To explore the risk factors for healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in lung transplant re-cipients(LTRs),and construct a predictive nomogram model.Methods Clinical data of patients who underwent lung transplant in Wuxi People's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The patients were divided into a training set(n=506)and a validation set(n=218).Independent risk factors were screened through LASSO regression,and multivariate logistic regression was included to construct a nomogram pre-diction model.The discrimination,calibration,and clinical applicability of the model were evaluated using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit,and decision curves.Results Among the 506 LTRs,201 developed HAIs,with an incidence of 39.72％.The major infection site was lower respiratory tract,and the major pathogen were Gram-negative bacilli(Acinetobacter baumannii).Older age,use of extracorpo-real membrane oxygenation(ECMO),double-lung transplant,surgery duration＞3 hours,long duration of contin-uous fever,frequent abnormal blood routine examination,and long duration of combined use of antimicrobial agents were identified as independent risk factors for HAI after lung transplant.The ROC curve analysis results showed that the areas under the curve(AUCs)of the training set and the validation set were 0.74(95％CI:0.70-0.78)and 0.71(95％CI:0.64-0.78),respectively.The Hosmer-Lemeshow test results showed that there was no sta-tistically significant difference between the predictive and actual probability of HAI(P＞0.05).The clinical decision curve results indicated that the model had clinical benefits at a threshold probability value of 7％-71％.Conclusion The nomogram prediction model constructed in this study can effectively evaluate the risk of postoperative infection in LTRs.The model is stable and has high clinical application value,providing scientific reference for postoperative infection prevention and control.

Surgical technique of lung transplantation exerts significant impact on clinical prognosis of the recipients.Choosing an appropriate surgical incision determines the exposure of intraoperative visual field,which is the first step of surgical success and directly affects subsequent surgical procedures.Lung transplantation incision is usually considered as primary closure.Nevertheless,for patients with high-risk factors such as oversized lung allografts and primary graft failure after lung transplantation,primary closure cannot be achieved.Hence,delayed chest closure is an effective strategy.The selection of incisions and the adoption of delayed chest closure of lung transplantation exert profound impact upon perioperative prognosis,long-term quality of life and surgical complications of the recipients.Therefore,the development and research status of Clamshell incision,anterolateral incision,posterolateral incision and median sternal incision in lung transplantation were reviewed,highlighting the effect of incision patterns on clinical prognosis of lung transplantation and providing reference for the selection of incisions in clinical lung transplantation.

Objective:To investigate the effect of iron deficiency on the prognosis of elderly patients with ejection fraction preserved heart failure (HFpEF).Methods:The clinical data of old patients (>75 years) with HFpEF from November 2021 to May 2023 in General Hospital of Eastern Theater of the Chinese People′s Liberation Army were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into iron deficiency group (65 cases) and non-iron deficiency group (90 cases) according to serum ferritin (SF) and transferrin saturation (TSAT) at admission. The first hematological indexes and echocardiogram examination results after admission were compared between two groups. The patients were followed up until November 2023, the poor prognosis was recorded. The correlation between iron deficiency, iron metabolism indexes and poor prognosis in elderly patients with HFpEF was analyzed by Spearman correlation analysis. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was drawn to analyze the effect of iron deficiency on the cumulative survival in elderly patients with HFpEF.Results:There were no statistical difference in triglyceride, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, C-reactive protein, hemoglobin and echocardiogram indexes between the two groups ( P>0.05). The N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), creatinine, procalcitonin (PCT) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in iron deficiency group were significantly higher than those in non-iron deficiency group: 427.23 (281.00, 736.90) pmol/L vs. 313.50 (182.47, 363.25) pmol/L, (167.93 ± 51.22) μmol/L vs. (121.71 ± 11.99) μmol/L, 0.12 (0.05, 0.22) μg/L vs. 0.07 (0.04, 0.16) μg/L and 25.60 (8.38, 47.01) ng/L vs. 10.15 (4.75, 19.89) ng/L, the SF, serum iron (SI) and TSAT were significantly lower than those in non-iron deficiency group: 75.40 (42.30, 198.00) μg/L vs. 207.00 (281.00, 736.90) μg/L, (6.49 ± 2.66) μmol/L vs. (12.75 ± 4.24) μmol/L and (16.65 ± 6.26)% vs. (33.78 ± 11.16)%, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or <0.05). The patients were followed up for (12.06 ± 7.58) months, the all-cause mortality, cardiovascular mortality, readmission rate and heart failure readmission rate in iron deficiency group were significantly higher than those in non-iron deficiency group: 40.0% (26/65) vs. 20.0% (18/90), 18.5% (12/65) vs. 4.4% (4/90), 90.8% (59/65) vs. 70.0% (63/90) and 66.2% (43/65) vs. 17.8% (16/90), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01). Spearman correlation analysis result showed that the iron deficiency was positive correlation with all-cause death, cardiovascular death, readmission and heart failure readmission in elderly patients with HFpEF ( P<0.01); the SI and TSAT were negative correlation with all-cause death, cardiovascular death, readmission and heart failure readmission ( P<0.01 or <0.05); and the SF was not correlation with the indexes ( P>0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis result showed that the risk of all-cause death was significantly increased in elderly HFpEF patients with iron deficiency, and the cumulative survival rate was significantly reduced (log-rank χ2 = 6.48, P<0.05). Conclusions:The elderly HFpEF patients with iron deficiency have poor prognosis with high mortality and readmission rate.

Objective:To investigate the relation between 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level and global registry of acute coronary event (GRACE) score in elderly patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS).Methods:The clinical data of 120 elderly male patients with ACS hospitalized in the General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command from January 2020 to June 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical characteristics of patients were collected and the 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level was assessed with the chemiluminescent immunoassay method. According to GRACE score, the patients were divided into intermediate-risk group (109 to 140 scores, 46 cases) and high-risk group(>140 scores, 74 cases). The severity of coronary lesion was assessed according to the results of coronary angiography (CAG) and then they were divided into A, B, C group. The independent influential factors of GRACE score were analyzed by Logistic regression analysis.Results:The level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 in the high-risk group was lower than that in the intermediate-risk group: (13.84 ± 3.42) μg/L vs. (18.57 ± 5.17) μg/L, the usage rate of angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEI)/angiotonin receptor blocker (ARB) in the high-risk group was lower than that in the intermediate-risk group: 17.6%(13/71) vs. 41.3%(19/46), there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 level was the risk factor for GRACE score ( OR = 0.745, 95% CI 0.657-0.844, P<0.05). The level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 had negative correlation with the severity of coronary lesion ( P<0.05). Conclusions:The level of 25 hydroxyvitamin D3 has correlation with GRACE score and the severity of coronary lesion in elderly patients with ACS.

Objective:To explore the differences of gene expression profiles of precursors of exhausted T cells (Tpex) and terminal exhausted T cells (Tex) in the peripheral blood of patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis (ATB).Methods:Twenty-five cases of ATB, 13 cases of latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI) and 10 health controls were enrolled from January 2021 to October 2022 in the Fifth People′s Hospital of Wuxi. The proportions of Tpex and Tex in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of the three groups were detected by flowcytometry. PBMCs of ATB were separated into Tpex and Tex by fluorescence-activated cell sorting. RNA-sequencing was performed and up-regulated and down-regulated genes were screended. Differently expressed genes were analyzed by gene set enrichment analysis of gene ontology (GO) to find regulatory pathways affecting cell metabolism and function. Wilcoxon matched-pairs signed rank test, Kruskal-Wallis test and Dunn multiple comparsion test were used for statistical analysis.Results:The proportion of Tpex in ATB group was 2.86%(1.74%), which was lower than 7.93%(6.16%) of Tex, and the difference was statistically significant ( Z=-3.91, P<0.001). The proportions of Tpex and Tex in LTBI group were 9.47%(6.26%) and 7.43%(5.48%), respectively, and the difference was not statistically significant ( Z=-0.93, P=0.345). The proportions of Tpex and Tex in healthy control group were 8.42%(2.69%) and 6.49%(5.14%), respectively, with no statistical significance ( Z=-1.36, P=0.170). There was statistical difference of the proportion of Tpex among the three groups ( H=21.93, P<0.001), and the proportion of Tpex in ATB group was lower than those in LTBI and heathy control groups, and the differences were both statistically significant ( Z=4.16, P<0.001 and Z=3.34, P=0.003, respectively), while the proportions of Tex in these three groups were not statistically different ( H=2.17, P=0.338). Compared with Tex, the gene expressions of memory markers, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 of Tpex were up-regulated, and the gene expressions of exhausted markers, such as lymphocyte activation gene 3 were down-regulated. In terms of cellular metabolism, the gene expressions of mitochondrial protein complex, mitochondrial matrix and oxidative phosphorylation of Tpex were up-regulated, and the gene expressions of glycolysis were down-regulated. The gene expressions of pyruvate metabolism in Tex were up-regulated, and the gene expressions of CD4 + T lymphocyte activation and differentiation and glycolytic process in Tpex were down-regulated. Conclusions:Tpex in ATB express more characteristics of memory cells and less features of exhausted markers compared with Tex, and the function of mitochondria of Tpex preserves well.

DNMT3A encodes a DNA methyltransferase involved in development, cell differentiation, and gene transcription, which is mutated and aberrant-expressed in cancers. Here, we revealed that loss of DNMT3A promotes malignant phenotypes in lung cancer. Based on the epigenetic inhibitor library synthetic lethal screening, we found that small-molecule HDAC6 inhibitors selectively killed DNMT3A-defective NSCLC cells. Knockdown of HDAC6 by siRNAs reduced cell growth and induced apoptosis in DNMT3A-defective NSCLC cells. However, sensitive cells became resistant when DNMT3A was rescued. Furthermore, the selectivity to HDAC6 inhibition was recapitulated in mice, where an HDAC6 inhibitor retarded tumor growth established from DNMT3A-defective but not DNMT3A parental NSCLC cells. Mechanistically, DNMT3A loss resulted in the upregulation of HDAC6 through decreasing its promoter CpG methylation and enhancing transcription factor RUNX1 binding. Notably, our results indicated that HIF-1 pathway was activated in DNMT3A-defective cells whereas inactivated by HDAC6 inhibition. Knockout of HIF-1 contributed to the elimination of synthetic lethality between DNMT3A and HDAC6. Interestingly, HIF-1 pathway inhibitors could mimic the selective efficacy of HDAC6 inhibition in DNMT3A-defective cells. These results demonstrated HDAC6 as a HIF-1-dependent vulnerability of DNMT3A-defective cancers. Together, our findings identify HDAC6 as a potential HIF-1-dependent therapeutic target for the treatment of DNMT3A-defective cancers like NSCLC.

Objective To prepare injectable poly(lactic-co-glycolic)acid(PLGA)microparticle scaffolds coated with a composite of polydopamine(PDA)and carboxymethyl chitosan(CMC),and to evaluate their biocompatibility and capacity for cell loading in tissue engineering.Methods The injectable PLGA microparticles were prepared using the W/O/W double-emulsion solvent evaporation method,followed by PDA and CMC coatings to prepare the porous scaffolds that were morphologically characterized while the size distribution of particles and pores was determined.Cytotoxicity was assessed via co-incubation of the scaffolds with cells,while cell viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay.The morphology of cells loaded onto the scaffolds was examined using scanning electron microscopy and DAPI staining.Results The average particle size of the prepared PLGA-PDA-CMC porous scaffolds was(313.69±4.91)μm,and the average pore size was(28.99±0.74)μm.Scanning electron microscopy confirmed the success of the PDA coating while X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy proved the success of the PDA and CMC coatings.The reduced water contact angle post-PDA coating indicated enhanced hydrophilicity of the PLGA microparticles.CCK-8 assay results demonstrated the safety of the PLGA-PDA-CMC porous scaffolds.Scanning electron microscopy and fluorescence microscopy confirmed cell adhesion on the PLGA-PDA-CMC porous scaffolds.Conclusion The successful preparation of PLGA-PDA-CMC porous scaffolds,featuring PDA and CMC coatings,can enhance the hydrophilicity and cell adhesion properties of PLGA microparticles.These scaffolds can be potentially used in tissue engineering research.

Frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is a group of dementia diseases mainly characterized by progressive mental-behavioral abnormalities, executive dysfunction, and language impairment. A small number of FTD patients also present with movement disorders at certain disease course. Here the clinical and multimodal positron-emission tomography (PET) imaging manifestations in a patient with frontotemporal lobe dementia and parkinsonian syndrome are reported. 18F-fluorodopa PET showed reduced uptake in the head of the caudate nucleus. 18F-AV-45 PET showed negative amyloid deposition. 18F-AV-1451 PET showed tau deposition in the neocortex. The clinical and neuroimaging features support the underlying frontotemporal lobar degeneration-tau pathology.

Objective:To evaluate the expressions of three biomarkers combination of CD27, CD38 and human leucocyte antigen (HLA)-DR in the application of discrminating active tuberculosis (ATB) and latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI).Methods:Sixty cases of ATB and 44 cases of LTBI were enrolled from March 2021 to February 2022 in Huashan Hospital, Fudan University and Wuxi Fifth People′s Hospital. Freshly isolated peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from patients were stimulated with 6 kDa early secretory antigenic target/culture filtrate protein 10 peptide pools. The expressions of CD27, CD38 and HLA-DR on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4 + T lymphocytes were evaluated by polychromatic flow cytometry. Mann-Whitney U test was used for statistical analysis. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (AUROC) was used to evaluate the diagnostic value of biomarkers in discriminating ATB and LTBI. Results:The frequencies of CD27 -, CD38 +, HLA-DR +, CD27 -CD38 +, CD27 -HLA-DR + and CD38 + HLA-DR + in ATB group were all higher than those in LTBI group, and the differences were all statistically significant ( U=26.00, 451.00, 384.00, 8.00, 7.00 and 184.00, respectively, all P<0.001). The AUROC of CD27 -CD4 + interferon-γ(IFN-γ) + T lymphocytes was 0.71 with a cut-off value of 52.31%, with the sensitivity of 50.00% and specificity of 87.20%. The AUROC of CD38 + CD4 + IFN-γ + T lymphocytes was 0.82 with a cut-off value of 30.25%, with the sensitivity of 73.40% and specificity of 89.70%. The AUROC of HLA-DR + CD4 + IFN-γ + T lymphocytes was 0.85 with a cut-off value of 36.60%, with the sensitivity of 66.00% and specificity of 94.90%. The AUROC of CD27 -CD38 + CD4 + IFN-γ + T lymphocytes was 0.80 with a cut-off value of 8.82%, with the sensitivity of 90.60% and specificity of 61.50%. The AUROC of CD27 -HLA-DR + CD4 + IFN-γ + T lymphocytes was 0.83 with a cut-off value of 18.62%, with the sensitivity of 75.00% and specificity of 79.50%. The AUROC of CD38 + HLA-DR + CD4 + IFN-γ + T lymphocytes was 0.93 with a cut-off value of 22.35%, with the sensitivity of 79.70% and specificity of 100.00%. Conclusions:The expressions of CD27 -, CD38 + and HLA-DR + in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4 + T lymphocytes are higher in ATB group compared to LTBI group. ATB and LTBI could be well discriminated by detecting the expressions of CD27, CD38 and HLA-DR on CD4 + IFN-γ + T lymphocytes with flow cytometry.