Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Objective This study aims to investigate and analyze the effects of the incentive-coordination-supervision mechanism applied to training management of medical staff under the modern hospital management system.Methods A total of 84 medical staff members working at the hospital from February 2022 to February 2024 were selected for the study.They were di-vided into a reference group(n=42,February 2022 to February 2023)and a study group(n=42,March 2023 to February 2024)based on the time period.The reference group underwent routine management,while the study group underwent manage-ment based on the incentive-coordination-supervision mechanism.The quality of management,occurrence of adverse events,management satisfaction,and core competencies were compared between the two groups.Results The study group had higher scores in cultural construction,reward and punishment mechanism,reporting system,and communication and coordination mech-anism than the reference group(all P＜0.05).The occurrence rate of adverse events was lower in the study group than in the reference group(7.14％vs 23.81％)(P＜0.05).The study group had higher satisfaction rates in management methods,man-agement content,management forms,and communication skills(95.24％,92.86％,97.62％,and 95.24％,respectively)compared to the reference group(78.57％,73.81％,76.19％,and 73.81％,respectively)(all P＜0.05).The study group had higher scores in all core competencies compared to the reference group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The application of the incentive-coordination-supervision mechanism in training management of medical staff shows favorable effects,improving the qual-ity of management,management satisfaction,and core competencies,and reducing the occurrence of adverse events.

Objective This study aims to investigate and analyze the effects of the incentive-coordination-supervision mechanism applied to training management of medical staff under the modern hospital management system.Methods A total of 84 medical staff members working at the hospital from February 2022 to February 2024 were selected for the study.They were di-vided into a reference group(n=42,February 2022 to February 2023)and a study group(n=42,March 2023 to February 2024)based on the time period.The reference group underwent routine management,while the study group underwent manage-ment based on the incentive-coordination-supervision mechanism.The quality of management,occurrence of adverse events,management satisfaction,and core competencies were compared between the two groups.Results The study group had higher scores in cultural construction,reward and punishment mechanism,reporting system,and communication and coordination mech-anism than the reference group(all P＜0.05).The occurrence rate of adverse events was lower in the study group than in the reference group(7.14％vs 23.81％)(P＜0.05).The study group had higher satisfaction rates in management methods,man-agement content,management forms,and communication skills(95.24％,92.86％,97.62％,and 95.24％,respectively)compared to the reference group(78.57％,73.81％,76.19％,and 73.81％,respectively)(all P＜0.05).The study group had higher scores in all core competencies compared to the reference group(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The application of the incentive-coordination-supervision mechanism in training management of medical staff shows favorable effects,improving the qual-ity of management,management satisfaction,and core competencies,and reducing the occurrence of adverse events.

Objective:To explore the force distribution on the maxillary dentition when the first and second molars distalized simultaneously with different step sizes using clear aligners in vitro in order to provide a theoretical basis for the rational design of molar distalization. Methods:Clear aligners were designed to simultaneously distalize the maxillary first and second molars bilaterally, with rectangular attachments placed on the buccal surfaces of the first and second premolars, as well as the second molars. Based on different step sizes, the aligners were divided into three groups: Group A (0.15 mm per step), Group B (0.20 mm per step), and Group C (0.25 mm per step). Ten aligners were fabricated for each group using 0.76 mm thick polyethylene terephthalate glycol (PET-G) sheets. A three-dimensional force measurement system was used to measure the forces exerted on each tooth by the aligners, the first and second molars served as the target teeth and the remaining teeth as anchorage teeth. The three-dimensional force data were compared among the three groups.Results:In the mesiodistal direction, the forces on the central and lateral incisors were relatively small among all three groups, with no statistically significant differences ( P>0.05). However, significant differences were observed in the forces on the canines, first premolars, second premolars, first molars, and second molars ( P<0.05). The distal forces on the second molars in Groups B and C were (6.13±1.45) N and (6.83±1.58) N, respectively, significantly higher than that in Group A [(3.51±1.01) N] ( P<0.05). The distal force on the first molars in Group C [(6.62±0.89) N] was significantly higher than that in Groups A and B ( P<0.05). The mesial reactive forces on the first and second premolars in Groups B and C were significantly higher than those in Group A ( P<0.05). The mesial reactive force on the canines in Group C [(-2.98±1.33) N] was significantly higher than that in Group A [(-1.69±0.68) N] ( P<0.05), while there were no significant differences between Groups B and C in the forces on the canines, first premolars, and second premolars ( P>0.05). In the buccolingual direction, there were no statistically significant differences in the forces on the central and lateral incisors among three groups ( P>0.05), but significant differences were observed in the forces on the canines, second premolars, and second molars ( P<0.05). The buccolingual forces on the canines, second premolars, and second molars in Group B were (-0.56±0.54), (-2.07±0.95), (1.13±0.55) N, respectively, significantly higher than those in Group A ( P<0.05), but there were no significant differences compared to Group C ( P>0.05). Compared to the mesiodistal and buccolingual forces, the vertical forces on the target and anchorage teeth were relatively small in all three groups. Conclusions:When using 0.76 mm thick PET-G sheets to fabricate clear aligners for simultaneous molar distalization, a step size of 0.20 mm per step is recommended. To prevent buccal tipping of the molars during distalization, it is advisable to design lingual displacement for the molars and buccal displacement for the adjacent anchorage teeth to counteract the unfavorable forces, with attachments placed on the primary anchorage teeth.

Objective:To investigate the application value of individualized full-course nutritional intervention in neoadjuvant concurrent chemoradiotherapy (nCRT) for locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ adenocarcinoma of esophagogastric junction (AEG).Methods:The perspec-tive randomized control study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 90 patients with locally advanced Siewert type Ⅱ and Ⅲ AEG who underwent nCRT in the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from February 2012 to December 2018 were selected. Patient were divided into two groups with 1:1 according to random number table. Patients undergoing nCRT combined with individualized full-course nutritional intervention were allocated into experimental group, and patients undergoing nCRT combined with common nutritional intervention were allocated into control group. Observation indicators: (1) grouping situations of the enrolled patients; (2) changing situations of nutritional status and quality of life of patients in nCRT and preoperative waiting period; (3) efficacy evaluation and adverse effects of nCRT; (4) surgical and recovery situations. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD, and comparison between groups was conducted using the t test. Measurement date with skewed distribution were represented as M ( P25, P75) or M (range), and comparison between groups was conducted using the Mann-Whitney U test. Count data were represented as absolute numbers or percentages, and comparison between groups was conducted using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the non-parameter rank sum test. Repeated measurement data were analyzed using the repeated ANOVA. Results:(1) Grouping situations of the enrolled patients: a total of 90 patients were selected for eligibility. There were 77 males and 13 females, aged from 26 to 74 years, with a median age of 62 years. Of 90 patients, there were 45 cases in the experimental group and 45 cases in the control group. (2) Changing situations of nutritional status and quality of life of patients in nCRT and preoperative waiting period: ① during the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the body mass was (67±10)kg, (66±9)kg, (67±10)kg, (68±10)kg, (70±10)kg for the experi-mental group, respectively, and (65±9)kg, (59±8)kg, (62±8)kg, (64±8)kg, (66±9)kg for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the body mass ( χ2=195.010, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of body mass changing between the two groups ( F=93.974, 60.638, 4.144, P<0.05). ② During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the total protein was (66±4)g/L, (65±4)g/L, (65±4)g/L, (68±4)g/L, (71±5)g/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (65±4)g/L, (62±5)g/L, (63±5)g/L, (65±5)g/L, (67±6)g/L for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the total protein ( χ2=652.524, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, interven-tion effect of total protein changing between the two groups ( F=672.507, 6.424, 5.057, P<0.05). ③ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the albumin was (40±3)g/L, (38±4)g/L, (38±4)g/L, (39±4)g/L, (40±4)g/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (39±4)g/L, (35±5)g/L, (36±4)g/L, (36±4)g/L, (37±5)g/L for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the albumin ( χ2=289.324, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of albumin changing between the two groups ( F=4 210.683, 5.013, 7.330, P<0.05). ④ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the prealbumin was (228±41)mg/L, (222±56)mg/L, (223±47)mg/L, (227±46)mg/L, (233±53)mg/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (202±49)mg/L, (174±68)mg/L, (179±54)mg/L, (185±51)mg/L, (193±57)mg/L for the control group. The multi-variate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the prealbumin ( χ2=297.324, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of prealbumin changing between the two groups ( F=871.545, 6.111, 14.426, P<0.05). ⑤ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the hemoglobin was (124±14)g/L, (121±14)g/L, (125±13)g/L, (127±13)g/L, (128±13)g/L for the experimental group, respectively, and (121±18)g/L, (114±14)g/L, (116±14)g/L, (117±16)g/L, (118±22)g/L for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the hemoglobin ( χ2=257.560, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of hemoglobin changing between the two groups ( F=2 533.553, 4.142, 4.985, P<0.05). ⑥ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preopera-tive waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the patient-generated subjective global assessment (PG-SGA) score was 4.4±1.2,6.3±1.4, 5.5±1.4, 4.3±1.4, 3.4±1.7 for the experimental group, respec-tively, and 4.9±1.2, 7.4±1.7, 7.3±1.6, 6.3±1.4, 6.0±1.5 for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the PG-SGA score ( χ2=289.543, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, intervention effect of PG-SGA score changing between the two groups ( F=648.583, 41.906, 26.098, P<0.05). ⑦ During the nCRT treatment (week 3, week 6) and the preoperative waiting period (week 9, week 12, week 15), the quality of life questionnaire of stomach (QLQ-ST022) score was 13±3, 16±6, 16±4, 14±4, 12±5 for the experimental group, respectively, and 15±4, 21±6, 20±4, 17±4, 15±5 for the control group. The multivariate test was conducted based on the mauchly's test of sphericity for the QLQ-STO22 ( χ2=279.865, P<0.05). There were significant differences in the time effect, interaction effect, interven-tion effect of QLQ-STO22 changing between the two groups ( F=710.238, 7.261, 16.794, P<0.05). (3) Efficacy evaluation and adverse effects of nCRT: there were 25 patients and 20 cases of the experimental group with partial response and stable disease, showing the objective response rate and disease control rate as 55.6%(25/45)and 100.0%(45/45). There were 18 patients and 27 cases of the control group with partial response and stable disease, showing the objective response rate and disease control rate as 40.0%(18/45)and 100.0%(45/45). There was no significant difference in the nCRT efficacy between the two groups ( P>0.05). Cases with leukopenia, neutropenia, anemia, nausea, and loss of appetite were 27, 25, 19, 30, 34 for the experimental group, versus 37, 34, 29, 39, 42 for the control group, showing significant differences between the two groups ( χ2=5.409, 3.986, 4.464, 5.031, 5.414, P<0.05). (4) Surgical and recovery situations: patients of the experimental group underwent surgeries successfully. Two patients of the control group diagnosed with peritoneal metastasis after laparoscopic exploration underwent conversion therapy and no surgery, the other 43 patients underwent surgeries. The time to postoperative gastric tube removal, time to postopera-tive drainage tube removal, time to postoperative first flatus, time to postoperative first defecation, duration of postoperative hospital stay were 2.0 days (1.5 days, 3.0 days), 6.0 days (5.0 days,11.0 days), 2.0 days (1.5 days, 2.5 days), 2.0 days (1.5 days, 2.5 days), 7.0 days (6.0 days,14.0 days) for the experimental group, versus 3.0 days (2.0 days,4.0 days), 7.0 days (5.5 days,14.0 days), 2.0 days (1.5 days,3.0 days), 3.0 days (2.0 days,3.5 days), 8.0 days (6.0 days, 17.0 days) for the control group, showing significant differences between the two groups ( Z=-3.477, -4.398, -3.068, -5.786, -3.395, P<0.05). Conclusion:For AEG patients undergoing nCRT, the individualized full-course nutrition intervention involving nutritionists is beneficial to improve the nutritional status, reduce adverse reactions, and improve the quality of life of the patients, promote postoperative short-term recovery. Registry: this study was registered at clinicaltrials.gov in United States, with the registry number of NCT01962246.

Objective:To explore the exfoliative value of multi-slice CT (MSCT) on conversion therapy of gastric cancer patients with positive evaluation cytology (P 0CY 1) . Methods:A total of 36 P 0CY 1 gastric cancer patients receiving conversion therapy in a prospective, single-center, phase Ⅱ clinical trial were enrolled. MSCT examinations were performed before and after conversion therapy. Its solid tumor efficacy evaluation criteria (response evaluation criteria in solid tumors, Recist) 1.1 score and tumor volume reduction rate were evaluated. The Spearman correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between Recist 1.1 score and tumor volume reduction rate and the results of conversion therapy. The ROC curve was used to determine the defined value of the volume reduction rate to identify the effectiveness of conversion therapy, and formulate new grading standards. Results:According to the conversion of free cancer cells in the abdominal cavity , 15 of 36 patients had successful conversion therapy and 21 had failed. The rate of tumor volume reduction in the successful and failed conversion groups was 44.38%±37.86% and -54.96%±156.92%, respectively( P=0.016). The Recist 1.1 score was moderate correlated with the results of conversion therapy ( R=0.540, P=0.001), and the rate of tumor volume reduction was significantly correlated with the results of conversion therapy ( R=0.657, P<0.001). When the tumor volume reduction rate of 26.27% was used as the effective threshold for evaluating conversion therapy, the AUC under the ROC curve was the largest, and the sensitivity and specificity were 80.0% and 85.7%, respectively. Conclusion:Both the MSCT-measured Recist 1.1 score and the tumor volume reduction rate can be used to evaluate the efficacy of conversion therapy in patients with pure exfoliated cytology-positive gastric cancer, and CT tumor volume measurement significantly correlates with conversion therapy results.

Objective:To evaluate multislices helical CT (MSCT) on the efficacy and prognosis of preoperative treatment for locally advanced gastric stromal tumors(GIST).Methods:From Oct 2012 to Oct 2014 at the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University 30 patients received MSCT before and after preoperative imatinib treatment to measure the changes of the GIST longest diameter, CT value and tumor volume of the primary lesion. The correlation of Choi score, tumor volume reduction rate and histological efficacy evaluation were analyzed. ROC curve was drew. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw survival curves, and the overall survival rates under the new classification were calculated.Results:The median time for preoperative treatment was 8 (4 to 14) months. Postoperative pathology showed 4 cases (13%) with mild effects and 3 cases (10%) with low effects. Seventeen cases (57%) with moderate effect and 6 cases (20%) with high effect. Choi score was moderately correlated with histological efficacy evaluation ( R=0.512, P<0.05), and tumor volume reduction rate was strongly correlated with histological efficacy evaluation results ( R=0.620, P<0.05). When the tumor volume reduction rate of 45.83% was used as the effective threshold, the AUC under the ROC curve was the largest, and the sensitivity and specificity were 87.0% and 85.7%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rate of 30 patients was 87%. According to the new volume grading standard, the 5-year survival rates of the effective group and the ineffective group were 95% and 67% ( P<0.05) , respectively . Conclusion:MSCT measurement of Choi score and tumor volume reduction rate can evaluate the efficacy of preoperative treatment in patients with locally advanced GIST, and tumor volume measurement standards also have certain value in prognosis perdiction.

The research team on the National Key Scientific Program of China: "Transcriptomic regulation and molecular mechanism research of polygenic tumor at different stages" has focused on the field of transcriptomics of 4 common polygenic tumors, including nasopharyngeal carcinoma(NPC), breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and glioma. Extensive laboratory work has been carried out on the expression and regulation of tumor transcriptomics; identification of tumor suppressor/susceptible genes; mechanism of tumor epigenetics including miRNAs, and comparative study of specific gene/protein cluster of tumor transcriptomics and proteomics. Genes including SPLUNC1, LTF, BRD7, NOR1, BRCA1/2, PALB2, AF1Q, SOX17, NGX6, SOX7, and LRRC4 have been identified as the key transcriptional regulation genes during the stage of tumor initiation and invasion. Accordingly,the NPC gene signal regulation network of "SPLUNC1-miR-141-target genes", the breast cancer interaction signal pathway of "miR-193b-uPA",the glioma signal network of "miR-381- LRRC4-MEK/ERK/AKT", and the miRNA-target gene network of colorectal cancer metastasis related gene NGX6 have been thoroughly elucidated. These fruitful Results imply that the changes of key molecules in crucial signal pathway will cause severe dysfunction in signal transduction and gene regulation network in polygenic tumors, indicating that in the category of pathogenesis,these tumors may further classify as the "Disease of gene signal transduction and gene regulation network disorder". The researches have laid solid foundation for revealing the molecular mechanism and transcriptomic regulation of polygenic tumors at different stages.
Animals ; Brain Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Breast Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Colorectal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; Gene Regulatory Networks ; Glioma ; genetics ; pathology ; Humans ; MicroRNAs ; genetics ; Multifactorial Inheritance ; Nasopharyngeal Neoplasms ; genetics ; pathology ; Neoplasm Proteins ; genetics ; Neoplasm Staging ; Neoplasms ; genetics ; Transcription, Genetic ; Transcriptome ; Tumor Suppressor Proteins ; genetics