Objective: To investigate whether membrane vesicles (MVs) of Streptococcus mutans （S.mutans） contain autoinducer-2 (AI-2) and to preliminarily explore the effects of these MVs on the growth and biofilm formation of S. mutans. Methods: MVs were isolated from the S. mutans UA159 strain using differential centrifugation. The isolated MVs were characterized by nanoparticle tracking analysis for particle size and concentration and observed by transmission electron microscopy. The presence of AI-2 was identified using the Vibrio harveyi BB170 bioluminescence assay: the BB170 diluent was supplemented with AB medium (control group), MV extract (MVs group), pre-ultrafiltration supernatant (Sup group), or post-ultrafiltration supernatant (Sup-af group). The effects of MVs on growth and biofilm formation were assessed using the S.mutans UA159 strain or a luxS deletion mutant as the control group, compared with experimental groups stimulated with gradient concentrations of MVs (MVs-2.0E+7, MVs-2.0E+8, and MVs-2.0E+9 groups). Growth curves, MTT assay, and colony-forming unit (CFU) counts were used to determine changes in growth capacity. Biofilm formation was evaluated using crystal violet staining, confocal laser scanning microscopy, and the anthrone method for polysaccharide quantification. Results: Enriched S. mutans MVs were successfully obtained, with an average particle size of approximately 94.19 nm and a concentration of 1.87E+11 particles/mL. The bioluminescence assay showed that the luminescence intensity of the Sup group was higher than that of the Sup-af group, and the MVs group exhibited higher intensity than the control group. Assessments via growth curves, MTT assay, and CFU counts indicated no significant differences in the growth capacity of the various S. mutans strains after treatment with different concentrations of MVs. Crystal violet staining quantification and confocal laser scanning microscopy observations revealed that high-concentration MV treatment (2.0E+9 particles/mL group) resulted in lower biofilm mass compared to the control. The anthrone method showed that the production of both water-soluble and water-insoluble polysaccharides was significantly lower in the high-concentration MV group than in the control. Conclusion S. mutans MVs contain the quorum sensing signal molecule AI-2. These MVs do not significantly affect the growth of S. mutans, but they can regulate biofilm formation and exhibit an inhibitory effect at high concentrations.

Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）， a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women， is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology， complex symptoms， and challenging treatment， PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses， oxidative stress， and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures （CLSs） refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs， and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） offers the unique advantages of a holistic view， four diagnostic methods， and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels， pathways， and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad， there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS， as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore， this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation （adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk） in the treatment of obese PCOS， aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.

Polycystic ovary syndrome （PCOS）， a common reproductive endocrine disorder in women， is one of the leading causes of ovulatory infertility in women of reproductive age. Due to its heterogeneous etiology， complex symptoms， and challenging treatment， PCOS has become a focal point of research in gynecological and reproductive medicine globally. The pathogenesis of PCOS is complex and may involve regulatory mechanisms such as inflammatory responses， oxidative stress， and cellular autophagy. Crown-like structures （CLSs） refer to pro-inflammatory microenvironments formed by macrophages engulfing adipocytes. The inflammatory disorders induced by CLSs are one of the key factors contributing to the development of PCOS and its complications. Current studies have indicated that the obese status in PCOS accelerates the formation of CLSs， and the density of CLSs can predict the progression of metabolic disorders and influence the outcomes of various metabolic diseases. Traditional Chinese Medicine （TCM） offers the unique advantages of a holistic view， four diagnostic methods， and syndrome differentiation and treatment to ameliorate the symptoms and signs of PCOS through multiple levels， pathways， and targets. Although studies on the mechanisms of metabolic diseases and CLS formation have been reported in China and abroad， there is still a lack of literature on the correlation between CLSs and PCOS， as well as reviews on TCM interventions targeting CLSs for treating this disease. Therefore， this paper summarized the correlation between obese PCOS and CLSs and reviewed recent studies on TCM interventions based on CLS formation （adipose tissue-macrophage inflammatory crosstalk） in the treatment of obese PCOS， aiming to provide new research perspectives for the prevention and treatment of PCOS using TCM.

Objective To analyze the monitoring of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in the intensive care unit(ICU)over the past 12 years based on Joinpoint regression model,and evaluate the trend changes and relevant fac-tors of HAI incidence.Methods ICU patients in a tertiary first-class hospital from January 2012 to December 2023 were selected and performed prospective monitoring.Trend changes of HAI incidence and the correlation with con-sumption of hand hygiene products as well as HAI management measures were analyzed.Results From 2012 to 2023,6 929 ICU patients were included in the monitoring,543 patients had 655 episodes of HAI,with incidence and case incidence of HAI being 7.84％ and 9.45％,respectively.The average severity of the disease was 3.62,and the adjusted HAI incidence was 2.17％.The daily incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP),cathe-ter-associated urinary tract infection(CAUTI),and central line-associated bloodstream infection(CLABSI)were 6.19‰,3.45‰,and 1.23‰,respectively.The consumption of hand hygiene products was 122.98 mL/bed-day.The compliance rate and correct rate of hand hygiene were 90.63％and 90.46％,respectively.From 2012 to 2023,incidence of HAI(51.29％vs 4.39％),case incidence of HAI(72.41％vs 4.94％),the adjusted incidence of HAI(15.98％vs 1.04％),daily incidence of VAP(22.50‰ vs 4.33‰),daily incidence of CAUTI(14.23‰ vs 1.64‰),and daily incidence of CLABSI(10.60‰ vs 0.20‰)all decreased significantly(all P＜0.05).Both con-sumption of hand hygiene products(75.16 mL/bed-day vs 147.35 mL/bed-day)and correct rate of hand hygiene(85.00％vs 90.28％)increased significantly(both P＜0.05).A total of 1 946 pathogens were detected,with an increase in the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus(1.30％ vs 9.57％)and a decrease in the proportion of fungi(11.04％vs 1.74％).The daily consumption of hand hygiene products negatively correlated with the incidence of HAI,the case incidence of HAI,as well as the daily incidence of CAUTI and CLABSI(all P＜0.05).Incorpora-ting HAI real-time monitoring system and HAI management into performance assessment could decrease HAI-rela-ted incidence(P＜0.05).Conclusion HAI-related incidence presents a downward trend.Scientific and comprehen-sive HAI prevention and control management measures such as healthcare workers'hand hygiene management,on-line HAI real-time monitoring system,and incorporating HAI management into performance assessment can de-crease HAI-related incidence and promote the improvement of medical quality.

Objective To analyze the monitoring of healthcare-associated infection(HAI)in the intensive care unit(ICU)over the past 12 years based on Joinpoint regression model,and evaluate the trend changes and relevant fac-tors of HAI incidence.Methods ICU patients in a tertiary first-class hospital from January 2012 to December 2023 were selected and performed prospective monitoring.Trend changes of HAI incidence and the correlation with con-sumption of hand hygiene products as well as HAI management measures were analyzed.Results From 2012 to 2023,6 929 ICU patients were included in the monitoring,543 patients had 655 episodes of HAI,with incidence and case incidence of HAI being 7.84％ and 9.45％,respectively.The average severity of the disease was 3.62,and the adjusted HAI incidence was 2.17％.The daily incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia(VAP),cathe-ter-associated urinary tract infection(CAUTI),and central line-associated bloodstream infection(CLABSI)were 6.19‰,3.45‰,and 1.23‰,respectively.The consumption of hand hygiene products was 122.98 mL/bed-day.The compliance rate and correct rate of hand hygiene were 90.63％and 90.46％,respectively.From 2012 to 2023,incidence of HAI(51.29％vs 4.39％),case incidence of HAI(72.41％vs 4.94％),the adjusted incidence of HAI(15.98％vs 1.04％),daily incidence of VAP(22.50‰ vs 4.33‰),daily incidence of CAUTI(14.23‰ vs 1.64‰),and daily incidence of CLABSI(10.60‰ vs 0.20‰)all decreased significantly(all P＜0.05).Both con-sumption of hand hygiene products(75.16 mL/bed-day vs 147.35 mL/bed-day)and correct rate of hand hygiene(85.00％vs 90.28％)increased significantly(both P＜0.05).A total of 1 946 pathogens were detected,with an increase in the proportion of Staphylococcus aureus(1.30％ vs 9.57％)and a decrease in the proportion of fungi(11.04％vs 1.74％).The daily consumption of hand hygiene products negatively correlated with the incidence of HAI,the case incidence of HAI,as well as the daily incidence of CAUTI and CLABSI(all P＜0.05).Incorpora-ting HAI real-time monitoring system and HAI management into performance assessment could decrease HAI-rela-ted incidence(P＜0.05).Conclusion HAI-related incidence presents a downward trend.Scientific and comprehen-sive HAI prevention and control management measures such as healthcare workers'hand hygiene management,on-line HAI real-time monitoring system,and incorporating HAI management into performance assessment can de-crease HAI-related incidence and promote the improvement of medical quality.

Myeloproliferative neoplasms(MPN)are a group of malignant myeloid tumors caused by hematopoietic stem cell proliferation.The discovery of gene mutations has elucidated the pathogenesis of MPN and provided molecular diagnostic criteria for MPN.Recent studies have shown that there are cytokine disorders in MPN patients,and the changes in the microenvironment caused by these cytokine disorders may have great significance for the pathophysiology and pathogenesis of MPN,which may lead to corresponding clinical symptoms and different prognosis in patients.In this review,the latest research progress on the role and status of cytokines in MPN will be summarized.

Background::Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a severe and acute cardiovascular syndrome with high mortality among patients with autoimmune inflammatory rheumatic diseases (AIIRDs). Accurate prediction and timely intervention play a pivotal role in enhancing survival rates. However, there is a notable scarcity of practical early prediction and risk assessment systems of PE in patients with AIIRD.Methods::In the training cohort, 60 AIIRD with PE cases and 180 age-, gender-, and disease-matched AIIRD non-PE cases were identified from 7254 AIIRD cases in Tongji Hospital from 2014 to 2022. Univariable logistic regression (LR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) were used to select the clinical features for further training with machine learning (ML) methods, including random forest (RF), support vector machines (SVM), neural network (NN), logistic regression (LR), gradient boosted decision tree (GBDT), classification and regression trees (CART), and C5.0 models. The performances of these models were subsequently validated using a multicenter validation cohort.Results::In the training cohort, 24 and 13 clinical features were selected by univariable LR and LASSO strategies, respectively. The five ML models (RF, SVM, NN, LR, and GBDT) showed promising performances, with an area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) of 0.962-1.000 in the training cohort and 0.969-0.999 in the validation cohort. CART and C5.0 models achieved AUCs of 0.850 and 0.932, respectively, in the training cohort. Using D-dimer as a pre-screening index, the refined C5.0 model achieved an AUC exceeding 0.948 in the training cohort and an AUC above 0.925 in the validation cohort. These results markedly outperformed the use of D-dimer levels alone.Conclusion::ML-based models are proven to be precise for predicting the onset of PE in patients with AIIRD exhibiting clinical suspicion of PE.Trial Registration::Chictr.org.cn: ChiCTR2200059599.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of modified anterior subacromial approach plate internal fixation for three- or four-part valgus impacted proximal humeral fractures.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 35 patients treated between November 2018 and November 2021 at Fuzhou Second General Hospital was performed, including 15 males and 20 females aged 61.7±7.8 years (range: 40 to 73 years). Patients were classified under the Neer system; 17 had 3-part fractures and 18 had 4-part fractures. The modified approach accessed the fracture site via the natural interval of the deltoid anterior bundle, facilitating fracture reduction and fixation using a plate. Operative time, incision length, intraoperative fluoroscopy time, follow-up duration, Constant-Murley score, fracture healing time, visual analogue scale (VAS) for pain, and humeral neck-shaft angle were assessed. Intraoperative and postoperative complications were also recorded.Results:All patients underwent successful surgery, with an average incision length of 8.1±0.3 cm (range, 7.6-9.0 cm) and intraoperative fluoroscopy time of 6.6±0.3 seconds (3-part fractures: 6.3±0.2 s, 4-part fractures: 6.8±0.2 s, t=6.350, P<0.001). Follow-up averaged 22.1±5.8 months (range, 14-31 months). Fracture healing occurred in 11.8±1.4 weeks (range, 10-15 weeks). At the final assessment, the VAS score was 1.6±0.7 (range, 1-3), the Constant-Murley score was 89.6±2.9 (range, 84-95), and the humeral neck-shaft angle was 133.4°±3.1° (range, 128°-138°; 3-part fractures: 133.6°±3.5°, 4-part fractures: 133.3°±2.8°, t=0.288, P=0.075). No complications such as avascular necrosis of the humeral head, varus collapse of the fracture site, or axillary nerve injury were recorded. Conclusion:The modified anterior subacromial approach plate internal fixation is a minimally invasive, safe, and effective treatment for valgus impacted three- and four-part proximal humeral fractures, demonstrated by excellent surgical outcomes and absence of major complications.

Objective To use the semi-structural interview and the Delphi method to construct the nursing-mini-clinical evaluation exercise(Mini-CEX)index,to provide an effective assessment tool for the clinical care ability of emergency care.Methods Review the emergency nursing literatures,summarize and organize the inclusion criteria,select the evaluation indexes for emergency clinical nursing ability,interview 16 doctors and head nurses in the emergency department of Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital as the preliminary scale of Mini-CEX scale,and use Delphi method to form the final Mini-CEX scale.Results After two rounds of letter inquiry,Mini-CEX scale was constructed,including 4 first-level indicators(humanistic care,nursing consultation,practical ability and overall performance)and 10 second-level indicators(correctly and reasonably address patients,privacy protection,build a good nurse-patient relationship,effectively guide and use questions to ask,collection of complete medical history,effectively emergency drugs and usage,accurately grasp the use of emergency related instruments and precautions,accurate assessment of patients,nursing indications,evaluation time is reasonable,high overall efficiency,nursing process concise and smooth,accurate nursing measures implementation sequence).Conclusion The Mini-CEX scale constructed by semi-structured interview and Delphi method has a good guidance for emergence nursing teaching and can serve as an effective evaluation tool for the clinical nursing skills of emergency nurses.

Objective To compare the curative effect and safety of drug-eluting beads bronchial artery chemoembolization(DEB-BACE)with those of simple intravenous chemotherapy in treating elderly patients with intermediate to advanced lung cancer.Methods A total of 213 patients aged＞65 years with intermediate to advanced lung cancer,who were admitted to the Lishui Municipal Central Hospital of China between January 2018 and January 2022,were enrolled in this study.According to the therapeutic scheme,the patients were divided into chemotherapy group(n=107)and DEB-BACE group(n=106).After propensity score matching,chemotherapy group and the DEB-BACE group had 42 patients each.The short-term efficacy and the incidence of adverse reactions were compared between the two groups.Survival curve and Log-rank test were used to compare the survival between the two groups.Cox regression analysis was used to analyze the factors influencing the prognostic survival.Results The postoperative one-,3-,and 6-month disease control rate and objective remission rate in DEB-BACE group were better than those in the chemotherapy group.Before propensity score matching,the median progression-free survival(mPFS)time in DEB-BACE group was 7.0 months,which in the chemotherapy group was 6.0 months(P＜0.001).After propensity score matching,the mPFS in DEB-BACE group was 7.0 months,which in the chemotherapy group was 5.0 months(P=0.001).Before propensity score matching,the median overall survival(mOS)time in DEB-BACE group was 23.0 months,which in the chemotherapy group was 20.0 months(P＜0.001).After propensity score matching,the mOS in DEB-BACE group was 24.0 months,which in the chemotherapy group was 18.0 months(P=0.001).Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that therapeutic scheme,tumor size,and TNM stage were the influencing factors for OS.In terms of the adverse reactions,the incidences of both the pre-matched and post-matched myelosuppression in DEB-BACE group were lower than those in the chemotherapy group(P＜0.05).Conclusion For the treatment of intermediate to advanced lung cancer in elderly patients,DEB-BACE is superior to simple intravenous chemotherapy in curative efficacy and safety.