Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-low breast cancer has the potential to emerge as a distinct subtype. Several studies have compared the differences between HER2-low and HER2-0 breast cancers, but no consensus has been reached.Additionally, a biomarker to predict pathological complete response (pCR) rates in patients with HER2-low breast cancer remains to be identified. Methods: We collected data from 777 patients across three centers, stratifying them into HER2-low and HER2-0 groups. We compared differences in survival and pCR rates between the two groups and investigated potential biomarkers that could reliably predict pCR. Results: The study found that patients with HER2-0 breast cancer had higher pCR rates compared to patients with HER2-low tumors (289 patients [30.1%] vs. 475 patients [18.1%], p < 0.0001). Survival analysis showed no significant advantage for HER2-low tumors over HER2-0 breast cancers. Binary logistic analysis revealed that androgen receptor (AR) expression predicts poorer pCR rates in both the overall patient group and the HER2-0 breast cancer group (overall patients: odds ratio [OR], 0.479; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.250–0.917; p = 0.026 and HER2-0 patients: OR, 0.267; 95% CI, 0.080–0.892; p = 0.032). In contrast, programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression was associated with more favorable pCR rates in the overall patient group (OR, 3.199; 95% CI, 1.020–10.037; p = 0.046). Conclusion There is currently insufficient evidence to classify HER2-low breast cancer as a distinct subtype. Our study revealed that AR expression, along with negative PD-L1 expression, contributes to lower pCR rates.

Objective To explore the application value of MR diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)and T2*mapping of parotid gland function in patients with head and neck tumors at different radiotherapy periods.Methods A total of 82 patients with head and neck tumors treated were selected.The data of parotid gland volume,salivary volume and parotid gland function were collected.MR DWI and T2*mapping were used to measure the apparent diffusion coefficient(ADC)value and T2*value of parotid gland tissue,and the correlation between parotid gland function and imaging values were analyzed.Results There were all significant differences in parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index among different radiotherapy periods,and parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index during and after radiotherapy were significantly lower than those before radiotherapy.There were signifi-cant differences in T2*values among different radiotherapy periods,and T2*value during and after radiotherapy was significantly lower than that before radiotherapy.There were significant differences in ADC values among different radiotherapy periods,and the ADC value during and after radiotherapy was significantly higher than that before radiotherapy.ADC value was negatively correlated with parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index(r=-0.436,-0.730,-0.718,respectively,P＜0.001),while the T2*value was positively correlated with parotid gland volume,salivary volume and secretion index(r=0.430,0.720,0.707,respec-tively,P＜0.001).Conclusion Parotid gland volume,secretion index and salivary volume show abnormal levels at different radio-therapy periods.MR DWI is negatively correlated with parotid gland function,while T2*mapping is positively correlated with parotid gland function.

Objective:To investigate the implementation status of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology in the hospitals, so as to provide reference for promoting the development of intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. Using the convenient sampling method, members of Intravenous Infusion Committee of Chinese Nursing Association selected PICC/ intravenous therapy leaders meeting the inclusion criteria from 5 to 10 hospitals in their work area as the research objects from December 2022 to January 2023. The self-made PICC Tip Intracardiac Electrocardiogram Positioning Technology Implementation Status Questionnaire was used to investigate the PICC/intravenous therapy leaders. A total of 205 questionnaires were distributed in 28 provinces/autonomous regions/municipalities directly under the Central Government, and 199 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective recovery rate of 97.1%. Results:Among 199 hospitals, 63.3% (126/199) of them successfully implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. Among the 126 hospitals that implemented PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, only 20 hospitals included it in their charging items. A total of 50.3% (100/199) of hospitals established a unified intracardiac electrocardiogram guided PICC catheterization procedure; 47.7% (95/199) of hospitals organized/participated in training programs on PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology, and 57.3% (114/199) of hospital PICC/intravenous therapy leaders participated in training programs related to PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology. In terms of the relevant achievements of 199 research hospitals, 56 papers, seven utility model patents and 28 awards were issued.Conclusions:The application, training and achievement output of PICC tip intracardiac electrocardiogram positioning technology need to be further improved. It is suggested to sink high-quality resources, formulate implementation procedures and evaluation standards, standardize nursing service project management, increase training efforts, and improve scientific research thinking of intravenous therapy nurses, so as to promote the standardization development of new technologies.

Objective:To explore the training needs of peripherally inserted central catheter (PICC) specialist nurses in Shandong Province for subcutaneous tunnel technique, so as to provide reference for conducting systematic and standardized training.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional survey. From October to December 2022, convenience sampling was used to select 922 PICC specialist nurses in Shandong Province as the research subject. A self-made questionnaire was used to investigate the training needs of PICC specialist nurses for subcutaneous tunnel technique.Results:A total of 922 questionnaires were distributed, and 922 valid questionnaires were collected, with an effective response rate of 100.00%. 22.78% (210/922) of PICC specialist nurses used subcutaneous tunnel technique. In terms of training willingness, 92.08% (849/922) of PICC specialist nurses had a training need for subcutaneous tunnel technique. In terms of training content needs, the total score of PICC specialist nurses for subcutaneous tunnel technique training content needs was (62.26±11.06), and the average score for each item was >4.15, and the highest scoring item was the sharing of special cases in tunnel PICC (4.60±0.77), and the lowest scoring item was PICC maintenance knowledge (4.15±1.15) .Conclusions:The application rate of subcutaneous tunnel technique is low, and PICC specialist nurses have a high training need. Managers should increase training efforts for this technique, improve training content, innovate training models, develop targeted training programs, so as to promote the application and promotion of this technique.

Objective:To systematically review thrombosis risk prediction models associated with peripherally inserted central venous catheter (PICC) in adults and provide a basis for the clinical application of these models and the development of subsequent models.Methods:Databases such as CNKI, Wanfang, VIP, PubMed, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Ovid were searched to collect studies on thrombosis risk prediction models related to adult PICC, covering all entries from the inception of the databases until December 31, 2022. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias.Results:Nineteen studies were included. D-dimer was the most common predictive factor; only five studies underwent external validation, and six studies evaluated model calibration. All included studies exhibited high risk of bias, primarily due to methodological deficiencies in model development and validation processes; the combined area under the receiver operating characteristic curve for nine models was 0.80 (95% Confidence Interval: 0.75-0.85) .Conclusions:Research on thrombosis risk prediction models related to adult PICC is still in its developmental stage. Most of the known models perform well with comprehensive and easily obtainable predictive factors, yet they exhibit methodological shortcomings. Future research should focus on improving the methodological quality and external validation during model development and validation processes.

Objective To explore the age-related biological properties of bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)from mice of different age groups and their osteogenic differentiation induced by bone morphogenetic protein 2(BMP2).Methods Eight C57BL/6J mice were divided into a young group(4 weeks old,weighing 10～15 g,n=4)and an old group(12 months old,weighing 20～25 g,n=4),with half male and half female.MSCs were extracted from the whole bones of the 2 groups of mice.After the obtained cells were identified with flow cytometry for the surface markers,β-galactosidase staining was employed to compare the senescence level of BMSCs,MTT and EdU incorporation assays were conducted to compare the proliferation and self-renewal abilities of between the 2 groups.Western blotting was employed to analyze the expression of CyclinD1 and P21 in BMSCs.Then ALP staining,Alizarin Red staining and RT-qPCR were used to evaluate the osteogenic differentiation ability of the cells.RNA sequencing was performed to compare the differential gene expression in BMP2-induced BMSCs.Lastly,the sequencing results were re-confirmed by using flow cytometry.Results Flow cytometry showed that the sorted and cultured mouse BMSCs met the criteria for MSCs.The results of β-galactosidase staining indicated that the senescence level of BMSCs in the old group was significantly higher than that in the young group(P＜0.05).MTT and EdU doping experiments revealed that the cell viability and proliferation ability of BMSCs were significantly lower in the old group than the young group(P＜0.05).Western blotting displayed that the expression level of cell cycle protein CyclinD1 was lower,whereas that of cell cycle inhibitory factor P21 was significantly higher in the BMSCs from the old group than the cells from the young group(P＜0.05).ALP/Alizarin Red staining and RT-qPCR demonstrated that the BMSCs from the young group had stronger osteogenic differentiation capacity after BMP2 treatment when compared the cells of the old group(P＜0.05).RNA sequencing results displayed that the changing profile of CD51 expression was in opposite trends in the young and old BMSCs after BMP2 treatment.Finally,flow cytometry revealed that the percentage of CD51+cells within the CD45-cells was significantly higher in the young group than the old group.Conclusion The decrease in the percentage of CD51+cells among CD45-cells in aged BMSCs is closely associated with their decreased responsiveness to BMP2-induced osteogenic differentiation.

Objective:To investigate the association between cytokines and ocular chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD) and identify specific biomarkers for ocular cGVHD to enhance clinical diagnosis, treatment, and evaluation.Methods:A mouse model of cGVHD was established to explore the correlation between cGVHD and serum cytokines. Based on the findings from the animal experiments and literature review, a panel of 16 cytokine combinations was identified. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to compare the cytokine concentrations in the serum and tear samples from patients who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation from June 2017 to March 2022 at the Medical Center of Hematology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University.Results:① Compared with the control group, mice with cGVHD exhibited elevated serum IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IL-17, IFN-γ, CX3CL1, CXCL11, CXCL13, CCL11, and CCL19 concentrations (all P<0.05). ② Analysis of the cytokine profiles of the serum and tear samples revealed that compared with patients without ocular cGVHD, those with ocular cGVHD exhibited increased serum IL-8 [ P=0.032, area under the curve (AUC) =0.678]; decreased serum IL-10 ( P=0.030, AUC=0.701) ; elevated IL-8, IFN-γ, CXCL9, and CCL17 in tear samples; and lower IL-10 and CCL19 in tear samples (all P<0.05, all AUC>0.7). Moreover, cytokines in tear samples showed correlations with ocular surface parameters related to ocular cGVHD. Conclusions:Tear fluid demonstrates greater specificity and sensitivity as a biomarker for diagnosing ocular cGVHD than serum biomarkers. Among the identified cytokines in tear samples, IL-8, IL-10, IFN-γ, CXCL9, CCL17, and CCL19 serve as diagnostic biomarkers for ocular cGVHD post-transplantation, offering practical reference value for diagnosis.

AIM: To observe the clinical efficacy of Fuzheng Xiaoliu Granules in the treatment of stage II primary liver cancer and to explore its mechanism of action from the perspective of metabolomics. METHODS: Sixty patients with stage II primary liver cancer who achieved complete remission (CR) after comprehensive interventional therapy were randomly divided into treatment group and placebo group, with 30 patients in each group. They were treated for one year and observed for one year. The one-year recurrence rate, traditional chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome score, alpha-fetoprotein and child-pugh grade were compared between the two groups. The serum metabolites of the two groups before and after treatment were screened by ultra-high liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry technology, and the metabolic pathways and related biological pathways were analyzed. RESULTS: The one-year recurrence rate of the treatment group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group, and the overall improvement rate of TCM syndrome score was significantly better than that of the placebo group (P<0.05). There was no statistical significance in the comparison of alpha-fetoprotein and child-pugh grade between the two groups after treatment (P>0.05). Metabolomics results showed that there were 39 and 33 different metabolites in the treatment group before and after treatment and in the two groups after treatment, respectively. After enrichment analysis and topological analysis of the different metabolites, it was found that Fuzheng Xiaoliu Granules could affect amino acid metabolism, fatty acid metabolism and purine metabolism and other metabolic pathways. Before and after treatment in the treatment group and after treatment in the two groups, there were the same differential metabolites and metabolic pathways in the two comparison results. The same differential metabolites with FOLD CHANGE>1 include Stearic acid, Hypoxanthine, Kynurenic acid, Arachidonic acid, and N-Arachidonoyl Dopamine. The same metabolic pathways with Impact>0.1 include Arachidonic acid metabolism and Histidine metabolism. CONCLUSION: Fuzheng xiaoliu granules can effectively reduce the recurrence rate of stage II liver cancer patients after comprehensive intervention and improve the TCM syndrome. It may inhibit the activation of PI3K/Akt and ERK signaling pathways by regulating the content of metabolites involved in metabolic pathways such as amino acids and fatty acids, thereby delaying tumor recurrence.