Objective To investigate the relationship between polymorphism of resistin(RETN)gene and metabolic associated fatty liver disease(MAFLD)in type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM)patients in middle and high altitude areas.Methods A total of 400 patients with T2DM in Qinghai area were recruited and divided into simple T2DM group(T2DM,n=200)and T2DM combined with MAFLD group(T2DM+ MAFLD,n=200)according to liver ultrasonography.Healthy individuals confirmed by physical examination were selected as the normal control group(NC,n=180).Plasma resistin levels were measured by ELISA.The polymorphism of RETN-420C/G and +299G/A genes were detected by PCR sequencing.Results By comparing the polymorphism of RETN-420C/G gene in each group,it was found that the frequencies of G/G genotype and G allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group were higher than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05),while the frequencies of C/C genotype and C allele frequency were lower than those in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The risk of MAFLD increased by 1.571,2.126 and 1.537 times respectively in T2DM patients with C/G,G/G genotype and G allele.Logistic regression analysis showed that G/G genotype was a risk factor for MAFLD in T2DM patients.By comparing the polymorphism of RETN+299G/A gene in each group,it was found that A allele frequency in T2DM+MAFLD group was higher than that in NC group and T2DM group,while G allele frequency was lower than that in NC group and T2DM group(P<0.05).The allele A increased the risk of MAFLD in T2DM patients by 1.432 times compared to allele G.Conclusion RETN gene-420C/G locus G/G genotype increases the risk of T2DM combined with MAFLD in middle and high altitudeareas.

Objective:To investigate the function and underlying mechanism of cysteine and glycine-rich protein 2(CSRP2)in neuroblastoma(NB).Methods:The correlation between the expression level of CSRP2 mRNA and the prognosis of NB children in NB clinical samples was analyzed in R2 Genomics Analysis and Visualization Platform.The small interfering RNA(siRNA)targeting CSRP2 or CSRP2 plasmid were transfected to NB cell lines SK-N-BE(2)and SH-SY5Y.Cell proliferation was observed by crystal violet staining and real-time cellular analysis.The ability of colony formation of NB cells was ob-served by colony-forming unit assay.Immunofluorescence assay was used to detect the expression of the proliferation marker Ki-67.Flow cytometry analysis for cell cycle proportion was used with cells stained by propidium iodide(PI).Annexin V/7AAD was used to stain cells and analyze the percentage of cell apoptosis.The ability of cell migration was determined by cell wound-healing assay.The level of protein and mRNA expression of CSRP2 in NB primary tumor and NB cell lines were detected by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR(RT-qPCR).Results:By analyzing the NB clinical sample databases,it was found that the expression levels of CSRP2 in high-risk NB with 3/4 stages in international neuroblas-toma staging system(INSS)were significantly higher than that in low-risk NB with 1/2 INSS stages.The NB patients with high expression levels of CSRP2 were shown lower overall survival rate than those with low expression levels of CSRP2.We detected the protein levels of CSRP2 in the NB samples by Western blot,and found that the protein level of CSRP2 in 3/4 INSS stages was significantly higher than that in 1/2 INSS stages.Knockdown of CSRP2 inhibited cell viability and proliferation of NB cells.Overexpression of CSRP2 increased the proliferation of NB cells.Flow cytometry showed that the proportion of sub-G1,G0/G1 and S phase cells and Annexin V positive cells were increased after CSRP2 deficiency.In the cell wound-healing assay,the healing rate of NB cells was significantly attenuated after knockdown of CSRP2.Further mechanism studies showed that the proportion of the proliferation marker Ki-67 and the phospho-rylation levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinases 1/2(ERK1/2)were significantly decreased after CSRP2 knockdown.Conclusion:CSRP2 is highly expressed in high-risk NB with 3/4 INSS stages,and the expression levels of CSRP2 are negatively correlated with the overall survival of NB patients.CSRP2 significantly increased the proliferation and cell migration of NB cells and inhibited cell apoptosis via the activation of ERK1/2.All these results indicate that CSRP2 promotes the progression of NB by activating ERK1/2,and this study will provide a potential target for high-risk NB therapy.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the qualitative research on human immunodeficiency virus/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) patients′experience of participating in advance care planning (ACP), so as to provide reference for the application of ACP in HIV/AIDS patients.Methods:Computer searched qualitative studies on HIV/AIDS patients′participation in ACP experience in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang, VIP, China Biomedical Literature Database. The search time limit was from inception to December 1, 2023, and the research results were integrated using Meta integration method after quality evaluation.Results:A total of 10 articles were included, and 58 research results were extracted, forming 12 new categories, and 4 integrated results were obtained: HIV/AIDS patients′understanding of ACP; attitudes of HIV/AIDS patients towards ACP; the influencing factors of HIV/AIDS patients′participation in ACP; suggestions for implementing ACP for HIV/AIDS patients.Conclusions:Medical staff should promptly identify the needs of HIV/AIDS patients for ACP, help them increase their awareness and acceptance of ACP. At the same time, based on China′s unique cultural background and healthcare system, relevant laws and regulations should be continuously improved to promote the development and improvement of ACP in China.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the psychological experience of financial toxicity in breast cancer patients.Methods:A computer search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, Wanfang, and VIP for qualitative studies on the psychological experience of financial toxicity among breast cancer patients up to April 15, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute's quality assessment criteria for qualitative research were used for literature quality evaluation, and an aggregative integration method was applied for data analysis.Results:Ten studies were included, from which 56 distinct themes were extracted. These themes were consolidated into 11 new categories, forming three integrated results: multidimensional negative experiences in coping with financial toxicity, needs and expectations in dealing with financial toxicity, and strategies for dealing with financial toxicity.Conclusions:Breast cancer patients face varying degrees of financial toxicity, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals should pay close attention to the characteristics and needs of patients coping with financial toxicity. Continuous assessment of their financial status and implementation of comprehensive intervention strategies and measures through multiple channels and approaches are needed to help reduce the issues of financial toxicity.

Objective:To systematically analyze and evaluate the psychological experience of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA) in breast cancer patients.Methods:The qualitative study on the CIA psychological experience of breast cancer patients was searched through computers in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biomedical Literature Database, WanFang Data and VIP. The search period was from the establishment of the database to October 15, 2022. The quality evaluation of literature that met the criteria was conducted using the quality evaluation criteria for qualitative research of the Joanna Briggs Institute Evidence-Based Health Care Center in Australia, and the results of each study were further integrated and analyzed.Results:A total of 11 articles were included and 59 clear themes were extracted. The similar themes were summarized into 12 new categories and integrated into 4 synthesized results, namely, breast cancer patients' differential coping styles with alopecia, different psychological feelings, difficulties and challenges they faced, and desire for support and needs.Conclusions:CIA affects the physical and mental health and social interaction of breast cancer patients. Medical and nursing staff should pay attention to the cognition and experience of breast cancer patients on alopecia symptoms, establish effective communication between nurses and patients, strengthen health education on alopecia knowledge, encourage patients to actively respond, so as to reduce alopecia problems and improve the quality of life.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension. Methods: Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. Results: The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.

Background: Subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) is the most common thyroid dysfunction, and its relationship with blood pressure (BP) has been controversial. The aim of the study was to analyze the association between SCH and newly-diagnosed hypertension. Methods: Based on data from the Thyroid disease, Iodine nutrition and Diabetes Epidemiology (TIDE) study, 49,433 euthyroid individuals and 7,719 SCH patients aged ≥18 years were enrolled. Patients with a history of hypertension or thyroid disease were excluded. SCH was determined by manufacturer reference range. Overall hypertension and stage 1 and 2 hypertension were diagnosed according to the guidelines issued by the American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association in 2017. Results: The prevalence of overall hypertension (48.7%), including stage 1 (28.9%) and 2 (19.8%) hypertension, increased significantly in SCH patients compared with euthyroid subjects. With elevated serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) level, the hypertension prevalence also increased significantly from the euthyroid to different SCH subgroups, which was more profound in females or subjects aged <65 years. The age- and sex-specific regression analysis further demonstrated the same trends in the general population and in the 1:1 propensity matched population. Similarly, several BP components (i.e., systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial BP) were positively associated with TSH elevation, and regression analysis also confirmed that all BP components were closely related with SCH in female subjects aged <65 years. Conclusion The prevalence of hypertension increases for patients with SCH. SCH tends to be associated with hypertension and BP components in females younger than 65 years.

Objective    To investigate the effectiveness of establishment of chest pain center and optimized process in the diagnostic and treatment progress and short-term prognostic value of acute non-ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) patients. Methods    This was a retrospective study. We included NSTEMI patients admitted in the Emergency Department in our hospital, 41 patients admitted before the establishment of the chest pain center (April 2015) were included as group A (30 males and 11 females at age of 64.7±11.8 years), 42 patients after the establishment of the chest pain center (April 2016) as group B (31 males and 11 females at age of 64.6±11.8 years), and 38 patients after the establishment of the chest pain center (April 2017) as group C (30 males and 8 females at age of 62.6±10.0 years). The clinical outcomes of the three groups were compared. Results     The time from admission to electrocardiogram was 20.0 (17.0, 25.5) min in the group A, 4.0 (2.8, 5.0) min in the group B, and 3.0 (2.0, 4.0) min in the group C (P<0.001). The first doctor's non-electrocardiogram advice time was 13.0 (10.0, 18.0) min, 9.5 (6.8, 15.3) min, and 9.0 (7.0, 12.0) min (P=0.001) in the three groups, respectively. The diagnostic confirmed time was 139.4±48.5 min, 71.1±51.5 min, 63.9±41.9 min   (P<0.001). The proportion of patients receiving emergency dual anti-platelet load dose treatment was 53.1%, 70.0%, 100.0% (P=0.001), respectively. The time of receiving emergency dual anti-platelet load dose treatment was 208.0 (72.0, 529.0) min, 259.0 (91.0, 340.0) min, and 125.0 (86.0, 170.0) min (P=0.044) in the three groups, respectively. Emergency percutaneous coronary artery intervention (PCI) start time was 60.9 (42.1, 95.8) hours, 61.3 (43.3, 92.2) hours, 30.5 (2.8, 44.1) hours (P<0.001) in the three groups, respectively. Among them, the moderate risk patients’ PCI starting time was 63.0 (48.1, 94.2) hours, 62.3 (42.1, 116.2) hours, and 40.1 (17.2, 60.4) hours (P>0.05), respectively. The high risk patients’ PCI starting time was 47.9 (23.7, 102.4) hours, 55.2 (44.0, 89.6) hours, 23.2 (1.7, 41.8) hours in the three groups, respectively (P<0.001). The hospitalization time of the patients was 7.0 (5.4, 9.4) days, 5.9 (4.9, 8.7) days, 4.7 (3.1, 6.2) days in the three groups (P<0.001), respectively. The hospitalization time of the moderate risk patients was 6.9 (4.9, 8.8) days, 6.4 (4.9, 8.0) days, 4.8 (3.2, 6.5) days in the three groups (P>0.05), respectively. The hospitalization time of the high risk patients was 7.1 (5.5, 9.9) days, 5.9 (4.6, 9.8) days, and 4.4 (3.0, 6.1) days, respectively (P<0.001). The fatality rate of inpatients was 4.9%, 0.0%, and 0.0%, respectively (P>0.05). The correlation coefficient of hospitalization time, diagnosis confirmed time and PCI starting time was 0.219 and 0.456 (P<0.05), respectively. Conclusion    The establishment and optimized process of chest pain center can accelerate the time of early diagnosis of NSTEMI, which is helpful to obtain stratified and graded standardized treatment for patients according to their conditions, to accelerate the specific treatment process of high risk NSTEMI patients, and shorten the hospitalization time.

Objective: To report the clinical and pathological features of primary proximal epithelioid sarcoma (PES) in skull base. Methods: The clinical and pathological features of four cases of PES in skull base from Sanbo Brain Institute of Capital Medical University and Kunming Sanbo Brain Institute were analysed retrospectively. Results: Three cases was female, and one male, the age ranged from 46 to 52 years.All cases occurred in skull base, and sellar region was the main site of involvement.Under the microscope, the tumor cells characterized by epithelioid cell changes, with or without rhabdoid tumor cells.Mitotic figure was active.Immunohistochemical staining showed that AE1/AE3, EMA and CD34 were variously expression in tumor cells.INI-1 protein was lost in all cases.Three cases were detected by FISH, and INI1 (22q11.2) gene locus was absent in them.Three patients died less than 3 months after surgery, and case 4 was under treatment after five months of surgery. Conclusions Primary PES in skull base mostly occurs in sellar region and its clinical prognosis is poor.It features with epithelioid/rhabdoid tumor cells with lack granuloma structure as distal ES.It has epithelial and mesenchymal differentiation characteristics.CD34 is always positive.INI1 gene deletion and protein loss expression are characteristic molecular alteration of PES.

OBJECTIVETo identify the predictive factors for differentiating pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) from other neoplastic solid pancreatic lesions and assess the accuracy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration (EUS-FNA) for diagnosis of PDAC.

METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of patients referred for EUS-FNA evaluation of pancreatic lesions in the Digestive Endoscopic Center of Nanfang Hospital between January, 2009 and May, 2016. The cases with unknown diagnosis, missing data, repeated punctures, cystic lesions and benign lesions were excluded from the analysis. The positivity rates of EUS-FNA were compared between patients with PDAC and those with non-PDAC lesions, and the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy of EUS-FNA were assessed in the diagnosis of PDAC. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify the factors for differentiating PDAC from non-PDAC lesions based on the demographic characteristics, clinical presentations, laboratory data, and endoscopic ultrasonography imaging features of the patients.

RESULTSAmong the 75 patients with solid neoplastic pancreatic lesions, 54 (72.0%) were found to have PDAC and 21 (28.0%) had non-PDAC lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy of EUS-FNA for the diagnosis of PDAC were 77.8%, 100.0%, 100.0%, 63.6% and 84.0%, respectively. No significant difference was found in the positivity rate of EUS-FNA between patients with PDAC and those with non-PDAC lesions (77.8% 76.2%, > 0.05). Multivariate regression analysis identified abdominal pain (=5.163, 95%: 1.093-24.389, =0.038), lesion size (=0.926, 95%: 0.877-0.978, =0.006), characteristics of the solid lesions (=7.105, 95%: 1.440-35.043, =0.016), and evidence of metastases (=6.165, 95%: 1.332-28.533, =0.020) as the independent factors for predicting PDAC.

CONCLUSIONSThe pretest characteristics including abdominal pain, evidence of metastases, and lesion size and lesion characteristics defined by endoscopic ultrasonography findings can reliably predict a diagnosis of PDAC. EUS-FNA has a high sensitivity and a high specificity for the diagnosis of PDAC.