Objective To study the correlation between Periostin, interleukin-33 (IL-33), and chronic cough after thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) combined with lung cancer. Methods A total of 102 lung cancer and coronary heart disease patients at Tianjin Chest Hospital from January 2022 to January 2024 were prospectively enrolled, and they were divided into a chronic cough group (n=42) and a non-chronic cough group (n=60) based on whether chronic cough occurred after surgery. Serum levels of Periostin and IL-33 were measured on the 1st, 7th, and 14th days post-lobectomy. The Pearson method was employed to analyze the correlation between Periostin and IL-33 levels and the severity of cough. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify factors influencing the occurrence of chronic cough. Additionally, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to assess the potential value of serum Periostin and IL-33 levels in predicting postoperative chronic cough. Results In patients with chronic cough, the peripheral blood Periostin and IL-33 levels measured on days 7 and 14 were significantly higher than those in patients with non-chronic cough, and the interactions between the two groups and at different time points were significant (P<0.001). The degree of cough was positively correlated with the levels of Periostin and IL-33 on days 7 and 14 (P<0.05), but had no significant correlation with the levels on day 1 (P>0.05). In patients with lung cancer, after thoracoscopic lobectomy, Periostin [OR=1.619, 95%CI (1.295, 2.025)] and IL-33 [OR=1.831, 95%CI (1.216, 2.758)] on day 7 and Periostin [OR=1.952, 95%CI (1.306, 2.918)] and IL-33 [OR=1.742, 95%CI (1.166, 2.603)] on day 14 were identified as risk factors for chronic cough. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity of Periostin on day 7 was 69.05%, the specificity was 71.67%, and the area under the curve (AUC) was 0.756 [95%CI (0.616, 0.893)]. The sensitivity of Periostin on day 14 increased to 71.43% and the specificity was 76.67%, AUC was 0.762 [95%CI (0.633, 0.898)]. At the same time, the critical value of IL-33 on day 7 was 45.03 pg/mL, the sensitivity and specificity were both 83.33%, the AUC was 0.884 [95%CI (0.789, 0.980)], and the critical value of IL-33 on day 14 was 56.01 pg/mL, the sensitivity was 85.71%, the specificity was 80.00%, and the AUC was 0.899 [95%CI (0.799, 0.999)]. Joint logistic regression analysis of Periostin and IL-33 levels on days 7 and 14 showed showed that the sensitivity was 95.24%, the specificity was 95.00%, and the AUC reached 0.993 [95%CI (0.979, 1.000)]. Conclusion Periostin and IL-33 levels, measured at various time points, are abnormally elevated following thoracoscopic lobectomy in patients with combined CABG and lung cancer. These levels significantly correlate with cough severity. Given their predictive potential for chronic cough, these markers are deemed valuable biomarkers.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a common neurodegenerative disorder among the elderly, and BuChE has emerged as a potential therapeutic target. In this study, we reported the development of compound 8e, a selective reversible BuChE inhibitor (eqBuChE IC₅₀ = 0.049 μmol/L, huBuChE IC₅₀ = 0.066 μmol/L), identified through extensive virtual screening and lead optimization. Compound 8e demonstrated favorable blood-brain barrier permeability, good drug-likeness property and pronounced neuroprotective efficacy. Additionally, 8e exhibited significant therapeutic effects in zebrafish AD models and scopolamine-induced cognitive impairments in mice. Further, 8e significantly improved cognitive function in APP/PS1 transgenic mice. Proteomics analysis demonstrated that 8e markedly elevated the expression levels of very low-density lipoprotein receptor (VLDLR), offering valuable insights into its potential modulation of the Reelin-mediated signaling pathway. Thus, compound 8e emerges as a novel and potent BuChE inhibitor for the treatment of AD, with significant implications for further exploration into its mechanisms of action and therapeutic applications.

Objective To investigate the radioprotection and management of yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy based on the survey and monitoring of treatment institutions in Guangdong Province, China, and to provide technical reference and basis for the subsequent radiation management of this therapy. Methods Based on the technical data on yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy collected from both domestic and international sources, an investigation was conducted on some yttrium-90 resin microsphere treatment institutions in Guangdong Province. Radiation level monitoring was carried out in the radioactive workplaces of three hospitals that had conducted yttrium-90 resin microspheres therapy. Environmental X-γ dose rate meters were used for detecting radiation dose equivalent rates, while α and β surface contamination monitors were used for detecting radioactive surface contamination. Additionally, urine samples from two patients were collected within 24 hours post-operation, and total radioactivity was analyzed using low-background α and β counters. Results During the yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy, the radiation dose equivalent rates around the digital subtraction angiography rooms in the three hospitals ranged from 0.15 to 0.26 μSv/h, and the radiation dose equivalent rates around the observation wards ranged from 0.17 to 0.69 μSv/h. The β radioactive surface contamination values in the workplace control zones ranged from ＜0.07 to 18.7 Bq/cm², while the values in the supervised zones were all less than 0.07 Bq/cm². The total β radioactivity in the urine of the two patients within 24 hours post-operation accounted for approximately 0.0010% to 0.0013% of the yttrium-90 infusion dose. Conclusion The radiation levels at the monitoring sites in the workplaces of the three hospitals are below the national standard limits. The radioprotection and management of yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy in the three hospitals in Guangdong Province are satisfactory.

Objective To investigate the radioprotection and management of yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy based on the survey and monitoring of treatment institutions in Guangdong Province, China, and to provide technical reference and basis for the subsequent radiation management of this therapy. Methods Based on the technical data on yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy collected from both domestic and international sources, an investigation was conducted on some yttrium-90 resin microsphere treatment institutions in Guangdong Province. Radiation level monitoring was carried out in the radioactive workplaces of three hospitals that had conducted yttrium-90 resin microspheres therapy. Environmental X-γ dose rate meters were used for detecting radiation dose equivalent rates, while α and β surface contamination monitors were used for detecting radioactive surface contamination. Additionally, urine samples from two patients were collected within 24 hours post-operation, and total radioactivity was analyzed using low-background α and β counters. Results During the yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy, the radiation dose equivalent rates around the digital subtraction angiography rooms in the three hospitals ranged from 0.15 to 0.26 μSv/h, and the radiation dose equivalent rates around the observation wards ranged from 0.17 to 0.69 μSv/h. The β radioactive surface contamination values in the workplace control zones ranged from ＜0.07 to 18.7 Bq/cm², while the values in the supervised zones were all less than 0.07 Bq/cm². The total β radioactivity in the urine of the two patients within 24 hours post-operation accounted for approximately 0.0010% to 0.0013% of the yttrium-90 infusion dose. Conclusion The radiation levels at the monitoring sites in the workplaces of the three hospitals are below the national standard limits. The radioprotection and management of yttrium-90 resin microsphere therapy in the three hospitals in Guangdong Province are satisfactory.

BACKGROUND:Previous studies have shown that puerarin can inhibit the differentiation of osteoclasts,and the expression of Notch signaling pathway-related proteins such as Notch1,HES1,and Jagged1 is decreased.However,the specific mechanism of the Notch1 signaling pathway for the inhibition of osteoclast differentiation by puerarin is not clear. OBJECTIVE:To explore the effect of Notch signaling pathway on puerarin inhibiting the differentiation of mouse macrophage Raw264.7 into osteoclasts. METHODS:Raw264.7 cells were divided into seven groups for intervention culture.Blank control group was cultured in high-sugar DMEM medium;the osteoclast induction group was cultured in osteoclast induction medium;the puerarin intervention group was cultured with 50 μmol/L puerarin at the same time of osteoclast induction;Notch1 siRNA control group,Notch1 siRNA group,Notch1 overexpression control group and Notch1 overexpression group were transfected with Notch1 siRNA control sequence,Notch1 siRNA,Notch1 overexpression control plasmid and Notch1 overexpression plasmid,respectively,and then cultured with osteoclast induction medium and puerarin.The number and size of osteoclasts were observed by tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining,the skeleton formation of osteoclasts was observed by F-actin staining,and the gene expression level of osteoclast formation markers was detected by RT-PCR. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining results showed that puerarin intervention could inhibit the generation of osteoclasts,Notch1 silencing could further reduce the number of osteoclasts,while the number of osteoclasts in the osteoclast-induced group increased significantly after Notch1 overexpression.The results of F-actin showed that Raw264.7 cells could form a well-defined F-actin ring after osteoclast induction.Puerarin intervention would inhibit the formation of cytoskeleton,and Notch1 silencing could aggravate the inhibitory effect of cytoskeleton formation,while Notch1 overexpression could alleviate this inhibitory effect of puerarin.RT-PCR results showed that puerarin could inhibit the mRNA expression levels of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase,Cathepsin K and c-Fos,the expression of the above-mentioned three factors decreased significantly after Notch1 gene silencing,and Notch1 overexpression could upregulate the expression of these factors.These finding indicate that puerarin inhibits the differentiation of Raw264.7 cells into osteoclasts through the Notch signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the dietary patterns of rural residents in the high-incidence areas of esophageal cancer (EC), and to explore the clustering and influencing factors of risk factors associated with high-incidence characteristics. Methods A special structured questionnaire was applied to conduct a face-to-face survey on the dietary patterns of rural residents in Yanting county of Sichuan Province from July to August 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression models were used to analyze the influencing factors of risk factor clustering for EC. Results There were 838 valid questionnaires in this study. A total of 90.8% of rural residents used clean water such as tap water. In the past one year, the people who ate fruits and vegetables, soybean products, onions and garlic in high frequency accounted for 69.5%, 32.8% and 74.5%, respectively; the people who ate kimchi, pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, barbecue, hot food and mildew food in low frequency accounted for 59.2%, 79.6%, 68.2%, 90.3%, 80.9% and 90.3%, respectively. The clustering of risk factors for EC was found in 73.3% of residents, and the aggregation of two risk factors was the most common mode (28.2%), among which tumor history and preserved food was the main clustering pattern (4.6%). The logistic regression model revealed that the gender, age, marital status and occupation were independent influencing factors for the risk factors clustering of EC (P<0.05). Conclusion A majority of rural residents in high-incidence areas of EC in Yanting county have good eating habits, but the clustering of some risk factors is still at a high level. Gender, age, marital status, and occupation are influencing factors of the risk factors clustering of EC.

Objective:To study the clinical characteristics，diagnosis，treatment and prognosis of neonatal appendicitis.Methods:From January 2019 to December 2022，19 neonates with appendicitis（appendicitis group）and 38 neonates with sepsis（sepsis group）admitted to the Neonatal Department of Xi'an Children's Hospital Affiliated to Xi'an Jiaotong University were studied.The characteristics of clinical manifestation，imaging，treatment and prognosis of neonates in two groups were analyzed,retrospectively.Results:Among 19 neonates with appendicitis，31.6% were premature，the mean birth weight was（2 927.9±796.2）g，male∶female=2.17∶1.Abdominal distention（8/19，42.1%）and fever（8/19，42.1%）were the first symptoms of appendicitis，and the first symptoms of sepsis were mainly fever（20/38，52.6%）and poor reaction（7/38，18.4%）.In the appendicitis group，the proportions of abdominal distension（89.5% vs. 5.3%），vomiting（36.8% vs. 2.6%），breast resistance（84.2% vs. 39.5%），mental reaction changing（94.7% vs. 71.1%）and abdominal positive signs（84.2% vs. 5.3%）were significantly higher than those in sepsis group（ P<0.05）.C-reactive protein（CRP）was elevated in 16 neonates with appendicitis and 13 neonates with sepsis，and elevated gradually in 14 neonates with appendicitis. Compared with sepsis group，CRP was higher in appendicitis group（ P<0.05）.Fifteen（78.9%）neonates with appendicitis were diagnosed only by ultrasound，mainly manifested as low echo area or liquid dark area in the right abdomen，thickening of the appendix wall or effusion in the cavity，and liquid exudation.Three（15.8%）neonates with appendicitis were diagnosed by ultrasound and CT.Eight（42.1%）neonates with appendicitis were complicated appendiceal perforation.Fifteen neonates with appendicitis were treated by conservative treatment，four cases were treated by operation，and all of them were cured and discharged. Conclusion:Abdominal ultrasonography should be improved as soon as possible in neonates with fever and septicemia，especially those with abdominal symptoms or signs，or CRP increased during treatment，and CT or surgical exploration if necessary,to confirm the diagnosis of neonatal appenditis and early treatment.

Objective To investigate the protective effect of Qianggukangwei Recipe(QG)on myotube cell atrophy induced by simulated microgravity effect(SMG).Methods The induced differentiation mouse myotube cells(C2C12 cells)were divided into six groups.Then the 48h simulated microgravity effect(SMG)model of mouse myotube cells was established by three-dimensional gyrotron(48h-SMG group).The cells in 3 groups were treated with 2.50,1.25,0.625 mg/mL QG.The cells in the left group were treated with 2.70 μg/mL alendronate sodium as positive control group.The levels of oxidative and inflammatory factors in myotube cells were detected by kits.The protein expression levels of NF-κB/IκB protein decomposition pathway and IGF-1/PI3K/Akt protein synthesis pathway were detected by Western blotting.The IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway was verified by 7 μmol/L of IGF-1 inhibitor.Results As compared with the control group,oxidation and inflammation levels in myotube cells increased significantly(P<0.05).The protein expression levels of IKK,NF-κB,and MURF-1 were significantly increased by 19.9%±6.1%,189.3%±15.9%,445.0%±46.1%,and IκB was significantly decreased by 26.5%±0.1%(P<0.05).The levels of IGF-1,PI3K,p-Akt/Akt and mTOR in the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway were decreased by 23.6%±0.5%,30.7%±2.7%,13.3%±1.1%,21.0%±1.6%(P<0.05).The three doses of QG could and reduce the level of cellular oxidative stress and inflammation(P<0.05).QG could also activate the IGF-1/PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibit the NF-κB/IκB pathway.Among them,the high dose of QG(2.50 mg/mL)significantly decreased the protein expression levels of IKK,NF-κB and MURF-1 by 39.9%±2.4%,48.6%±0.1%,70.0%±2.1%(P<0.05),and significantly increased the expression levels of IGF-1,PI3K,mTOR and Akt phosphorylation by 43.1%±1.1%,100.0%±7.7%,71.8%±2.5%,95.2%±12.8%(P<0.05).Conclusion QG can significantly alleviate myotube cell atrophy induced by SMG effect by regulating relevant protein synthesis and degradation pathways.

Thrombocytopenia is one of the common complications of cirrhotic patients, which can induce an increasing bleeding risk and closely correlate with bleeding following invasive procedures. Consequently, how to respond to thrombocytopenia is crucial for improving the prognosis of patients with cirrhosis. This article reviews the main mechanisms of cirrhosis concurrent with thrombocytopenia, as well as the corresponding clinical management strategies.

Objective:To study the clinical features, genetic characteristics and prognosis of neonatal diabetes mellitus (NDM).Methods:From January 2015 to January 2022, neonates with NDM admitted to the Department of Neonatology of our hospital were retrospectively reviewed.Their clinical manifestations, biochemical data, genetic tests, treatments and outcomes were analyzed.Results:A total of 6 cases with NDM were included, with 3 males and 3 females. All 6 cases were full-term infants, 5 were low birth weight infants and 1 had family history of diabetes. High blood glucose were found on 1~11 d (average 4 d) after birth. 3 cases were diagnosed during blood glucose screening for low birth weight and 3 cases were diagnosed due to infection and/or diabetic ketoacidosis. Blood C-peptide levels were below normal range in all 6 cases. Blood insulin levels were decreased in 5 cases and remained at the lower limit of normal range in 1 case. All infants received genetic tests and 4 showed abnormal results, including 2 cases of ABCC8 gene mutation [c.2060C>T (p.T687M), not reported; c.674T>C (p.L225P), reported], 1 case of KCNJ11 gene mutation [c.602G>A (p.Arg201His), not reported] and 1 case of paternal uniparental disomy (UPD)6q24 (reported). All 6 cases were treated with insulin. Glibenclamide was experimented to replace insulin in 3 cases and 1 case was successful. During follow-up (at the age 4 months~5 years old), 4 cases were diagnosed with transient NDM, 1 case with permanent NDM and 1 case died at the age of 4 months without classification. 1 case showed psychomotor and language delay and the others had otherwise normal development.Conclusions:Most NDM infants are low birth weight infants with reduced blood insulin and C-peptide.Transient NDM are common. Proactive genetic testing may help treatment.