Clinical value of impulse oscillometry in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

INTRODUCTION: Impulse oscillometry (IOS) is an effortless test compared to spirometry. Numerous studies explored the role of IOS in spirometry-based chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but most of them had limited sample sizes with poor statistical power. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to pool the individual data and quantitatively analyze the clinical value of IOS in COPD. METHODS: PubMed, Web of Science, Ovid, Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Internet and Wanfang were searched for studies with comparisons of IOS indicators between COPD patients and healthy controls, including respiratory resistance at 5Hz (R5) and 20Hz (R20), difference between R5 and R20 (R5-R20), respiratory reactance at 5 Hz (X5), resonant frequency (Fres), and area of reactance (Ax). Meta-analyses were conducted to calculate the weighted mean differences (WMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). RESULTS: 39 eligible studies were enrolled, involving 6144 COPD patients and 4611 healthy controls. Relative to healthy controls, COPD patients had significantly higher R5 (WMD: 0.17, 95% CI: 0.14, 0.20), R5-R20 (WMD: 0.13, 95% CI: 0.11, 0.15), Fres (WMD: 9.04, 95% CI: 7.66, 10.42), Ax (WMD: 1.24, 95% CI: 0.86, 1.61) and lower X5 (WMD: -0.15, 95% CI: -0.18, -0.11), and such differences became even greater as the Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) stage escalated. Pooled correlation coefficients presented that R5, R5-R20, Fres and X5 were significantly related to post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio (meta r = -0.37, -0.45, -0.53 and 0.42 respectively) and FEV1 as a percentage of predicted value (FEV1% pred) (meta r = -0.43, -0.54, -0.59 and 0.56 respectively). CONCLUSION: IOS may be a supplement to spirometry in diagnosing and assessing COPD, especially when spirometry is inappropriate. More well-designed, large sample sized, prospective studies are warranted to establish an IOS-based criterion for COPD management.

Novel Eu3+-activated Ca3Ga2Ge4O14 red-emitting phosphors with high quantum efficiency for plant growth lighting and white LEDs.

In recent years, rare-earth-based phosphors for near-ultraviolet (NUV)-triggered white light emitting diodes (w-LEDs) have become a research hotspot. However, it is still not possible to obtain phosphors with high quantum yield, excellent color purity and multiple applications. Hence, a series of novel Eu3+-activated Ca3Ga2Ge4O14 (CGG) red-emitting phosphors with high quantum efficiency, excellent color purity and good thermal stability were prepared by a high-temperature solid-phase method. All the CGG:Eu3+ phosphors emitted dazzling red emission with excitation at 394 nm. The optimal Eu3+ doping concentration of compounds was 12% with an excellent color purity of 97.89%, and the concentration quenching mechanism was investigated as dipole-dipole interactions. Meanwhile, the synthetic samples exhibited good thermal stability with the activation energy of 0.26 eV. Remarkably, the internal quantum yield of the prepared phosphors reaches 94.26%. Furthermore, the emission spectra of the prepared red-LEDs overlap considerably with the absorption spectra of PR and PFR required for plant growth. The w-LED device emits warm white light with a high color rendering index of 91.64 and an appropriate correlated color temperature of 4808 K. These excellent luminescence properties indicate that the prepared CGG:Eu3+ phosphors exhibit extensive potential for applications in plant growth lighting and white LEDs.

Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of acute kidney injury in patients with diabetes and predict a poorer outcome in patients with acute kidney injury.

BACKGOUND: People with diabetes are much more likely to develop acute kidney injury (AKI) than people without diabetes. Low 25-hydroxy-vitamin D [25(OH)D] concentrations increased the risk of AKI in specific populations. Few studies have explored the relationship between the 25(OH)D level and AKI in patients with diabetes. We conducted this study to investigate the relationship between the plasma level of 25(OH)D and the risk of AKI in patients with diabetes, and to evaluate whether the 25(OH)D level could be a good prognostic marker for AKI progression. METHODS: A total of 347 patients with diabetes were retrospectively reviewed. The primary endpoint was the first event of AKI. The secondary endpoint is need-of-dialysis. AKI patients were further followed up for 6 months with the composite endpoint of end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or all-cause death. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox proportional hazards models were used. RESULTS: During a median follow-up of 12 weeks (12.3 ± 6.7), 105 incident AKI were identified. The middle and high tertiles of baseline 25(OH)D levels were associated with a significantly decreased risk of AKI and dialysis compared to the low tertile group (HR = 0.25, 95% CI 0.14-0.46; HR = 0.24, 95% CI 0.13-0.44, respectively, for AKI; HR = 0.15; 95% CI 0.05-0.46; HR = 0.12; 95% CI 0.03-0.42, respectively, for dialysis). Sensitivity analysis revealed similar trends after excluding participants without history of CKD. Furthermore, AKI patients with 25(OH)D deficiency were associated with a higher risk for ESRD or all-cause death (HR, 4.24; 95% CI, 1.80 to 9.97, P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: A low 25 (OH) vitamin D is associated with a higher risk of AKI and dialysis in patients with diabetes. AKI patients with 25(OH)D deficiency were associated with a higher risk for ESRD or all-cause death.

Mangiferin prevents glucolipotoxicity-induced pancreatic beta-cell injury through modulation of autophagy via AMPK-mTOR signaling pathway.

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of Mangiferin (MG) on glucolipotoxicity-induced pancreatic beta-cell injury. In vivo administration of MG significantly reduced the level of blood glucose in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice. MG treatment inhibited beta-cell apoptosis in HFD-treated mice. In vitro, MG protected INS-1 cells against apoptosis and impairment of insulin secretion following High glucose/Palmitic acid (HG/PA) treatment. MG treatment enhanced autophagy flux which was blocked by HG/PA treatment. Inhibition of autophagosome formation by 3-Methyladenine or blockade of autolysosome by Chloroquine reversed the protective effects of MG on INS-1 cells. MG treatment increased AMPK phosphorylation and reduced mTOR activation in INS-1 cells. Administration of the AMPK blocker abrogated MG-induced autophagy, and similar results were observed in INS-1 cells after cotreatment with MG and mTOR activator. In conclusion, MG ameliorated pancreatic beta-cell injury induced by glucolipotoxicity through modulation of autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway.

Critical role of apoptosis in MeCP2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of ARPE-19 cells.

Proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR) is a complex disease that significantly contributes to recurrent retinal detachment. Its development is notably affected by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), where apoptosis plays a crucial role as a regulator of EMT. However, the function of MeCP2 in governing apoptosis and EMT in retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cells and its implications for PVR development have remained inadequately understood. Thus, we investigated the impact of MeCP2 on proliferation, migration, apoptosis and EMT in ARPE-19 cells to provide a fresh perspective on the etiology of PVR. The morphological changes in ARPE-19 cells induced by recombinant human MeCP2 protein and MeCP2 knockdown were observed. Wound healing assay were performed to verify the effects of recombinant human MeCP2 protein and MeCP2 knockdown on ARPE-19 cell migration. Furthermore, cell proliferation was assessed using the CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. Western blot analysis, quantitative reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), and immunofluorescence analysis were conducted to measure the protein levels associated with apoptosis, cell cycle and EMT. Western blot analysis and immunofluorescence assays confirmed that MeCP2 promoted EMT formation in ARPE-19 cells. The CCK-8 assay revealed that MeCP2 treatment enhanced the proliferation of ARPE-19 cells, whereas MeCP2 knockdown inhibited ARPE-19 cell proliferation. Treatment with recombinant human MeCP2 protein and MeCP2 knockdown altered the morphology of ARPE-19 cells. Wound healing assay demonstrated that MeCP2 knockdown inhibited ARPE-19 cell migration, and MeCP2 treatment promoted ARPE-19 cell migration. MeCP2 knockdown induced a G0/G1 phase block, inhibiting cell growth, and qRT-PCR data indicated reduced expression of cell cycle-related genes. Increased apoptosis was observed after MeCP2 knockdown in ARPE-19 cells. Overall, MeCP2 treatment stimulates cell proliferation, migration and EMT formation; conversely, MeCP2 knockdown inhibits EMT, cell proliferation, migration and cell cycle G1/S phase transition, and induces apoptosis.

Bioactive Polysaccharides from Gracilaria lemaneiformis: Preparation, Structures, and Therapeutic Insights.

Gracilaria lamaneiformis, a red seaweed, is an abundant source of bioactive polysaccharides with significant health-promoting properties. Nevertheless, the broad application of G. lamaneiformis in the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical sectors remains constrained due to the absence of comprehensive data. This review provides a detailed examination of the preparation methods, structural characteristics, and biological activities of G. lamaneiformis polysaccharides (GLPs). We explore both conventional and advanced extraction techniques, highlighting the efficiency and yield improvements achieved through methods such as microwave-, ultrasonic-, and enzyme-assisted extraction. The structural elucidation of GLPs using modern analytical techniques, including high-performance liquid chromatography, gas chromatography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, is discussed, providing comprehensive insights into their molecular composition and configuration. Furthermore, we critically evaluate the diverse biological activities of GLPs, including their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, and gut microbiota modulation properties. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of GLPs and suggests future research directions to fully harness their health benefits.

Correlation analysis of cofilin-1 with renal prognosis in primary IgA nephropathy.

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between podocyte related biomarker cofilin-1 and renal function, and explore the value of cofilin-1 in predicting the risk of renal adverse prognosis in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). METHODS: Patients with primary IgAN diagnosed by initial renal biopsy performed in our hospital from January 2019 to February 2022 were included. This study was a prospective cohort study. All IgAN patients were detected the expression of cofilin-1 and other related biomarkers (RhoA, NGAL) in urine by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and follow-up at least 6 months. We also collected baseline clinicopathologial data of IgAN. The decreased renal function group was defined as baseline eGFR < 60 ml/min/1.73m2. Logistic and Cox regression model were used to analyze the correlation among cofilin-1 and renal prognosis. RESULTS: 133 IgAN patients were included, with a male-to-female ratio of 1.25:1 and an age of 37.67 ± 13.78 years, as well as an average of eGFR was 71.63 (40.42,109.33) ml/min/1.73m2. 56 patients (42.1%) had decreased renal function at baseline, with the average of eGFR was 34.07 (16.72, 49.21) ml/min/1.73 m2. 12 of which developed to renal adverse prognosis. The average of follow-up time was 22.035 ± 8.992 months. The multivariate regression analysis showed that increased urinary cofilin-1 was an independent risk factor associated with baseline renal function decline and renal adverse prognosis in IgAN patients (P < 0.05). ROC curves showed great efficacy of urinary cofilin-1 levels in diagnosing baseline renal function decline and predicting renal adverse prognosis (the area under the ROC curve was 0.708 and 0.803). CONCLUSION: Cofilin-1 as a novel biomarker of podocyte lesion is closely related to renal function decline in IgAN. Cofilin-1 has certain clinical value in predicting the risk of renal adverse prognosis. Podocyte fusion affects the renal prognosis of IgAN.

Optimization of sub-arc collimator angles in volumetric modulated arc therapy: a heatmap-based blocking index approach for multiple brain metastases.

To develop and assess an automated Sub-arc Collimator Angle Optimization (SACAO) algorithm and Cumulative Blocking Index Ratio (CBIR) metrics for single-isocenter coplanar volumetric modulated arc therapy (VMAT) to treat multiple brain metastases. This study included 31 patients with multiple brain metastases, each having 2 to 8 targets. Initially, for each control point, the MLC blocking index was calculated at different collimator angles, resulting in a two-dimensional heatmap. Optimal sub-arc segmentation and collimator angle optimization were achieved using an interval dynamic programming algorithm. Subsequently, VMAT plans were designed using two approaches: SACAO and the conventional Full-Arc Fixed Collimator Angle. CBIR was calculated as the ratio of the cumulative blocking index between the two plan approaches. Finally, dosimetric and planning parameters of both plans were compared. Normal brain tissue, brainstem, and eyes received better protection in the SACAO group (P < 0.05).Query Notable reductions in the SACAO group included 11.47% in gradient index (GI), 15.03% in monitor units (MU), 15.73% in mean control point Jaw area (AJaw,mean), and 19.14% in mean control point Jaw-X width (WJaw-X,mean), all statistically significant (P < 0.001). Furthermore, CBIR showed a strong negative correlation with the degree of plan improvement. The SACAO method enhanced protection of normal organs while improving transmission efficiency and optimization performance of VMAT. In particular, the CBIR metrics show promise in quantifying the differences specifically in the 'island blocking problem' between SACAO and conventional VMAT, and in guiding the enhanced application of the SACAO algorithm.

Enhanced osteogenic differentiation in 3D hydrogel scaffold via macrophage mitochondrial transfer.

To assess the efficacy of a novel 3D biomimetic hydrogel scaffold with immunomodulatory properties in promoting fracture healing. Immunomodulatory scaffolds were used in cell experiments, osteotomy mice treatment, and single-cell transcriptomic sequencing. In vitro, fluorescence tracing examined macrophage mitochondrial transfer and osteogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Scaffold efficacy was assessed through alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alizarin Red S (ARS) staining, and in vivo experiments. The scaffold demonstrated excellent biocompatibility and antioxidant-immune regulation. Single-cell sequencing revealed a shift in macrophage distribution towards the M2 phenotype. In vitro experiments showed that macrophage mitochondria promoted BMSCs' osteogenic differentiation. In vivo experiments confirmed accelerated fracture healing. The GAD/Ag-pIO scaffold enhances osteogenic differentiation and fracture healing through immunomodulation and promotion of macrophage mitochondrial transfer.

Personalized selection of unequal sub-arc collimator angles in VMAT for multiple brain metastases.

PURPOSE: Investigating the effects of unequal sub-arc personalized collimator angle selection on the quality of Volumetric Modulated Arc Therapy (VMAT) plans for treating multiple brain metastases. METHODS: This study included 21 patients, each with 2-4 target volumes of multiple brain metastases. Two stereotactic radiotherapy (SRT) approaches were utilized: sub-arc collimator VMAT (SAC-VMAT) and fixed collimator VMAT (FC-VMAT). In the SAC-VMAT group, multi-leaf collimators (MLC) shaped the target area, dividing the full arc into four unequal sub-arcs under the beam's eye view (BEV). Each sub-arc had an appropriate collimator angle selected to mitigate 'island blocking problems'. Conversely, the FC-VMAT group used a fixed collimator angle of 15° or 345°. A comparative analysis of the dosimetric parameters of the target volumes and normal tissues, along with the monitor units (MU), was conducted between the two groups. RESULTS: The mean dose and dose-volume to normal brain tissue (2-26 Gy, with a step of 2 Gy) were significantly lower in the SAC-VMAT group (P < 0.01). There was no statistical difference between the two groups in dose to the target volumes, conformity index (CI), homogeneity index (HI), and other normal tissues (P > 0.05). Compared with the FA-VMAT group, the SAC-VMAT group significantly reduced the gradient index (GI) (4.5 ± 0.59 vs 5.2 ± 0.75, P < 0.001) and MU (1774.33 ± 181.77 vs 2001.0 ± 344.86, P < 0.001). Notably, with an increase in the number of PTV, the SAC-VMAT group demonstrated more significant improvements in the dose-volume of normal brain tissue, GI, and MU. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, personalized selection of the unequal sub-arc collimator angle ensured the prescribed dose to the PTV, CI, and HI, while significantly reducing the GI, MU, and the dose to normal brain tissue in the VMAT plan for multi-target brain metastases in the cohort of cases with 2-4 target volumes. Particularly as the number of targets increase, the advantages of this method become more pronounced.

Endoscopic Cartilage Myringoplasty with Anterior Margin Preservation for Repairing Large Anterior Perforations.

Objective: This study compared the graft outcomes and complications of endoscopic cartilage inlay myringoplasty with preservation of anterior margins (IPAM) and the cartilage underlay technique with raising the tympanomeatal flap (CUTF) for repairing large anterior perforations. Materials and Methods: In total, 55 patients with large anterior perforations were recruited and allocated to the IPAM (n = 28) or the CUTF (n = 27) group. The graft success rate, hearing gain, operation time, and postoperative complications were compared between the groups at 12 months. Results: The mean operation times were 29.3 ± 2.7 minutes and 46.4 ± 3.9 minutes in the IPAM and CUTF groups, respectively (P < .001). The residual perforation rate was 0.0% in the IPAM group and 11.1% in the CUTF group (P = .222). All patients completed the 12-month follow-up. The overall graft success rate was 96.4% in the IPAM group and 88.9% in the CUTF group (P = .577). No significant differences were observed between the groups in terms of postoperative pure-tone averages for air conduction and bone conduction, air-bone gaps (ABGs), or ABG changes. In the CUTF group, 22.2% of the patients reported altered taste perception, 3.7% experienced bony external auditory canal (EAC) stenosis, and 3.7% developed EAC cholesteatoma. By contrast, the IPAM group did not have any cases of altered taste perception, EAC stenosis, or cholesteatoma. Conclusions: Endoscopic cartilage myringoplasty with IPAM and anterior perichondrium folding is a simple, effective, and minimally invasive technique for repairing large anterior perforations. It offers a high graft success rate and better hearing improvement compared to CUTF.

Environmental simulation and refrigeration demand analysis for shield tunnel construction in hot summer and cold winter regions.

The thermal hazards generated during the tunnel boring machine construction process significantly impact the physical and mental health of personnel. A field test was conducted on the tunnel of Metro Line 1 in Changsha, China, where the average temperature in the work zone reached up to 33.16 °C, and the air velocity was generally below 0.2 m/s. These conditions were unfavorable for ventilation and heat dissipation. In this paper, a full-scale CFD simulation model was established to simulate the construction environment and analyze the cooling demand. The results indicated that increasing the fresh air velocity could lower the temperature in the work zone; however, this effect was limited. When the fresh air temperature exceeded a certain threshold, it actually raised the average temperature of the work zone. Consequently, there is a need for supplementary cooling of the fresh air during the hot summer months. At a fresh air velocity of 15 m/s, the maximum temperature in the work zone was recorded at 27.8 °C when the fresh air was cooled down to 22.5 °C through auxiliary cooling measures. This approach effectively controlled the temperature in the work zone, reduced flow dead zones, and significantly improved air distribution and heat dissipation. Additionally, it ensured the physical and mental well-being of the construction workers and the safe operation of the equipment. This study provides valuable guidance for managing thermal environments in underground tunnel construction.

Effect of Low Dose Glucocorticoid Inhalation on Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Premature Infants.

The aim of the study was to explore the effect of low dose glucocorticoid on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants, to provide new ideas for clinical prevention and cure of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in premature infants. The 144 cases of premature infants were divided into 72 each: control group and experimental group. Control group received routine clinical prevention and cure, while experimental group was received low dose glucocorticoid on the basis of control group. The serum interleukin-10 (IL-10) , interleukin-8 (IL-8), and transforming growth factor-1 (TGF-ß1) before and after treatment were compared between two groups. The incidence and severity of bronchopulmonary dysplasia was compared between two groups. The mechanical ventilation time, oxygen inhalation time and hospitalization time in two groups were recorded, and the body mass, head circumference and body length at 30 days after birth were assessed in both groups. After treatment, the serum IL-10 level in experimental group was increased and IL-8, TGF-ß1 levels were decreased compared with control group (p <0.05). The incidence rate of bronchopulmonary dysplasia in experimental group was 13.89% and the disease severity in experimental group was significantly reduced (p<0.05). Both groups exhibited no notable adverse reactions (p>0.05). Low-dose glucocorticoids have a significant preventive and therapeutic effect on bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants, and have a high safety, showing high clinical application value for bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants.

Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Heading Date in Wheat under Phosphorus Stress Conditions.

Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) is a crucial cereal crop, contributing around 20% of global caloric intake. However, challenges such as diminishing arable land, water shortages, and climate change threaten wheat production, making yield enhancement crucial for global food security. The heading date (HD) is a critical factor influencing wheat's growth cycle, harvest timing, climate adaptability, and yield. Understanding the genetic determinants of HD is essential for developing high-yield and stable wheat varieties. This study used a doubled haploid (DH) population from a cross between Jinmai 47 and Jinmai 84. QTL analysis of HD was performed under three phosphorus (P) treatments (low, medium, and normal) across six environments, using Wheat15K high-density SNP technology. The study identified 39 QTLs for HD, distributed across ten chromosomes, accounting for 2.39% to 29.52% of the phenotypic variance. Notably, five stable and major QTLs (Qhd.saw-3A.7, Qhd.saw-3A.8, Qhd.saw-3A.9, Qhd.saw-4A.4, and Qhd.saw-4D.3) were consistently detected across varying P conditions. The additive effects of these major QTLs showed that favorable alleles significantly delayed HD. There was a clear trend of increasing HD delay as the number of favorable alleles increased. Among them, Qhd.saw-3A.8, Qhd.saw-3A.9, and Qhd.saw-4D.3 were identified as novel QTLs with no prior reports of HD QTLs/genes in their respective intervals. Candidate gene analysis highlighted seven highly expressed genes related to Ca2+ transport, hormone signaling, glycosylation, and zinc finger proteins, likely involved in HD regulation. This research elucidates the genetic basis of wheat HD under P stress, providing critical insights for breeding high-yield, stable wheat varieties suited to low-P environments.

Eight types of RNA modification regulators define clinical outcome and immune response in gastric cancer.

Background: RNA modifications represent a novel category of biological molecule alterations, characterized by three primary classes of proteins: writers, erasers, and readers. Numerous studies indicate that the dysregulation of these RNA modifications is linked to cancer development and may offer new therapeutic avenues for treatment. In our research, we focused on eight specific genes associated with RNA modifications (RMRGs) to comprehensively analyze their distinct functions in gastric cancer (GC). Furthermore, we aimed to elucidate the roles of RMRGs concerning clinicopathological characteristics, tumor microenvironment, and patient prognosis. Methods: In this study, we examined the expression and mutations of RMRGs in gastric cancer (GC) using data from TCGA-STAD (The Cancer Genome Atlas; Stomach adenocarcinoma) and the gene expression omnibus (GSE66229). We identified two subtypes of RMRGs and three gene clusters through consensus clustering analysis, assessing their differences in prognosis and immune cell infiltration patterns. Subsequently, we developed an RMRGs score to evaluate GC prognosis and highlight general immune features within the tumor microenvironment (TME). Lastly, we focused on MAMDC2 to validate its expression in GC and explore the effects of a MAMDC2 inhibitor on GC tumor cells. Results: We discovered 94 differentially expressed RMRGs common to both the TCGA-STAD and GEO datasets. Notable differences in prognosis and immune cell infiltration were observed between the two RMRGs subtypes and three gene clusters. The RMRGs score emerged as an independent prognostic factor related to the tumor microenvironment (TME) characteristics in gastric cancer (GC). Reducing MAMDC2 levels enhanced cell migration and invasion while decreasing proliferation in vitro. Conclusions: In conclusion, this study comprehensively analyzed the role of RMRGs on GC. Our study firstly proposed RMRGs score and demonstrated its potential to be biomarkers for prognosis and immune characteristics. Consequently, RMRGs score is of great clinical significance and can be utilized to develop individualized.

Prevalence, mortality and risk factors for self-reported COPD among smokers and never smokers, NHANES 1999-2018.

INTRODUCTION: Cigarette smoke is the main risk factor for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), but 25% to 50% of cases occur in non-smokers. In the US, limited recent national data compare COPD prevalence between smokers and never smokers. Furthermore, our study seeks to explore the prevalence and mortality of self-reported COPD among smokers (including current smokers and ex-smokers) and never smokers in the US from 1999 to 2018, and to identify the risk factors and differences. METHODS: This cross-sectional analysis used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 1999-2018. Age-standardized prevalence of self-reported COPD among current smokers, ex-smokers, and never smokers was calculated using sample weights and 2010 US Census estimates. Risk factors were evaluated through weighted logistic regression models. Subsequently, participants who enrolled in the study cohort were followed until 31 December 2019, to determine all-cause mortality rates. RESULTS: Between 1999 and 2018, the weighted prevalence of COPD among current smokers, ex-smokers, and never smokers in the U.S. was 12.6%, 9.6%, and 4.1%, respectively. The mortality rates observed were 21.1% among current smokers with COPD, 29% among ex-smokers with COPD, and 12% among never smokers with COPD. Over this period, among the general population in the U.S., the proportion of current smokers has declined, the proportion of never smokers has increased, and the proportion of ex-smokers has remained relatively stable. From 1999 to 2018, COPD prevalence rose from 13.7% to 21.9% among current smokers, stayed at 10.1% among ex-smokers, and dropped from 4.9% to 3.3% among never smokers. Independent risk factors for COPD across all groups included being female, older, and lower income. In particular, US citizens and non-Hispanic Whites (among ex-smokers and never smokers) were at higher risk compared to their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS: The prevalence and all-cause mortality of COPD among current smokers and ex-smokers remain elevated. Although the prevalence of COPD among never smokers is gradually declining, it continues to be significant, thereby maintaining a substantial burden of disease. Furthermore, common independent risk factors for COPD across current smokers, ex-smokers, and never smokers include female gender, advanced age, lower income, and deviations from normal body weight whether overweight or underweight.

Gestational diabetes mellitus and the hearing of newborns:A nested case-control study in tropical province of China.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to determine the association of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) and the results of newborn hearing screening(NHS). METHODS: A nested case-control study was conducted in a cohort of newborns who were born between June 2021 to December 2021 and underwent neonatal hearing screening.GDM was diagnosed according to the 75 g 2 h oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) at 24-28 gestational weeks.A total of 369 pregnant women at the same hospital were individually matched in a 1:2 ratio by maternal age (±2 years), gestational age (±3 days) and sex of newborn.Chi-square test was utilized to evaluate associations between GDM and the results of NHS. RESULTS: Abnormal NHS results in the GDM group was more frequent than non-GDM group.When comparing the two groups (GDM case and contol), we found significant differences (p < 0.05) between them.Whereas the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05) by delivery modes in both case and control groups. CONCLUSION: Maternal history of GDM could lead to significantly higher failling rate of NHS.

The Protective Effect of Octanoic Acid on Sepsis: A Review.

Sepsis, a systemic inflammation that occurs in response to a bacterial infection, is a significant medical challenge. Research conducted over the past decade has indicated strong associations among a patient's nutritional status, the composition of their gut microbiome, and the risk, severity, and prognosis of sepsis. Octanoic acid (OA) plays a vital role in combating sepsis and has a protective effect on both animal models and human patients. In this discussion, the potential protective mechanisms of OA in sepsis, focusing on its regulation of the inflammatory response, immune system, oxidative stress, gastrointestinal microbiome and barrier function, metabolic disorders and malnutrition, as well as organ dysfunction are explored. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which OA act may pave the way for new preventive and therapeutic approaches to sepsis.

Hypofractionated versus Conventional Postmastectomy Irradiation for Breast Cancer: Comparison of Acute Skin Toxicity.

Purpose: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality among women. Radiotherapy can reduce recurrence and prolong survival of patients accepting breast-conserving surgery (BCS). This study aims to compare acute skin reactions in patients receiving hypofractionated versus conventional radiotherapy at a single institution and to summarize the relevant influencing factors. Methods: This study analyzed 152 patients who underwent either hypofractionated or conventional whole-breast irradiation (WBI) after BCS. Acute skin toxicity was assessed according to the Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Predictive factors for acute skin toxicity were identified using multivariate analysis and visualized using a forest spot. Results: Grade 0 reactions occurred in 75.34% vs 70.89%, grade 1 in 16.44% vs 15.19%, grade 2 in 8.22% vs 12.66%, and grade 3 in 0% vs 1.27% of patients receiving hypofractionated and conventional WBI, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference in acute skin reaction in patients treated with hypofractionated radiation compared with conventional radiation (P = 0.62). Multivariate analysis revealed that metastatic lymph nodes (P = 0.021), whole-breast planning target volume (PTV-WB) (P < 0.001), and tumor bed planning target volume (PTV-TB) (P = 0.002) were significantly correlated with higher rates of acute skin toxicity. Conclusion: Hypofractionated WBI demonstrated similar acute skin adverse reactions compared to conventional WBI. These findings indicate that hypofractionated radiotherapy offers comparable tolerance, equivalent curative effect, convenience, and economic benefits, supporting its clinical promotion.

Low muscle mass-to-fat ratio is an independent factor that predicts worse overall survival and complications in patients with colon cancer: a retrospective single-center cohort study.

Purpose: This study was performed to investigate influencing factors of preoperative muscle mass-to-fat ratio (MMFR) and its impact on overall survival and postoperative complications of colon cancer. Methods: Patients who underwent colectomy for stage I-III colon cancer at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between January 2016 and December 2022 were included. The skeletal muscle and fat area at the third lumbar vertebra were measured with preoperative CT measurement. MMFR was defined as the ratio of skeletal muscle area to total fat area, and low MMFR was defined as the 2 lowest tertiles (≤0.585). Univariate and multivariable analyses were conducted to assess the impact of MMFR on overall complications and survival outcomes. Kaplan-Meier survival curves and log-rank test were used to compare the overall survival between high MMFR and low MMFR groups. Results: A total of 885 patients were analyzed. Female sex, older age, high body mass index, sarcopenia, and high cancer stage were more likely to result in low MMFR. Complications, including intestinal fistula, chylous fistula and organ space surgical site infection were significantly higher in the low MMFR group. Low MMFR was an independent factor associated with overall complications (odds ratio, 1.940; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.252-3.007; P < 0.01) and long-term survival (hazard ratio, 2.222; 95% CI, 1.443-3.425; P < 0.01). Furthermore, patients with high MMFR had a higher survival rate than patients with low MMFR (P < 0.01). Conclusion: Low MMFR is an independent factor that predicts worse overall survival and complications in patients with colon cancer.