OBJECTIVE To evaluate the therapeutic effects and safety of everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy for metastatic or recurrent endometrial carcinoma （EC）. METHODS The clinical and follow-up data of 156 patients with metastatic or recurrent EC admitted to Nanyang Central Hospital from January 2020 to January 2024 were analyzed retrospectively. They were divided into a control group （77 cases） and an observation group （79 cases） according to different therapeutic regimens. The control group received paclitaxel+carboplatin/cisplatin regimen， and concurrently took Letrozole tablets at a dose of 2.5 mg orally once daily； the observation group took Everolimus tablets 10 mg orally， once a day， in addition to the treatment regimen given to the control group. Each treatment cycle lasted 21 days， and both groups of patients underwent continuous treatment for 6 to 8 cycles. The short-term efficacy indicators （objective response rate and disease control rate）， the levels of serum tumor markers [carbohydrate antigen 125， human epididymis protein 4， vascular endothelial growth factor and matrix metalloproteinase-9] and medium- to long-term efficacy indicators [progression-free survival （PFS） and overall survival （OS）] were compared between the two groups. Additionally， the occurrence of toxic and side effects in both groups of patients was recorded. RESULTS The objective response rate （53.16%）， disease control rate （89.87%）， median PFS （6.47 months） and median OS （10.79 months） of the observation group were significantly higher or longer than those （22.08%， 68.83%， 4.63 months， 8.84 months） of the control group （P＜0.05）. Compared with before treatment， the levels of serum tumor markers in both groups decreased significantly after 6 cycles of treatment； the above indexes of the observation group were significantly lower than those of the control group （P＜0.05）. The proportion of patients with stomatitis in the observation group was significantly higher than that of the control group （P＜0.05）， and there was no statistically significant difference in the proportions of patients experiencing other toxic and side effects， such as leukopenia， between the two groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The everolimus combined with letrozole and conventional chemotherapy can effectively improve the short-term efficacy and prolong the survival period in patients with metastatic or recurrent EC， but attention should be paid to the occurrence of toxic and side effects， especially stomatitis.

Objective: To investigate the effects of clinical routine X-ray irradiation dose (average irradiation dose: 29.7±0.54 Gy) on the function, apoptosis, activation state and mitochondrial function of platelets during in vitro storage, so as to provide experimental evidence for optimizing platelet irradiation strategies. Methods: A paired experimental design was adopted. Platelets were collected from 12 healthy donors, and each sample was equally divided into the irradiated group and the control group (non-irradiated). All samples were stored for 5 days under standard platelet preservation conditions (22±2℃, continuous oscillation). Flow cytometry was used to detect platelet count, apoptosis rate (Annexin V+ positive rate), activation markers (CD62P, PAC-1, CD42b) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level. Meanwhile, mitochondrial-specific probes were used to evaluate changes in mitochondrial count, membrane potential and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) content. Additionally, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) was employed to observe the ultrastructure of platelets, with a focus on mitochondrial morphology, platelet membrane integrity and granule distribution. Results: Within 5 days of storage, the platelet count was (841±89.16)×10 /L in the irradiated group and (824.5±92.88)×10 /L in the control group, with no statistically significant difference between the two groups (P=0.54). The apoptosis rate was (4.94±1.39) % in the irradiated group and (5.50±0.83) % in the control group, showing no significant difference (P=0.31). For activation indicators, the CD62P expression rate was (24.32±7.57) % in the irradiated group versus (25.21±8.13) % in the control group (P=0.43). The PAC-1 positive rates were (12.15±4.43) % and (11.75±3.40) % in the irradiated group and control group, respectively (P=0.44). The CD42b expression rates were (12.14±4.43) % and (11.75±3.4) % in the two groups, respectively (P=0.47). The ROS levels were (31.98±8.1) % and (30.64±5.89) % in the two groups, respectively (P=0.45). No significant differences were found in the above indicators. For mitochondrial function indicators, the mitochondrial count was (55.88±11.49) % in the irradiated group and (53.5±7.24) % in the control group (P=0.57). The ATP contents were (42.45±5.29) % and (41.58±9.50) % in the irradiated group and control group, respectively (P=0.77). The relative membrane potential values were (59.53±10.89) % and (57.49±6.54) % in the two groups, respectively (P=0.47). No significant difference were observed on the mitochondrial function-related indicators. TEM further confirmed that the ultrastructure of platelets in the irradiation group was intact, the mitochondrial morphology was normal, and no pathological changes such as swelling or vacuolization were observed. Conclusion: This study evaluated the impact of conventional-dose X-ray irradiation on platelet storage quality, confirming that this dose does not significant impair platelet count, apoptosis rate, activation status, or mitochondrial function. This finding provides important experimental evidence for the clinical promotion of X-ray irradiation technology and suggests its potential as a safe alternative to γ irradiation. Future studies could further expand the sample size and extend the observation period to verify the effects of X-ray irradiation on long-term platelet storage and post-transfusion in vivo survival rate.

Objective: To systematically analyze the confirmatory positivity of different combinations of HBsAg screening results in blood testing, providing data to support the optimization of blood donor eligibility management. Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted on blood screening data from 174 266 voluntary blood donor samples at the Chongqing Blood Center between October 2021 and September 2022. Samples with inconsistent results between the two HBsAg enzymelinked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and individual donor nucleic acid testing (NAT) were confirmed using an electrochemiluminescence immunoassay (ECLIA) and a neutralization test. The detection efficacy of four different HBsAg ELISA reagents was compared using the HBsAg-confirmed positive samples. Results: A total of 767(0.44%) HBV-reactive (HB-sAg and/or HBV DNA reactive) samples were detected. Among them, 344 samples with discordant serological and NAT results were collected, of which 64(18.6%) were confirmed positive by neutralization test. Additionally, 5 samples that were neutralization-negative but double-reactive for HBsAg and HBV DNA were confirmed as positive according to FDA guidance, resulting in a total of 69(20.1%) confirmed HBsAg-positive samples. There were significant differences in the neutralization test confirmation rates among different screening result categories (P<0.05): The group with dual HBsAg reagent reactivity (double reactive) & NAT-negative had the highest confirmation rate (96.9%, 31/32); the group reactive to only reagent 2 (single reactive) had a rate of 25.7% (29/113); while the confirmation rates for samples reactive to only reagent 1 and samples with isolated HBV DNA positivity were extremely low [0(0/34) and 2.4%(4/165), respectively]. The four commercial reagents showed significant differences in their ability to detect confirmed positive samples that were initially single reactive (P<0.05). Conclusion: Given the performance variations among HBsAg screening reagents, thorough performance verification is essential before implementation. When NAT is negative, dual HBsAg reactivity in screening can serve as a basis for confirming infection and directly deferring blood donors. However, confirming infection in donors with single HBsAg reactivity is more challenging, necessitating supplementary tests to rule out infection risk.

The paper introduces Professor SUN Shentian's experience in clinical practice of Ningshen (tranquilizing the mind) point. This point is an empirical point discovered by Professor SUN on the basis of meridian differentiation, nerve function and anatomic location, and in association with the years of clinical practice. The point is located in the prefrontal area, jointed with the distribution of the governor vessel, and responded to the body surface projection area of the frontal pole. It works on regulating the mind, regaining consciousness, improving cognition, alleviating depression, mutually treating physical and mental disorders, as well as unblocking collaterals, regulating the tendons and relieving spasm. This point is widely used in treatment of mental disorders, stroke and extrapyramidal diseases and obtains the reliable therapeutic effect in clinical practice.
Humans ; Acupuncture Points ; Acupuncture Therapy/history* ; China ; Meridians ; History, 20th Century

OBJECTIVES: To investigate the clinical significance of SLC1A5 overexpression in pan-cancer and its mechanism for promoting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. METHODS: We analyzed the correlation of SLC1A5 expression with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and prognosis in pan-cancer using TCGA and ICGC datasets and explored its association with immune cell infiltration using EPIC, CIBERSORT, and TIMER algorithms. In HCC cell lines, the effects of lentivirus-mediated SLC1A5 overexpression or RNA interference on cell proliferation were examined using CCK-8 assay, and the growth of HCC cell xenografts overexpressing SLC1A5 was observed in nude mice. The effects of SLC1A5 overexpression or silencing in HCC cells on macrophage polarization were evaluated in a cell co-culture system. RESULTS: SLC1A5 was mainly localized on cell membrane and was highly expressed in most cancers in association with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and poor prognosis. SLC1A5 expression was positively correlated with immunity score in 13 cancer types, especially in low-grade glioma (LGG), LIHC and thyroid cancer. SLC1A5 was positively correlated with macrophage infiltration level in LGG and LIHC but negatively correlated with macrophage infiltration in 5 cancers including lung squamous carcinoma, pancreatic carcinoma, and gastric carcinoma. Patients with SLC1A5 overexpression and high level of M2 macrophage infiltration had the worst survival outcomes. SLC1A5 was correlated with immunosuppression-related genes, cytokines, and cytokine receptors, which was the most obvious in LGG and LIHC. SLC1A5 was highly expressed in different HCC cell lines, and its overexpression promoted HCC cell proliferation both in vitro and in nude mice. In the cell co-culture experiment, SLC1A5 was positively correlated with the molecular markers of M2 polarization of macrophages, and its overexpression strongly promoted M2 polarization of the macrophages and inhibited T cell secretion of IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS SLC1A5 expression level is correlated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration in most cancers, and its overexpression promotes HCC progression by inhibiting T-cell function via promoting M2 polarization of macrophages.
Humans ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism* ; Liver Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Animals ; Macrophages/cytology* ; Disease Progression ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice ; Amino Acid Transport System ASC/genetics* ; Cell Proliferation ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Mice, Nude ; Prognosis ; Minor Histocompatibility Antigens

Objective To investigate the plaque characteristics evaluated by intravascular ultrasound(IVUS)in perimenopausal women with coronary artery disease(CAD)and their impacts on the outcomes of stent implantation.Methods A total of 169 female CAD patients who were admitted to the Fourth People's Hospital of Langfang City from March 2021 to March 2023 were selected as research objects.All the patients underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and IVUS to identify plaque characteristics.Based on the plaque stability,the patients were assigned to stable plaque group(n=105)or unstable plaque group(n=64).Clinical data,IVUS parameters,coronary stent placement,and the incidence of major adverse cardiac events(MACE)were compared between the two groups.Results The plaque burden in the unstable plaque group was higher than that in the stable plaque group,while the minimal lumen area in the unstable plaque group was lower than that in the stable plaque group(P<0.05).The incidences of thrombosis,plaque rupture,and calcification in the unstable plaque group were higher than those in the stable plaque group(P<0.05).The stent placement rate and achievement rate in the unstable plaque group were higher than those in the stable plaque group(P<0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that the incidence of MACE in the unstable plaque group was significantly higher than that in the stable plaque group(HR=2.257,95%CI:1.184-4.303,log-rank P=0.007).Conclusion IVUS shows high value in evaluating plaque characteristics in perimenopausal women with CAD.It can be used as an important tool to optimize treatment strategies.

Objective:To explore the application effect of BOPPPS teaching model in the teaching of Food Safety Supervision and Management course.Methods:Students of two parallel classes majoring in the Food Quality and Safety of the same grade of a university in Liaoning Province were selected,and the traditional teaching model and BOPPPS teaching model were used for teaching practice respectively.The scores,teaching effect and satisfaction of two groups were compared.Results:The regular performance and total scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group(P＜0.05).In terms of enhancing students'interest in food safety supervision,improving knowledge and skills,cultivating self-directed learning and teamwork abilities,strengthening the close connection between the course and real cases,and providing assistance for future career,the experimental group performed significantly better than the control group(P＜0.05).Moreover,the satisfaction of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:BOPPPS teaching model has a remarkable effect in the teaching of Food Safety Supervision and Management course,providing an effective approach for the teaching reform of this course.

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the microbiological characteristics and antimicrobial resistance of Nocardia isolates in Hebei Province during the 9-year period.Methods The medical records of all hospitalized patients from whom Nocardia was isolated from 2015 to 2023 were analyzed retrospectively.The isolates were identified to the species level by amplification and sequencing of 16S rRNA,secA1 and ropB genes of Nocardia.Antimicrobial susceptibility of Nocardia isolates were tested by microbroth dilution method.Results Of the 162 strains of Nocardia,128(79.0％)were isolated from respiratory tract specimens,followed by skin and soft tissue infection(25/162,15.4％).Most of the patients with respiratory tract infection were elderly(＞65 years old).Most of the patients with skin and soft tissue infection were middle-aged and elderly(＞45 years old).Twelve species were identified among the 162 isolates.The most common species were N.cyriacigeorgica(36.4％,59/162),N.farcinica(25.3％,41/162),and N.otitidiscaviarum(9.9％,16/162).The most common Nocardia species isolated from the respiratory tract was N.cyriacigeorgica,followed by N.farcinica.The most common species causing skin and soft tissue infection were N.cyriacigeorgica,N.farcinica and N.brasiliensis.All Nocardia strains were susceptible to linezolid,followed by 98.8％susceptible to amikacin and 98.1％susceptible to trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole(TMP-SMZ).Conclusions Nocardia is mainly isolated from respiratory tract,skin and soft tissues.N.cyriacigeorgica and N.farcinica are the most prevalent species.TMP-SMZ is the first choice for treatment of nocardiosis.Combination therapy may be appropriate for moderate and severe infections according to the results of antimicrobial susceptibility testing.

Objective To observe resting-state functional connectivity(rs-FC)changes of mirror neuron system(MNS)brain regions in male nicotine addicts,and to explore their correlations with the degree of addiction.Methods Twenty-five male nicotine addicts(addiction group)and 27 healthy males(control group)were prospectively recruited,and resting-statefunctional MR scanning was performed.The general information and rs-FC values were compared between groups,and correlations of rs-FC values with Fagerstr?m test for nicotine dependence(FTND)and heaviness of smoking index(HSI)scale scores in addiction group were analyzed.Results No significant difference of age nor education level was found between groups(both P＞0.05).Compared to control group,rs-FC values between left inferior frontal gyrus(IFG.L)and right middle temporal gyrus(MTG.R)as well as right middle occipital gyrus(MOG.R)increased(GRF corrected,voxel-level P＜0.005,cluster-level P＜0.05),while between right fusiform gyrus(FFG.R)and right dorsal cingulate gyrus(DCG.R),right supplementary motor area(SMA.R),left medial superior frontal gyrus(SFGmed.L)and left supplementary motor area(SMA.L)decreased(GRF corrected,voxel-level P＜0.005,cluster-level P＜0.05).In addiction group,rs-FC value between IFG.L and MTG.R was negatively correlated with HSI scale score(r=-0.457,P=0.022),while that between IFG.L and MOG.R was negatively correlated with HSI scale and FTND scores(r=-0.440,-0.458,P=0.028,0.021).Conclusion There were specific changes of rs-FC patterns of MNS brain regions in male nicotine addicts,which were correlated with the degree of addiction.

Objective:To assess the presence of chemotherapy-induced abnormal myocardial perfusion using SPECT myocardial perfusion imaging (MPI) in patients with malignant hematologic diseases before hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), and to explore its predictive value for mid-to-long-term mortality risk after transplantation.Methods:From March 2016 to August 2022, 139 patients with malignant hematologic diseases (80 males, 59 females; age (45.7±13.0) years) who underwent resting MPI to assess the presence of chemotherapy-induced abnormal myocardial perfusion before HSCT at the First People′s Hospital of Changzhou were prospectively included. Baseline-data were collected and patients were followed up for mid-to-long-term (≥100d) adverse outcomes after transplantation. Overall survival (OS) of each patient was recorded. The χ2 test and independent-sample t test were used for data analysis. Cox regression analysis was utilized to identify independent risk factors affecting OS. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used for survival analysis. Results:The median follow-up time of 139 patients was 41.6(19.5, 65.6) months, with all-cause mortality of 28.8%(40/139), and the cardiovascular mortality was 42.5%(17/40). The prior cardiotoxic therapies rate (anthracycline dose ≥250mg/m 2) was higher in the death group compared to that in the survival group (15.0% (6/40) vs 5.1% (5/99); χ2=3.87, P=0.049). Pre-transplant abnormal myocardial perfusion rate was also higher in the death group compared to that in the survival group (55.0%(22/40) vs 22.2%(22/99); χ2=15.19, P<0.001). But pre-transplant left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was lower in the death group compared to that in the survival group ((60.4±5.2)% vs (62.9±3.9)%; t=-3.07, P=0.003). Cox multivariate regression analysis showed that the abnormal myocardial perfusion indicated by MPI before transplantation was an independent risk factor affecting OS after HSCT in patients with malignant hematologic diseases (hazard rate ( HR)=2.70, 95% CI: 1.33-5.46, P=0.006). Kaplan-Meier analysis showed the 1-, 2-, 5-year OS rates of patients with the abnormal myocardial perfusion and the normal myocardial perfusion were 73.5%, 69.1%, 49.2% and 94.6%, 89.9%, 81.6%, respectively, with significant difference ( χ2=17.01, P<0.001). Conclusions:Patients with abnormal myocardial perfusion detected by MPI before HSCT for malignant hematologic diseases have a poorer prognosis, characterized by lower post-transplantation OS rates. The utilization of MPI for assessing abnormal myocardial perfusion before transplantation in patients with malignant hematologic diseases can aid in predicting the mid-to-long-term mortality risk after transplantation.