ObjectiveTo investigate the current professional competency among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in Shanghai, so as to provide a scientific basis for future training programmes. MethodsIn December 2024, a questionnaire survey was conducted by the Shanghai Nosocomial Infection Quality Control Center among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration across medical institutions at various levels and types in Shanghai using convenience sampling method. The questionnaire consisted of two parts: demographic information and professional competency assessment. The professional competency scale comprised four dimensions: fundamental cognition, basic skills, professional expertise, and personal qualities, totaling 35 items. ResultsA total of 1 179 questionnaires were distributed, with 1 144 valid responses collected, yielding an effective response rate of 97.03%. Statistically significant differences were observed among full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in terms of age (t=5.32, P=0.021), professional background (χ²=9.90, P=0.019), educational qualifications (χ²=19.10, P<0.001), professional titles (χ²=12.60, P=0.002), and the levels of medical institutions (χ²=111.08, P<0.001). The scores of full-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in fundamental cognition [92 (82, 99) points] and basic skills [88 (78, 96) points] were significantly higher than those of part-time personnel(Z=-2.21, P=0.027;Z=-2.74, P=0.006). Statistically significant differences were found in fundamental cognition scores between full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration regarding occupational safety protection, definition of healthcare-associated infection outbreaks, types of drug-resistant bacteria and their prevention and control strategies, and transmission routes of different infectious diseases (all P<0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed in basic skills scores including proficient use of monitoring platforms, formulation and revision of standard operating procedures (SOPs), independent completion of targeted surveillance, guidance on basic infection control skills, guidance for key departments, and follow-up of personnel with occupational exposure (all P<0.05). However, no statistically significant differences were found in scores of professional knowledge and personal qualities (P>0.05). ConclusionThere are certain differences in professional competency between full-time and part-time personnel of the nosocomial infection control administration in Shanghai in terms of fundamental cognition and basic skills. Part-time personnel can effectively improve their professional competency through systematic training on basic infection control knowledge and practical skills, thereby comprehensively enhancing the overall quality of the nosocomial infection administration team.

Objective To compare the dosimetric differences, plan complexity, verification pass rate, and execution efficiency of volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) plans designed for post-mastectomy radiotherapy of breast cancer using Halcyon 2.0 and VitalBeam accelerators in flattening filter-free mode. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on imaging data from 87 female breast cancer patients aged 29 to 75 (49.9 ± 9.9) years who underwent modified radical mastectomy followed by radiotherapy. VMAT plans were designed using both VitalBeam and Halcyon accelerators in flattening filter-free mode. The dosimetric parameters, plan complexity, verification pass rate, and execution efficiency were compared between the plans designed for both accelerators, with a significance level of P<0.05. Results In terms of target volume parameters, Halcyon 2.0 plans demonstrated superior homogeneity index and conformity index. For organs at risk, the Halcyon 2.0 plans showed lower doses for the lungs (D_20% and D_mean) and heart (D_mean) compared to the VitalBeam plans (all P<0.05). Regarding plan complexity, Halcyon 2.0 plans exhibited better median average aperture area variation (0.35 ± 0.02), smaller aperture score, and larger median plan aperture area than VitalBeam plans (all P<0.05). However, VitalBeam plans had a superior median modulation complexity score (0.28 ± 0.01) compared to Halcyon 2.0 plans (P<0.05). Patient plans were assessed using the ArcCHECK phantom, revealing higher pass rates and significantly shorter execution time for Halcyon plans compared to VitalBeam plans (P<0.05). Conclusion Both Halcyon 2.0 and VitalBeam accelerators can provide high-quality VMAT plans for postoperative radiotherapy of breast cancer, with excellent verification pass rates ensuring treatment accuracy and efficacy. However, Halcyon 2.0 offers lower plan complexity, simplifies the treatment planning process, and reduces execution time, thereby achieving higher treatment efficiency and demonstrating greater advantages in clinical applications.

Objective:To investigate the therapeutic effectiveness of ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization for continuous negative pressure drainage combined with polidocanol in treating large thyroid cysts.Method:Clinical data of 38 patients with large thyroid cysts who were treated consecutively with catheter drainage combined with polidocanol sclerotherapy by the same doctor at Beijing Tsinghua Changgung Hospital from Jan 2021 to May 2024 were retrospectively analyzed. The effectiveness and safety were statistically evaluated, and the relationship between drainage volume and cyst volume was analyzed.Results:Among the 38 patients with thyroid cysts who completed the treatment, the median follow-up was 9 months (range: 3-24 months). The effectiveness rate was 92% (35/38), of which 32 cases (84%) met the cure standard. The maximum diameter of the cysts before treatment was (4.8±1.0) cm, and the maximum diameter of the residual nodules after treatment was (1.5±1.1) cm, the difference was statistically significant ( t=17.389, P<0.01). The amount of drainage exudate is related to the volume of the cyst and the maximum diameter before treatment ( t=-3.149, P=0.003; t=-3.057, P<0.005). 19% of patients showed transient low fever after the injection of polidocanol, with no other complications. Conclusion:For large thyroid cysts, ultrasound-guided percutaneous catheterization for continuous negative pressure drainage combined with polidocanol sclerotherapy is a safe and effective method.

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Objective: To investigate the potential protective effect of Shexiang Tongxin dropping pills (STDP) on ischemia-reperfusion injury and its underlying mechanisms in improving endothelial cell function in coronary microvascular disease (CMVD). Methods: A rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury with CMVD was established using ligation and reperfusion of the left anterior descending artery. The effect of STDP (21.6 mg/kg) on cardiac function was evaluated using echocardiography, hematoxylin-eosin staining, and Evans blue staining. The effects of STDP on the microvascular endothelial barrier were assessed based on nitric oxide production, endothelial nitric oxide synthase expression, structural variety of tight junctions (TJs), and the expression of zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), claudin-5, occludin, and vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin proteins. The mechanisms of STDP (50 and 100 ng/mL) were evaluated by examining the expression of sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), Ras Homolog family member A (RhoA), and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase (ROCK) proteins and the distribution of ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and F-actin proteins in an oxygen and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation model. Results: The administration of STDP on CMVD rat model significantly improved cardiac and microvascular endothelial cell barrier functions (all P < .05). STDP enhanced the structural integrity of coronary microvascular positioning and distribution by clarifying and completing TJs and increasing the expression of ZO-1, occludin, claudin-5, and VE-cadherin in vivo (all P < .05). The S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway was inhibited by STDP in vitro, leading to the regulation of endothelial cell TJs, adhesion junctions, and cytoskeletal morphology. Conclusion STDP showed protective effects on cardiac impairment and microvascular endothelial barrier injury in CMVD model rats induced by myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through the modulation of the S1PR2/RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Intestinal fibrosis is a major complication of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), leading to a high incidence of surgical interventions and significant disability. Despite its clinical relevance, no targeted pharmacological therapies are currently available. This review aims to explore the underlying mechanisms driving intestinal fibrosis and address unresolved scientific questions, offering insights into potential future therapeutic strategies. We conducted a literature review using data from PubMed up to October 2024, focusing on studies related to IBD and fibrosis. Intestinal fibrosis results from a complex network involving stromal cells, immune cells, epithelial cells, and the gut microbiota. Chronic inflammation, driven by factors such as dysbiosis, epithelial injury, and immune activation, leads to the production of cytokines like interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-17, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β. These mediators activate various stromal cell populations, including fibroblasts, pericytes, and smooth muscle cells. The activated stromal cells secrete excessive extracellular matrix components, thereby promoting fibrosis. Additionally, stromal cells influence the immune microenvironment through cytokine production. Future research would focus on elucidating the temporal and spatial relationships between immune cell-driven inflammation and stromal cell-mediated fibrosis. Additionally, investigations are needed to clarify the differentiation origins of excessive extracellular matrix-producing cells, particularly fibroblast activation protein (FAP) + fibroblasts, in the context of intestinal fibrosis. In conclusion, aberrant stromal cell activation, triggered by upstream immune signals, is a key mechanism underlying intestinal fibrosis. Further investigations into immune-stromal cell interactions and stromal cell activation are essential for the development of therapeutic strategies to prevent, alleviate, and potentially reverse fibrosis.
Humans ; Fibrosis/metabolism* ; Inflammatory Bowel Diseases/pathology* ; Animals ; Transforming Growth Factor beta/metabolism* ; Intestines/pathology*

This article reviews the benifits and challenges of nano-microspheres (NPs) in the treatment of osteoarthritis (OA). OA is a degenerative disease associated with aging, trauma, and excessive loading, with treatment strategies including basic therapy, drug therapy, reparative therapy, and reconstructive surgery. As emerging nanomaterials, NPs offer unique advantages in promoting cartilage repair due to their high surface area, excellent drug-loading capacity, and good biocompatibility. These advantages include facilitating chondrocyte generation through magnetic-mechanical control of mesenchymal stem cell microspheres and enhancing antioxidant levels using biomimetic liposomal NPs combined with glucosamine. Additionally, NPs can effectively modulate inflammatory responses, such as by inhibiting the formation of M1 macrophages and promoting their polarization to the M2 type to alleviate inflammation. Some NPs also enhance joint lubrication and relieve pain, such as hyaluronic acid-based NPs modified with choline phosphate groups. However, the application of NPs faces challenges such as high production costs, poor biocompatibility for certain types, and unknown long-term safety. Despite these challenges, with advancements in nanotechnology and a deeper understanding of the pathological mechanisms of OA, NPs are expected to provide new therapeutic approaches and more comprehensive and effective treatment options for OA patients in the future.

Objective To explore the expression of leukemia inhibitory factor receptor(LIFR)in patients with non-ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(NSTEMI)and its possible associa-tion with myocardial remodeling.Methods A total of 188 patients with acute myocardial infarc-tion who underwent coronary angiography in our hospital from January 2023 to November 2024 were prospectively enrolled and divided into a control group(94 cases)and an NSTEMI group(94 cases)according to being diagnosed with NSTEMI or not.General clinical data of the patients were collected,and the correlation between serum LIFR level and other indicators was analyzed using linear regression analysis.Results Compared with the control group,the NSTEMI group had significantly higher ratios of smoking history,elevated levels of LIFR,NT-proBNP,cTnⅠ,Cr and UA,increased WBC count,but lower LVEF value[48.94％vs 13.83％,P＜0.01;5.82(4.23,8.11)mmol/L vs 0.97(0.60,1.41)mmol/L,P＜0.01;2.53(1.24,9.71)pg/L vs 0.03(0.02,0.04),P＜0.01;18.57(4.11,250.00)ng/L vs 0.00(0.00,0.00)ng/L,P＜0.01;82.50(68.00,121.25)μmol/L vs 68.50(53.00,88.25)μmol/L,P＜0.01;411.00(349.00,521.25)μmol/L vs 337.00(286.75,406.00)μmol/L,P＜0.01;10.21(8.71,13.09)× 109/L vs 6.22(4.67,7.46)× 109/L,P＜0.01;47.00(38.00,54.00)％vs 59.00(56.00,60.00)％,P＜0.01].Serum LIFR level in the patients was posi-tively correlated with NT-proBNP,cTnⅠ,Cr and WBC count(β=1.403,95％CI:10 597.867-17 327.087,P=0.000;β=0.232,95％CI:114.558-1769.808,P=0.026;β=0.336,95％CI:0.164-0.617,P=0.001).Conclusion LIFR may be involved in the development of myocardial remode-ling and heart failure after myocardial infarction through its role in inflammation.

Breast cancer is the most prevalent malignant tumor that poses a threat to women's health in China,with incidence and mortality rates persistently increasing.Given this critical situation,there is an urgent need to optimize therapeutic options through basic translational research to address current treatment challenges.This article provided a comprehensive overview of the significant advancements in fundamental translational breast cancer research in China over the past five years,aiming to provide a scientific basis and new directions for precision treatment of breast cancer.This research encompasses a range of subjects,including molecular typing,biomarker identification,exploration of drug resistance mechanisms,optimization of precision treatment strategies,and identification of new targets in breast cancer.In the domain of molecular typing,researchers have revealed substantial disparities in treatment responses among distinct subtypes of breast cancer through in-depth analysis.This has led to the proposal of specific therapeutic strategies for each subtype,thereby establishing a robust theoretical foundation for individualized treatment approaches.The identification of biomarkers plays a pivotal role in selecting appropriate treatment options for patients.Recent research advancements have demonstrated the potential of liquid biopsy and proteomics technologies in uncovering promising biomarkers,offering novel prospects for the early diagnosis and prognostic assessment of breast cancer.In the investigation of resistance mechanisms,researchers have elucidated the molecular underpinnings of resistance to endocrine therapy and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-targeted therapy and proposed potential strategies to overcome resistance.This has paved the way for novel approaches to enhance therapeutic efficacy.In the context of immunotherapy and targeted therapies,the discernment of novel targets and biomarkers has facilitated novel perspectives on breast cancer treatment.Based on advanced comprehension of tumor heterogeneity,researchers constantly optimize precision treatment strategies through multiomics analysis,thus offering patients with breast cancer enhanced personalized treatment options.Concurrently,the implementation of novel technologies has been instrumental in facilitating the advancement of precision treatment for breast cancer.For instance,the application of artificial intelligence technology has demonstrated considerable potential in the early screening,diagnosis,efficacy assessment and prognosis prediction of breast cancer.Conversely,the advent of innovative drug delivery systems facilitated by nanotechnology has led to enhanced targeting and efficacy of pharmaceutical agents.Furthermore,research into hydrogel patch technology and tumor vaccines has yielded novel strategies for the treatment of breast cancer.Overall,China has accomplished remarkable achievements in the field of basic translational research on breast cancer.These findings not only enhance our understanding of the molecular mechanisms of breast cancer,but also provide new directions and hope for the development of future therapeutic strategies.With the advancement of multidisciplinary integration and the application of new emerging technologies,precision therapy is expected to provide more benefits to breast cancer patients.

Pancreatitis is an inflammatory disease influenced by both environmental and genetic factors. It has a high prevalence and mortality rate worldwide, with no radical cure. Breakthroughs have been recently made in genetic research of pancreatitis. Susceptibility genes and pathways have been continuously discovered, which highlighted the roles of genetic factors in hypertriglyceridemic and chronic pancreatitis. Gene therapy may offer radical cure for pancreatitis, though it has remained at the research phase. This article has reviewed the genetic pathogenesis of pancreatitis and current status of gene therapy research, with an aim to provide a reference for attaining definitive cure for the disease.
Humans ; Genetic Therapy/methods* ; Pancreatitis/etiology* ; Genetic Predisposition to Disease ; Animals