Objective:To discuss the relationship between 18F-FDG PET/CT metabolic parameters and clinical pathological indicators and prognosis in cutaneous malignant melanoma (CMM). Methods:A total of 100 CMM patients (62 males, 38 females, age (56.5±2.5) years) who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT scans at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from August 2013 to November 2022 were retrospectively enrolled. Clinical pathological indicators (such as primary site, TNM staging, sentinel lymph node (SLN) status) and metabolic parameters (SUV max, metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), whole-body MTV (wb-MTV), and whole-body TLG (wb-TLG)) were collected. ROC curve analyses were used to determine the PET parameters thresholds for progression-free survival (PFS) and melanoma-specific survival (MSS). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to analyze the prognosis of patients′ PFS and MSS, and a nomogram survival prediction model was constructed. Results:Results of ROC curve analyses showed that the thresholds of SUV max of primary tumor (p-SUV max), MTV of primary tumor (p-MTV), TLG of primary tumor (p-TLG), wb-MTV and wb-TLG for predicting PFS and MSS were 7.13, 2.24 cm 3, 6.98 g, 2.57 cm 3, 8.04 g and 9.09, 2.34 cm 3, 7.44 g, 2.24 cm 3, 9.17 g, respectively. Results of univariate analysis indicated that several clinical pathological indicators and metabolic parameters were prognostic risk factors for PFS and MSS. Results of multivariate analysis indicated that metastases of SLN (hazard ratio( HR)=2.54, 95% CI: 1.09-5.90; P=0.030) and wb-TLG>8.04 g( HR=2.58, 95% CI: 1.17-5.72; P=0.019) were independent prognostic risk factors for PFS, while metastases of SLN ( HR=4.53, 95% CI: 1.54-13.35; P=0.006) and wb-TLG>9.17 g ( HR=2.48, 95% CI: 1.26-4.89; P=0.009) were independent risk prognostic factors for MSS. A nomogram survival prediction model based on PET metabolic parameter (wb-TLG) and clinical pathological indicator (SLN status) can effectively predict the prognosis of CMM patients. Conclusions:Clinical pathological parameters and PET parameters are associated with the prognosis of CMM patients. SLN status is critical for prognosis.

BACKGROUND:In clinical practice,Cibotium barometz and Epimedium have shown significant efficacy in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,but the complex active ingredients contained in the two have an unclear mechanism of action at the molecular level for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. OBJECTIVE:Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology,to establish a collagen-induced arthritis model and to verify the potential targets and pathways of Cibotium barometz and Epimedium in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis,providing reliable experimental evidence for the use of clinical formulas with Cibotium barometz and Epimedium as the main components. METHODS:Utilizing traditional Chinese medicine research platforms,traditional Chinese medicine encyclopedias,and databases of traditional Chinese medicine and chemical components from the Shanghai Institute of Organic,effective ingredients were retrieved and identified.3D molecular formulas were obtained from the PubChem platform and target predictions were made using PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction.Disease targets for rheumatoid arthritis were obtained from gene databases such as DrugBank,GeneCards,and OMIM.The intersections of targets and Cibotium barometz and Epimedium were plotted using VENNY 2.1 after calibration with the Uniport database.A protein-protein interaction network graph was constructed using the STRING platform.Gene Ontology function analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis were performed using the Metascape platform for data visualization.A four-layered network model of traditional Chinese medicine,ingredients,targets,diseases,and pathways was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.0.The main effective ingredients were docked with core targets using AutoDock-Vina software to explore the best binding targets.A type II collagen+adjuvant-induced arthritis rat model was established,and the effects of Cibotium barometz and Epimedium on relevant pathway targets and inflammatory cell factors were observed after 21 days of intervention. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 28 active ingredients from Cibotium barometz and Epimedium were selected,yielding 288 intersection targets for rheumatoid arthritis.The main ingredients included isobavachalcone,cibotium,and epimedium.The main targets included protein kinase 1 for serine/threonine(AKT1),tumor necrosis factor,and vascular endothelial growth factor A.Gene ontology analysis yielded 2 232 biological processes,mainly related to serine protein phosphorylation,positive regulation of serine/threonine protein kinase,and reactive oxygen metabolism.Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis yielded 202 pathways,mainly involving the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and epidermal growth factor receptor signaling pathway,which may exert therapeutic effects by regulating synovial cell apoptosis and proliferation and suppressing inflammatory factors.Molecular docking results showed the strongest binding activity and stable structure of Cibotium barometz and Epimedium with AKT1 and estrogen receptor transcription factor 1,which was closely related to apoptosis and proliferation and inflammatory signaling pathways such as PI3K/AKT.Cibotium barometz and Epimedium reduced the expression of interleukin-1β,interleukin-6,and tumor necrosis factor-α in the serum of collagen-induced arthritis rat models.Cibotium barometz and Epimedium reduced the expression of p-PI3K,p-AKT,and p-FOXO1 in the synovium of collagen-induced arthritis rat models.The results indicate that the combination of Cibotium barometz and Epimedium may exert therapeutic effects by inhibiting the proliferation of synovial cells and suppressing the expression of inflammatory factors via the PI3K/AKT/FOXO1 signaling pathway.This may be closely related to the occurrence of inflammation and bone destruction in rheumatoid arthritis,and provides a reference for the rational use and development of new drugs in clinical practice.

Objective:To evaluate the short-term efficacy and safety of Apollo stent in the treatment of symptomatic basilar artery stenosis.Methods:Patients with symptomatic basilar artery stenosis admitted to the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University from January 2017 to May 2020 were selected and treated with Apollo stent implantation. The changes of clinical symptoms and the success rate of operation were evaluated. Postoperative complications included symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage, hyperperfusion, and new ischemic stroke, and follow-up results were evaluated 3 to 6 months later.Results:A total of 96 patients were included in this study, and all of them were confirmed by angiography to have severe basilar artery stenosis corresponding to the symptoms. Among them, 88 patients received stent implantation, with a success rate of 100%. Among the 88 patients, 86 received Apollo stent implantation, and 2 patients received self-Peng stent implantation. Among 86 patients with Apollo stent implantation, the lesions were located in the proximal segment in 73 cases (84.88%), in the middle segment in 10 cases (11.63%), and in the distal segment in 3 cases (3.49%). The degree of stenosis was (93.72±3.86)%, the length of stenosis was (8.50±2.65)mm, the residual stenosis rate was (1.76±4.87)%, and Mori type A lesions in 80 cases, type B lesions in 3 cases, and type C lesions in 3 cases. Among 86 patients with Apollo stent implantation, the incidence of perioperative neurological complications was 6.98%(6/86), including 1 case in the proximal part of the basilar artery (vascular rupture), 3 cases in the middle part of the basilar artery (perforating artery occlusion in 1 case, acute thrombosis artery occlusion in 2 cases), and 2 cases in the distal part (both acute vascular occlusion). Alteplase was injected into the microcatheter during the operation, and contact thrombolysis was performed. Immediately digital subtraction angiography (DSA) showed that the blood vessels were opened, and 1 case with neurological deficit was left. No hyperperfusion occurred in all patients. All patients were followed up for three months after operation. Among them, 58 patients had a good prognosis in the proximal segment of the basilar artery, 18 patients had a good prognosis in the middle segment, 4 patients had a good prognosis in the distal segment, and 6 patients had a bad prognosis (1 patient died). Postoperative stent restenosis occurred in 5 cases (5.81%), recurrent stroke in 3 cases (3.49%), and disabling stroke in 1 case (1.16%).Conclusions:Apollo stent is safe and effective in the treatment of symptomatic basilar artery stenosis, with good short-term prognosis, and long-term prognosis needs to be further studied.

Fructus psoralea is a tonic traditional Chinese herb commonly used in clinic.The chemical constituents of Fructus psoralea are complicated,mainly containing coumarins,flavonoids and monoterpene phenols with various pharmacological effects.Since the increasing number of reports on the toxicity of Fructus psoralea in clinic,the side effects including toxicity on the liver and kidney,as well as skin allergies have gradually attracted attention.The toxicity of Fructus psoralea is produced from ADME (absorption,distribution,metabolism and excretion) in vivo.In this paper,we collected and clarified the studies of ADME of Fructus psoralea in vivo,and summarized recent adverse clinical events and research over its toxicity.We propose to make a thorough study on the toxic material basis of Fructus psoralea and the toxicological mechanism of its extraction,fractions and compounds.The review provided a possible reference and the direction of research for the safe clinical use of Fructus psoralea.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics,pathology,CT characteristics and targeted therapy of primary retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma treated at our institution during the past 20 years.Methods A retrospective review was performed among 11 patients of this disease.The main performances were hematuria,abdominal mass and abdominal pain.Non-enhanced CT scanning showed soft tissue density in all cases.Tri-phase enhanced scanning showed reinforcement in different degrees.Pathology results showed tissue necrosis.The pathology featured by routine HE and immumohistochemical staining.Results Surgical treatment was performed in all 11 patients.Postoperative pathology showed that median tumor diameter was 14.40cm.Spindle cell,cellular abnormity and mitotic figures could be seen through light microscope.During follow-up,3 cases recurrenced after 2 months,3 years and 5 years respectively.Conclusions Primary retroperitoneal leiomyosarcoma might have a high fatality rate and high recurrence rate.The clinical and CT features are unapparent.Pathology diagnosis is reliable,surgery is necessary to prolong life and cure disease.

Objective To investigate whether apathy during the acute stage of stroke was related to glycated hemoglobin and homocysteine(Hcy) and functional disability,and to elucidate possible factors that are related to poststroke apathy (PSA).Methods Totally 298 patients with acute cerebral infarction who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited from the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University.The control group of 298 volunteers was recruited from medical center in our hospital during the same period.The apathy scale (AS) was used to assess PSA within 2 weeks after stroke.Patients with an AS score≥ 14 points were defined as PSA,and the patients were divided into apathy group (A group) and non-apathy group (NA group) according to AS score.Modified Rankin Scale (mRS) was used to assess functional disability.Functional disability in daily living activities was assessed with the Barthel Index(BI).Serum levels of Hcy,glycated hemoglobin A1C (HbA1 c),lipid series and fibrinogen of patients were determined.Results The prevalence of PSA in patients was significantly higher than the control group (P ＜ 0.01).In the case group,A group had an older age,higher mRS score,higher Hcy level,lower educational level,lower BI score,and lower HbA1C level than the NA group(P ＜0.05).In the A group,the mRS score was positively correlated with the AS score(B =1.508,P =0.003),serum Hcy level was positively correlated with the AS score(B =0.170,P =0.013),the HbA1C level was negatively correlated with the AS score(B =-0.872,P =0.031).Conclusions The serum Hcy level,HbA1C level and functional disability are closely related to apathy during the acute stage of ischemic stroke.

OBJECTIVETo observe the effect of Shenshuai Yingyang Capsule (SSYYJN) in ameliorating muscle atrophy in rats with chronic renal failure (CRF) and explore the role of Wnt7a-Akt/mTOR signal pathway in mediating this effect.

METHODSMale rats were randomly assigned to 5/6 nephrectomy group and sham-operated group, and the former group was further randomly divided into CRF model group, KA group, and SSYYJN group. The size of anterior tibia muscle was examined microscopically with HE staining. Protein synthesis in the soleus muscle was investigated by (14)C-phenylalanine experiment, and the expression of Wnt7a, frizzled-7, phospho-Akt, phospho-mTOR and GAPDH were detected with Western blotting.

RESULTSThe body weight, the wet and dry weight, cross-sectional area, and muscle protein synthesis of the anterior tibia muscles, and expressions of the proteins in the Wnt7a/Akt signaling pathway all increased significantly in SSYYJN and KA groups as compared with those in the model group.

CONCLUSIONSSYYJN can effectively improve muscle atrophy in the rat model of CRF possibly by reversing the reduction in the expressions of Wnt7a/Akt signaling pathway proteins in the skeletal muscles.

Animals ; Capsules ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal ; pharmacology ; Kidney Failure, Chronic ; complications ; Male ; Muscle Proteins ; biosynthesis ; Muscle, Skeletal ; drug effects ; Muscular Atrophy ; drug therapy ; Nephrectomy ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins ; metabolism ; Rats ; Signal Transduction ; TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases ; metabolism ; Wnt Proteins ; metabolism

Laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy ( LIBS) was used to detect the compositions of soil in the air, and the quantitative analysis model with genetic algorithm-partial least squares ( GA-PLS ) was established. A total of fifty-eight soil samples were split into calibration, monitoring and prediction sets. Eleven soil compositions including Mn, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ba, Al2 O3 , CaO, Fe2 O3 , MgO, Na2 O, and K2 O were quantitatively analyzed. The results demonstrated that, as a pretreatment method for optimizing the selection of spectral lines, GA could be effectively used to reduce the number of spectral lines for use in building PLS model, and hence simplify the quantitative analysis model. More importantly, for most of the soil compositions, GA-PLS could significantly improve the prediction ability compared with the conventional PLS model. Take Mn as an example, the root-mean-square error of prediction ( RMSEP ) was decreased from 0. 0215% to 0 . 0167%, and the mean percent prediction error ( MPE ) was decreased from 8 . 10% to 5 . 20%. The research provides an approach for further improving the accuracy of LIBS quantitative analysis in soil.

Objective To investigate the relationship of serum levels of macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), matrix metallo-proteinase-9 (MMP-9), hypersensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) with the severity of acute cerebral infarction (ACI). Methods 101 pa-tients with ACI were envolved and divided into 3 groups according to the scores of National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS):mild group (group A, n=38, NIHSS score<4), moderate group (group B, n=36, NIHSS score 4-15) and severe group (group C, n=27, NIHSS score>15). Meanwhile, 44 non-ACI inpatients with atherosclerosis were included as control group (group D). Their serum MIF and MMP-9 were detected with ELISA, and hs-CRP with immunoturbidimety. Results The levels of serum MIF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP ranged from more to less as groups C, B, A and D (P<0.05). There was positive correlation of MIF with MMP-9 (r=0.301, P<0.01) and hs-CRP (r=0.309, P<0.001). Conclusion Serum MIF, MMP-9 and hs-CRP levels increased with the severity in ACI patients, which may be prediction of athero-sclerotic plaque instability.

Objective To explore the relationship between apathy and lesion location and serum homocysteine during the acute stage of ischemic stroke. Methods 152 patients with acute cerebral infarction were recruited. 152 volunteers from medical center were as control group. The Apathy Scale (AS) was used to assess poststroke apathy (PSA). National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) was used to assess the severity of stroke. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) with diffusion-weighted imaging (DWI) was used to evaluate the lesion location. Modified Fazekas Scale was used to assess leukoaraiosis. The serum levels of homocysteine of patients were determined. Results The prevalence of PSA was significantly higher in the patients than in the control group (P<0.001). Multivariate logistic regression demonstrated that frontal lesion (P=0.001), basal ganglia lesion (P=0.006), pons lesion (P=0.002) and higher homocysteine level (P<0.001) significantly related with PSA. Conclusion Frontal lesion, basal ganglia lesion, pons lesion and higher homocysteine level may be predictors for apathy in acute stage of ischemic stroke.