Objective:To investigate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) based on no-contrast chest CT scanning and evaluate the predictive value of EAT for high PVC loading levels.Methods:A case-control study was conducted to collect patients with PVC from January 2021 to June 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The study subjects were divided into a PVC high-load group (≥20%) and a PVC low-load group (<20%) based on the level of PVC loading in the 24-hour Holter electrocardiography monitoring. The parameter characteristics of EAT were obtained from no-contrast chest CT images. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis was used to assess the factors associated with high PVC loading levels, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive value of the model.Results:A total of 166 subjects were included in the study, including 50 in the PVC high-load group and 116 in the PVC low-load group. Compared with the PVC low-load group, EATV was significantly increased in the high-load group ( Z=4.83, P<0.001), and EATA was significantly lower in the high-load group than in the low-load group ( t=-3.95, P<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference for the comparison of EATD ( Z=-1.56, P=0.120). Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that high EATV and low EATA were factors of high PVC loading levels [EATV: OR=1.01 (95% CI: 1.00-1.02), EATA: OR=1.16 (95% CI: 1.02-1.32)]. The area under the ROC curve for predicting high PVC loading levels by EATV and EATA was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86). Conclusion:EATV and EATA are factors of high PVC loading levels and have predictive value for high PVC loading levels.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between epicardial adipose tissue (EAT) and frequent premature ventricular contractions (PVC) based on no-contrast chest CT scanning and evaluate the predictive value of EAT for high PVC loading levels.Methods:A case-control study was conducted to collect patients with PVC from January 2021 to June 2023 in the First Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University. The study subjects were divided into a PVC high-load group (≥20%) and a PVC low-load group (<20%) based on the level of PVC loading in the 24-hour Holter electrocardiography monitoring. The parameter characteristics of EAT were obtained from no-contrast chest CT images. Multivariate logistic regression model analysis was used to assess the factors associated with high PVC loading levels, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to assess the predictive value of the model.Results:A total of 166 subjects were included in the study, including 50 in the PVC high-load group and 116 in the PVC low-load group. Compared with the PVC low-load group, EATV was significantly increased in the high-load group ( Z=4.83, P<0.001), and EATA was significantly lower in the high-load group than in the low-load group ( t=-3.95, P<0.001). However, there was no statistically significant difference for the comparison of EATD ( Z=-1.56, P=0.120). Multivariate logistic regression model analysis showed that high EATV and low EATA were factors of high PVC loading levels [EATV: OR=1.01 (95% CI: 1.00-1.02), EATA: OR=1.16 (95% CI: 1.02-1.32)]. The area under the ROC curve for predicting high PVC loading levels by EATV and EATA was 0.79 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86). Conclusion:EATV and EATA are factors of high PVC loading levels and have predictive value for high PVC loading levels.

Objective:To evaluate the influence of midface (nasal base and zygomatic bone) morphological changes on the overall perception of lip prominence from different perspectives.Methods:From February to March 2024, 212 volunteers were recruited in Fujian Province as study subjects and divided into three groups: orthodontists [65 participants, 28 males and 37 females, aged (31.3±6.9) years], orthodontic patients [72 participants, 24 males and 48 females, aged (27.6±5.7) years], and healthy adults [75 participants, 37 males and 38 females, aged (25.6±4.4) years]. Three-dimensional facial modeling software was used to generate facial models, which were sculpted using three-dimensional model sculpting software to simulate different nasal base, zygomatic bone, and upper lip prominence conditions. A total of 15 facial models were generated, divided into five groups (three models per group): Group A (normal nasolabial angle, normal nasal base, normal upper lip); Group B (increased nasolabial angle, normal nasal base, flattened upper lip); Group C (decreased nasolabial angle, normal nasal base, protruded upper lip); Group D (increased nasolabial angle, protruded nasal base, normal upper lip); Group E (decreased nasolabial angle, recessed nasal base, normal upper lip). Models 1, 2, and 3 in each group had normal, protruded, and flattened zygomatic bones, respectively (with Model 1 in Group A as the initial model). Forty-five-degree and ninety-degree profile images of the models were captured (30 images in total) and compiled into a questionnaire. Participants in the three study groups were selected as the most attractive and least attractive facial appearances based on the questionnaire and ratings of the lip prominence of the 45° and 90° profile images (0-10 points, where 0=very flat, 5=normal, and 10=very prominent). A one-sample t-test was used to compare the difference between model ratings and the median score of 5. Results:Among the 30 images, the proportion of lip prominence ratings deviating from the median score of 5 was the highest among orthodontists [83% (25/30)], followed by orthodontic patients [67% (20/30)], and lowest among healthy adults [53% (16/30)]. At the 90° profile view, the scores given by orthodontists, orthodontic patients, and healthy adults for the initial model (5.07±0.79, 5.00±1.03, and 4.95±1.07, respectively) showed no statistically significant difference from 5 ( t=0.65, P=0.521; t=0.00, P=1.000; t=-0.42, P=0.673). At the 45° profile view, the scores given by orthodontists, orthodontic patients, and healthy adults for the initial model (5.42±0.98, 5.40±1.15, and 5.35±1.45, respectively) were significantly higher than 5 ( t=3.30, P=0.002; t=2.98, P=0.004; t=2.11, P=0.038). At both 90° and 45° profile views, orthodontists, orthodontic patients, and healthy adults all rated the lip prominence of Model 1 in Group E (nasal base recession) significantly higher than 5 (all P<0.05). In Group E (nasal base recession model), changes in zygomatic prominence led to alterations in the overall lip prominence ratings by orthodontists and orthodontic patients, with significant differences among Models 1, 2, and 3 (all P<0.05). In the most attractive facial appearance evaluation, Model 1 of Group D had the highest frequency percentage in both the 90° profile and 45° profile views [90°: 19.8% (42/212); 45°: 22.6% (48/212)]. Conclusions:Orthodontists had the highest sensitivity to changes in lip prominence. The observation angle influenced the perception of lip prominence changes, and variations in zygomatic and nasal base prominence could shift lip prominence evaluations. A slightly larger nasolabial angle, protruded nasal base, and normal zygomatic bone configuration were perceived as the most attractive.

Objective:To evaluate the influence of midface (nasal base and zygomatic bone) morphological changes on the overall perception of lip prominence from different perspectives.Methods:From February to March 2024, 212 volunteers were recruited in Fujian Province as study subjects and divided into three groups: orthodontists [65 participants, 28 males and 37 females, aged (31.3±6.9) years], orthodontic patients [72 participants, 24 males and 48 females, aged (27.6±5.7) years], and healthy adults [75 participants, 37 males and 38 females, aged (25.6±4.4) years]. Three-dimensional facial modeling software was used to generate facial models, which were sculpted using three-dimensional model sculpting software to simulate different nasal base, zygomatic bone, and upper lip prominence conditions. A total of 15 facial models were generated, divided into five groups (three models per group): Group A (normal nasolabial angle, normal nasal base, normal upper lip); Group B (increased nasolabial angle, normal nasal base, flattened upper lip); Group C (decreased nasolabial angle, normal nasal base, protruded upper lip); Group D (increased nasolabial angle, protruded nasal base, normal upper lip); Group E (decreased nasolabial angle, recessed nasal base, normal upper lip). Models 1, 2, and 3 in each group had normal, protruded, and flattened zygomatic bones, respectively (with Model 1 in Group A as the initial model). Forty-five-degree and ninety-degree profile images of the models were captured (30 images in total) and compiled into a questionnaire. Participants in the three study groups were selected as the most attractive and least attractive facial appearances based on the questionnaire and ratings of the lip prominence of the 45° and 90° profile images (0-10 points, where 0=very flat, 5=normal, and 10=very prominent). A one-sample t-test was used to compare the difference between model ratings and the median score of 5. Results:Among the 30 images, the proportion of lip prominence ratings deviating from the median score of 5 was the highest among orthodontists [83% (25/30)], followed by orthodontic patients [67% (20/30)], and lowest among healthy adults [53% (16/30)]. At the 90° profile view, the scores given by orthodontists, orthodontic patients, and healthy adults for the initial model (5.07±0.79, 5.00±1.03, and 4.95±1.07, respectively) showed no statistically significant difference from 5 ( t=0.65, P=0.521; t=0.00, P=1.000; t=-0.42, P=0.673). At the 45° profile view, the scores given by orthodontists, orthodontic patients, and healthy adults for the initial model (5.42±0.98, 5.40±1.15, and 5.35±1.45, respectively) were significantly higher than 5 ( t=3.30, P=0.002; t=2.98, P=0.004; t=2.11, P=0.038). At both 90° and 45° profile views, orthodontists, orthodontic patients, and healthy adults all rated the lip prominence of Model 1 in Group E (nasal base recession) significantly higher than 5 (all P<0.05). In Group E (nasal base recession model), changes in zygomatic prominence led to alterations in the overall lip prominence ratings by orthodontists and orthodontic patients, with significant differences among Models 1, 2, and 3 (all P<0.05). In the most attractive facial appearance evaluation, Model 1 of Group D had the highest frequency percentage in both the 90° profile and 45° profile views [90°: 19.8% (42/212); 45°: 22.6% (48/212)]. Conclusions:Orthodontists had the highest sensitivity to changes in lip prominence. The observation angle influenced the perception of lip prominence changes, and variations in zygomatic and nasal base prominence could shift lip prominence evaluations. A slightly larger nasolabial angle, protruded nasal base, and normal zygomatic bone configuration were perceived as the most attractive.

As an important part of tumor microenvironment, neutrophils are poorly understood due to their spatiotemporal heterogeneity in tumorigenesis. Here we defined, at single-cell resolution, CD44-CXCR2- neutrophils as tumor-specific neutrophils (tsNeus) in both mouse and human gastric cancer (GC). We uncovered a Hippo regulon in neutrophils with unique YAP signature genes (e.g., ICAM1, CD14, EGR1) distinct from those identified in epithelial and/or cancer cells. Importantly, knockout of YAP/TAZ in neutrophils impaired their differentiation into CD54+ tsNeus and reduced their antitumor activity, leading to accelerated GC progression. Moreover, the relative amounts of CD54+ tsNeus were found to be negatively associated with GC progression and positively associated with patient survival. Interestingly, GC patients receiving neoadjuvant chemotherapy had increased numbers of CD54+ tsNeus. Furthermore, pharmacologically enhancing YAP activity selectively activated neutrophils to suppress refractory GC, with no significant inflammation-related side effects. Thus, our work characterized tumor-specific neutrophils in GC and revealed an essential role of YAP/TAZ-CD54 axis in tsNeus, opening a new possibility to develop neutrophil-based antitumor therapeutics.
Humans ; Animals ; Mice ; Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism* ; Transcription Factors/metabolism* ; Stomach Neoplasms/pathology* ; Neutrophils/pathology* ; Signal Transduction/genetics* ; YAP-Signaling Proteins ; Tumor Microenvironment ; Hyaluronan Receptors/genetics*

Objective: To investigate clinical outcomes of modified reattachment of superior peroneal retinaculum (SPR) for patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation. Methods: A total of 24 cases with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation from December 2012 to June 2017 were treated with modified reattachment of SPR. There were 20 males and 4 females. The average age was 24.9±9.3 years (14-48 years). The average BMI was 23.18±3.50 kg/m² (15.8-32.2 kg/m²). A 4-5 cm incision was made along the lateral margin of the fibula and curved distally around the fibular tip in line with the peroneal excursion. The superior peroneal retinaculum, peroneus longus and peroneus brevis were exposed. The periosteum and SPR were stripped from the fibula. The false pouch was formed. Two suture anchors were inserted into the postero-lateral ridge of the lateral malleolus without damaging the cartilaginous ridge, after which the SPR was reattached to the lateral malleolus with the anchored suture. The inner layer of the false pouch was incised, while the outer layer (periosteum) was sutured with the SPR in a pants-over-vest style. The following items, including American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) score, visual analogue scale (VAS), rate of return to previous sports level, time to return to sports activity, complication, and patients satisfaction were evaluated preoperatively and at the final follow-up. Results: The average operation duration was 36.1±8.8 min (20-51 min). The blood loss was 1-10 ml, average 4.1±2.7 ml. The follow-up was carried out in 22 cases for mean 33.9±15.7 months (13-61 months). AOFAS score was improved from 77.8±7.8 points to 95.5±4.3 points significantly (t=-11.89, P<0.001). VAS score was reduced from 4.2±2.4 to 0.3±0.8 significantly (t=7.69, P<0.001). Mean duration return to sports activity was 5.0±1.9 months (3-10 months). A total of 20 patients (91%) returned to their previous sports level. Only one patient (5%) was found with limitation of range of motion, while two patients (9%) reported pain at the scar site without recurrence. The satisfaction rate was 91%. Conclusion Clinical outcomes of modified reattachment of SPR for patients with recurrent peroneal tendon dislocation was safe and effective.

Objective To explore methods to develop a hospital quality of care index system of county level hospitals based on the homepage of inpatient medical records and examine the validity of this system. Methods By means of literature review, homepage data and panel discussion, along with theories and statistical methods, indexes were identified. The dimensions and indices of the index system were pinpointed. Confirmatory factor analysis and normalization methods were combined to calculate the weights and scores of such indices. Scores were adjusted by Charlson comorbidity index ( CCI) with multi-regression method. The hospitals were ranked by adjusted scores in each dimension. The validity was evaluated by comparing the application results to universally acknowledged standards, such as hospital level and economic level of the geographic areas. Results An index system with 6 dimensions and 25 indices was developed, and the application results proved valid to some extent. The adjustment of CCI also proved effective. The 6 dimensions were correlated yet their directions were not consistent. Conclusions The methods and data used to develop the system have demonstrated strong operability and availability. The application results can reflect medical care quality in different aspects making it applicable among homogeneous hospitals. It is meaningful to assess dimensions respectively.

Objective To investigate and establish thyroid function reference range during 3 pregnant stages in Chaoshan area:thyrotropin (TSH),free thyroxin (FT4).Methods 863 healthy pregnant women visited antenatal clinic in the Second Affiliated Hospital were included in this study.By detecting serum levels of TSH,FT4,thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb),and thyroid peroxi-dase antibody (TPOAb)in these women,the euthyroid reference ranges of serum TSH and FT4 in different pregnant stages were established based on the standards of the United States National Institute of Clinical Biochemical (NACB)guidelines.Results The ranges of serum TSH in the first,second and third trimester of pregnancy were 0.13-3.93 mIU/L,0.14-4.55mlU/L,and 0.42-3.85 mIU/L,respectively.The ranges of serum FT4 levels in these 3 stages were 12.00-23.34 pmol/L,6.27-12.65pmol/ L, and 9.80-18.20 pmol/L,respectively.The range of serum TSH levels in our study were similar with the reference range recom-mended by the guidelines in China,but were different compared with the American Thyroid Association (ATA)guidelines.Conclu-sion TSH,FT4 levels show dynamic changes during different stages of pregnancy.The thyroid function ranges of healthy pregnant women in Chaoshan area are quite different compared with non-pregnant population and pregnant women in distinct area.Due to the differences of diet,iodine intake,economy and culture in Chaoshan area,regional thyroid function reference ranges specific for differ-ent stages of pregnant women should be established.

A Review Nitric oxide(NO) is a biologically active molecule in vivo ,it has been found to play an important role not only as a cytotoxic effector but also an immune regulatory mediator and a signal molecule of message transmission.The inducible NO synthase (iNOS) produces NO after cells were activated and play a rather complicated pathophysiological action in a variety of human diseases or disorders. The molecular biological character of iNOS,its expression in human diseases and probable significance were reviewed.