Tongue squamous cell carcinoma (TSCC) is a prevalent malignancy that afflicts the head and neck area and presents a high incidence of metastasis and invasion. Accurate diagnosis and effective treatment are essential for enhancing the quality of life and the survival rates of TSCC patients. The current treatment modalities for TSCC frequently suffer from a lack of specificity and efficacy. Nanoparticles with diagnostic and photothermal therapeutic properties may offer a new approach for the targeted therapy of TSCC. However, inadequate accumulation of photosensitizers at the tumor site diminishes the efficacy of photothermal therapy (PTT). This study modified gold nanodots (AuNDs) with the TSCC-targeting peptide HN-1 to improve the selectivity and therapeutic effects of PTT. The Au-HN-1 nanosystem effectively targeted the TSCC cells and was rapidly delivered to the tumor tissues compared to the AuNDs. The enhanced accumulation of photosensitizing agents at tumor sites achieved significant PTT effects in a mouse model of TSCC. Moreover, owing to its stable long-term fluorescence and high X-ray attenuation coefficient, the Au-HN-1 nanosystem can be used for fluorescence and computed tomography imaging of TSCC, rendering it useful for early tumor detection and accurate delineation of surgical margins. In conclusion, Au-HN-1 represents a promising nanomedicine for imaging-based diagnosis and targeted PTT of TSCC.
Tongue Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/diagnostic imaging* ; Animals ; Gold/chemistry* ; Mice ; Photothermal Therapy/methods* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed ; Photosensitizing Agents ; Metal Nanoparticles ; Humans ; Cell Line, Tumor

Objective The purpose of this study was to provide a more effective method for researching the prevention and treatment of Graves'disease by comparing the effects of two plasmid vectors expressing the human thyrotropin receptor(TSHR)A subunit gene in inducing an animal model of Graves'disease via electroporation.Methods Plasmids pcDNA3.1-THSR A,and pTriEx1.1-THSR A expressing the TSHR A subunit were constructed and used to induce Graves'disease by intramuscular injection with immediate electroporation once every 3 weeks for a total of 4 times.Mice in the control group were injected with PBS.One week after the second electroporation,blood was collected to measure serum thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAb).Three weeks following the last electroporation,echocardiography was performed on the mice.Mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after the last electroporation;blood,thyroid,and orbital tissues were collected;serum total thyroxine(TT4)was measured;and histological examination was performed.Results The average concentrations of serum TRAb in the pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group(n=15)and the pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group(n=13)were(6.9±2.0)U/L and(7.5±2.2)U/L,respectively.The latter was significantly higher than that in the control group(4.9±0.5)U/L(P=0.033).The average concentrations of serum TT4 in the pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group and pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group were(41.4±23.8)ng/mL and(63.2±53.7)ng/mL,respectively,both higher than that in the control group:(20.2±4.0)ng/mL(P＜0.01).Thyroid pathology showed thyroid follicular epithelial hyperplasia with T-cell infiltration in the model group.Echocardiography showed that the left ventricle mass in the pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group was higher than those in the control group(P=0.007)and pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group(P=0.012).Orbital pathology showed fibrotic changes in the extraocular muscles of mice in the model groups.Conclusions Both pcDNA3.1 and pTriEx1.1 expressing the TSHR A subunit were able to induce Graves'disease in mice by electroporation,and the efficiency of the two plasmids in inducing hyperthyroidism and Graves'ophthalmopathy was similar.The efficiency of pTriEx 1.1-TSHR A in inducing thyrotoxic heart disease was better than that of pcDNA3.1-TSHR A.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics of influenza-like illness outbreaks in Yunnan Province from 2017 to 2023,and to provide the evidence for the prevention and control of influenza in Yunnan Province.Methods The data of influenza-like illness outbreaks and outbreak specimens were collected in Yunnan Province from 2017 to 2023.Descriptive epidemiological methods were used to describe and analyze the epidemic time,population,region and pathogen distribution.Results A total of 340 influenza-like illness outbreaks were reported in Yunnan Province from 2017 to 2023,with 12586 reported cases and a cumulative incidence of 2.34%.The outbreaks were mainly concentrated in November to January and March of the following year,with a high incidence in winter and spring.Schools were the most important place of outbreak,with primary and secondary school students being the main affected group.The cumulative number of reported cases in Dali Prefecture,Dehong Prefecture,Yuxi City and Kunming City ranked among the top in the province,accounting for 79.71%of the total number of outbreaks in the province.The pathogen types alternated and were mainly prevalent in H1N1(119 cases),H3N2(81 cases),and Victoria(83 cases).Conclusion The outbreak of influenza-like illness in Yunnan Province shows the obvious seasonality,and primary and secondary schools are the main outbreak sites.The outbreak surveillance in schools should be strengthened continuously to control the occurrence and development of the epidemic.

Objective: To explore the changes of mechanosensitive channels Piezos (Piezo 1 and Piezo 2) in neurogenic bladder (NB) of young rats and their effects，so as to provide reference for clinical search of new therapeutic targets. Methods: A total of 30 female young SD rats were divided into 5 groups based on random number table method：sham operation group (sham)，2-week nerve transection group (NB-2W)，6-week nerve transection group (NB-6W)，2-week nerve transection + Piezos inhibitor group (NB-P-2W) and 6-week nerve transection + Piezos inhibitor group (NB-P-6W)，with 6 rats in each group.The NB models were constructed by transecting the L6 and S1 spinal nerves of young rats.The NB-2W and NB-6W groups were not intervened after modeling，while the NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups were intraperitoneally injected with Piezos inhibitor GsMTx4 (10 mg/kg) every 2 days after modeling.Bladder cystometry and ultrasound were performed after 2 and 6 weeks of transection.The expressions of Piezos and fibrosis-related indexes (Collagen Ⅰ and α-smooth muscle actin) were detected in bladder tissues. Results: The results of bladder cystometry showed that the basal bladder pressure in NB-2W group was significantly increased，while it was slightly decreased but was still higher in NB-6W group than in the sham group (P<0.05).Basal bladder pressure was lower in NB-P-2W group than in NB-2W group，but was higher than that in the sham group; basal bladder pressure was lower in NB-P-6W group than in NB-6W group，but higher than that in the sham group (P<0.05).Compared with the sham group，the NB-2W and NB-6W groups had firstly increased and then decreased maximum cystometric capacity (MCC) (P<0.05).Compared with NB-2W group，NB-P-2W group had lower bladder leakage point pressure (BLPP)，but higher MCC and bladder compliance (BC) (P<0.05).Compared with NB-6W group，NB-P-6W group had significantly lower BLPP but higher MCC and BC (P<0.05).HE and MASSON staining and ultrasound results showed that，with the extension of nerve transection time，bladder fibrosis gradually worsened，the bladder wall became rough and thickened，calculi were visible inside，and hydronephrosis gradually appeared; the degree of fibrosis in NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups was less than that in NB-2W and NB-6W groups，and no hydronephrosis was observed in the upper urinary tract.In addition，Western blotting and immunohistochemical results showed that NB-2W and NB-6W groups had significantly higher relative expression levels of Piezos，Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA than the sham group (P<0.01)，while NB-P-2W and NB-P-6W groups had lower relative expression levels of Piezos,Collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA than NB-2W and NB-6W groups (P<0.01). Conclusion: The increased expressions of mechanosensitive channels Piezos in NB young rats may be involved in the progression of bladder fibrosis，but its mechanism needs further study.

Objective To explore the value of preoperative amide proton transfer(APT)imaging combined with diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI)in predicting lymphovascular space invasion(LVSI)in cervical cancer.Methods Fifty-one patients with cervical cancer who underwent preoperative MRI examination and had complete postoperative pathology were retrospectively selected.Pelvic MRI scans were performed 1-2 weeks preoperatively,and the corresponding APT values,mean kurtosis(MK)and mean diffusivity(MD)values were obtained respectively,and the occurrence of LVSI was determined based on postoperative pathology results.The predictive effects of APT-and DKI-derived parameters alone or in combination on the LVSI status of cervical cancer were compared.Results Among 51 cases of cervical cancer,36 cases had pathologically confirmed LVSI and 15 cases did not had LVSI.The area under the curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve for the preoperative APT values,MK and MD values alone and in combination to predict the LVSI status of cervical cancer were 0.820,0.788,0.762,0.894,0.885,and 0.896,respectively.APT values combined with DKI-derived parameters predicted LVSI better than when they were used separately,in which APT values combined with MK and MD values predicted LVSI of cervical cancer with the largest AUC,sensitivity of 91.7％,specificity of 80.0％,and Youden's index of 0.717.Conclusion Preoperative APT imaging and DKI have important value in predicting LVSI of cervical cancer,and the combined application of the two can improve the prediction efficacy,which has certain clinical application value.

Objective To investigate the effect of a nucleic acid purifier combined with a vacuum concentrator on DNA recovery rate.Methods Using 39 tubes of 007 standard samples,two 30 μL samples were taken from each tube.Samples were purified using the PrepFiler ExpressTM BTA Purification Kit on the AutoMate ExpressTM purifier,with elution volumes of 30 μL and 200 μL.Samples with 200 μL eluent were concentrated to 30 μL using a trace DNA sample vacuum concentrator.DNA solution concentrations were measured,and recovery rates were calculated and compared.Results The measured DNA concentration of the 007 standard samples was 0.08～0.15(0.11±0.02)ng/μL,showing a significant difference from the kit-labeled concentration of 0.1 ng/μL(t=3.88,P<0.01).The DNA solution concentration in the purified and concentrated group(200 μL eluent concentrated to 30 μL)[0.05～0.13(0.08±0.02)ng/μL]was significantly higher than the purified group(30 μL eluent)[0.02～0.08(0.05±0.01)ng/μL](t=21.20,P<0.01).The DNA recovery rate of the purified and concentrated group[54.55%～92.86%(75.41±10.12)%]was substantially higher than the purified group[25.00%～54.55%(39.79±7.13)%](t=19.79,P<0.01).Conclusion Utilizing a large-volume elution system in nucleic acid purification can significantly enhance DNA recovery rate.Combining this method with a vacuum concentrator effectively increases DNA solution concentration,thereby improving DNA testing success rates.

Objective To investigate the effect of a nucleic acid purifier combined with a vacuum concentrator on DNA recovery rate.Methods Using 39 tubes of 007 standard samples,two 30 μL samples were taken from each tube.Samples were purified using the PrepFiler ExpressTM BTA Purification Kit on the AutoMate ExpressTM purifier,with elution volumes of 30 μL and 200 μL.Samples with 200 μL eluent were concentrated to 30 μL using a trace DNA sample vacuum concentrator.DNA solution concentrations were measured,and recovery rates were calculated and compared.Results The measured DNA concentration of the 007 standard samples was 0.08～0.15(0.11±0.02)ng/μL,showing a significant difference from the kit-labeled concentration of 0.1 ng/μL(t=3.88,P<0.01).The DNA solution concentration in the purified and concentrated group(200 μL eluent concentrated to 30 μL)[0.05～0.13(0.08±0.02)ng/μL]was significantly higher than the purified group(30 μL eluent)[0.02～0.08(0.05±0.01)ng/μL](t=21.20,P<0.01).The DNA recovery rate of the purified and concentrated group[54.55%～92.86%(75.41±10.12)%]was substantially higher than the purified group[25.00%～54.55%(39.79±7.13)%](t=19.79,P<0.01).Conclusion Utilizing a large-volume elution system in nucleic acid purification can significantly enhance DNA recovery rate.Combining this method with a vacuum concentrator effectively increases DNA solution concentration,thereby improving DNA testing success rates.

Objective The purpose of this study was to provide a more effective method for researching the prevention and treatment of Graves'disease by comparing the effects of two plasmid vectors expressing the human thyrotropin receptor(TSHR)A subunit gene in inducing an animal model of Graves'disease via electroporation.Methods Plasmids pcDNA3.1-THSR A,and pTriEx1.1-THSR A expressing the TSHR A subunit were constructed and used to induce Graves'disease by intramuscular injection with immediate electroporation once every 3 weeks for a total of 4 times.Mice in the control group were injected with PBS.One week after the second electroporation,blood was collected to measure serum thyrotropin receptor antibody(TRAb).Three weeks following the last electroporation,echocardiography was performed on the mice.Mice were sacrificed 4 weeks after the last electroporation;blood,thyroid,and orbital tissues were collected;serum total thyroxine(TT4)was measured;and histological examination was performed.Results The average concentrations of serum TRAb in the pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group(n=15)and the pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group(n=13)were(6.9±2.0)U/L and(7.5±2.2)U/L,respectively.The latter was significantly higher than that in the control group(4.9±0.5)U/L(P=0.033).The average concentrations of serum TT4 in the pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group and pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group were(41.4±23.8)ng/mL and(63.2±53.7)ng/mL,respectively,both higher than that in the control group:(20.2±4.0)ng/mL(P＜0.01).Thyroid pathology showed thyroid follicular epithelial hyperplasia with T-cell infiltration in the model group.Echocardiography showed that the left ventricle mass in the pTriEx1.1-TSHR A group was higher than those in the control group(P=0.007)and pcDNA3.1-TSHR A group(P=0.012).Orbital pathology showed fibrotic changes in the extraocular muscles of mice in the model groups.Conclusions Both pcDNA3.1 and pTriEx1.1 expressing the TSHR A subunit were able to induce Graves'disease in mice by electroporation,and the efficiency of the two plasmids in inducing hyperthyroidism and Graves'ophthalmopathy was similar.The efficiency of pTriEx 1.1-TSHR A in inducing thyrotoxic heart disease was better than that of pcDNA3.1-TSHR A.

Objective To explore the value of preoperative amide proton transfer(APT)imaging combined with diffusion kurtosis imaging(DKI)in predicting lymphovascular space invasion(LVSI)in cervical cancer.Methods Fifty-one patients with cervical cancer who underwent preoperative MRI examination and had complete postoperative pathology were retrospectively selected.Pelvic MRI scans were performed 1-2 weeks preoperatively,and the corresponding APT values,mean kurtosis(MK)and mean diffusivity(MD)values were obtained respectively,and the occurrence of LVSI was determined based on postoperative pathology results.The predictive effects of APT-and DKI-derived parameters alone or in combination on the LVSI status of cervical cancer were compared.Results Among 51 cases of cervical cancer,36 cases had pathologically confirmed LVSI and 15 cases did not had LVSI.The area under the curve(AUC)of the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve for the preoperative APT values,MK and MD values alone and in combination to predict the LVSI status of cervical cancer were 0.820,0.788,0.762,0.894,0.885,and 0.896,respectively.APT values combined with DKI-derived parameters predicted LVSI better than when they were used separately,in which APT values combined with MK and MD values predicted LVSI of cervical cancer with the largest AUC,sensitivity of 91.7％,specificity of 80.0％,and Youden's index of 0.717.Conclusion Preoperative APT imaging and DKI have important value in predicting LVSI of cervical cancer,and the combined application of the two can improve the prediction efficacy,which has certain clinical application value.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the impact of the specialized centralized procurement policy for insulin on daily cost and affordability of insulin,and provide data support for the enhancement of relevant policies.METHODS In this research,the insulin purchasing data were obtained from provincial centralized procurement platforms in provinces before and after the specialized centralized procurement of insulin(October-December 2021 and October-December 2022),and the cost variations of insulin before and after the centralized procurement were analyzed by the defined daily dose cost(DDDc)of various types of insulins.The changes in the affordability of various types of insulins before and after the specialized centralized procurement were evaluated,using the percentage of annual expenditure on various types of insulins relative to annual per capita disposable income(i.e.the proportion of annual expenditure)as an indicator.RESULTS After the specialized centralized procurement,DDDc of various types of insulins decreased by 20.7%-71.8%,with an average reduction of 45.7%.Moreover,the reduction in DDDc for third-generation insulin exceeded that for second-generation insulin.The reduction in the proportion of annual expenditure on insulin ranged from 24.3%to 73.4%,with an average decrease of 48.5%.Premixed insulin analogs experienced the greatest reduction(73.4%).Following the specialized centralized procurement,DDDc of insulin decreased in all provinces.Except for Guangxi(10.2%),the average proportion of annual expenditure on insulin in the remaining provinces dropped to below 10%.CONCLUSIONS The specialized centralized procurement policy for insulin has significantly reduced insulin costs and improved affordability,thereby alleviating the economic pressure on patients with diabetes.There are notable cost disparities among provinces and among insulin categories,which require attention.