Objective:To investigate the correlation between the density and volume of left atrial-epicardial adipose tissue(LA-EAT)and the occurrence and severity of atrial fibrillation(AF)in elderly patients.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study.A total of 197 elderly patients with AF and 82 patients with sinus rhythm who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology and Geriatric Cardiology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June 2023 to July 2024.were selected.The AF group was further divided into paroxysmal AF(PAF)subgroup(111 cases)and persistent AF(PeAF)subgroup(86 cases). The density and volume of LA-EAT in all patients were meansured by coronary artery enhanced CT or left atrial enhanced CT.The differences in LA-EAT density, volume and related data among the 3 groups were compared, and their relationship with different severity of senile AF was analyzed.Logistic regression was used to analyze whether LA-EAT density and volume were risk factors for senile AF.The predictive value of LA-EAT density and volume for AF in the elderly was compared throuh restricted cubic spline analysis.Results:The average LA-EAT density in the sinus rhythm group, PAF group and PeAF group was -82.75(-87.15, -79.63), -81.70(-85.55, -75.85)and -80.45(-83.40, -76.10)HU, respectively; the standard deviation of density was 34.70(31.93, 36.28), 36.20(34.30, 37.65)and 35.45(33.63, 37.28)HU, respectively; the LA-EAT volume was 23 483.40(13 964.10, 31 645.53), 25 112.20(18 479.10, 36 917.50)and 37 836.50(25 933.80, 45 537.90)mm 3, respectively.The LA-EAT density and volume in the PAF group and PeAF group were higher than those in the sinus rhythm group(all P<0.05). The LA-EAT volume in the PeAF group was greater than that in the PAF group( P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in LA-EAT density between the two groups( P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LA-EAT density and volume, left atrial diameter(LAD)and body mass index(BMI)were the independent risk factors for AF in the elderly( P<0.05). Conclusions:LA-EAT density and volume are significantly correlated with occurrence of senile AF, and show a positive dose-response relationship.LA-EAT volume is significantly related to the severity of AF( P<0.05), while the density is not significantly related to it( P>0.05).

Objective To study the expression levels of karyopherin β1(KPNB1) and Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MERTK) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and their correlation with clinical pathological features,as well as the prognosis of progression-free survival. Methods A total of 118 NSCLC patients who visited Ordnance Industry 521 Hospital from February 2018 to February 2020 were selected. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of KPNB1 and MERTK in NSCLC cancer and paracancer tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was conducted to assess the impact of KPNB1 and MERTK on the progression-free survival prognosis of NSCLC patients. COX regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the prognosis of progression-free survival in NSCLC patients. Results The positive rates of KPNB1 (61.02％) and MERTK (62.71％) in cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues (8.48％,6.78％),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=69.945,81.408,all P<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between KPNB1 and MERTK expression in the organization (r=0.744,P<0.001). The positive rates of KPNB1(84.21％,82.50％),MERTK (84.21％,85.00％)in NSCLC tissues with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ⅢA were higher than those without lymph node metastasis(50.00％,52.50％) and TNM stage Ⅰ～Ⅱ(50.00％,51.28％),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=11.078～12.855,all P<0.001). The 3-year progression-free survival rates of KPNB1and MERTK positive and negative groups were 26.39％ (19/72) and 56.52％ (26/46),27.03％ (20/74) and 56.82％ (25/44),respectively,with statistically significant differences (Log Rankx2=0.980,8.463,P=0.001,0.004) . KPNB1 positive,MERTK positive,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ⅢA were risk factors for progression free survival prognosis in NSCLC patients (waldx2=7.810～10.906,all P<0.001). Conclusion The expression of KPNB1 and MERTK is elevated in NSCLC,both of which are related to TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. They are new biomarkers for evaluating the progression-free survival prognosis of NSCLC.

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of thrombin-antithrombin III complex(TAT),plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex(PIC),thrombomodulin(TM)and tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex(t-PAIC)in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).Methods Selected 88 primary MDS patients diagnosed at the 521 Hospital of Ordnance Industry from January 2018 to January 2021.Plasma levels of TAT,PIC,TM,t-PAIC,fibrin degradation products(FDP)and D-dimer(D-D)were measured.A multivariate approach was used to analyze the association between overall survival(OS)and the levels of each coagulation marker.Coagulation markers significantly associated with OS were used to construct a coagulation prognostic scoring system.Based on the median coagulation marker score,MDS patients were divided into high and low score groups.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to plot survival curves.Results TAT(OR=1.667),PIC(OR=0.734),TM(OR=1.294)and t-PAIC(OR=1.523)were independent factors influencing OS in MDS patients(Wald χ2=0.671～10.751,all P<0.05).The β-values were integrated as statistical weights to construct a coagulation marker score,calculated as follows:[TAT]×0.502-[PIC]×1.013+[TM]×0.181+[t-PAIC]×0.381.The OS(median 14.6 months)and leukemia free survival(LFS)(median 10.3 months)of patients in the high coagulation marker score group were significantly lower than those in the low score group(33.6 months,35.2 months)(Log rank=20.57,26.84,all P<0.001).Subgroup analysis indicated that in both the low-risk IPSS-R subgroup(very low,low,and intermediate risk)and the high-risk IPSS-R subgroup(high and very high risk),the OS(Log rank=9.12,4.30)and LFS(Log rank=4.54,8.51)of the high coagulation marker score group were lower than those of the low score group(all P<0.05).Bivariate analysis showed a moderate correlation between the coagulation marker score and Revise International Prognostic Scoring System(IPSS-R)(PCC=0.536,P<0.001).Multivariate analysis indicated that IPSS-R and high coagulation marker scores were independent risk factors for OS and LFS in MDS patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The coagulation marker score,based on TAT,PIC,TM and t-PAIC,can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS and LFS in MDS patients.

Identification and functional protection of parathyroid glands are the key to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications after thyroid surgery. In recent years, the development of several fluorescence imaging technology and the application of artificial intelligence based on deep learning in thyroid surgery have brought technical breakthroughs in the identification and blood supply assessment of parathyroid glands during surgery, helping surgeons to identify parathyroid glands quickly and accurately, and improving the prognosis of surgery. Based on this, this article focuses on the new advances in the identification and protection of parathyroid glands in thyroid surgery, especially the research and application progress of fluorescence imaging, lymph node tracers, artificial intelligence and other aspects, and discusses the future development prospects.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between the density and volume of left atrial-epicardial adipose tissue(LA-EAT)and the occurrence and severity of atrial fibrillation(AF)in elderly patients.Methods:This was a retrospective case-control study.A total of 197 elderly patients with AF and 82 patients with sinus rhythm who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology and Geriatric Cardiology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University from June 2023 to July 2024.were selected.The AF group was further divided into paroxysmal AF(PAF)subgroup(111 cases)and persistent AF(PeAF)subgroup(86 cases). The density and volume of LA-EAT in all patients were meansured by coronary artery enhanced CT or left atrial enhanced CT.The differences in LA-EAT density, volume and related data among the 3 groups were compared, and their relationship with different severity of senile AF was analyzed.Logistic regression was used to analyze whether LA-EAT density and volume were risk factors for senile AF.The predictive value of LA-EAT density and volume for AF in the elderly was compared throuh restricted cubic spline analysis.Results:The average LA-EAT density in the sinus rhythm group, PAF group and PeAF group was -82.75(-87.15, -79.63), -81.70(-85.55, -75.85)and -80.45(-83.40, -76.10)HU, respectively; the standard deviation of density was 34.70(31.93, 36.28), 36.20(34.30, 37.65)and 35.45(33.63, 37.28)HU, respectively; the LA-EAT volume was 23 483.40(13 964.10, 31 645.53), 25 112.20(18 479.10, 36 917.50)and 37 836.50(25 933.80, 45 537.90)mm 3, respectively.The LA-EAT density and volume in the PAF group and PeAF group were higher than those in the sinus rhythm group(all P<0.05). The LA-EAT volume in the PeAF group was greater than that in the PAF group( P<0.001), but there was no significant difference in LA-EAT density between the two groups( P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that LA-EAT density and volume, left atrial diameter(LAD)and body mass index(BMI)were the independent risk factors for AF in the elderly( P<0.05). Conclusions:LA-EAT density and volume are significantly correlated with occurrence of senile AF, and show a positive dose-response relationship.LA-EAT volume is significantly related to the severity of AF( P<0.05), while the density is not significantly related to it( P>0.05).

Objective To systematically review the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)in critically ill patients in China,and to provide evidence-based basis for the rational use of antibiotics.Methods PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP and SionMed databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the incidence of AAD in acute and critically ill patients in China from inception to April 23,2024.Two reviewers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.Meta-analysis was then performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 50 studies involving 26,512 subjects were included.Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of AAD in critically ill patients in China was 26.5%[95%CI(22.9%,30.1%)].Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of AAD in critically ill children in China was 40.6%[95%CI(30.7%,50.4%)],and in critically ill adults in China was 18.7%[95%CI(16.1%,21.4%)],among which the incidence of AAD in children in East China and adults in Southwest China was the lowest.The incidence of AAD in children and adults in Northeast China was the highest.Conclusion The incidence of AAD in critically ill patients in China is relatively high,and it is necessary to carry out effective intervention measures,such as rational selection and standardized use of antibiotics,early prevention and detection of AAD occurrence,to reduce the medical burden caused by AAD in critically ill patients and improve the quality of prognosis.

Identification and functional protection of parathyroid glands are the key to reduce the incidence of postoperative complications after thyroid surgery. In recent years, the development of several fluorescence imaging technology and the application of artificial intelligence based on deep learning in thyroid surgery have brought technical breakthroughs in the identification and blood supply assessment of parathyroid glands during surgery, helping surgeons to identify parathyroid glands quickly and accurately, and improving the prognosis of surgery. Based on this, this article focuses on the new advances in the identification and protection of parathyroid glands in thyroid surgery, especially the research and application progress of fluorescence imaging, lymph node tracers, artificial intelligence and other aspects, and discusses the future development prospects.

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of thrombin-antithrombin III complex(TAT),plasmin-α2-plasmin inhibitor complex(PIC),thrombomodulin(TM)and tissue plasminogen activator-inhibitor complex(t-PAIC)in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome(MDS).Methods Selected 88 primary MDS patients diagnosed at the 521 Hospital of Ordnance Industry from January 2018 to January 2021.Plasma levels of TAT,PIC,TM,t-PAIC,fibrin degradation products(FDP)and D-dimer(D-D)were measured.A multivariate approach was used to analyze the association between overall survival(OS)and the levels of each coagulation marker.Coagulation markers significantly associated with OS were used to construct a coagulation prognostic scoring system.Based on the median coagulation marker score,MDS patients were divided into high and low score groups.Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to plot survival curves.Results TAT(OR=1.667),PIC(OR=0.734),TM(OR=1.294)and t-PAIC(OR=1.523)were independent factors influencing OS in MDS patients(Wald χ2=0.671～10.751,all P<0.05).The β-values were integrated as statistical weights to construct a coagulation marker score,calculated as follows:[TAT]×0.502-[PIC]×1.013+[TM]×0.181+[t-PAIC]×0.381.The OS(median 14.6 months)and leukemia free survival(LFS)(median 10.3 months)of patients in the high coagulation marker score group were significantly lower than those in the low score group(33.6 months,35.2 months)(Log rank=20.57,26.84,all P<0.001).Subgroup analysis indicated that in both the low-risk IPSS-R subgroup(very low,low,and intermediate risk)and the high-risk IPSS-R subgroup(high and very high risk),the OS(Log rank=9.12,4.30)and LFS(Log rank=4.54,8.51)of the high coagulation marker score group were lower than those of the low score group(all P<0.05).Bivariate analysis showed a moderate correlation between the coagulation marker score and Revise International Prognostic Scoring System(IPSS-R)(PCC=0.536,P<0.001).Multivariate analysis indicated that IPSS-R and high coagulation marker scores were independent risk factors for OS and LFS in MDS patients(P<0.05).Conclusion The coagulation marker score,based on TAT,PIC,TM and t-PAIC,can serve as an independent prognostic factor for OS and LFS in MDS patients.

Objective To systematically review the incidence of antibiotic-associated diarrhea(AAD)in critically ill patients in China,and to provide evidence-based basis for the rational use of antibiotics.Methods PubMed,Embase,Web of Science,Cochrane Library,CNKI,WanFang Data,VIP and SionMed databases were electronically searched to collect studies on the incidence of AAD in acute and critically ill patients in China from inception to April 23,2024.Two reviewers independently screened literature,extracted data and assessed the risk of bias of the included studies.Meta-analysis was then performed using Stata 17.0 software.Results A total of 50 studies involving 26,512 subjects were included.Meta-analysis results showed that the incidence of AAD in critically ill patients in China was 26.5%[95%CI(22.9%,30.1%)].Subgroup analysis showed that the incidence of AAD in critically ill children in China was 40.6%[95%CI(30.7%,50.4%)],and in critically ill adults in China was 18.7%[95%CI(16.1%,21.4%)],among which the incidence of AAD in children in East China and adults in Southwest China was the lowest.The incidence of AAD in children and adults in Northeast China was the highest.Conclusion The incidence of AAD in critically ill patients in China is relatively high,and it is necessary to carry out effective intervention measures,such as rational selection and standardized use of antibiotics,early prevention and detection of AAD occurrence,to reduce the medical burden caused by AAD in critically ill patients and improve the quality of prognosis.

Objective To study the expression levels of karyopherin β1(KPNB1) and Mer receptor tyrosine kinase (MERTK) in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tissues and their correlation with clinical pathological features,as well as the prognosis of progression-free survival. Methods A total of 118 NSCLC patients who visited Ordnance Industry 521 Hospital from February 2018 to February 2020 were selected. Immunohistochemical methods were used to detect the expression of KPNB1 and MERTK in NSCLC cancer and paracancer tissue. Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis was conducted to assess the impact of KPNB1 and MERTK on the progression-free survival prognosis of NSCLC patients. COX regression analysis was performed to identify factors affecting the prognosis of progression-free survival in NSCLC patients. Results The positive rates of KPNB1 (61.02％) and MERTK (62.71％) in cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent tissues (8.48％,6.78％),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=69.945,81.408,all P<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between KPNB1 and MERTK expression in the organization (r=0.744,P<0.001). The positive rates of KPNB1(84.21％,82.50％),MERTK (84.21％,85.00％)in NSCLC tissues with lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ⅢA were higher than those without lymph node metastasis(50.00％,52.50％) and TNM stage Ⅰ～Ⅱ(50.00％,51.28％),and the differences were statistically significant (x2=11.078～12.855,all P<0.001). The 3-year progression-free survival rates of KPNB1and MERTK positive and negative groups were 26.39％ (19/72) and 56.52％ (26/46),27.03％ (20/74) and 56.82％ (25/44),respectively,with statistically significant differences (Log Rankx2=0.980,8.463,P=0.001,0.004) . KPNB1 positive,MERTK positive,lymph node metastasis and TNM stage ⅢA were risk factors for progression free survival prognosis in NSCLC patients (waldx2=7.810～10.906,all P<0.001). Conclusion The expression of KPNB1 and MERTK is elevated in NSCLC,both of which are related to TNM staging and lymph node metastasis. They are new biomarkers for evaluating the progression-free survival prognosis of NSCLC.