OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects and mechanisms of Buyang huanwu decoction （BYHWD） and its active fractions in ameliorating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. METHODS BYHWD and its effective fractions obtained through ethanol precipitation， as well as 30% ethanol， 50% ethanol， and 75% ethanol fractions （namely， the CC effective fraction， 30YC effective fraction， 50YC effective fraction， and 75YC effective fraction）， were prepared. These preparations were administered to rats via intragastric administration to prepare corresponding drug-containing serum （blank serum and simvastatin-containing serum were prepared using the same protocol）. Human L02 hepatocytes were divided into control group， model group， simvastatin-containing serum group， BYHWD-containing serum group， CC-containing serum group， 30YC-containing serum group， 50YC-containing serum group， and 75YC-containing serum group. Except for the control group， other groups were given 0.2 mol/L oleic acid for 24 h to induce a lipid accumulation model， and then intervened with 20% drug-containing serum/blank serum for 24 h. The lipid deposition in cells was observed， and the proportion of lipid droplet area was calculated； the levels of triglycerides （TG） and indicators of oxidative stress [malondialdehyde （MDA）， superoxide dismutase （SOD）] as well as liver function [alanine amino- transferase （ALT）， aspartate amino-transferase （AST）] in cells were detected； protein and mRNA expressions of AMP-activated protein kinase （AMPK）/sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1 （SREBP-1）/glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase （GPAT） signaling pathway were also measured. RESULTS Compared with the control group， cells in the model group exhibited severe cellular steatosis， with a significantly increased proportion of lipid droplet area， as well as the elevated levels of TG， ALT， AST， and MDA in cells， along with significantly up-regulated mRNA and protein expression levels of SREBP-1 and GPAT （P＜0.05）. The level of SOD， mRNA expression of AMPK， as well as the protein phosphorylation level of AMPK were decreased significantly （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， cellular steatosis was alleviated in all drug-containing serum groups， and the levels of most of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were significantly reversed （P＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS BYHWD and its active fractions can exert a therapeutic effect on improving non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by regulating the AMPK/SREBP-1/GPAT signaling pathway， inhibiting oxidative stress responses， and reducing lipid deposition.

Objective: To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and diagnostic-therapeutic strategies of oncocytic mucoepidermoid carcinoma (OMEC) of the parotid gland, and to enhance awareness of this rare variant among clinicians and pathologists. Methods: The clinical data, imaging findings, histopathological features, immunophenotype, and molecular characteristics of two patients with parotid OMEC were retrospectively analyzed, and the relevant literature was reviewed. Results: Case 1 was a 50-year-old man who presented with a painless mass behind the right earlobe for more than 2 years. The patient underwent extended parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve. Histopathological examination revealed that the tumor was predominantly composed of oncocytic cells with a small proportion of mucous cells. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells were partially positive for cytokeratin 5/6, cytokeratin 7, and P63. Special staining with alcian blue, periodic acid-Schiff, and phosphotungstic acid hematoxylin yielded positive results. The diagnosis of right parotid OMEC was established. No recurrence or metastasis was observed during a 1 year follow-up. Case 2 was a 61-year-old man with a 3-month history of a mass beneath the left ear. After partial parotidectomy at an outside institution, pathological consultation at the Stomatological Hospital of Jilin University demonstrated that the tumor consisted almost entirely of oncocytic cells, exhibited infiltrative growth, and lacked typical mucous, epidermoid, and intermediate cells. Fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed positive mastermind-like transcriptional activator 2 (MAML2) gene rearrangement, establishing the diagnosis of left parotid OMEC. The patient subsequently underwent total parotidectomy with preservation of the facial nerve, and no recurrence was detected during a short-term 3 months follow-up. A review of the literature indicated that OMEC most commonly arises in the parotid gland and is generally a low-grade malignancy with favorable prognosis. When tumors are composed exclusively of oncocytic cells, exhibit minimal cytological atypia, and lack the classical cellular components of mucoepidermoid carcinoma, they are highly prone to misdiagnosis as oncocytoma, nodular oncocytic hyperplasia, or other benign oncocytic lesions. Accurate differential diagnosis relies on recognition of infiltrative growth patterns, supportive immunophenotypic markers (e.g., P63 positivity), and detection of characteristic MAML2 gene rearrangement. Complete surgical excision remains the treatment of choice. Conclusion OMEC dominated by oncocytic cells carries a high risk of clinical misdiagnosis. Integrating the assessment Conclusion OMEC dominated by oncocytic cells carries a high risk of clinical misdiagnosis. Integrating the assessment of infiltrative histopathological features with immunohistochemistry and molecular detection of MAML2 rearrangement is crucial for accurate diagnosis, appropriate assessment of tumor behavior, and optimal surgical decision making.

Objective:To investigate the current status of breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery in hospitals in China.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. A self-designed survey questionnaire was used to investigate nurses of department of breast diseases in China from May to August 2023. The content of the questionnaire included four aspects: identification information, basic hospital information, the implementation situation of breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, and the situation of medical and nursing human resources for breast reconstruction, with a total of 39 items. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software. The non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as M( Q1, Q3), and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups. Numeric data were expressed as frequency and percentage, and comparisons between groups were made using the χ2-test or Fisher’s exact probability method. P<0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Results:A total of 212 public hospitals from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities participated in the survey. Two hundred and three hospitals (95.8%) returned valid data, including 155 Grade Ⅲ Level A hospitals, 19 Grade Ⅲ Level B and C hospitals, and 29 Grade Ⅱ hospitals. There were 157 general hospitals, 32 specialized cancer hospitals, and 14 other hospitals. Thirty-nine hospitals did not perform breast reconstruction surgery. A total of 164 hospitals (80.8%) had already carried out breast reconstruction surgery, among which the proportion of breast reconstruction in Grade Ⅲ Level A hospitals [90.3% (140/155)] was significantly higher than that in Grade Ⅲ Level B and C hospitals [52.6% (10/19)] and Grade Ⅱ hospitals [48.3% (14/29)] ( P<0.01). The proportion of breast reconstruction in specialized cancer hospitals [96.9% (31/32)] was significantly higher than that in general hospitals [79.0% (124/157)] and other types of hospitals [64.3% (9/14)] ( P<0.05). Among the 164 hospitals, 310 (150, 637.5) patients underwent breast cancer surgery and 30 (10, 100) patients underwent breast reconstruction in 2022. The proportion of patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery among breast cancer surgery patients was 13.3% (4.0%, 20.0%). The number of patients receiving immediate breast reconstruction was 11 (2.5, 46.5) cases, and the number of those receiving delayed breast reconstruction was 5 (0, 18.5) cases. Among 203 hospitals, the median proportions of breast oncoplastic surgeons and specialized nurses among healthcare providers in breast surgery departments were 28.6% (2/7) and 75.0% (12/16), respectively. In comparison of the 164 hospitals offering breast reconstruction surgery and 39 hospitals not, the median numbers of breast oncoplastic surgeons were 3 (1, 8) versus 1 (0, 3), and qualified breast reconstruction nurses were 12 (6, 16) versus 1 (0, 8), respectively. All differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusion:About 80% of hospitals in China have offered breast reconstruction procedures after breast cancer surgery, and the proportion of Grade Ⅲ Level A hospitals and specialized cancer hospitals is higher than that of other types of hospitals. The proportion of patients undergoing breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery is relatively low, and there is a considerable potential of improvements. Breast oncoplastic surgeons and nurses are insufficient, so it is necessary to strengthen the training of specialized medical staff and improve surgical techniques and the level of nursing services simultaneously, so as to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Objective:To evaluate the accuracy and safety profile of a novel cuboid orientation-guided frontal horn ventriculostomy technique in patients with large hemispheric infarction (LHI).Methods:It was conducted a retrospective cohort study of 48 consecutive LHI patients who underwent the innovative ventriculostomy procedure between time period. Primary outcomes included procedural accuracy (success rates, catheter positioning) and safety indicators (complication rates).Results:All the punctured ventricles were small or of normal size. The success rate of puncture was 100%, the success rate of one-time puncture was 87% (42/48), and the average number of puncture was 1.13 times per case. The ratio of well-positioned tube heads was 87.5% (42/48). The actual angle of the inward deviation of the puncture ranged from -2o to 5o, with an average of 0o±0.3o. The depth of puncture was 7.0-8.0 cm ( 7.3±0.3) cm. The incidence of bleeding around the puncture path was 1.3% (2/48 ) and no massive bleeding occurred. At the 6-month follow-up, one case (2.94%) among the 34 survivors had epilepsy.Conclusions:The cuboid orientation-guided frontal horn ventriculostomy technique demonstrates exceptional procedural accuracy and an excellent safety profile in LHI patients, with high first-pass success rates (87.5%) and minimal complications (4.2% minor hemorrhage). These findings support its clinical adoption for this patient population.

BACKGROUND: The proportion of patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations is relatively high in China. However, these patients currently lack significant benefits from available neoadjuvant treatment options. This study aims to explore the potential application value of neoadjuvant targeted therapy by evaluating its efficacy and safety in patients with EGFR-mutant resectable lung adenocarcinoma. METHODS: A multicenter retrospective study was used to analyze the treatment effect of patients with stage IIA-IIIB EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma who underwent surgical resection after receiving neoadjuvant targeted therapy from July 2019 to October 2024. RESULTS: A total of 24 patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma from three centers were included in this study. All patients successfully underwent surgery and achieved R0 resection of 100.0%. The objective response rate (ORR) was 83.3% (20/24) . The major pathologic response (MPR) rate was 37.5% (9/24), with 2 patients (8.3%) achieving pathological complete response (pCR). During neoadjuvant therapy, 13 out of 24 patients (54.2%) experienced adverse events of grade 1-2, with no occurrences of ≥ grade 3. The most common treatment-related adverse events were rash (n=4, 16.7%), mouth sores (n=2, 8.3%), and diarrhea (n=2, 8.3%). The median follow-up time was 33.0 months, no deaths occurred in all patients, and the overall survival (OS) rate was 100.0%. The 1-year disease-free survival (DFS) rate was 91.1%, and the 2-year DFS rate remained at 86.2%. CONCLUSIONS The application of neoadjuvant targeted therapy in patients with EGFR-mutant resectable lung adenocarcinoma is safe and feasible, and is expected to become a highly promising neoadjuvant treatment option for the patients with EGFR-mutant lung adenocarcinoma.
Humans ; ErbB Receptors/metabolism* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adenocarcinoma of Lung/surgery* ; Neoadjuvant Therapy ; Lung Neoplasms/surgery* ; Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Mutation ; Adult

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of a combined model based on the radiomics features of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and MRI signs in predicting recurrence after radical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 100 patients with radical resection for HCC who admitted to Zibo 148 Hospital from May 2016 to May 2020.All patients underwent abdominal enhanced MRI examination before surgery,and they were followed up for at least 2 years after the surgery.They were randomly divided into training group(70 cases)and verification group(30 cases)as a ratio of 7:3.According to the postoperative follow-up results,the training group existed 12 cases of recurrence and 58 cases without recurrence,and the verification group existed 5 cases of recurrence and 25 cases without recurrence.The 3D-slicer software was used to extract radiomics features of preoperative MRI images of each HCC patient.The intra-group correlation coefficient(ICC)of the extracted imaging features of the observers was calculated.The maximum related minimum redundancy(mRMR)algorithm and LASSO regression were selected to analyze the established radiomics labels after dimensionality reduction and screening.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent risk factors of predicting recurrence in MRI signs,and they were used respectively to construct radiomics models with the radiomics labels of plain scan,arterial phase,portal phase and hepatobiliary phase.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of each radiomics model in predicting recurrence.Results:The ICC range of two physicians in selecting radiomics features from the MRI images of all patients were between 0.903 and 0.957,which consistency was favorable(ICC≥0.9).Compared with other predictive models,the highest area under curve(AUC)values of ROC curve of the radiomics model of plain scan of training group[0.951(95%CI:0.901-1.000)]and verification group[0.968(95%CI:0.917-1.000)]were respectively 0.951 and 0.968 in predicting recurrence after radical resection for liver cancer.Conclusion:The combined model that is constructed on the basis of MRI radiomics features has favorable predictive value for the recurrence of patients after radical resection for HCC.Among of them,the radiomics model of plain scan has a certain guiding role in the clinical implementation of personalized treatment plans under the absence of enhancement,and in underdeveloped areas.

Objective To observe the value of whole brain CT perfusion(CTP)-derived arterial phase images combined with artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction(AIIR)for evaluating acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods Fifty AIS patients were prospectively enrolled,and whole brain CTP followed by routine CT angiography(CTA)were performed.CTP images were reconstructed using AIIR(CTP-AIIR group)and hybrid iterative reconstruction(HIR,CTP-HIR group),respectively,and CTA images were derived from CTP at the arterial phase.Meanwhile,routine CTA images were obtained using HIR(CTA-HIR group).Then image quality was subjectively evaluated with a 5-point scale.The noise of basilar artery trunk,cavernous segment of internal carotid artery,M1 segment of middle cerebral artery and the brain parenchyma were calculated,and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the above 3 arteries were measured.Taken digital subtraction angiography as the reference standard,the accuracy of CTP and CTA for localizing the responsible vessel of AIS was assessed.Results In CTP-AIIR group,the subjective scoring of 4 subjective metrics,including image noise,sharpness of vessel margin,small vessel visibility and overall diagnosability were significantly higher than,the noise of 3 arteries and brain parenchyma were lower than,and SNR and CNR of 3 arteries were higher than those in CTP-HIR group and CTA-HIR group(all P＜0.017).The diagnostic accuracy of responsible vessel based on CTP-AIIR group and CTA-HIR group were both 96.00％ (48/50),not significantly different with that in CTP-HIR group(44/50,88.00％ )(P=0.142).Conclusion Whole brain CTP-derived arterial phase CTA combined with AIIR could achieve comparable image quality and diagnostic performance of routine CTA for evaluating AIS.

Objective:To investigate the current status of breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery in hospitals in China.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study using convenience sampling. A self-designed survey questionnaire was used to investigate nurses of department of breast diseases in China from May to August 2023. The content of the questionnaire included four aspects: identification information, basic hospital information, the implementation situation of breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery, and the situation of medical and nursing human resources for breast reconstruction, with a total of 39 items. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software. The non-normally distributed measurement data were expressed as M( Q1, Q3), and the Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison between groups. Numeric data were expressed as frequency and percentage, and comparisons between groups were made using the χ2-test or Fisher’s exact probability method. P<0.05 indicated that the difference was statistically significant. Results:A total of 212 public hospitals from 31 provinces, autonomous regions and municipalities participated in the survey. Two hundred and three hospitals (95.8%) returned valid data, including 155 Grade Ⅲ Level A hospitals, 19 Grade Ⅲ Level B and C hospitals, and 29 Grade Ⅱ hospitals. There were 157 general hospitals, 32 specialized cancer hospitals, and 14 other hospitals. Thirty-nine hospitals did not perform breast reconstruction surgery. A total of 164 hospitals (80.8%) had already carried out breast reconstruction surgery, among which the proportion of breast reconstruction in Grade Ⅲ Level A hospitals [90.3% (140/155)] was significantly higher than that in Grade Ⅲ Level B and C hospitals [52.6% (10/19)] and Grade Ⅱ hospitals [48.3% (14/29)] ( P<0.01). The proportion of breast reconstruction in specialized cancer hospitals [96.9% (31/32)] was significantly higher than that in general hospitals [79.0% (124/157)] and other types of hospitals [64.3% (9/14)] ( P<0.05). Among the 164 hospitals, 310 (150, 637.5) patients underwent breast cancer surgery and 30 (10, 100) patients underwent breast reconstruction in 2022. The proportion of patients undergoing breast reconstruction surgery among breast cancer surgery patients was 13.3% (4.0%, 20.0%). The number of patients receiving immediate breast reconstruction was 11 (2.5, 46.5) cases, and the number of those receiving delayed breast reconstruction was 5 (0, 18.5) cases. Among 203 hospitals, the median proportions of breast oncoplastic surgeons and specialized nurses among healthcare providers in breast surgery departments were 28.6% (2/7) and 75.0% (12/16), respectively. In comparison of the 164 hospitals offering breast reconstruction surgery and 39 hospitals not, the median numbers of breast oncoplastic surgeons were 3 (1, 8) versus 1 (0, 3), and qualified breast reconstruction nurses were 12 (6, 16) versus 1 (0, 8), respectively. All differences were statistically significant (all P<0.01). Conclusion:About 80% of hospitals in China have offered breast reconstruction procedures after breast cancer surgery, and the proportion of Grade Ⅲ Level A hospitals and specialized cancer hospitals is higher than that of other types of hospitals. The proportion of patients undergoing breast reconstruction after breast cancer surgery is relatively low, and there is a considerable potential of improvements. Breast oncoplastic surgeons and nurses are insufficient, so it is necessary to strengthen the training of specialized medical staff and improve surgical techniques and the level of nursing services simultaneously, so as to improve the quality of life of breast cancer patients.

Objective:To explore the clinical application value of a combined model based on the radiomics features of magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)and MRI signs in predicting recurrence after radical resection for hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the imaging data of 100 patients with radical resection for HCC who admitted to Zibo 148 Hospital from May 2016 to May 2020.All patients underwent abdominal enhanced MRI examination before surgery,and they were followed up for at least 2 years after the surgery.They were randomly divided into training group(70 cases)and verification group(30 cases)as a ratio of 7:3.According to the postoperative follow-up results,the training group existed 12 cases of recurrence and 58 cases without recurrence,and the verification group existed 5 cases of recurrence and 25 cases without recurrence.The 3D-slicer software was used to extract radiomics features of preoperative MRI images of each HCC patient.The intra-group correlation coefficient(ICC)of the extracted imaging features of the observers was calculated.The maximum related minimum redundancy(mRMR)algorithm and LASSO regression were selected to analyze the established radiomics labels after dimensionality reduction and screening.Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to screen the independent risk factors of predicting recurrence in MRI signs,and they were used respectively to construct radiomics models with the radiomics labels of plain scan,arterial phase,portal phase and hepatobiliary phase.The receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was used to assess the diagnostic efficacy of each radiomics model in predicting recurrence.Results:The ICC range of two physicians in selecting radiomics features from the MRI images of all patients were between 0.903 and 0.957,which consistency was favorable(ICC≥0.9).Compared with other predictive models,the highest area under curve(AUC)values of ROC curve of the radiomics model of plain scan of training group[0.951(95%CI:0.901-1.000)]and verification group[0.968(95%CI:0.917-1.000)]were respectively 0.951 and 0.968 in predicting recurrence after radical resection for liver cancer.Conclusion:The combined model that is constructed on the basis of MRI radiomics features has favorable predictive value for the recurrence of patients after radical resection for HCC.Among of them,the radiomics model of plain scan has a certain guiding role in the clinical implementation of personalized treatment plans under the absence of enhancement,and in underdeveloped areas.

Objective To observe the value of whole brain CT perfusion(CTP)-derived arterial phase images combined with artificial intelligence iterative reconstruction(AIIR)for evaluating acute ischemic stroke(AIS).Methods Fifty AIS patients were prospectively enrolled,and whole brain CTP followed by routine CT angiography(CTA)were performed.CTP images were reconstructed using AIIR(CTP-AIIR group)and hybrid iterative reconstruction(HIR,CTP-HIR group),respectively,and CTA images were derived from CTP at the arterial phase.Meanwhile,routine CTA images were obtained using HIR(CTA-HIR group).Then image quality was subjectively evaluated with a 5-point scale.The noise of basilar artery trunk,cavernous segment of internal carotid artery,M1 segment of middle cerebral artery and the brain parenchyma were calculated,and signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)of the above 3 arteries were measured.Taken digital subtraction angiography as the reference standard,the accuracy of CTP and CTA for localizing the responsible vessel of AIS was assessed.Results In CTP-AIIR group,the subjective scoring of 4 subjective metrics,including image noise,sharpness of vessel margin,small vessel visibility and overall diagnosability were significantly higher than,the noise of 3 arteries and brain parenchyma were lower than,and SNR and CNR of 3 arteries were higher than those in CTP-HIR group and CTA-HIR group(all P＜0.017).The diagnostic accuracy of responsible vessel based on CTP-AIIR group and CTA-HIR group were both 96.00％ (48/50),not significantly different with that in CTP-HIR group(44/50,88.00％ )(P=0.142).Conclusion Whole brain CTP-derived arterial phase CTA combined with AIIR could achieve comparable image quality and diagnostic performance of routine CTA for evaluating AIS.