Background::With an increasing number of patients with hematological malignancies being treated with umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), the correlation between immune reconstitution (IR) after UCBT and graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) has been reported successively, but reports on double-negative T (DNT) cell reconstitution and its association with acute GVHD (aGVHD) after UCBT are lacking.Methods::A population-based observational study was conducted among 131 patients with hematological malignancies who underwent single-unit UCBT as their first transplant at the Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, between August 2018 and June 2021. IR differences were compared between the patients with and without aGVHD.Results::The absolute number of DNT cells in the healthy Chinese population was 109 (70-157)/μL, accounting for 5.82 (3.98-8.19)% of lymphocytes. DNT cells showed delayed recovery and could not reach their normal levels even one year after transplantation. Importantly, the absolute number and percentage of DNT cells were significantly higher in UCBT patients without aGVHD than in those with aGVHD within one year ( F = 4.684, P = 0.039 and F = 5.583, P = 0.026, respectively). In addition, the number of DNT cells in the first month after transplantation decreased significantly with the degree of aGVHD increased, and faster DNT cell reconstitution in the first month after UCBT was an independent protective factor for aGVHD (HR = 0.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.23-0.93; P = 0.031). Conclusions::Compared to the number of DNT cells in Chinese healthy people, the reconstitution of DNT cells in adults with hematological malignancies after UCBT was slow. In addition, the faster reconstitution of DNT cells in the early stage after transplantation was associated with a lower incidence of aGVHD.

Objective:To explore the correlation between subclavian artery stenosis disease (SASD) classification and posterior circulation ischemia.Methods:A retrospective study was performed; the clinical data, and Doppler vascular ultrasound and vascular imaging results of 81 SASD patients, admitted to Cerebrovascular Stenosis Diagnosis and Treatment Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Qiqihar Medical College and Department of Neurology, Rocket Force Specialty Medical Center from May 2018 to August 2023, were collected. SASD was categorized into 2 types (single type and concurrent type) based on the presence or absence of other posterior circulation artery (basilar artery, vertebral artery, or subclavian artery distal segment) stenosis/occlusion, and into 3 groups (non-posterior circulation ischemia group, posterior circulation transient ischemic attack group and posterior circulation cerebral infarction group) based on the presence or absence of posterior circulation ischemia. Blood stealing pathways in different SASD classifications were analyzed, and correlation of SASD classification with posterior circulation ischemia was discussed.Results:Single-type SASD was noted in 44 patients (54.3%), mainly initiating blood stealing through the vertebral artery to the vertebral artery and then to the subclavian artery ( n=26); concurrent-type SASD was noted in 37 patients (45.7%), mainly initiating blood stealing through the occipital artery to the costocervical trunk and then to the subclavian artery ( n=10). Sixty-five patients (80.2%) were into the non-posterior circulation ischemia group, 4 (4.9%) into the posterior circulation transient ischemic attack group and 12 (14.8%) into the posterior circulation cerebral infarction group. Among the 44 patients with single-type SASD, 39 did not have posterior circulation ischemia, and 3 had posterior circulation cerebral infarction. Among the 37 patients with concurrent-type SASD, 26 did not have posterior circulation ischemia, and 9 had posterior circulation cerebral infarction. Conclusion:Initiation of blood stealing in SASD patients is related to SASD classification, and concurrent-type SASD patients trend to have posterior circulation ischemia.

Fibromyalgia syndrome （FMS） is a refractory， chronic non-articular rheumatic disease characterized by widespread pain throughout the body， for which there are no satisfactory therapeutic drugs or options. There are rich Chinese medical therapies， and some non-drug therapies， such as acupuncture， Tai Chi， and Ba-Duan-Jin， have shown satisfactory efficacy and safety and definite advantages of simultaneously adjusting mind and body. FMS is taken as a disease responding specifically to traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） by the National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine in 2018. In order to clarify the research progress in FMS and the clinical advantages of TCM/integrated Chinese and Western medicine， the China Academy of Chinese Medicine organized a seminar for nearly 20 experts in Chinese and Western medicine， including rheumatology， psychology， acupuncture and moxibustion， and encephalopathy， with the topic of difficulties in clinical diagnosis and treatment of FMS and advantages of TCM and Western medicine. The recommendations were reached on the difficulties in early diagnosis and solutions of FMS， mitigation of common non-specific symptoms， preferential analgesic therapy， TCM pathogenesis and treatment advantages， and direction of treatment with integrated Chinese and Western medicine. FMS is currently facing the triple dilemma of low early correct diagnosis， poor patient participation， and unsatisfactory benefit from pure Western medicine treatment. To solve the above problems， this paper suggests that rheumatologists should serve as the main diagnostic force of this disease， and they should improve patient participation in treatment decision-making， implement exercise therapy， and fully utilize the holistic and multidimensional features of TCM， which is effective in alleviating pain， improving mood， and decreasing adverse events. In addition， it is suggested that FMS treatment should rely on both TCM and Western medicine and adopt multidisciplinary joint treatment， which is expected to improve the standard of diagnosis and treatment of FMS in China.

BACKGROUND:How to improve the accuracy of puncture,reduce surgical damage,and improve surgical efficiency during vertebroplasty is currently one of the focuses of exploration and improvement in vertebroplasty techniques. OBJECTIVE:To explore the clinical significance of application of mixed reality technology in percutaneous vertebroplasty for spinal fractures. METHODS:Two patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture in Dalian Second People's Hospital in June 2023 were selected.Before operation,128-row CT scanning of the lumbar spine was performed and the original data of digital imaging and communications in medicine(DICOM)were obtained.Visual Volume software was used to build the three-dimensional network model of vertebral compression fracture.Holographic imaging glasses were used to accurately map 3D network model images to the real world,assist the surgeon in completing preoperative simulation,explaining preoperative conditions and treatment plans,and guiding puncture and bone cement injection during surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Precise puncture was achieved with the assistance of a mixed reality technology.Postoperative imaging examination showed good bone cement filling and no obvious leakage.The postoperative symptoms of the patient were alleviated well,and they were able to move to the ground on the same day after surgery.(2)It is concluded that a mixed reality technology is helpful for preoperative surgical design and communication efficiency with patients and their families.Assisting with precise puncture during surgery,shortening surgical time,and reducing side injuries is a new and effective clinical diagnosis and treatment model,which has development potential in minimally invasive,precise,and personalized treatment of spinal surgery.

Objective To investigate the effects of doublecortin-like kinase 1(DCLK1)on the malignant biological behaviors,such as proliferation,migration,and invasion,of A549 cell line and their corresponding mechanisms.Methods DCLK1-overexpressing A549 cell lines were established through lentiviral infection,and DCLK1 expression was validated by using RT-PCR and Western blot analysis.Proliferation ability was assessed with CCK-8 and plate cloning assays,and migration and invasion abilities were examined with Transwell assays.The pathway regulated by DCLK1 in lung adenocarcinoma was analyzed on the basis of the TCGA lung adenocarcinoma cohort with pathway enrichment analysis and verified through Western blot analysis.Results DCLK1 overexpression in A549 cells promoted cell proliferation,migration,and invasion.The inhibition of the FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway impaired the DCLK1-mediated malignant behavior of A549 cells.Conclusion DCLK1 promotes the malignant behavior of A549 cells through the activation of the FAK/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

The"season-visceral-related"theory originated from Huangdi Neijing,and its content contains the"holism of five viscera"and"correspondence between nature and humans"in the theoretical system of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).Recently,the prevalence of post-stroke cognitive impairment(PSCI)has gradually increased with the increasing incidence of stroke.TCM believes that PSCI is located in the brain,however,the causative factors such as phlegm,depression,deficiency,and stasis are caused by the lesions of the five zang viscera.Therefore,PSCI can not be treated with the brain alone.Based on the"season-visceral-related"theory,this article discusses the etiology,pathogenesis,and treatment ideas for PSCI from the four seasons and five zang viscera.Xiaoyao Pill was selected as a treatment for patients with qi imbalance in spring to disperse stagnated liver qi to relieve qi stagnation.Tianwang Buxin Dan was selected as a treatment for patients with blood loss and spirit injury in the summer to nourish the blood and calm the heart and brain.Kaixin Powder was selected as a treatment for patients with spleen deficiency and phlegm blockage in late summer to strengthen the spleen,awaken the mind,and remove stasis.Wenfei Jiangzhuo Decoction was selected as a treatment for patients with qi deficiency and spirit departure in autumn to nourish the lungs,reduce turbidity,and nourish the mind.Dihuang Yinzi was selected as a treatment for patients with marrow reduction and internal toxin in winter to expel phlegm and fill the mind.Treating PSCI using the"season-visceral-related"theory reflects the overall concept of TCM and the hypothesis of syndrome differentiation and treatment and provides novel method for treating PSCI.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of restylane volyme cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel injection via dual-plane technique for cheek depression and mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid-lower face.Methods:The data of patients with cheek concavity accompanied by mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid-lower face treated at Jinan MeiAo Plastic Surgery Hospital from February 2023 to January 2024 were retrospectively collected. The treatment was injection of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel via double-plane technique, with needle insertion points located 1-2 cm anterior to the tragus. After insertion, a 23 G blunt needle was used to fanwise inject the subcutaneous fat (superficial layer) and the subcutaneous (deep layer) fat compartments in the concave area of the cheek, and a suitable amount of subcutaneous injection was administered below the zygomatic arch to soften the prominent zygomatic arch and achieve natural smoothness of the filling area. The total volume injected per side ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 ml. The patient’s skin condition was closely observed during the injection process, followed by gentle compression after injection. Patient images were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 6 months postoperatively. Blind evaluator used the facial laxity rating scale (FLRS) and medicis midface volume scale (MMVS) to evaluate the improvement in facial laxity and fullness. A higher rating/score of the scale indicates greater laxity or worse fullness of the face, and a decrease of 1 grade/point postoperatively compared to preoperative status was considered effective, while a decrease of ≥2 grades/points was considered significantly effective. Patients used the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) to self-assess the improvement in facial appearance before and after treatment, with a maximum score of 5 points indicating the most noticeable improvement. Patient satisfaction and effect durability were investigated using a self-made satisfaction scale. The occurrence of patient complications was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software, with measurement data expressed as Mean±SD, and paired t-tests used for comparison of GAIS scores immediately postoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively within the same patient. Categorical data were presented as cases (%). Results:A total of 80 female patients aged 30 to 50 years were included, all of whom were followed up for over 6 months. The FLRS grades showed that compared with preoperative status, all patients immediately postoperatively were rated as effective (69 cases, 86.3%) or significantly effective (11 cases, 13.8%). Compared with immediately postoperatively, 74 cases (92.5%) had no change in rating at 6 months postoperatively, while 6 cases (7.5%) experienced a 1-grade increase, indicating a slight reduction in treatment efficacy. The MMVS scores of the right and left facial sides of patients showed that compared with preoperative status, all patients immediately postoperatively achieved effective (right side: 55 cases, 68.8%; left side: 69 cases, 86.2%) or significantly effective (right side: 25 cases, 31.2%; left side: 11 cases, 13.8%) improvement in facial fullness. Compared with immediately postoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, right side of 70 cases (87.5%) and left side of 77 cases (96.2%) had no change in grading, the other 12 patients (13 sides) increased by 1 point, indicating that the treatment effect was slightly weakened. All patients believed that their facial appearance improved after treatment, with GAIS scores of 4.5±0.5 immediately after treatment, while of 4.4±0.5 at 6 months postoperatively, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=1.08, P=0.280). The satisfaction rate (very satisfied+ satisfied) immediately postoperatively was 97.5% (78/80). Seventy-two (90.0%) cases expressed willingness to undergo secondary treatment. At 6 months post-treatment, the satisfaction rate (very satisfied+ satisfied) with treatment improvement and maintenance was 98.8% (79/80). Sixty-eight (85.0%) cases believed the treatment improvement effect could be maintained for about 6 months. One patient experienced mild redness and slight swelling in the injection area immediately postoperatively, which subsided after icing. No other obvious adverse reaction occurred. Conclusion:The use of double-plane technique injection of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel can safely and effectively improve cheek concavity, alleviate mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid-lower face, and maintain treatment efficacy for approximately 6 months.

Objective:To explore the efficacy and safety of restylane volyme cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel injection via dual-plane technique for cheek depression and mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid-lower face.Methods:The data of patients with cheek concavity accompanied by mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid-lower face treated at Jinan MeiAo Plastic Surgery Hospital from February 2023 to January 2024 were retrospectively collected. The treatment was injection of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel via double-plane technique, with needle insertion points located 1-2 cm anterior to the tragus. After insertion, a 23 G blunt needle was used to fanwise inject the subcutaneous fat (superficial layer) and the subcutaneous (deep layer) fat compartments in the concave area of the cheek, and a suitable amount of subcutaneous injection was administered below the zygomatic arch to soften the prominent zygomatic arch and achieve natural smoothness of the filling area. The total volume injected per side ranged from 1.5 to 3.5 ml. The patient’s skin condition was closely observed during the injection process, followed by gentle compression after injection. Patient images were collected preoperatively, immediately postoperatively, and at 6 months postoperatively. Blind evaluator used the facial laxity rating scale (FLRS) and medicis midface volume scale (MMVS) to evaluate the improvement in facial laxity and fullness. A higher rating/score of the scale indicates greater laxity or worse fullness of the face, and a decrease of 1 grade/point postoperatively compared to preoperative status was considered effective, while a decrease of ≥2 grades/points was considered significantly effective. Patients used the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) to self-assess the improvement in facial appearance before and after treatment, with a maximum score of 5 points indicating the most noticeable improvement. Patient satisfaction and effect durability were investigated using a self-made satisfaction scale. The occurrence of patient complications was recorded. Data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0 statistical software, with measurement data expressed as Mean±SD, and paired t-tests used for comparison of GAIS scores immediately postoperatively and at 6 months postoperatively within the same patient. Categorical data were presented as cases (%). Results:A total of 80 female patients aged 30 to 50 years were included, all of whom were followed up for over 6 months. The FLRS grades showed that compared with preoperative status, all patients immediately postoperatively were rated as effective (69 cases, 86.3%) or significantly effective (11 cases, 13.8%). Compared with immediately postoperatively, 74 cases (92.5%) had no change in rating at 6 months postoperatively, while 6 cases (7.5%) experienced a 1-grade increase, indicating a slight reduction in treatment efficacy. The MMVS scores of the right and left facial sides of patients showed that compared with preoperative status, all patients immediately postoperatively achieved effective (right side: 55 cases, 68.8%; left side: 69 cases, 86.2%) or significantly effective (right side: 25 cases, 31.2%; left side: 11 cases, 13.8%) improvement in facial fullness. Compared with immediately postoperatively, at 6 months postoperatively, right side of 70 cases (87.5%) and left side of 77 cases (96.2%) had no change in grading, the other 12 patients (13 sides) increased by 1 point, indicating that the treatment effect was slightly weakened. All patients believed that their facial appearance improved after treatment, with GAIS scores of 4.5±0.5 immediately after treatment, while of 4.4±0.5 at 6 months postoperatively, the difference was not statistically significant ( t=1.08, P=0.280). The satisfaction rate (very satisfied+ satisfied) immediately postoperatively was 97.5% (78/80). Seventy-two (90.0%) cases expressed willingness to undergo secondary treatment. At 6 months post-treatment, the satisfaction rate (very satisfied+ satisfied) with treatment improvement and maintenance was 98.8% (79/80). Sixty-eight (85.0%) cases believed the treatment improvement effect could be maintained for about 6 months. One patient experienced mild redness and slight swelling in the injection area immediately postoperatively, which subsided after icing. No other obvious adverse reaction occurred. Conclusion:The use of double-plane technique injection of cross-linked sodium hyaluronate gel can safely and effectively improve cheek concavity, alleviate mild to moderate skin laxity in the mid-lower face, and maintain treatment efficacy for approximately 6 months.

BACKGROUND: Breast cancer patients who are positive for hormone receptor typically exhibit a favorable prognosis. It is controversial whether chemotherapy is necessary for them after surgery. Our study aimed to establish a multigene model to predict the relapse of hormone receptor-positive early-stage Chinese breast cancer after surgery and direct individualized application of chemotherapy in breast cancer patients after surgery. METHODS: In this study, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified between relapse and nonrelapse breast cancer groups based on RNA sequencing. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify potential relapse-relevant pathways. CIBERSORT and Microenvironment Cell Populations-counter algorithms were used to analyze immune infiltration. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, log-rank tests, and multiple Cox regression were performed to identify prognostic signatures. A predictive model was developed and validated based on Kaplan-Meier analysis, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC). RESULTS: A total of 234 out of 487 patients were enrolled in this study, and 1588 DEGs were identified between the relapse and nonrelapse groups. GSEA results showed that immune-related pathways were enriched in the nonrelapse group, whereas cell cycle- and metabolism-relevant pathways were enriched in the relapse group. A predictive model was developed using three genes ( CKMT1B , SMR3B , and OR11M1P ) generated from the LASSO regression. The model stratified breast cancer patients into high- and low-risk subgroups with significantly different prognostic statuses, and our model was independent of other clinical factors. Time-dependent ROC showed high predictive performance of the model. CONCLUSIONS A multigene model was established from RNA-sequencing data to direct risk classification and predict relapse of hormone receptor-positive breast cancer in Chinese patients. Utilization of the model could provide individualized evaluation of chemotherapy after surgery for breast cancer patients.
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/genetics* ; East Asian People ; Neoplasm Recurrence, Local/genetics* ; Breast ; Algorithms ; Chronic Disease ; Prognosis ; Tumor Microenvironment

α-amylase is an endonucleoside hydrolase that hydrolyzes the α-1, 4-glycosidic bonds inside polysaccharides, such as starch, to generate oligosaccharides, dextrins, maltotriose, maltose and a small amount of glucose. Due to the importance of α-amylase in food industry, human health monitoring and pharmaceuticals, detection of its activity is widely required in the breeding of α-amylase producing strains, in vitro diagnosis, development of diabetes drugs, and the control of food quality. In recent years, many new α-amylase detection methods have been developed with improved speed and sensitivity. This review summarized recent processes in the development and applications of new α-amylase detection methods. The major principle of these detection methods were introduced, and their advantages and disadvantages were compared to facilitate future development and applications of α-amylase detection methods.
Humans ; alpha-Amylases/chemistry* ; Polysaccharides ; Oligosaccharides ; Starch ; Maltose