Microwave thermochemotherapy (MTC) has been applied to treat lip squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC), but a deeper understanding of its therapeutic mechanisms and molecular biology is needed. To address this, we used single-cell transcriptomics (scRNA-seq) and spatial transcriptomics (ST) to highlight the pivotal role of tumor-associated neutrophils (TANs) among tumor-infiltrating immune cells and their therapeutic response to MTC. MNDA⁺ TANs with anti-tumor activity (N1-phenotype) are found to be abundantly infiltrated by MTC with benefit of increased blood perfusion, and these TANs are characterized by enhanced cytotoxicity, ameliorated hypoxia, and upregulated IL1B, activating T&NK cells and fibroblasts via IL1B-IL1R. In this highly anti-tumor immunogenic and hypoxia-reversed microenvironment under MTC, fibroblasts accumulated in the tumor front (TF) can recruit N1-TANs via CXCL2-CXCR2 and clear N2-TANs (pro-tumor phenotype) via CXCL12-CXCR4, which results in the aggregation of N1-TANs and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. In addition, we construct an N1-TANs marker, MX2, which positively correlates with better prognosis in LSCC patients, and employ deep learning techniques to predict expression of MX2 from hematoxylin-eosin (H&E)-stained images so as to conveniently guide decision making in clinical practice. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that the N1-TANs/fibroblasts defense wall formed in response to MTC effectively combat LSCC.
Humans ; Neutrophils/metabolism* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Lip Neoplasms/genetics* ; Hyperthermia, Induced/methods* ; Microwaves/therapeutic use* ; Transcriptome ; Carcinoma, Squamous Cell/immunology* ; Tumor Microenvironment

Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

OBJECTIVE To optimize the prescription pre-review system in our hospital and evaluate its application effects. METHODS Aiming at the problems of imperfect rule base and high false positive rate in the early operation of the system， optimization measures were taken， including improving the content of the rule base， adjusting the interception level and prompt mode， refining the working model of prescription review pharmacists， and strengthening clinical communication. A retrospective cohort study was conducted， with prescription data from June to December 2023 （before optimization） as the control group and June to December 2024 （after optimization） as the observation group. Through inter group comparative analysis， the actual effect of optimizing the prescription pre-approval system was evaluated. RESULTS The prescription qualified rate increased from （82.51± 4.04）% before optimization to （90.98±1.55）% after optimization； the false positive rate decreased from （20.87±1.64）% before optimization to （7.41±2.04）% after optimization. The monthly range of prescription qualified rate narrowed from 10.24% to 4.11%， and the coefficient of variation decreased from 4.92% to 1.73%. The monthly range of false positive rate slightly increased from 4.40% to 5.34%， the coefficient of variation rose from 8.32% to 26.18%. CONCLUSIONS Through multi-dimensional optimizations of the prescription pre-review system in our hospital， its prescription review efficiency has been significantly enhanced， the quality of prescriptions has steadily improved， and the accuracy of reviews has notably improved.

Objective:To investigate the application value of scenario simulation combined with standardized patient teaching in the training of doctor-patient communication skills among interns.Methods:A total of 110 clinical medicine interns were selected from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and were divided into experimental group and control group using a random number table, with 55 interns in each group. The interns in the control group received traditional lecturing, and those in the experimental group received scenario simulation combined with standardized patient case-based teaching. The SEGUE Communication Skill Evaluation Scale and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to assess the improvement in communication skills in both groups, and Physician Self-Evaluation Scale and Course Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to assess the effectiveness of the course and the degree of satisfaction with the course. SPSS 26.0 was used for the t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the rank sum test. Results:After training, both groups showed significant improvements in communication skills and patient satisfaction [experimental group in terms of communication skills: (55.38±13.11) vs. (74.82±6.75), P<0.001; experimental group in terms of patient satisfaction: 39.00 (39.00, 42.00) vs. 81.00 (79.00, 83.00), P<0.01; control group in terms of communication skills: (56.53±12.34) vs. (65.45±10.18), P<0.001; control group in terms of patient satisfaction: 39.00 (39.00, 42.00) vs. 73.00 (68.00, 77.00), P<0.001], and the experimental group had significantly higher scores than the control group [communication skills: (74.82±6.75) vs. (65.45±10.18), P<0.001; patient satisfaction: 81.00 (79.00, 83.00) vs. 73.00 (68.00, 77.00), P<0.001]. The Physician Self-Evaluation Scale showed that the experimental group had a significant improvement compared with the control group ( P<0.05). The results of the Course Satisfaction Questionnaire showed that the degree of overall satisfaction of the course was only 87.28% in the control group, while all the interns in the experimental group were satisfied with the course ( P<0.001); the new teaching method showed great advantages ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the training of doctor-patient communication skills among interns, the application of scenario simulation combined with standardized patient case-based teaching can significantly improve their abilities of the application of knowledge application, humanistic concern, and communication skills, and therefore, it is an effective and promising method for the training of doctor-patient communication skills.

Objective:To explore the value of ultrasound imaging characteristics combined with clinical indicators in assessing the prognosis of patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted for patients who underwent pancreatic contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) from September 2017 to October 2023 at Peking Union Medical College Hospital and were diagnosed with PDAC based on pathological findings. Various parameters were recorded, including CA19-9 levels, tumor size, location, morphologic features, echogenicity, presence of internal cystic components, dilatation of the main pancreatic duct, peripheral vascular invasion, CEUS characteristics, presence or absence of liver metastasis, and treatment methods. In April 2024, patient survival information was obtained through telephone follow-up or review of medical records. Based on the results of the cox regression model analysis, a nomogram model of the risk of death was developed. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to evaluate the predictive efficacy of the model. The calibration curves were plotted to evaluate the accuracy of the model, and clinical decision curves were used to evaluate the clinical benefit of the model.Results:This study included a total of 207 patients with PDAC. As of April 2024, 71 patients were alive and 136 died, with a median survival time of 14 months (95% CI: 12 -17). Multivariate analysis confirmed that the elevated CA19-9 ( HR=1.689, 95% CI: 1.102-2.588), tumor size >4 cm ( HR=1.641, 95% CI: 1.159-2.322), taller-than-wide shapes ( HR=1.450, 95% CI: 1.019-2.065), incomplete hypo-enhancement ( HR=1.618, 95% CI: 1.100-2.380), and liver metastasis ( HR=1.687, 95% CI: 1.175-2.423) were independent risk factors for survival in patients with PDAC. A nomogram model was further constructed for 6-month, 12-month and 3-year survival of patients with PDAC. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.679, 0.705 and 0.815, respectively. The calibration curves suggested that the model was more accurate, and the clinical decision curves showed that the model had a better clinical benefit. Conclusion:The combined use of ultrasound imaging characteristics and clinical indicators could effectively predict the prognosis of PDAC patients. Specifically, tumor size >4 cm, taller-than-wide shapes, incomplete hypo-enhancement, elevated CA19-9, and the presence of liver metastasis are correlated with poorer survival outcomes. The nomogram model constructed on the basis of these factors can be used to assess the survival of patients with PDAC.

Objective:To investigate the application value of scenario simulation combined with standardized patient teaching in the training of doctor-patient communication skills among interns.Methods:A total of 110 clinical medicine interns were selected from Qilu Hospital of Shandong University and were divided into experimental group and control group using a random number table, with 55 interns in each group. The interns in the control group received traditional lecturing, and those in the experimental group received scenario simulation combined with standardized patient case-based teaching. The SEGUE Communication Skill Evaluation Scale and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to assess the improvement in communication skills in both groups, and Physician Self-Evaluation Scale and Course Satisfaction Questionnaire were used to assess the effectiveness of the course and the degree of satisfaction with the course. SPSS 26.0 was used for the t-test, the Mann-Whitney U test, and the rank sum test. Results:After training, both groups showed significant improvements in communication skills and patient satisfaction [experimental group in terms of communication skills: (55.38±13.11) vs. (74.82±6.75), P<0.001; experimental group in terms of patient satisfaction: 39.00 (39.00, 42.00) vs. 81.00 (79.00, 83.00), P<0.01; control group in terms of communication skills: (56.53±12.34) vs. (65.45±10.18), P<0.001; control group in terms of patient satisfaction: 39.00 (39.00, 42.00) vs. 73.00 (68.00, 77.00), P<0.001], and the experimental group had significantly higher scores than the control group [communication skills: (74.82±6.75) vs. (65.45±10.18), P<0.001; patient satisfaction: 81.00 (79.00, 83.00) vs. 73.00 (68.00, 77.00), P<0.001]. The Physician Self-Evaluation Scale showed that the experimental group had a significant improvement compared with the control group ( P<0.05). The results of the Course Satisfaction Questionnaire showed that the degree of overall satisfaction of the course was only 87.28% in the control group, while all the interns in the experimental group were satisfied with the course ( P<0.001); the new teaching method showed great advantages ( P<0.001). Conclusions:In the training of doctor-patient communication skills among interns, the application of scenario simulation combined with standardized patient case-based teaching can significantly improve their abilities of the application of knowledge application, humanistic concern, and communication skills, and therefore, it is an effective and promising method for the training of doctor-patient communication skills.

Objective To observe the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)for evaluating blood supply pattern of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC).Methods A total of 210 single PDAC patients proved by pathology who underwent CEUS and contrast enhanced CT(CECT)examination were retrospectively enrolled.Blood supply patterns of PDAC,i.e.deficient or rich blood supply were evaluated based on findings of CEUS 25 s(CEUS-25 s)and 35 s(CEUS-35 s)after contrast agents injection and CECT,respectively.The evaluation results were compared among different methods.Disease free survival(DFS)and overall survival(OS)of patients with deficient and rich blood supply PDAC shown on CEUS-25 s were followed up and compared.Results CEUS-25 s found 60.00％(126/210)PDAC with deficient blood supply(poor blood supply group),while 40.00％(84/210)with rich blood supply(rich blood supply group).CEUS-35 s showed that the proportion deficient blood supply PDAC increased to 70.48％(148/210,P＜0.05),22 lesions changed from rich blood supply pattern on CEUS-25 s to deficient blood supply pattern.CECT displayed deficient blood supply in 91.90％(193/210)PDAC but rich blood supply in 8.10％(17/210)PDAC,both being significant different compared with results of CEUS-25 s and CEUS-35 s(both P＜0.05).Fifteen-five cases in deficient blood supply group and 39 in rich blood supply group completed 12(8,25)months'follow-up,and the median DFS of patients in deficient blood supply group and rich blood supply group was 8(6,10)and 12(7,17)months,respectively,with the median OS of 14(9,17)and 19(16,24)months,respectively.The median DFS and OS in poor blood supply group were both shorter than those in rich blood supply group(x2=17.227,27.166,both P＜0.001).Conclusion CEUS had important clinical value for evaluating blood supply pattern of PDAC.

To evaluate the accuracy of contrast-enhanced ultrasound diagnostic reports for pancreatic lesions.

This paper summarized the clinical experience of Professor XIE Jingri in treating bile reflux gastritis from the perspective of “disease of both wood and earth”. It is believed that the pathogenesis of bile reflux gastritis is the disharmony of liver and spleen， gallbladder and stomach， which belongs to the disease of both wood and earth. The treatment principle of harmonizing wood and earth is advocated. Clinically， bile reflux gastritis is divided into five patterns including liver constraint and spleen deficiency， liver fire harassing stomach， gallbladder and stomach obstruction， damp-heat in the gallbladder， and stomach yin depletion， for which Shugan Lipi Decoction （疏肝理脾汤） can be used to soothe the liver and move qi， fortify the spleen and activate spleen， Lianyu Qinggan Decoction （连萸清肝汤） to clear the liver and drain fire， harmonize stomach and stanch bleeding， Tongfu Paishi Decoction （通腑排石汤） to unblock and discharge gallbladder， harmonize stomach and direct counterflow qi downward， Qingdan Huazhuo Decoction （清胆化浊汤） to clear and drain damp-heat， promote gallbladder function and stanch bleeding， and Yiwei Decoction （益胃汤） to enrich and nourish stomach yin， clear and discharge deficiency-fire. When the clinical pattern is complex， multiple patterns occur simultaneously， or the disease involves multiple zang fu （脏腑） organs， the liver and the spleen should be regulated simultaneously， and the gallbladder and the stomach treated together， with self-designed Shumu Tiaotu Decoction （疏木调土汤） recommended as a basic prescription with flexibl modification based on the symptoms.

ObjectiveTo identify the pharmacodynamic substances for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix by structure-activity omics. MethodA mouse model of pain was established with formaldehyde to examine the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of saikosaponins in vivo. The core targets of the active components in Bupleurum Radix for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform （TCMSP）， Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man （OMIM）， and Search Tool for Recurring Instances of Neighbouring Genes （STRING）. The key core targets with high binding affinity were screened based on the comprehensive score in the molecular docking between different types of saikosaponins and core targets. The structure-activity relationship was discussed and analyzed based on the binding of compounds to pharmacodynamic targets. ResultSaikosaponins alleviated the foot swelling induced by formaldehyde and reduced the content of prostaglandin E₂ （PGE₂） in the mouse model， showcasing a significant inhibitory effect on the inflammatory pain caused by PGE₂. Nine components and 39 targets of saikosaponins， as well as 3 074 targets of anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects were screened out， and 22 common targets shared by saikosaponins and the effects were obtained as the direct targets. The protein-protein interaction （PPI） analysis showed that the main active components of Bupleurum Radix were saikosaponins a， b₁， b₂， b₃， c， d， e， f， and v， and the key targets were fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 1 （FLT1）， kinase insert domain receptor （KDR）， fibroblast growth factor 2 （FGF2）， vascular endothelial growth factor A （VEGFA）， and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 （STAT3）. Molecular docking between saikosaponins and the top 5 targets with high degrees in PPI network analysis revealed 25 highly active docks， including 6 docks with scores of 5-6 and 18 docks with scores above 6. ConclusionThis study adopted structural-activity omics to analyze the material basis for the anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects of Bupleuri Radix in vivo， providing new ideas and methods for identifying the pharmacodynamic substances in traditional Chinese medicine.