Objective To compare the performance and efficacy of prognostic models constructed by different machine learning algorithms in predicting the survival period of lung transplantation (LTx) recipients. Methods Data from 483 recipients who underwent LTx were retrospectively collected. All recipients were divided into a training set and a validation set at a ratio of 7:3. The 24 collected variables were screened based on variable importance (VIMP). Prognostic models were constructed using random survival forest (RSF) and extreme gradient boosting tree (XGBoost). The performance of the models was evaluated using the integrated area under the curve (iAUC) and time-dependent area under the curve (tAUC). Results There were no significant statistical differences in the variables between the training set and the validation set. The top 15 variables ranked by VIMP were used for modeling and the length of stay in the intensive care unit (ICU) was determined as the most important factor. Compared with the XGBoost model, the RSF model demonstrated better performance in predicting the survival period of recipients (iAUC 0.773 vs. 0.723). The RSF model also showed better performance in predicting the 6-month survival period (tAUC _{6 months} 0.884 vs. 0.809, P = 0.009) and 1-year survival period (tAUC _{1 year} 0.896 vs. 0.825, P = 0.013) of recipients. Based on the prediction cut-off values of the two algorithms, LTx recipients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups. The survival analysis results of both models showed that the survival rate of recipients in the high-risk group was significantly lower than that in the low-risk group (P<0.001). Conclusions Compared with XGBoost, the machine learning prognostic model developed based on the RSF algorithm may preferably predict the survival period of LTx recipients.

Objective To isolate pathogenic bacteria from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs, and perform bacterial identification, traceability analysis, and pathogenicity studies to provide a new approach for the diagnosis of pathogens in nude mice with squamous skin scurfs. MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs for nucleic acid testing, bacterial isolation and culture, biochemical identification, 16S rDNA gene amplification and sequencing, and whole genome sequencing to construct a phylogenetic tree. Fifteen BALB/c nude mice were randomized into a saline-treated control group, a high-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁸ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension, and a low-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁷ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension. Pathogenicity was assessed by animal infection experiments and observation of histopathological changes in skin tissue using HE staining. Results The nucleic acid test for Corynebacterium bovis was negative, excluding infection by this organism. The pathogen isolated on mannitol salt agar and blood agar, combined with Gram staining, suggested a Gram-positive Staphylococcus species. The isolated strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and a fully automated microbial identification system as Staphylococcus xylosus. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on whole genome sequencing showed that the strain was most closely related to an isolate from leafy vegetables in South Korea (GenBank GCA_00207825.1). In the high-concentration group, squamous skin scurfs appeared on the head, neck, and back of nude mice on the 17th day post-infection, while in the low concentration group, similar symptoms appeared on the 20th day post-infection and gradually spread to other areas. The scaling symptoms were transient, lasting for 7 days in the high-concentration group and 3 days in the low-concentration group, after which the skin returned to normal. The infection rate was 33.33% in both the high- and low-concentration groups. No significant pathological changes were observed in the skin tissues of infected mice compared to the control group, indicating marked individual differences in the pathogenicity of the strain in nude mice. Conclusion A strain of Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs. The strain is an opportunistic pathogen that causes transient squamous skin scurfs without significant histopathological changes, and there are individual differences in the sensitivity of nude mice to this strain. These findings can provide valuable data for pathogen identification in immunodeficient or gene knockout mice.

Objective To isolate pathogenic bacteria from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs, and perform bacterial identification, traceability analysis, and pathogenicity studies to provide a new approach for the diagnosis of pathogens in nude mice with squamous skin scurfs. MethodsSkin swab samples were collected from a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs for nucleic acid testing, bacterial isolation and culture, biochemical identification, 16S rDNA gene amplification and sequencing, and whole genome sequencing to construct a phylogenetic tree. Fifteen BALB/c nude mice were randomized into a saline-treated control group, a high-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁸ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension, and a low-concentration group treated with 1.8×10⁷ CFU/mL of the isolated bacterial suspension. Pathogenicity was assessed by animal infection experiments and observation of histopathological changes in skin tissue using HE staining. Results The nucleic acid test for Corynebacterium bovis was negative, excluding infection by this organism. The pathogen isolated on mannitol salt agar and blood agar, combined with Gram staining, suggested a Gram-positive Staphylococcus species. The isolated strain was identified by 16S rDNA sequencing and a fully automated microbial identification system as Staphylococcus xylosus. Phylogenetic tree analysis based on whole genome sequencing showed that the strain was most closely related to an isolate from leafy vegetables in South Korea (GenBank GCA_00207825.1). In the high-concentration group, squamous skin scurfs appeared on the head, neck, and back of nude mice on the 17th day post-infection, while in the low concentration group, similar symptoms appeared on the 20th day post-infection and gradually spread to other areas. The scaling symptoms were transient, lasting for 7 days in the high-concentration group and 3 days in the low-concentration group, after which the skin returned to normal. The infection rate was 33.33% in both the high- and low-concentration groups. No significant pathological changes were observed in the skin tissues of infected mice compared to the control group, indicating marked individual differences in the pathogenicity of the strain in nude mice. Conclusion A strain of Staphylococcus xylosus was isolated from the skin of a nude mouse exhibiting squamous skin scurfs. The strain is an opportunistic pathogen that causes transient squamous skin scurfs without significant histopathological changes, and there are individual differences in the sensitivity of nude mice to this strain. These findings can provide valuable data for pathogen identification in immunodeficient or gene knockout mice.

Objective To analyze the influencing factors of survival of patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation. Methods Clinical data of 66 patients with airway stenosis requiring clinical interventions after lung transplantation were retrospectively analyzed. Univariate and multivariate Cox’s regression models were adopted to analyze the influencing factors of survival of all patients with airway stenosis and those with early airway stenosis. Kaplan-Meier method was used to calculate the overall survival and delineate the survival curve. Results For 66 patients with airway stenosis, the median airway stenosis-free time was 72 (52,102) d, 27% (18/66) for central airway stenosis and 73% (48/66) for distal airway stenosis. Postoperative mechanical ventilation time [hazard ratio (HR) 1.037, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.005-1.070, P=0.024] and type of surgery (HR 0.400, 95%CI 0.177-0.903, P=0.027) were correlated with the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The longer the postoperative mechanical ventilation time, the higher the risk of mortality of the recipients. The overall survival of airway stenosis recipients undergoing bilateral lung transplantation was better than that of their counterparts after single lung transplantation. Subgroup analysis showed that grade 3 primary graft dysfunction (PGD) (HR 4.577, 95%CI 1.439-14.555, P=0.010) and immunosuppressive drugs (HR 0.079, 95%CI 0.022-0.287, P<0.001) were associated with the survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation without grade 3 PGD was better compared with that of those with grade 3 PGD. The overall survival of patients with early airway stenosis after lung transplantation treated with tacrolimus was superior to that of their counterparts treated with cyclosporine. Conclusions Long postoperative mechanical ventilation time, single lung transplantation, grade 3 PGD and use of cyclosporine may affect the survival of patients with airway stenosis after lung transplantation.

With the optimization of surgical technologies and postoperative management regimens, the number of lung transplantation has been significantly increased, which has become an important treatment for patients with end-stage lung disease. However, due to the impact of comprehensive factors, such as bronchial ischemia and immunosuppression, the incidence of airway stenosis after lung transplantation is relatively high, which severely affects postoperative survival and quality of life of lung transplant recipients. In recent years, with the improvement of perioperative management, organ preservation and surgical technologies, the incidence of airway stenosis after lung transplantation has been declined, but it remains at a high level. Early diagnosis and timely intervention play a significant role in enhancing clinical prognosis of patients with airway stenosis. In this article, the general conditions, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of airway stenosis after lung transplantation were reviewed, aiming to provide reference for comprehensive management of airway stenosis after lung transplantation and improving clinical prognosis of lung transplant recipients.

Objective To investigate the analgesic effect and safety of transincisional quadratus lumborum block(TQLB)technique for laparoscopic nephrectomy.Methods Sixty patients scheduled for laparoscopic nephrectomy at the Affiliated Lihuili Hospital of Ningbo University from December 2023 to March 2024,the patients were randomly divided into TQLB group(T group)and control group(C group)using a random number table method,with 30 cases in each group.C group received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation,while T group received general anesthesia with tracheal intubation combined with TQLB.Two groups of patients were routinely given sufentanil controlled intravenous analgesia pump after surgery.Record the wound healing status of two groups of patients,postoperative 24h sufentanil consumption,resting and exercise time numerical rating scale(NRS)scores at 6h,12h,and 24h postoperatively,range of sensory blockade at 2h postoperatively,number of salvage analgesia cases at 24h postoperatively,analgesic satisfaction score,and incidence of postoperative complications.Results Compared with group C,patients in group T had a reduced consumption of sufentanil 24h after surgery(P＜0.001);The resting and exercise NRS scores decreased at 6h,12h,and 24h after surgery(P＜0.05);The number of postoperative 24h rescue analgesia cases and the satisfaction score of analgesia were both lower than C group(P＜0.05);The incidence of postoperative nausea and vomiting in group T was lower(P＜0.05);Both groups of patients did not experience serious complications.Conclusion TQLB appears to offer effective postoperative analgesia during the early stages of laparoscopic nephrectomy,while also reducing the occurrence of complications.This suggests that it could serve as a safe and efficient alternative for analgesic management in such surgical procedures.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) and respiratory function in mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia and its prognostic value.Methods:A case-series study.Ninety-two children with severe pneumonia who were treated with mechanical ventilation in the Intensive Care Unit of Children′s Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University from May 2019 to May 2021 were taken as the study subjects.The IAP and respiratory function-related indexes of the children were monitored.Those with IAP ≥12 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) were divided into the study group, and those with IAP <12 mmHg were divided into the control group.The difference in respiratory function related indexes between the 2 groups was compared, and the relationship between IAP and respiratory function indexes was analyzed by Pearson correlation.The children were divided into a good prognosis group and a poor prognosis group according to their prognosis.The relevant clinical data of the children in the 2 groups were collected for univariate analysis, and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors affecting the prognosis of children with mechanical ventilation for severe pneumonia.A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn to analyze the predictive value of IAP on the prognosis of mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia.Results:The arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2) [(80.15±8.23) mmHg], arterial blood oxygen saturation (SaO 2) [(91.32±2.13)%], and oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2) [(198.29±20.25) mmHg] in the study group were lower than those in the control group [(85.74±8.42) mmHg, (97.05±2.47)%, and (234.84±25.24) mmHg], while the respiratory rate (RR) [(56.23±2.16) breaths/min vs. (50.41±2.24) breaths/min], partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2) [(36.48±3.72) mmHg vs.(33.29±3.46) mmHg], fraction of inspired oxygen (FiO 2) [(40.42±4.25)% vs.(36.51±3.72)%], mean arterial pressure (MAP) [(55.98±5.69) mmHg vs.(52.79±5.43) mmHg], and positive end expiratory pressure (PEEP) [(5.03±0.52) cmH 2O vs.(4.52±0.47) cmH 2O, 1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa] were higher than those in the control group, and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05).The IAP of the children in the study group was (14.25±1.83) mmHg, and that in the control group was (10.38±1.14) mmHg.Pearson correlation analysis showed that IAP was negatively correlated with PaO 2, SaO 2, and PaO 2/FiO 2 ( r=-0.615, -0.587, and -0.647, all P<0.05), and was positively correlated with RR, PaCO 2, FiO 2, MAP, and PEEP ( r=0.618, 0.634, 0.579, 0.578, 0.593, all P<0.05).IAP [(14.76±1.58) mmHg], PaCO 2 [(39.95±4.21) mmHg], FiO 2 [(50.29±5.12)%], alanine aminotransferase[(42.08±4.15) U/L], and total bilirubin [(17.92±1.87) μmol/L] in the poor prognosis group were greater than those [(10.75±1.19) mmHg, (35.37±3.64) mmHg, (45.38±4.47)%, (39.87±4.06) U/L, and (17.09±1.75) μmol/L] in the good prognosis group, while PaO 2 [(65.42±7.86) mmHg vs.(76.42±7.51) mmHg], SaO 2 [(90.65±9.26)% vs.(96.21±2.19)%], and PaO 2/FiO 2 [(130.09±15.15) mmHg vs.(168.40±20.17) mmHg] were smaller than those in the good prognosis group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05).Logistic regression analysis showed that IAP, PaO 2, PaCO 2, and SaO 2 were risk factors affecting the prognosis of mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia (all P<0.05).The optimal cut-off point of IAP for predicting a poor prognosis in mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia was 14.55 mmHg, and the area under the ROC curve was 0.873, with a sensitivity of 88.10% and a specificity of 76.00%. Conclusions:IAP has a certain relationship with the respiratory function of mechanically ventilated children with severe pneumonia, and has a good predictive value for the prognosis of the children.

Objective To explore the preventive effect of pneumatic compression therapy combined with infrared irradiation against lower extremity deep vein thrombosis(DVT)in critically ill patients.Methods A total of 150 critically ill patients from January 2021 to January 2023 in the Intensive Care Unit,Quanzhou First Hospital Affiliated to Fujian Medical University were selected and divided into control group and observation group,with 75 cases in each group.The control group patients were treated with conventional rehabilitation measures combined with the boot-type intermittent pneumatic compression therapy device for intermittent inflation and compression therapy,while the observation group patients received the bioinformatic feedback infrared therapy besides the treatment in control group.The incidence of DVT,the average time for swelling and pain reduction,the average time for swelling and pain disappearance,total hospitalization time,the hemodynamic indexes of the lower extremities,coagulation indexes,D-dimer,the recurrence rate of swelling and pain,satisfaction with the rehabilitation,and therapeutic efficacy were recorded.Results After 3 months of discharge,the rate of post-discharge swelling and pain recurrence in observation group was 2.67％(2/75),obviously lower than 10.66％(8/75)in control group(P＜0.05).After 14 days of intervention,the lower extremity deep vein blood flow velocity and peak blood velocity of the two groups increased significantly as compared with those before intervention(P＜0.05),and those were greater in observation group than in control group(P＜0.05).After 14 days of intervention,the coagulation indexes(PT,TT,FIB)and D-dimer level were significantly lower or shorter in both groups as compared with those before intervention(P＜0.05);and observation group had shorter PT and TT,and lower levels of FIB and D-dimer than control group(P＜0.05).The average time for swelling and pain reduction,the average time for swelling and pain disappearance,and the total hospitalization time were shorter and the incidence of DVT was obviously lower in observation group as compared with control group(P＜0.05).The overall response rates of 14-day intervention in observation group vs control group were 97.33％(73/75)vs 88.00％(66/75)(P＜0.05).At the discharge,the satisfaction rates in observation group vs control group were 96.00％vs 85.34％(P＜0.05).Conclusion The combination of bioinformatic feedback infrared therapy and boot-type intermittent pneumatic compression therapy device for intermittent inflation and compression therapy can shorten the average time for swelling and pain reduction,the average time for swelling and pain disappearance and the total hospitalization time,enhance the hemodynamics of the lower extremities,improve the coagulation function and D-dimer level,and improve the satisfaction with the rehabilitation and clinical efficacy,worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To investigate the effect of Galangin on pyroptosis of bone marrow derived macrophages(BMDMs).Methods BMDMs were cultured in vitro and divided into blank control group,model group and Galangin group with different concentrations.Lipopolysaccharide(LPS)and adenosine triphosphate(ATP)were used to construct the pyroptosis model.The effect of different concentrations of Galangin on the proliferation of BMDMs was detected by cell counting Kit-8(CCK-8).The level of cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1 p10 subunit(caspase-1 p10),interleukin-1β(IL-1β)in supernatant and intracellular nucleotide NOD-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)were detected by Western blotting.IL-1β in supernatant was detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The cell death was observed by propidium iodide(PI)staining.High-throughput sequencing was used to compare the gene expression in the model group and Galangin groups at 20 μmol/L.Results There was no statistically significant difference between the 5,10,20,40,60,80 μmol/L Galangin groups on the proliferation level of BMDMs(all P>0.05),indicating that no significant effect of Galangin at 5,10,20,40,60,80 μmol/L was observed on the proliferation of BMDMs.So we selected Galangin at 5,10,20 μmol/L and treatment for 1,2 and 4 hours as the effects of different concentrations and time on the pyroptosis of BMDMs.Compared with blank control group,the expression of caspase-1 p10 and mature IL-1β protein and IL-1β in supernatant in model group were significantly increased(all P<0.05).Compared with model group,the expression of caspase-1 p10 and mature IL-1β protein and IL-1β in supernatant of Galangin at 5,10 and 20 μmol/L were significantly decreased[IL-1β protein expression(gray value):0.155±0.006,0.113±0.006,0.111±0.007 vs.1.000±0.000,caspase-1 p10 protein expression(gray value):0.207±0.044,0.160±0.008,0.082±0.008 vs.1.000±0.000,IL-1β(μg/L):99.80±10.36,85.21±8.78,26.53±4.56 vs.494.10±35.47,all P<0.05].There was no significant difference between the different concentration groups(all P>0.05),but with the extension of treatment time of Galangin,the inhibitory effect was enhanced.The inhibitory effect of Galangin at 20 μmol/L for 4 hours was the most obvious[IL-1β protein expression(gray value):0.186±0.004 vs.1.000±0.000,caspase-1 p10 protein expression(gray value):0.247±0.009 vs.1.000±0.000,IL-1β(μg/L):173.80±10.56 vs.653.80±76.02,all P<0.05].Treatment with 20 μmol/L Galangin for 4 hours could reduce the number of pyroptotic cell deaths(number of view:23.00±3.61 vs.67.67±15.63,P<0.05)and inhibited the expression of NLRP3 protein(gray value:0.178±0.025 vs.0.406±0.066,P<0.05).High-throughput sequencing showed that,compared with the model group,Galangin down-regulated the genes of Nlrp3,Nod2,IL-1β and up-regulated genes of Skp2(also known as Fbxl1),Fbxl20,Fbxl4,Fbxo32 and Fbxw7.Conclusion Galangin inhibited pyroptosis mediated by NLRP3 inflammasome in macrophages.

Objective:To document the impact of information-based, stepwise, intensive rehabilitation therapy on patients with acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD).Methods:Eighty such patients in an intensive care unit (ICU) were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group, each of 40. The control group received routine ICU rehabilitation, while the observation group underwent information-based, step-wise ICU rehabilitation. Upon admission to and discharge from the ICU, the forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), FEV1/FVC, and diaphragm functioning were compared between the two groups. The duration of mechanical ventilation, the incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP), length of stay in the ICU, incidence of delirium, and the incidence of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) were also recorded. The number of patients readmitted to the ICU after discharge, and the 28-day hospital mortality rate were recorded as well.Results:Significant improvement was observed in both groups in terms of their lung and diaphragm functioning, as well as in the rehabilitation- and hospital-related indicators. At discharge, significantly greater improvements were observed in the observation group compared with the control group in terms of their average FEV1, FVC, FEV1/FVC, inspiratory and expiratory diaphragm thickness, and diaphragm thickening rate. The average duration of mechanical ventilation and of rehabilitation interruptions was significantly less in the observation group. And incidents of accidental extubation, VAP, delirium and DVT were significantly fewer in the observation group as well. Their ICU stays tended to be significantly shorter without any significant difference between the two groups in the 28-day hospital mortality rate. The control group spent significantly less time in their daily rehabilitation sessions, with the result that significantly fewer of them achieved a grading of 2 or better on the mMRC respiratory questionnaire.Conclusion:Information-based stepwise intensive rehabilitation treatment can effectively improve the pulmonary and diaphragmatic function of AECOPD patients admitted to an ICU, shorten their mechanical ventilation time and the length of their ICU stay, and lower their incidence of VAP and DVT during hospitalization.