Objective To investigate the screening results and factors affecting abnormal detection rates among high-risk groups of esophageal cancer and to explore effective intervention measures. Methods We investigated and collected the information on gender, education level, age, marital status, symptoms of reflux esophagitis (heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccup, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing), consumption of pickled vegetables, salt use, and esophageal cancer incidence of villagers in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Changes in reflux esophagitis symptoms in the high-incidence area of esophageal cancer before and after 16 years were observed, and the relationship of such changes with esophageal cancer was analyzed. Results In 2008, 711 cases were epidemiologically investigated, including 213 cases with one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis such as heartburn, acid reflux, belching, hiccups, foreign body sensation in the pharynx, and difficulty swallowing (sorted in accordance with the abovementioned symptoms; if there are multiple symptoms, then the former is taken); 55 cases with at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 108 cases (15.1%); followed by acid reflux, belching, etc. In 2024, the same group of people was investigated, and eight people were missing because of relocation. A total of 703 people were successfully investigated, of which 189 cases (26.8%) had one of the symptoms of reflux esophagitis, such as heartburn (sorted in accordance with relevant symptoms, if there are multiple symptoms, then the former will be selected); 167 cases (23.7%) had at least two related symptoms, among which the most symptom was heartburn in 139 cases (19.7%); followed by acid reflux. Over 16 years, among the 703 people investigated, 45 cases had esophageal cancer and they had one or more of the abovementioned symptoms. No significant differences in the reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.26); no significant differences in the composition of reflux esophagitis-like symptoms were found between 2008 and 2024 (P=0.299). Conclusion The detection rate of reflux esophagitis-related symptoms in the population in a high-risk area of esophageal cancer has not decreased in the past 16 years, and the high-risk factors still exist. Esophageal cancer is closely related to reflux esophagitis, and clinical practice can provide early diagnosis and treatment for high-risk population.

Objective To investigate the relationship between tooth loss and the occurrence of esophageal cancer in a natural village in Wenfeng District, Anyang City, Henan Province. Methods A prospective cohort study was conducted to observe the occurrence of tooth loss and esophageal cancer among the asymptomatic residents of the natural village for 16 years from January 2008 to July 2024. Data were analyzed by chi-square test, binary logistic regression, and restricted cubic spline. Results Among the total population of 711 cases, 136 cases were lost to follow-up and 575 cases were included in the final statistics, including 45 cases with esophageal cancer. Significant statistical difference was found between esophageal cancer patients with and without tooth loss (P<0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that tooth loss was associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.977, 95%CI: 1.543-10.255). After the adjustment for confounders, tooth loss remained significantly associated with the occurrence of esophageal cancer (OR=3.038, 95%CI: 1.035-8.914). A nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between the number of teeth lost and the incidence of esophageal cancer. When the number of teeth lost was less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increased with the number of teeth lost. When more than 12 teeth were lost, the risk of esophageal cancer decreased as the number of teeth lost increased. Conclusion Tooth loss is a risk factor for the occurrence of esophageal cancer in this natural village. When the number of teeth lost is less than 12, the risk of esophageal cancer increases with the number of teeth lost.

This article takes pectoral qi as the starting point to discuss the traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)pathogenesis as well as the diagnostic and therapeutic approach to difficult withdrawal of mechanical ventilation in mechanically ventilated patients.According to the five-viscera correlation theory,it is believed that the onset of difficult withdrawal of mechanical ventilation is closely related to pectoral qi.The core pathogenesis of difficult withdrawal of mechanical ventilation is due to the insufficiency of pectoral qi and the deficiency of the lung,spleen and kidney,and the obstruction of pectoral qi and disharmony of qi and blood contribute to the key pathogenesis.Chinese medicine treatment can be carried out by the usage of Sijunzi Tang(Four Mild-Drug Decoction),Bufei Tang(Decoction for Replenishing Lung),Shenling Baizhu San(Powder of Radix Ginseng,Poria and Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae)to supplement and benefit pectoral qi,and by the utilization of Buzhong Yiqi Tang(Decoction for Tonifying Middle Energizer and Replenishing Qi),Shengxian Tang(Decoction for Lifting the Sinking of Qi in Chest),Juyuan Jian(Decoction for Replenishing Qi and Lifting the Sunken Qi)to elevate yang and lift the sinking of Qi.Moreover,herbs for regulating qi and blood should be added,and the management of the diet and daily living based on the identification of the deficiency and excess of the five viscera is stressed,so as to enhance the success rate of withdrawal of mechanical ventilation.The exploration will provide ideas for the treatment of difficult withdrawal of mechanical ventilation with the integrated Chinese and western medicine.

Objective To investigate the effect and mechanism of transplantation of neuregulin1(NRG1)gene-modified bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)on the repair of hemi-transected spinal cord injury(SCI)in rats.Methods Isolated and cultured rat BMSCs,followed by transfection with the NRG1 gene.The levels of NRG1 in BMSCs lysate and culture supernatant was deected by ELISA method,and the proliferation activity of the BMSCs was detected by cell counting method.Forty-three healthy 8-week-old SD rats were randomly divided into control group(n=10),SCI model group(n=10),BMSCs group(n=10),and NRG1-BMSCs group(n=13).After establishing the spinal cord hemisection model,animals received in-situ transplantation of BMSCs or NRG1-BMSCs.On the 1,7,14,21,and 28 days after transplantation,the hind limb motor function was evaluated using BBB score and inclined plate test;on the 7th day after transplantation,the migration and distribution of transplanted cells was monitored using a fluorescence microscope;on the 28th day after transplantation,the pathological changes of rat spinal cord tissues was examined using HE staining and Nissl staining;cell apoptosis using TUNEL staining,and levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress-related proteins[X-box binding protein 1(XBP1),C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP),activating transcription factor 4(ATF4),ATF6,glucose-regulated protein 78(GRP78)]and apoptosis-related proteins[B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)and Bcl-2-associated protein X(Bax)]in rat spinal cord tissues using Western blotting.Results BMSCs were successfully isolated,cultured,and transfected with the NRG1 gene.ELISA method results showed that the NRG1 contents in the NRG1-BMSCs lysate and culture supernatant were significantly higher than that of BMSCs in a time-dependent manner(P<0.05).The proliferation activity of NRG1-BMSCs was significantly higher than that of BMSCs(P<0.05).On the 21 and 28 days after transplantation,the BBB score and the slope angle of the inclined plate in NRG1-BMSCs group were higher than those in SCI model group or BMSCs group(P<0.05).However,it did not reverse to the level in control group(P<0.05).On the 28th day after transplantation,compared with the SCI model group and BMSCs group,neuronal pyknosis reduced,the Nissl body density increased,the expression levels of XBP1,CHOP,ATF4,ATF6,GRP78,and Bax,and the rate of TUNEL-positive cells significantly reduced in NRG1-BMSCs group(P<0.05),and the expression level of Bcl-2 significantly increased(P<0.05).Conclusion Transplantation of NRG1 gene-modified BMSCs can alleviate SCI and improve the recovery of motor function in rats.The mechanism may be related to promoting the proliferation activity of BMSCs,inhibiting cell apoptosis,and mitigating endoplasmic reticulum stress.

BACKGROUND:Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a refractory orthopedic disease that seriously affects the normal life of patients.Hip preservation is recommended for young patients due to the limited prosthesis longevity and revision.Accurate prediction of the mechanical properties of the necrotic area in the early stage and then intervention is the key to hip preservation. OBJECTIVE:To establish a dynamic contact mechanics finite element model of necrotic femoral head based on human hip CT data and predict effects of both necrotic volume magnitude and its position on biomechanics of the necrotic region under walking movement. METHODS:CT data of a volunteer were collected and then geometry model of the hip was rebuilt.Finite element model of the necrotic femoral head was established using the Abaqus software.Nine different necrotic femoral models were constructed by combined both three different necrotic volume magnitudes(small,medium and big volume)and three different necrotic positions(coincided with,medium deviated with and kept away from the line of the force).The Von Mises of the necrotic region for all models were predicted under both 3 000 N static load and dynamical loads of one whole ISO walking gait cycle.The collapse risk for all models was evaluated based on collapse criterion. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)More approaching of the necrotic region to the line of force and bigger collapse volume made the maximum Von Mises increasing.This also enlarged the collapse risk of the necrotic region.(2)For different load types,walking movement increased the maximum Von Mises of the necrotic region than that of the value under static load under the same necrotic volume and location.(3)In conclusion,dynamic load would result in increasing of the maximum Von Mises of the necrotic region comparing to static load during exercise.Therefore,the risk of local collapse will increase due to greater Von Mises.However,the overall collapse risk is lower than that of static load due to the dynamic change of bearing area.This factor should be carefully considered by surgeons when they evaluate the mechanical performance of the necrotic femoral head.

Objective To investigate the expressions of 12 cytokines(IL-1β,IL-2,IL-4,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,IL-10,IL-12p70,IL-17,IFN-α,IFN-γ,TNF-α)and procalcitonin in patients with infective endocarditis(IE).Methods Ten IE patients admitted to our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were included into the IE group,10 patients with non-infectious and non-rheumatic valvular diseases who were admitted to our hospital at the same period were randomly selected as the control group,and blood sampling of all patients were conducted at admission.The expressions of 12 cytokines and blood routine indexes were detected by flow cytometry,and the level of procalcitonin was detected by ELISA.The correlations among the expression levels of cytokines in IE patients were analyzed by Pearson method and the correlations of IL-8 level and white blood cell count with procalcitonin in IE patients were analyzed by Spearman method.Results Compared with the control group,the levels of cytokines of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,IFN-α,IFN-γ and IL-12p70 in the IE group were significantly increased(P<0.05),the white blood cell count,neutrophil percentage and procalcitonin were significantly increased(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the percentage of monocytes between the two groups(P>0.05).IFN-α of IE patients was positively correlated with IL-2,TNF-α,IL-1β and IL-12p70,IL-2 was positively correlated with TNF-α and IL-1β,IL-12p70 was positively correlated with IFN-γ,and procalcitonin was significantly positively correlated with IL-8 and white blood cell count,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion The levels of IL-1β,IL-2,IL-6,IL-10,TNF-α,IFN-α,IFN-γ,IL-12p70 and procalcitonin in IE patients are significantly higher than those in the normal population,and the detections of these indicators are of guiding significance for the early diagnosis of IE and the evaluation of the severity of the disease.

Objective:Exploration of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression and its clinical significance in pancreatic adenosquamous carcinoma (PASC).Methods:A total of 60 pancreatic cancer tissue samples and 8 normal pancreatic tissue samples were obtained from patients who were surgically treated at Beijing Chao-Yang Hospital, Capital Medical University from January 2016 to December 2021. A retrospective analysis of the clinical and pathological data of these 60 patients was conducted, including 23 males and 37 females with an age of (62.7±10.2) years. Among them, 20 cases were pathologically diagnosed as PASC, and 40 contemporaneous cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) were selected through propensity score matching. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining was used to measure the integrated optical density (IOD) of EGFR expression, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) was employed to detect the expression differences of EGFR mRNA. Based on the median IOD value of EGFR, the 20 PASC samples were divided into two groups, high and low expression groups. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was performed to compare the impact of EGFR expression on the prognosis of PASC patients.Results:The IOD value of EGFR in PASC group (29.2 [25.7, 35.1]) was significantly higher than that in the PDAC group [9.5 (5.5, 13.0)] and they both exceeded the value in normal tissues [2.4 (1.7, 3.1)], with statistical significances ( all P<0.001 ). The level of EGFR mRNA expression in the PASC group was higher than that in the PDAC group [3.0 (1.8, 3.5) vs 1.2 (0.8, 1.2)], showing statistically significant difference ( P=0.0079). Patients with high EGFR expression had shorter overall survival compared with patients with low expression ( P=0.002). The incidence of vascular invasion in the PASC group [40.0% (8/20)] was higher than that in the PDAC group [17.5% (7/40)], with a significant difference ( P=0.002). The median survival time for the PASC group was 16.00 (9.25, 25.25) months, which was shorter than that of the PDAC group 21.50 (11.25, 40.75) months, showing a statistically significant difference ( P=0.033). The overall survival rate of the PASC group was lower than PDAC group ( P=0.028). Conclusion:EGFR expression is significantly elevated in PASC tissues and PASC patients have poor prognosis.

AIM To explore the laws in accumulation of dry matter and medicinal ingredients of Isatis indigotica Fort.in Longdong area,and determine the best harvest time to obtain the high-quality and high-yield medicinal plant.METHODS The I.indigotica had its agronomic traits investigated regularly;the accumulation laws of its uridine,guanosine,(R,S)-geichan and adenosine measured by HPLC;and its comprehensive utilization value in different periods evaluated by grey correlation method.RESULTS There existed significant variations among the plant height,plant width,leaf length,leaf width,number of leaves,leaf weight,root length,root diameter,root weight,and the yields of uridine,guanosine,(R,S)-goitrin and adenosine at different growth stages,whose peak values appeared in different period.Additionally,there were also obvious differences in the aforementioned indexes levels among different strains.The highest weighted correlation degree of the comprehensive utilization value of Longde and 2008-6-2 on October 9,and of 2008-11 and 2016-2 on October 24.On the whole,the 2008-6-2 and 2016-2 were superior to 2008-11 and Longde.CONCLUSION It is suggested that the best harvest time of I.indigotica in Longdong area is in mid to late October.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of global longitudinal strain(GLS)measured by cardiac magnetic resonance(CMR)feature-tracking technique for left ventricular remodeling(LVR)after percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)in patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods A total of 403 patients undergoing PCI for acute STEMI were prospectively recruited from multiple centers in China.CMR examinations were performed one week(7±2 days)and 6 months after myocardial infarction to obtain GLS,global radial strain(GRS),global circumferential strain(GCS),ejection fraction(LVEF)and infarct size(IS).The primary endpoint was LVR,defined as an increase of left ventricle end-diastolic volume by≥20%or an increase of left ventricle end-systolic volume by≥15%from the baseline determined by CMR at 6 months.Logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictive value of CMR parameters for LVR.Results LVR occurred in 101 of the patients at 6 months after myocardial infarction.Compared with those without LVR(n=302),the patients in LVR group exhibited significantly higher GLS and GCS(P<0.001)and lower GRS and LVEF(P<0.001).Logistic regression analysis indicated that both GLS(OR=1.387,95%CI:1.223-1.573;P<0.001)and LVEF(OR=0.951,95%CI:0.914-0.990;P=0.015)were independent predictors of LVR.ROC curve analysis showed that at the optimal cutoff value of-10.6%,GLS had a sensitivity of 74.3%and a specificity of 71.9%for predicting LVR.The AUC of GLS was similar to that of LVEF for predicting LVR(P=0.146),but was significantly greater than those of other parameters such as GCS,GRS and IS(P<0.05);the AUC of LVEF did not differ significantly from those of the other parameters(P>0.05).Conclusion In patients receiving PCI for STEMI,GLS measured by CMR is a significant predictor of LVR occurrence with better performance than GRS,GCS,IS and LVEF.

Objective To investigate the role of delta/notch-like epidermal growth factor-related receptor(DNER)in gastric cancer and its regulatory mechanism.Methods The mRNA and protein levels of DNER in gastric cancer tissues and cells were detected with quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction(qRT-PCR)and Western blot.Gastric cancer cell line SGC7901 with silenced DNER expression was constructed,and cells were treated with mitochondrial dynamin-related protein 1(DRP1)inhibitor Mdivi-1.CCK-8 assay,Transwell assay,and flow cytometry were used to detect cell viability,invasion ability and apoptosis,respectively.Western blot was used to detect DNER protein levels,apoptosis-associated proteins[Cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3(Caspase-3),Bcl-2 Associated X(Bax)],autophagy associated proteins[microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-Ⅱ/Ⅰ,LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ),p62,PTEN induced putative kinase 1(PINK1)and Parkin],and mitochondrial fission and fusion protein[DRP1,mitochondrial fission factor(MFF),mitochondrial fission protein 1(FIS1),Optic Atrophy 1(OPA1),mitofusin 1(MFN1)and MFN2]levels.Results The expression levels of DNER mRNA and protein in gastric cancer tissues were higher than those in adjacent normal tissues(t=-52.485,-46.955),while expression levels of DNER mRNA and protein in gastric cancer cells were higher than those in normal gastric epithelial cells(F=60.551,60.652),and the differences were significant(P＜0.001).Silencing DNER inhibited the proliferation and invasion of SGC7901 cells,induced apoptosis,and increased the expression of apoptosis-related proteins,with significant differences(t=8.026～25.903,all P＜0.05).Silenced DNER increased LC3 Ⅱ/Ⅰ ratio(t=18.086),decreased p62 protein level(t=6.747),promoted the aggregation of PINK1 and Parkin proteins in mitochondria(t=15.630,18.171),inhibited the expression of mitochondrial fusion proteins OPA1,MFN1 and MFN2(t=12.835,8.963,9.732),and promoted the expression of mitochondrial fission proteins DRP1,MFF and FIS1(t=16.034,16.939,15.971),with significant differences(all P＜0.05).Mdivi-1 treatment could counteract the effects of silencing DNER on mitochondrial autophagy,proliferation,invasion and apoptosis of gastric cancer cells.Conclusion DNER can reduce mitochondrial autophagy by inhibiting mitochondrial dynamic imbalance,promote cell proliferation and invasion,and inhibit cell apoptosis,thus promoting the progression of gastric cancer.