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.

OBJECTIVE To offer a reference for the treatment of Mycobacterium iranicum infection by analyzing the diagnosis and management of a single case alongside literature-reported cases. METHODS Through case report and literature reviews， this study synthesized the clinical features， therapeutic regimens， and patient outcomes of those infected with M. iranicum. RESULTS In the single case documented in this report， subsequent to clinical pharmacists’ involvement in the consultation， the patient was prescribed a therapeutic regimen comprising levofloxacin （0.5 g， qd， ivgtt）+Clarithromycin sustained-release tablets （1 000 mg， qd， po） + Ethambutol tablets （0.75 g， qd， po）. The patient exhibited clinical improvement and was discharged after treatment. This article integrated 12 published studies， encompassing 13 patients （7 male and 6 female）， of whom 69.23% were aged ≥50 years. Patients infected with M. iranicum exhibited non-specific clinical manifestations and imaging features， with pulmonary infection as the primary presentation. Antimicrobial susceptibility test revealed that M. iranicum was susceptible to multiple agents， including amikacin， clarithromycin， linezolid， and ethambutol. The three-drug combination therapy was the most frequently employed regimen. In terms of clinical outcomes， there were 9 cases （69.23%） of clinical cure， 3 cases （23.08%） of bacteriological negativity conversion， and 1 case （7.69%） of treatment failure. CONCLUSIONS For M. iranicum infection， a triple-drug therapeutic regimen consisting of three agents with distinct mechanisms of action selected from amikacin， clarithromycin， moxifloxacin， levofloxacin， minocycline， ethambutol， and other relevant drugs may represent a relatively optimal strategy.

Objective To explore the potential categories and influencing factors of dietary behavioral adherence trajectories in young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Methods A convenience sampling method was used to investigate 277 young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus admitted to the Department of Endocrinology of a tertiary A hospital in Huai'an City,China,from September 2022 to March 2023.The baseline data were collected using a general information questionnaire,the Dietary Behavioral Compliance Scale for Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus,the Diabetes Self-Efficacy Scale,the Diabetes Knowledge Text,the Health Beliefs Questionnaire,and the Family APGAR Index Questionnaire.The baseline information was collected on the patients'behavioral adherence trajectories a day prior to hospital discharge(T0),a week post-discharge(T1),a month post-discharge(T2),and 3 months post-discharge(T3)to assess the level of patients'dietary behavioral adherence,using latent variable growth mixed models to identify trajectory categories,and univariate and multivariate logistic regression to analyze the influences on dietary adherence trajectories.Results A total of 3 trajectories of dietary behavior adherence in young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were identified,namely,low adherence-fluctuating group(49.8%),high adherence-slowly regressing group(31.4%),and medium adherence-continuously rising group(18.8%),and the results showed that age,literacy level,self-efficacy,health beliefs,and family caring were the factors influencing potential categories of dietary behavioral adherence for young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.Conclusion There is heterogeneity in the adherence trajectories of young and middle-aged patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus,and healthcare professionals can develop targeted interventions according to the influencing factors of the trajectory categories in order to improve their adherence.

Objective:To evaluate the value of target blood pressure management based on cerebral oximetry index (COx) during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) in preventing postoperative delirium (POD) in patients with acute type A aortic dissection (ATAAD).Methods:One hundred and fifty-seven patients with ATAAD, aged 18-64 yr, regardless of gender, were divided into 2 groups by a random number table method: traditional experience group (group C, n=81) and COx management group (group M, n=76). The mean arterial pressure in group C was maintained in the traditional range of 60-80 mmHg during CPB. In group M, the mean arterial pressure range was obtained based on the COx and maintained within this range during CPB. The primary outcome assessed was the development of delirium within 7 days after surgery. Secondary outcomes included other postoperative complications, tracheal extubation time, and duration of cardiac intensive care unit stay. Results:Compared with group C, the incidence and severity scores of POD were significantly decreased, the duration of POD was shortened, the duration of POD was shortened, the extubation time and duration of cardiac intensive care unit stay were shortened, and the incidence of postoperative cerebral infarction and acute kidney injury was decreased in group M ( P<0.05). Conclusions:Target blood pressure management based on COx during CPB is helpful in reducing the occurrence of POD and improving the prognosis of patients undergoing surgery for ATAAD.

Objective To investigate the therapeutic effect of self-made Bitong Ointment combined with umbilical dressing of traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of children with pediatric allergic rhinitis differentiated as type of latent heat in the lung meridian. Methods Eighty children with allergic rhinitis differentiated as type of latent heat in the lung meridian were randomly divided into observation group and control group, with 40 cases in each group. The control group was treated with loratadine, while the observation group was additionally treated with self-made Bitong Ointment and umbilical dressing of traditional Chinese medicine. After 4 weeks of treatment, the clinical effect, TCM syndrome score, airway stress response, inflammatory factors, and therapeutic safety were evaluated. Results The total effective rate in the observation group was 95.00% (38/40), which was higher than 77.50% (31/40) in the control group. After treatment, the scores of main TCM syndromes such as frequent sneezing, clear and thin nasal discharge, decreased sense of smell, shortness of breath, and reluctance to speak in the observation group were lower than those in the control group. After treatment, the levels of indicators of airway stress response such as exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO), lipid peroxide (LHP) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) in the observation group were lower than those in the control group. After treatment, the levels of inflammatory factors such as monocyte chemoattractant protein-4 (MCP-4), cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLTR1), and interleukin-9 (IL-9) in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The incidence rate of adverse reactions during treatment was 15.00% (6/40) in the observation groupand 10.00% (4/40) in the control group, with no significant difference between the two groups (P>0.05). Conclusion The combination of self-made Bitong Ointment combined with umbilical dressing of traditional Chinese medicine is effective in the treatment of children with pediatric allergic rhinitis differentiated as type of latent heat in the lung meridian, which can improve the TCM syndromes, inhibit the airway stress response, reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors, and has good therapeutic safety.

Objective:To explore the current status of surgery for portal hypertension to grasp current status and future development of surgery in China.Methods:This study is jointly sponsored by China Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Specialist Alliance & Portal Hypertension Alliance in China (CHESS).Comprehensive surveying is conducted for basic domestic situations of surgery for portal hypertension, including case load, surgical approaches, management of postoperative complications, primary effects, existing confusion and obstacles, liver transplantation(LT), laparoscopic procedures and transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt(TIPS), etc.Results:A total of 8 512 cases of portal hypertension surgery are performed at 378 hospitals nationwide in 2021.Splenectomy plus devascularization predominated(53.0%)and laparoscopy accounted for 76.1%.Primary goal is preventing rebleeding(67.0%) and 72.8% of hospitals used preventive anticoagulants after conventional surgery.And 80.7% of teams believe that the formation of postoperative portal vein thrombosis is a surgical dilemma and 65.3% of hospitals practiced both laparoscopy and TIPS.The major reasons for patients with portal hypertension not receiving LT are due to a lack of qualifications for LT(69.3%)and economic factors(69.0%).Conclusions:Surgery is an integral part of management of portal hypertension in China.However, it is imperative to further standardize the grasp of surgical indications, the handling of surgical operation and the management of postoperative complications.Moreover, prospective, multi-center randomized controlled clinical studies should be performed.

Objective To study the characteristics of fluid intake and central venous pressure (CVP) within 4 days after birth in very low birth weight (VLBW) premature infants complicated with bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD).Method From February 2015 to March 2019,VLBW preterm infants without serious complications were enrolled in two hospitals.Their CVP were measured every 4 ～ 6 hours after birth.They were assigned into BPD group and non-BPD group,and the fluid intake and CVP within 4 days after birth were compared between these two groups.Result A total of 45 VLBW preterm infants were included,including 17 in the BPD group and 28 in the non-BPD group.The fluid intake in the BPD group showed no significant difference with the non-BPD group within 4 days after birth (P ＞ 0.05).No significant correlation existed between the mean liquid intake and the mean CVP in 1 ～ 4 days after birth (r =0.093,P=0.542).From day1 to day4,the CVPs of the BPD group were (3.97 ± 0.68),(4.49 ± 0.75),(4.55 ± 0.66),(4.02 ± 1.05) cmH2O,and the non-BPD group were (3.66 ± 1.09),(3.96 ±0.76),(3.81 ± 0.69),(3.91 ± 0.65) cmH2O.The differences between the BPD group and the nonBPD group were statistically significant (P ＜ 0.05).The CVP of the BPD group was increasing from day 2 to day 3 (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion VLBW premature infants complicated with BPD may have higher CVP at the early stage of life,which may not be related with the fluid intake.

Objective To study the range of central venous pressure (CVP) in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants within the first week after birth.Method From February 2014 to February 2018,50 VLBW infants without serious diseases during the first 7 days of life received umbilical venous catheters were prospectively enrolled.CVPs were measured every 4～6 h.The trend of CVP and the correlation of CVP (within 24 h) and birth weight,gestational age were analyzed.Result A total of 50 VLBW infants and 1 291 CVP measurements were included.The CVP increased slightly within 48 h after birth,and then declined.The 95％CI of CVPs were 3.67～4.21,4.03～4.49,3.90～4.33,3.67～4.19,3.29～3.97,3.14～3.94 and 2.64～ 3.55 cmH2O from day 1 to day 7.No significant correlation existed between CVP in the first day and birth weight,nor gestational age (r=-0.267,P=0.073;r=0.106,P=0.762).Conclusion The CVP of VLBW infants increased slightly within 48 h after birth,and then declined.There was no significant correlation between CVP in the first day and birth weight,nor CVP and gestational age.