BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is an emergency gastrointestinal disease that requires immediate diagnosis and urgent clinical treatment.An accurate assessment and precise staging of severity are essential in initial...BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is an emergency gastrointestinal disease that requires immediate diagnosis and urgent clinical treatment.An accurate assessment and precise staging of severity are essential in initial intensive therapy.AIM To explore the prognostic value of inflammatory markers and several scoring systems[Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II,the bedside index of severity in AP(BISAP),Ranson’s score,the computed tomography severity index(CTSI)and sequential organ failure assessment]in severity stratification of earlyphase AP.METHODS A total of 463 patients with AP admitted to our hospital between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2024 were retrospectively enrolled in this study.Inflammation marker and scoring system levels were calculated and compared between different severity groups.Relationships between severity and several predictors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Predictive ability was estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS Of the 463 patients,50(10.80%)were classified as having severe AP(SAP).The results revealed that the white cell count significantly increased,whereas the prognostic nutritional index measured within 48 hours(PNI48)and calcium(Ca^(2+))were decreased as the severity of AP increased(P<0.001).According to multivariate logistic regression,C-reactive protein measured within 48 hours(CRP_(48)),Ca^(2+)levels,and PNI48 were independent risk factors for predicting SAP.The area under the curve(AUC)values for the CRP_(48),Ca^(2+),PNI48,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II,sequential organ failure assessment,BISAP,CTSI,and Ranson scores for the prediction of SAP were 0.802,0.736,0.871,0.799,0.783,0.895,0.931 and 0.914,respectively.The AUC for the combined CRP_(48)+Ca^(2+)+PNI48 model was 0.892.The combination of PNI48 and Ranson achieved an AUC of 0.936.CONCLUSION Independent risk factors for developing SAP include CRP_(48),Ca^(2+),and PNI48.CTSI,BISAP,and the combination of PNI48 and the Ranson score can act as reliable predictors of SAP.展开更多
BACKGROUND The imbalance of hormone levels in the body is closely related to the occurrence and progression of schizophrenia,especially thyroid hormones.AIM To study the relationship between triiodothyronine(T3),thyro...BACKGROUND The imbalance of hormone levels in the body is closely related to the occurrence and progression of schizophrenia,especially thyroid hormones.AIM To study the relationship between triiodothyronine(T3),thyroxine(T4),free T3(FT3),free T4(FT4),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)and schizophrenia.METHODS In this study,100 schizophrenia patients were selected from our hospital between April 2022 and April 2024.Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.Based on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)score,patients were divided into mild(1-3 points,n=39),moderate(4 points,n=45),and severe groups(5-7 points,n=16).Additionally,55 healthy individuals served as a control group.Venous blood samples were collected to measure T3,T4,FT3,FT4,TSH,and cortisol concentrations,analyzing their relationship with PANSS scores.RESULTS The serum levels of T3,FT3,FT4,TSH and cortisol in the schizophrenia group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).With the increase of the severity of the disease,the concentrations of T3 and T4 decreased,while the con-centrations of TSH and cortisol increased(P<0.05).The concentrations of TSH and cortisol were positively correlated with the PANSS score,while T3 and T4 were negatively correlated with the PANSS score(P<0.05).The receiver ope-rating characteristic curve results showed that T3,T4,TSH,and cortisol had good efficacy in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.Logistic results showed that decreased T3 level,decreased T4 level,decreased TSH level and increased cortisol level may be independent risk factors for schizophrenia.CONCLUSION Thyroid hormone levels are associated with the severity of schizophrenia symptoms,which can provide new solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.展开更多
BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events,including severe outcomes such as pulmonary embolism.Elevated D-dimer levels are a critical biomarker for...BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events,including severe outcomes such as pulmonary embolism.Elevated D-dimer levels are a critical biomarker for assessing this risk.In Gabon,early implementation of anticoagulation therapy and D-dimer testing has been crucial in managing COVID-19.This study hypothesizes that elevated Ddimer levels are linked to increased COVID-19 severity.AIM To determine the impact of D-dimer levels on COVID-19 severity and their role in guiding clinical decisions.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in Gabon between March 2020 and December 2023.The study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and available D-dimer measurements at admission.Data on demographics,clinical outcomes,D-dimer levels,and healthcare costs were collected.COVID-19 severity was classified as non-severe(outpatients)or severe(inpatients).A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between D-dimer levels and disease severity,with adjusted odds ratios(OR)and 95%CI.RESULTS A total of 3004 patients were included,with a mean age of 50.17 years,and the majority were female(53.43%).Elevated D-dimer levels were found in 65.81%of patients,and 57.21%of these experienced severe COVID-19.Univariate analysis showed that patients with elevated D-dimer levels had 3.33 times higher odds of severe COVID-19(OR=3.33,95%CI:2.84-3.92,P<0.001),and this association remained significant in the multivariable analysis,adjusted for age,sex,and year of collection.The financial analysis revealed a substantial burden,particularly for uninsured patients.CONCLUSION D-dimer predicts COVID-19 severity and guides treatment,but the high cost of anticoagulant therapy highlights the need for policies ensuring affordable access in resource-limited settings like Gabon.展开更多
Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a complex and potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition with a highly variable clinical course,ranging from mild,selflimiting episodes to severe necrotizing forms.Among its common co...Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a complex and potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition with a highly variable clinical course,ranging from mild,selflimiting episodes to severe necrotizing forms.Among its common complications ascites has traditionally been viewed as a passive byproduct of peritoneal inflammation and enzymatic leakage with limited diagnostic or prognostic utility.However,growing evidence challenges this perspective,suggesting that ascitic fluid in AP represents a dynamic and clinically meaningful component of disease progression.In this editorial we reflected on the findings presented by Rao et al,who highlighted the diagnostic,prognostic,and therapeutic significance of ascitic fluid in AP.Easily accessible markers such as lactate dehydrogenase may provide early prognostic insight while emerging molecular biomarkers and cytokine pro-files offer promise for more precise risk stratification and individualized therapy.We argue that the systematic evaluation of ascitic fluid should be integrated into the clinical management of moderate to severe AP.Incorporating ascites analysis into standard diagnostic protocols may enhance early risk assessment,inform therapeutic decisions,and ultimately improve patient outcomes.Ascitic fluid should be recognized as a clinically valuable marker and an important source of information in the evolving landscape of AP care.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the expression level of interleukin-17D(IL-17D)in the serum of patients with severe pneumonia and its correlation with disease severity.Methods:This study included 50 patients with severe pneu...Objective:To investigate the expression level of interleukin-17D(IL-17D)in the serum of patients with severe pneumonia and its correlation with disease severity.Methods:This study included 50 patients with severe pneumonia who were diagnosed and treated in the hospital from May 2024 to May 2025.The expression level of IL-17D in the serum of all patients was recorded.Patients were divided into severe and mild groups based on their disease severity.Gender,age,disease duration,presence of fever,atelectasis,pneumothorax,interleukin-2(IL-2),interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-17D were selected as independent variables.Statistical software SPSS 22.00 was used for univariate analysis,and variables with statistical significance in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the correlation between IL-17D and the severity of severe pneumonia.Results:The results of this study showed that the level of IL-17D in patients with severe pneumonia was significantly higher than the normal threshold.Univariate analysis indicated that atelectasis,IL-2,IL-6,and IL-17D were statistically significant(P<0.05)and could be considered as influencing factors for the severity of severe pneumonia.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that atelectasis(OR=2.141,95%CI:1.684–2.391),IL-2(OR=2.884,95%CI:2.240–3.614),IL-6(OR=2.571,95%CI:2.190–2.943),and IL-17D(OR=2.416,95%CI:2.093–2.735)were positively correlated with the severity of severe pneumonia.Conclusion:The expression level of IL-17D in the serum of patients with severe pneumonia is higher than the normal threshold and is positively correlated with disease severity.展开更多
BACKGROUND Depression,anxiety,and insomnia were found out that were significant relevance to the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)lock-down.AIM To examine the interrelationships among perc...BACKGROUND Depression,anxiety,and insomnia were found out that were significant relevance to the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)lock-down.AIM To examine the interrelationships among perceived severity,anxiety,depression,insomnia,and sense of security in Chinese community residents during the COVID-19 lockdown period.METHODS Participants were selected using simple random sampling from four large gated communities in Chengdu,China.All participants were invited to complete a survey that included the Perceived Severity Questionnaire,Security Question-naire,Patient Health Questionnaire-9,Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item,and Insomnia Severity Index-7.In total,568 valid questionnaires were gathered.Co-rrelation analysis and structural equation models were used to explore the rela-RESULTS The observed prevalence rates of anxiety,depression,and insomnia among residents during lockdown were 27.5%,17.6%,and 16.0%,respectively.Correlation analysis showed that both perceived severity and sense of security were positively correlated with anxiety,depression,and insomnia[Pearson’s r was perceived severity and anxiety r=0.44(P<0.01);with depression r=0.48(P<0.01);with insomnia r=0.43(P<0.01);security with anxiety r=-0.65(P<0.01);with depression r=-0.65(P<0.01);with insomnia r=-0.53(P<0.01)].Structural equation modeling and bootstrap tests revealed that sense of security acted as a significant mediator in the relationship between perceived severity and emotional and sleep disorders(anxiety,depression,and insomnia).CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that sense of security is a significant predictor of emotional and sleep disorders(namely,depression,anxiety,and insomnia)among residents during the COVID-19 lockdown,with sense of security acting as a mediating factor.These findings suggest that mental health interventions for Chinese community residents during lockdowns may benefit from developing community-based educational programs to reduce perceived severity and ensuring the stable supply of essential resources and promoting social support networks to enhance the sense of security.展开更多
Objective:To assess whether there is a correlation between CT scan severity score and pulmonary function in Interstitial Lung Disease,and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials an...Objective:To assess whether there is a correlation between CT scan severity score and pulmonary function in Interstitial Lung Disease,and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)were collected,and chest CT and pulmonary function tests were performed at the same time.Here DLCO%and FEV1%were used as the pulmonary function indexes.The severity of the patients was assessed by CT scores as mild(range,1~10),moderate(range 11~20),and severe(range 21~30).Correlation analysis was carried out between CT score and pulmonary function index,and the lung function parameters of patients at three grades were compared between groups and pairwise among the means.Results:As per the CT severity classification,there were 13 mild cases,31 moderate cases,and 16 severe cases.CT score was negatively correlated with DLCO%and FEV1%.R value was-0.814 and-0.797,respectively;The comparison of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%among the three groups and the pairings of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%were statistically significant.Conclusion:There was good correlation between CT score of ILD and the pulmonary function index.The pulmonary function index of patients with different CT severity grading was statistically significant,which can provide a new basis for the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of the disease.展开更多
A recent single-center retrospective study proposed novel combinations of hematological parameters and scoring systems for predicting severe acute pancre-atitis.While these combinations showed promising predictive per...A recent single-center retrospective study proposed novel combinations of hematological parameters and scoring systems for predicting severe acute pancre-atitis.While these combinations showed promising predictive performance,several limitations warrant consideration,including the lack of calibration,the absence of key inflammatory markers such as procalcitonin,and practical challenges in integrating these models into routine clinical workflows.To improve predictive accuracy and clinical applicability,prospective validation and the inclusion of additional variables are recommended.展开更多
Aging is one of the greatest risk factors for morbidity caused by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID19).In older individuals,a dysregulated immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2...Aging is one of the greatest risk factors for morbidity caused by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID19).In older individuals,a dysregulated immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection contributes to disease severity;however,the underlying mechanism remains elusive.In this study,we established an aging mouse model of COVID-19,successfully replicating the development of a relatively severe disease in older adults.Further single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed a distinct immune cell landscape in the infected lungs,accompanied by an over-activated inflammatory response,especially in aging mice.Compared to young mice,aging mice showed extensive neutrophil activation,NETosis,and a dramatic decrease in the number of alveolar macrophages(AMs).Moreover,as important executors of efferocytosis,AMs exhibited a low efferocytotic gene signature and downregulation of multiple efferocytosis receptors in aged mice.Further analysis indicated that the efferocytosis of neutrophils,whether undergoing apoptosis or NETosis,was compromised after SARS-CoV-2 infection.Since efferocytosis is a key process in inflammatory resolution,impaired efferocytosis may contribute to hyperinflammation in aging lungs.Our study reveals the characteristics and role of efferocytosis in aging mice after SARS-CoV-2 infection and provides valuable insights for the potential treatment of COVID-19.展开更多
Soil liquefaction,a seismic-induced phenomenon,is of significant concern in geotechnical engineering due to its potential to cause severe structural damage and ground instability during earthquakes.This study explores...Soil liquefaction,a seismic-induced phenomenon,is of significant concern in geotechnical engineering due to its potential to cause severe structural damage and ground instability during earthquakes.This study explores the prediction of the Liquefaction Severity Index(LSI)by integrating extensive borehole investigation data with seismic records from the Kahramanmara?(M_(w)7.8)and Hatay(M_(w)6.4)earthquakes that occurred in 2023.Nine machine learning models,Random Forest(RF),M5P,REPTree,IBk,Random Tree(RT),Gaussian Processes(GP),SMOreg,Locally Weighted Learning(LWL),and Linear Regression(LR),were employed with 10-fold cross-validation to ensure reliable predictions.Twelve geotechnical and seismic parameters,groundwater level,earthquake magnitude,peak ground acceleration,V_(s30),dominant frequency,dominant period,longitudinal wave velocity,dynamic modulus of elasticity,dynamic shear modulus,modulus of incompressibility,standard penetration test(SPT)values,and cyclic stress ratio(CSR)values,were utilized as inputs.The analysis results were evaluated with respect to RMSE,MAE,R2,RAE,P/M,error category limits,Taylor diagram,and relative importance of input parameters.Among the models,Random Forest outperformed with an R2 of 0.94,MAE of 2.35,with minimal prediction errors,followed by M5P and REPTree.Error analysis indicated that 80%of Random Forest and REPTree predictions fell within±7,while M5P showed slightly higher variability.Model-based feature ranking demonstrated that Cyclic Stress Ratio(CSR),Ground Water Level(GWL),and Standard Penetration Test(SPT)value emerged as dominant predictors.These findings highlight the study’s contribution to developing a reliable,datadriven framework for LSI prediction,offering a robust basis for improving site-specific liquefaction risk assessment and informed geotechnical decisionmaking in future seismic events.展开更多
This study examines the interaction between emotional states(anxiety and depression)and tinnitus severity in individuals undergoing a four-month sound therapy intervention.43 participants(28 males and 15 females)of a ...This study examines the interaction between emotional states(anxiety and depression)and tinnitus severity in individuals undergoing a four-month sound therapy intervention.43 participants(28 males and 15 females)of a study on four-month sound therapy of tinnitus were recruited and their tinnitus severity(Tinnitus Handicap Inventory,THI,and Tinnitus Functional Index,TFI)and emotional state(Hospitalary Anxiety and Depression Scale,HADS)were assessed before and after finishing the treatment.The participants,predominantly with moderate tinnitus,showed a significant reduction in tinnitus-related distress,with a mean reduction of approximately 30 points on both the THI and the TFI.Analysis revealed significant gender differences,with women experiencing higher baseline tinnitus distress but higher response to sound therapy.Emotional state assessments revealed moderate levels of anxiety and depression at baseline,which decreased significantly after therapy,particularly in women.Correlational analyses revealed a strong relationship between changes in emotional state and tinnitus severity,with reductions in anxiety and depression associated with improved tinnitus outcomes.The results highlight the complex relationship between emotional well-being and tinnitus severity and underline the potential of sound therapy to alleviate both emotional distress and tinnitus symptoms.展开更多
In this editorial,we critically evaluate the recent article by Niu et al,which ex-plores the potential of phospholipase D2(PLD2)as a biomarker for stratifying disease severity in acute pancreatitis(AP).AP is a clinica...In this editorial,we critically evaluate the recent article by Niu et al,which ex-plores the potential of phospholipase D2(PLD2)as a biomarker for stratifying disease severity in acute pancreatitis(AP).AP is a clinically heterogeneous inflam-matory condition that requires reliable biomarkers for early and accurate classi-fication of disease severity.PLD2,an essential regulator of neutrophil migration and inflammatory responses,has emerged as a promising candidate.Although current biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin provide general indications of inflammation,they lack specificity regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying AP progression.Recent studies,including the research conducted by Niu et al,suggest an inverse correlation between PLD2 expression and AP severity,offering both diagnostic insights and mechanistic understanding.This editorial critically evaluates the role of PLD2 as a biomarker in the broader context of AP research.Evidence indicates that decreased levels of PLD2 are associated with increased neutrophil chemotaxis and cytokine release,con-tributing to pancreatic and systemic inflammation.However,several challenges remain,including the need for large-scale validation and functional studies to establish causation,and standardization of measurement protocols.Additionally,further investigation into the temporal dynamics of PLD2 expression and its variability across diverse populations is warranted.Looking ahead,PLD2 holds the potential to revolutionize AP management by integrating molecular diagnostics with precision medicine.The utilization of large-scale multi-omics approaches and advancements in diagnostic platforms could position PLD2 as a fundamental biomarker for early diagnosis,prognosis,and potentially therapeutic targeting.While promising,it is crucial to conduct critical evaluations and rigorous validations of PLD2’s role to ensure its efficacy in improving patient outcomes.展开更多
Objective:To investigate the value of dynamic monitoring of serum interleukin(IL)-33 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αlevels in the early diagnosis,severity assessment and prognosis of acute pancreatitis(AP)combined w...Objective:To investigate the value of dynamic monitoring of serum interleukin(IL)-33 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αlevels in the early diagnosis,severity assessment and prognosis of acute pancreatitis(AP)combined with abdominal CT radiomics and intestinal microbiota data.Methods:A total of 170 AP patients were admitted immediately after the onset of the disease and divided into MAP group(85 cases)and SAP group(85 cases).The levels of serum IL-33,TNF-α,IL-6,and HMGB1,as well as the expression of miRNA-155 in extracellular vesicles(EVs),were dynamically monitored at multiple time points(0 h,6 h,12 h,24 h,3 d,5 d,7 d,14 d)after admission.Abdominal CT radiomics analyzed the texture characteristics of pancreatic necrosis,and stool samples collected at admission were metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiome.The Acute Pancreatitis Severity Bedside Index(BISAP)score is calculated within 48 hours of admission.Multivariate regression analysis assessed the independent effects of various factors on the prognosis of mortality groups.Results:Serum IL-33 and TNF-αlevels in SAP patients were significantly higher than those in MAP patients(p<0.05)at all time points,peaked on day 3,and decreased with treatment.The levels of these cytokines in patients with SIRS were also higher than in patients without SIRS(p<0.05).The serum IL-33,TNF-αlevels and BISAP scores in the mortality group were higher than those in the survival group(p<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that serum IL-33(OR=3.21,95%CI:1.12–9.23,p=0.03),TNF-α(OR=4.05,95%CI:1.37–11.96,p=0.01),and BISAP score(OR=5.67,95%CI:1.83–17.54,p<0.01)were independent prognostic risk factors.Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum IL-33 and TNF-αlevels were positively correlated with BISAP scores(r=0.68,p<0.01;r=0.73,p<0.01).Conclusion:Dynamic monitoring of serum IL-33 and TNF-αlevels combined with BISAP score has important clinical value for early diagnosis,severity assessment,treatment guidance and prognosis evaluation of AP,and provides a basis for accurate diagnosis and treatment.展开更多
Background:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a global pandemic with high mortality,and the treatment options for the severe patients remain limited.Previous studies reported the altered gut mi-crobiota in severe CO...Background:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a global pandemic with high mortality,and the treatment options for the severe patients remain limited.Previous studies reported the altered gut mi-crobiota in severe COVID-19.But there are no comprehensive data on the role of microbial metabolites in COVID-19 patients.Methods:We identified 153 serum microbial metabolites and assessed the changes in 72 COVID-19 pa-tients upon admission and one-month after their discharge,comparing these changes to those in 133 healthy control individuals from the outpatient department during the same period.Results:Our study revealed that microbial metabolites varied across different stages and severity of COVID-19 patients.These altered microbial metabolites included tryptophan,bile acids,fatty acids,amino acids,vitamins and those containing benzene.A total of 13 distinct microbial metabolites were identi-fied in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls.Notably,correlations were found among these disrupted metabolites and organ injury and inflammatory responses related to COVID-19.Furthermore,these metabolites did not restore to the normal levels one month after discharge.Importantly,two mi-crobial metabolites were the core microbial metabolites related to the severity of COVID-19 patients.Conclusions:The microbial metabolites were altered in the acute and recovery stage,correlating with dis-ease severity of COVID-19.These results indicated the important role of gut microbiota in the progression of COVID-19,and facilitated the potential therapeutic microbial target for severe COVID-19 patients.展开更多
Fibrotic remodeling of nucleus pulposus(NP)leads to structural and mechanical anomalies of intervertebral discs that prone to degeneration,leading to low back pain incidence and disability.Emergence of fibroblastic ce...Fibrotic remodeling of nucleus pulposus(NP)leads to structural and mechanical anomalies of intervertebral discs that prone to degeneration,leading to low back pain incidence and disability.Emergence of fibroblastic cells in disc degeneration has been reported,yet their nature and origin remain elusive.In this study,we performed an integrative analysis of multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets to interrogate the cellular heterogeneity and fibroblast-like entities in degenerative human NP specimens.We found that disc degeneration severity is associated with an enrichment of fibrocyte phenotype,characterized by CD45 and collagen I dual positivity,and expression of myofibroblast markerα-smooth muscle actin.Refined clustering and classification distinguished the fibrocyte-like populations as subtypes in the NP cells-and immunocytes-clusters,expressing disc degeneration markers HTRA1 and ANGPTL4 and genes related to response to TGF-β.In injury-induced mouse disc degeneration model,fibrocytes were found recruited into the NP undergoing fibrosis and adopted a myofibroblast phenotype.Depleting the fibrocytes in CD11b-DTR mice in which myeloid-derived lineages were ablated by diphtheria toxin could markedly attenuate fibrous modeling and myofibroblast formation in the NP of the degenerative discs,and prevent disc height loss and histomorphological abnormalities.Marker analysis supports that disc degeneration progression is dependent on a function of CD45^(+)COL1A1^(+)andαSMA^(+)cells.Our findings reveal that myeloid-derived fibrocytes play a pivotal role in NP fibrosis and may therefore be a target for modifying disc degeneration and promoting its repair.展开更多
Distinguishing the severity of burned skin from structural optical coherence tomography(OCT)intensity maps remains a challenging task,and functional imaging from an elastic perspective can improve the accuracy of burn...Distinguishing the severity of burned skin from structural optical coherence tomography(OCT)intensity maps remains a challenging task,and functional imaging from an elastic perspective can improve the accuracy of burned skin examination.As a functional extension of OCT,optical coherence elastography(OCE)can reveal the mechanical properties of samples while inheriting the imaging advantages of OCT.In this study,we used OCE to reveal the shear modulus and anisotropy parameters of burned skin before and after burning.A porcine skin burn model was constructed at a series of burned time durations and tested by elastic anisotropy imaging.Normal skin after hydration maintains good consistency in shear modulus.Interestingly,the shear modulus and longitudinal modulus of the burned skin show a tendency to stepwise increase with increasing burned times.A dataset was constructed by sampling the modulus parameters of burned skin maps through a scratch window,and its category was automatically identi¯ed by Kmeans and density peak clustering(DPC)algorithms with good agreement.The elastic anisotropy-based skin burn assessment method shows a prospect to be supplemented into the nondestructive means of burned skin examination.展开更多
The safety valve is an important component to ensure the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,the effect of safety valve type on the thermal runaway(TR)and gas venting behavior of LIBs,as well as the ...The safety valve is an important component to ensure the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,the effect of safety valve type on the thermal runaway(TR)and gas venting behavior of LIBs,as well as the TR hazard severity of LIBs,are not known.In this paper,the TR and gas venting behavior of three 100 A h lithium iron phosphate(LFP)batteries with different safety valves are investigated under overheating.Compared to previous studies,the main contribution of this work is in studying and evaluating the effect of gas venting behavior and TR hazard severity of LFP batteries with three safety valve types.Two significant results are obtained:(Ⅰ)the safety valve type dominates over gas venting pressure of battery during safety venting,the maximum gas venting pressure of LFP batteries with a round safety valve is 3320 Pa,which is one order of magnitude higher than other batteries with oval or cavity safety valve;(Ⅱ)the LFP battery with oval safety valve has the lowest TR hazard as shown by the TR hazard assessment model based on gray-fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.This study reveals the effect of safety valve type on TR and gas venting,providing a clear direction for the safety valve design.展开更多
BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulation of the host response to infection that can lead to acute lung injury(ALI)and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Interleukin 6(I...BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulation of the host response to infection that can lead to acute lung injury(ALI)and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Interleukin 6(IL-6)is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and its complications.AIM To investigate the relationship among plasma IL-6 levels,risk of ALI,and disease severity in critically ill patients with sepsis.METHODS This prospective and observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.A total of 83 septic patients were enrolled.Plasma IL-6 levels were measured upon admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The development of ALI and MODS was monitored during hospitalization.Disease severity was evaluated by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores.RESULTS Among the 83 patients with sepsis,38(45.8%)developed ALI and 29(34.9%)developed MODS.Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed ALI than in those without ALI(median:125.6 pg/mL vs 48.3 pg/mL;P<0.001).Similarly,patients with MODS had higher IL-6 levels than those without MODS(median:142.9 pg/mL vs 58.7 pg/mL;P<0.001).Plasma IL-6 levels were strongly and positively correlated with APACHE II(r=0.72;P<0.001)and SOFA scores(r=0.68;P<0.001).CONCLUSIONElevated plasma IL-6 levels in critically ill patients with sepsis were associated with an increased risk of ALI andMODS.Higher IL-6 levels were correlated with greater disease severity,as reflected by higher APACHE II andSOFA scores.These findings suggest that IL-6 may serve as a biomarker for predicting the development of ALI anddisease severity in patients with sepsis.展开更多
BACKGROUND Tourette syndrome(TS)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics,typically beginning in childhood.Despite signifi-cant research efforts,the exact pathophysiology o...BACKGROUND Tourette syndrome(TS)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics,typically beginning in childhood.Despite signifi-cant research efforts,the exact pathophysiology of TS remains incompletely understood.Recent studies suggest that inflammation may play a role in the severity and progression of TS,pointing to the potential influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on the condition.Currently,research on the specific connection between dietary inflammatory index(DII)and TS is still in its early stages,requir-ing additional clinical and epidemiological studies to validate the strength and specific mechanisms of this connection.METHODS A total of 207 children diagnosed with TS in the pediatric department of Qingdao Chengyang People’s Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected.They were divided into stable and unstable groups based on follow-up condi-tions.Before enrollment,general information of the children[age,gender,body mass index(BMI),guardian’s education level,DII score,medical history,family history,academic stress,electronic device usage,medication,and disease progression]was assessed,and serum inflammatory levels were measured during follow-up visits.DII scores and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS)scores were calculated.Furthermore,based on YGTSS scores,the children were classified into mild,moderate,and severe groups.The DII,interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels in each group were compared.RESULTS Follow-up surveys were completed by 207 children and their guardians.Among them,117 children were in the stable group,and 90 were in the recurrent group.We found no statistically significant differences in age,gender,comorbidities,BMI,and disease duration between the two groups(P>0.05).However,academic stress,electronic device usage,medication,guardian’s education level,and DII scores showed statistically significant differences between the groups(P<0.05).Multifactorial regression analysis revealed that guardian’s anxiety level,DII score,medication,academic stress,and family history were statistically significant factors(P<0.05)affecting the recurrence of TS in children.Therefore,anxiety level,DII score,medication status,electronic device usage,and academic stress were identified as factors influencing the recurrence of TS in children.Among them,DII score,academic stress,and family history had odds ratios(OR)greater than 1,indicating risk factors,whereas medication status and guardian’s education level had OR values less than 1,indicating protective factors.According to the YGTSS scores,children were categorized into mild,moderate,and severe groups.Comparative analysis of DII and inflammatory levels in children with different degrees of tic disorders revealed that the severe group had the highest DII and inflammatory levels,followed by the moderate group,and the mild group had the lowest levels.The trend of TS progression was consistent with the DII results.Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to predict disease progression in patients with TS via inflammatory markers.The areas under the curve for IL-6,CRP,and TNF-αwere 0.894(95%CI:0.817-0.969),0.793(95%CI:0.694-0.893),and 0.728(95%CI:0.614-0.843)respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).According to the Youden index,the optimal cutoff values were IL-6=3.775 ng/L(sensitivity 68.1%and specificity 68.4%),CRP=6.650 mg/L(sensitivity 60.6%and specificity 68.4%),and TNF-α=0.666(sensitivity 60.6%and specificity 71.1%).CONCLUSION We found a certain correlation between DII and the severity,recurrence,and inflammatory levels of TS in children.Reasonable reduction in the intake of pro-inflammatory foods may be beneficial in reducing the risk of disease progression in children with TS.展开更多
Background It has been reported that the mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction (MRD) is important mechanisms affecting the heart failure (HF) pathogenesis.We sought to evaluate the potential role of MRD of peripheral ...Background It has been reported that the mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction (MRD) is important mechanisms affecting the heart failure (HF) pathogenesis.We sought to evaluate the potential role of MRD of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in HF severity prediction in patients with cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications.Methods In this single-center study patients with HF of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Ⅰ-Ⅲ functional class (FC) and cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and MRD assessment using PB-MC.Mitochondrial respiration rate (MRR) indicators (pyruvate+malate+adenosine diphosphate;succinate+adenosine diphosphate;pyruvate+malate–adenosine diphosphate[V4.1];succinate–adenosine diphosphate) were calculated.Correlations between HF NYHA FC,TTE and MRR indicators were evaluated.Based on our data,we developed a risk model regarding HF severity.Results Of 53 (100.0%) HF patients,33 (62.3%) had mild exercise intolerance (1stgroup) and 20 (37.7%) had moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance (2ndgroup).Patients with mild exercise intolerance were likely to have a higher V4.1(P<0.001) values.V4.1was independently associated with moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance in univariate and multivariate logistic regression (OR=0.932,95%CI:0.891–0.975,P<0.001).Conclusions The severity of HF is associated with PBMC mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in patients with cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications.Our HF severity risk model including V4.1parameters is able to distinguish patients with mild and moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance.Further investigations of their predictive significance are warranted.展开更多
文摘BACKGROUND Acute pancreatitis(AP)is an emergency gastrointestinal disease that requires immediate diagnosis and urgent clinical treatment.An accurate assessment and precise staging of severity are essential in initial intensive therapy.AIM To explore the prognostic value of inflammatory markers and several scoring systems[Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II,the bedside index of severity in AP(BISAP),Ranson’s score,the computed tomography severity index(CTSI)and sequential organ failure assessment]in severity stratification of earlyphase AP.METHODS A total of 463 patients with AP admitted to our hospital between 1 January 2021 and 30 June 2024 were retrospectively enrolled in this study.Inflammation marker and scoring system levels were calculated and compared between different severity groups.Relationships between severity and several predictors were evaluated using univariate and multivariate logistic regression models.Predictive ability was estimated using receiver operating characteristic curves.RESULTS Of the 463 patients,50(10.80%)were classified as having severe AP(SAP).The results revealed that the white cell count significantly increased,whereas the prognostic nutritional index measured within 48 hours(PNI48)and calcium(Ca^(2+))were decreased as the severity of AP increased(P<0.001).According to multivariate logistic regression,C-reactive protein measured within 48 hours(CRP_(48)),Ca^(2+)levels,and PNI48 were independent risk factors for predicting SAP.The area under the curve(AUC)values for the CRP_(48),Ca^(2+),PNI48,Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II,sequential organ failure assessment,BISAP,CTSI,and Ranson scores for the prediction of SAP were 0.802,0.736,0.871,0.799,0.783,0.895,0.931 and 0.914,respectively.The AUC for the combined CRP_(48)+Ca^(2+)+PNI48 model was 0.892.The combination of PNI48 and Ranson achieved an AUC of 0.936.CONCLUSION Independent risk factors for developing SAP include CRP_(48),Ca^(2+),and PNI48.CTSI,BISAP,and the combination of PNI48 and the Ranson score can act as reliable predictors of SAP.
文摘BACKGROUND The imbalance of hormone levels in the body is closely related to the occurrence and progression of schizophrenia,especially thyroid hormones.AIM To study the relationship between triiodothyronine(T3),thyroxine(T4),free T3(FT3),free T4(FT4),thyroid stimulating hormone(TSH)and schizophrenia.METHODS In this study,100 schizophrenia patients were selected from our hospital between April 2022 and April 2024.Their clinical data were analyzed retrospectively.Based on the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale(PANSS)score,patients were divided into mild(1-3 points,n=39),moderate(4 points,n=45),and severe groups(5-7 points,n=16).Additionally,55 healthy individuals served as a control group.Venous blood samples were collected to measure T3,T4,FT3,FT4,TSH,and cortisol concentrations,analyzing their relationship with PANSS scores.RESULTS The serum levels of T3,FT3,FT4,TSH and cortisol in the schizophrenia group were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).With the increase of the severity of the disease,the concentrations of T3 and T4 decreased,while the con-centrations of TSH and cortisol increased(P<0.05).The concentrations of TSH and cortisol were positively correlated with the PANSS score,while T3 and T4 were negatively correlated with the PANSS score(P<0.05).The receiver ope-rating characteristic curve results showed that T3,T4,TSH,and cortisol had good efficacy in the diagnosis of schizophrenia.Logistic results showed that decreased T3 level,decreased T4 level,decreased TSH level and increased cortisol level may be independent risk factors for schizophrenia.CONCLUSION Thyroid hormone levels are associated with the severity of schizophrenia symptoms,which can provide new solutions for the diagnosis and treatment of schizophrenia.
文摘BACKGROUND Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is strongly associated with an increased risk of thrombotic events,including severe outcomes such as pulmonary embolism.Elevated D-dimer levels are a critical biomarker for assessing this risk.In Gabon,early implementation of anticoagulation therapy and D-dimer testing has been crucial in managing COVID-19.This study hypothesizes that elevated Ddimer levels are linked to increased COVID-19 severity.AIM To determine the impact of D-dimer levels on COVID-19 severity and their role in guiding clinical decisions.METHODS This retrospective study analyzed COVID-19 patients admitted to two hospitals in Gabon between March 2020 and December 2023.The study included patients with confirmed COVID-19 diagnoses and available D-dimer measurements at admission.Data on demographics,clinical outcomes,D-dimer levels,and healthcare costs were collected.COVID-19 severity was classified as non-severe(outpatients)or severe(inpatients).A multivariable logistic regression model was used to assess the relationship between D-dimer levels and disease severity,with adjusted odds ratios(OR)and 95%CI.RESULTS A total of 3004 patients were included,with a mean age of 50.17 years,and the majority were female(53.43%).Elevated D-dimer levels were found in 65.81%of patients,and 57.21%of these experienced severe COVID-19.Univariate analysis showed that patients with elevated D-dimer levels had 3.33 times higher odds of severe COVID-19(OR=3.33,95%CI:2.84-3.92,P<0.001),and this association remained significant in the multivariable analysis,adjusted for age,sex,and year of collection.The financial analysis revealed a substantial burden,particularly for uninsured patients.CONCLUSION D-dimer predicts COVID-19 severity and guides treatment,but the high cost of anticoagulant therapy highlights the need for policies ensuring affordable access in resource-limited settings like Gabon.
文摘Acute pancreatitis(AP)is a complex and potentially life-threatening inflammatory condition with a highly variable clinical course,ranging from mild,selflimiting episodes to severe necrotizing forms.Among its common complications ascites has traditionally been viewed as a passive byproduct of peritoneal inflammation and enzymatic leakage with limited diagnostic or prognostic utility.However,growing evidence challenges this perspective,suggesting that ascitic fluid in AP represents a dynamic and clinically meaningful component of disease progression.In this editorial we reflected on the findings presented by Rao et al,who highlighted the diagnostic,prognostic,and therapeutic significance of ascitic fluid in AP.Easily accessible markers such as lactate dehydrogenase may provide early prognostic insight while emerging molecular biomarkers and cytokine pro-files offer promise for more precise risk stratification and individualized therapy.We argue that the systematic evaluation of ascitic fluid should be integrated into the clinical management of moderate to severe AP.Incorporating ascites analysis into standard diagnostic protocols may enhance early risk assessment,inform therapeutic decisions,and ultimately improve patient outcomes.Ascitic fluid should be recognized as a clinically valuable marker and an important source of information in the evolving landscape of AP care.
基金Chongqing Shapingba District Technology Innovation Project(Project No.:2024046)。
文摘Objective:To investigate the expression level of interleukin-17D(IL-17D)in the serum of patients with severe pneumonia and its correlation with disease severity.Methods:This study included 50 patients with severe pneumonia who were diagnosed and treated in the hospital from May 2024 to May 2025.The expression level of IL-17D in the serum of all patients was recorded.Patients were divided into severe and mild groups based on their disease severity.Gender,age,disease duration,presence of fever,atelectasis,pneumothorax,interleukin-2(IL-2),interleukin-4(IL-4),interleukin-6(IL-6),and interleukin-17D were selected as independent variables.Statistical software SPSS 22.00 was used for univariate analysis,and variables with statistical significance in the univariate analysis were included in a multivariate logistic regression analysis to determine the correlation between IL-17D and the severity of severe pneumonia.Results:The results of this study showed that the level of IL-17D in patients with severe pneumonia was significantly higher than the normal threshold.Univariate analysis indicated that atelectasis,IL-2,IL-6,and IL-17D were statistically significant(P<0.05)and could be considered as influencing factors for the severity of severe pneumonia.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that atelectasis(OR=2.141,95%CI:1.684–2.391),IL-2(OR=2.884,95%CI:2.240–3.614),IL-6(OR=2.571,95%CI:2.190–2.943),and IL-17D(OR=2.416,95%CI:2.093–2.735)were positively correlated with the severity of severe pneumonia.Conclusion:The expression level of IL-17D in the serum of patients with severe pneumonia is higher than the normal threshold and is positively correlated with disease severity.
基金Supported by Young Talent Project of Air Force Medical Center,No.2022YXQN008and Rapid Response Project of Air Force Medical University,No.2023KXKT041.
文摘BACKGROUND Depression,anxiety,and insomnia were found out that were significant relevance to the mental health impact of the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)lock-down.AIM To examine the interrelationships among perceived severity,anxiety,depression,insomnia,and sense of security in Chinese community residents during the COVID-19 lockdown period.METHODS Participants were selected using simple random sampling from four large gated communities in Chengdu,China.All participants were invited to complete a survey that included the Perceived Severity Questionnaire,Security Question-naire,Patient Health Questionnaire-9,Generalized Anxiety Disorder 7-item,and Insomnia Severity Index-7.In total,568 valid questionnaires were gathered.Co-rrelation analysis and structural equation models were used to explore the rela-RESULTS The observed prevalence rates of anxiety,depression,and insomnia among residents during lockdown were 27.5%,17.6%,and 16.0%,respectively.Correlation analysis showed that both perceived severity and sense of security were positively correlated with anxiety,depression,and insomnia[Pearson’s r was perceived severity and anxiety r=0.44(P<0.01);with depression r=0.48(P<0.01);with insomnia r=0.43(P<0.01);security with anxiety r=-0.65(P<0.01);with depression r=-0.65(P<0.01);with insomnia r=-0.53(P<0.01)].Structural equation modeling and bootstrap tests revealed that sense of security acted as a significant mediator in the relationship between perceived severity and emotional and sleep disorders(anxiety,depression,and insomnia).CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that sense of security is a significant predictor of emotional and sleep disorders(namely,depression,anxiety,and insomnia)among residents during the COVID-19 lockdown,with sense of security acting as a mediating factor.These findings suggest that mental health interventions for Chinese community residents during lockdowns may benefit from developing community-based educational programs to reduce perceived severity and ensuring the stable supply of essential resources and promoting social support networks to enhance the sense of security.
基金providing by the Shenzhen City Nanshan District Science and Technology Plan Project(Medical and Health Category)(Grant No.2018073)。
文摘Objective:To assess whether there is a correlation between CT scan severity score and pulmonary function in Interstitial Lung Disease,and provide a more reliable basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Materials and Methods:Sixty patients with clinical diagnosis of Interstitial Lung Disease(ILD)were collected,and chest CT and pulmonary function tests were performed at the same time.Here DLCO%and FEV1%were used as the pulmonary function indexes.The severity of the patients was assessed by CT scores as mild(range,1~10),moderate(range 11~20),and severe(range 21~30).Correlation analysis was carried out between CT score and pulmonary function index,and the lung function parameters of patients at three grades were compared between groups and pairwise among the means.Results:As per the CT severity classification,there were 13 mild cases,31 moderate cases,and 16 severe cases.CT score was negatively correlated with DLCO%and FEV1%.R value was-0.814 and-0.797,respectively;The comparison of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%among the three groups and the pairings of the mean value of DLCO%and FEV1%were statistically significant.Conclusion:There was good correlation between CT score of ILD and the pulmonary function index.The pulmonary function index of patients with different CT severity grading was statistically significant,which can provide a new basis for the clinical evaluation and diagnosis of the disease.
文摘A recent single-center retrospective study proposed novel combinations of hematological parameters and scoring systems for predicting severe acute pancre-atitis.While these combinations showed promising predictive performance,several limitations warrant consideration,including the lack of calibration,the absence of key inflammatory markers such as procalcitonin,and practical challenges in integrating these models into routine clinical workflows.To improve predictive accuracy and clinical applicability,prospective validation and the inclusion of additional variables are recommended.
基金supported by the National Key Research and Development Program of China(NKPs)(2022YFC2604101).
文摘Aging is one of the greatest risk factors for morbidity caused by the coronavirus disease 2019(COVID19).In older individuals,a dysregulated immune response to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2)infection contributes to disease severity;however,the underlying mechanism remains elusive.In this study,we established an aging mouse model of COVID-19,successfully replicating the development of a relatively severe disease in older adults.Further single-cell transcriptome analysis revealed a distinct immune cell landscape in the infected lungs,accompanied by an over-activated inflammatory response,especially in aging mice.Compared to young mice,aging mice showed extensive neutrophil activation,NETosis,and a dramatic decrease in the number of alveolar macrophages(AMs).Moreover,as important executors of efferocytosis,AMs exhibited a low efferocytotic gene signature and downregulation of multiple efferocytosis receptors in aged mice.Further analysis indicated that the efferocytosis of neutrophils,whether undergoing apoptosis or NETosis,was compromised after SARS-CoV-2 infection.Since efferocytosis is a key process in inflammatory resolution,impaired efferocytosis may contribute to hyperinflammation in aging lungs.Our study reveals the characteristics and role of efferocytosis in aging mice after SARS-CoV-2 infection and provides valuable insights for the potential treatment of COVID-19.
基金supported by Osmaniye Korkut Ata University Scientific Research Projects Unit(Project No:OKüBAP-2024-PT1-015)。
文摘Soil liquefaction,a seismic-induced phenomenon,is of significant concern in geotechnical engineering due to its potential to cause severe structural damage and ground instability during earthquakes.This study explores the prediction of the Liquefaction Severity Index(LSI)by integrating extensive borehole investigation data with seismic records from the Kahramanmara?(M_(w)7.8)and Hatay(M_(w)6.4)earthquakes that occurred in 2023.Nine machine learning models,Random Forest(RF),M5P,REPTree,IBk,Random Tree(RT),Gaussian Processes(GP),SMOreg,Locally Weighted Learning(LWL),and Linear Regression(LR),were employed with 10-fold cross-validation to ensure reliable predictions.Twelve geotechnical and seismic parameters,groundwater level,earthquake magnitude,peak ground acceleration,V_(s30),dominant frequency,dominant period,longitudinal wave velocity,dynamic modulus of elasticity,dynamic shear modulus,modulus of incompressibility,standard penetration test(SPT)values,and cyclic stress ratio(CSR)values,were utilized as inputs.The analysis results were evaluated with respect to RMSE,MAE,R2,RAE,P/M,error category limits,Taylor diagram,and relative importance of input parameters.Among the models,Random Forest outperformed with an R2 of 0.94,MAE of 2.35,with minimal prediction errors,followed by M5P and REPTree.Error analysis indicated that 80%of Random Forest and REPTree predictions fell within±7,while M5P showed slightly higher variability.Model-based feature ranking demonstrated that Cyclic Stress Ratio(CSR),Ground Water Level(GWL),and Standard Penetration Test(SPT)value emerged as dominant predictors.These findings highlight the study’s contribution to developing a reliable,datadriven framework for LSI prediction,offering a robust basis for improving site-specific liquefaction risk assessment and informed geotechnical decisionmaking in future seismic events.
文摘This study examines the interaction between emotional states(anxiety and depression)and tinnitus severity in individuals undergoing a four-month sound therapy intervention.43 participants(28 males and 15 females)of a study on four-month sound therapy of tinnitus were recruited and their tinnitus severity(Tinnitus Handicap Inventory,THI,and Tinnitus Functional Index,TFI)and emotional state(Hospitalary Anxiety and Depression Scale,HADS)were assessed before and after finishing the treatment.The participants,predominantly with moderate tinnitus,showed a significant reduction in tinnitus-related distress,with a mean reduction of approximately 30 points on both the THI and the TFI.Analysis revealed significant gender differences,with women experiencing higher baseline tinnitus distress but higher response to sound therapy.Emotional state assessments revealed moderate levels of anxiety and depression at baseline,which decreased significantly after therapy,particularly in women.Correlational analyses revealed a strong relationship between changes in emotional state and tinnitus severity,with reductions in anxiety and depression associated with improved tinnitus outcomes.The results highlight the complex relationship between emotional well-being and tinnitus severity and underline the potential of sound therapy to alleviate both emotional distress and tinnitus symptoms.
基金Supported by National Natural Sciences Foundation of China,No.82301700Liaoning Province Natural Science Foundation Project,No.2024-MS-157+2 种基金Youth Talent Cultivation Fund Key Project of Dalian Medical UniversityScientific Research Projects from Wuhan Municipal Health Commission,No.WX23Z26Science and Technology of Liaoning Province,No.2023-MS-266.
文摘In this editorial,we critically evaluate the recent article by Niu et al,which ex-plores the potential of phospholipase D2(PLD2)as a biomarker for stratifying disease severity in acute pancreatitis(AP).AP is a clinically heterogeneous inflam-matory condition that requires reliable biomarkers for early and accurate classi-fication of disease severity.PLD2,an essential regulator of neutrophil migration and inflammatory responses,has emerged as a promising candidate.Although current biomarkers such as C-reactive protein and procalcitonin provide general indications of inflammation,they lack specificity regarding the molecular mechanisms underlying AP progression.Recent studies,including the research conducted by Niu et al,suggest an inverse correlation between PLD2 expression and AP severity,offering both diagnostic insights and mechanistic understanding.This editorial critically evaluates the role of PLD2 as a biomarker in the broader context of AP research.Evidence indicates that decreased levels of PLD2 are associated with increased neutrophil chemotaxis and cytokine release,con-tributing to pancreatic and systemic inflammation.However,several challenges remain,including the need for large-scale validation and functional studies to establish causation,and standardization of measurement protocols.Additionally,further investigation into the temporal dynamics of PLD2 expression and its variability across diverse populations is warranted.Looking ahead,PLD2 holds the potential to revolutionize AP management by integrating molecular diagnostics with precision medicine.The utilization of large-scale multi-omics approaches and advancements in diagnostic platforms could position PLD2 as a fundamental biomarker for early diagnosis,prognosis,and potentially therapeutic targeting.While promising,it is crucial to conduct critical evaluations and rigorous validations of PLD2’s role to ensure its efficacy in improving patient outcomes.
文摘Objective:To investigate the value of dynamic monitoring of serum interleukin(IL)-33 and tumor necrosis factor(TNF)-αlevels in the early diagnosis,severity assessment and prognosis of acute pancreatitis(AP)combined with abdominal CT radiomics and intestinal microbiota data.Methods:A total of 170 AP patients were admitted immediately after the onset of the disease and divided into MAP group(85 cases)and SAP group(85 cases).The levels of serum IL-33,TNF-α,IL-6,and HMGB1,as well as the expression of miRNA-155 in extracellular vesicles(EVs),were dynamically monitored at multiple time points(0 h,6 h,12 h,24 h,3 d,5 d,7 d,14 d)after admission.Abdominal CT radiomics analyzed the texture characteristics of pancreatic necrosis,and stool samples collected at admission were metagenomic sequencing of the gut microbiome.The Acute Pancreatitis Severity Bedside Index(BISAP)score is calculated within 48 hours of admission.Multivariate regression analysis assessed the independent effects of various factors on the prognosis of mortality groups.Results:Serum IL-33 and TNF-αlevels in SAP patients were significantly higher than those in MAP patients(p<0.05)at all time points,peaked on day 3,and decreased with treatment.The levels of these cytokines in patients with SIRS were also higher than in patients without SIRS(p<0.05).The serum IL-33,TNF-αlevels and BISAP scores in the mortality group were higher than those in the survival group(p<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that serum IL-33(OR=3.21,95%CI:1.12–9.23,p=0.03),TNF-α(OR=4.05,95%CI:1.37–11.96,p=0.01),and BISAP score(OR=5.67,95%CI:1.83–17.54,p<0.01)were independent prognostic risk factors.Spearman correlation analysis showed that serum IL-33 and TNF-αlevels were positively correlated with BISAP scores(r=0.68,p<0.01;r=0.73,p<0.01).Conclusion:Dynamic monitoring of serum IL-33 and TNF-αlevels combined with BISAP score has important clinical value for early diagnosis,severity assessment,treatment guidance and prognosis evaluation of AP,and provides a basis for accurate diagnosis and treatment.
基金supported by grants from the National Key R&D Program of China(2021YFA1301001)the Natural Science Founda-tion of China(82170668)+1 种基金the Sino-German Center for Research Promotion(GZ1546)the CAMS Innovation Fund for Medical Sciences(2019-I2M-5-045).
文摘Background:Coronavirus disease 2019(COVID-19)is a global pandemic with high mortality,and the treatment options for the severe patients remain limited.Previous studies reported the altered gut mi-crobiota in severe COVID-19.But there are no comprehensive data on the role of microbial metabolites in COVID-19 patients.Methods:We identified 153 serum microbial metabolites and assessed the changes in 72 COVID-19 pa-tients upon admission and one-month after their discharge,comparing these changes to those in 133 healthy control individuals from the outpatient department during the same period.Results:Our study revealed that microbial metabolites varied across different stages and severity of COVID-19 patients.These altered microbial metabolites included tryptophan,bile acids,fatty acids,amino acids,vitamins and those containing benzene.A total of 13 distinct microbial metabolites were identi-fied in COVID-19 patients compared to healthy controls.Notably,correlations were found among these disrupted metabolites and organ injury and inflammatory responses related to COVID-19.Furthermore,these metabolites did not restore to the normal levels one month after discharge.Importantly,two mi-crobial metabolites were the core microbial metabolites related to the severity of COVID-19 patients.Conclusions:The microbial metabolites were altered in the acute and recovery stage,correlating with dis-ease severity of COVID-19.These results indicated the important role of gut microbiota in the progression of COVID-19,and facilitated the potential therapeutic microbial target for severe COVID-19 patients.
基金jointly General Research Fund(17121619)of the Research Grant Council of Hong KongGuangdong Basic and Applied Basic Research Foundation(2024A1515010104 and 2023A1515220095)Scientific Research Foundation of Peking University Shenzhen Hospital(KYQD202100X)。
文摘Fibrotic remodeling of nucleus pulposus(NP)leads to structural and mechanical anomalies of intervertebral discs that prone to degeneration,leading to low back pain incidence and disability.Emergence of fibroblastic cells in disc degeneration has been reported,yet their nature and origin remain elusive.In this study,we performed an integrative analysis of multiple single-cell RNA sequencing datasets to interrogate the cellular heterogeneity and fibroblast-like entities in degenerative human NP specimens.We found that disc degeneration severity is associated with an enrichment of fibrocyte phenotype,characterized by CD45 and collagen I dual positivity,and expression of myofibroblast markerα-smooth muscle actin.Refined clustering and classification distinguished the fibrocyte-like populations as subtypes in the NP cells-and immunocytes-clusters,expressing disc degeneration markers HTRA1 and ANGPTL4 and genes related to response to TGF-β.In injury-induced mouse disc degeneration model,fibrocytes were found recruited into the NP undergoing fibrosis and adopted a myofibroblast phenotype.Depleting the fibrocytes in CD11b-DTR mice in which myeloid-derived lineages were ablated by diphtheria toxin could markedly attenuate fibrous modeling and myofibroblast formation in the NP of the degenerative discs,and prevent disc height loss and histomorphological abnormalities.Marker analysis supports that disc degeneration progression is dependent on a function of CD45^(+)COL1A1^(+)andαSMA^(+)cells.Our findings reveal that myeloid-derived fibrocytes play a pivotal role in NP fibrosis and may therefore be a target for modifying disc degeneration and promoting its repair.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.62375144 and 12404345)the Tianjin Foundation of Natural Science(No.22JCZDJC00160)+1 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2023M731787)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities,Nankai University(No.63241331).
文摘Distinguishing the severity of burned skin from structural optical coherence tomography(OCT)intensity maps remains a challenging task,and functional imaging from an elastic perspective can improve the accuracy of burned skin examination.As a functional extension of OCT,optical coherence elastography(OCE)can reveal the mechanical properties of samples while inheriting the imaging advantages of OCT.In this study,we used OCE to reveal the shear modulus and anisotropy parameters of burned skin before and after burning.A porcine skin burn model was constructed at a series of burned time durations and tested by elastic anisotropy imaging.Normal skin after hydration maintains good consistency in shear modulus.Interestingly,the shear modulus and longitudinal modulus of the burned skin show a tendency to stepwise increase with increasing burned times.A dataset was constructed by sampling the modulus parameters of burned skin maps through a scratch window,and its category was automatically identi¯ed by Kmeans and density peak clustering(DPC)algorithms with good agreement.The elastic anisotropy-based skin burn assessment method shows a prospect to be supplemented into the nondestructive means of burned skin examination.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(No.2021YFB2402001)the Postgraduate Innovation and Entrepreneurship Practice Project of Anhui Province(No.2022cxcysj013)+2 种基金the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(No.2022T150615)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.WK5290000002)supported by Youth Innovation Promotion Association CAS(No.Y201768)。
文摘The safety valve is an important component to ensure the safe operation of lithium-ion batteries(LIBs).However,the effect of safety valve type on the thermal runaway(TR)and gas venting behavior of LIBs,as well as the TR hazard severity of LIBs,are not known.In this paper,the TR and gas venting behavior of three 100 A h lithium iron phosphate(LFP)batteries with different safety valves are investigated under overheating.Compared to previous studies,the main contribution of this work is in studying and evaluating the effect of gas venting behavior and TR hazard severity of LFP batteries with three safety valve types.Two significant results are obtained:(Ⅰ)the safety valve type dominates over gas venting pressure of battery during safety venting,the maximum gas venting pressure of LFP batteries with a round safety valve is 3320 Pa,which is one order of magnitude higher than other batteries with oval or cavity safety valve;(Ⅱ)the LFP battery with oval safety valve has the lowest TR hazard as shown by the TR hazard assessment model based on gray-fuzzy analytic hierarchy process.This study reveals the effect of safety valve type on TR and gas venting,providing a clear direction for the safety valve design.
文摘BACKGROUND Sepsis is a life-threatening condition characterized by a dysregulation of the host response to infection that can lead to acute lung injury(ALI)and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome(MODS).Interleukin 6(IL-6)is a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of sepsis and its complications.AIM To investigate the relationship among plasma IL-6 levels,risk of ALI,and disease severity in critically ill patients with sepsis.METHODS This prospective and observational study was conducted in the intensive care unit of a tertiary care hospital between January 2021 and December 2022.A total of 83 septic patients were enrolled.Plasma IL-6 levels were measured upon admission using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.The development of ALI and MODS was monitored during hospitalization.Disease severity was evaluated by Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation II(APACHE II)and Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)scores.RESULTS Among the 83 patients with sepsis,38(45.8%)developed ALI and 29(34.9%)developed MODS.Plasma IL-6 levels were significantly higher in patients who developed ALI than in those without ALI(median:125.6 pg/mL vs 48.3 pg/mL;P<0.001).Similarly,patients with MODS had higher IL-6 levels than those without MODS(median:142.9 pg/mL vs 58.7 pg/mL;P<0.001).Plasma IL-6 levels were strongly and positively correlated with APACHE II(r=0.72;P<0.001)and SOFA scores(r=0.68;P<0.001).CONCLUSIONElevated plasma IL-6 levels in critically ill patients with sepsis were associated with an increased risk of ALI andMODS.Higher IL-6 levels were correlated with greater disease severity,as reflected by higher APACHE II andSOFA scores.These findings suggest that IL-6 may serve as a biomarker for predicting the development of ALI anddisease severity in patients with sepsis.
文摘BACKGROUND Tourette syndrome(TS)is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by the presence of motor and vocal tics,typically beginning in childhood.Despite signifi-cant research efforts,the exact pathophysiology of TS remains incompletely understood.Recent studies suggest that inflammation may play a role in the severity and progression of TS,pointing to the potential influence of dietary and lifestyle factors on the condition.Currently,research on the specific connection between dietary inflammatory index(DII)and TS is still in its early stages,requir-ing additional clinical and epidemiological studies to validate the strength and specific mechanisms of this connection.METHODS A total of 207 children diagnosed with TS in the pediatric department of Qingdao Chengyang People’s Hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected.They were divided into stable and unstable groups based on follow-up condi-tions.Before enrollment,general information of the children[age,gender,body mass index(BMI),guardian’s education level,DII score,medical history,family history,academic stress,electronic device usage,medication,and disease progression]was assessed,and serum inflammatory levels were measured during follow-up visits.DII scores and Yale Global Tic Severity Scale(YGTSS)scores were calculated.Furthermore,based on YGTSS scores,the children were classified into mild,moderate,and severe groups.The DII,interleukin-6(IL-6),C-reactive protein(CRP),and tumor necrosis factor-alpha(TNF-α)levels in each group were compared.RESULTS Follow-up surveys were completed by 207 children and their guardians.Among them,117 children were in the stable group,and 90 were in the recurrent group.We found no statistically significant differences in age,gender,comorbidities,BMI,and disease duration between the two groups(P>0.05).However,academic stress,electronic device usage,medication,guardian’s education level,and DII scores showed statistically significant differences between the groups(P<0.05).Multifactorial regression analysis revealed that guardian’s anxiety level,DII score,medication,academic stress,and family history were statistically significant factors(P<0.05)affecting the recurrence of TS in children.Therefore,anxiety level,DII score,medication status,electronic device usage,and academic stress were identified as factors influencing the recurrence of TS in children.Among them,DII score,academic stress,and family history had odds ratios(OR)greater than 1,indicating risk factors,whereas medication status and guardian’s education level had OR values less than 1,indicating protective factors.According to the YGTSS scores,children were categorized into mild,moderate,and severe groups.Comparative analysis of DII and inflammatory levels in children with different degrees of tic disorders revealed that the severe group had the highest DII and inflammatory levels,followed by the moderate group,and the mild group had the lowest levels.The trend of TS progression was consistent with the DII results.Receiver operating characteristic curves were plotted to predict disease progression in patients with TS via inflammatory markers.The areas under the curve for IL-6,CRP,and TNF-αwere 0.894(95%CI:0.817-0.969),0.793(95%CI:0.694-0.893),and 0.728(95%CI:0.614-0.843)respectively,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).According to the Youden index,the optimal cutoff values were IL-6=3.775 ng/L(sensitivity 68.1%and specificity 68.4%),CRP=6.650 mg/L(sensitivity 60.6%and specificity 68.4%),and TNF-α=0.666(sensitivity 60.6%and specificity 71.1%).CONCLUSION We found a certain correlation between DII and the severity,recurrence,and inflammatory levels of TS in children.Reasonable reduction in the intake of pro-inflammatory foods may be beneficial in reducing the risk of disease progression in children with TS.
文摘Background It has been reported that the mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction (MRD) is important mechanisms affecting the heart failure (HF) pathogenesis.We sought to evaluate the potential role of MRD of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) in HF severity prediction in patients with cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications.Methods In this single-center study patients with HF of New York Heart Association (NYHA) Ⅰ-Ⅲ functional class (FC) and cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications underwent transthoracic echocardiography (TTE) and MRD assessment using PB-MC.Mitochondrial respiration rate (MRR) indicators (pyruvate+malate+adenosine diphosphate;succinate+adenosine diphosphate;pyruvate+malate–adenosine diphosphate[V4.1];succinate–adenosine diphosphate) were calculated.Correlations between HF NYHA FC,TTE and MRR indicators were evaluated.Based on our data,we developed a risk model regarding HF severity.Results Of 53 (100.0%) HF patients,33 (62.3%) had mild exercise intolerance (1stgroup) and 20 (37.7%) had moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance (2ndgroup).Patients with mild exercise intolerance were likely to have a higher V4.1(P<0.001) values.V4.1was independently associated with moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance in univariate and multivariate logistic regression (OR=0.932,95%CI:0.891–0.975,P<0.001).Conclusions The severity of HF is associated with PBMC mitochondrial respiratory dysfunction in patients with cardioverter-defibrillator implantation indications.Our HF severity risk model including V4.1parameters is able to distinguish patients with mild and moderate-to-severe exercise intolerance.Further investigations of their predictive significance are warranted.