Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) for residual pulmonary hypertension (PH) of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension(CTEPH) after pulmonary endarterectomy (PEA).Methods:Patients diagnosed as PH after PEA in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from Oct 2016 to Jun 2022 were included. The indication for BPA was decided on the basis of a consensus of the multi-disciplinary team for all patients with CTEPH. Before treatment, the patient′s exercise tolerance and pulmonary artery flow parameters were evaluated. A comparative analysis of various parameters before BPA treatment and at the last BPA was conducted. 6-min walk distance (6MWD) was analyzed using the paired Wilcoxon test; N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), mixed venous oxygen saturation, mean pulmonary arterial pressure (mPAP), cardiac index (CI) and pulmonary vascular resistance (PVR) were compared using the paired-samples t-test. WHO functional class was compared using McNemar′s test. Results:Twenty patients with a total of 130 vessels underwent 46 sessions of BPA treatment. The postoperative 6-minute walk distance (6MWD) [447 (415, 485) m] showed a significant improvement compared to the preoperative baseline [389 (335, 470) m] ( Z=6.52, P<0.05), Postoperative mixed venous oxygen saturation (72.0%±1.9%) showed a significant improvement compared to the preoperative levels (64.0%±2.7%) ( t=2.14, P<0.05).Postoperatively, plasma NT-proBNP [(351.9±129.9) pg/ml], mPAP [(24.2±1.9) mmHg], and PVR [(3.0±1.4) WU] significantly decreased compared to preoperative levels [(982.5±426.2) pg/ml, (33±2.1) mmHg, (8.0±1.6) WU)] ( t=3.38, 1.22, 2.10, P<0.05 for all). Postoperatively, there was a significant improvement in WHO functional class (Ⅰ，Ⅱ，Ⅲ，Ⅳ: 14, 4, 2, 0 cases) compared to preoperative status (Ⅰ，Ⅱ，Ⅲ，Ⅳ: 0, 13, 5, 2 cases) ( χ2=20.17, P<0.05). Four cases of pulmonary artery dissection and one episode of hemoptysis occurred postoperatively, with no other complications reported. Conclusions:BPA can significantly improve exercise tolerance and hemodynamic parameters for residual PH after PEA. BPA is a relatively safe and effective treatment for residual PH after PEA.

Objective:To analyze the effects of different dose calculation grid size of Monaco system on the physical and biological dosimetry of target area and organ at risk (OAR) in T 4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Methods:A total of 18 patients with stage T 4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma who received radiotherapy in the Department of Radiotherapy of Yunnan Cancer Hospital from October 2020 to April 2022 were selected to complete the delineation of target areas and OAR in the Monaco 5.11.03 system, and the volumetric intensity modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plan was developed on the 3 mm grid with the optimization mode of target area priority. The 3 mm grid group plan was replicated without changing any other parameters, and the physical plan was re-established on the 1, 2, 4 and 5 mm grids, and then the five plans were normalized to the prescription dose to cover 95% of the target volume. The planning time, D 2%, D 50%, D 98%, conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), gradient index (GI), tumor control probability (TCP), D 2% and D mean of important OAR around the target area were calculated and statistically analyzed. Results:Planning primary tumor gross target volume (PGTVp) : The D 2% of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm groups were (76.94±0.66), (75.98±0.76), (75.56±0.67), (75.67±0.73) and (75.94±0.85) Gy, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=9.86, P<0.001). The CI of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm groups were 0.75±0.05, 0.78±0.04, 0.78±0.05, 0.79±0.04 and 0.78±0.04, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=2.61, P=0.041). There were statistically significant differences in D 50%, D 98%, HI, equivalent uniform dose (EUD) and tumor control probability (TCP) among the groups ( H=17.14, P=0.002; F=9.35, P<0.001; H=25.43, P<0.001; F=5.85, P<0.001; H=17.65, P=0.001). There was no statistically significant difference in GI among the groups ( P>0.05). Pairwise comparison showed that D 2% in 2, 3, 4, 5 mm groups compared with 1 mm group, D 50% in 5 mm group compared with 2, 3 mm groups, D 98% in 4 mm group compared with 1, 2 mm groups, D 98% in 5 mm group compared with 1, 2, 3 mm groups, CI in 5 mm group compared with 1 mm group, HI in 2, 3, 4, 5 mm groups compared with 1 mm group, EUD in 3 mm group was compared with 1 mm group, EUD in 5 mm group compared with 2, 3 mm groups, TCP in 3 mm group compared with 1 mm group, and TCP in 5 mm group compared with 3 mm group, there were statistically significant differences (all P<0.05). Planning nodal gross target volume (PGTVn) : The D 2% of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm groups were (76.36±0.59), (75.36±0.62), (75.04±0.68), (75.25±0.72) and (75.39±0.77) Gy, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=10.32, P<0.001). The HI of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm groups were 1.08 (1.08, 1.08), 1.07 (1.06, 1.07), 1.06 (1.06, 1.07), 1.06 (1.06, 1.07), 1.06 (1.06, 1.07), 1.06 (1.06, 1.08), respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( H=22.00, P<0.001) ; There were statistically significant differences in D 50%, D 98% and EUD among the groups ( H=11.79, P=0.019; H=20.49, P<0.001; F=12.14, P=0.016). Pairwise comparison showed that there were statistically significant differences in D 2% between 2, 3, 4, 5 mm groups and 1 mm group, D 98% between 4 mm group and 1 mm group, D 98% between 5 mm group and 1, 2 mm groups, HI between 2, 3, 4 mm groups and 1 mm group, and EUD between 3 mm group and 1 mm group (all P<0.05). Planning primary tumor clinical target volume 1 (PCTVp1) : The D 2% of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm groups were (76.59±0.63), (75.64±0.65), (75.64±0.98), (75.41±0.70) and (75.71±0.84) Gy, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=9.53, P<0.001). The D 50% of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 mm groups were (72.09±0.34), (71.85±0.39), (71.82±0.45), (72.04±0.56), (72.43±0.66) Gy, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=4.20, P=0.019). There was no statistically significant difference in the other indexes among the groups (all P>0.05). Pairwise comparison showed that there were statistically significant differences in D 2% between 2, 3, 4, 5 mm groups and 1 mm group, and in D 50% between 2, 3 mm groups and 1 mm group (all P<0.05). Planning nodal clinical target volume 1 (PCTVn1) : There were no statistically significant differences in all indexes among the groups (all P>0.05). Planning clinical target volume 2 (PCTV2) : The D 2% of 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 mm groups were (75.57±0.50), (74.87±0.67), (74.51±0.51), (74.61±0.63) and (75.00±0.74) Gy, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( F=8.27, P<0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that the D 2% of the 2, 3, 4 mm groups were significantly different from that of the 1 mm group (all P<0.05). The calculation time of physical plan in 1, 2, 4 and 5 mm groups was 987.00 (848.00, 1 091.00), 120.50 (99.75, 134.00), 26.00 (24.00, 34.25) and 21.50 (18.75, 34.75) s, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( H=61.62, P<0.001). Pairwise comparison showed that there were statistically significant differences in the calculation time between 4 mm group and 1, 2 mm groups, 5 mm group and 1, 2 mm groups (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the dosimetric parameters of OAR around the target area among the groups (all P>0.05) . Conclusion:The physical dose and biological dose of the important OAR around the target area and the target area change with the change of dose calculation grid size when formulating the physical plan of radiotherapy for T 4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Considering the quality of the physical plan and the calculation time, when the Monaco system formulates the VMAT plan for T 4 nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients, the plan can be optimized on the 3 mm computing grid and copied to the 1 mm computing grid for recalculation.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors of bronchopulmonary dysplasia(BPD)in very preterm infants(VPI), and to provide scientific basis for the prevention and treatment of BPD in VPI.Methods:A prospective multicenter study was designed to collect the clinical data of VPI in department of neonatology of 28 hospitals in 7 regions from September 2019 to December 2020.According to the continuous oxygen dependence at 28 days after birth, VPI were divided into non BPD group and BPD group, and the risk factors of BPD in VPI were analyzed.Results:A total of 2 514 cases of VPI including 1 364 cases without BPD and 1 150 cases with BPD were enrolled.The incidence of BPD was 45.7%.The smaller the gestational age and weight, the higher the incidence of BPD( P<0.001). Compared with non BPD group, the average birth age, weight and cesarean section rate in BPD group were lower, and the incidence of male infants, small for gestational age and 5-minute apgar score≤7 were higher( P<0.01). In BPD group, the incidences of neonatal respiratory distress syndrome(NRDS), hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus, retinopathy of prematurity, feeding intolerance, extrauterine growth restriction, grade Ⅲ~Ⅳ intracranial hemorrhage, anemia, early-onset and late-onset sepsis, nosocomial infection, parenteral nutrition-associated cholestasis were higher( P<0.05), the use of pulmonary surfactant(PS), postnatal hormone exposure, anemia and blood transfusion were also higher, and the time of invasive and non-invasive mechanical ventilation, oxygen use and total hospital stay were longer( P<0.001). The time of starting enteral nutrition, cumulative fasting days, days of reaching total enteral nutrition, days of continuous parenteral nutrition, days of reaching 110 kcal/(kg·d) total calorie, days of reaching 110 kcal/(kg·d) oral calorie were longer and the breastfeeding rate was lower in BPD group than those in non BPD group( P<0.001). The cumulative doses of amino acid and fat emulsion during the first week of hospitalization were higher in BPD group( P<0.001). Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that NRDS, invasive mechanical ventilation, age of reaching total enteral nutrition, anemia and blood transfusion were the independent risk factors for BPD in VPI, and older gestational age was the protective factor for BPD. Conclusion:Strengthening perinatal management, avoiding premature delivery and severe NRDS, shortening the time of invasive mechanical ventilation, paying attention to enteral nutrition management, reaching whole intestinal feeding as soon as possible, and strictly mastering the indications of blood transfusion are very important to reduce the incidence of BPD in VPI.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) complicated with infection and the effects on immune level.Methods:A total of 150 SAP patients admitted to Deyang People′s Hospital from February 2018 to April 2019 were divided into the infected group ( n=90) and the uninfected group ( n=60) according to whether SAP was complicated with infection or not; the changes of pathogenic bacteria in the infection focus, infection risk factors, blood inflammatory cytokines levels and T-lymphocyte subgroups were analyzed. Results:A total of 105 pathogenic bacteria were detected in 90 SAP patients with infection, among which 74(70.5%) were gram-negative bacteria, mainly escherichia coli, klebsiella pneumoniae and pseudomonas aeruginosa. There were 27 strains (25.7%) of gram-positive bacteria, mainly staphylococcus aureus, and 4 strains (3.81%) of fungi. Biliary causes, total parenteral nutrition time≥1 week, APACHEⅡ score≥11, surgical intervention, and respiratory mechanical ventilation were all independent factors for SAP infection (all P<0.05). At 24 hours after onset, blood IL-4(59.1±6.2)ng/L, IL-6(134.1±12.2) ng/L, IL-10(146.4±13.2)ng/L, TNF-ɑ(76.3±5.2)ng/L in infected group were all significantly higher than those in the uninfected group (all P values <0.05); at 30 days after the onset, blood IL-4(33.6±5.8)ng/L, IL-6(49.2±6.8)ng/L of the infected group, IL-10(80.7±8.8)ng/L, TNF-ɑ(28.7±5.5)ng/L in infected group were significantly lower than those in the uninfected group (all P values <0.05). At 24 hours after onset, the proportion of CD 4+ T lymphocytes in the infected group was significantly higher than that in the uninfected group [(45.3±5.5)% vs (32.3±5.2)%], and the proportion of CD 8+ T lymphocytes was significantly lower than that in the uninfected group [(20.6±4.2)% vs (29.7±4.8)%]; at 30 days after onset, the proportion of CD 4+ T lymphocytes in the infected group was significantly lower than that in the uninfected group [(21.6±3.7)% vs (40.2±2.5)%], and the proportion of CD 8+ T lymphocytes was significantly higher in the uninfected group [(48.4±4.1)% vs (32.8±4.0)%]; and all the differences were statistically significant (all P <0.05). Conclusions:The strains of concurrent infection with SAP were mainly gram-negative bacteria. Biliary causes, total parenteral nutrition time, surgical intervention and respiratory mechanical ventilation were all risk factors for concurrent infection with SAP. SAP infection may cause excessive inflammatory response and lead to immune cell damage, which should be paid attention to in clinical treatment.

Objective:To assess the feasibility of delayed-enhancement MRI in contouring the lumpectomy cavity (LC) for patients with invisible seroma or a low cavity visualization score (CVS≤2) in the excision cavity after breast-conserving surgery (BCS).Methods:Twenty-six patients with stage T 1-2N 0M 0 who underwent prone radiotherapy after BCS were recruited. The LC delineated on CT simulation images was denoted as LC CT. The LCs delineated on T 2WI, as well as on different delayed phases (2-, 5-and 10-minute) of delayed-enhancement T 1WI were defined as LC T2, LC 2T1, LC 5T1 and LC 10T1, respectively. Subsequently, the volumes and locations of the LCs were compared between CT simulation images and different sequences of MR simulation images using deformable image registration. Results:The volumes of LC T2, LC 2T1, LC 5T1 and LC 10T1 were all larger than that of LC CT. A statistical significance was found between the volume of LC CT and those of LC 2T1 or LC 5T1, respectively (both P<0.05). The conformal index (CI), degree of inclusion (DI), dice similarity coefficient (DSC) and the distance between the center of mass of the targets (COM) of LC CT-LC 10T1 were better than those of LC CT-LC T2, LC CT-LC 2T1 and LC CT-LC 5T1, however, there was no statistical difference among them (all P>0.05). Conclusions:It is feasible to delineate the LC based on prone delayed-enhancement MR simulation images in patients with low CVS after BCS. Meanwhile, the LCs derived from prone delayed-enhancement T 1WI of 10-minute are the most similar with those derived from prone CT simulation scans using titanium clips, regardless of the volumes and locations of LCs.

Objective To explore the role of forkhead box F2 (FoxF2) in the extracellular matrix of trabecular meshwork.Methods The cultured human trabecular meshwork cells (HTMCs) were divided into Scramble control group and FoxF2 small hairpin RNA (shRNA) group,then FoxF2 shRNA,the FoxF2 restructuring interference carrier was built,HTMCs were infected with FoxF2 shRNA lentivirus.Western blot assay was used to detect the expression of FoxF2 protein and extracellular matrix.Furthermore,Transwell counting experiment was used to analyze the migration ability of HTMCs.Results The cultured HTMCs grew well and showed a long spindle shape.The growth status of HTMCs was well,and their morphological characteristics were consistent with the HTMCs in vivo.The relative expression level of FoxF2 protein in the FoxF2 shRNA group was lower than that in the Scramble control group,with a significant difference between them (0.72 ± 0.02 vs.1.27 ± 0.05;t =16.68,P ＜ 0.01).The relative expression level of fibronectin (FN),collagen type Ⅰ (COL Ⅰ) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were 0.43±0.03,0.53 ±0.08 and O.86±0.15 in the FoxF2 shRNA group,and 0.87±0.04,1.66±0.06 and 1.73 ±0.13 in the Scramble control group,respectively,the relative expression levels of FN,COL Ⅰ and α-SMA in the FoxF2 shRNA group were significantly lower than those in the Scramble control group (t =15.08,18.81,7.50,all at P＜0.01).The migration number of HTMCs in the FoxF2 shRNA group was significantly lower than that in the Scramble control group (117.30±11.41 vs.251.00±10.37;t =8.72,P＜0.01).Conclusions The FoxF2 shRNA lentivirus are successfully constructed,which can decrease the expression of FoxF2 in HTMCs.Low expression of FoxF2 can reduce the expression level of extracellular matrix protein in HTMCs and inhibit the migration ability of HTMCs.

Objective To investigate the effect of the overexpression of Krüppel-like factor 6 (KLF6)towards the apoptosis of human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) induced by ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation.Methods The eukaryotic expression plasmid pEGFP-C2-KLF6 which was successfully constructed were transfected into HLECs,followed by the detection of KLF6 level by using Western blot,and then companied by UVB stimulation.Cell viability was measured by methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay.The morphology of the cells was observed by using hematoxylin-eosin staining method.The cell damage was examined by Live/Dead staining.The apoptotic markers bax and bcl-2 were detected by Western blot.Quantitative apoptotic levels were measured with the apoptosis detection kit;the expression level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was analyzed by DCFH-DA probe.Results The cell viability of the 0.5 μg transfection group and the 1.0 μg transfection group was significantly lower than that of the blank vector control group (both at P＜0.05).In high KLF6 expression group,the cells were sparse,long and narrow in size and shape,and the cytoplasm was concentrated.The cells in the normal control group were green living cells with stable morphology and even quantity.The number of red dead cells was increased significantly in the KLF6 highexpression group.After UVB irradiation,the apoptosis value,relative bax expression,bax/bcl-2 ratio and ROS expression of HLECs cells in the KLF6 high-expression group were all higher than those in the blank vector control group,with statistically significant differences between them (all at P＜0.05).Conclusions Overexpression of KLF6 can exacerbate apoptosis of HLECs caused by UVB,by regulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins and promoting the accumulation of ROS in the endoplasmic reticulum.Down-regulation of KLF6 expression by biological tools may play a protective role on LECs to a certain extent.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy,toxicity,and prognostic factors of nab-paclitaxel as first-line treatment for elderly patients with advanced lung squamous carcinoma.Methods:This was a prospective study.Forty patients enrolled in the Second Affili-ated Hospital of Fujian Medical University were treated with nab-paclitaxel(260 mg/m2,ivggt d1),and a period of three weeks was considered as one session.The effects were evaluated after two cycles.Results:All 40 patients were followed up and appraised.Two patients achieved complete remission,13 achieved partial remission,13 achieved stable disease,and 12 achieved progressive disease. The objective response rate was 37.5% and the disease control rate was 70.0%.The progression-free survival(PFS),median overall sur-vival,and 1-year survival rate was 6.3 months,12.6 months,and 62.5%,respectively.The main hematologic toxicities were neutrope-nia and anemia,and the main non-hematologic adverse events were fatigue,constipation,nausea,vomiting,muscle aches,and hear-ing loss.Most patients could tolerate these toxic reactions.Moreover,Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that the neoplasm stage,Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status,response rate,and PFS were independent factors for the survival rate (P<0.05),while age was not related to patient prognosis(P>0.05).Conclusions:Nab-paclitaxel as single drug and first-line therapy for elderly patients with advanced lung squamous carcinoma is effective and safe.

Objective To observe the effect ofpolypyramidine tract binding protein-associated splicing factor (PSF) on hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) induced apoptosis of retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells in vitro.Methods RPE cells were cultured and divided into a normal group,normal+H2O2 group,Vec+H2O2 group,PSF+H2O2 group according to the experimental design.Overexpression of PSF in RPE cells were achieved by pEGFP-PSF plasmid transient transfection into RPE cells,then RPE cells were exposed to H2O2.The morphological changes were observed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and Live/Dead staining while the survival rate of cells was detected by MTT assay.The effect of PSF on H2O2-induced RPE apoptosis was analyzed by Cell Death Detection ELISA kit.Meanwhile,intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was detected by using DCFH-DA method.Results Overexpression of PSF could effectively alleviate the morphological changes induced by H2O2 stimulation shown by HE staining,and effectively reduce dead cells number shown by Live/Dead staining.After H2O2 stimulation,the survival rate,apoptosis rate and ROS production level in PSF overexpression group were 0.68± 0.12,0.44± 0.08 and 18 616± 3 382.54 respectively,showing significant difference in comparison with the vector plasmid group and normal group (P＜0.05).Conclusion PSF overexpression plays a protective role in H2O2-induced apoptosis by inhibiting the production of ROS in RPE cells.

Objective To observe RNA-Seq analysis ofgene expression profiling in retinal vascular endothelial cells after anti-vascular endothecial growth factor (VEGF) treatment.Methods Retinal vascular endothelial cells were cultured in vitro,and the logarithmic growth phase cells were used for experiments.The cells were divided into the control group and high glucose group.The cells of two groups were cultured for 5 hours with 5,25 mmol/L glucose,respectively.And then,whole transcriptome sequencing approach was applied to the above two groups of cells through RNA-Seq.Now with biological big data obtained as a basis,to analyze the differentially expressed genes (DEGs).And through enrichment analysis to explain the differential functions of DEGs and their signal pathways.Results The gene expression profiles of the two groups of cells were obtained.Through analysis,449 DEGs were found,including 297 upregulated and 152 downregulated ones.The functions of DEGs were influenced by regulations over molecular biological process,cellular energy metabolism and protein synthesis,etc.Among these genes,ITGB 1BP2,NCF 1 and UNC5C were related to production of inflammation;AKR1C4,ATP 1A3,CHST5,LCTL were related to energy metabolism of cells;DAB 1 and PRSS55 were related to protein synthesis;SMAD9 and BMP4 were related to the metabolism of extracellular matrix.GO enrichment analysis showed that DEGs mainly act in three ways:regulating biological behavior,organizing cellular component and performing molecular function,which were mainly concentrated in the system generation of biological process part and regulation of multicellular organisms.Pathway enrichment analysis showed that gene expressions of the two cell groups were differentiated in transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway,complement pathway and amino acid metabolism-related pathways have also been affected,such as tryptophan,serine and cyanide.Among them,leukocyte inhibitory factor 9 and bone morphogenetic protein 4 play a role through the TGF-β signaling pathway.Conclusions High glucose affects the function of retinal vascular endothelial cells by destroying transmembrane conduction of retinal vascular endothelial cells,metabolism of extracellular matrix,and transcription and translation of proteins.