Objective To observe the correlations of conventional ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)features with expression level of Ki-67 of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma(ICC).Methods A total of 77 patients with pathologically confirmed ICC were retrospectively enrolled.According to the expression level of Ki-67 of target lesions,the patients were divided into high expression group(Ki-67≥20%,n=53)and low expression group(Ki-67＜20%,n=24).The features showed on conventional ultrasound and CEUS were compared between groups,and the variables being significantly different were analyzed with multivariate logistic regression to select ultrasonic features being correlated with Ki-67 expression level of ICC.Results The mean maximum diameter of ICC in high expression group was larger than that in low expression group([6.2±2.0]cm vs.[5.2±1.9]cm,P=0.041),and the percentage of ICC with maximum diameter>5 cm in high expression group was higher than that in low expression group(66.04%vs.33.33%,P=0.007).No significant difference of the lesions shape,border nor the internal echogenicity showed on conventional ultrasound was found between groups(all P＞0.05).The percentage of ICC with peripheral rim enhancement and enlargement after enhancement in high expression group were both higher than those in low expression group(both P＜0.05),but no significant difference of the enhancement pattern,the presence or absence of non-enhance area within the lesion nor the peak intensity of lesions was found between groups(all P＞0.05).The maximum diameter larger than 5 cm(OR=5.612,P=0.004)and peripheral rim enhancement(OR=3.880,P=0.025)were both independent factors for predicting high Ki-67 expression level of ICC.Conclusion ICC with the maximum diameter larger than 5 cm and peripheral rim enhancement on CEUS might indicate high expression level of Ki-67,which was helpful for clinical treatment decisions.

Objective:To investigate the effects of radiation dose to the host immune system during radiotherapy on disease progression and survival in patients with peripheral early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (ES-NSCLC) receiving stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).Methods:Clinical data of pathologically confirmed ES-NSCLC patients who were treated with SBRT at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital between January 2007 and December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. The prognostic significance of the estimated dose of radiation to immune cells (EDRIC) in ES-NSCLC patients undergoing SBRT was cited and validated. EDRIC was calculated using the model developed by Kong et al. and improved by Ladbury et al. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression were adopted to estimate cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), local progression-free survival (LPFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS). Pearson's correlation was used to assess the correlation between variables. Results:The median prescription dose/fraction was 60 Gy/5 fractions (range: 48-60 Gy in 3-10 fractions). The median follow-up time was 52.17 (1.17-154.77) months. The median gross tumor volume (GTV) and EDRIC were 10.98 (0.91-120.34) cm 3 and 2.064 (0.426-6.015) Gy, respectively. Person's correlation analysis showed that GTV was positively correlated with EDRIC ( r=0.712, P<0.001). In multivariate analysis, EDRIC was an important prognostic variable of CSS and DMFS. Higher EDRIC was significantly associated with worse CSS ( HR=1.763, P=0.004) and DMFS ( HR=1.902, P=0.004). Compared to patients with EDRIC ≤ 1.56 Gy, those with EDRIC > 2.64 Gy and EDRIC between <2.06-2.64 Gy exhibited significantly lower CSS ( P<0.001, P=0.049). There were significant differences in DMFS among the groups divided by quartiles of EDRIC (compared to EDRIC ≤1.56 Gy, the P values were <0.001, 0.004, and 0.022 respectively). Conclusions:EDRIC is an important predictor of CSS and DMFS in ES-NSCLC patients treated with SBRT, suggesting that radiation dose to the immune system is a critical determinant of treatment outcomes. EDRIC can be used to quantify the effects of radiation therapy on the host immune system.

Objective:To investigate the variations in peripheral lymphocyte count (PLC) and evaluate the impact of PLC on clinical prognosis of patients with early-stage non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) during stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).Methods:Clinical data of early-stage NSCLC patients who received SBRT at Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2007 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The PLC of early-stage NSCLC patients was recorded at four different time points: 1 week before SBRT, 1 week after SBRT, 1 month after SBRT, and 3 months after SBRT. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were used to estimate cancer-specific survival (CSS), progression-free survival (PFS), local progression-free survival (LPFS), and distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS) and their influencing factors. Pearson correlation analysis was used to evaluate the correlation among different variables. The optimal cut-off value of nadir-PLC is determined using the 'maxstat package' in R language.Results:Throughout the treatment process, the nadir-PLC generally occurred approximately at 1 week after SBRT, and was gradually increased thereafter, and almost restored to the level before SBRT at approximately 3 months after SBRT. The median nadir-PLC was 1.03×10 9/L, significantly lower than the baseline value of 1.90×10 9/L before treatment ( P<0.001). The nadir-PLC in patients with central NSCLC was lower compared with that of patients with peripheral NSCLC ( P=0.030). The median survival for the entire group was 91.5 months, and 89.8%, 78.6%, 93.2%, and 82.5% for the 2-year CSS, PFS, LPFS, and DMFS rates, respectively. In multivariate analysis, nadir-PLC ≥1.01×10 9/L was an important favorable prognostic factor for CSS, PFS and DMFS. Pearson correlation analysis showed that gross tumor volume (GTV) was negatively correlated with nadir-PLC ( r=-0.55, P<0.001). Conclusions:In early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT, PLC will decline after treatment. The nadir-PLC is an important favorable prognostic factor for CSS, PFS and DMFS.

With the rapid development of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS),Sonazoid,a new generation of ultrasound microbubbles contrast agent came into being.The unique Kupffer phase of Sonazoid could greatly prolong the intrahepatic developing time,hence providing more valuable information for diagnosis,treatment and follow-up of liver diseases.The progresses of Sonazoid applicated in liver diseases were reviewed in this article.

Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） pharmacology （PTCM） is a discipline that studies the interactions between Chinese medicines and the human body， as well as their underlying mechanisms， under the guidance of TCM theories while employing modern scientific techniques and methods. This article reviews the historical development and achievements of the PTCM discipline at the Institute of Chinese Materia Medica， China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences， and outlines the reform measures undertaken in recent years to advance the construction of the graduate course system in PTCM. Building upon the foundation of the "Special Topics in PTCM" course， the curriculum has been expanded through reforms to include a series of self-designed courses， such as foundational advanced courses， experimental pharmacology courses， pharmacological research tools courses， and applied TCM research courses. Along with enriching the graduate course system， the study explores innovative approaches and methods for graduate education and teaching in PTCM， and reflects on the challenges in course system construction and teaching， serving as a reference for improving the quality of graduate training， promoting the development of the PTCM discipline， and advancing teaching reform practices.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) diseases are common clinical conditions. The number of patients with TMJ diseases is large, and the etiology, epidemiology, disease spectrum, and treatment of the disease remain controversial and unknown. To understand and master the current situation of the occurrence, development and prevention of TMJ diseases, as well as to identify the patterns in etiology, incidence, drug sensitivity, and prognosis is crucial for alleviating patients′suffering.This will facilitate in-depth medical research, effective disease prevention measures, and the formulation of corresponding health policies. Cohort construction and research has an irreplaceable role in precise disease prevention and significant improvement in diagnosis and treatment levels. Large-scale cohort studies are needed to explore the relationship between potential risk factors and outcomes of TMJ diseases, and to observe disease prognoses through long-term follw-ups. The consensus aims to establish a standard conceptual frame work for a cohort study on patients with TMJ disease while providing ideas for cohort data standards to this condition. TMJ disease cohort data consists of both common data standards applicable to all specific disease cohorts as well as disease-specific data standards. Common data were available for each specific disease cohort. By integrating different cohort research resources, standard problems or study variables can be unified. Long-term follow-up can be performed using consistent definitions and criteria across different projects for better core data collection. It is hoped that this consensus will be facilitate the development cohort studies of TMJ diseases.

Objective:To observe the clinical effect of modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening muscle-waist exercise on lumbar disc herniation (LDH).Methods:Randomized controlled trial. A total of 60 patients with LDH admitted to the Pinggu Hospital, Beijing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, were enrolled as the research objects between September 2020 and September 2021. According to the random number table, they were randomly divided into the treatment group and control group, 30 in each group. Both groups were given routine basic treatments (strengthening tendons-waist exercise and three-position six-step manipulation). On this basis, the treatment group was treated with modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction, while the control group was treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (ibuprofen codeine sustained-release tablets). Both groups were treated for 4 weeks. The responsive rates, back pain intensity, leg pain and numbness by Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) and lumbar function by Oswestry Disability Index (ODI), and Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) were compared between the two groups.Results:The response rate of treatment group was significantly higher than that of control group (93.3% vs. 73.3%; χ2=4.32, P=0.038). After treatment, scores of JOA (subjective symptoms, signs, activities of daily living) in the treatment group were significantly higher than those in the control group ( t=3.86, 2.71, 2.21, P<0.05). After treatment, scores of back pain (2.12±0.21 vs. 3.02±0.32, t=12.88), leg pain (2.04±0.64 vs. 2.64±0.66, t=3.58), lower limb numbness (1.75±0.24 vs. 2.41±0.70, t=4.89) in the treatment group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( P<0.01). At 1 week and 1 month after treatment, ODI scores in treatment group were significantly lower than those in control group ( t=10.22, 5.59; P<0.05). Conclusion:The modified Shishi Niubangzi Decoction combined with strengthening tendons-waist exercise can improve responsive rates, improve lumbar pain and function in LDH patients.

BACKGROUND: With the aging of the population and the increased importance of lung cancer screening, the number of early-stage lung cancer patients has been on the rise in recent years, which can be classified into operable early-stage lung cancer and inoperable early-stage lung cancer. The most common pathological type is non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) is the optimal treatment for inoperable early-stage NSCLC. The aim of this study was to investigate the prognosis of early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT and its influencing factors in order to reduce the side effects of radiotherapy and improve the survival and quality of life. METHODS: Clinical data and follow-up outcomes of early-stage NSCLC patients treated with SBRT in our hospital from August 2010 to August 2020 were collected. Kaplan-Meier method was used to assess the prognosis, and the Cox proportional risk model was used for multivariate prognostic analysis. RESULTS: A total of 165 patients were included with a median follow-up time of 43.2 (range: 4.8-132.1) mon. The local control (LC) rates at 1-yr, 2-yr and 5-yr were 98.1%, 94.8% and 86.5% respectively. Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score greater than 80 was an independent prognostic factor for LC (P=0.02). The overall survival (OS) rates at 1-yr, 2-yr and 5-yr were 97.6%, 93.0% and 68.9% respectively. A biological equivalent dose when α/β=10 (BED10) greater than 132 Gy was an independent prognostic factor for OS (P=0.04). Progression-free survival (PFS) rates at 1-yr, 2-yr and 5-yr were 93.3%, 79.5% and 55.3% respectively. The distance metastasis free survival (DMFS) rates at 1-yr, 2-yr and 5-yr were 94.5%, 83.2% and 58.4% respectively. BED10 greater than 150 Gy was an independent prognostic factor for DMFS (P=0.02). The regional control (RC) rates at 1-yr, 2-yr and 5-yr were 98.8%, 95.4% and 87.9% respectively. CONCLUSIONS SBRT is effective in treating early-stage NSCLC. KPS greater than 80 is an independent prognostic factor for LC; BED10 greater than 132 Gy is an independent prognostic factor for OS; BED10 greater than 150 Gy is an independent prognostic factor for DMFS.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung/pathology* ; Lung Neoplasms/pathology* ; Radiosurgery/methods* ; Early Detection of Cancer ; Quality of Life ; Prognosis ; Small Cell Lung Carcinoma ; Retrospective Studies ; Treatment Outcome

Humans ; Severe Fever with Thrombocytopenia Syndrome ; Phlebovirus

Objective:To compare the efficacy and safety of high- and standard-dose radiotherapy (HD-RT vs. SD-RT) during definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (dCCRT) for esophageal cancer (EC), aiming to assess the advantages and disadvantages of these two radiotherapy doses when using modern radiotherapy techniques. Methods:Literature review was conducted from PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, CNKI, Wanfang database, and abstracts of the American Society of Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) and the European Society of Radiotherapy and Oncology (ESTRO). Randomized controlled trials (RCT) comparing high-dose radiotherapy (HD-RT: ≥59.4 Gy,1.8 Gy per time) with standard-dose radiotherapy (SD-RT: 50 Gy, 2 Gy per time, or 50.4 Gy, 1.8 Gy per time) during dCCRT for EC were included. The retrieval time was from the establishment of the database to January 1, 2023. The meta-analysis was performed using Stata 16.0 software.Results:A total of 1 158 patients from 5 RCT that meet the inclusion criteria were finally included. In 4 RCT, subgroup analysis of 940 patients using modern radiotherapy techniques were performed. Patients in the HD-RT and SD-RT groups had similar 1-, 2-, and 3-year overall survival (OS)( RR=1.03, 95% CI=0.86-1.22, P=0.757; RR=1.05, 95% CI=0.94-1.17, P=0.433; RR=1.05, 95% CI=0.96-1.14, P=0.314; respectively) and 2- and 3-year locoregional progression-free survival (LRPFS) ( RR=0.94, 95% CI=0.82-1.08, P=0.390; RR=0.96, 95% CI=0.86-1.09, P=0.560; respectively). Patients in the HD-RT group had a higher incidence of grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse reactions rates ( OR=1.35, 95% CI=1.03-1.77, P=0.029) and treatment-related death rates ( OR=1.66, 95% CI=0.97-2.83, P=0.062) compared with their counterparts in the SD-RT group. In the subgroup analysis using modern radiotherapy techniques, HD-RT did not improve LRPFS compared to SD-RT, but increased the incidence of adverse reactions, and yielded no OS benefit. Conclusions:Whether modern precision radiation therapy is employed or not, SD-RT yields similar LRPFS and OS, and lower grade ≥ 3 treatment-related adverse reactions rates compared with HD-RT. Therefore, standard-dose (50 Gy, 2 Gy per time, or 50.4 Gy, 1.8 Gy per time) should be considered as the recommended dose in dCCRT for EC. Further RCT are needed to verify our conclusions.