BACKGROUND: Meningeal metastasis (MM) is a form of malignant metastasis where tumor cells spread from the primary site to the pia mater, dura mater, arachnoid, subarachnoid space, and other cerebrospinal fluid compartments. Lung cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor types with MM. MM not only signifies that the lung cancer has progressed to an advanced stage but also leads to a range of severe clinical symptoms due to meningeal involvement. Currently, the risk factors associated with the development of MM are not fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the risk factors for MM in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) who underwent non-surgical interventions, in order to identify LUAD patients at high risk for MM. METHODS: This retrospective study analyzed the clinical data of patients diagnosed with LUAD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2020 to July 2024. Missing data were imputed using multiple imputation methods, and risk factors were identified through LASSO, univariate, and multivariate Logistic regression analyses. RESULTS: A total of 170 patients with LUAD were included in this study and divided into two groups: 87 patients with MM and 83 patients without MM. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses revealed that younger age at diagnosis (P=0.004), presence of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) L858R gene mutation (P=0.008), and concurrent liver metastasis at baseline (P=0.004) were independent risk factors for developing MM in LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. Conversely, higher baseline globulin levels (P=0.039) and the presence of the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene mutation (P=0.040) were associated with a reduced risk of MM development. CONCLUSIONS Age at diagnosis, EGFR L858R mutation status, ALK gene mutation status, concurrent liver metastasis, globulin levels at baseline were significantly associated with the risk of developing MM in patients with LUAD patients who did not undergo surgical intervention. For patients diagnosed at a younger age, carrying the EGFR L858R mutation, or presenting with baseline liver metastasis, early implementation of tertiary prevention strategies for MM is crucial. Regular monitoring of MM status should be conducted in these high-risk groups.
Humans ; Male ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/therapy* ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Risk Factors ; Lung Neoplasms/therapy* ; Retrospective Studies ; Aged ; Meningeal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Adult

ObjectiveTo study the mechanism by which Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills （STDP） ameliorate the dysfunction of coronary microvascular endothelial cells in the rat model of heart failure. MethodsThe heart failure model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in rats， which were then allocated into sham， model， STDP， and telmisartan （TLM） groups and treated for 21 days. The heart function was detected by echocardiography， and the levels of myocardial injury markers， nitric oxide （NO）， endothelin-1 （ET1）， and angiotensinⅡ （AngⅡ） were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein levels of endothelial nitric oxide synthase （eNOS） and inducible nitric oxide synthase （iNOS） were determined by Western blot. The model of cardiac microvascular endothelial cell injury was established by AngⅡ induction and then treated with the STDP-containing serum （5%， 10%， and 20%） for 24 h. The levels of NO and ET1 were measured by ELISA. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of eNOS， iNOS， angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 （ACE2）， and angiotensinⅡ receptor 2 （AT2）. MLN-4760， an ACE2 inhibitor， was used to explore the mechanism underpinning the regulatory effect of STDP on the ACE2-AT2/MAS pathway. ResultsCompared with the sham group， the model group showed decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction （LVEF） and left ventricular fractional shortening （LVFS） （P<0.05）， a decline in serum NO level， elevations in serum AngⅡ and ET1 levels， a reduction in p-eNOS/eNOS ratio， and up-regulation in iNOS expression （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， STDP increased LVEF， LVFS， and cardiac output （P<0.05）， raised the level of NO and lowered the levels of AngⅡ and ET1 in the serum （P<0.05）， increased the p-eNOS/eNOS value， and inhibited iNOS expression （P<0.05）. Compared with the AngⅡ group， STDP increased the NO content and decreased the ET1 content in endothelial cells （P<0.05）， increased the p-eNOS/eNOS ratio， and inhibited the iNOS expression （P<0.05）. The ACE2 inhibitor MLN-4760 reversed the regulatory effects of STDP on p-eNOS， eNOS， and iNOS. ConclusionSTDP improves the cardiac function in the rat model of heart failure， enhances the synthesis and release of NO in cardiac microvascular endothelial cells， reduces AngⅡ and ET1 levels， and regulates the expression of p-eNOS and eNOS， thereby ameliorating the dysfunction of microvascular endothelial cells in heart failure. This mechanism is related to the upregulation of the expression of proteins in the ACE2-AT2/MAS pathway.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of trans-breast endoscopic approach for lateral neck dissection (LND) in the treatment of thyroid cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients who underwent trans-breast endoscopic LND at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from Dec. 2023 to Aug. 2024. Demographic characteristics, operative duration, postoperative complications, and pathological results were analyzed, with data presented using descriptive statistics.Results:The cohort included 7 males and 73 females, with a mean age of (30.0 ± 6.7) years. The mean diameter of thyroid cancer lesion was (1.3 ± 0.7) cm. The average operative duration was (4.6 ± 1.5) hours, with a 0.0% (0/80) rate of conversion to open surgery. Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) "loss of signal" occurred in 6.3% (5/80) of cases. The mean hospital stay was (2.3 ± 1.0) days. Postoperative complications included transient hoarseness in 3.8% (3/80) and transient hypoparathyroidism in 10.0% (8/80), with no cases of permanent hoarseness or hypoparathyroidism. The mean total number of dissected lymph nodes was 47.8 ± 18.6, with 8.3 ± 6.2 metastatic lymph nodes. The incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage was 3.8% (3/80), and no cases of incision infection were observed. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was 4.2 ± 0.4. The mean follow-up duration was 10.3 months, at 3-month follow-up, the cosmetic satisfaction score was 4.5 ± 0.4.Conclusions:The trans-breast endoscopic approach for LND is safe and effective, with high patient cosmetic satisfaction. With appropriate patient selection, it can be considered a viable surgical option for lateral neck dissection in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Objective To investigate the effects of imatinib mesylate and sunitinib malate on the migration and invasion of gastroin-testinal stromal tumor(GIST)cells.Methods After identifying primary-cultured GIST cells,their morphology was characterized using atomic force microscopy(AFM).Changes in the expression of genes related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were analyzed using quan-titative real-time PCR following drug treatments.Changes in the binding of related molecules were detected using AFM,and alterations in cell migration,invasive ability,and apoptosis were determined using scratch assay,Transwell assay,and flow cytometry,respectively.Results AFM imaging showed that pseudopods were flatly spread around the GIST cells,indicating characteristics consistent with easy metastasis.Administration of either imatinib or sunitinib significantly reduced the expression of genes related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,the density of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)on the surface of GIST cells,and molecular binding force with EGF.These changes were more pronounced with the combination treatment.Correspondingly,the invasive and migratory abilities of GIST cells were significantly reduced when either drug was administered alone and the inhibitory effect was more significant when the drugs were combined.Conclusion Both imatinib and sunitinib can significantly inhibit the expression of genes related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,reduce the density of EGFR on the surface of GIST cells,and attenuate their molecular binding to EGF,thereby reducing the migration and invasion of GIST cells.However,the combination of these two drugs has a more significant effect.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of trans-breast endoscopic approach for lateral neck dissection (LND) in the treatment of thyroid cancer.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 80 patients who underwent trans-breast endoscopic LND at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine from Dec. 2023 to Aug. 2024. Demographic characteristics, operative duration, postoperative complications, and pathological results were analyzed, with data presented using descriptive statistics.Results:The cohort included 7 males and 73 females, with a mean age of (30.0 ± 6.7) years. The mean diameter of thyroid cancer lesion was (1.3 ± 0.7) cm. The average operative duration was (4.6 ± 1.5) hours, with a 0.0% (0/80) rate of conversion to open surgery. Intraoperative recurrent laryngeal nerve (RLN) "loss of signal" occurred in 6.3% (5/80) of cases. The mean hospital stay was (2.3 ± 1.0) days. Postoperative complications included transient hoarseness in 3.8% (3/80) and transient hypoparathyroidism in 10.0% (8/80), with no cases of permanent hoarseness or hypoparathyroidism. The mean total number of dissected lymph nodes was 47.8 ± 18.6, with 8.3 ± 6.2 metastatic lymph nodes. The incidence of postoperative lymphatic leakage was 3.8% (3/80), and no cases of incision infection were observed. The mean visual analog scale (VAS) score for pain was 4.2 ± 0.4. The mean follow-up duration was 10.3 months, at 3-month follow-up, the cosmetic satisfaction score was 4.5 ± 0.4.Conclusions:The trans-breast endoscopic approach for LND is safe and effective, with high patient cosmetic satisfaction. With appropriate patient selection, it can be considered a viable surgical option for lateral neck dissection in the treatment of thyroid cancer.

Objective To investigate the effects of imatinib mesylate and sunitinib malate on the migration and invasion of gastroin-testinal stromal tumor(GIST)cells.Methods After identifying primary-cultured GIST cells,their morphology was characterized using atomic force microscopy(AFM).Changes in the expression of genes related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway were analyzed using quan-titative real-time PCR following drug treatments.Changes in the binding of related molecules were detected using AFM,and alterations in cell migration,invasive ability,and apoptosis were determined using scratch assay,Transwell assay,and flow cytometry,respectively.Results AFM imaging showed that pseudopods were flatly spread around the GIST cells,indicating characteristics consistent with easy metastasis.Administration of either imatinib or sunitinib significantly reduced the expression of genes related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,the density of epidermal growth factor receptor(EGFR)on the surface of GIST cells,and molecular binding force with EGF.These changes were more pronounced with the combination treatment.Correspondingly,the invasive and migratory abilities of GIST cells were significantly reduced when either drug was administered alone and the inhibitory effect was more significant when the drugs were combined.Conclusion Both imatinib and sunitinib can significantly inhibit the expression of genes related to the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway,reduce the density of EGFR on the surface of GIST cells,and attenuate their molecular binding to EGF,thereby reducing the migration and invasion of GIST cells.However,the combination of these two drugs has a more significant effect.

Objective To determine the applicable conditions and the film reading time of Gafchromic EBT3 film dosimeter through the research and test of the measurement performance such as blackening time,dosimetry range,dosimetry resolution and dose response non-uniformity.Methods Three Gafchromic films were exposure to different doses,and the optical densities were read at different moments after irradiation for analyzing and confirming the effects of blackening time on dose measurement and different doses on blackening time.The absorbed dose-optical density curve was used to determine Gafchromic film dosimetry range.The Gafchromic film dosimetry resolution was obtained by calculating the average optical densities of two groups with a dose difference of 0.01 Gy.The dose response non-uniformity of Gafchromic film was evaluated by irradiating the whole film and the cutting film.Results Relative to the optical density at the termination moment of irradiation,the optical density changes at 4 h were 1.69%(2 Gy),2.53%(4 Gy)and 2.13%(8 Gy);the changes at 24 h were 2.91%(2 Gy),3.31%(4 Gy)and 3.20%(8 Gy);and the changes at 48 h were 2.91%(2 Gy),3.31%(4 Gy)and 3.96%(8 Gy).The optical density given by Gafchromic film dosimeter within 0.1 to 10.0 Gy had a linear relationship with the absorbed dose,while the optical density of Gafchromic film dosimeter within 10.0 to 30.0 Gy had a nonlinear relationship with the absorbed dose,but there was still a one-to-one correspondence.The difference of the average optical densities of two groups was 0.004 when the inter-group dose difference was 0.01 Gy.The non-uniformity was 2.2%for the whole film and 2.8%for the cutting film.Conclusion Gafchromic EBT3 film reading time can be set at 24 h after irradiation,and the dose is independent of blackening time.Gafchromic film dosimeter can be used for point dosimetry and dose distribution measurement within 0.1 to 10.0 Gy,and point dosimetry within 10.0 to 30.0 Gy.The dosimetry resolution of the Gafchromic film dosimeter is better than 0.01 Gy.To avoid the effect of scattered rays,the cutting film is recommended for testing dose response non-uniformity.

Objective:This study aimed to explore the ″special″ review points and ethical strategies in the ethical review of medical research involving children, providing references for the medical research on this group.Methods:Combining the physical and mental characteristics of children, and comparing clinical research ethics review points, this study discussed the key aspects to be concerned about in the ethical review of medical research involving children, and proposed " special protection" strategies to be implemented.Results:Ethics committees should fully recognize the uniqueness of child development. The definition of minimal risk in the child population needs to be fully understood at the risk-benefit assessment stage, to develop ethical responses to the risk-benefit ratios in different situations, and to avoid special risks. Informed consent procedures should adhere to basic principles while respecting dissenting voices by designing multiple versions of informed consent for research, and developing informed consent countermeasures for vulnerable children groups.Conclusions:Medical research involving children should follow more rigorous and scientific procedures to protect rights, standardize clinical research in pediatric healthcare, and promote the healthy development of pediatric health endeavors.

Objective To compare the clinical effects of 25G+and 27G+pars plana vitrectomy(PPV)for vitreous hemorrhage.Methods Fifty patients(50 eyes)with vitreous hemorrhage treated in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University from December 2019 to August 2022 were selected as the research subjects.The patients were divided into a 25G+group and a 27G+group according to different surgical methods.Patients in the 25G+group underwent 25G+PPV treatment,and patients in the 27G+group underwent 27G+PPV treatment.The operation time and the incidence of intraoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Before surgery and 3 months after surgery,the visual acuity of patients in the 2 groups was examined by using the standard visual acuity chart of early treatment of diabetic retinopathy study(ETDRS)group,and the intraocular pressure of patients in the 2 groups was measured by using the Callon non-contact tonometer.Postoperative complications and subconjunctival hemorrhage scope of patients in the 2 groups were compared.Results There were no significant differences in gender,age,preoperative visual acuity and intraocular pressure of patients between the 25 G+group and the 27G+group(P＜0.05).The operation time of patients in the 25G+group was significantly shorter than that in the 27G+group(P＜0.05).At 1 day after surgery,the subconjunctival hemorrhage scope of patients in the 27G+group was significantly smaller than that in the 25 G+group(P＜0.05).Patients in both the 25 G+and 27 G+groups had significantly better ETDRS visual acuity at 1 day,1 week,1 month and 3 months after surgery compared with before surgery(P＜0.05).There was no statistically significant differencein the ETDRS visual acuity of patients between the two groups at 1 day,1 week,1 month and 3 months after surgery(P＞0.05).The intraocular pressure of patients in the 25G+group was significantly lower than that in the 27 G+group at 1 day after surgery(P＜0.05).There was no significant difference in intraocular pressure of patients between the 25G+group and the 27G+group at 1 week,1 month and 3 months after surgery(P＞0.05).At 1 day after surgery,transient hypotonia was observed in 3 patients in the 25 G+group,while no hypotonia was observed in the 27 G+group.In the 25G+group,13 eyes(52.0％)underwent incision suture due to incision seepage when the scleral puncture cannulae were removed,while in the 27G+group,no scleral incision suture was performed.No iatrogenic injury occurred during the operation in both groups.During the 3-month follow-up,no intraocular infection or choroidal detachment was found in both groups.Conclusion Both 25G+PPV and 27G+PPV can achieve better clinical efficacy in treating vitreous hemorrhage,and the operation is safe and reliable.Compared with 25G+PPV,27G+PPV can significantly reduce subconjunctival hemorrhage and edema and stabilize intraocular pressure of patients.

Objective:To investigate the effect of methylene blue (MB) on motor dysfunction and its mechanism in 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)-induced Parkinson's disease (PD) mouse models.Methods:Forty healthy male C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control group, model group, low-dose treatment group and medium-dose treatment group ( n=10); PD mouse models were established by intraperitoneal injection of 25 mg/kg/d MPTP for a consecutive 7 d; low-dose treatment group and medium-dose treatment group were pretreated intraperitoneally with MB 2 mg/kg/d or MB 10 mg/kg/d for a consecutive 3 d, respectively; and then, MPTP 25 mg/kg/d+MB 2 mg/kg/d or MPTP 25 mg/kg/d+MB 10 mg/kg/d were injected intraperitoneally into the low-dose treatment group or medium-dose treatment group for a consecutive 7 d (MPTP and MB were given at 12 h of interval). Eight d after modeling, open field experiment, pole climbing experiment and rod rotating experiment were carried out to evaluate the spontaneous movement, coordination, endurance and motor ability. And then, the mice were sacrificed; immunofluorescent staining was used to observe tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) expression in the substantia nigra; Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of TH, α-synuclein, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain, leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), cleaved-Caspase-1 and Gasdermin D (GSDMD) in the striatum and substantia nigra of mice. Contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-18 in the substantia nigra and striatum of mice were detected by ELISA. Results:Compared with the control group, the model group had shortened residence time in rod rotating, prolonged descent time in rod climbing, reduced total movement distance in open field, decreased number of TH-positive cells in the substania nigra, decreased TH protein levels in the substania nigra and striatum, and increased NLRP3, ASC, cleaved-Caspase-1, GSDMD and GSDMD-N protein levels in the substania nigra and striatum, and increased TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 contents in the substania nigra and striatum, with significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with the model group, low-dose treatment group and medium-dose treatment group had prolonged residence time in rod rotating, shortened descent time in rod climbing, increased total movement distance in open field, increased number of TH-positive cells in the substania nigra, and increased TH protein levels in the substania nigra and striatum, decreased NLRP3, ASC, and cleaved-Caspase-1 levels in the substania nigra and striatum, and decreased TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-18 contents in the substania nigra and striatum, with significant differences ( P<0.05). No statistical differences in the above indexes were noted between the low-dose treatment group and medium-dose treatment group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Low-/medium-dose MB can ameliorate motor dysfunction in PD mouse models, whose mechanism may be related to downregulate NLRP3 inflammasome and inhibit neuroinflammatory response to reduce dopaminergic neuron pyroptosis.