Objective:This study aims to investigate the influence of microvessel density（MVD） and microlymphatic vessel density（MLVD） on the prognosis of patients with hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma（HPSCC） and to develop a nomogram prediction model for prognosis based on pathological characteristics. Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinicopathological and follow-up data from HPSCC patients who underwent surgical treatment at our institution between June 2010 and June 2020. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on tumor tissues and adjacent normal margin tissues to evaluate MVD and MLVD. The associations among MVD, MLVD, and clinicopathological features were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses were conducted to identify independent risk factors affecting overall survival（OS）. Based on these findings, a nomogram model was constructed and its predictive accuracy was assessed using C-index, receiver operating characteristic（ROC） curve, and calibration curve. Results:Both MVD and MLVD were significantly higher in HPSCC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues. Patients in the high MVD and high MLVD groups exhibited significantly lower OS rates than those in the low MVD and low MLVD groups. Multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that N stage, recurrence, nerve invasion, lymph node capsule invasion, MVD, and MLVD were independent prognostic factors of OS. Based on these factors, a nomogram prognosis model was successfully constructed. The nomograms demonstrated superior performance in terms of C-index, area under the ROC curve, and calibration, outperforming the AJCC TNM staging system. Conclusion:Elevated MVD and MLVD levels are associated with poorer prognosis in HPSCC patients. The nomogram model based on pathological features provides valuable insights for clinical assessment and decision-making.
Humans ; Hypopharyngeal Neoplasms/blood supply* ; Prognosis ; Retrospective Studies ; Microvascular Density ; Nomograms ; Lymphatic Vessels/pathology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/blood supply* ; Microvessels/pathology* ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Survival Rate

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of dihydroartemisinin(DHA)on the functions of cancer-associated fibroblasts(CAFs)in the tumor microenvironment in hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma(HPSCC).METHODS The influence of conditioned media from CAFs and normal fibroblasts(NFs)on tube formation was assessed using a tube formation assay.Secreted protein levels of IL-6,VEGFA,and VEGFC were measured by immunofluorescence and ELISA.Western blotting was used to evaluate the expression of α-SMA,p-STAT3,STAT3,VEGF-A,and VEGF-C within the STAT3 signaling pathway.After treatment with DHA,the optimal concentration for DHA's effect was determined using CCK8 assays and morphological observations of cells.The impact of DHA on angiogenesis was analyzed through tube formation assays,changes in IL-6 expression were detected using ELISA and immunofluorescence,and alterations in α-SMA,p-STAT3,and STAT3 expression were examined by Western blot.RESULTS Both CAFs and NFs exhibited pro-angiogenic and pro-lymphangiogenic effects,with CAFs showing a more pronounced impact.Activated CAFs overexpressed and secreted high levels of IL-6,VEGF-A,and VEGF-C.The concentration of IL-6 in the conditioned medium supernatants of CAF1 and CAF2 was significantly higher than that of NF1 and NF2(P1<0.001,P2<0.05).Similarly,the concentration of VEGF-A was significantly increased(P1<0.05,P2<0.01),and the concentration of VEGF-C was also significantly increased(P1<0.05,P2<0.01).Treatment with DHA inhibited the activated state of CAFs,reducing the expression and secretion of IL-6 and p-STAT3,thereby suppressing tube formation.CONCLUSION Our findings indicate that CAFs promote angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis in HPSCC via activation of the STAT3 pathway.DHA effectively inhibits this process,suggesting a potential new therapeutic strategy for the treatment of HPSCC.

Non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC)is a highly lethal malignant tumor that poses a serious threat to human health.Traditional methods for tumor diagnosis and treatment have many limitations.However,circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA)detection,a kind of liquid biopsy technology,has gained widespread attention in the field of NSCLC personalized therapy and monitoring due to its non-invasive,convenient,and comprehensive sensitivity.This article will review the latest research progress of ctDNA detection in the clinical diagnosis and treatment of NSCLC in recent years,including its applications in early screening,disease diagnosis,tumor mutation monitoring,treatment efficacy evaluation,and prognosis assessment.

Objective To compare the stability of different Kirschner wire configurations for treating SH-Ⅱ type epiphyseal injury and damage to the epiphyseal plate in children.Methods The CT scanning data of a healthy femur from an eight-year-old child were collected;the image data were imported into Mimics 21.0 to establish a rough femoral and epiphyseal model,which was then imported into Geomagic 2013 to construct a surface model.The surface model was assembled in SolidWorks 2018 with three configurations(dispersed,double-crossed,and single-crossed K-wires)and then imported into ANSYS Workbench 2019.Various motion modes in reality were simulated through different mechanical loadings on the assembly.The maximum displacement of the fracture fragment,von Mises stress distribution,and maximum stress on the K-wire,epiphyseal plate,and fracture fragment were analyzed.Results The maximum displacements of the dispersed,double-crossed,and single-crossed K-wire groups occurred during abduction(2.39 mm),adduction(2.12 mm),and abduction(2.21 mm),and the maximum stress on the epiphyseal plate occurred during abduction(1.22 MPa),anterior flexion(0.20 MPa),and posterior extension(0.29 MPa),respectively.Conclusions The stability of the double-crossed K-wire configuration is superior to that of the dispersed and single-crossed K-wire configurations,with minimal damage to the epiphysis.

Objective To investigate the overweight and obesity of primary and middle school students in Sijing area of Shanghai from 2020 to 2022,so as to provide scientific basis for the intervention of childhood obesity.Methods In October 2020 and October 2022,all primary and middle school students in Sijing area underwent physical examination by cluster sampling method.A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate the obesity and overweight in primary and middle school students of different ages and genders in Sijing area.Results In 2020 and 2022,7 766 and 10 594 students completed physical examination,respectively,and 4 626 of them underwent two consecutive physical examinations.The incidences of overweight and obesity were 15.14%and 21.89%in 2020,respectively.The incidences of overweight and obesity were 15.41%and 21.11%in 2022,respectively.There were no significant differences in the incidences of overweight or obesity between 2020 and 2022(P>0.05).In 2020,the incidences of overweight and obesity of male students were 14.91%and 24.70%;the incidences of overweight and obesity of female students were 15.40%and 18.80%,respectively.In 2022,the incidences of overweight and obesity of male students were 15.04%and 24.14%;the incidences of overweight and obesity of female students were 15.82%and 17.82%,respectively.There was no significant difference in the overweight rate between males and females(P>0.05).The incidence of obesity of male students was significantly higher than that of female students in both 2020 and 2022(P<0.05).In the students aged 12 years old,the incidence of obesity was 27.42%in 2022,which was significantly higher than that in 2020(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of obesity between other age groups(P>0.05).Among the 4 626 children who participated in two consecutive physical examinations,the overweight/obesity rates were 14.46%/21.25%in 2020 and 16.04%/21.78%in 2022;there was significant difference in the overweight rates(P<0.05),while no significant difference was found in obesity rates(P>0.05).Among the 4 626 children,there were 2 402 boys and 2 224 girls.In 2020,the overweight/obesity rates were 13.70%/24.48%in these boys and 15.29%/17.76%in these girls.In 2022,the overweight/obesity rates were 16.07%/25.44%in these boys and 16.01%/17.72%in these girls.There was no significant difference in the incidence of overweight between these girls and boys in 2020 and 2022(P>0.05),but the obesity rate of boys was significantly higher than that of girls(P<0.05).Conclusion There are high incidences of overweight and obesity among primary and middle school students in Sijing area of Shanghai,and dietary and exercise guidances should be strengthened.Meanwhile,the incidences of overweight and obesity are higher among boys,and obesity prevention and control measures should be strengthened for boys.

Objective To compare biomechanical characteristics of external fixator, Kirschner’s wire, elastic stable intramedullary nailing (ESIN) for fixing proximal humeral fractures in children by finite element method.Methods The CT scanning data from the healthy humerus of an 8-year-old patient with proximal humeralfractures were collected, and the image data were imported in Mimics 21. 0 to establish the rough humeralmodel, which was imported in Geomagic 2013 to construct the three-dimensional (3D) model of cancellous and cortical bones of the humerus. After the model was assembled with 3 fixators ( external fixator, Kirschner’swire, ESIN), it was imported in ANSYS 2019 to simulate the upper limb under quiet, abduction, adduction, flexion, extension, external rotation, internal rotation working conditions. The maximum displacement of the distal humerus, the maximum stress of the fixture, and the maximum displacement of the distal fracture surface were analyzed. Results The minimum values of the maximum displacement of the distal humerus in models fixed by external fixator, Kirschner’s wire, ESIN appeared under extension (2. 406 mm), external rotation (0. 203 mm), external rotation (0. 185 mm) working conditions, respectively. Conclusions External fixator is the most unstable fixation of proximal humeral fractures in children, and the biomechanical performance of ESIN is better than that of external fixator and Kirschner’s wire fixation

Objective:To construct the clinical training content system for master of nursing specialist (MNS) in China.Methods:The first draft of clinical training content system for MNS was constructed through literature review, national status survey and semi-structured interview. Delphi expert consultation was used to form the final draft, and analytic hierarchy process was used to determine the weight of indicators at all levels.Results:Two rounds of consultation were conducted among 20 experts. The questionnaire recovery rate was 100% and the expert authority coefficient was 0.93. The Kendall concordance coefficients of the two rounds were 0.499 and 0.387, respectively, with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.001) . The average assigned value of importance of indicators at all levels was 4.60 to 5.00. The final version of the clinical training content system for MNS included 6 first-level items, 17 second-level items and 24 third-level items. Conclusions:The clinical training content system for MNS has good practicability, scientificity and reliability, which can provide reference and guidance for MNS clinical training.

Objective:To investigate the genotypic and hematological characteristics of β-thalassemia patients and carriers from Henan Province of China.Methods:Clinical data of the patients and carriers were collected. Results of routine blood test, hemoglobin electrophoresis and genetic testing were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Of the 83 β-thalassemia patients and carriers, there were 46 females and 37 males, and their mean age was 27.37 ± 14.71, ranging from 5 months to 83 years. A total of 13 types of β-thalassemia alleles (86 alleles in total) were detected, with the most common three including IVS-Ⅱ-654(C>T) (33.72%), CD41-42(-TTCT) (26.74%) and CD17(A>T) (18.60%). Five rare alleles, including CD8-9(+ G), IVS-Ⅱ-1(G>A), CD42(T>G), and start codons ATG>AGG and ATG>ACG were identified. Among these, HBB: c. 128T>G(CD42T>G) was previously unreported in China. Fifteen β-thalassemia genotypes were detected, which included 12 simple heterozygote genotypes (80 cases, 96.40%), 2 double heterozygote genotypes (2 cases, 2.40%) and 1 homozygote genotype (1 case, 1.20%). The main manifestations were mild microcytic hypochromic anemia and raised HbA2. Compared with those with a β + /β N genotype, carriers with a β 0/β N genotype have lower mean corpuscular volume (MCV) and mean corpusular hemoglobin (MCH) but higher HbA2 ( P<0.05). Conclusion:β-thalassemia is not rare in Henan Province and its characteristics are different from those in high incidence areas, which deserves close attention. The newly discovered HBB: c. 128T>G (CD42T>G) has enriched the spectrum of β-thalassemia mutations in China. Above results will also facilitate genetic counseling and prenatal diagnosis of β-thalassemia in Henan Province.

Objective:To investigate the factors associated with the occurrence of coccoid forms in clinical isolates of Helicobacter pylori ( H. pylori) and its relationship with the pathological changes of gastric mucosa. Methods:A total of 66 H. pylori-infected patients admitted to People′s Hospital of Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region from January 2020 to June 2021 were included.The clinical data of the patients were collected. Immunohistochemical staining was performed on gastric mucosal biopsy specimen to observe the occurrence of coccoid forms of H. pylori and pathological changes of gastric mucosa. Chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. Results:After immunohistochemical staining of 66 gastric mucosa biopsy specimens from H. pylori-infected patients, the co-existence of helical and coccoid forms of H. pylori was found in 26(39.39%) specimens, and no simple coccoid H. pylori change was found. Among them, the patients with a history of eradication therapy had a coccoid forms rate of 52.63%(20/38), and those without a history of eradication therapy had a coccoid forms rate of 21.43%(6/28), and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=6.57, P=0.012). There were no significant differences in the coccoid forms rates between patients with different gender, ethnicity, age and gastric mucosal pathological changes (including atrophy, gastric intestinal metaplasia, inflammation, activity)(all P>0.050). Seventeen (73.9%) of the 23 patients whose endoscopy was more than one to three months from the last eradication therapy developed coccoid forms, while three of 15 patients whose endoscopy was more than three months from the last eradication therapy had coccoid forms, and the difference was statistically significant ( χ2=10.59, P=0.002). Conclusions:The transformation of H. pylori coccoid forms is related to the previous eradication therapy. The coccoid forms of H. pylori is equally pathogenic relative to the helical forms of H. pylori.