Objective To explore the risk factors of apathy and correlations with cognitive function in patients with hypertension combined with cerebral small vessel disease(CSVD).Methods Totally 141 patients with hypertension combined with CSVD were prospectively enrolled and were divided into apathy group(n=43)and non-apathy group(n= 98)according to neuropsychiatric inventory-apathy scale(NPI-Apathy)scores.The general data,imaging marker scores and total imaging burden scores were compared between groups.In hypertension combined with CSVD patients,multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to screen the independent risk factors of apathy,and Spearman correlation analysis was also performed to observe the correlation of apathy and cognitive function.Results The patients'age,high density lipoprotein cholesterol(HDL-C),Fazekas scores of lateral periventricular white matter hyper-intensity(WMH),cerebral microbleed of depth/infratentorial and total imaging burden scores of apathy group were all higher,while mini-mental state examination(MMSE)and Montreal cognitive assessment(MoCA)scores were both lower than those of non-apathy group(all P＜0.05).HDL-C and Fazekas scores of lateral periventricular WMH were both independent risk factors for apathy(both P＜0.05),while NPI-Apathy scores were moderately negatively correlated with cognitive function in patients with hypertension combined with CSVD(r=-0.543,-0.484,both P＜0.001).Conclusion HDL-C and Fazekas scores of lateral periventricular WMH were both independent risk factors for apathy in patients with hypertension combined with CSVD.The more severe the apathy,the lower the cognitive function.

ObjectiveTo study the effect and mechanism of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang combined with phlegm-removing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine on immune escape in Lewis lung cancer mice. MethodA total of 60 specific-pathogen-free （SPF）-grade C57BL/6J male mice were injected subcutaneously with 0.2 mL of Lewis cell suspension （containing 2×10⁶ cells·mL^-1） in the right mid-axillary line. After 7 days， the mice that had been successfully modeled were randomly divided into six groups： the model group， the cisplatin group， the Xiangsha Liu Junzitang low-， medium-， and high-dose groups， and the combined group， with 10 mice in each group. The Xiangsha Liu Junzitang low-， medium- and high-dose groups were gavaged with 17.88， 35.75， 71.50 g·kg^-1 Xiangsha Liu Junzitang solution once a day， respectively， and the dosage of cisplatin intraperitoneally injected into the mice was converted to 5 mg·kg^-1 twice a week， and the tumour volumes of each group were measured every two days. The intervention lasted for 14 consecutive days. At the end of treatment， the tumour mass of mice in each group was weighed and the tumour inhibition rate was calculated. The morphological characteristics of tumours in each group were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining. Fluorescent quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR） assay was used to detect messenger ribonucleic acid （mRNA） contents of the natural killer group 2 member D （NKG2D） receptor， ribonucleic acid export-1 （RAE-1）， and γ interferon （IFN-γ） in the tumour tissues of each group. NKG2D， RAE-1， and IFN-γ mRNA in tumour tissues of each group. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） and Western blot were applied to detect the expressions of RAE-1， NKG2D， and IFN-γ in tumour tissues of each group， and Western blot was used to detect the expressions of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， Janus kinase 2 （JAK2）， p-JAK2， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）， and p-STAT3 in tumour tissues of each group， as well as the protein levels of NKG2D， and RAE-1 in spleen tissues of each group. ResultCompared with that in the model group， the tumour mass decreased in all dose groups of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang， with no statistically significant difference. The tumour volume was reduced （P<0.05， P <0.01）. The pathological morphology was improved. The mRNA contents of NKG2D， RAE-1 and IFN-γ were increased in the medium-dose group （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the protein expressions of NKG2D， RAE-1， and IFN-γ in tumour tissues were elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expressions were decreased （P<0.05， P<0.01）. In spleen tissues， the protein expressions of NKG2D and RAE-1 in all dose groups of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang were significantly elevated （P<0.01）. Compared with those in the cisplatin group， NKG2D， RAE-1 and IFN-γ mRNA contents were elevated in the middle-dose group of Xiangsha Liu Junzitang， and the difference was not statistically significant. IHC showed that the protein expressions of NKG2D and IFN-γ in the combined group were significantly elevated （P<0.01）， and Western blot results showed that the protein expressions of RAE-1， NKG2D and IFN-γ were elevated （P<0.05， P<0.01）. p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 protein expressions were decreased in the combined group （P<0.05， P<0.01）. NKG2D and RAE-1 protein expressions were significantly increased in spleen tissues of the medium-dose groups and the combined group （P<0.01）. ConclusionXiangsha Liu Junzitang combined with phlegm-removing and detoxifying traditional Chinese medicine can inhibit the growth of tumours in Lewis lung cancer mice by up-regulating the expressions of RAE-1/NKG2D， promoting the activation of NK cells， and inhibiting immune escape， the mechanism of which may be related to down-regulation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway.

Objective:To explore the effects of estrogen receptor α (ERα) encoded by protein encoding gene ESR1 on the radiation resistance of breast cancer cells and their molecular mechanisms.Methods:The ESR1 overexpression plasmid was transfected into estrogen receptor (ER)-negative breast cancer cells. Then, the shRNA-ESR1 vector was introduced into ER-positive cell to establish models with different phenotype. The ATG5 mRNA level and protein expression levels of LC3B-I, LC3B-II, P62, FIP200, ATG5, ATG7, ATG12, Beclin1, ULK1 were detected using qPCR and Western blot techniques. Cell death was measured using flow cytometry. The radiation sensitivity was determined through the colony formation assay. The mortality of breast cancer cells under the autophagy gene knockdown and overexpression or treated with estrogen receptor inhibitor (TAM) combined with ionizing radiation were detected by trypan blue staining.Results:Under the condition of 8 Gy X-ray irradiation, the knockdown of ESR1 in ER-positive ZR75 breast cancer cells promoted cell death ( t = 3.49, 3.13, P < 0.05), while the overexpression of ESR1 in ER-negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells inhibited cell death ( t = 4.16, 7.48, P < 0.05). Compared to the control group, the treatment with chloroquine increased the number of formed colonies of ESR1 knockdown ZR75 cells ( t = 8.49, P < 0.05), and inhibiting autophagy could reduce the death of ZR75 cells caused by ESR1 silencing. Under the treatment with ionizing radiation, the overexpression of ESR1 in MDA-MB-231 cells promoted protective autophagy, which, however, was reduced after ESR1 knockdown in ZR75 cells. Furthermore, it was observed that the knockdown of ATG5 in ZR75 cells was associated with reduced autophagy and an increase in cell death ( t = 4.19, 6.39, P < 0.05). In contrast, the overexpression of ATG5 in ZR75 cells reversed the increase in cell death caused by ESR1 knockdown ( t = 1.70, 4.65, P < 0.05). After the treatment of ER-positive ZR75 breast cancer cells with TAM, the expressions of ATG5 and ATG12 decreased, suggesting inhibited autophagy and an increase in cell death ( t = 18.70, P < 0.05). Furthermore, these processes were promoted by ionizing radiation ( t = 16.82, P < 0.05). Conclusions:The estrogen receptor encoded by ESR1 promotes protective autophagy of ER-positive breast cancer cells by increasing ATG5, further leading to radiation resistance in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Treatment with tamoxifen combined with ionizing radiation can increase the radiation sensitivity of ER-positive breast cancer cells.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the protective effect of interleukin-35(IL-35)mRNA-lipid nanoparticles(LNP)against lipopolysaccharide(LPS)-induced acute lung injury(ALI)in mice.METHODS Fifity-six mice were randomly divided into 7 groups with 8 mice in each,including the normal control group,IL-35 mRNA-LNP(250 μg·kg-1)group,LPS group,LPS+IL-35 mRNA-LNP(50,125 and 250 μg·kg-1)group and LPS+Dexamethasone(DXM)group.Except for the normal control group and IL-35 mRNA-LNP(250 μg·kg-1)group and ALI model was established by tracheal infusion of LPS in each of the other groups.IL-35 mRNA-LNP(250 μg·kg-1)group and LPS+IL-35 mRNA-LNP(50,125 and 250 μg·kg-1)group were injected with a corresponding dose of LNP encapsulated mRNA complex via the tail vein while the LPS+DXM group was injected with DXM via the tail vein.Lung coefficient and the wet to dry weight ratio(W/D)of lung tissue were recorded.The mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),Interleukin-6(IL-6)and IL-1βof lung homogenates were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).LDH activity of lung homogenates and the protein levels of IL-35,TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in lung homogenate were detected by corresponding kits.Hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining was used to observe and analyze the pathological injury to lung tissue.The expres-sion of Lymphocyte antigen 6G(Ly6G)was detected by Immunofluorescence to reflect the infiltration of neutrophils.RESULTS Compared with the normal control group,LPS group and LPS+DXM group,IL-35 protein expression levels in lung homogenates of the other groups were more significant(P<0.01).Compared with the normal control group,lung coefficient,W/D ratio of lung tissue,LDH activity,mRNA levels and the protein levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in lung homogenates were significantly increased in the LPS group(P<0.01),accompanied by alveolar hemorrhage,alveolar wall thickening and neutro-phils infiltration.After IL-35 mRNA-LNP administration,lung coefficient,W/D ratio of lung tissue,LDH activity,mRNA levels and the protein levels of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β in lung homogenates were signifi-cantly decreased(P<0.01),and alveolar hemorrhage,alveolar wall thickening and neutrophil infiltration were obviously improved.CONCLUSION IL-35 mRNA-LNP can express IL-35 protein in lung tissue of mice,and effectively improve LPS-induced ALI in mice by inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory factors.

Objective To explore the effects and mechanism of Baitouweng Decoction in intestinal mucosal healing in mice with ulcerative colitis(UC)based on RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.Methods Totally 30 C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control group,model group,Baitouweng Decoction group,infliximab group and combination group(Baitouweng Decoction+infliximab),with 6 mice in each group.A mouse model of UC was established by free administration of 3.5%sodium gluconate sulfate solution for 7 days.After modeling,Baitouweng Decoction group was given 8 g/kg Baitouweng Decoction solution by gavage daily,while the infliximab group was given 5 mg/kg infliximab intraperitoneal injection,the combination group was given synchronous gastric and intraperitoneal injection,while the control group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline by gavage for 7 consecutive days.The body mass of mice was recorded daily,fecal characteristics were observed,and disease activity index(DAI)score was performed,colon length was measured after intervention,ELISA was used to detect the contents of serum interleukin-6(IL-6)and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),RT-qPCR was used to detect mRNA expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL in colon tissue,Western blot and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL protein in colon tissue.Results Compared with the control group,the model group mice showed a decrease in body mass(P<0.01),an increase in DAI score(P<0.01),a shortened colon length(P<0.01),and an increase in serum IL-6 and TNF-α content(P<0.01);colonic mucosal was destructed,with disappearance of crypts and glandular structures,extensive infiltration of inflammatory cells,and increased pathological score of colon tissue(P<0.01);the mRNA and protein expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL in colon tissue increased(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the body mass of mice in each treatment group increased(P<0.01),and the DAI score decreased(P<0.01),colon length increased(P<0.01),and the contents of serum IL-6 and TNF-α decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01);the destruction of the colonic mucosal barrier was reduced,the pathological score of colon tissue was reduced(P<0.05);the expressions of RIPK1,RIPK3 and MLKL mRNA and protein in colon tissue decreased(P<0.05,P<0.01).Conclusion Baitouweng Decoction can alleviate intestinal mucosal damage and inflammation in UC mice,and its mechanism may be related to the inhibition of the RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of deep learning radiomics model in the prediction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) response in breast cancer based on ultrasound images at an early stage.Methods:Between January 2018 and June 2021, 218 patients with breast cancer who underwent NAC were enrolled in the retrospective study. All patients received a full cycle of NAC before surgery and underwent standard ultrasound examination before NAC and after the second cycles of NAC. Of all the patients, 166 patients came from institution 1 (the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University) were allocated into a primary cohort.Based on the architecture of Resnet 50 convolutional neural, a deep learning prediction model was built.Further validation was performed in an external testing cohort ( n=52) from institution 2 (General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, PLA). The clinical model was constructed using independent clinical variables. To evaluate the predictive performance, areas under the curve (AUCs) of these models and two radiologists were compared by using the DeLong method. Results:The Resnet 50 model predicted the response of NAC with accuracy. The deep learning model, achieving an AUC of 0.923 (95% CI=0.884-0.962) in the primary cohort and an AUC of 0.896 (95% CI=0.807-0.980) in the test cohort, outperformed the clinical model and also performed better than two radiologists′ prediction (all P<0.05). Furthermore, the two radiologists achieved a better predictive efficacy (AUC 0.832 and 0.808 for radiologists 1 and 2, respectively) when assisted by the DL model (all P<0.01). Conclusions:The deep learning radiomics model is able to predict therapy response in the early-stage of NAC for breast cancer patients, which could guide clinicians and provide benefit for timely treatment strategy adjustment.

OBJECTIVE To compare the safety of high-dose methotrexate （HD-MTX） via peripherally inserted central catheter （PICC） and totally implantable venous access port （TIVAP） in pediatric patients with malignant brain tumors. METHODS Patients with malignant brain tumors who received HD-MTX via PICCs or TIVAPs in our hospital from July 2018 to April 2022 were retrospectively analyzed. Clinical data were collected to compare differences in blood concentration of methotrexate （MTX），the incidence of adverse events （including adverse drug reactions and catheter-related complications） and length of stay in hospital. Multivariate linear regression was applied to analyze the factors that influenced the blood concentration of MTX. RESULTS A total of 107 patients were included in the study，with 65 patients in the PICC group and 42 patients in the TIVAP group. Blood concentration of MTX at 24 h （C24 h） in TIVAP group was significantly higher than PICC group （[ 126.87±61.99） μmol/L vs. （102.45±48.77） μmol/L，P＜0.05）. There was no significant difference in blood concentration of MTX at 42 h （C42 h），compared with PICC group （P＞0.05）. Results of multivariate linear regression analysis showed that TIVAP was associated with the increase of C24 h（P＜0.05）. No significant differences were observed in the incidence of adverse events and the length of stay in the hospital between 2 groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Risk of adverse events is not increased，although the MTX C24 h level is elevated after administration of TIVAP. TIVAP is a safe choice for HD-MTX therapy with implementing therapeutic drug monitoring.

The awake prone position plays an important role in the treatment of hypoxemia and the improvement of respiratory distress symptoms in non-intubated patients. It is widely used in clinical practice because of its simple operation, safety, and economy. To enable clinical medical staff to scientifically and normatively implement prone position for awake patients without intubation, the committees of consensus formulation, guided by evidence-based methodology and Delphi method, conducted literature search, literature quality evaluation and evidence synthesis around seven topics, including indications and contraindications, evaluation, implementation, monitoring and safety management, termination time, complication prevention and health education of awake prone position. After two rounds of expert letter consultation, Expert consensus on implementation strategy of awake prone positioning for non-intubated patients in China (2023) was formulated, and provide guidance for clinical medical staff.
Humans ; Consensus ; Prone Position ; Wakefulness ; China ; Dyspnea

The senile frailty has become the focus of social attention.It is urgent to improve the quality of life of the elderly.The recovery and improvement of the body function can delay the aging.Functional exercise, including the exercise of balance ability and walking ability, can effectively improve the physical function and the quality of daily life in the elderly.It is important to control exercise amount and quality.Combining functional exercise with science and technology, and formulating a scientific, multi-level and personalized functional exercise mode for the elderly can delay the senile frailty and promote the health of the elderly.

Objective To analyze the risk factors and pathogen drug resistance of senile stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP), and to provide references for early clinical intervention. Methods A total of 859 elderly patients with cerebral stroke admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2020 were selected and divided into the study group (SAP, n=375) and the control group (no SAP, n=484) according to the occurrence of stroke associated pneumonia. Clinical data of age, gender, and other complications of the two groups were analyzed. The sputum culture and drug sensitivity test of senile SAP patients were analyzed. Results A total of 313 pathogens were detected in 375 SAP patients, including 211 strains of gram-negative bacteria (67.41%), mainly consisting of 92 Acinetobacter baumannii (29.39%), 54 Pseudomonas aeruginosa (17.25%), and 42 Klebsiella pneumoniae (13.42%), and 73 strains (23.32%) of gram-positive bacteria, mainly 62 strains of Staphylococcus aureus (19.81%). In addition, there were 29 strains of fungi (9.27%). Pseudomonas aeruginosa was highly sensitive to piperacillin/tazobactam and ceftazidime. Acinetobacter baumannii and Klebsiella pneumoniae were highly sensitive to imipenem, meropenem, and cefoperazone sodium and sulbactam sodium. Staphylococcus aureus and Enterococcus were highly sensitive to teicolanin, linezolid and vancomycin. The proportion of patients aged ≥80 years old, mechanical ventilation, bed rest and use of prophylactic antibiotics in the experimental group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that age ≥80 years, mechanical ventilation, hypoproteinemia and use of prophylactic antibiotics were independent risk factors for SAP (P<0.05). Conclusion The main pathogens of stroke-associated pneumonia in the elderly are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus aureus and Acinetobacter baumannii. It is necessary to rationally choose antibiotics according to the results of drug sensitivity. The risk factors are patients' age ≥ 80 years old, mechanical ventilation, and bed rest. Clinicians should attach great importance to the prevention of stroke-related pneumonia in the elderly.