Background and Aims:Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colorectum(MAC)is a distinct histologic subtype of colorectal cancer characterized by high malignancy and low diagnostic accuracy of preoperative biopsy,posing challenges for clinical decision-making.Given the critical role of the inflammatory microenvironment in tumor progression,this study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram model integrating preoperative systemic inflammatory indicators and clinical features to improve the preoperative diagnosis of MAC.Methods:Clinical data of 293 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent radical resection between June 2017 and June 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China were retrospectively analyzed.Based on postoperative pathology,patients were classified into the mucinous adenocarcinoma(MAC)group and the non-specific adenocarcinoma(AC)group.Propensity score matching(PSM,1∶1)was used to balance age,T stage,and N stage.Differences in preoperative inflammatory indices were compared between groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of MAC,which were incorporated into a diagnostic nomogram.The model's discrimination,calibration,and clinical utility were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),calibration plots,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:Among the 293 patients,46 had MAC and 247 had AC,with a preoperative colonoscopic diagnostic rate of 54%for MAC.After PSM(43 pairs),platelet count,platelet lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune inflammation index(SII),inflammation related prognostic index(IPI),and systemic inflammation score(SIS)were significantly higher in the MAC group,while lymphocyte monocyte ratio(LMR)was lower(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis identified tumor location,maximum tumor diameter,and preoperative IPI as independent predictors.The AUCs of the nomogram in the training(n=206)and validation(n=87)cohorts were 0.759(95%CI=0.662-0.856)and 0.776(95%CI=0.649-0.903),respectively.Calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted and observed probabilities,and DCA demonstrated satisfactory clinical applicability.Conclusion:A nomogram model integrating tumor location,tumor size,and preoperative IPI was successfully developed and validated for preoperative diagnosis of colorectal MAC.This model provides a practical,quantitative tool with good predictive performance to assist clinicians in individualized treatment planning,particularly for patients ineligible for surgical biopsy.

Background and Aims:Mucinous adenocarcinoma of the colorectum(MAC)is a distinct histologic subtype of colorectal cancer characterized by high malignancy and low diagnostic accuracy of preoperative biopsy,posing challenges for clinical decision-making.Given the critical role of the inflammatory microenvironment in tumor progression,this study aimed to develop and validate a nomogram model integrating preoperative systemic inflammatory indicators and clinical features to improve the preoperative diagnosis of MAC.Methods:Clinical data of 293 patients with colorectal cancer who underwent radical resection between June 2017 and June 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of South China were retrospectively analyzed.Based on postoperative pathology,patients were classified into the mucinous adenocarcinoma(MAC)group and the non-specific adenocarcinoma(AC)group.Propensity score matching(PSM,1∶1)was used to balance age,T stage,and N stage.Differences in preoperative inflammatory indices were compared between groups.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to identify independent predictors of MAC,which were incorporated into a diagnostic nomogram.The model's discrimination,calibration,and clinical utility were evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve(AUC),calibration plots,and decision curve analysis(DCA).Results:Among the 293 patients,46 had MAC and 247 had AC,with a preoperative colonoscopic diagnostic rate of 54%for MAC.After PSM(43 pairs),platelet count,platelet lymphocyte ratio(PLR),systemic immune inflammation index(SII),inflammation related prognostic index(IPI),and systemic inflammation score(SIS)were significantly higher in the MAC group,while lymphocyte monocyte ratio(LMR)was lower(all P<0.05).Multivariate analysis identified tumor location,maximum tumor diameter,and preoperative IPI as independent predictors.The AUCs of the nomogram in the training(n=206)and validation(n=87)cohorts were 0.759(95%CI=0.662-0.856)and 0.776(95%CI=0.649-0.903),respectively.Calibration plots showed good agreement between predicted and observed probabilities,and DCA demonstrated satisfactory clinical applicability.Conclusion:A nomogram model integrating tumor location,tumor size,and preoperative IPI was successfully developed and validated for preoperative diagnosis of colorectal MAC.This model provides a practical,quantitative tool with good predictive performance to assist clinicians in individualized treatment planning,particularly for patients ineligible for surgical biopsy.

Objective:Progressive bone resorption and destruction is one of the most critical clinical features of middle ear cholesteatoma,potentially leading to various intracranial and extracranial complications.However,the mechanisms underlying bone destruction in middle ear cholesteatoma remain unclear.This study aims to explore the role of parathyroid hormone-related protein(PTHrP)in bone destruction associated with middle ear cholesteatoma. Methods:A total of 25 cholesteatoma specimens and 13 normal external auditory canal skin specimens were collected from patients with acquired middle ear cholesteatoma.Immunohistochemical staining was used to detect the expressions of PTHrP,receptor activator for nuclear factor-kappa B ligand(RANKL),and osteoprotegerin(OPG)in cholesteatoma and normal tissues.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase(TRAP)staining was used to detect the presence of TRAP positive multi-nucleated macrophages in cholesteatoma and normal tissues.Mono-nuclear macrophage RAW264.7 cells were subjected to interventions,divided into a RANKL intervention group and a PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group.TRAP staining was used to detect osteoclast formation in the 2 groups.The mRNA expression levels of osteoclast-related genes,including TRAP,cathepsin K(CTSK),and nuclear factor of activated T cell cytoplasmic 1(NFATc1),were measured using real-time polymerase chain reaction(real-time PCR)after the interventions.Bone resorption function of osteoclasts was assessed using a bone resorption pit analysis. Results:Immunohistochemical staining showed significantly increased expression of PTHrP and RANKL and decreased expression of OPG in cholesteatoma tissues(all P<0.05).PTHrP expression was significantly positively correlated with RANKL,the RANKL/OPG ratio,and negatively correlated with OPG expression(r=0.385,r=0.417,r=-0.316,all P<0.05).Additionally,the expression levels of PTHrP and RANKL were significantly positively correlated with the degree of bone destruction in cholesteatoma(r=0.413,r=0.505,both P<0.05).TRAP staining revealed a large number of TRAP-positive cells,including multi-nucleated osteoclasts with three or more nuclei,in the stroma surrounding the cholesteatoma epithelium.After 5 days of RANKL or PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention,the number of osteoclasts was significantly greater in the PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group than that in the RANKL group(P<0.05),with increased mRNA expression levels of TRAP,CTSK,and NFATc1(all P<0.05).Scanning electron microscopy of bone resorption pits showed that the number(P<0.05)and size of bone resorption pits on bone slices were significantly greater in the PTHrP+RANKL co-intervention group compared with the RANKL group. Conclusion:PTHrP may promote the differentiation of macrophages in the surrounding stroma of cholesteatoma into osteoclasts through RANKL induction,contributing to bone destruction in middle ear cholesteatoma.

Objective:Middle ear cholesteatoma is a non-tumorous condition that typically leads to hearing loss,bone destruction,and other severe complications.Despite surgery being the primary treatment,the recurrence rate remains high.Therefore,exploring the molecular mechanisms underlying cholesteatoma is crucial for discovering new therapeutic approaches.This study aims to explore the involvement of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methylation in long non-coding RNAs(lncRNAs)in the biological functions and related pathways of middle ear cholesteatoma. Methods:The m6A modification patterns of lncRNA in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues(n=5)and normal post-auricular skin tissues(n=5)were analyzed using an lncRNA m6A transcriptome microarray.Gene Ontology(GO)and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analyses were conducted to identify potential biological functions and signaling pathways involved in the pathogenesis of middle ear cholesteatoma.Methylated RNA immunoprecipitation(MeRIP)-PCR was used to validate the m6A modifications in cholesteatoma and normal skin tissues. Results:Compared with normal skin tissues,1 525 lncRNAs were differentially methylated in middle ear cholesteatoma tissues,with 1 048 showing hypermethylation and 477 showing hypomethylation[fold change(FC)≥3 or<1/3,P<0.05].GO enrichment analysis indicated that hypermethylated lncRNAs were involved in protein phosphatase inhibitor activity,neuron-neuron synapse,and regulation of α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid(AMPA)receptor activity.Hypomethylated lncRNAs were associated with mRNA methyltransferase activity,secretory granule membrane,and mRNA methylation.KEGG analysis revealed that hypermethylated lncRNAs were mainly associated with 5 pathways:the Hedgehog signaling pathway,viral protein interaction with cytokines and cytokine receptors,mitogen-activated protein kinase(MAPK)signaling pathway,cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction,and adrenergic signaling in cardiomyocytes.Hypomethylated lncRNAs were mainly involved in 4 pathways:Renal cell carcinoma,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,transcriptional misregulation in cancer,and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction.Additionally,MeRIP-PCR confirmed the changes in m6A methylation levels in NR_033339,NR_122111,NR_130744,and NR_026800,consistent with microarray analysis.Real-time PCR also confirmed the significant upregulation of MAPK1 and NF-κB,key genes in the MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusion:This study reveals the m6A modification patterns of lncRNAs in middle ear cholesteatoma,suggests a direction for further research into the role of lncRNA m6A modification in the etiology of cholesteatoma.The findings provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of middle ear cholesteatoma.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease （COPD） is susceptible to systemic complications. Especially，sarcopenia is an independent risk factor for COPD patients that can exacerbate respiratory muscle fatigue，lead to a higher risk of falls and fractures，and lower the quality of life. The pathogenesis of sarcopenia involves such aspects as mitochondrial dysfunction，insulin resistance，changes in skeletal muscle fiber types，and an imbalance in protein synthesis and breakdown. As nutrition support and exercise rehabilitation therapy frequently have limited effectiveness，it is urgent to find a way to slow the progression of COPD with sarcopenia. Numerous studies conducted in recent years have discovered a potential link between pulmonary microbiome disorders and the gut microbiota of COPD patients. Furthermore，a wide range of functions of gut microbiota and its metabolites have been demonstrated，such as regulating inflammation and immunity，glucose and lipid metabolism，and mitochondrial function. According to the Zangxiang theory in Chinese medicine， there are intimate connections between the spleen， intestine，and muscle，and gut microbiota may be the most essential part of ameliorating "spleen governing muscle" and increasing muscle mass and strength. This study aims to expound on the effect mechanism of gut microbiota in slowing the progression of COPD with sarcopenia，thereby furnishing novel perspectives and recommendations for forthcoming investigations and therapeutic applications.

Objective To observe the characteristic of the functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) brain map in health adult undergoing clenching and relaxing the fist, for exploring the essence of the fMRI brain map in patients suffering from motor dysfunction by cerebrovascular accidents. Methods Twelve healthy volunteers had been chosen to partake the experience. Everyone had accomplished the following three actions separately: (1) Only clenching and relaxing the fist of left hand. (2) Only clenching and relaxing the fist of right hand. (3) Clenching and relaxing the fist of both hands at one time. The data had been analyzed statistically using analysis of functional neuroimages (AFNI) software. Results Under condition of F (6,1121), P = 0.005. Only clenching and relaxing the fist of left hand had gained the following brain functional area: right precentral gyms, left parietal,right superior temporal gyrus,right parietal, right parahippocampal gyrus, right superior frontal gyrus, right medial frontal gyrus, left precuneus, right superior parietal lobule, right middle frontal gyrus, left superior frontal gyrus. Only clenching and relaxing the fist of right hand had gained the following brain functional area: left precentral gyms, left postcentral gyrus right parietal, right medial frontal gyrus. Clenching and relaxing the fist of beth hands simultaneously had gained the following brain functional area: left precentral gyms,left postcentral gyrus, right precentral gyrus, right postcentral gyrus. Conclusions Hand movement (clenching and relaxing the fist) has its own specific brain activated areas. The brain areas activated by clenching and relaxing the fist of both hands simultaneously concentrate in the motor area of both cerebral hemisphere. The brain areas activated by clenching and relaxing the fist of single hand contain not only the motor area, but also the supplementary motor area. As compared with the right handedness, the brain areas activated by clenching and relaxing the fist of left hand is more widespread.