1.Value of quantitative imaging parameters combined with serum tumor markers in prognostic evaluation after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma surgery
Ningning FENG ; Yueshan ZHANG ; Han GAO ; Baoming YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(6):1375-1382
ObjectiveTo investigate the application value of a predictive model constructed based on quantitative imaging parameters and serum tumor markers in predicting the postoperative prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). MethodsA retrospective study was conducted among 146 patients with PDAC who underwent radical resection in Hebei Medical University Fourth Hospital from April 2020 to March 2023, and the patients were divided into a training set with 102 patients and a validation set of 44 patients at a ratio of 7∶3 using the completely randomized method. All patients underwent enhanced computed tomography (CT) and multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging scans, and CT values in the arterial phase, the venous phase, and the delayed phase were recorded, as well as apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) at b = 800 s/mm2 and signal intensity (SI) of T2 weighted imaging. The serum levels of carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were also measured. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison of continuous data between groups, and the chi-square test was used for comparison of categorical data between groups. Kaplan-Meier survival curves were plotted for survival analysis; the univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association of clinical and imaging indicators with prognosis; the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO)-Cox regression model was used to identify the important influencing factors for prognosis, and a prognostic prediction model was constructed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to analyze the predictive value of the model in predicting prognosis in both the training set and the validation set. ResultsThe Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed a median survival time of 33.00 months in the training set and 32.00 months in the validation set, with no significant difference between the training set and the validation set (P>0.05). The univariate analysis showed that patient age, degree of tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, tumor stage, vascular invasion, CA19-9, CEA, ADC value, and SI value were significantly associated with the survival prognosis of patients (χ²=5.906, 13.116, 12.807, 17.277, 14.611, 7.275, 14.339, 9.506, and 13.137, all P<0.05). The LASSO-Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that six factors were incorporated into the regression model, i.e., tumor stage (HR=8.934, 95%CI: 3.215 — 21.562, P<0.001), lymph node metastasis (HR=2.971, 95%CI: 1.298 — 5.647, P=0.002), CA19-9 (HR=3.948, 95%CI: 1.758 — 8.994, P<0.001), CEA (HR=1.965, 95%CI: 1.083 — 3.664, P=0.039), ADC value (HR=2.873, 95%CI: 1.307 — 6.037, P=0.003), and SI value (HR=3.107, 95%CI: 1.264 — 7.339, P=0.001). The nomogram model constructed based on these factors had an area under the ROC curve of 0.845 (95%CI: 0.774 — 0.915) in the training set and 0.919 (95%CI: 0.870 — 0.967) in the validation set. ConclusionThe combined model of quantitative imaging parameters and serum tumor markers constructed based on LASSO-Cox regression can effectively predict the postoperative prognosis of PDAC patients, thereby helping to identify high-risk patients and guide decision-making for adjuvant therapy.
2.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
3.Intervention of Sinomenine in Rat Osteoarthritis by Modulating FABP4
Shiqi ZHANG ; Jun ZHAO ; Ningning LIU ; Yu ZHANG ; Yifei ZHAO ; Jiao LIU ; Hongjian YU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(15):115-123
ObjectiveThis study aims to observe the effect of sinomenine (SIN) on fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) in synovial tissue of rats with osteoarthritis (OA) and investigate the therapeutic mechanism of SIN on OA, further providing new ideas for the management of osteoarthritis by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). MethodsAn OA rat model was constructed and randomly divided into a control group, an OA group, an OA + SIN-L group (50 mg·kg-1), an OA + SIN-M (100 mg·kg-1), an OA + SIN-H (200 mg·kg-1), and an OA + prednisone (PDN) group (5 mg·kg-1). Following surgical modeling for three weeks, an appropriate medication was administered for four weeks. During modeling and administration, a hot plate test was performed to detect the pain and swelling of the knee joints of the rats. The periarticular tissue was collected for arthropathological observation at the end of drug administration. The expression of cleaved Caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and FABP4 in the synovial tissue of rats was detected by Western blot and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR), and the expression and distribution of FABP4 protein in the synovial membrane were detected by immunofluorescence. ResultsCompared with those in the control group, the levels of inflammatory factors and FABP4 in the serum of rats in the OA group were significantly increased (P<0.05, P<0.01), and joint swelling was significantly elevated (P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly reduced (P<0.01), and the expression of FABP4 protein and the fluorescence intensity were significantly increased (P<0.01). The synovial tissue exhibited significantly increased inflammatory infiltration, proliferated fibroblasts, and an elevated apoptotic index (P<0.05, P<0.01). Compared with those in the OA group, the serum lipid metabolism indexes of rats in the SIN administration group gradually returned to normal (P<0.05, P<0.01), while the levels of inflammatory factors and FABP4 in the serum of rats in the SIN-administered group were significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), and joint swelling was significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The thermal pain threshold was significantly elevated (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the expression of FABP4 protein and fluorescence intensity in the synovial tissue were significantly decreased (P<0.05, P<0.01). The synovial tissue displayed significantly reduced inflammatory infiltration and a decreased apoptotic index (P<0.05, P<0.01). ConclusionThe therapeutic effect of SIN on OA may be related to the down-regulation of FABP4 expression, reduction of apoptosis, and inhibition of inflammatory factor expression.
4.Non-suicidal self-injury behavior in adolescents: the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and related factors
Honghui WEI ; Ying ZHANG ; Ningning SUN ; Yue WANG ; Yang LI
Sichuan Mental Health 2025;38(3):211-216
BackgroundNon-suicidal self-injury (NSSI) behaviors are prevalent among adolescents, significantly affecting their physical and mental well-being. Understanding the risk factors associated with adolescent NSSI is crucial for prevention. Previous studies have identified mobile phone dependence as a risk factor for NSSI in adolescents. However, as a key form of mobile phone dependence, the evidence regarding the impact of mobile phone social media dependence on adolescent NSSI behavior remains insufficient. ObjectiveTo explore the impact of mobile phone social media dependence and its associated factors on adolescent NSSI behavior, so as to provide references for intervention strategies targeting NSSI in adolescents. MethodsA total of 100 adolescents diagnosed with NSSI according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fifth edition (DSM-5), and receiving treatment at Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province from January 2022 to December 2023 were included in the study group. Concurrently, 100 age- and sex-matched students from Hangzhou were recruited as the control group. Assessments were conducted using Ottawa Self-injury Inventory(OSI) Function Subscale and Addiction Features Subscale, Adolescents Self-Harm Scale(ASHS), and Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire. Multiple linear regression was used to analyze the factors influencing NSSI behaviors. ResultsThe research group had a total of 99 patients (99.00%) who completed the study, while the control group consisted of 97 (97.00%) adolescents who finished this research.The study group had statistically significantly higher total scores on the Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire, as well as higher scores on the conflict and withdrawal dimensions, compared with control group(t=-3.061, -2.874, -2.368, P<0.05 or 0.01). The study group also scored significantly higher on the OSI Function Subscale for internal emotion regulation, social influence, external emotion regulation, and sensation-seeking factors, as well as on the OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores, compared to the control group(t=-22.249, -8.854, -17.968, -10.591, -20.157, P<0.01). OSI Function Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.321, P<0.01), and OSI Addiction Features Subscale scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.282, P<0.01). ASHS scores were positively correlated with Mobile Phone Social Media Dependence Questionnaire scores (r=0.145, P<0.05). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that compulsivity (β=0.416, P<0.01) and conflict (β=0.256, P<0.05) were significant predictors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. ConclusionAdolescent NSSI behaviors are associated with mobile phone social media dependence. The compulsivity and conflict dimension of mobile phone social media dependence are influencing factors for adolescent NSSI behaviors. The higher level of the compulsivity and conflict are associated with an increased risk of the NSSI behaviors in adolescents. [Funde by Zhejiang Medical and Health Science and Technology Plan Project in 2022 (number, 2022KY704]
5.Research Progress on Immunomodulatory Activity and Mechanism of Polygonatum sibiricum
Jinyu LI ; Ningning QIU ; Chang YI ; Mengqin ZHU ; Yanfeng YUAN ; Guang CHEN ; Xili ZHANG ; Wenlong LIU
Chinese Journal of Experimental Traditional Medical Formulae 2025;31(16):298-306
Polygonatum sibiricum, as a traditional Chinese medicine with both medicinal and edible properties, has attracted considerable attention due to its functions of nourishing Yin and moistening the lungs, tonifying the spleen and benefiting Qi, and nourishing the kidneys and filling essence. Recent studies have demonstrated that Polygonatum sibiricum plays a significant role in regulating the immune system, effectively enhancing and improving the morphology and function of immune organs, stimulating the proliferation and activation of immune cells, and regulating the secretion and release of immune factors, thereby enhancing the immune function of the body and improving various immune-related diseases. Although a large number of studies have explored the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of P. sibiricum, there has been no systematic review and summary of its immune regulatory activity and mechanisms. Therefore, this article comprehensively reviews the research achievements of P. sibiricum polysaccharides and saponins in the field of immune regulation in recent years, and further sorts out the immune regulatory mechanisms of P. sibiricum in multiple aspects: including increasing the organ index of the spleen and thymus, increasing the number and activity of tumor-suppressive bone marrow hematopoietic stem cells, improving intestinal flora imbalance, regulating the quantity and proportion of T lymphocyte subsets, increasing the level of immunoglobulin, promoting the proliferation of macrophages, enhancing the activity of natural killer cells, increasing the number of white blood cells, and promoting the maturation of dendritic cells, providing a solid theoretical basis and scientific evidence for the research and application of P. sibiricum, and promoting its development and application in traditional Chinese medicine immune enhancers and various functional products.
6.Elderly respiratory tract infection cases in a hospital in Xuzhou Area in 2020 -2022
Yiyu WANG ; Yahui ZHANG ; Shasha WANG ; Zongli ZHANG ; Ningning SHENG
Journal of Public Health and Preventive Medicine 2025;36(1):92-95
Objective To investigate the epidemiology of elderly respiratory tract infection (RTI) cases in a hospital in Xuzhou region from 2020 to 2022. Methods The cases of RTI patients in a hospital were screened from May 2020 to December 2022, and 548 cases that met the criteria were included in the study. Patient case data were analyzed for symptoms, pathogen distribution, and differences in patient distribution under different screening conditions (age, disease, and season). Results More than 90.00% of the included RTI patients presented with symptoms of cough, sputum, wet rales and pleural effusion was less common. The top three comorbidities were cardiovascular disease (153 patients, 27.92%), cerebrovascular disease (133 patients, 24.27%), and gastrointestinal disease (105 patients, 19.16%).All 548 elderly patients tested positive for respiratory pathogens (100.00%). There were 540 cases of single pathogen infection (98.54%) and 8 cases of mixed infection (1.46%). The top five single pathogen infections were Pseudomonas aeruginosa (92 cases, 16.76%), Escherichia coli (78 cases, 14.21%), drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (69 cases, 12.57%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (65 cases, 11.84%), and Mycoplasma pneumoniae (46 cases, 8.38%). The highest detection rate of respiratory pathogens was found in patients >90 years old, whose main pathogens were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae and drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. The next highest rates of pathogen detection were found in patients aged 86-91 and 81-85 years, unlike patients >90 years, who had a higher rate of Escherichia coli detection. Unlike other age groups, patients <75 years old had a higher percentage of influenza B virus detection. The highest incidence of pneumonia was found in 45.62% (250 cases). Escherichia coli had the highest detection rate in acute bronchitis/episodes and pneumonia, respiratory syncytial virus had the highest detection rate in wheezing bronchitis, Klebsiella pneumoniae had the highest detection rate in bronchopneumonia, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa had the highest detection rate in fever. The highest detection rate of pathogens was found in fall (36.50%), followed by spring (27.01%). The distribution of pathogen infections in all seasons was matched with the results of pathogenicity testing. Streptococcus oxysporus had the highest number of infections in the fall (χ2=20.33, P<0.001). Conclusion Elderly respiratory tract infections in this region are most common in patients over 90 years old, with the highest incidence of pneumonia and high incidence in fall, and the pathogens are mainly Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli and drug-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Attention to distinguish the above characteristics can provide some support for early diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections in the elderly in this region.
7.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
8.A Single-Arm Phase II Clinical Trial of Fulvestrant Combined with Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy of ER+/HER2– Locally Advanced Breast Cancer: Integrated Analysis of 18F-FES PET-CT and Metabolites with Treatment Response
Qing SHAO ; Ningning ZHANG ; Xianjun PAN ; Wenqi ZHOU ; Yali WANG ; Xiaoliang CHEN ; Jing WU ; Xiaohua ZENG
Cancer Research and Treatment 2025;57(1):126-139
Purpose:
This Phase II trial was objected to evaluate the efficacy and safety of adding fulvestrant to neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with estrogen receptor (ER)+/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)– locally advanced breast cancer (LABC). Additionally, the study aimed to investigate the association of 16α-18F-fluoro-17β-fluoroestradiol (18F-FES) positron emission tomography (PET)–computed tomography (CT) and metabolites with efficacy.
Materials and Methods:
Fulvestrant and EC-T regimen were given to ER+/HER2– LABC patients before surgery. At baseline, patients received 18F-FES PET-CT scan, and plasma samples were taken for liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry analysis. The primary endpoint was objective response rate (ORR). Secondary endpoints included total pathologic complete response (tpCR) and safety.
Results:
Among the 36 patients enrolled, the ORR was 86.1%, the tpCR rate was 8.3%. The incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse events was 22%. The decrease in ER value in sensitive patients was larger than that in non-sensitive patients, as was Ki-67 (p < 0.05). The maximum standardized uptake value, mean standardized uptake values, total lesion ER expression of 18F-FES PET-CT in sensitive patients were significantly higher than those in non-sensitive patients (p < 0.05). Moreover, these parameters were significantly correlated with Miller and Payne grade and the change in ER expression before and after treatment (p < 0.05). Thirteen differential expressed metabolites were identified, which were markedly enriched in 19 metabolic pathways.
Conclusion
This regimen demonstrated acceptable toxicity and encouraging antitumor efficacy. 18F-FES PET-CT might serve as a tool to predict the effectiveness of this therapy. Altered metabolites or metabolic pathways might be associated with treatment response.
9.Survival advantage of first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy for advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A propensity score matching analysis
Peixin FENG ; Qing HOU ; Ningning YAO ; Wenjuan ZHANG ; Bochen SUN ; Wenxia NIU ; Anqi ZHAO ; Wenlu CHEN ; Baixue WU ; Yuying ZHOU ; Yiwen ZHANG ; Yu LIANG ; Xin CAO ; Wei BAI ; Jianting LIU ; Shuangping ZHANG ; Jianzhong CAO
Chinese Journal of Radiological Medicine and Protection 2025;45(8):766-773
Objective:To investigate the efficacy of radiotherapy in patients with advanced esophageal cancer receiving first-line chemoimmunotherapy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the data of 137 patients with Stage Ⅳ esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) treated at our hospital from January 2018 to May 2023. These patients were divided into two groups: a group treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy combined with radiotherapy (chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group, n = 43) and a group treated with only chemoimmunotherapy ( n = 94). Inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) was applied to balance baseline characteristics between the groups. With overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) as study endpoints, the survival data were analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method, the log-rank test, and the Cox regression method. Results:Before calibration, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group significantly outperformed the sole chemoimmunotherapy group in median PFS (13.6 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.501, 95% CI: 0.309-0.811, P = 0.005). After calibration using the COX proportional-hazards model for age, gender, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) performance status, smoking history, T/N/M stage, and tumor location, the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group still had significant advantages in PFS (14.7 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.441, 95% CI: 0.261-0.745, P = 0.002). IPTW analysis further confirmed this trend (13.9 months vs. 7.0 months; HR: 0.492, 95% CI: 0.304-0.795, P < 0.001). Specifically, the median OS of the chemoimmunotherapy + radiotherapy group demonstrated significant improvement in all analyses: pre-calibration (29.5 months vs. 18.0 months; HR: 0.507, 95% CI: 0.297-0.867, P = 0.013), after calibration using the Cox model (27.5 months vs. 16.7 months; HR: 0.470, 95% CI: 0.266-0.830, P = 0.009), and after calibration using IPTW (29.5 months vs. 16.9 months; HR: 0.448, 95% CI: 0.262-0.764, P < 0.001). Conclusions:The combination of radiotherapy and first-line chemoimmunotherapy can significantly improve survival outcomes of patients with advanced ESCC, suggesting its potential as a standard treatment strategy.
10.A case report of papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the prostate
Bo LIU ; Ningning TIAN ; Shuaibing LIU ; Qingjiao ZHANG ; Chengwen LI
Chinese Journal of Urology 2025;46(2):151-152
Papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the prostate is a clinically rare condition, and we admitted one case in September 2022. The patient was an 82-year-old male presenting with asymptomatic gross hematuria for one week. Cystoscopy revealed a papillary lesion located anterior to the verumontanum. During surgery, resection of the urethral lesion and prostate tissue showed that the tumor base originated from the cystically dilated prostate gland with multiple papillary lesions. Postoperative pathological diagnosis confirmed papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the prostate. The patient was followed up for 18 months without recurrence of hematuria or other symptoms. Papillary cystadenocarcinoma of the prostate exhibits distinct aggressive and recurrent characteristics. For patients with a pathologically confirmed diagnosis, given the current unclear effectiveness of radiotherapy and chemotherapy, it is advisable to prioritize radical surgical treatment and/or lymph node dissection in patients with good general condition to achieve a better prognosis.


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