BACKGROUND:Successful uterine spiral artery remodeling is necessary for normal pregnancy,in which vascular smooth muscle cells are important cells.Interferon-γ is associated with the loss of vascular smooth muscle cells during early pregnancy.However,the specific mechanism is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of interferon-γ on migration and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells through NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway. METHODS:Human vascular smooth muscle cells were divided into control group and interferon-γ group.The control group was cultured normally,and the interferon-γ group was treated with 10 ng/mL interferon-γ for 24 hours.The migration ability of vascular smooth muscle cells was detected by Transwell assay.The apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells was detected by TUNEL assay and flow cytometry.The mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 were detected by qPCR.Western blot assay was utilized to detect NLRP3,caspase-1,and cleaved N-terminal GSDMD protein expression levels. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the control group,the migration ability and apoptosis rate of vascular smooth muscle cells in interferon-γ group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the mRNA expression levels of NLRP3 and caspase-1 in vascular smooth muscle cells of interferon-γ group were significantly increased(P<0.05).Compared with control group,the expression levels of NLRP3,caspase-1,and cleaved N-terminal GSDMD protein in vascular smooth muscle cells in the interferon-γ group were significantly increased(P<0.05).The results suggest that interferon-γ may regulate the migration and apoptosis of vascular smooth muscle cells through NLRP3/caspase-1/GSDMD pyroptosis pathway.

Objective To investigatethe relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and clinicopathological characteristics, p53 expression, and survival of Chinese patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 3882 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, 970 matched patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 970 matched patients with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma were included to compare the incidence of GERD symptoms. Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of GERD symptoms. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics and p53 expression between the two groups were compared by chi-square test, and the differences in survival between the two groups were compared by landmark analysis. Results The incidence of GERD symptoms increased successively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. In patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the proportions of male, less than 65 years old, lower thoracic tumors, tumors without squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiation, early tumors (stage 0-I), and p53-positive tumors in the group with GERD symptoms were higher than those in the group without GERD symptoms; moreover, the long-term survival (≥15 years) was better. Conclusion GERD symptom is an important clinical sign of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is closely related to specific clinicopathological characteristics, p53 overexpression, and good long-term prognosis.

A 72-year-old male patient with right lung squamous cell carcinoma treated with 1 cycle of pembrolizumab combination chemotherapy and pembrolizumab 200 mg monotherapy.After 20 days of treatment,a small amount of erythema appeared around the mouth,head,neck,chest and back,accompanied by itching.Then the lesions aggravated progressively,spreading to the head,limbs,buttocks and perianal area,with blisters and epidermal detachment and necrosis,and the lesions involved＞70％of the body surface area,and the pain was obvious.After multidisciplinary consultation,toxic epidermal necrolysis(TEN)was considered.The patient's lesions gradually improved and regressed after treatment with hormones,adjunctive therapy with intravenous immunoglobulin,wound care,infection prevention and nutritional support.TEN adverse reactions were highly likely to be associated with pembrolizumab.This paper reviewed the literature on the cases of TEN induced by pembrolizumab.It analyzed the clinical characteristics and drug treatment strategies of TEN induced by pembrolizumab,to improve clinical staff's ability to recognize and manage immunosuppressant-related skin toxicity and improve the prognosis of tumor patients.

Objective:To assess the prognostic impact of frailty on elderly inpatients with heart failure.Methods:This prospective cohort study enrolled 121 in elderly patients with heart failure from Beijing Hospital, the General Hospital of the People's Liberation Army, and Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital between September 2018 and April 2019.Patients were assessed for frailty using the Fried frailty phenotype and categorized into frail and non-frail groups.Follow-ups were conducted at 3-, 6-, and 12-months post-enrollment through clinic visits or phone calls to record adverse events.Composite endpoints include all-cause mortality and rehospitalization duo to deterioration of heart failure.Results:The study included 121 patients with an average age of 78.0±7.4 years, of whom 71(58.7%)were male and 57(47.1%)were classified as frail.Compared to the non-frail group, the frail group had lower estimated glomerular filtration rates[49.5±20.7 ml/(min·1.73m 2) vs.(64.0±27.1)ml/(min·1.73m 2)], lower scores in Basic Activities of Daily Living[5.0(4.0, 6.0) vs.6.0(5.0, 6.0)], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living[2.0(1.3, 7.8) vs.7.0(5.0, 8.0)], and Mini-Mental State Examination[26.0(16.0, 28.0) vs.27.0(22.3, 29.0)], all P<0.05.They also experienced longer hospital stays[10.5(6.0, 18.8)days vs.8.0(6.0, 11.8)days, P=0.008].During the follow-up period, the incidence of composite endpoint events was significantly higher in the frail group(43.9% vs.25.0%, P=0.029).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis demonstrated that the one-year incidence of composite endpoint events was significantly higher in the frail group( P=0.013).Multivariable Cox regression analysisindicated that frailty was an independent risk factor for composite endpoint events( HR=2.201, 95% CI: 1.089-4.447, P=0.028). Conclusions:Frailty is an independent risk factor for poor outcomes in elderly hospitalized patients with heart failure and should be considered a crucial factor in clinical assessment and treatment strategies.

Objective:To explore the correlation between the initial estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and all-cause mortality in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients undergoing urgent-start peritoneal dialysis (USPD).Methods:The clinical data of 380 ESRD patients undergoing USPD from January 2013 to June 2023 in Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University were retrospective analyzed. According to the median initial eGFR of 6.25 ml/(min·1.73 m 2), the patients were divided into low eGFR group with eGFR<6.25 ml/(min·1.73 m 2) and high eGFR group with eGFR ≥6.25 ml/(min·1.73 m 2), with 190 patients in each group. The baseline characteristics and hematological indexes within 48 h before USPD were compared between the two groups. The patients were followed up until death or until June 30, 2023, and all-cause mortality was recorded. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to evaluate the accumulated survival rate. Multivariate Cox regression analyses were used to identify the independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in ESRD patients undergoing USPD, with subgroup analyses based on age, gender and diabetes. Results:The median follow-up time was 40.7 (21.7, 59.0) months, 112 patients died, with a total mortality rate of 29.5% (112/380). The blood potassium, blood phosphorus, urea nitrogen, uric acid, parathyroid hormone and dialysis age in high eGFR group were significantly lower than those in low eGFR group: (4.1 ± 0.7) mmol/L vs. (4.5 ± 0.8) mmol/L, (1.6 ± 0.4) mmol/L vs. (1.9 ± 0.6) mmol/L, (21.8 ± 7.2) mmol/L vs. (29.7 ± 11.0) mmol/L, (359.8 ± 99.4) μmol/L vs. (429.4 ± 116.9) μmol/L, 242.2 (151.5, 398.3) ng/L vs. 281.7 (189.1, 487.2) ng/L and 36.1 (18.8, 54.0) months vs. 43.7 (28.8, 68.2) months, the diabetes rate, hemoglobin, platelet count, blood chloride, fasting blood glucose and mortality rate were significantly higher than those in low eGFR group: 20.0% (38/190) vs. 11.6% (22/190), (100.6 ± 18.2) g/L vs. (96.1 ± 20.0) g/L, (207.7 ± 72.6) × 10 9/L vs. (192.4 ± 65.6) × 10 9/L, (100.6 ± 4.1) mmol/L vs. (99.4 ± 4.7) mmol/L, (5.9 ± 2.3) mmol/L vs. (5.5 ± 1.9) mmol/L and 34.2% (65/190) vs. 24.7% (47/190), and there were statistical differences ( P<0.01 or< 0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis result showed that the all-cause mortality rate in high eGFR group was significantly higher than that in low eGFR group, and there was statistical difference (log-rank χ2 = 6.64, P<0.01). After adjusting for gender, age and confounding factors, multivariate Cox regression analysis result showed that elevated eGFR, increased mean corpuscular volume and elevated fasting blood glucose were independent risk factors for all-cause mortality in ESRD patients undergoing USPD ( HR = 1.14, 1.04 and 1.15; 95% CI 1.04 to 1.26, 1.01 to 1.08 and 1.03 to 1.29; P<0.01 or<0.05), while female was an independent protective factor ( HR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.38 to 0.92, P<0.05). Subgroup analysis result showed a consistent effect of eGFR on mortality in ESRD patients undergoing USPD. Conclusions:Higher initial eGFR in ESRD patients undergoing USPD is associated with an increased risk of all-cause mortality.

Objective To investigate the clinical characteristics of 16 patients with connective tissue diseases associated interstitial lung disease(CTD-ILD)complicated with lung cancer,and to improve the cognition of the disease.Methods Clinical data of 16 patients diagnosed as CTD-ILD associated with lung cancer,who were admitted to our center,were retrospectively analyzed,including general conditions,clinical characteristics,auxiliary examinations,pathological classification of lung cancer,TNM type,treatment and clinical outcome.Results Among the 16 CTD-ILD patients with lung cancer,there were 12 males and 4 females.The mean age at diagnosis of CTD-ILD was(64.7±9.2)years,and the mean age at diagnosis of lung cancer was(66.6±8.7)years.Lung occupying space on imaging(62.5%)was the most common initial symptom in lung cancer patients,followed by cough and phlegm(12.5%)and chest pain(12.5%).Of patients with lung cancer,adenocarcinoma(8 cases,50.0%)was the most common pathological type,followed by small cell lung cancer(4 cases,25.0%).The diagnosis time of CTD-ILD was earlier than that of lung cancer in 8 cases(50.0%),with a median time of 36.0(11.3,57.0)months,followed by 7 cases(43.8%)of CTD-ILD diagnosed with lung cancer at the same time.The diagnosis time of lung cancer was earlier than that of CTD-ILD in 1 case(6.3%).The most common TNM stage for lung cancer was stage Ⅳ(9 cases,56.25%).Sixteen patients were followed up from 1 to 64 months,with a median of 8.5(1.5,14.3)months.Eleven patients(68.8%)died,including 8 patients(72.7%)died of infection and 3 patients(27.3%)died of end-stage lung cancer.Conclusion For CTD-ILD patients,close follow-up and regular imaging monitoring are necessary to help early detection of lung cancer and improve prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics and treatment strategies of patients with connective tissue disease (CTD) related lymphatic duct obstruction.Methods:The clinical data, laboratory tests results, imaging data, and treatment of CTD patients associated with lymphatic vessel obstruction were retrospectively collected from January 2008 to December 2020 at Beijing Shijitan Hospital. Lymphatic duct obstruction was confirmed by thoracic duct ultrasound or thoracic duct MRI or lymphoscintigraphy or direct lymphangiography. SLE and RA patients were matched with gender and age in a 1∶2 ratio, and SLE and RA patients without lymphatic reflux disorder admitted at the same time were randomly selected as the control group. When comparing the data between the two groups, t-test or rank sum test was used to test continuous variables, and chi-square test or Fisher′s exact probability method was used to test categorical variables. Results:Forty-four patients with CTD complicated with thoracic duct obstruction were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 7∶37, including 14 cases of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), 21 cases of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), 8 cases of primary Sjogren's syndrome (pSS), and 1 case of systemic sclerosis (SSc). The onset age of CTD ranged from 14 to 68 years, the mean age was (37±15) years and the median duration of CTD was 66 (range 1~480) months. The median age at the onset of lymphatic duct obstruction such as limb edema or thoracoabdominal effusion was (42±17) years, and the median duration of lymphatic duct obstruction symptoms was 12 (range 3~480) months. 59%(26/44) of patients were diagnosed with CTD followed by the diagnosis of thoracic duct obstruction, and 41%(18/44) of patients had lymphatic duct obstruction symptoms as the initial presentation of CTD. Thoracic duct-related imaging was performed in 44 patients and showed thoracic duct obstruction (64%, 28/44), thoracic duct malformation or variation (36%, 16/44), limb lymphatic reflux disorder (34%, 15/44), and small bowel lymphatic duct dilatation or intestinal protein loss (18%, 8/44), respectively. Compared with the control group, among these patients, patients with RA complicated with lymphatic involvement had a younger onset age [(34±14)years old vs. (44±13)years old, t=-2.15, P=0.037)] and longer RA course [(17±11)months vs. (7±7)months, t=3.38, P=0.002] and presented with limb swelling (12/14). While compared with the control group, SLE patients complicated with lymphatic duct obstruction presented with celiac multi-plasmatic effusion (20/21), more patients presented with multiple serous cavity effusion [95%(20/21) vs. 62%(25/42), χ2=7.63, P=0.006], but the prevalence of lupus nephritis [(60%(12/21) vs. 86%(36/42), χ2=4.87, P=0.027] and lupus encephalopathy [0%(0/21) vs. 16.7%(17/42), χ2=6.11, P=0.013] was lower. 27% (12/44) of patients improved with aggressive glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressive therapy, 54%(24/44) of patients were performed with lymphatic duct reconstruction surgery on top of medical treatment, 5 patients were lost of follow-up, and 2 patients deceased. Conclusion:CTD patients may develop lymphatic duct obstruction during the disease course, while lymphatic duct obstruction can also be the initial presentation of CTD. Rheumatologists and surgeons should be alert to this rare situation. Young women with refractory polyserositis or lymphedema should be examined for the possibility of combined CTD. Lymphatic duct obstruction may be associated with long-term chronic inflammation in CTD. Glucocorticoids combined with immunosuppressive agents and surgery can be used to treat lymphatic duct obstruction in patients with CTD.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and clinical efficacy of hypofractionated radiotherapy (HFRT) at 36.5 Gy in 10 fractions for the chest wall and reginal lymph nodes following modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer.Methods:This was a prospective, single-arm, phase Ⅱ clinical study. A total of 85 patients who received HFRT at 36.5 Gy in 10 fractions to the chest wall ± supraclavicular region following modified radical mastectomy for locally advanced breast cancer from March 2014 to December 2015 were included. The primary endpoint was radiotherapy toxicities. The secondary endpoints were locoregional failure-free survival (LRFFS), disease-free survival (DFS), and overall survival (OS).Results:The median follow-up period was 98 (94.0-109.0) months. Radiotherapy toxicities were mild. The incidence rates of grade 1 acute cutaneous and pulmonary toxicities were 52.9% and 40%, and those of grade 1 late cutaneous, pulmonary, and cardiac toxicities and upper extremity edema were 10.6%, 29.4%, 2.4%, and 21.2%, respectively. Only 1 (1.2%) patient suffered from grade 2 radiation-induced brachial plexus injury. Of the 85 patients, one patient had regional recurrence (supraclavicular lymph nodes), six patients had distant metastasis, and six patients died of breast cancer. The 9-year LRFFS, DFS, and OS were 97.7%, 91.8%, and 92.8%, respectively.Conclusions:HFRT at 36.5 Gy in 10 fractions following modified radical mastectomy for breast cancer is associated with mild toxicities. A phase Ⅲ study is necessary for validating HFRT's clinical efficacy.

In order to provide basic information for the utilization and development of famous classical formulas containing Bletillae Rhizoma， this article systematically analyzes the historical evolution of the name， origin， harvesting and processing of Bletillae Rhizoma by reviewing the ancient materia medica， prescription books， medical books and modern literature. The research results showed that Baiji（白及） was the main name， some scholars took Baiji（白芨） as its main name， and there were many other names such as Baiji（白给）， Baigen（白根）， Baiji（白苙）. The mainstream source of Bletillae Rhizoma was the tubers of Bletilla striata， and drying， large， white， solid， root-free and skin removed completely were the good quality standards. With the promotion of wild to cultivated medicinal materials， there were certain differences between their traits， and the quality evaluation indexes should be adjusted accordingly. The origin of records in the past dynasties was widely distributed， with Guizhou and Sichuan having high production and good quality in modern times. The harvesting period is mostly in spring and autumn， and harvested in autumn was better. The processing and processing technology is relatively simple， and it was used fresh or powdered in past dynasties， while it is mainly sliced for raw use in modern times. Based on the results， it is suggested that the tubers of Bletilla striata of Orchidaceae should be used in the famous classical formulas， and it should be uniformly written as Baiji（白及）. And if the original formula indicates the requirement of processing， it should be operated according to the requirement， if the requirement of processing is not indicated， it can be used in raw form as medicine.

Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of resistin(RETN)gene and metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients in middle and high altitude areas.Methods A total of 400 patients with T2DM in Qinghai area were recruited and divided into simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=200)and T2DM combined with MAFLD group(T2DM+ MAFLD,n=200)according to liver ultrasonography.Healthy individuals confirmed by physical examination were selected as the normal control group(NC,n=180).Plasma resistin levels were measured by ELISA.The polymorphism of RETN-420C/G and +299G/A genes were detected by PCR sequencing.Results By comparing the polymorphism of RETN-420C/G gene in each group,it was found that the frequencies of G/G genotype and G allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group were higher than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05),while the frequencies of C/C genotype and C allele frequency were lower than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The risk of MAFLD increased by 1.571,2.126 and 1.537 times respectively in T2DM patients with C/G,G/G genotype and G allele.Logistic regression analysis showed that G/G genotype was a risk factor for MAFLD in T2DM patients.By comparing the polymorphism of RETN+299G/A gene in each group,it was found that A allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group was higher than that in NC group and T2DM group,while G allele frequency was lower than that in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The allele A increased the risk of MAFLD in T2DM patients by 1.432 times compared to allele G.Conclusion RETN gene-420C/G locus G/G genotype increases the risk of T2DM combined with MAFLD in middle and high altitudeareas.