Esophageal cancer （EC） is a highly prevalent malignant tumor in China. The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K）/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， as one of the key oncogenic pathways， can promote the cell cycle progression， proliferation， migration， and invasion， induce chemoresistance， and inhibit apoptosis and autophagy of EC cells. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）， with the advantages of targeting multiple points with multiple components to delay cancer progression， can target the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway for EC treatment. This article preliminarily discusses the molecular mechanism and role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and elaborates on the specific targets and efficacy of TCM in treating EC through intervention in the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in the past five years. TCM materials and extracts inhibiting the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC include Borneolum， spore powder of Ganoderma lucidum without spore coat， extract of Celastrus orbiculatus， root extract of Taraxacum， and Bruceae Fructus oil emulsion. TCM active ingredients exerting the effect include flavonoids， terpenoids， saponins， phenols， polysaccharides， alkaloids， and other compounds. TCM compound prescriptions with such effect include Qige San， Huqi San， Xuanfu Daizhetang， Tongyoutang and its decomposed prescriptions， Liujunzi Tang， and Xishenzhi Formula. In addition， TCM injections such as Compound Kushen Injection and Kang'ai injection also inhibit the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC. This paper summarizes the role of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in EC and the TCM interventions， aiming to provide reference for the research and clinical application of new drugs for EC.

With changes in lifestyle,the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures is increasing.These fractures are prone to being underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.In severe cases,they can lead to nonunion,kyphotic deformity,and even neurological injury.The best treatment plan for such unstable fractures has always been controversial.On the one hand,the fracture degree is severe and the morphology is complex,and there is no unified classification standard.On the other hand,the general condition and bone quality of the patients are poor,which affects the surgical decision.This article reviews the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic lumbar body blowout fractures.

BACKGROUND:The lower-limb muscle strength shows a significant physiological decline with aging.There may be a certain correlation between sedentary behavior,fear of falling,age and lower-limb muscle strength,but the influence path and effect relationship among them are not yet clear.OBJECTIVE:To examine the relationship between sedentary behavior and lower-limb muscle strength,and to explore the influences of fear of falling and age in such an association among community-dwelling older adults.METHODS:This cross-sectional study recruited 331 community-dwelling older adults(aged≥60 years)in Shanghai.A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect basic information,demographic data,etc.The Short Form of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire was applied to measure sedentary time.Lower-limb muscle strength was assessed by the 30-second chair-stand test.Fear of falling was measured by the Chinese version of Fall Efficacy Scale-International.Descriptive statistics analysis,correlation analysis,regression-based path analysis and mediation analyses were performed on the data.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Valid data from 318 community-dwelling older adults[78.9%females,mean age(67.8±5.5)years old]were finally included in the analysis.There were 185 with sedentary time≥3 hours and 133 with sedentary time<3 hours.(1)There was a positive correlation between sedentary behavior and fear of falling(P<0.01),and there were negative correlations between lower-limb muscle strength and sedentary behavior(P<0.01)and between lower-limb muscle strength and fear of falling(P<0.001).(2)Sedentary behavior negatively predicted lower-limb muscle strength(β=-0.125,P<0.05),and positively predicted fear of falling(β=0.182,P<0.01).Fear of falling negatively predicted lower-limb muscle strength(β=-0.293,P<0.001).(3)Fear of falling mediated the relationship between sedentary behavior and lower-limb muscle strength(β=-0.053,95%confidence interval:-0.100 to-0.018).(4)Sedentary behavior had a statistically significant predictive effect on fear of falling(β=0.164,P<0.01),indicating that age moderates the effect of sedentary behavior on fear of falling.

To assess the cross-contamination risk and genetic evolution ofStaphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)at various stages in a swine slaughterhouse,and to provide a reference for risk evalua-tion and control measures of S.aureus contamination during swine slaughtering,we conducted whole-genome sequencing on 31 isolates of S.aureus collected and preserved from the slaughter-house.Bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate the genomic characteristics and genet-ic relationships of these isolates.Results revealed cross-contamination across different slaughter-house stages,predominantly with ST398-t1451 strains.Additionally,highly virulent ST9-t899 strains and ST398-t11 strains with numerous resistance genes were detected at various stages.The strains predominantly carried virulence genes such as hlgA,hlgB,and hlgC,with varying num-bers of resistance genes.Notably,two strains carried the optrA gene and three strains carried the cfr gene;the presence of the optrA gene is relatively rare among S.aureus.These genes confer re-sistance to novel synthetic antibiotics such as oxazolidinones and florfenicol and have the potential for horizontal gene transfer,increasing the risk of dissemination both within and beyond the slaughterhouse.Importantly,the study also detected a LA-MRSA-ST9 strain in water samples from the slaughterhouse,which could potentially infect humans.This strain exhibits zoonotic char-acteristics,highlighting the need for stricter protective measures for slaughterhouse workers to mitigate occupational exposure and infection risks.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of Qixian Tongluo Formula in the treatment of post-cerebral infarction paralysis with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome,and to preliminarily explore the molecular mechanism of Qixian Tongluo Formula in improving impaired motor function from the perspective of cross-kingdom regulation of Chinese medicine microRNA(miRNA).Methods A pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted with 102 patients in the recovery period of post-cerebral infarction paralysis with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in our hospital.Patients were randomly divided into trial group and control group,with 51 cases in each group.The control group received standard Western medicine standard treatment,while the trial group received Qixian Tongluo Formula in addition to the standard treatment,with one dose per day,boiled in water,and taken warm after breakfast and dinner for a course of 2 months.The disability rate was used as the main efficacy indicator,and the incidence of adverse reactions was used as a safety indicator.miRNA from patient serum and Qixian Tongluo decoction were extracted respectively,and high-throughput sequencing was performed.The two sequences were compared to screen out the cross-kingdom gene transfer of Chinese medicine miRNA.Finally,its target genes of miRNA were predicted,and GO function and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were carried out.Results A total of 67 patients completed the clinical trial,including 36 cases in the trial group and 31 cases in the control group;The disability rate in the trial group(13.9%)was lower than that in the control group(35.5%)(P<0.05);The incidence of adverse reactions was similar between the trial group(7.69%)and the control group(6.06%)(P>0.05);A total of 9530 Qixian Tongluo decoction miRNA sequences were screened,with 150 potentially involved in cross-kingdom gene transfer,including families such as miR-15 and miR-17;According to the target gene prediction of the top 10 miRNAs in cross-kingdom gene transfer of Chinese medicine,345 overlapping target genes were obtained;GO functional enrichment analysis revealed 16 biological processes,7 cellular components,and 2 molecular functions among the top 25 enriched functions,while KEGG pathway analysis mainly focused on the transforming growth factor-βsignaling pathway,neurotrophin signaling pathway,which are closely related to neural repair and functional recovery processes such as glial scar formation and synaptic plasticity after cerebral ischemia.Conclusion Qixian Tongluo Formula can significantly improve the functional independence level of patients with kidney deficiency and blood stasis syndrome in the recovery period of paralysis after cerebral infarction,offering a safe and effective treatment option for these patients;There were a large number of miRNAs in Qixian Tongluo decoction,some of which could cross-kingdom transferred into the human blood circulation,and promote the recovery of motor function in patients with cerebral infarction through multi-target,multi link and multi pathway gene network regulation.This study provides a new idea for subsequent clinical and basic research.

With changes in lifestyle,the incidence of osteoporotic vertebral burst fractures is increasing.These fractures are prone to being underdiagnosed or misdiagnosed.In severe cases,they can lead to nonunion,kyphotic deformity,and even neurological injury.The best treatment plan for such unstable fractures has always been controversial.On the one hand,the fracture degree is severe and the morphology is complex,and there is no unified classification standard.On the other hand,the general condition and bone quality of the patients are poor,which affects the surgical decision.This article reviews the progress in the diagnosis and treatment of osteoporotic lumbar body blowout fractures.

To assess the cross-contamination risk and genetic evolution ofStaphylococcus aureus(S.aureus)at various stages in a swine slaughterhouse,and to provide a reference for risk evalua-tion and control measures of S.aureus contamination during swine slaughtering,we conducted whole-genome sequencing on 31 isolates of S.aureus collected and preserved from the slaughter-house.Bioinformatics analyses were performed to investigate the genomic characteristics and genet-ic relationships of these isolates.Results revealed cross-contamination across different slaughter-house stages,predominantly with ST398-t1451 strains.Additionally,highly virulent ST9-t899 strains and ST398-t11 strains with numerous resistance genes were detected at various stages.The strains predominantly carried virulence genes such as hlgA,hlgB,and hlgC,with varying num-bers of resistance genes.Notably,two strains carried the optrA gene and three strains carried the cfr gene;the presence of the optrA gene is relatively rare among S.aureus.These genes confer re-sistance to novel synthetic antibiotics such as oxazolidinones and florfenicol and have the potential for horizontal gene transfer,increasing the risk of dissemination both within and beyond the slaughterhouse.Importantly,the study also detected a LA-MRSA-ST9 strain in water samples from the slaughterhouse,which could potentially infect humans.This strain exhibits zoonotic char-acteristics,highlighting the need for stricter protective measures for slaughterhouse workers to mitigate occupational exposure and infection risks.

Objective To assess the mid-term clinical prognosis and radiological outcomes of a novel expandable PEEK(polyetheretherketone)vertebral replacement device used for anterior and middle column recon-struction in the thoracolumbar spine of osteoporotic patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients with single-segment osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures who underwent vertebral body replacement surgery between January 2020 and December 2023.The surgical procedures included either a thoracoscopic or minimally invasive anterior approach,combined with posterior short-segment cement-augmented screw fixation.According to the type of replacement material used,patients were categorized into two groups:the novel PEEK group and the titanium Mesh cage group.Data on surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative complications were collected.The Visual Analogue Score(VAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),local kyphotic angle(LKA),fusion segment height(D-line),anterior vertebral body height(AVBH),and posterior vertebral body height(PVBH)were assessed at three stages:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,and during the final follow-up.Results All patients were successfully discharged.In the PEEK group,the average operative time was(235.28±58.69)minutes,and intraoperative blood loss was(680.00±163.30)mL.The mean follow-up duration was(14.12±2.44)months.The VAS score decreased significantly from(7.44±0.87)preoperatively to(2.24±0.93)at the final follow-up,and the ODI score also decreased significantly from(42.64±4.86)preoperatively to(11.84±3.73)at the final follow-up,indicating substantial improvement in symptoms and function(P<0.05).At the final follow-up,LKA,D-line,and AVBH exhibited partial loss compared to immediate postoperative values(P>0.05),but they remained significantly improved compared to preoperative values(P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate was 12.00%(3/25),and the fusion rate at the final follow-up was 100.00%.Similarly,the Mesh group effectively improved patient symptoms,function,and vertebral height(P<0.05).However,at the final follow-up,the PEEK group demonstrated significantly better LKA,D-line,and AVBH values compared to the Mesh group(P<0.05).Conclusion The short-segment cement-augmented internal fixation in combination with the novel expandable PEEK replacement device represents a viable solution for anterior column reconstruction in osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures,as evidenced by its mid-term outcomes of effective pain relief,significant functional improvement,sustained maintenance of vertebral height,and successful deformity correction.

Objective To assess the mid-term clinical prognosis and radiological outcomes of a novel expandable PEEK(polyetheretherketone)vertebral replacement device used for anterior and middle column recon-struction in the thoracolumbar spine of osteoporotic patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 52 patients with single-segment osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures who underwent vertebral body replacement surgery between January 2020 and December 2023.The surgical procedures included either a thoracoscopic or minimally invasive anterior approach,combined with posterior short-segment cement-augmented screw fixation.According to the type of replacement material used,patients were categorized into two groups:the novel PEEK group and the titanium Mesh cage group.Data on surgical time,intraoperative blood loss,and postoperative complications were collected.The Visual Analogue Score(VAS),Oswestry Disability Index(ODI),local kyphotic angle(LKA),fusion segment height(D-line),anterior vertebral body height(AVBH),and posterior vertebral body height(PVBH)were assessed at three stages:preoperatively,immediately postoperatively,and during the final follow-up.Results All patients were successfully discharged.In the PEEK group,the average operative time was(235.28±58.69)minutes,and intraoperative blood loss was(680.00±163.30)mL.The mean follow-up duration was(14.12±2.44)months.The VAS score decreased significantly from(7.44±0.87)preoperatively to(2.24±0.93)at the final follow-up,and the ODI score also decreased significantly from(42.64±4.86)preoperatively to(11.84±3.73)at the final follow-up,indicating substantial improvement in symptoms and function(P<0.05).At the final follow-up,LKA,D-line,and AVBH exhibited partial loss compared to immediate postoperative values(P>0.05),but they remained significantly improved compared to preoperative values(P<0.05).The postoperative complication rate was 12.00%(3/25),and the fusion rate at the final follow-up was 100.00%.Similarly,the Mesh group effectively improved patient symptoms,function,and vertebral height(P<0.05).However,at the final follow-up,the PEEK group demonstrated significantly better LKA,D-line,and AVBH values compared to the Mesh group(P<0.05).Conclusion The short-segment cement-augmented internal fixation in combination with the novel expandable PEEK replacement device represents a viable solution for anterior column reconstruction in osteoporotic thoracolumbar fractures,as evidenced by its mid-term outcomes of effective pain relief,significant functional improvement,sustained maintenance of vertebral height,and successful deformity correction.

Purpose To investigate correlation of ADP ribosylation-like factor 6 interacting protein 4(ARL6IP4)expression with the pathological characteristics and clinical prognosis in primary colon cancer.Methods The ARL6IP4 mRNA expression in tumor and adjacent normal tissues of 133 colon cancer patients was analyzed by RT-qPCR,and its relationship with tumor location,pathological TNM stage,and 3-year survival prognosis was assessed.Additionally,ARL6IP4 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry in 30 cases,of which 16 cases were analyzed by immunofluorescence.Results The colon cancer presented significantly higher mRNA and protein levels of ARL6IP4 than adjacent normal tissues(t=4.221,P=5.200 × 10-5;t=7.421,P=3.537 × 10-8).The relative ex-pression level of ARL6IP4 mRNA in colon cancer was positively correlated with pathological TNM stage,N stage and M stage(P＜0.05),and negatively correlated with 3-year cumulative survival probability(P＜0.01).Additionally,sig-moid colon cancer presented significantly higher ARL6IP4 expression than other colon cancers,and at the cellular lev-el,ARL6IP4 was predominantly expressed in the cell nucleus.Conclusion The ARL6IP4 expression in colon cancer is higher than that in adjacent normal tissues,which is closely related to tumor metastasis and clinical prognosis.