ObjectiveThis study explored the risk factors for malignant risks of pulmonary nodules based on clinical data，constructed an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine model for predicting malignant risks of pulmonary nodules， and visualized the prediction results by using a nomogram. MethodsBased on a cross-sectional survey study design，patients with pulmonary nodules who were hospitalized in the Department of Respiratory and Cardiothoracic Surgery of Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine from April 2023 to January 2024 were included. The dataset was randomly divided into a training set and a validation set according to 7∶3. In the training set，predictive factors were selected through univariate Logistic regression analysis and Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator （LASSO） regression analysis，and Logistic regression models were built. The discriminative ability，calibration，and clinical decision-making curves of the Western medicine model and the integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine prediction model were compared to select the optimal model，which was then visualized in a nomogram. ResultsThis study included a total of 366 patients，and they were divided into a training set （258 cases） and a validation set （108 cases）. Seven predictive factors were considered including age，preference for fatty and greasy foods，history of environmental or occupational exposure，Qi deficiency，Yang deficiency，nodule density，and nodule diameter. A Logistic regression model was constructed. A Western medicine model，defined as model1，was created using only age，history of environmental or occupational exposure，nodule density，and nodule diameter as predictive factors. In addition，an integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine model，defined as model2，was created by adding preference for fatty and greasy foods， Qi deficiency，and Yang deficiency as predictive factors. Model2 demonstrated better predictive performance in both the training and validation sets. Its accuracy in training set was 0.740，with precision of 0.825， recall of 0.829， F1 score of 0.827， the area under the curve （AUC）of 0.865 （95% confidence interval （CI）：0.815-0.915）， and a Brier score of 0.122. The accuracy in validation set was 0.731， with precision of 0.776， recall of 0.831， F1 score of 0.803， AUC of 0.852 （95%CI：0.776-0.927）， and a Brier score of 0.149. The calibration curve and decision-making curve analysis showed that this model exhibited good consistency and clinical utility in prediction. The equation for the malignant probability of pulmonary nodules was defined as p=eY/(1+eY)，where Y=-4.187+0.022×（age）+1.079×（history of environmental or occupational exposure）+0.718×（preference for fatty and greasy foods）+ 1.403×（Qi deficiency）+0.732×（Yang deficiency）+0.349×（pure ground glass density nodules）+1.304×（partially solid density nodules）+0.148×（nodule diameter）. A nomogram was used for intuitive representation. ConclusionThis study develops a comprehensive assessment model for the malignant risk of pulmonary nodules， which integrates factors from traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine. Embedding traditional Chinese medicine elements in the prediction model allows for a multidimensional assessment of relevant risk factors for nodule malignancy. This demonstrates good diagnostic performance and provides a reference for early identification of lung cancer.

Humans ; Aged ; Lung Diseases ; Pneumonia/drug therapy* ; Adrenal Cortex Hormones/therapeutic use* ; Pulmonary Disease, Chronic Obstructive/drug therapy* ; Administration, Inhalation ; Community-Acquired Infections/drug therapy*

Objective To study the effect of Hedysarum polysaccharides(HPS)on the farnisol X receptor(FXR)-small heterodimer chaperone(SHP)-sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 c(SREBP-1c)signaling pathway in the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cell model.Methods The cells were cultured with 1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acids to construct the non-alcoholic fatty liver disease cell model.The cell were divided into normal group(complete medium),model group(1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acid solution),positive control group(1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acid solution+50 μmol·L-1 alpha-lipoic acid)and experimental group(1.2 mmol·L-1 fatty acid solution+80 mg·L-1 HPS),culture for 24 h.The content of triglyceride(TG)and total cholesterol(TC),the activity of glutamate transaminase(GOT)and glutamate transaminasewas(GPT)detected by GPO-PAP enzyme method;the apoptosis rate was detected by flow cytometry;the expressions of FXR,SHP,SREBP-1c protein and mRNA in hepatocytes were detected by Western blot and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR).Results The contents of TG in hepatocytes of normal group,model group,positve control group and experimental group were(2.91±1.13),(6.81±1.32),(3.72±0.52)and(4.67±0.62)mmol·gprot-1;the contents of TC in these four groups were(23.66±4.92),(67.96±5.56),(29.41±4.22)and(54.34±3.96)mmol·gprot-1;the activity of GOT in these four groups were(249.10±11.59),(322.63±28.81),(288.89±19.14)and(266.91±8.77)U·gprot-1;the activity of GPT in these four groups were(58.83±16.88),(134.55±22.96),(89.63±15.81)and(77.37±7.25)U·gprot-1,respectively;FXR mRNA expression levels were 1.01±0.16,2.09±0.12,1.83±0.17 and 1.45±0.15,respectively;SHP mRNA expression levels were 1.00±0.11,0.51±0.15,0.64±0.14 and 0.70±0.14,respectively;SREBP-1c mRNA were 1.00±0.08,1.57±0.19,1.37±0.13 and 1.21±0.15;the expression levels of FXR protein were 1.00±0.02,1.63±0.03,1.42±0.02 and 1.25±0.03,respectively;the expression levels of SHP protein were 1.00±0.02,0.23±0.01,0.54±0.21 and 0.62±0.02;the expression levels of SREBP-1c protein were 1.00±0.03,4.08±0.05,1.99±0.02 and 1.48±0.01,respectively.Compared with the normal group,there were significant differences in the above indexes of model group(all P＜0.05);compared with the model group,there were significant differences in the above indexes of experimental group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion HPS may protect liver cells by regulating the FXR-SHP-SREBP-1 c signaling pathway,reducing lipid synthesis in liver cells.

Objective To study the effect of Hedysarum polysaccharides(HPS)on the expression of transforming growth factor-β,(TGF-β1),smad homologue 3 recombinant protein(smad3)and smad7 in renal tissue of db/db mice with diabetic nephropathy(DN).Methods According to their body weight,6-week-old male db/db mice were randomly divided into 5 groups:model group(0.9％NaCl 0.2 mL·d-1),positive control group(22.75 mg·kg-1·d-1 irbesartan)and experimental-H,-M,-L groups(200,100,50 mg kg-1·d-1 HPS),with 10 mice in each group;another 10 SPF grade male C57BL/6 mice of the same week were selected as normal group(0.9％NaCl 0.2mL·d-1).The mice in the 6 groups were given intragastric administration once a day for 12 weeks.The blood glucose concentration of mice was measured before treatment and at the 4th,8th and 12th week after treatment.The expression levels of TGF-β1,smad3 and smad7 were detected by Western blotting.Results After treatment,the blood glucose levels of the model group was significantly higher than those of the normal group(all P＜0.01);compared with the model group,the levels of blood glucose in the experimental-H,-M groups decreased significantly,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).The relative expression levels of TGF-β,protein in normal group,model group,positive control group and experimental-H,-M groups were 0.71±0.16,1.66±0.18,1.00±0.17,0.88±0.15 and 1.23±0.15;the relative expression levels of smad3 protein were 0.89±0.32,2.26±0.35,1.24±0.31,1.05±0.30 and 1.67±0.35;the relative expression levels of smad7 protein were 1.66±0.03,0.60±0.03,1.10±0.07,1.48±0.08 and 0.97±0.09;there were statistically significant differences between the experimental-H,-M groups and the model group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Conclusion Hedysarum polysaccharides can improve renal fibrosis and delay the development of diabetic nephropathy by regulating the level of blood glucose,inhibiting TGF-β1,smad3 and increasing the expression of smad7.

Objective: To investigate the daily learning time status of elementary school students and understand the implementation of Health Requirements of Daily Learning Time for Secondary and Elementary School Students (GB/T 17223-2012) in schools, so as to provide a reference for strengthening and improving school health and health education in the new era. Methods: A stratified cluster random sampling method was used to select 7 776 primary school students in Shandong Province, and a survey questionnaire was designed based on the Health Requirements for Dayily Learning Time for Secondary and Elementary School Students(GB/T 17223-2012) standard to investigate their daily learning arrangements, sleep and physical activities, and breaks between classes. Comparison of intergroup differences were used by Chi square test and Kruskal-Wallis H test. Results: About 55.88 % of primary school students for daily learning time met the standard. There was a statistically significant difference in the daily learning time achievement rate among primary school students in three grades for first and second grade, third and fourth grade and fifth and sixth grade ( Z=1 629.47, P <0.01), and the fifth and sixth grade had the highest proportion of achieving the standard (85.92%). Specifically, the proportions of students whose class hours, class numbers and morning reading time meeting the standards were 30.07%, 10.20% and 42.19%, respectively. The sleep deficiency rate of primary school studnets was 58.69%, and the physical activity deficiency rate was 65.78%; and there was a statistically significant difference in the rate of insufficient sleep time and physical activity time among primary school students of different grades ( χ 2=56.39, 95.95, P <0.01), with sixth grade students showing the highest rates for both sleep and physical activity deficiencies (64.35%, 73.37%). Additionally, 49.78% of students had recess time below the standard requirements. Conclusion The health status of daily learning time among primary school students in Shandong Province is poor, with insufficient implementation of school standards, and the implementation of standards needs to be further strengthened.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Xianqi Qinglong Formula （仙芪青龙方， XQF） in the treatment of cough variant asthma （CVS） patients with lung and kidney deficiency and exuberant wind-induced spasm and tension syndrome. MethodsA randomized， positive-controlled， non-inferiority clinical trial was designed. Totally， 102 CVS patients with lung and kidney deficiency and exuberant wind-induced spasm and tension syndrome were randomly divided into a treatment group （52 cases） and a control group （50 cases）. The treatment group was given XQF granules orally， 1 dose per day， 2 bags each time （9.25 g/bag）， twice a day， after breakfast and dinner； the control group was given XQF granules placebo orally combined with inhaled fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol （125 μg each time， twice a day）. Both groups were treated for 12 weeks and followed up for 12 weeks， with a total of 24 weeks. The primary outcome was the cough symptom score （including daytime， nighttime and total score）， evaluated before treatment （at enrollment）， during treatment （after the 6th week of enrollment）， at the end of treatment （after the 12th week of enrollment）， and at the end of follow-up （after the 24th week of enrollment）. The non-inferiority was determined by the lower limit （LCL） of the unilateral 95% confidence interval. The secondary outcomes included cough relief and disappearance， total score of TCM syndrome， cough visual analogue （VAS） score， Leicester Cough Questionnaire （LCQ） score， and lung function indicators including forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1）， percentage of predicted forced expiratory volume in 1 second （FEV1%pred）， forced vital capacity （FVC）， and peak expiratory flow （PEF）. Blood routine and liver and kidney function were tested before and after treatment， and the adverse events were recorded. ResultsA total of 101 patients were included in the full analysis set （FAS）， including 52 cases in the treatment group and 49 cases in the control group. After treatment， the daytime， nighttime and total cough symptom scores during treatment， at the end of treatment and at the end of follow-up all decreased in both two groups （P＜0.01）. The unilateral 95% LCL of the total cough symptom scores during treatment， at the end of treatment and at the end of follow-up of the two groups were -0.14， -0.47 and -0.27 （95% LCL all＞-0.6）. There were no significant differences in the cough relief rate， cough disappearance rate， cough relief days and cough disappearance days between the two groups at each time point （P＞0.05）. Compared to those before treatment， the TCM syndrome scores and cough VAS scores during treatment， at the end of treatment and at the end of follow-up decreased in both groups， while the LCQ scores increased （P＜0.01）， but there were no significant differences in FEV1， FEV1%， FVC and PEF before and after treatment （P＞0.05）. There were no significant differences in TCM syndrome scores， cough VAS scores， LCQ scores， FEV1， FEV1%， FVC， and PEF between the two groups at each time point （P＞0.05）. No clinically significant abnormal liver and kidney function were found in the two groups before and after treatment. ConclusionXQF is not inferior to fluticasone propionate inhalation aerosol in relieving cough symptoms， reducing cough scores， decreasing the number of cough attack days， and improving the quality of life when treating CVS patients with lung and kidney deficiency and exuberant wind-induced spasms and tension syndrome， and relatively safe.

Objective To investigate the spatiotemporal distribution characteristics and potential influencing factors of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, so as to provide insights into the formulation of the echinococcosis control strategy in Qinghai Province. Methods The number of individuals screened for echinococcosis, number of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases, number of registered dogs and number of stray dogs were captured from the annual reports of echinococcosis control program in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, and the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was calculated. The number of populations, precipitation, temperature, wind speed, sunshine hours, average altitude, number of year-end cattle stock, number of year-end sheep stock, gross domestic product (GDP) per capita, and number of village health centers in each county (district) of Qinghai Province were captured from the Qinghai Provincial Statistical Yearbook, and county-level electronic maps in Qinghai Province were downloaded from the National Platform for Common Geospatial Information Services. The software ArcGIS 10.8 was used to map the distribution of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province, and the spatial autocorrelation analysis of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was performed. In addition, the spacetime scan analyses of number of individuals screened for echinococcosis, number of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases and geographical coordinates in Qinghai Province were performed with the software SaTScan 10.1.2, and the spatial stratified heterogeneity of the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases was investigated with the software GeoDetector. Results A total of 6 569 426 residents were screened for echinococcosis in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, and 5 924 newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases were found. The detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline over years from 2016 to 2022 (χ² = 11.107, P < 0.01), with the highest detection in Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture in 2017 (82.12/10⁵). There were spatial clusters in the detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2018 (Moran’s I = 0.34 to 0.65, all Z values > 1.96, all P values < 0.05), and the distribution of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases appeared random distribution from 2019 to 2022 (Moran’s I = −0.09 to 0.04, all Z values < 1.96, all P values > 0.05). Local spatial autocorrelation analysis showed high-high clusters and low-low clusters in the detection of new diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022, and space-time scan analysis showed that the first most likely cluster areas of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province from 2016 to 2022 were mainly distributed in Yushu Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture and Guoluo Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture. GeoDetector-based analysis of the driving factors for the spatial stratified heterogeneity of detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases in Qinghai Province showed that average altitude, number of village health centers, number of cattle and sheep stock, GDP per capita, annual average sunshine hours, and annual average temperature had a strong explanatory power for the spatial distribution of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases, with q values of 0.630, 0.610, 0.600, 0.590, 0.588, 0.537 and 0.526, respectively. Conclusions The detection of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases appeared a tendency towards a decline in Qinghai Province over years from 2016 to 2022, showing spatial clustering. Targeted control measures are required in cluster areas of newly diagnosed echinococcosis cases for further control of the disease.

Background Cyclic AMP response element binding protein (CREB) and miR-132-3p have been proved to be related to many neurodegenerative diseases. Our research group previously has demostrated that the neurotoxicity of aluminum is relevant to abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein, but whether aluminum affects the abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein through GREB and miR-132-3p has not been reported yet . Objective To investigate the effect of aluminum on CREB and miR-132-3p during abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein in rat hippocampus. Methods Twenty-eight two-month-old SD rats with comparable weigh, were randomly assigned to four groups: control group (saline) and low, middle, and high dose exposure groups [10, 20, and 40 μmol·kg⁻¹ Al(mal)₃] with each group containing 7 rats, and the exposure period was 3 months by intraperitoneal injection every other day. After rats’ exposure to aluminum, Morris water maze was employed to assess their capabilities of learning and memory. The miR-132-3p gene expression level was detected by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). The levels of CREB, phosphorylated CREB (p-CREB) (Ser133), RAS p21 protein activator 1 (RASA1) tau, and p-tau (Ser396) proteins were determined by Western blot. Results The results of Morris water maze showed that in the navigation experiment (from first day to the fifth day), the average escape latency of the rats exposed to three doses of aluminum was longer than that of the control rats (P<0.05). The middle dose group and the high dose group demonstrated shorter duration and lower frequency of platform traversal in the designated quadrant when compared to the control group and the low dose group (P<0.05). Moreover, the duration in the target quadrant of the rats exposed to high dose aluminum was shorter than that of the rats exposed to medium dose aluminum (P<0.05). The results of Morris water maze suggested that aluminum could damage the learning and memory ability of rats. The qRT-PCR findings indicated a decline in miR-132-3p gene expression in rat hippocampus correlating with higher Al(mal)₃ dose (P<0.05). The Western blot test showed that the protein expressions of CREB and p-CREB (Ser133) were reduced in both the middle dose group and the high dose group (P<0.05) when compared to the control group and the low dose group, and likewise, compared to the control group, the group receiving low dose exhibited lower level of p-CREB (Ser133) protein expression (P<0.05). It was found that the further increase of aluminum exposure dose would lead to the further decrease of CREB and p-CREB (Ser133) protein expression levels (F=36.429, P<0.001; F=78.672, P<0.001), aluminum exposure dose was negatively correlated with the expression levels of the two proteins (r=−0.848, P<0.001; r=−0.928, P<0.001). The expression levels of RASA1 protein and tau protein in the aluminum exposure groups surpassed those in the control group (P<0.05). The tau protein phosphorylation level was higher in the middle dose group than in the control group (P<0.05), while the high dose group showed elevated phosphorylation level relative to the control group, the low dose group, and the middle dose group (P<0.05). Conclusion Aluminum may promote abnormal phosphorylation of tau protein by affecting CREB and miR-132-3p, which eventually leads to the impairment of learning and memory ability.

Objective To explore the role of pulmonary surfactant(PS)combined with budesonide in improving oxygenation and clinical outcomes of neonatal acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS).Methods The present study is a historically controlled trial.Infants with ARDS requiring mechanical ventilation and PS replacement therapy were collected from the neonatal unit of Southwest Medical University.Those from January 2022 to November 2022 were set as intervention group(PS+ budesonid,n=35),treated with intratracheal instillation of a mixed suspension of budesonide(0.25 mg/kg)and PS(200 mg/kg),and continuous budesonide nebulization(0.25 mg/kg,twice per day)until withdrawal,then compared with a historical cohort,who just received intratracheal instillation of PS(200 mg/kg)(January 2020-December 2021,PS group,n=35).Baseline data such as gender,mode of delivery,1 min and 5 min Apgar score,birth weight,gestational age,time of onset,and cause of onset were recorded in both groups.The oxygenation and clinical outcomes of infants were compared between the two groups,including:(1)Arterial blood gas analysis indicators,such as partial pressure of oxygen(PaO2)and oxygenation index(OI)before treatment and at 6,12 and 24 hours of treatment;(2)Clinical observation and evaluation indicators,such as the time to withdrawal,duration of oxygen supplementation,length of stay,improvement of the radiological images of the lungs at 72 h of treatment,and repeated PS use;(3)Blood chemistry indicators,such as white blood cell(WBC),neutrocyte(NEU),procalcitonin(PCT)before treatment and at 3 and 7 days of treatment;and(4)Observation indicators of complications,weight growth,and mortality outcomes,such as the incidences of intracranial hemorrhage,gastrointestinal hemorrhage,neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis(NEC),and hyperglycemia,weight growth,and fatality rate.Results The differences in baseline data between the two groups were not statistically different(P＞0.05).The levels of PaO2 of the two groups were increased after treatment for different time periods,while the levels of OI were decreased(P＜0.001),and the levels of above indexes changed more significantly in PS+budesonide group than those in PS group(P＜0.05).The time to withdrawal,duration of oxygen supplementation,and length of stay in PS+budesonide group were shorter than those in PS group;the radiological images of the lungs showed that the pulmonary inflammation absorption was significantly better in PS+ budesonide group than that in PS group,while no significant difference between the two groups of infants with repeated PS use.The NEU was significantly higher in PS+budesonide group than in PS group at 3 d and 7 d of treatment(P＜0.001);and at 3 days of treatment,the PCT levels were significantly lower in PS+budesonide group than that in PS group(P＜0.05).The incidences of intracranial hemorrhage,gastrointestinal hemorrhage,NEC,hyperglycemia,weight growth,and fatality rate were not significantly different between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The use of budesonide in addition to surfactant may improve the oxygenation of neonates with ARDS,improve the inflammatory infiltrates in lungs,shorten the duration of mechanical ventilation and oxygen supplementation,and without short-term complications associated with budesonide use.

ObjectiveTo explore whether miR-375 regulates the malignant characteristics of osteosarcoma (OS) by influencing the expression of MMP13. MethodsPlasmid DNAs and miRNAs were transfected into OS cells and HEK293 cells using Lipofectamine 3000 reagent. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction was performed to measure the expression of miR-375 and MMP13 in OS patients and OS cells. Western blot was performed to analyze the MMP13 protein in the patients with OS and OS cells. The targeting relationship between miR-375 and MMP13 was analyzed by luciferase assay. Migration and invasion were analysed by heal wound and transwell assays, respectively. ResultsmiR-375 expression in OS tissues was lower than that in normal tissues. The expression of MMP13 was upregulated in OS tissues. MMP13 expression was negatively correlated withmiR-375 expression in patients with OS. Migration and invasion were significantly inhibited in OS cells with the miR-375 mimic compared with OS cells with the miRNA control. MMP13 partially reversed the inhibition of migration and invasion induced by miR-375 in the OS cells. ConclusionmiR-375 attenuates migration and invasion by downregulating the expression of MMP13 in OS cells.