AIM:To analyze differential proteins associated with the pathogenesis of dry eye(DE)using bioinformatics methods, in order to reveal their potential molecular mechanisms.METHODS: Articles published in PubMed and EMBASE databases from the inception of the database to August 31, 2023, that used proteomic methods to detect protein expression in clinical samples of dry eye were searched. Differential proteins were selected and further analyzed using the STRING database and Cytoscape software for hub gene screening and module analysis. Protein-protein interaction(PPI)analysis, gene ontology(GO)functional annotation, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes(KEGG)pathway enrichment analysis were performed.RESULTS: A total of 21 articles were included, identifying 74 differentially expressed proteins. The most frequently occurring differential proteins were calgranulin A(SA1008), lipocalin-1(LCN1), lysozyme C(LYZ), mammaglobin-B(SCGB2A1), proline-rich protein 4(PRR4), transferrin(TF), and calgranulinB(S100A9). The top 10 hub genes were serum albumin(ALB), tumor necrosis factor(TNF), interleukin 6(IL6), IL1B, IL8, matrix metalloproteinase 9(MMP9), alpha-1-antitrypsin(SERPINA1), IL10, complement component 3(C3), and lactotransferrin(LTF). Module analysis suggested MMP9 and PRR4 as seed genes. KEGG analysis showed that differential proteins were mainly enriched in the IL17 signaling pathway(61.9%).CONCLUSION: The results reveal potential molecular targets and pathways for DE and confirm the association between the pathogenesis of DE and inflammation. Further in-depth research is needed to confirm the significance of these biomarkers in clinical practice.

Objective:To investigate the changes in blood betatrophin in overweight and obese children，and analyze the relationship with glucose and lipid metabolism.Methods:A total of 177 children，including overweight-obese children and healthy controls，who visited the pediatric endocrinology clinic of Tianjin First Central Hospital from July 1，2021 to May 31，2023 were selected as study subjects. They were divided into an overweight-obese group（104 cases）and a normal control group（73 cases）. Data from both groups were collected and analyzed to explore the relationship between betatrophin and parameters such as body mass index（BMI）and glycolipid metabolism-related indicators.Results:The age［10.5（8.0，12.0）years vs 8.0（6.0，12.0）years］，fasting insulin［19.99（11.47，31.60）μIU/ml vs 7.27（5.02，10.99）μIU/ml］，triglyceride［0.95（0.74，1.31）mmol/L vs 0.75（0.62，0.92）mmol/L］，total cholesterol［（3.88 ± 0.72）mmol/L vs（3.60 ± 0.66）mmol/L］，low-density lipoprotein cholesterol［（2.37 ± 0.63）mmol/L vs（2.06 ± 0.62）mmol/L］，uric acid［353.20（287.40，434.12）μmol/L vs 278.60（218.00，313.80）μmol/L］，Betatrophin［22.54（17.08，27.53）mIU/L vs 19.30（15.78，23.33）mIU/L］，and fatty liver［31 cases（29.8%）vs 1 case（1.4%）］in overweight-obese group children were all higher than those in the normal control group children，and the differences were statistically significant（all P<0.01）.After adjusting for confounding factors such as age and BMI，partial correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between betatrophin and triglycerides（ P<0.05）. Receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curve analysis indicated that a betatrophin level of 22 mIU/L had predictive value for hypertriglyceridemia，with an area under the curve（AUC）of 0.705（95% CI：0.566-0.843），showing statistical significance（ P=0.014）. Conclusion:Betatrophin may be associated with weight gain in children，mainly involved in the triglyceride metabolism.

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of grain-sized moxibustion at "Zhongwan （RN12）" "Tianshu （ST25）" and "Shangjuxu （ST37）" on the colon tissue of mice with ulcerative colitis （UC）， and to analyze the potential mechanism. MethodsForty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， moxibustion group and mesalazine group， with 10 mice in each group. In all the groups except for the blank group， UC mouse model was prepared by freely drinking 3% sodium dextran sulfate solution. After successful modeling， the moxibustion group was treated with grain-sized moxibustion at Zhongwan， Tianshu and Shangjuxu ， 3 cones per acupoint， 30 s of each cone. The mesalazine group was given 300 mg/kg of mesalazine enteric-coated tablet solution by gavage. The blank group and the model group were only fixed by grasping without any intervention. Each group was intervened once a day for 7 consecutive days. The general condition of mice in each group was observed， and the disease activity index （DAI） score was evaluated. The colon length， intestinal weight and colon mucosal injury score were detected. The contents of serum intercellular adhesion molecule-1 （ICAM-1）， interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） were detected by ELISA. The pathological changes of colon tissue were observed by HE staining. The mRNA and protein expressions of non-receptor tyrosine protein kinase 2 （JAK2）， signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） and suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 （SOCS3） in colon tissue of mice were detected by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry， respectively. The mean fluorescence intensity of JAK2 and SOCS3 in colon tissue of mice was detected by immunofluorescence double staining. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the mice in the model group had unclean perianal area， unformed stool， destroyed colonic mucosal morphology， shortened body weight and colon length， increased DAI score， intestinal weight index， colonic mucosal injury and pathological score， serum ICAM-1， IL-6 and TNF-α levels， increased mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue， and decreased mRNA and protein expression of SOCS3 （P＜0.01）. Compared to those in the model group， the perianal area of mice in the moxibustion group and the mesalazine group was improved， and the colonic mucosal morphology was more complete； body weight and colon length increased， while DAI score， intestinal weight index， colonic mucosal injury and pathological score， serum ICAM-1， IL-6 and TNF-α levels decreased， with decreased mRNA and protein expression of JAK2 and STAT3 in colon tissue， and increased SOCS3 mRNA and protein expression （ P＜0.01 or P＜0.05 ）. There was no significant difference in any index between the moxibustion group and the mesalazine group. ConclusionGrain-sized moxibustion at "Zhongwan"， "Tianshu" and "Shangjuxu" can improve the damage of colon mucosa in UC model mice， and the mechanism may be related to the key factors regulating JAK2 / STAT3 signaling pathway based on SOCS3.

Objective To observe the effects of grain-sized moxibustion on Th1 cell/Th2 cell(Th1/Th2)balance and transcription factors T-box transcription factor(T-bet)and GATA binding protein 3(GATA3)in immunosuppressive mice induced by chemotherapy.Methods According to the random number table method,32 SPF male CD-1(ICR)mice were randomly divided into the normal group,model group,levamisole hydrochloride group,and grain-sized moxibustion group,with eight mice per group.Except for the normal group,the immunosuppressive model was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide(80 mg/kg,once daily for three consecutive days).Mice in the levamisole hydrochloride group were given levamisole hydrochloride solution(10 mg/kg)by gavage.Mice in the grain-sized moxibustion group was given grain-sized moxibustion at"Guanyuan"(CV4),bilateral"Zusanli"(ST36),and bilateral"Sanyinjiao"(SP6),with three Zhuang at each acupoint for approximately 30 s each.The intervention was administered once daily for seven consecutive days.The general condition of mice was observed.The spleen mass and spleen index were detected.The pathological changes of spleen tissue were observed by HE staining.The protein and mRNA expressions of T-bet,GATA3,interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and interleukin(IL)-4 in spleen tissue of mice were detected by Western blotting and real-time PCR.The contents of IFN-γ,IL-2,and IL-4 in serum of mice were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared with the normal group,the mice in the model group were slow in response,unstable in gait;the spleen weight and spleen index were increased(P<0.05);the structure of spleen tissue was disordered,the mRNA and protein expressions of T-bet and IFN-γ in spleen tissue were decreased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GATA3 and IL-4 were increased(P<0.05);the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum were decreased,and the content of IL-4 was increased(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the general condition of mice in the levamisole hydrochloride group and the grain-sized moxibustion group was improved,the structure of spleen tissue was improved,the mRNA and protein expressions of T-bet and IFN-γ in spleen tissue were decreased,and the mRNA and protein expressions of GATA3 and IL-4 were increased(P<0.05);the contents of IFN-γ and IL-2 in serum were decreased,and the content of IL-4 was increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Grain-sized moxibustion can significantly improve the immunosuppressive symptoms induced by chemotherapy.The mechanism may be through regulating the expressions of transcription factors T-bet and GATA3,regulating Th1/Th2 balance,and thus restoring the immune balance.

Objective:To explore the predictive value of the change rate of parathyroid hormone (PTH) after total thyroidectomy (TT) for hypoparathyroid function.Methods:A total of 182 patients with thyroid tumor who underwent TT from Jan. 2018 to Jun. 2023 in the Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Second Hospital of Shanxi Medical University were retrospectively selected as the study objects. The clinical and surgical data of the patients were collected, and the key factors associated with postoperative hypoparathyroidism were screened by multi-factor analysis. The change rate of serum PTH was calculated during perioperative period (before operation, at the end of operation, 1 and 3 days after operation). Receiver operator curve (ROC) was used to analyze the predictive value of PTH change rate in all patients.Results:Whether temporary hypoparathyroidism (THP) or permanent hypoparathyroidism (PHP), both were closely related to TT+ bilateral central lymph node dissection ( χ2=33.764, 9.235, P < 0.05) and parathyroid resection ( χ2=6.512, 58.999, P < 0.05). The change rate of PTH in HP patients was significantly higher than that in normal patients ( F=15.993, 16.830, 19.024, P < 0.05), and on the first and third day after surgery, the change rate of PTH in PHP patients was significantly higher than that in THP patients ( t=7.955, 9.023, P < 0.05). The predicted area under curve (AUC) of THP or PHP in different patient populations is different with the change rate of PTH in different periods. For patients with TT+ bilateral central lymph node dissection and parathyroidectomy, the change rate of PTH at the end of surgery was significantly higher than the change rate of PTH at 3 days after surgery for the AUC with PHP ( Z=5.433, 4.923, P < 0.05) . Conclusion:Perioperative PTH has good predictive value for THP and PHP in TT patients, especially in TT+ bilateral central lymph node dissection and parathyroidectomy.

Objective:To construct a clinical-radiomics model based on MRI, and to explore its predictive value for biochemical recurrence (BCR) after radical prostatectomy in prostate cancer patients.Methods:A total of 212 patients with prostate cancer who underwent radical prostatectomy in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2015 to December 2018 and had complete follow-up data were retrospectively analyzed. The random toolkit of Python language was used to randomly sample the patients at a ratio of 7∶3 without replacement, and they were divided into a training set (149 cases) and a test set (63 cases). The endpoint of follow-up was BCR or at least 3 years. BCR occurred in 50 patients in the training group and 21 patients in the test group. The imaging features of the main lesion area in the preoperative T 2WI, diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient map of patients in the training set were extracted, and the unsupervised K means clustering algorithm was used to screen the features. The selected features were fitted by a multivariate Cox regression model, and the radiomics model was constructed. Univariate Cox regression analyses were used to screen the main clinical risk factors associated with BCR, and the clinical-radiomics model was constructed combined with RadScore. In the test set, the time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was constructed, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the radiomics model, clinical-radiomics model and prostate cancer risk assessment after radical resection (CAPRA-S) score for the occurrence of BCR. Harrell consistency index (C-index) was used to evaluate the model to predict BCR consistency. The calibration curve was used to evaluate the degree of variation of the model. The decision curve was used to evaluate the clinical application value of the prediction model. Results:A total of 26 radiomics features were screened to establish the radiomics model. The univariate Cox showed that the preoperative clinical features included preoperative prostate-specific antigen level (HR=1.006, 95%CI 1.002-1.009, P=0.001), Gleason score of biopsy (HR=1.422, 95%CI 1.153-1.753, P=0.001), clinical T stage (HR=1.501, 95%CI 1.238-1.822, P<0.001). The multivariate Cox showed that the RadScore was an independent predictor of BCR after radical prostatectomy (HR=51.214, 95%CI 18.226-143.908, P<0.001). The selected preoperative clinical features were combined with RadScore to construct a clinical-radiomics model. In the test set, the AUCs of the time (3 years)-dependent ROC curves of the radiomics model, the clinical-radiomics model, and the CAPRA-S score were 0.824 (95%CI 0.701-0.948), 0.841 (95%CI 0.714-0.968), and 0.662 (95%CI 0.518-0.806), respectively. The C-index of the radiomics model, clinical-radiomics model and CAPRA-S score were 0.784 (95%CI 0.660-0.891), 0.802 (95%CI 0.637-0.912) and 0.650 (95%CI 0.601-0.821), respectively. The calibration curve showed that the predicted probability and actual probability of BCR by radiomics model, clinical-radiomics model and CAPRA-S score were in good agreement (χ 2=7.64, 10.61, 6.37, P=0.465, 0.225, 0.498). The decision curve showed that the clinical net benefit of the clinical-radiomics model and the radiomics model was significantly higher than the CAPRA-S score. When the threshold probability was 0.20-0.30, 0.40-0.50, and >0.55, the clinical net benefit of the clinical radiomics model was higher than that of the radiomics model. Conclusions:The clinical-radiomics model can effectively predict the occurrence of BCR in patients with prostate cancer after radical prostate ctomy, and the prediction efficacy is better than the radiomics model and CAPRA-S score.

Background Air pollution is related to the occurrence and development of mental diseases. Olfactory bulb damage might be the potential prodromal symptom and sign of these diseases. The toxicity of diesel exhaust (DE), one of the main sources of air pollution, on olfactory bulb and the underlying mechanisms remain to be elucidated. Objective To explore the toxicity of DE on mouse olfactory bulb and underlying mechanisms. Methods A total of 40 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into four groups for exposure to DE by systemic inhalation: control group (filtered air), low exposure group (750 μg·m⁻³ DE), medium exposure group (1500 μg·m⁻³ DE), and high exposure group (3000 μg·m⁻³ DE). The mouse inhalation exposure to DE was performed 1 h per day for 28 d. HE staining was performed to observe pathological changes in mouse olfactory bulb tissue. TUNEL assay was used to observe apop-tosis in olfactory bulb. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) was exhibited to explore potential mechanisms of olfactory bulb damage associated with DE. Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) was used to determine mRNA expression levels of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Immunofluorescence staining was conducted to observed the microglia and astrocyte activation in olfactory bulb. Results The HE staining results showed that the number of periglomerular cells in the glomerular layer of olfactory bulb decreased in a dose-dependent manner, and the cells in the granule cell layer of olfactory bulb became disordered after DE exposure. The TUNEL staining showed that TUNEL positive cells in olfactory bulb tissue and neuronal apoptosis increased in the exposed groups compared with the control group (P＜0.05). The KEGG pathway analysis showed that DE associated with significant enrichment of TNF signaling pathway in olfactory bulb tissue. The qPCR results showed that the TNF-α relative expression level significantly increased by 67% and the IL-6 relative expression level by 340% in the DE high exposure dose group compared with the control group (P＜0.05). According to the immunofluorescence staining results, the numbers of activated microglia and astrocytes in olfactory bulb tissue significantly increased in the DE high exposure group, the relative fluorescence intensity of ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1 (IBA-1) increased by 120%, the granule cell layer relative fluorescence intensity of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) increased by 400%, and the glomerular layer relative fluorescence intensity of GFAP increased by 240% than those in the control group (P＜0.05). Conclusion Inhalation exposure to DE can lead to glial cell activation including microglia and astrocytes in olfactory bulb tissue by activating inflammatory pathways and releasing inflammatory factors TNF-α and IL-6, leading to neuronal apoptosis in olfactory bulb tissue.

Objective: To prepare a composite membrane by chitosan/β-sodium glycerophosphate(CS/β-GP) thermosensitive hydrogel combined with stromal cell derived factor-1(SDF-1) and observe its biological characteristics in vitro. Methods: Different doses of SDF-1 were added into CS/β-GP solution and then the thermosensitive gel time was measured. The SDF-1/CS/β-GP solution was membrane paved and dried to prepare composite membranes. The morphological characteristics were observed by scanning electron microscope(SEM). Composite membranes were placed into cell culture medium, and the supernatant(n=3) was extracted after standing at 6, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60 h, respectively. The concentration of SDF-1 in the solution was measured. Bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) were cultured in the Transwell room, and the composite membranes containing different concentrations of SDF-1 were placed in the lower chamber. There were four groups(n=3): Group M0 used CS/β-GP membrane(control group), Group M1, M2, M3 used SDF-1/CS/β-GP membrane(SDF-1 was 100, 200, 400 ng/mL respectively). After culture for 6, 12 and 24 h, the cells under the membrane were preserved and Giemsa stained and counted. The absorbance(OD) value was measured by MTT method to calculate the cell proliferation rate. SPSS 19.0 was used for multi-factor analysis of variance. Results : After adding a certain amount of SDF-1 into CS/β-GP solution, the gel time did not change significantly(P>0.05). The SDF-1/CS/β-GP membrane was translucent and porous at 37 ℃. In this experiment, the volumic mass of SDF-1 released by SDF-1/CS/β-GP composite membrane increased gradually with the experimental time(P<0.01). Transwell cell chemotaxis test showed that the number of BMSCs cells with directional migration increased with the prolongation of observation time(P<0.01) and the increase of SDF-1 volumic mass(P<0.01). In MTT test, the OD value of migration cell solution increased with the prolongation of time(P<0.01) and the increase of SDF-1 volumic mass(P<0.01). Conclusion The SDF-1/CS/β-GP composite membrane has a porous structure and biological activity of chemotactic BMSCs directional migration. It is a potential membrane for guided tissue regeneration.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical feasibility and image quality of three-dimensional breath-hold gradient and spin-echo (3D BH-GRASE) sequence in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography (MRCP).Methods:In this prospective study, 59 patients with clinically suspected pancreaticobiliary duct disease performed MRCP with both 3D BH-GRASE and 3D respiration-triggered turbo spin-echo (3D RT-TSE) sequences on 3.0 T scanner in the Affiliated Zhangjiagang Hospital of Soochow University from November 2017 to December 2018. The overall image quality was scored independently by 3 experienced radiologists based on the visibility of different anatomical features of the pancreaticobiliary duct. For comparing the 2 sequences, the statistical difference in scan time was assessed with a paired t test; while subjective scores, signal-to-noise ratios (SNR), contrast ratios (CR) and contrast noise ratios (CNR) were compared with Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results:The scan time of 3D BH-GRASE sequence was 16.4 s while that of 3D RT-TSE was (258.6±42.2) s. Their difference was statistically significant ( t=44.073, P<0.001), with the scan time for 3D BH-GRASE shortened by 94%. The overall quality scores of 3D BH-GRASE images were better than those of 3D RT-TSE ( Z=-6.595, P<0.001). There was no statistical difference ( P>0.05) in the scores regarding the visibility of the upper, middle and lower parts of common bile duct and the first and second branches of left and right hepatic ducts. For visualizing the bottom, body, neck and duct of gallbladder, the 3D BH-GRASE sequence received a higher score than the 3D RT-TSE sequence ( P<0.001). For displaying the proximal, middle and distal segments of main pancreatic duct, the 3D RT-TSE sequence was scored higher than the 3D BH-GRASE sequence ( P<0.05). There was no significant difference of SNR between the two sequences ( Z=0.403, P=0.687), whereas CR and CNR of 3D RT-TSE MRCP were better than those of 3D BH-GRASE MRCP ( Z=6.215, P<0.001 and Z=3.046, P=0.002, respectively). Conclusion:Under the prerequisite of ensuring image quality, a proper use of 3D BH-GRASE sequence can significantly shorten the scan time and thus greatly improve the working efficiency of MRCP examination.

Objective:To evaluate the volume status of hemodialysis patients with hypertension by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, and investigate the effect of high volume status on the prognosis of patients with hypertension.Methods:The study subjects came from the patients with pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure>160 mmHg (mean systolic blood pressure of 6 times of treatment) in the Affiliated BenQ Hospital of Nanjing Medical University. According to the volume status assessed by bioelectrical impedance vector analysis, patients were divided into two groups: fluid overload group and non-overload group (including normal fluid status and fluid decline). The clinical data, laboratory test results, ratio of intracellular and extracellular water (ICW and ECW), body cell mass, lean body mass and the percentage of total body weight, fat percentage of body weight, resistance/height, reactance/height, phase angle and illmarker were compared between two groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curve was used to compare the difference of survival rate between the two groups.Results:A total of 51 hemodialysis patients with hypertension were enrolled in this study, including 19 patients in fluid overload group and 32 patients in non-overload group (27 patients with normal volume status and 5 patients with decreased volume). The levels of albumin, prealbumin, hemoglobin, hematocrit and serum phosphorus in patients with fluid overload decreased significantly compared with non-overload patients (all P<0.05), and the proportion of lymphocytes increased in fluid-overload patients ( P<0.05). The ratio of extracellular water and illmarker index in fluid overload group were significantly higher than those in the other group (both P<0.01). However, phase angle, resistance/height, reactance/height were lower than those in patients with non-overload (all P<0.01). After 20 months of clinical observation, the control rate of blood pressure (pre-dialysis systolic blood pressure<160 mmHg) in fluid overload group was lower than that in the non-overload group (26.3% vs 43.8%), but not statistically significant ( P=0.218). The all-cause mortality rate of patients in the fluid overload group was higher than non-overload group (26.3% vs 15.6%). Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis suggested that the difference in survival rate between the two groups was not statistically significant. Conclusions:The extracellular fluid of hemodialysis patients with hypertension and fluid overload increases significantly, and the nutritional status evaluation index decreases compared with that of patients without increased volume. Increased proportion of lymphocytes may be related to the micro-inflammatory status. Blood pressure is more difficult to control in hypertensive patients with fluid overload and the clinical prognosis can be worse in patients without increased volume.