Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

Background: Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is characterized by high programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression and abundant infiltration of non-malignant lymphocytes, which renders patients potentially suitable candidates for immune checkpoint blockade therapies. Palate, lung, and nasal epithelium clone (PLUNC) inhibit the growth of NPC cells and enhance cellular apoptosis and differentiation. Currently, the relationship between PLUNC (as a tumor-suppressor) and PD-L1 in NPC is unclear. Methods: We collected clinical samples of NPC to verify the relationship between PLUNC and PD-L1. PLUNC plasmid was transfected into NPC cells, and the variation of PD-L1 was verified by western blot and immunofluorescence. In NPC cells, we verified the relationship of PD-L1, activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3), and β-catenin by western blot and immunofluorescence. Later, we further verified that PLUNC regulates PD-L1 through β-catenin. Finally, the effect of PLUNC on β-catenin was verified by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Results: We found that PLUNC expression was lower in NPC tissues than in paracancer tissues. PD-L1 expression was opposite to that of PLUNC. Western blot and immunofluorescence showed that β-catenin could upregulate ATF3 and PD-L1, while PLUNC could downregulate ATF3/PD-L1 by inhibiting the expression of β-catenin. PLUNC inhibits the entry of β-catenin into the nucleus. Co-IP experiments demonstrated that PLUNC inhibited the interaction of DEAD-box helicase 17 (DDX17) and β-catenin. Conclusions PLUNC downregulates the expression of PD-L1 by inhibiting the interaction of DDX17/β-catenin in NPC.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of Yunkang oral liquid on postpartum kidney deficiency in mice. MethodPostpartum mice were randomized into model and low-dose （6 mL·kg^-1）， medium-dose （9 mL·kg^-1）， and high-dose （12 mL·kg^-1） Yunkang oral liquid groups. The mouse model of postpartum kidney deficiency was established by sleep deprivation combined with forced swimming. Another 9 female ICR mice were selected as the normal control group. The mice were administrated with Yunkang oral liquid during the period of modeling. The levels of estradiol （E₂）， progesterone （P）， follicle-stimulating hormone （FSH）， and luteinizing hormone （LH） in the serum were measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The morphological changes of ovaries and uterus were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and the expression of transforming growth factor （TGF）-β and Smad2/3 was determined by immunohistochemistry and Western blotting. ResultThe mice in the model group showed prolonged estrous cycle， reduced voluntary activity， dorsal temperature， grip strength， and bone strength， and whitening tongue coating. Compared with the model group， Yunkang oral liquid shortened the estrous cycle， increased the voluntary activity， dorsal temperature， grip strength， and bone strength， and alleviated the whitening of tongue coating. Moreover， it elevated the E₂ and P levels and lowered the FSH and LH levels in the serum， decreased ovarian follicular atresia rate， promoted uterine repair， and down-regulated the expression of TGF-β and Smad2/3 in the ovarian and uterine tissues. ConclusionYunkang oral liquid can ameliorate postpartum kidney deficiency in mice by regulating the TGF-β/Smads signaling pathway.

Objective:To verify the feasibility of using Elekta accelerated go live (AGL) standard process for the acceptance of multiple accelerators.Methods:The beams of three accelerators were adjusted by PTW Beamscan three-dimensional water tank to reach the AGL standard. Dose verification was performed for three accelerators that met AGL standards. A simple field test example from Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was used to compare the MapCheck 3 surface dose measurement results with the surface dose calculated by the same accelerator model. Images of 10 patients including head and neck, esophagus, breast, lung and rectum were randomly selected. volumetric-modulated arc therapy (VMAT) and intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) treatment techniques were used for planning design, and the measured dose of ArcCheck was compared with the planned dose calculated by the same accelerator model. One-way ANOVA was used to statistically analyze the passing rates of two-dimensional and three-dimensional dose verification.Results:The 6 MV X-ray percentage depth dose at 10 cm underwater (PDD 10) of three accelerators was 67.45%, 67.36%, 67.47%, and the maximum deviation between the three accelerators was 0.11%. The 6 MV flattenting filter free (FFF) mode X-ray PDD 10 was 67.33%, 67.20%, 67.20%, and the maximum deviation between the three accelerators was 0.13%. All required discrete point doses on each energy 30 cm×30 cm Profile spindle of the three accelerator X-rays deviated less than ±1% from the standard data. Absolute γ analysis was performed on the results of MapCheck 3 two-dimensional dose matrix validation. Under the 10% threshold of 2 mm/3% standard, the average passing rate of the test cases in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences was above 99%, and the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Absolute γ analysis was performed on the ArcCheck verification results. Under the 10% threshold, the pass rate of 2 mm/3% was all above 95%, the maximum average passing rate of the three accelerators with different energy and different treatment techniques was 0.28% (6 MV, VMAT), 0.19%(6 MV FFF, VMAT), 0.56% (6 MV, IMRT) and 0.05% (6 MV FFF, IMRT), and the difference was not statistically significant ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared with traditional accelerator acceptance process, the acceptance time of each accelerator is shortened by 4-6 weeks by using the AGL standard process, and the radiotherapy plan of patients can be interchangeably executed among different accelerators.

ObjectiveTo explore the antioxidant and anti-human cervical cancer HeLa cell effect and mechanisms of Andrographis paniculata polysaccharide （APP）. MethodCell function assays were conducted to assess the effects of APP （400， 450， 500 mg·L^-1） on the proliferation， migration， and invasion of HeLa cells using the cell counting kit-8 （CCK-8） assay， scratch assay， and Transwell assay. Molecular mechanism experiments were conducted to detect the effects of APP on HeLa cell apoptosis and cell cycle-related mRNA and protein expression using flow cytometry， real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）， and Western blot analysis. The antioxidant activity of APP was tested using DPPH⁺， OH^-， and reducing power assays. ResultCompared with the blank group， APP （400， 450， 500 mg·L^-1） significantly inhibited the migration， proliferation， and invasion abilities of HeLa cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Flow cytometry with propidium iodide （PI） single staining was used to detect cell cycle. The results showed that compared with the blank group， the proportion of HeLa cells in the G₂/M phase increased after 48 hours of treatment with APP （400， 450， 500 mg·L^-1）， indicating that APP can arrest HeLa cells in the G₂/M phase. Flow cytometry with fluorescein isothiocyanate （Annexin V-FITC）/PI apoptosis kit was used to detect cell apoptosis. Compared with the blank group， the proportion of early and late apoptotic HeLa cells increased in a dose-dependent manner after 48 hours of APP （400， 450， 500 mg·L^-1） treatment （P<0.05， P<0.01）， indicating that APP promotes HeLa cell apoptosis. The results of Real-time PCR and Western blot assay showed that compared with the blank group， after 48 hours of APP （400， 450， 500 mg·L^-1） treatment resulted in decreased mRNA and protein expression of cell cycle-dependent kinase-1 （CDK-1）， Cyclin B₁， and B-cell lymphoma-2 （Bcl-2）， and increased mRNA and protein expression of cysteine aspartate protease （Caspase）-3， Caspase-8， Caspase-9， and Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax） （P<0.05， P<0.01）. These findings were consistent with the flow cytometry results and showed a dose-dependent effect. In vitro antioxidant tests demonstrated that different concentrations of APP （50-1 000 mg·L^-1） were able to scavenge DPPH⁺ and OH^- radicals， indicating certain antioxidant activity. ConclusionAPP possesses antioxidant activity and can inhibit the viability of HeLa cells while promoting their apoptosis.

Objective To compare the safety,effectiveness and affordability of robotic-assisted thoracic surgery and video-assisted thoracic surgery in the treatment of malignant pulmonary tumors,and provide ref-erences for the management of selection of different surgical strategies for malignant pulmonary tumors in hospitals and medical insurance departments.Methods The medical records homepages and information sys-tem data of patients with malignant pulmonary tumors who underwent major thoracic surgery in this hospital and discharged from January 1 to December 31,2022 were obtained.The patients were divided into the robotic-assistedthoracic surgery group and video-assisted thoracic surgery group according to the surgical methodolo-gies.After performing propensity score matching (PSM),no statistically significant difference was observed in baseline data between the two groups (117 cases in each group).Then the indicators of safety,effectiveness and affordability were compared between the two groups.Results Concerning the safety,the postoperative in-cision infection rate in the robotic-assisted thoracic surgery group was significantly lower than that in the vide-o-assisted thoracic surgery group (P<0.05),and the amount of intraoperative blood loss and postoperative complication rate were not significantly different between the two groups (P>0.05).Regarding the effective-ness,the average surgical duration in the robotic-assisted thoracic surgery group was appreciably shorter than that in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group (P<0.05),no patient in the two groups was converted to open thoracotomy,and there was no statistically significant difference in the average length of hospital stay and postoperative hospital stay between the two groups (P>0.05).With regard to the affordability,the aver-age inpatient expenditure per case and average daily inpatient expenditure per case in the robotic-assisted tho-racic surgery group were significantly higher than those in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group (P<0.05),and there were disparities in the cost structure between the two procedures.The medical cost,adminis-tration cost and consumables cost in the robotic-assisted thoracic surgery group were significantly higher than those in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group (P<0.05).The cost of medical technology in the robotic-assisted thoracic surgery group was significantly lower than that in the video-assisted thoracic surgery group (P<0.05).Conclusion Physicians should comprehensively consider the clinical efficacy and cost burden of patients when selecting the robotic-assisted thoracic surgery or the video-assisted thoracic surgery,and the monitoring and evaluation of the utilization of clinical robotic-assisted thoracic surgery should be strength-ened.

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of team-based learning(TBL)combined with research-based learning(RBL)in enhancing evidence-based nursing practice skills of undergraduate nursing interns.Methods A total of 114 undergraduate nursing students who interned in the operating room of a ⅢA hospital in Guangzhou from July 2021 to April 2022 were selected as study subjects.A randomized cluster sampling method based on a random number table was used to divide the students into a control group and a trial group.The control group received traditional teaching methods,while the trial group was taught using a combination of TBL and RBL.The two groups were compared in terms of evidence-based practice skills,critical thinking abilities,and their evaluations on the teaching methods.Results The differences in evidence-based practice skills and critical thinking abilities before and after the internship were significantly higher in the observation group compared to the control group(t=35.108,35.897;both P<0.05).Additionally,post-internship evaluation scores for the teaching methods in the trial group were significantly higher than those in the control group(t=-17.580,P<0.05).Conclusion TBL combined with RBL effectively enhances the evidence-based nursing practice skills and critical thinking abilities of undergraduate nursing interns.This approach also improves students'evaluations on the teaching methods and fosters the cultivation of excellent clinical evidence-based nursing professionals.

Objective On the premise of meeting the image quality requirements of simulated location for pediatric radiotherapy,the simulated localizable CT parameters are optimized through phantom scanning to reduce the radiation dose.Methods CatPhan700 phantom was used to simulate the child's body,Philip 24-row large-aperture spiral simulated localizable CT was performed,and the CT images were obtained by scanning the phantom at different mAs and tube voltages.The mAs range was set at 60-400 mAs,the scanning was performed every 20 mAs interval,and the kV was set at 80,100,and 120 kV.Image evaluation was carried out using parameters such as image noise(N10 and mean SD),uniformity,low contrast resolution,high contrast resolution,and the stabilities of HU values of Air,Acrylic,50%bone,LDPE,20%bone,Teflon,Polystyrene,DelrinTM,Lung,PMP and Water.The CTDIVol and DLP automatically calculated by the simulated localizable CT system were read to evaluate the radiation dose.Results At 100 kV,as mAs increased,both CTDI and DLP showed upward trends,and the fitting results were linear correlated,with slopes of 0.034 5 and 0.932 4.Image noise was decreased nonlinearly with the increasing mAs.When mAs increased from 60 to 140 mAs,N10 decreased from 0.25%to 0.14%,and SD reduced from 3.74 HU to 2.54 HU.When mAs reached 180 mAs or higher,N10 fluctuated between 0.1%and 0.12%,the mean SD fluctuated between 2.0 and 2.5 HU,and the downward trends obviously slowed down.When mAs increased from 60 to 200 mAs,the low contrast resolution of the image dropped from 0.53 to 0.29.The image uniformity,high contrast resolution and HU values of different substances were less affected by mAs.The image quality of 100 kV and 200 mAs scanning was close to that of 120 kV scanning,but the image quality of 80 kV scanning failed to meet the clinical requirements.Conclusion In order to reduce the radiation dose as much as possible,the mAs should be set at 200 mAs when the tube voltage is set at 100 kV for a simulated cylinder with a diameter of 20 cm.In the actual simulation scanning for pediatric radiotherapy,the scanning parameters should be fine-tuned according to the phantom results and the actual physical characteristics of children to satisfy the optimization principle for radiation protection.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the grouping effect and composition of hospitalization costs for cases of patients with malignant proliferative disease under the diagnosis-related group （DRG） payment system， as well as any changes， in order to provide a basis for medical institutions to improve DRG payment-related measures， control drug costs， and for relevant departments to make decisions. METHODS The data of patients with malignant proliferative disease cases were collected from a “Third Grade Class A” hospital in 2021 and 2022， and the variation coefficient （CV） was used to evaluate the grouping of DRG. The structural variation degree and the new grey correlation analysis were used to study the structural variation of hospitalization cost and the correlation degree between the hospitalization cost and the cost of other items. RESULTS The overall reduction in variance （RIV） for the DRG group of patients with malignant proliferative disease was 79.36%； the CV of other groups were all lower than one except that the RW21 group was 1.09. Compared with 2021， the hospitalization cost for patients with malignant proliferative disease in 2022 decreased by 17.80%， and the decreases in management fees and drug costs were 32.15% and 21.30%， respectively， while the per capita medical expenses increased by 17.26%. The new grey correlation degree of drug cost decreased， but that of medical expenses increased. CONCLUSIONS Under the DRG payment system， hospitalization costs for patients with malignant proliferative disease in the sample hospital decrease， but the grouping efficiency of RW21 and other disease groups needs improvement， and the cost structure needs optimization.