OBJECTIVES: To investigate the association of serum albumin level after human albumin infusion with 28-day mortality in critically ill patients with acute kidney injury (AKI) and its impact on 90-day outcomes of the patients. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective cohort study based on the MIMIC IV database (2008-2019), including 5918 AKI patients treated with albumin in the ICU. Based on serum albumin levels within 72 h after albumin infusion, the patients were divided into low (<30 g/L), medium (30-35 g/L), and high albumin (>35 g/L) groups. Restricted cubic spline regression and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the association of albumin levels with patient mortality, and the results were verified in a external validation cohort consisting of 110 sepsis-induced AKI patients treated in Nanfang Hospital between 2017 and 2022 using survival analysis and multivariate adjustment. RESULTS: In the MIMIC training cohort, multivariate logistic regression showed no significant differences in 28-day mortality of the patients with different albumin levels (P>0.05). However, restricted cubic spline analysis indicated a non-linear dose-response relationship between albumin levels and 28-day mortality (threshold effect: risk increased when albumin levels >3.6 g/dL). Secondary endpoint analysis revealed that the patients with high albumin levels had a shorter duration of mechanical ventilation (P<0.001) but a longer ICU stay (P<0.001). In the validation cohort, albumin levels ≥30 g/L were significantly associated with a reduced 28-day mortality rate (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS The association between increased serum albumin levels following albumin infusion and 28-day mortality of critically ill patients with AKI exhibits a cohort dependency and can be influenced by multiple factors including disease type and severity, infusion strategies, and statistical methods.
Humans ; Acute Kidney Injury/therapy* ; Critical Illness/mortality* ; Retrospective Studies ; Serum Albumin/analysis* ; Male ; Female ; Intensive Care Units ; Middle Aged ; Logistic Models ; Aged

Objective To analyze the gene expression of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)using bioinformatics methods,identifying immune-related genes that impact prognosis and exploring new therapeutic targets for HNSCC.Methods This study was based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Gene Expression Omnibus database to download RNA sequencing data from HNSCC and non-tumor tissue samples.Differential expression gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were performed respectively to screen immune-related genes.Univariate Cox regression,Lasso regression and multifactor Cox regression analyses were used to identify the genes significantly associated with HNSCC prognosis,and on this basis,the risk score of each TCGA sample was calculated and the correlation prognosis model was constructed.The sample was divided into high and low risk groups according to the median risk score.Gene differential expression analysis was performed in high and low risk groups to reveal gene expression changes under different immune states,and pathway enrichment analysis was performed for differential genes.Results Screening identified MS4A1,IL12RB2,DMBT1 and LTF as immune-related genes affecting the prognosis of HNSCC.Among them,MS4A1 and IL12RB2 were highly expressed in HNSCC,and DMBT1 and LTF were lowly expressed.Risk score of HNSCC death group was significantly higher than that of the survival group.Risk score could be used as an independent prognostic indicator for HNSCC.Differential genes in high and low risk groups were significantly enriched in immune response-regulating cell surface receptor signaling pathways.Conclusion MS4A1,IL12RB2,DMBT1 and LTF can be used for risk assessment,disease surveillance and efficacy evaluation of HNSCC.The immune response is crucial in the prognosis of HNSCC patients,and further studies are expected to drive the development of new therapeutic strategies.

Objective To explore the fear of ulcer recurrence in patients with diabetic foot and analyze its influencing factors,so as to provide strategies for medical staff to implement comprehensive and personalized nursing interventions.Methods From February 2024 to March 2025,convenience sampling was used to select inpatients and outpatients with diabetic foot ulcers from 6 tertiary hospitals in China as the survey subjects.The general information questionnaire,ADL,MNA,PSQI,Diabetic Foot Self-Management Behavior Scale and FOP-Q-SF were used to investigate and analyze the results.Results A total of 191 questionnaires were distributed and 186 valid questionnaires were returned,with an effective recovery rate of 97.38％.The total score of ulcer recurrence fear of diabetic foot patients was(31.78±7.41).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that nutritional status,sleep quality,duration of diabetes,other chronic diseases,family per capita monthly income and medical insurance were the influencing factors of ulcer recurrence fear in patients with diabetic foot(P＜0.05).Conclusion Patients with diabetic foot have a high level of fear of ulcer recurrence.Nutritional status,sleep quality,duration of diabetes,combined with other chronic diseases,family per capita monthly income,and medical insurance are its influencing factors.Nursing staff should take targeted nursing measures according to its influencing factors to reduce the occurrence of patients' fear of ulcer recurrence.

BACKGROUND:Mammary stem cells are vital for the development and homeostasis of mammary gland tissue.The occurrence of breast cancer has a close relationship with the mammary stem cells.Recent studies have shown that Hopx,as an important transcriptional regulator of morphogenesis and cell differentiation,has been confirmed to be expressed in a variety of adult stem cells such as nerves,intestines,hair follicles and lungs.However,its role in mammary stem cells has not been reported so far.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether Hopx expression marks mammary stem cells.METHODS:(1) Female Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected to detect the background expression of Hopx in breast tissue by β-galactosidase staining.(2) Female wild-type mice at 4,6,and 8 weeks of age and 14.5 days of gestation were selected for whole-tissue magenta staining and K14 and K8 immunofluorescence staining,respectively.(3) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks and 17.5 days of gestation were selected and stained with breast β-galactosidase.(4) The 4-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 weeks after injection.The 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 and 10 weeks after the last injection.(5) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times).Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were pregnant 2 weeks after injection.The mammary tissue of mice at 17.5 days of the first pregnancy and 17.5 days of the third pregnancy was stained with β-galactosidase.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that the mammary ducts of Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age did contain Hopx-positive cells and were located in the basal epithelia,with a small number.(2) Whole-mount staining of mammary glands and immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the mammary glands of mice had different characteristics with corresponding developmental stages such as puberty,maturity,and pregnancy,and underwent a series of complex epithelial remodeling processes.(3) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary duct of Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 17.5 days of gestation increased compared with female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age.(4) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that the Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of 4-and 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice after tamoxifen injection were located in the basal epithelium with a small number.(5) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of mice at 17.5 days of the first and third gestation were located in the basal epithelia around the alveoli,and the number of Hopx-labeled positive cells at 17.5 days of the third gestation was more.(6) In conclusion,Hopx reporter-marked basal epithelial cells belong to dormant mammary stem cells,which are responsible for the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy and contribute to acinar formation.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy as conversion therapy for initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.Methods:This retrospective case series study analyzed clinical and pathological data of 32 patients with initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy at the Department of Thoracic Surgery, the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, from June 2020 to December 2024. The cohort included 27 males and 5 females, with an age ( M(IQR)) of 61(9)years (range:46 to 73 years). Five patients were diagnosed with stage Ⅲ, 27 with stage ⅣA. All patients received PD-1 inhibitor sintilimab combined with nedaplatin and albumin-bound paclitaxel. Radiological evaluations were performed every two cycles, the multidisciplinary team evaluation was conducted to determine conversion to resectable status, and patients with successful conversion underwent radical esophagectomy. Follow-up was conducted via telephone or outpatient visits every 3 to 6 months after the last treatment. The primary endpoint was R0 resection rate, secondary endpoints included objective response rate (ORR), pathological complete response (pCR) rate, major pathological response (MPR) rate, event-free survival (EFS), disease-free survival (DFS) in patients with R0 resection, overall survival (OS) and safety. Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves and estimate median EFS, DFS, OS rates and their 95% CI. The 95% CI for ORR, pCR rate, MPR rate, and downstaging rate were calculated using the Clopper-Pearson method. Results:The median treatment cycle of 2(1) (range:2 to 8). As of June 2025, the median follow-up was 32.5(13.5)months (range:6.4 to 59.1 months). Among the 32 patients, 9 experienced progression or recurrence, including 2 with liver and lymph node metastases, 2 with lung metastases, 2 with thoracic vertebral metastases, and 3 with mediastinal lymph node metastases. After conversion therapy, 29 patients underwent surgery, achieving an R0 resection rate of 84.4% (95% CI:67.2% to 94.7%), a pCR rate of 27.6% (95% CI:12.7% to 47.2%), and an MPR rate of 55.2% (95% CI:35.7% to 73.6%). Grade 3 or higher surgical complications occurred in 6.9%(2/29) of patients, and grade 3 or higher treatment-related adverse events were observed in 15.6%(5/29). Among the 32 patients, the ORR was 56.3% (95% CI:37.7% to 73.6%),the 3-year EFS rate and OS rate was 59.4% (95% CI:40.8% to 86.4%) and 59.7% (95% CI:40.0% to 89.0%) respectively. Conclusion:Immunotherapy combined with chemotherapy demonstrates high conversion rates and favorable safety in the conversion therapy of initially unresectable locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, representing a promising treatment strategy.

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SNOFH)is a prevalent challenging condition in orthopedics,characterized by a high disability rate and intricate pathophysiological mechanisms including diminished an-giogenesis and impaired osteogenic function.The concept of osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling involves the interplay be-tween osteoblasts and angiogenesis.Restoring the blood supply to bone tissue,boosting bone cell activity,and facilitating bone regeneration are crucial for the recovery of SNOFH patients.Research has demonstrated the significant role of mi-croRNAs(miRNAs)in the coordination of osteogenesis and angiogenesis.MiRNAs have the ability to concurrently regu-late multiple target genes and signaling pathways associated with osteogenesis and angiogenesis,effectively stimulating the regeneration of bones and blood vessels.By considering the interaction of multiple miRNAs and their target genes,the de-velopment of a multi-target combination therapy approach could greatly enhance the treatment outcomes for SNOFH.Through a thorough investigation of miRNA interactions in the regulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis,the progression of the disease can be elucidated,offering a fundamental basis for early diagnosis,precise treatment,and prognosis evalua-tion of SNOFH.This paper aims to uncover the pivotal nodes and regulatory connections in SNOFH by summarizing the in-volvement of miRNAs in the coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis.By identifying potential therapeutic targets and un-derstanding the coordinated function of miRNAs in osteogenesis and angiogenesis coupling,valuable insights can be gained for the personalized treatment of SNOFH.

Steroid-induced osteonecrosis of the femoral head(SNOFH)is a prevalent challenging condition in orthopedics,characterized by a high disability rate and intricate pathophysiological mechanisms including diminished an-giogenesis and impaired osteogenic function.The concept of osteogenesis-angiogenesis coupling involves the interplay be-tween osteoblasts and angiogenesis.Restoring the blood supply to bone tissue,boosting bone cell activity,and facilitating bone regeneration are crucial for the recovery of SNOFH patients.Research has demonstrated the significant role of mi-croRNAs(miRNAs)in the coordination of osteogenesis and angiogenesis.MiRNAs have the ability to concurrently regu-late multiple target genes and signaling pathways associated with osteogenesis and angiogenesis,effectively stimulating the regeneration of bones and blood vessels.By considering the interaction of multiple miRNAs and their target genes,the de-velopment of a multi-target combination therapy approach could greatly enhance the treatment outcomes for SNOFH.Through a thorough investigation of miRNA interactions in the regulation of osteogenesis and angiogenesis,the progression of the disease can be elucidated,offering a fundamental basis for early diagnosis,precise treatment,and prognosis evalua-tion of SNOFH.This paper aims to uncover the pivotal nodes and regulatory connections in SNOFH by summarizing the in-volvement of miRNAs in the coupling of osteogenesis and angiogenesis.By identifying potential therapeutic targets and un-derstanding the coordinated function of miRNAs in osteogenesis and angiogenesis coupling,valuable insights can be gained for the personalized treatment of SNOFH.

Objective To explore the fear of ulcer recurrence in patients with diabetic foot and analyze its influencing factors,so as to provide strategies for medical staff to implement comprehensive and personalized nursing interventions.Methods From February 2024 to March 2025,convenience sampling was used to select inpatients and outpatients with diabetic foot ulcers from 6 tertiary hospitals in China as the survey subjects.The general information questionnaire,ADL,MNA,PSQI,Diabetic Foot Self-Management Behavior Scale and FOP-Q-SF were used to investigate and analyze the results.Results A total of 191 questionnaires were distributed and 186 valid questionnaires were returned,with an effective recovery rate of 97.38％.The total score of ulcer recurrence fear of diabetic foot patients was(31.78±7.41).Binary Logistic regression analysis showed that nutritional status,sleep quality,duration of diabetes,other chronic diseases,family per capita monthly income and medical insurance were the influencing factors of ulcer recurrence fear in patients with diabetic foot(P＜0.05).Conclusion Patients with diabetic foot have a high level of fear of ulcer recurrence.Nutritional status,sleep quality,duration of diabetes,combined with other chronic diseases,family per capita monthly income,and medical insurance are its influencing factors.Nursing staff should take targeted nursing measures according to its influencing factors to reduce the occurrence of patients' fear of ulcer recurrence.

BACKGROUND:Mammary stem cells are vital for the development and homeostasis of mammary gland tissue.The occurrence of breast cancer has a close relationship with the mammary stem cells.Recent studies have shown that Hopx,as an important transcriptional regulator of morphogenesis and cell differentiation,has been confirmed to be expressed in a variety of adult stem cells such as nerves,intestines,hair follicles and lungs.However,its role in mammary stem cells has not been reported so far.OBJECTIVE:To investigate whether Hopx expression marks mammary stem cells.METHODS:(1) Female Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected to detect the background expression of Hopx in breast tissue by β-galactosidase staining.(2) Female wild-type mice at 4,6,and 8 weeks of age and 14.5 days of gestation were selected for whole-tissue magenta staining and K14 and K8 immunofluorescence staining,respectively.(3) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks and 17.5 days of gestation were selected and stained with breast β-galactosidase.(4) The 4-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 weeks after injection.The 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times),and breast β-galactosidase staining was performed 4 and 10 weeks after the last injection.(5) Female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice aged 8 weeks were selected.The Cre/loxp system was activated by intraperitoneal injection of tamoxifen (once every other day,three times).Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice were pregnant 2 weeks after injection.The mammary tissue of mice at 17.5 days of the first pregnancy and 17.5 days of the third pregnancy was stained with β-galactosidase.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that the mammary ducts of Hopx-LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age did contain Hopx-positive cells and were located in the basal epithelia,with a small number.(2) Whole-mount staining of mammary glands and immunofluorescence staining results exhibited that the mammary glands of mice had different characteristics with corresponding developmental stages such as puberty,maturity,and pregnancy,and underwent a series of complex epithelial remodeling processes.(3) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary duct of Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 17.5 days of gestation increased compared with female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice at 8 weeks of age.(4) The results of β-galactosylase staining showed that the Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of 4-and 8-week-old female Hopx-CreERT2;Rosa26LacZ transgenic mice after tamoxifen injection were located in the basal epithelium with a small number.(5) The results of β-galactosidase staining showed that Hopx-labeled positive cells in the mammary glands of mice at 17.5 days of the first and third gestation were located in the basal epithelia around the alveoli,and the number of Hopx-labeled positive cells at 17.5 days of the third gestation was more.(6) In conclusion,Hopx reporter-marked basal epithelial cells belong to dormant mammary stem cells,which are responsible for the growth of the mammary glands during pregnancy and contribute to acinar formation.

Objective To analyze the gene expression of patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC)using bioinformatics methods,identifying immune-related genes that impact prognosis and exploring new therapeutic targets for HNSCC.Methods This study was based on The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)and Gene Expression Omnibus database to download RNA sequencing data from HNSCC and non-tumor tissue samples.Differential expression gene analysis and weighted gene co-expression network analysis were performed respectively to screen immune-related genes.Univariate Cox regression,Lasso regression and multifactor Cox regression analyses were used to identify the genes significantly associated with HNSCC prognosis,and on this basis,the risk score of each TCGA sample was calculated and the correlation prognosis model was constructed.The sample was divided into high and low risk groups according to the median risk score.Gene differential expression analysis was performed in high and low risk groups to reveal gene expression changes under different immune states,and pathway enrichment analysis was performed for differential genes.Results Screening identified MS4A1,IL12RB2,DMBT1 and LTF as immune-related genes affecting the prognosis of HNSCC.Among them,MS4A1 and IL12RB2 were highly expressed in HNSCC,and DMBT1 and LTF were lowly expressed.Risk score of HNSCC death group was significantly higher than that of the survival group.Risk score could be used as an independent prognostic indicator for HNSCC.Differential genes in high and low risk groups were significantly enriched in immune response-regulating cell surface receptor signaling pathways.Conclusion MS4A1,IL12RB2,DMBT1 and LTF can be used for risk assessment,disease surveillance and efficacy evaluation of HNSCC.The immune response is crucial in the prognosis of HNSCC patients,and further studies are expected to drive the development of new therapeutic strategies.