Objective To evaluate the application of three deep learning algorithms in automatic segmentation of clinical target volumes (CTVs) in high-dose-rate brachytherapy after surgery for endometrial carcinoma. Methods A dataset comprising computed tomography scans from 306 post-surgery patients with endometrial carcinoma was divided into three subsets: 246 cases for training, 30 cases for validation, and 30 cases for testing. Three deep convolutional neural network models, 3D U-Net, 3D Res U-Net, and V-Net, were compared for CTV segmentation. Several commonly used quantitative metrics were employed, i.e., Dice similarity coefficient, Hausdorff distance, 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance, and Intersection over Union. Results During the testing phase, CTV segmentation with 3D U-Net, 3D Res U-Net, and V-Net showed a mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.90 ± 0.07, 0.95 ± 0.06, and 0.95 ± 0.06, a mean Hausdorff distance of 2.51 ± 1.70, 0.96 ± 1.01, and 0.98 ± 0.95 mm, a mean 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance of 1.33 ± 1.02, 0.65 ± 0.91, and 0.40 ± 0.72 mm, and a mean Intersection over Union of 0.85 ± 0.11, 0.91 ± 0.09, and 0.92 ± 0.09, respectively. Segmentation based on V-Net was similarly to that performed by experienced radiation oncologists. The CTV segmentation time was < 3.2 s, which could save the work time of clinicians. Conclusion V-Net is better than other models in CTV segmentation as indicated by quantitative metrics and clinician assessment. Additionally, the method is highly consistent with the ground truth, reducing inter-doctor variability and treatment time.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of single and bilateral lung transplantation in the treatment of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Chinese and English databases were searched by computer, including PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database and CBM. Case-control studies on single lung transplantation or bilateral lung transplantation for COPD were collected from the inception to July 31, 2022. We evaluated the quality of the literature via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). All results were analyzed using Review Manager V5.3 and STATA 17.0. Results A total of 8 studies were included covering 14076 patients, including 8326 patients in the single lung transplantation group and 5750 patients in the bilateral lung transplantation group. NOS scores were≥6 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical difference in the postoperative 1-year survival between the two groups (P=0.070). The 2-year survival rate (P=0.002), 3-year survival rate (P<0.001), 5-year survival rate (P<0.001), overall survival rate (P＜0.001), postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second/predicted value (P<0.001), postoperative forced vital capacity (P<0.001), and postoperative 6-minute walking distance (P=0.002) were lower or shorter than those in the bilateral lung transplantation group, the postoperative intubation time (P=0.030) was longer than that in the bilateral lung transplantation group. Bilateral lung transplantation group showed better surgical results. There was no statistical difference in the mortality, obliterative bronchiolitis, length of hospitalization, primary graft dysfunction, or postoperative adverse events (P>0.05). Conclusion Bilateral lung transplantation is associated with better long-term survival and postoperative lung function compared with single lung transplantation. In-hospital mortality and postoperative complications are similar between them.

Objective:To explore the high-risk factors for parenteral nutrition associated cholestasis（PNAC）in extremely/ultra-low birth weight infants，and establish a risk Alignment Diagram prediction model.Methods:We retrospectivly analyzed the clinical data of hospitalized extremely/ultra-low birth weight infants admitted to Neonatology Department at Quanzhou Children's Hospital from January 2019 to December 2020，using multivariate Logistic regression analysis to screen for independent risk factors for the occurrence of PNAC.An Alignment Diagram model prediction model for PNAC was constructed by using R software，and the performance of the model was evaluated through receiver operating characteristic curves.Results:A total of 203 extremely/ultra-low birth weight infants were included，with a median gestational age of 29.14（28.00，30.86）weeks and a median birth weight of 1　170（1　000,1　300）g.Among them，26（12.81%）cases developed PNAC.Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that the duration of parenteral nutrition（ OR=1.015 ，95% CI 1.003-1.034），the cumulative amount of glucose（ OR=1.014 ，95% CI 1.001-1.028），small for gestational age（ OR=3.455 ，95% CI 1.127-10.589），and neonatal sepsis（ OR=3.142 ，95% CI 1.039-9.503）were independent risk factors for PNAC（ P＜0.05）；The four independent risk factors mentioned above were introduced into R software to construct an Alignment Diagram model，the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.835（95% CI 0.842-0.731），and the results of the Hosmer Limeshow goodness of fit test show that：χ 2=5.34，degree of freedom=8， P=0.72.A calibration curve indicated good consistency between the predicted probability of the model and the actual occurrence rate，with good accuracy. Conclusion:The Alignment Diagram model constructed based on four independent risk factors of the duration of parenteral nutrition，glucose accumulation，small for gestational age infants，and neonatal sepsis exhibits high predictive ability，and is expected to provide an intuitive and convenient visualization tool for preventing or reducing the occurrence of PNAC in extremely/ultra-low birth weight infants

Objective:To use pan-genomics and subtractive proteomics techniques to screen the new antibacterial targets from the Staphylococcus aureus genome,and to lay the foundation for the development of anti-Staphylococcus aureus drugs.Methods:The genome sequencing data of 50 strains with sequencing level Complete were collected by searching the whole genome sequencing data in the National Center for Biotechnology Information(NCBI)Database with Staphylococcus aureus as the keyword;BPGA tool was used to conduct the pan-genomics analysis on the genomic data to obtain the core genes of Staphylococcus aureus;subtractive proteomics technique was used to screen the potential antibacterial targets from the core genes.These potential antibacterial targets were used as the receptors;LibDock software was used to screen the potential anti-Staphylococcus aureus drugs from the US Food and Drug Administration(FDA)-approved drug library;molecular docking technology was used to analyze the binding abilities of the drugs and targets.Results:There were 14 379 gene families in the 50 Staphylococcus aureus genomes,of which 1 620 were the core genes.The subtractive proteomics analysis results showed that tyrosine autokinase 1335 was the potential anti-Staphylococcus aureus target.LibDock software screened out nine compounds,including balofloxacin,tenofovir disoproxil fumarate,and adefovir,that may exert anti-Staphylococcus aureus effects on this target protein.The molecular docking results showed there was good binding abilities between the targets and the compounds.Conclusion:Tyrosine autokinase may be the potential target for antii-Staphylococcus aureus.

Gaining a better understanding of autoprotection against drug-induced liver injury(DILI)may provide new strategies for its prevention and therapy.However,little is known about the underlying mechanisms of this phenomenon.We used single-cell RNA sequencing to characterize the dynamics and functions of hepatic non-parenchymal cells(NPCs)in autoprotection against DILI,using acetaminophen(APAP)as a model drug.Autoprotection was modeled through pretreatment with a mildly hepatotoxic dose of APAP in mice,followed by a higher dose in a secondary challenge.NPC subsets and dynamic changes were identified in the APAP(hepatotoxicity-sensitive)and APAP-resistant(hepatotoxicity-resistant)groups.A chemokine(C-C motif)ligand 2+endothelial cell subset almost disappeared in the APAP-resistant group,and an R-spondin 3+endothelial cell subset promoted hepatocyte proliferation and played an important role in APAP autoprotection.Moreover,the dendritic cell subset DC-3 may protect the liver from APAP hepatotoxicity by inducing low reactivity and suppressing the autoimmune response and occurrence of inflammation.DC-3 cells also promoted angiogenesis through crosstalk with endothelial cells via vascular endothelial growth factor-associated ligand-receptor pairs and facilitated liver tissue repair in the APAP-resistant group.In addition,the natural killer cell subsets NK-3 and NK-4 and the Sca-1-CD62L+natural killer T cell subset may promote autoprotection through interferon-y-dependent pathways.Furthermore,macrophage and neutrophil subpopulations with anti-inflammatory phenotypes promoted tolerance to APAP hepatotoxicity.Overall,this study reveals the dynamics of NPCs in the resistance to APAP hepatotoxicity and provides novel insights into the mechanism of autoprotection against DILI at a high resolution.

Purpose: Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)–low advanced breast cancer can benefit from trastuzumab deruxtecan. Given the unclear prognostic characteristics of HER2-low breast cancer, we investigated the prognostic characteristics of HER2-low expression from primary tumor to residual disease after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Materials and Methods: The data of HER2-negative patients receiving NACT at our center were collected. Pathological complete response (pCR) rate were compared between HER2-0 and HER2-low patients. The evolution of HER2 expression from primary tumor to residual disease and its impact on disease-free survival (DFS) were examined. Results: Of the 690 patients, 494 patients had HER2-low status, of which 72.3% were hormone receptor (HR)–positive (p < 0.001). The pCR rates of HER2-low and HER2-0 patients (14.2% vs. 23.0%) showed no difference in multivariate analysis regardless of HR status. No association was observed between DFS and HER2 status. Of the 564 non-pCR patients, 57 (10.1%) changed to HER2-positive, and 64 of the 150 patients (42.7%) with HER2-0 tumors changed to HER2-low. HER2-low (p=0.004) and HR-positive (p=0.010) tumors before NACT were prone to HER2 gain. HER2 gain patients had a better DFS compared with HER2-negative maintained patients (87.9% vs. 79.5%, p=0.048), and the DFS of targeted therapy group was better than that of no targeted therapy group (92.4% vs. 66.7%, p=0.016). Conclusion Although HER2-low did not affect the pCR rate and DFS, significant evolution of HER2-low expression after NACT creates opportunities for targeted therapy including trastuzumab.

BACKGROUND: Low-density computed tomography (LDCT) improved early lung cancer diagnosis but introduces an excess of false-positive pulmonary nodules data. Hence, accurate diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer remains challenging. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of using circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to differentiate malignant from benign pulmonary nodules. METHODS: 122 patients with suspected malignant pulmonary nodules detected on chest CT in preparation for surgery were prospectively recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery, and CTCs were identified upon isolation by size of epithelial tumour cells and morphological analysis. Laser capture microdissection, MALBAC amplification, and whole-exome sequencing were performed on 8 samples. The diagnostic efficacy of CTCs counting, and the genomic variation profile of benign and malignant CTCs samples were analysed. RESULTS: Using 2.5 cells/5 mL as the cut-off value, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was of 0.651 (95% confidence interval: 0.538-0.764), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.526 and 0.800, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 91.1% and 30.3%, respectively. Distinct sequence variations differences in DNA damage repair-related and driver genes were observed in benign and malignant samples. TP53 mutations were identified in CTCs of four malignant cases; in particular, g.7578115T>C, g.7578645C>T, and g.7579472G>C were exclusively detected in all four malignant samples. CONCLUSIONS CTCs play an ancillary role in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. TP53 mutations in CTCs might be used to identify benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Exome Sequencing ; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules ; Carcinoma ; DNA Repair

Using chemoproteomic techniques, we first identified EIF2AK2, eEF1A1, PRDX3 and VPS4B as direct targets of berberine (BBR) for its synergistically anti-inflammatory effects. Of them, BBR has the strongest affinity with EIF2AK2 via two ionic bonds, and regulates several key inflammatory pathways through EIF2AK2, indicating the dominant role of EIF2AK2. Also, BBR could subtly inhibit the dimerization of EIF2AK2, rather than its enzyme activity, to selectively modulate its downstream pathways including JNK, NF-κB, AKT and NLRP3, with an advantage of good safety profile. In EIF2AK2 gene knockdown mice, the inhibitory IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and TNF-α secretion of BBR was obviously attenuated, confirming an EIF2AK2-dependent anti-inflammatory efficacy. The results highlight the BBR's network mechanism on anti-inflammatory effects in which EIF2AK2 is a key target, and inhibition of EIF2AK2 dimerization has a potential to be a therapeutic strategy against inflammation-related disorders.

Objective:To compare the effect of hybrid open-endovascular repair (HOER) and Viabahn open revascularization technique (VORTEC)+HOER in the treatment of thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms (TAAA).Methods:From Apr 2005 to Jul 2019, 33 TAAA patients underwent HOER including 21 cases of standard HOER, and 12 of VORTEC+HOER. The intraoperative renal ischemia time (RIT), incidence of postoperative acute kidney injury (AKI), rate of renal artery patency (RAP) and another short-term outcome were observed.Results:RIT was significantly shorter in the VORTEC+HOER group than in the standard treatment group [(9±3) minutes vs. (15±6) minutes, P<0.05]. The increase in serum creatinine (SCr) levels on the 1st postoperative day in the standard treatment group was significantly higher than that in the VORTEC+HOER group [(1.68±0.79) μmol/L vs. (1.05±0.06) μmol/L, P<0.05]. AKI occurred in 5 patients in the standard HOER treatment group (5/21, 24%), while no patient experienced AKI in the VORTEC+HOER group (0/12, 0). Conclusion:VORTEC significantly reduces RIT and postoperative SCr increasing, thereby potentially decreasing the incidence of postoperative AKI.

Objective:To study whether curcumin inhibits the proliferation and promotes the apoptosis of nephroblastoma through activating the miR-192-5p/PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.Methods:CCK-8 assay was used to investigate the effects of curcumin on the proliferation of nephroblastoma SK-NEP-1 cells and the appropriate concentration. The apoptosis rate of SK-NEP-1 cells was detected by V-FITC/PI. Luciferase reporter assay was used to verify the binding activity between miR-192-5p and PI3K. RT-PCR was performed to detect the expression of miR-192-5p at mRNA level. Western blot was used to detect the expression of PI3K and Akt at protein level.Results:Curcumin could significantly inhibit the proliferation of SK-NEP-1 cells and induce cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. RT-PCR results showed that curcumin could significantly increase the expression of miR-192-5p. In addition, miR-192-5p significantly inhibited cell proliferation, induced cell apoptosis, and enhanced the effects of curcumin on the proliferation and apoptosis of SK-NEP-1 cells. Luciferase reporter assay suggested that miR-192-5p could bind to PI3K. Western blot results showed that curcumin down-regulated the expression of PI3K and Akt at protein level by mediating the expression of miR-192-5p.Conclusions:Curcumin could inhibit the proliferation and induce the apoptosis of nephroblastoma cells through mediating the expression of miR-192-5p and further inhibiting the downstream PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.