It is believed that the occurrence and development of squamous cell carcinoma （SCC） is closely associated with inflammatory responses. The theory of fire and heat， advocated by LIU Wansu， provides significant clinical guidance for understanding the pathogenesis and treatment of SCC. Based on this theory， the pathological mechanisms and clinical characteristics of SCC at different stages were analyzed. In the precancerous and early stages， the primary pathogenesis is qi stagnation leading to internal generation of constrained heat； in post-surgery， the condition shifts to qi deficiency with latent yin fire； during the treatment phase， the pathogenesis involves accumulation of pathogenic factors， excess toxins， and severe heat toxicity； in the late stage， the main pathology is yin deficiency with toxic heat， and phlegm-stasis obstruction of the internal organs. Corresponding stage-based treatment strategies are proposed. In the early stage， regulating qi movement to dissipate constrained heat； for post-surgery， tonifying qi and raising yang to dispel latent fire； during treatment stage， clearing heat and detoxifying to eliminate cancerous toxins； and in the late stage， nourishing yin and unblocking the bowels to clear deficiency heat.

AIM: To investigate the efficacy and safety of dexamethasone versus conbercept in the treatment of diabetic macular edema(DME)with different optical coherence tomography(OCT)subtypes.METHODS: A total of 160 DME patients(160 eyes)admitted to our hospital from January 2021 to March 2023 were prospectively selected, and the patients were randomly divided into dexamethasone intravitreal implant group and conbercept group, with 80 cases(80 eyes)in each group, and DME patients were divided into 51 eyes with serous retinal detachment(SRD), 55 eyes with cystoid macular edema(CME), and 54 eyes with diffuse retinal thickening(DRT)according to OCT characteristics. The best corrected visual acuity(BCVA), central macular thickness(CMT), intraocular pressure and adverse reactions were compared before treatment and at 2, 3 and 6 mo postoperatively.RESULTS: There were differences in BCVA, CMT and intraocular pressure between the two groups at 2, 3 and 6 mo compared with those before operation(all P<0.05). There were differences in BCVA, CMT and intraocular pressure between the dexamethasone intravitreal implant group and the conbercept group in the treatment of patients with different types of DME(all P<0.05). The BCVA of patients with DRT and SRD types in the dexamethasone intravitreal implant group was improved at 3 and 6 mo after treatment compared with that in the conbercept group(all P<0.05). At 6 mo after treatment, the CMT of patients with DRT type in the dexamethasone intravitreal implant group was lower than that in the conbercept group(P<0.05). During the follow-up period, none of the patients experienced adverse events such as cataract exacerbation or retinal detachment.CONCLUSION: Both dexamethasone intravitreal implant and conbercept treatment can improve visual function and macular retinal morphology in patients with different OCT subtypes of DME with good safety, but the dexamethasone intravitreal implant is better than conbercept in the treatment of DRT type.

Objective To analyze the urban drinking water quality and its influencing factors in Anhui Province from 2014 to 2022, and to provide a scientific basis for water quality improvement and protection. Methods The data were collected, saved and monitored according to the Standard Test Method for Drinking Water (GB/T5750-2006) and evaluated according to the Hygienic Standard for Drinking Water (GB 5749-2006). Results A total of 20 941 samples were collected, and the overall qualified rate was 84.26%. The qualified rate of urban drinking water increased from 76.9% in 2014 to 93.3% in 2022, and the qualified rate of water quality was on the rise (χ²=544.43, P＜0.01). From 2014 to 2022, the qualified rate of water quality in dry season was higher than that in wet season (χ²=35.98, P<0.001), the qualified rate of surface water was higher than that of ground water (χ²=4440.8, P<0.001), and the qualified rate of peripheral tap water was higher than that of factory water (χ²=145.1, P<0.001). Among all kinds of disinfection methods, chlorination disinfection had the highest qualified rate (χ²=1483.8, P<0.001). The qualified rate of water quality increased with the increase of the scale of water plant. Among the inspected indicators, the main unqualified indicators were chlorine dioxide (7.72%), fluoride (7.41%), free residual chlorine (3.90%), and total bacterial count (2.13%). Conclusion The passing rate of urban drinking water quality in Anhui Province is on an upward trend, and the quality of urban drinking water has improved. However, it is still important to pay attention to the problem of excessive microorganism and fluoride in water, and the quality of drinking water varies from place to place.

Based on the characteristics of dormant cancer cells， which are "latency" and "opportunistic activation"， this paper classifies them within the scope of "latent pathogen" in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM）. It explores the mechanisms of formation， activation， and elimination of dormant cancer cells based on the latent pathogen theory. It is proposed that qi deficiency is the fundamental internal cause for the formation and growth of dormant cancer cells， qi stagnation is the inducing factor for their activation， and qi restoration presents an opportunity for their elimination. Guided by the latent pathogen theory， the TCM strategy for inhibiting dormant cancer cells includes two aspects. On one hand， methods such as strengthening the root， securing defensive qi， and lifting and supporting the body's upright qi are used to reinforce healthy qi and prevent the latency and accumulation of dormant cancer cells. On the other hand， regulating liver qi and warming yang to promote qi transformation are employed to ensure smooth qi movement， thereby inhibiting the activation of dormant cancer cells and disrupting their survival environment.

Liver fibrosis is a common outcome of various chronic hepatic insults, characterized by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition. The precise mechanisms, however, remain largely undefined. This study identified an elevated expression of platelet-activating factor acetylhydrolase 1B3 (Pafah1b3) in liver tissues from both carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-treated mice and patients with cirrhosis. Deletion of Pafah1b3 significantly attenuated CCl₄-induced fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and activation of transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling. Mechanistically, PAFAH1B3 binds to mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 7 (SMAD7), disrupting SMAD7's interaction with TGF-β receptor 1 (TβR1), which subsequently decreases TβR1 ubiquitination and degradation. Pharmacological inhibition using 3-IN-P11, a specific Pafah1b3 inhibitor, conferred protective effects against CCl₄-induced fibrosis in mice. Furthermore, Pafah1b3 deficiency reduced hepatic inflammation. Overall, these results establish a pivotal role for Pafah1b3 in modulating TGF-β signaling and driving HSC activation.

Ferroptosis has been shown to mediate the development of fibrosis. Polyphyllin VII (PP7), a bioactive component of Paris polyphylla, exhibits potent anti-inflammatory activity and can significantly alleviate liver fibrosis. In this study, treatment with PP7 significantly inhibited the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which could be suppressed by a ferroptosis inhibitor. In addition, it promoted HSC ferroptosis by suppressing glutathione (GSH) peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and enhanced the expression of CX3C chemokine ligand 1 (CX3CL1). Depletion of CX3CL1 attenuated the effects of PP7 on the activation and ferroptosis of HSCs and the expression of GPX4. Notably, CX3CL1 directly interacted with GPX4, triggering HSC ferroptosis. The transcription factor hypermethylated in cancer 1 (Hic1), which binds to the Cx3cl1 promoter, increased the expression of CX3CL1. Its absence resulted in downregulation of CX3CL1, suppressing the GPX4-dependent ferroptosis of PP7-treated HSCs and promoting their activation. HIC1 was found to directly interact with PP7 at the GLY164 site. Co-culture experiments showed that PP7-induced HSC ferroptosis attenuated macrophage recruitment by regulating inflammation-related genes. HSC-specific inhibition of HIC1 counteracted PP7-induced collagen depletion and HSC ferroptosis in vivo. These findings suggest that PP7 induces HSC ferroptosis through the HIC1/CX3CL1/GPX4 axis.

Liver fibrosis is primarily driven by the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSCs),a process associated with ferroptosis.Ginsenoside Rb1(GRb1),a major active component extracted from Panax ginseng,inhibits HSC activation.However,the potential role of GRb1 in mediating HSC ferroptosis remains un-clear.This study examined the effect of GRb1 on liver fibrosis both in vivo and in vitro,using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and primary HSCs,LX-2 cells.The findings revealed that GRb1 effectively inactivated HSCs in vitro,reducing alpha-smooth muscle actin(a-SMA)and type Ⅰ collagen(Col1A1)levels.Moreover,GRb1 significantly alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in vivo.From a mechanistic standpoint,the ferroptosis pathway appeared to be central to the antifibrotic effects of GRb1.Specifically,GRb1 promoted HSC ferroptosis both in vivo and in vitro,characterized by increased glutathione depletion,malondialdehyde production,iron overload,and accumulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS).Intriguingly,GRb1 increased Beclin 1(BECN1)levels and decreased the System Xc-key subunit SLC7A11.Further experiments showed that BECN1 silencing inhibited GRb1-induced effects on HSC ferroptosis and mitigated the reduction of SLC7A11 caused by GRb1.Moreover,BECN1 could directly interact with SLC7A11,initiating HSC ferroptosis.In conclusion,the suppression of BECN1 counteracted the effects of GRb1 on HSC inactivation both in vivo and in vitro.Overall,this study highlights the novel role of GRb1 in inducing HSC ferroptosis and promoting HSC inactivation,at least partly through its modulation of BECN1 and SLC7A11.

The incidence of breast cancer is rising annually.Along with the broader implementation of tumor screening and increased health awareness,there has been a significant uptick in the diagnosis of early-stage breast cancer.Early-stage breast cancer is generalized to breast cancer without distant metastasis,which is compared to the concept of late-stage breast cancer.The aim of treatment for early-stage breast cancer is to achieve a cure.Treatment is guided by evidence-based medicine,following guidelines and consensus to administer personalized and precise therapies to patients.Clinical research,as the foundational evidence for these guidelines and consensus,brings more optimized treatment for breast cancer patients.According to the updates of domestic and international guidelines and consensus between 2022 and 2023,this review summarized and classified the important clinical studies that have changed the clinical practice for early-stage breast cancer.These studies were based on molecular sub-types and categorized into optimization of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of early breast cancer,escalating and de-escalating of adjuvant treatment,and the optimization of local treatment.The studies related to the optimization of neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2(HER2)-positive breast cancer included the PHEDRA study which aimed at the application of pyrotinib,a small molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitor(TKI),to neoadjuvant treatment,the ExteNET study which investigated adjuvant treatment of neratinib,and FDChina study which confirmed the efficacy and safety of pertuzumab and trastuzumab fixed dose combination subcutaneous injection(PH FDC SC).The primary study addressing the optimization of neoadjuvant and adjuvant therapy in triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC)was the KEYNOTE-522 study.In terms of escalating in adjuvant therapy,the APHINITY study evaluated the efficacy of pertuzumab added to trastuzumab in high-risk HER2-positive breast cancer.MonarchE and NATALEE focused on the efficacy of abemaciclib and ribociclib in patients with hormone receptor-positive breast cancer.The SOFT TEXT study focused on ovarian function suppression(OFS)combining exemestane or tamoxifen in high-risk premenopausal breast cancer.Descending related studies in adjuvant therapy included the PLAN B study confirming 6 cycles of docetaxel in combination with cyclophosphamide in HER2 negative early intermediate to high-risk breast cancer.Among the studies related to the local treatment of breast cancer,the ACOSOG Z11102 study explored the feasibility of breast conservation in multicenter focal breast cancer.The SOUND study explored the exemption from axillary surgery in people with low-risk breast cancer.The PRIMEⅡ study explored the possibility of exemption from radiotherapy after breast conservation in elderly patients with low-risk breast cancer,and the IMPORT HIGH study compared different dose-escalated simultaneous integrated boost radiotherapy regimens after breast conservation surgery.The FAST-Forward study focused on hypofractionated breast radiotherapy.These studies provided robust evidence for the implementation of clinical practice and the formulation of diagnostic and treatment guidelines and consensus.In this review,we focused on the update of domestic and international breast cancer treatment guidelines,and the impact of these studies on the clinical practice for early-stage breast cancer.

Objective To establish a clinical-CT model,and to observe its value for evaluating lymphovascular invasion(LVI)and/or perineural invasion(PNI)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods Data of 156 ESCC patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into positive group(n=58,LVI[+]and/or PNI[+])and negative group(n=98,LVI[-]and PNI[-])according to postoperative pathological results.Clinical and CT data were compared between groups.Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a model,and its efficacy of evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),tumor thickness,tumor volume and CT venous phase value(CTV),the difference between CTV and CT plain phase value(CTP)(△CTV-P)and venous phase enhancement rate(V％)were found between groups(all P＜0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)of the above parameters for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 0.702,0.690,0.731,0.744,0.621,0.631 and 0.599,respectively.CEA,CA199,tumor thickness,tumor volume and CTV were all independent predictive factors for ESCC LVI and/or PNI.A combined model was established based on the above features,and its accuracy,sensitivity and specificity for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 82.05％,65.52％and 91.84％,respectively,with AUC of 0.838,higher than that of each single parameter(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The established clinical-CT model could effectively evaluate ESCC LVI and/or PNI.

Immune checkpoint inhibitors （ICIs） can activate anti-tumour-related immunity in the treatment of malignant tumours， but at the same time， they can also cause non-specific immune activation， leading to the occurrence of immune-related adverse reactions （irAEs）. It is believed that under physiological conditions， ICIs can be classified as tonic agents in traditional Chinese medicine， exerting the effect of warming yang and benefiting qi， but when the immune response become over-excited， ICIs evolve into pathogen of exuberant fire， which is destructive to the body. Combining the different periods of immunotherapy and the degree of symptoms， irAEs are divided into two phases： symptom onset phase （exuberant fire consuming qi and essence） and intermittent phase （latent fire dispersing healthy qi in critical condition）， in which yang movement is excess fire leading to toxicity of the skin and oral mucous membranes， qi constraint transforming into fire leading to toxicity of gastrointestinal tract， qi block generating fire leading to cardiotoxicity， and qi and yin deficiencies leading to fire manifesting as ICIs-related diabetes. The general principle of “simultaneous treatment of qi and fire” is proposed to guide the treatment of irAEs. During the onset phase， draining fire， directing qi downward， and dispelling drug toxicity are used to remove excess fire； raising yang， dispersing fire， and dispelling drug toxicity are used to disperse fire constraint； promoting the flow of yang and qi and dispelling drug toxicity are used to close fire and smoothen the flow； cultivating qi， clearing fire， and dispelling drug toxicity are used to disperse the deficiency fire， so as to achieve the goal of clearing exuberant fire， eliminating drug toxicity， and alleviating acute symptoms. During the intermittent phase， the aim is to generate fire slightly to warm yang qi， block latent fire， and prevent recurrence， and ultimately restore the balance of qi and yang in human physiology to prevent and treat irAEs and improve the quality of life of patients.