OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of galangin on rheumatoid arthritis （RA） in rats by regulating the Janus kinase 3 （JAK3）/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3） pathway. METHODS Fifty male SD rats were taken， and an emulsion composed of bovine type Ⅱ collagen and Freund’s complete adjuvant was injected subcutaneously to establish an induced arthritis model. The rats that were successfully modeled were randomly divided into model group， low， medium and high dose groups of galangin （1， 5， 15 mg/kg）， and methotrexate group （positive control， 2 mg/kg）， with 10 rats in each group. Another 10 normal rats were taken as the normal group. Starting from the 15th day of modeling， each group of rats was gavaged with the corresponding drug solution or normal saline containing 0.5% Tween 80 once a day for 28 consecutive days. The arthritis index （AI） scores and paw volume of rats were compared before and after gavage administration. Twenty-four hours after the last administration， the serum levels of interleukin-6 （IL-6）， tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， IL-4 and IL-10 were determined， the pathological changes in ankle joint synovial tissue were observed， and the protein expressions of UNC-51 like kinase 1 （ULK1）， Beclin-1， microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）， B cell lymphoma 2 （Bcl-2）， Bcl-2-associated X protein （Bax）， caspase-3， JAK3， phosphorylated JAK3 （p-JAK3）， STAT3 and phosphorylated STAT3 （p-STAT3） in the synovial tissue of the ankle joint were detected， as well as the fluorescence intensity of LC3-positive areas. RESULTS Compared with the model group， the pathological changes such as cellular proliferation of ankle joint synovial tissue and infiltration of inflammatory cells in rats of each administration group showed improvement. Moreover， their AI scores and paw pad volumes （on day 28 after gavage）， the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α， the protein expression of Bcl-2， and the phosphorylation levels of JAK3 and STAT3 were all significantly reduced （ P ＜0.05）. The levels of IL-4 and IL-10， the protein expressions of ULK1， Beclin-1， Bax， caspase-3 and LC3， as well as the fluorescence intensity of LC3-positive areas， were all significantly increased （ P ＜0.05）. Moreover， the effect of galangin was in a dose-dependent manner （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Galangin can induce sustained autophagy in synovial tissue cells of RA rats， promote cell apoptosis， inhibit synovial cell proliferation， and alleviate persistent inflammatory responses. The above anti-RA effects may be related to the inhibition of the JAK3/STAT3 pathway.

OBJECTIVES: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a malignant renal tumor that poses a significant threat to patient health. Accurate preoperative pathological grading plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate treatment for this disease. Currently, deep learning technology has become an important method for pathological grading of RCC. However, existing methods primarily rely on single-phase computed tomography (CT) imaging for analysis and prediction, which has limitations such as missing small lesions, one-sided evaluation, and local focusing issues. Therefore, this study proposes a multi-modal deep learning algorithm that integrates multi-phase enhanced CT images with clinical variable data, aiming to provide a basis for predicting the pathological grading of RCC. METHODS: First, the algorithm took four-phase enhanced CT images from the plain scan, arterial phase, venous phase, and delayed phase, along with clinical variables, as inputs. Then, an embedding encoding module was used to extract heterogeneous information from the clinical variables, and a 3-dimensional (3D) ResNet50 model was employed to capture spatial information from the multi-phase enhanced CT image data. Finally, a Fusion module deeply integrated the feature information from clinical variables and each phase's CT image features, further utilizing a cross-self-attention mechanism to achieve multi-phase feature fusion. This approach comprehensively captures the deep semantic information from the patient data, fully leveraging the complementary advantages of multi-modal and multi-phase data. To validate the effectiveness of the proposed method, a total of 1 229 RCC patients were approved by ethics review were included to train the model. RESULTS: Experimental results demonstrated superior performance compared to traditional radiomics and state-of-the-art deep learning methods, achieving an accuracy of 83.87%, a recall rate of 95.04%, and an F1-score of 82.23%. CONCLUSIONS The proposed algorithm exhibits strong stability and sensitivity, significantly enhancing the predictive performance of RCC pathological grading. It offers a novel approach for accurate RCC diagnosis and personalized treatment planning.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Renal Cell/pathology* ; Deep Learning ; Kidney Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed/methods* ; Algorithms ; Neoplasm Grading ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of HIV pretreatment drug resistance (PDR) and the transmission clusters associated with PDR-related mutations in newly diagnosed, treatment-naive patients between 2020 and 2023 in Dehong prefecture, Yunnan province, China. METHODS: Demographic information and plasma samples were collected from study participants. PDR was assessed using the Stanford HIV Drug Resistance Database. The Tamura-Nei 93 model within HIV-TRACE was employed to compute pairwise matches with a genetic distance of 0.015 substitutions per site. RESULTS: Among 948 treatment-naive individuals with eligible sequences, 36 HIV subtypes were identified, with unique recombinant forms (URFs) being the most prevalent (18.8%, 178/948). The overall prevalence of PDR was 12.4% (118/948), and resistance to non-nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTIs), nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTIs), and protease inhibitors (PIs) was 10.7%, 1.3%, and 1.6%, respectively. A total of 91 clusters were identified, among which eight showed evidence of PDR strain transmission. The largest PDR-associated cluster consisted of six CRF01_AE drug-resistant strains carrying K103N and V179T mutations; five of these individuals had initial CD4+ cell counts < 200 cells/μL. CONCLUSION The distribution of HIV subtypes in Dehong is diverse and complex. PDR was moderately prevalent (12.4%) between 2020 and 2023. Evidence of transmission of CRF01_AE strains carrying K103N and V179T mutations was found. Routine surveillance of PDR and the strengthening of control measures are essential to limit the spread of drug-resistance HIV strains.
Humans ; HIV Infections/virology* ; China/epidemiology* ; Drug Resistance, Viral ; Male ; Adult ; Female ; Middle Aged ; HIV-1/genetics* ; Anti-HIV Agents/therapeutic use* ; Myanmar/epidemiology* ; Young Adult ; Prevalence ; Adolescent ; Mutation

OBJECTIVE To determine the contents of 15 components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins （Citrus aurantium， C. junos， C. aurantium Linn.， C. sinensis Osb.， C. sinensis）， screen differential components， and provide references for the quality evaluation of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus. METHODS HPLC method was adopted to determine the contents of synephrine， N-methyltyramine， 5，7-dihydroxychromone-7-neohesperidoside， neoponcirin， narirutin， naringin， hesperidin， neohesperidin， naringenin， hesperetin， sinensetin， nobiletin， tangeretin， 5-demethylnobiletin， and auraptene in 46 batches of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins. The determination was performed on Waters Symmetry C18 column with mobile phase consisted of acetonitrile-0.1% formic acid （gradient elution） at the flow rate of 1.0 mL/min； column temperature was set at 40 ℃ ， detection wavelength was 284 nm， and sample injection volume was 5 μL. The differences between different origins of Aurantii Fructus Immaturus were analyzed by cluster analysis， principal component analysis （PCA） and orthogonal partial least squares-discriminant analysis （OPLS-DA）， and differential components were screened. RESULTS The linear relationships of the aforementioned 15 components were all good within the tested mass concentration ranges （all r＞0.999 0）. The RSDs for precision， stability （24 h）， and repeatability tests were all less than 2.00%. The average recovery rate ranged from 91.1% to 103.9% （all RSDs＜3.10%）. Cluster analysis， PCA， and OPLS-DA revealed that C. sinensis Osb. and C. sinensis were clustered into one category， while C. aurantium，C. junos and C. aurantium Linn. were clustered into another category. The variable importance projection values for neohesperidin， auraptene， naringin， neoponcirin， tangeretin， hesperidin， sinensetin， and 5，7-dihydroxychromone-7-neohesperidoside were all greater than 1. CONCLUSIONS In this study， the contents of 15 components in Aurantii Fructus Immaturus from different origins are determined， and 8 differential components， including neohesperidin， auraptene， naringin， and neoponcirin， are screened out.

Objective:To investigate the dose characteristics of the Zeiss INTRABEAM system in air and water, providing dose reference for electronic brachytherapy.Methods:A Monte Carlo program was used to establish a three-dimensional model of a miniature X-ray source vacuum drift tube and a 4 cm spherical applicator. The process of electron beam bombardment on a gold target to generate X-rays was simulated, and parameters such as photon fluence spectrum, percentage depth dose, and half-value layer were calculated. Additionally, the radial dose uniformity in water was measured.Results:The average energy of X-rays at 3 cm in air was 20.8 keV, with a half-value layer of 0.08 mm Al. Under the influence of the applicator, the spectrum becomes hardened, with axial and radial average energies of 28.7 and 29.0 keV, respectively. In water, the percentage depth dose (PDD) curve follows an inverse cubic decay with depth, indicating strong dose concentration and rapid fall-off in near-field irradiation. The radial dose uniformity in water exceeded 99.5%.Conclusions:The INTRABEAM device emits low-energy X-rays characterized by shallow penetration depth, and concentrated dose delivery. Its highly uniform dose distribution ensures comprehensive coverage of the target area, making it particularly suitable for treating superficial tumors and for intraoperative radiotherapy at close range.

Objective To design a custom 3D printed monoblock acetabular implant for reconstructing PaproskyⅢA acetabular bone defects and to analyze the stress distribution,displacement,and clinical reliability of the implant and surrounding bone using finite element analysis(FEA).Methods Bilateral hip computed tomography(CT)data of a patient with PaproskyⅢA acetabular bone defects were collected.Models were developed and analyzed using Mimics Medical 21.0,Geomagic Wrap 2021,Solidworks 2023,and ANSYS Workbench 2022 R1 softwares.The biomechanical performance of the custom 3D printed monoblock acetabular implant was simulated under a single-leg stance condition.Results The peak von Mises stress of the hip components was observed at the femoral stem,measuring 67.318 MPa.For the custom 3D printeded monoblock acetabular implant,the peak stress was located at the anterosuperior contact area between the implant and acetabular bone,measuring 6.935 MPa.The femoral stem exhibited a peak stress of 67.318 MPa at its junction with the femoral head.The liner's peak stress was 1.333 MPa near the fixation of screw 9 at the superior part of the acetabular cup.The screws showed a peak stress of 2.215 MPa at the junction with the implant.For the cortical bone,the peak stress was 9.844 MPa at the distal femur,while the cancellous bone exhibited a peak stress of 0.701 MPa at its distal connection with the femoral stem.The pelvic bone's peak stress was 8.002 MPa at the anterior transition zone between the normal acetabulum and the defect.The peak micromotion of the custom 3D printed monoblock acetabular implant at its posterosuperior area,measuring 0.114 mm.The femoral stem and head exhibited a peak micromotion of 0.132 mm at the contact interface with the acetabular liner.The micromotion range at the implant-acetabular bone interface was 0.098 mm to 0.131 mm.Conclusion Under a simulated single-leg stance condition,the stress distribution in all components and the acetabular bone surface remains below their respective yield strengths.The micromotion threshold between the acetabular cup and acetabular bone is within acceptable limits.Biomechanical analysis indicates that the patient can perform early weight-bearing rehabilitation postoperatively.However,walking or jogging rehabilitation should be approached with caution.

Focal therapy has emerged as an alternative to surgical treatment for selected renal tumors.The core principle of this approach lies in the local destruction of tumor tissue through physical or chemical means to achieve tumor control.Focal therapy is particularly applicable to patients with tumors ≤4 cm in diameter who are unfit for surgery or anesthesia due to advanced age,comorbidities,solitary kidney,or renal insufficiency,as well as those with recurrent tumors after prior partial nephrectomy.This review summarizes the mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical efficacy of six focal therapy modalities for renal tumors,including radiofrequency ablation,cryoablation,microwave ablation,irreversible electroporation,high-intensity focused ultrasound,and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.The aim is to provide reference for achieving individualized and precise clinical management.

Objective To study the action of Sijunzi decoction preventing disuse atrophy and its mechanism on the pathway of muscle stem cell(MuSC)/myonuclear domain(MND)based on the theory of sedentary behavior damaging muscle.Methods 40 male rats were randomly divided into the normal group,tail hanging group(model group),tail hanging+exercise group(exercise group),tail hanging+distilled water group(DW group),tail hanging+sijunzi decoction(Chinese medicine(CM)group);grip strength of limbs was measured by Grip Strength Meter for rats and mice;the wet weight of quadriceps femoris(QF)was measured by electronic scales;concentrations of actin and myosin were detected by ELISA;the cross section area(CSA)and myonuclear numbers were detected with Image Pro 6.0,and then MNDs were calculated;the expressions of pair box gene 7(Pax7)and myogenic differentiation antigen(MyoD)were detected by immunofluorescence.Results Compared with those in the normal group,grip strength,QF wet weight,the myosin concentration,the CSA and MND in the model and DW groups were all decreased,the numbers of Pax7 were increased significantly;compared with those in the model and distilled water groups,grip strength,QF wet weight,the myosin level,CSA and myonuclear numbers in the exercise group and CM groups were increased,and the numbers of Pax7 and MyoD positive cells were increased,markedly,however the number of Pax7 positive cells in the exercise group was more than that in the CM group significantly.Conclusion Sijunzi decoction can prevent disuse atrophy and its possible mechanism is related to the activation the MuSC/MND pathway.

Objective:To investigate the dose characteristics of the Zeiss INTRABEAM system in air and water, providing dose reference for electronic brachytherapy.Methods:A Monte Carlo program was used to establish a three-dimensional model of a miniature X-ray source vacuum drift tube and a 4 cm spherical applicator. The process of electron beam bombardment on a gold target to generate X-rays was simulated, and parameters such as photon fluence spectrum, percentage depth dose, and half-value layer were calculated. Additionally, the radial dose uniformity in water was measured.Results:The average energy of X-rays at 3 cm in air was 20.8 keV, with a half-value layer of 0.08 mm Al. Under the influence of the applicator, the spectrum becomes hardened, with axial and radial average energies of 28.7 and 29.0 keV, respectively. In water, the percentage depth dose (PDD) curve follows an inverse cubic decay with depth, indicating strong dose concentration and rapid fall-off in near-field irradiation. The radial dose uniformity in water exceeded 99.5%.Conclusions:The INTRABEAM device emits low-energy X-rays characterized by shallow penetration depth, and concentrated dose delivery. Its highly uniform dose distribution ensures comprehensive coverage of the target area, making it particularly suitable for treating superficial tumors and for intraoperative radiotherapy at close range.

Focal therapy has emerged as an alternative to surgical treatment for selected renal tumors.The core principle of this approach lies in the local destruction of tumor tissue through physical or chemical means to achieve tumor control.Focal therapy is particularly applicable to patients with tumors ≤4 cm in diameter who are unfit for surgery or anesthesia due to advanced age,comorbidities,solitary kidney,or renal insufficiency,as well as those with recurrent tumors after prior partial nephrectomy.This review summarizes the mechanisms,advantages,limitations,and clinical efficacy of six focal therapy modalities for renal tumors,including radiofrequency ablation,cryoablation,microwave ablation,irreversible electroporation,high-intensity focused ultrasound,and stereotactic ablative radiotherapy.The aim is to provide reference for achieving individualized and precise clinical management.