Abstract Background Traditional pre-job training mainly provides theoretical lectures and operational skill training for new nurses. However, it has a single teaching method, lacks in comprehensiveness and flexibility, and has unsatisfactory teaching effects. The purpose of this article is to evaluate the influence of the flipped classroom and mind map in the pre-job training of newly recruited nurses. Method A total of 92 nurses newly recruited in 2019 were included in the present study and randomly divided into two groups: the intervention group and the control group ( n = 46, each). An ordinary training program was applied in the control group, and the flipped classroom + mind map training method was applied in the intervention group. All the new nurses were evaluated using the autonomous learning ability scale before and after pre-job training. Results The results of the present study showed that before the pre-job training, the total scores of independent learning ability, learning motivation, self-management ability, learning cooperation ability and information quality of nursing staff were similar in the control group and the intervention group; the differences were not statistically significant ( P > 0.05). After the application of different training methods, the total score of independent learning ability (84.95 ± 5.146 vs. 66.73 ± 11.213), learning motivation (28.65 ± 3.198 vs. 22.78 ± 5.995), self-management ability (24.97 ± 3.586 vs. 17.89 ± 4.153), learning and cooperation ability (14.391 ± 1.584 vs. 12.17 ± 2.584) and information quality score (16.93 ± 1.306 vs. 13.89 ± 2.651) in the intervention group were significantly higher than in the control group; the differences were statistically significant ( P < 0.05). Conclusion The flipped classroom + mind map training method can effectively improve the autonomous learning ability of newly recruited nurses.
Abstract For patients with cervical cancer, despite the incidence and mortality rates have been declining in recent years, due to its huge population base, cervical cancer has always been a serious public health problem. Our research placed emphasis on the indices greatly associated with overall area-specific social economic status, making up for the defects of traditional research which only pay attention to the situation of some specific disease or patients’ individual social status. A total of 39160 women identified cervical cancer were concluded in our study from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 Program data between 1980 and 2014. With improving the area-specific social economic factors in recent years, the occurrence and prognosis of cervical cancer showed different variation patterns respectively. Some states like California and Georgia for their better economic status and more healthcare investment by local medical institution, population there showed a lower prevalence, incidence, more timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and better prognosis. According to our study, we aimed to give a scientific interpretation on how the area-specific social economic factors affect the disease situation at the macro level and help local medical institution make advisable decisions for controlling cervical cancer.
Circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has become a promising means of detecting cancer. Although a variety of cfDNA features have been identified, comparisons and applications of various features in gastrointestinal tumours are limited. In this study, we first systematically characterized the cfDNA fragmentation profile, copy number variation, and transcription start site (TSS) relative coverage using shallow whole-genome sequencing (sWGS). On this basis, we developed and trained a new machine learning model using 450 peripheral blood samples from patients with gastric cancer, patients with colorectal cancer, patients with atrophic gastritis, and healthy people. The validation results show that the model can successfully distinguish cancer samples from noncancer samples (accuracy of 0.917), can effectively locate the origin of cancer tissues, and can effectively distinguish early gastrointestinal tumours from inflammation, with a sensitivity of 0.8548 for tumour recognition. In addition, an external validation cohort confirmed the applicability of the model to different types of cancer and its ability to predict early cancer in patients with inflammation. Our results show that cfDNA analysis and machine learning models have the potential to revolutionize early cancer detection and tissue of origin localization, providing a noninvasive and accurate method for gastrointestinal cancer detection.Funding: The authors would like to thank the researchers from Renke (Beijing) Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Beijing, 100085, for assisting with the experiments. We further acknowledge the support of thefollowing agency for research funding: the Shaan Xi Innovation Capability Support ProgramInnovation Team with agreement 2021TD-43.Declaration of Interest: The authors have no competing interests to declare.Ethical Approval: Plasma samples from patients diagnosed with stomach and colorectal cancer were obtained from the First Affiliated Hospital. Ethical approval (KY20222205-C-1) for sample collection and use was obtained from the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital, and informed consent was obtained from all participants.
Abstract Background: Combing anti-PD-(L)1 antibody with chemotherapy in neoadjuvant therapy of gastric/gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinomas is a promising strategy, but clinical data are remain insufficient. Whether immunotherapy biomarkers in previous studies (TMB, MSI, PD-L1, etc.) have equivalent predictive value for G/GEJ remains to be verified. In this phase II clinical trial of tislelizumab in combination with chemotherapy, potential therapy-related biomarkers in tumor samples, and changes in the tumor microenvironment during treatment were analyzed, and a predictive model for efficacy was developed. Methods: This was a prospective, single-center, single-arm, phase II trial. Patients with G/GEJ adenocarcinomas (stage cT3-4aN+M0) were treated with PD-1 inhibitor tislelizumab in combination with oxaliplatin plus capecitabine (XELOX) as neoadjuvant treatment for 2 or 3 cycles. The primary endpoint was the major pathological response (MPR). The secondary endpoints included pathological complete response (pCR) rate, R0 resection rate, and safety. Tumor samples underwent RNA-sequencing (Amoy Diagnostics Co Ltd, Xiamen, China), to identify potential biomarkers, and a predictive model was developed to explore factors influencing tumor response and survival. Results: 28 patients were enrolled; mean age was 59.5 years (SD = 8.2), 19 (67.9%) patients were male; 14 (50.0%) patients with primary tumor location in the stomach, and 14 (50.0%) patients with primary tumor location in the GEJ. All patients were EB virus negative. Except one patient with PMS2 loss, 27 patients were pMMR. Nine (32.1%) patients achieved MPR after treatment, with four (14.3%) of them achieved pCR. The R0 resection rate was 96.4%, with 14 (50.0%) patients achieved objective response. No serious adverse events were reported. The most common grade 2 TRAEs during neoadjuvant treatment were anemia (5 of 28, 17.86%) and nausea (3 of 28, 10.71%). Analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed enrichment of the antigen processing and presentation pathway in the MPR group, while the TGF-β signaling pathway was enriched in the non-MPR group. Notably, the differential immune microenvironment analysis also uncovered significant differences in the TGF-β signature between the MPR and non-MPR groups. Additionally, a therapeutic response prediction model (HT score) was developed with an AUC of 0.98 (0.932-1) in the training set, and its performance was validated in publicly available datasets. Conclusion: Tislelizumab combined with XELOX holds promise as a neoadjuvant therapy for resectable G/GEJ adenocarcinomas, especially for EBV- and pMMR population, offering a well-tolerated safety profile. Moreover, the HT score has the potential to predict treatment efficacy in this regimen. Trial registration numbers: NCT05507658 and NCT05508399. Citation Format: Haikun Zhou, Tao Han, Lei Tuo, Qingchuan Yang, Ruiqi Gao, Pengfei Yu, Jiangpeng Wei, Changbin Zhu, Jin Wang, Peng Cheng, Xiang Kang, Sihui Pi, Hui Liu, Xiaoxi Pan, Xiaohua Li, Gang Ji. Tislelizumab combined with XELOX as a neoadjuvant therapy for locally advanced gastric and gastroesophageal junction adenocarcinomas: A prospective, phase II trial [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2024; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2024 Apr 5-10; San Diego, CA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2024;84(6_Suppl):Abstract nr 6400.
Hemorrhoids are a frequently-occurring disease of the anorectal system that is often accompanied by vascular hyperplasia and edema. A METTL14-mediated RNA N-6 methyladenosine (m6A) modification can improve mRNA stability and increase its transcriptional and translational activities, closely related to the occurrence of many diseases.Western blot, qPCR, and immunofluorescence staining were used to detect the levels of gene and protein expression. Haematoxylin and eosin staining was used for histopathological examination. RNA immunoprecipitation-PCR and RNA dot blotting were used to detect mRNA m6A modification.Obvious signs of angiogenesis (CD31+/vWF+) were identified in the hemorrhoids. High levels of METTL14 expression on vascular endothelial cells (CD31+) suggested that angiogenesis was accompanied by differential modification of m6A RNA. It was subsequently found that the level of miR-4729 expression was significantly decreased in hemorrhoid tissues. The luciferase reporter enzyme assay results suggested that miR-4729 silenced its expression by targeting the 3'UTR of METTL14 mRNA. MiR-4729 overexpression in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) inhibited the proliferation and migration of HUVECs in vitro and vascular structure formation in the outer matrix. MiR-4729 overexpression significantly inhibited endogenous METTL14 expression in HUVECs and reduced the entire m6A RNA modification, especially the level of m6A methylation at the specific site of the 3' UTR of TIE1 mRNA. Moreover, miR-4729 overexpression significantly inhibited the molecular loop of the TIE1/VEGFA signaling pathway in HUVECs.Our findings confirmed that the down-regulation of miR-4729 in hemorrhoid vascular endothelial cells was one of the main reasons for vascular proliferation. The overexpression of miR-4729 in vascular endothelial cells decreased the global mRNA methylation and TIE1 mRNA 3'UTR-specific site methylation by silencing METTL14 expression, reducing TIE1 mRNA stability, down-regulating the TIE1/VEGFA signal molecular loop expression, and weakening angiogenesis ability.
Objective: In this study, we aimed to compare the short-term safety of two digestive tract reconstruction techniques, laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted end-to-side anastomosis, following radical resection of Siewert Type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction. Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we analyzed relevant clinical data of 139 patients who had undergone radical surgery for Siewert Type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. These included 89 patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University from November 2021 to July 2023, 36 patients treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University from December 2020 to June 2021, and 14 patients treated at the Yuncheng Central Hospital in Shanxi Province from September 2021 to November 2022. The group consisted of 107 men (77.0%) and 32 women (23.0%) of mean age 62.5±9.3 years. Forty-eight patients underwent laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis (overlap group), and 91 laparoscopic-assisted end-to-side anastomosis (end-to-side group). Clinical data, surgical information, pathological findings, postoperative recovery, and related complications were compared between the two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in general clinical data between the overlap and end-to-side anastomosis groups (all P>0.05), indicating comparability. There was no significant difference in operation time (267.2±60.1 minutes vs. 262.8±70.6 minutes, t=0.370, P=0.712). However, the intraoperative blood loss in the overlap group (100 [50, 100] mL) was significantly lower compared to the end-to-side group (100[50, 175] mL, Z=2.776, P=0.005). Compared to the end-to-side group, longer distances between the tumor and distal resection margin proximal(1.7±1.0 cm vs. 1.3±0.9 cm, t=2.487, P=0.014) and the tumor and distal resection margin (9.5±2.9 cm vs. 7.9±3.5 cm, t=2.667, P=0.009) were achieved in the overlap group. Compared with the end-to-side group, the overlap group achieved significantly earlier postoperative ambulation (1.0 [1.0, 2.0] days vs. 2.0 [1.0, 3.0] days, Z=3.117, P=0.002), earlier time to first drink (4.7±2.6 days vs. 6.2±3.0 days, t=2.851, P=0.005), and earlier time to first meal (6.0±2.7 days vs. 7.1±3.0 days, t=2.170, P=0.032). However, the hospitalization costs were higher in the overlap group (113, 105.5±37, 766.3) yuan vs. (97, 250.2±27, 746.9) yuan; this difference is significant (t=2.818, P=0.006). There were no significant differences between the two groups in postoperative hospital stay, total number of lymph nodes cleared, or time to first postoperative flatus (all P>0.05). The incidence of surgery-related complications was 22.9%(11/48) in the overlap group and 19.8% (18/91) in the end-to-side group; this difference is not significant (χ²=0.187, P=0.831). Further comparison of complications using the Clavien-Dindo classification also showed no significant differences (Z=0.406, P=0.685). Conclusions: Both laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis and laparoscopic-assisted end-to-side anastomosis are feasible for radical surgery for Siewert Type II esophagogastric junction adenocarcinoma. Laparoscopic total abdominal overlap anastomosis achieves longer proximal and distal resection margins and better postoperative recovery; however, end-to-side anastomosis is more cost-effective.
Background This research aimed to build an m6A-associated lncRNA prognostic model of esophageal cancer that can be used to predict outcome in esophageal cancer patients. Methods RNA sequencing transcriptome data and clinical information about patients with esophageal cancer were obtained according to TCGA. Twenty-four m6A-associated genes were selected based on previous studies. m6A-associated lncRNAs were determined through Pearson correlation analysis. Three m6A-associated lncRNA prognostic signatures were built through analysis of the training set using univariate, LASSO, and multivariate Cox regression. To validate the stabilization of the risk signature, Kaplan–Meier and ROC curve analyses were performed on the testing and complete sets. The prognoses of EC patients were predicted quantitatively by building a nomogram. GSEA was conducted to analyze the underlying signaling pathways and biological processes. To identify the underlying mechanisms through which the lncRNAs act, we constructed a PPI network and a ceRNA network and conducted GO and KEGG pathway analyses. EC samples were evaluated using the ESTIMATE algorithm to compute stromal, immune, and estimate scores. The ssGSEA algorithm was used to quantitatively infer immune cell infiltration and immune functions. The TIDE algorithm was performed to simulate immune evasion and predict the response to immunotherapy. Results We identified and validated an m6A-associated lncRNA risk model in EC that could correctly and reliably predict the OS of EC patients. The ceRNA network, PPI network, and GO and KEGG pathway analyses confirmed and the underlying mechanisms and functions provided enlightenment regarding therapeutic strategies for EC. Immunotherapy responses were better in the low-risk subgroup, and PD-1 and CTLA4 checkpoint immunotherapy benefited the patients in the low-risk subgroup. Conclusions We constructed a new m6A-related lncRNA prognostic risk model of EC, based on three m6A-related lncRNAs: LINC01612, AC025166.1 and AC016876.2, that can predict the prognoses of EC patients.
Introduction A high prevalence of cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas has been reported worldwide, and several surgical options are available for the management of anal fistula, with varying clinical efficacy. However, currently, the available evidence for the effectiveness of these surgical approaches are lacking and of concern in terms of the credibility and strength. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the credibility of the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses that assess the efficacy and safety of the surgical options for cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas through an umbrella review. Methods and analysis A systematic search in PubMed, Embase and Cochrane library will be performed from inception to December 2020 without any language restriction. We will include systematic reviews and meta-analyses that investigate the efficacy and safety of surgical approaches in the management of cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas. Two reviewers will independently screen search results through reading the titles or abstracts. Relevant information will be extracted from each eligible systematic review or meta-analysis. Based on random effects model summary estimates along with their p values, 95% prediction intervals, between-study heterogeneity, small-study effects and excess significance, we will classify the evidence from convincing (class I) to weak (class IV). Findings will be summarized using quantitative synthesis combined with a narrative approach. Cryptoglandular and Crohn’s perianal fistulas will be summarized separately. Two authors will independently perform the literature search, data extraction, and quality assessment of each included systematic review and meta-analysis. Any unresolved conflicts or doubts will be resolved by discussion or by consulting a senior author. The risk of bias of the systematic reviews will be assessed using a 16-item Assessment of Multiple Systematic Reviews 2 (AMSTAR2) checklist. The strength of evidence for the included systematic reviews will be classified as "high", "moderate", "low", or "critically low" quality. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval is not required as we will collect data from the published systematic reviews and meta-analyses without using individual patient data. The results of this umbrella review will be published in a peer-reviewed journal and will be presented at an anorectal disease conference. PROSPERO registration number CRD42020200754.
Few studies have been conducted to evaluate the efficacy of HAIC using circulating tumour cells (CTCs). In this study, a total of 100 patients who received HAIC treatment and CTC detection were selected. The results showed that after HAIC treatment, the levels of CTC, carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) decreased. Postoperative progression-free survival (PFS) rates between patients with positive and negative preoperative CTC results, and for CA19-9, CEA were significantly different. The positive rate of CTCs was 61% before chemotherapy and 23% after chemotherapy, and the correlation coefficient between the two was 0.385. Those whose CTC values increased after chemotherapy had shorter PFS rates. CTCs are an independent predictor of recurrence. Patients with CTC-positive results are more susceptible to recurrence. The CTC count in peripheral blood has a close bearing on the postoperative chemotherapy efficacy of patients with CRC and affects patients' PFS.