OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism by which Shenfukang capsule （SFK） ameliorates renal interstitial fibrosis （RIF） by regulating macrophage-fibroblast crosstalk via the signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）/Yes-associated protein （YAP） pathway. METHODS RAW264.7 macrophages were induced to polarize with transforming growth factor-β 1 （TGF-β 1 ）. Subsequently， a non-contact co-culture system of macrophages with renal fibroblasts NRK-49F， as well as a non-contact co-culture system of macrophages with YAP-knockdown renal fibroblasts， were established. Cells were treated with low， medium， and high concentrations （4， 8， 16 μg/mL） of SFK， as well as a STAT3 inhibitor （STAT3-I，1.64 μg/mL） and losartan potassium tablets （positive control， 0.28 μg/mL）， for 48 h. After intervention， the protein and mRNA expression levels of CD86， CD163， and STAT3 in macrophages， as well as CD86， F4/80， and STAT3 mRNA， were detected. In co-cultured renal fibroblasts， the protein and mRNA expression levels of α -smooth muscle actin （ α -SMA）， Vimentin， collagen type Ⅰ （Col-Ⅰ）， matrix metalloproteinase-1 （MMP-1）， and YAP were detected. In co-cultured YAP-knockdown renal fibroblasts， the protein and mRNA expression levels of α -SMA， Vimentin， and MMP-1 were also detected. RESULTS Following TGF-β 1 induction， the protein expression levels of CD86， CD163， and STAT3， as well as the mRNA expression levels of CD86， F4/80， and STAT3 in macrophages were significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. The conditioned medium from polarized macrophages activated renal fibroblasts， as evidenced by significantly increased protein and mRNA expression levels of α -SMA， Vimentin， Col-Ⅰ， and YAP， and significantly decreased protein and mRNA expression levels of MMP-1 in renal fibroblasts （ P ＜0.05）. Treatment with SFK and STAT3-I reversed the changes in the above indicators， with the medium concentration SFK group showing stronge r effects on some indicators than the low and high concentration groups. In the non-contact co-culture experiment of macrophages and YAP-knockdown renal fibroblasts， there were no statistically significant differences in the protein and mRNA expression of α-SMA， Vimentin， and MMP-1 among the groups. CONCLUSIONS SFK can inhibit macrophage-renal fibroblast crosstalk by blocking the STAT3/YAP pathway， thereby delaying the progression of RIF.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical efficacy of the distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture technique in reducing hypertrophic scar formation following open thyroidectomy.Methods:Clinical data and postoperative incision appearance of 138 patients undergoing open thyroidectomy at the Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, as well as the Department of Head and Neck Oncology of Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, from Aug 2023 to Jan 2024 was enrolled. Patients were devided into two groups based on the incision closure method: the distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture group (tension reduction group, 37 cases) and ordinary intradermal suture group (control group A, 55 cases evaluated 3 months post-surgery; control group B, 46 cases evaluated 6 months post-surgery). The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was employed to assess the appearance of the wounds at 3 and 6 months post-surgery .Results:On 3 and 6 months post-surgery, the total VSS scores for patients in the tension reduction group were 2.8 ± 2.3 and 2.5 ± 2.5, respectively,while that in control group A on 3 months was 5.2 ± 3.0, and in group B on 6 months was 5.3 ± 3.4. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). On 3 and 6 months post-surgery, the proportions of hypertrophic scars in the tension reduction group were 14% (5/37) and 11% (4/37), respectively , while in control group A it was 35% (19/55) , and in control group B was 35% (16/46) at 6 months, with differences being statistically significant ( P=0.024, 0.011 ). On 6 months post-surgery, 51 % (19/37) of patients in the tension reduction group achieved 'socially invisible aesthetic incisions', while only 15% (7/46) of patients in control group B achieved the same outcome ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture significantly reduces the incidence of incision hypertrophic scars in open thyroid surgery.

Objective:To investigate the preoperative risk features of skip metastasis in medullary thyroid carcinoma（MTC），and analyze the rule and the causes of missed diagnosis of skip metastasis.Methods:A retrospective study of 208 MTC patients in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between January 2013 and January 2023 were enrolled. Based on postoperative pathology，patients were classified into without lateral cervical metastasis group（ n=102），skip metastasis group（ n=21），and non-skip metastasis group（ n=85）. Prognostic outcomes were compared via Kaplan-Meier analysis in the 3 groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression identified risk factors for lateral cervical metastasis and skip metastasis.The distribution patterns，clinical and sonographic features of metastatic lymph nodes were analysed. Results:Prognostic differences：The group without lateral cervical metastasis showed the highest biochemical cure rate，followed by the skip subgroupand non-skip subgroup（ P<0.001）. The results of the regression analysis showed male（ OR=2.930，95% CI=1.295-6.628），preoperative calcitonin >317 ng/L（ OR=9.820，95% CI=3.541-27.234），tumor contact with the length/perimeter ≥1/4（ OR=3.275，95% CI=1.353-7.927），a taller-than-wide shape <1（ OR=24.239，95% CI=6.319-92.983），irregular margins（ OR=3.658，95% CI=1.213-11.036），solid composition（ OR=25.639，95% CI=2.295-286.408）and calcifications（ OR=15.429，95% CI=4.090-58.202）were independent risk factors for lateral cervicalasis. Tumor size ≤ 1 cm（ OR=4.735，95% CI=0.067-0.868）and upper pole involvement（ OR=6.879，95% CI=0.069-0.679）were independent risk factors for skip metastasis. The rules of skip metastasis：Skip metastasis group could distribute to levels Ⅱ（ n=9），Ⅲ（ n=13），Ⅳ（ n=14），and Ⅴ（ n=2），the number of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly less than non-skipping group［4（8.0） vs.11（17.5）， P<0.001］. There were no statistically significant differences in size，shape，hilum，calcifications，peripheral vascularity and the number of high suspicious ultrasound features of metastatic lymph node between the two groups（all P>0.05）. Conclusions:The prognosis is best in the without lateral cervical metastasis，followed by skip metastasis，and is worst for non-skip metastasis. A small number of metastatic lymph nodes may be the reason for the missed diagnosis of skip metastasis by ultrasound. Male，calcitonin > 317 ng/L，tumor contact with the length/perimeter ≥ 1/4，a taller-than-wide shape，irregular margins，solid composition and calcifications are independent risk factors for lateral cervicalasis . Tumor size ≤ 1 cm and upper pole involvement should alert to skip metastasis.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

Objective:To investigate the preoperative risk features of skip metastasis in medullary thyroid carcinoma（MTC），and analyze the rule and the causes of missed diagnosis of skip metastasis.Methods:A retrospective study of 208 MTC patients in Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between January 2013 and January 2023 were enrolled. Based on postoperative pathology，patients were classified into without lateral cervical metastasis group（ n=102），skip metastasis group（ n=21），and non-skip metastasis group（ n=85）. Prognostic outcomes were compared via Kaplan-Meier analysis in the 3 groups. Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression identified risk factors for lateral cervical metastasis and skip metastasis.The distribution patterns，clinical and sonographic features of metastatic lymph nodes were analysed. Results:Prognostic differences：The group without lateral cervical metastasis showed the highest biochemical cure rate，followed by the skip subgroupand non-skip subgroup（ P<0.001）. The results of the regression analysis showed male（ OR=2.930，95% CI=1.295-6.628），preoperative calcitonin >317 ng/L（ OR=9.820，95% CI=3.541-27.234），tumor contact with the length/perimeter ≥1/4（ OR=3.275，95% CI=1.353-7.927），a taller-than-wide shape <1（ OR=24.239，95% CI=6.319-92.983），irregular margins（ OR=3.658，95% CI=1.213-11.036），solid composition（ OR=25.639，95% CI=2.295-286.408）and calcifications（ OR=15.429，95% CI=4.090-58.202）were independent risk factors for lateral cervicalasis. Tumor size ≤ 1 cm（ OR=4.735，95% CI=0.067-0.868）and upper pole involvement（ OR=6.879，95% CI=0.069-0.679）were independent risk factors for skip metastasis. The rules of skip metastasis：Skip metastasis group could distribute to levels Ⅱ（ n=9），Ⅲ（ n=13），Ⅳ（ n=14），and Ⅴ（ n=2），the number of metastatic lymph nodes was significantly less than non-skipping group［4（8.0） vs.11（17.5）， P<0.001］. There were no statistically significant differences in size，shape，hilum，calcifications，peripheral vascularity and the number of high suspicious ultrasound features of metastatic lymph node between the two groups（all P>0.05）. Conclusions:The prognosis is best in the without lateral cervical metastasis，followed by skip metastasis，and is worst for non-skip metastasis. A small number of metastatic lymph nodes may be the reason for the missed diagnosis of skip metastasis by ultrasound. Male，calcitonin > 317 ng/L，tumor contact with the length/perimeter ≥ 1/4，a taller-than-wide shape，irregular margins，solid composition and calcifications are independent risk factors for lateral cervicalasis . Tumor size ≤ 1 cm and upper pole involvement should alert to skip metastasis.

Objectives:To investigate the clinical efficacy of the distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture technique in reducing hypertrophic scar formation following open thyroidectomy.Methods:Clinical data and postoperative incision appearance of 138 patients undergoing open thyroidectomy at the Department of Thyroid and Neck Oncology of Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, as well as the Department of Head and Neck Oncology of Tianjin Cancer Hospital Airport Hospital, from Aug 2023 to Jan 2024 was enrolled. Patients were devided into two groups based on the incision closure method: the distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture group (tension reduction group, 37 cases) and ordinary intradermal suture group (control group A, 55 cases evaluated 3 months post-surgery; control group B, 46 cases evaluated 6 months post-surgery). The Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) was employed to assess the appearance of the wounds at 3 and 6 months post-surgery .Results:On 3 and 6 months post-surgery, the total VSS scores for patients in the tension reduction group were 2.8 ± 2.3 and 2.5 ± 2.5, respectively,while that in control group A on 3 months was 5.2 ± 3.0, and in group B on 6 months was 5.3 ± 3.4. The differences were statistically significant (all P<0.001). On 3 and 6 months post-surgery, the proportions of hypertrophic scars in the tension reduction group were 14% (5/37) and 11% (4/37), respectively , while in control group A it was 35% (19/55) , and in control group B was 35% (16/46) at 6 months, with differences being statistically significant ( P=0.024, 0.011 ). On 6 months post-surgery, 51 % (19/37) of patients in the tension reduction group achieved 'socially invisible aesthetic incisions', while only 15% (7/46) of patients in control group B achieved the same outcome ( P<0.01). Conclusion:Distal tension-offloading cosmetic suture significantly reduces the incidence of incision hypertrophic scars in open thyroid surgery.

Objective To investigate T cell subtypes and their functions in liver immune microenvironments among patients with alveolar echinococcosis (AE) using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). Methods Four AE patients that were admitted to Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital in 2023 for hepatic surgery for the first time were enrolled, and liver specimens were sampled 1 cm (peri-lesion, PL group) and > 5 cm from AE lesions (distal lesion, DL group) among each patient. Finally, a total of eight liver specimens were sampled from four AE patients for scRNA-seq analysis. Genome and transcriptome data of liver specimens were processed using the software Cell Ranger and R package. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and their biological functions were analyzed using gene ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis, and the primary intercellular communication patterns and interaction mechanisms were identified among T cell subtypes in liver specimens using the CellChat package. In addition, the developmental stages of T cells were subjected to trajectory analysis with the monocle package to investigate the expression of genes associated with cell growth and tumor transformation, and to predict the developmental trajectories of T cells. Results All four AE patients were female, with a mean age of (25.00 ± 9.06) years, and there were three cases from Jiuzhi County, Golog Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and one case from Chengduo County, Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province. The viability of single-cell samples from eight liver specimens was 90.41% to 96.33%, and a total of 81 763 cells were analyzed, with 19 cell types annotated. Of these cell types, 13 were immune cells (87.60%), and T cells (33.13%), neutrophils (15.40%), and natural killer cells (11.92%) were the three most common cell types. Re-clustering of 27 752 T cells and proliferative T cells identified 10 distinct T cell subtypes, with CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells (23.43%), CD8⁺ naive T cells (12.80%), and CD4⁺ effector memory T cells (17.73%) as dominant cell types. The proportions of T helper 2 (Th2) cells (5.19% vs. 3.63%; χ² = 38.35, P < 0.01) and CD4⁺ effector memory T cells (21.59% vs. 13.67%; χ² = 244.70, P < 0.01) were significantly higher in liver specimens in the PL group than in the DL group, and the proportion of CD4⁺ helper T cells was significantly lower in the PL group than in the DL group (7.50% vs. 14.75%; χ² = 330.52, P < 0.01). KEGG pathway analysis revealed that Th2 cells were significantly enriched in cell apoptosis and multiple cancer-associated pathways, and CD4⁺ effector memory T cells were significantly enriched in the regulation of cytokines and chronic inflammation, while CD4⁺ helper T cells were significantly enriched in immune responses regulation. Trajectory analysis of T cells showed that CD4⁺ helper T cells were at an earlier developmental stage relative to Th2 cells and CD4⁺ effector memory T cells, and the expression of inhibitor of DNA binding 3 (ID3), thioredoxin interacting protein (TXNIP), Bcl2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) and heat shock protein family B (small) member 1 (HSPB1) genes appeared a tendency towards a decline over time. Conclusions CD4⁺ effector memory T cells and CD8⁺ cytotoxic T cells are primary interacting cells in the liver specimens of AE patients. Reduced expression of Th2 cells and CD4⁺ helper T cells contributes to an inhibitory immune microenvironment, which promotes immune evasion by Echinococcus multilocularis, and Th2 cells are significantly enriched in multiple cancer-associated pathways, which may be linked to the invasive growth of E. multilocularis.

Individuals with type 1 diabetes or advanced type 2 diabetes suffer insufficient insulin secretion, leading to symptoms of hyperglycemia. To maintain the normal blood glucose levels, those people with diabetes must administer insulin multiple times a day. However, insulin requirements are influenced by several factors such as diet, exercise, and illness, combined with the narrow therapeutic index, making accurate insulin dosage challenging. Excessive insulin administration can even pose life-threatening risks. In addition, frequent daily insulin injections place considerable physiological and psychological burdens on patients. To tackle these challenges, researchers have embarked on the development of closed-loop insulin delivery systems. These systems adjust insulin dosages in real-time changes based on the patient’s blood glucose levels, therefore enhancing both the safety and effectiveness of insulin therapy. This review categorizes closed-loop insulin delivery systems into two types: electronic-based and material-based systems, based on their compositional attributes. The exploration of both types covers their components, developmental history, clinical applications, current pros and cons, and future directions. The relative strengths and limitations of these two categories of closed-loop insulin delivery systems are also compared and discussed.

Objective:To evaluate the clinicopathologic characteristics and prognosis of primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid (PSCCT).Methods:We reported 16 cases who were operated on and histologically diagnosed with primary squamous cell carcinoma of the thyroid from Jan 2012 to Dec 2016.Results:Among the 16 patients with PSCCT,there were 10 females (62%) and 6 males (38%),mean age was (58.13±11.21) years old. Univariate analysis showed that gender ( χ2=4.367, P=0.037), tumor size ( χ2=5.630, P=0.018) and radical surgery ( χ2=11.123, P=0.001) were important predictive factors for overall survival.COX regressing analysis showed radical surgery was independent prognostic factors ( P=0.034). Conclusions:PSCCT is a rare thyroid cancer with an aggressive nature and poor prognosis. Radical surgery was associated with a fair outcome.