Objective To preliminary explore the imaging manifestations of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients with different levels of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) expression. Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on TNBC patients who underwent preoperative DBT or CEM examinations at Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 2018 to December 2019 and Shanghai Second People’s Hospital from January 2022 to May 2025. Clinical data, pathological and immunohistochemical results, and imaging data were collected. Results A total of 69 TNBC patients pathologically confirmed as invasive ductal carcinoma were included, among which 34 underwent DBT and 35 underwent CEM. Among these patients, 34 (49.28%) had HER2-low expression and 35 (50.72%) had HER2-zero expression. DBT results showed that the proportion of spiculation signs in HER2-low group (n＝14) was significantly higher than that in HER2-zero group (n＝20; P＝0.009, P_adj＝0.045). However, there were no significant differences in breast density type, mass shape, or calcification between the two groups. CEM results showed that on low-energy images, the proportion of spiculation signs in the HER2-low group (n＝20) was higher than that in the HER2-zero group (n＝15; P＝0.011, P_adj＝0.077). Results of CEM showed that on reconstructed images, differences in background parenchymal enhancement and mass enhancement patterns between the two groups were not statistically significant; in both groups, heterogeneous enhancement was the most common, followed by homogeneous enhancement, with ring enhancement being the least common. Conclusions TNBC with low HER2 expression and TNBC with zero HER2 expression may have potential differences in the presentation of spiculation signs on DBT. However, the correlation between CEM manifestations and TNBC with different HER2 expression levels requires further research.

ObjectiveThis paper aims to observe the effect of Huazhuo Sanjie Chubi prescription （HSCD） on the gouty bone erosion model rats and investigate its action mechanism. MethodsThirty-six two-month-old male SD rats were randomly divided into the blank group with nine rats and the modeling group with 27 rats. The rats in the modeling group were administered hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg^-1·d^-1， combined with intra-articular injection of 200 μL monosodium urate （MSU） crystal suspension at 25 g·L^-1 into the right ankle joint （joint injection once every three days）， so as to induce the gouty bone erosion model. After four weeks of modeling， three rats were selected from these two groups to validate the model. The modeled 24 rats were randomly divided into the model group， HSCD group （10.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， allopurinol group （20 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， and inhibitor group （LY294002， 10 mg·kg^-1·d^-1）， with six rats per group. Except for the blank group， rats in all other groups continued to receive hypoxanthine solution at 300 mg·kg^-1 and potassium oxonate solution at 250 mg·kg^-1 via gavage concurrently with administration to maintain modeling intervention. The rats in the HSCD group and allopurinol group received administration by gavage at the above doses. The rats in the inhibitor group received an intraperitoneal injection at the above dose. The rats in the blank group and model group received saline （10.35 g·kg^-1·d^-1） by gavage for four consecutive weeks. After administration， ankle joint swelling of the rats in all groups was observed， and the diameters were measured. Bone volume fraction （BV/TV） and bone surface area to bone volume （BS/BV） were observed and quantitatively analyzed by Micro-CT. Histopathological changes in the ankle joint were observed by hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining and safranin O-fast green staining. The uric acid in the rats' serum was determined by enzyme colorimetry. The levels of inflammatory factors， including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin （IL）-1β， and IL-6 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）. The protein expressions of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand （RANKL） and phosphorylated （p）-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase （PI3K） in ankle joint tissues of rats were detected by immunofluorescence staining. The mRNA levels of the proteins related to the bone erosion， including RANKL， tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase （TRAP）， cathepsin K （CTSK）， and matrix metalloproteinase-9 （MMP-9） in the ankle joint tissues of rats were determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction （Real-time PCR）. The expressions of the proteins related to the bone erosion， including RANKL， CTSK， TRAP， MMP-9， and the proteins related to the PI3K/protein kinase B （Akt） signaling pathway， including PI3K， Akt， mammalian target of rapamycin （mTOR）， p-PI3K， phosphorylated protein kinase B （p-Akt）， and phosphorylated mammalian target of rapamycin （p-mTOR）， were detected by Western blot. ResultsCompared with the blank group， the modeling group showed marked ankle swelling and increased diameter. Micro-CT revealed an uneven articular surface and honeycomb-like bone erosion in the ankle joint. Quantitative analysis showed decreased BV/TV and increased BS/BV （P<0.05）. HE staining revealed a narrowed joint space， rough and discontinuous cartilage surfaces， reduced and unevenly distributed chondrocytes， partial hypertrophy， and blurred tidemarks， confirming successful model establishment. After four weeks of intervention， compared with those in the blank group， the rats in the model group exhibited severe ankle swelling and increased diameters （P<0.05）. Micro‑CT showed that the ankle joint surface was irregular， and bone erosion exhibited a honeycomb‑like morphology. The microstructural parameters of the bone revealed a decreased BV/TV and an increased BS/BV （P<0.05）. Histopathological examination revealed a narrowed joint space and severe articular cartilage destruction. The levels of uric acid in the serum and inflammatory factors （IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α） were increased （P<0.05）. The mRNA and protein levels of the proteins related to bone erosion in joint tissue， including RANKL， CTSK， TRAP， and MMP-9， were upregulated （P<0.05）. The ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K， p-Akt/Akt， and p-mTOR/mTOR in the proteins related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were increased （P<0.05）. RANKL and p-PI3K protein fluorescence intensities were elevated （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the model group， the above indicators in all other administration groups showed varying degrees of improvement. The HSCD group and inhibitor groups exhibited more significant effects in reducing ankle swelling， improving bone erosion， bone microstructure （significant decrease in BV/TV and increase in BS/BV）， and the pathology of cartilage erosion， lowering inflammatory factor levels， downregulating the proteins related to the bone erosion， and suppressing activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway （P<0.05）. The uric acid levels in rats' serum were reduced in both HSCD and allopurinol groups （P<0.05）. Compared with those in the HSCD group， the rats in the allopurinol group had larger ankle diameters （P<0.05）， more severe bone erosion and bone microstructure damage （P<0.05）， worse improvement of the pathology of cartilage erosion， higher levels of IL-6 and TNF-α （P<0.05）， elevated expressions of the proteins related to the bone erosion， higher expression ratio of proteins related to the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway （P<0.05）， and higher fluorescence intensities of RANKL and p-PI3K proteins （P<0.05）. The inhibitor group achieved comparable results to the HSCD group in improvements of bone microstructure and the reduction of IL-1β and IL-6， stronger suppression of TNF-α and PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway activation （P<0.05）， but weaker effects on cartilage repair and serum uric acid reduction （P<0.05）. ConclusionHSCD effectively reduces uric acid levels in serum， suppresses inflammatory factor secretion， and downregulates the expressions of proteins related to bone erosion， including RANKL， CTSK， TRAP， and MMP-9 in the joint tissues. Its action mechanism of improving gouty bone erosion may be associated with inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective To longitudinally investigate the characteristics of postoperative weight changes in patients with esophageal cancer and analyze its influencing factors, which can provide certain guidance for nutritional intervention in patients with esophageal cancer. Methods Patients with esophageal cancer who underwent surgical treatment at the Sichuan Cancer Hospital from December 2020 to February 2022 were prospectively included. The general information questionnaire and body composition analyzer were used to longitudinally investigate the patients’ weight and body composition before surgery (T0), 1 month after surgery (T1), 3 months after surgery (T2) and 6 months after surgery (T3), and the change characteristics were analyzed. The generalized estimating equation was used to analyze the influencing factors for postoperative weight changes in patients with esophageal cancer. Results A total of 130 patients were enrolled, including 110 males and 20 females, aged 42-79 (63.33±8.16) years. The weight and body composition of patients with esophageal cancer showed a continuous slow downward trend within 6 months after surgery. The weight loss rate of patients at 1, 3, and 6 months after surgery was 5.10%, 7.76%, and 9.86%, respectively. The analysis results of the influencing factors for postoperative weight showed that patients with the following characteristics had more weight loss: female (β=−7.703, P=0.001), ≥60 years (β=−3.657, P=0.010), smoking (β=4.622, P=0.010), low tumor differentiation degree (β=4.314, P=0.039), and high frequency of eating (β=−3.400, P=0.008). Conclusion Weight loss is an important health problem for patients with esophageal cancer after surgery, and patients have a continuous downward trend in weight within 6 months after surgery. Medical staff should pay special attention to the patients who are female, ≥60 years, having smoking history and low tumor differentiation degree.

BACKGROUND:The long-term patency rate of synthetic blood vessels remains a significant challenge that requires urgent attention.Enhancing the anticoagulant performance of small-caliber artificial blood vessels is crucial in ensuring their long-term efficacy.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the anticoagulation activity of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofibers with shell core structure and determine the effect on the activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.METHODS:Polycaprolactone nanofiber membranes and polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofiber membranes with polycaprolactone as shell layer and low molecular weight fucoidan as core layer were prepared by emulsion electrospinning method(the mass ratio of low molecular weight fucoidan to polycaprolactone was 10％,25％,40％,and 55％,respectively).The morphology and structure of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,fluorescence microscopy,and infrared spectroscopy.The mechanical strength of the fiber membranes was detected by tensile test.The loading rate and sustained release rate of low molecular weight fucoidan in the nanofibers were detected by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue dye.The anticoagulant properties of the fiber membranes were verified by hemolysis test,dynamic coagulation test,plasma recalcification test,and platelet adhesion test.The five fiber membranes were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells.The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the cell morphology was observed by fluorescence microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscope showed that the surface of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane was smooth,the fiber diameter was uniform,and there was no obvious beaded structure.With the increase of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide content in the fiber membrane,the diameter of the fiber membrane increased and the maximum tensile stress decreased,but it still met the mechanical properties requirements of small-caliber artificial blood vessels.Fluorescence images and infrared spectra confirmed that low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide was successfully loaded into polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,and the low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide loaded in each group of fiber membranes was released suddenly within 12 hours and released at a relatively low rate after 48 hours.(2)Compared with polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane had better anticoagulant activity,among which the group with a mass ratio of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide to polycaprolactone of 25％had the best anticoagulant effect.All five fiber membranes supported the growth and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells without affecting cell morphology and had no obvious cytotoxicity.(3)The results show that the polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane has good anticoagulant function,blood compatibility,and cell compatibility.

BACKGROUND:The long-term patency rate of synthetic blood vessels remains a significant challenge that requires urgent attention.Enhancing the anticoagulant performance of small-caliber artificial blood vessels is crucial in ensuring their long-term efficacy.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the anticoagulation activity of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofibers with shell core structure and determine the effect on the activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.METHODS:Polycaprolactone nanofiber membranes and polycaprolactone/low molecular weight fucoidan nanofiber membranes with polycaprolactone as shell layer and low molecular weight fucoidan as core layer were prepared by emulsion electrospinning method(the mass ratio of low molecular weight fucoidan to polycaprolactone was 10％,25％,40％,and 55％,respectively).The morphology and structure of the fibers were characterized by scanning electron microscopy,fluorescence microscopy,and infrared spectroscopy.The mechanical strength of the fiber membranes was detected by tensile test.The loading rate and sustained release rate of low molecular weight fucoidan in the nanofibers were detected by 1,9-dimethylmethylene blue dye.The anticoagulant properties of the fiber membranes were verified by hemolysis test,dynamic coagulation test,plasma recalcification test,and platelet adhesion test.The five fiber membranes were co-cultured with human umbilical vein endothelial cells.The cell proliferation was detected by CCK-8 assay and the cell morphology was observed by fluorescence microscopy.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)Scanning electron microscope showed that the surface of polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane was smooth,the fiber diameter was uniform,and there was no obvious beaded structure.With the increase of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide content in the fiber membrane,the diameter of the fiber membrane increased and the maximum tensile stress decreased,but it still met the mechanical properties requirements of small-caliber artificial blood vessels.Fluorescence images and infrared spectra confirmed that low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide was successfully loaded into polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,and the low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide loaded in each group of fiber membranes was released suddenly within 12 hours and released at a relatively low rate after 48 hours.(2)Compared with polycaprolactone nanofiber membrane,polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane had better anticoagulant activity,among which the group with a mass ratio of low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide to polycaprolactone of 25％had the best anticoagulant effect.All five fiber membranes supported the growth and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells without affecting cell morphology and had no obvious cytotoxicity.(3)The results show that the polycaprolactone/low molecular weight brown algae polysaccharide nanofiber membrane has good anticoagulant function,blood compatibility,and cell compatibility.

ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of genistein （Gen） on etoposide-induced chondrocyte senescence and its underlying mechanism. MethodsThe C28/I2 cell line was treated with different concentrations of Gen and etoposide， and the cell viability was detected by the CCK-8 assay. The senescence model of C28/I2 chondrocytes was induced by etoposide， with Gen intervention. Senescence-associated β-galactosidase （SA-β-gal） staining was performed to detect the senescence-positive rate and staining characteristics of chondrocytes. The expressions of peroxiredoxin 6 （Prdx6）， cyclin-dependent kinaseto clarify the functional necessity of Prdx6. ResultsCompared with the etoposide group， the C28/I2 chondrocyte viability significantly increased （P<0.01）， the expression ofsenescence-associated proteins p21 and p16 decreased （P<0.01， P<0.05）， the expression of senescence-associated genes p21 and p16 reduced （both P<0.01）， the fluorescence intensity of senescence-associated proteins p21 and p16 was diminished （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the proportion of SA-β-gal-positive cells decreased （P<0.01） in the Gen+etoposide group. Compared with the Control group， the expression of Prdx6 was downregulated in the etoposide group （P<0.05）. Compared with the etoposide group， the expression of Prdx6 was upregulated in the Gen+etoposide group （P<0.01）. Compared with the Control group， the GPx activity significantly decreased in the si-Prdx6 group （P<0.01）. Furthermore， compared with the si-Prdx6 group， the GPx activity increased in the si-Prdx6+Gen group （P<0.05）. Molecular docking results revealed that Gen formed hydrogen bond interactions with the active site of Prdx6. After Prdx6 knockdown， the expression of senescence-associated genes p21 and p16 and the fluorescence intensity of senescence-associated proteins p21 and p16 both increased in the Gen+etoposide+si-Prdx6 group （both P<0.01）. ConclusionGen can inhibit etoposide-induced senescence of C28/I2 chondrocytes by upregulating the expression of Prdx6. This study provides potential drug targets and experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of chondrocyte senescence-related diseases.

Cerebral autosomal dominant arteriopathy with subcortical infarcts and leukoen-cephalopathy (CADASIL) is caused by NOTCH3 gene variants and is predominantly characterized by cerebral small vessel disease. Previous studies have suggested that CADASIL may also involve the macrovascular system. This study aimed to explore the association between rare NOTCH3 variants and macrovascular lesions.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effects and mechanisms of pulchinenoside A （PSA） on tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） -induced abnormal proliferation， migration， and invasion of synovial fibroblasts. MethodsA synovitis model was established by stimulating SW982 synovial cells with TNF-α. The low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 1 （LRP1） was knocked down using LRP1-specific siRNA or inhibited by the receptor-associated protein （RAP）. Cells were treated with various concentrations of PSA， and cell viability was assessed by CCK-8 assay. Protein levels of LRP1， matrix metalloproteinase-3 （MMP3）， and N-cadherin were measured by Western blotting. Proliferation was evaluated using an EdU incorporation assay. Migration and invasion capacities were examined by Transwell and wound-healing assays. mRNA expression of LRP1， MMP3， N-cadherin， IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α was detected by reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR （RT-qPCR）. Immunofluorescence staining was used to visualize the expression of MMP3 and N-cadherin. The involvement of LRP1 was further verified with the inhibitor RAP. ResultsCompared with the TNF-α-treated model group， PSA treatment significantly reduced SW982 cell viability （P<0.05）， downregulated MMP3 and N-cadherin expression （both P<0.01）， and decreased the proportion of EdU-positive cells （P<0.05）. Moreover， TNF-α stimulation upregulated LRP1 expression compared with normal controls （P<0.01）， whereas PSA treatment reversed this increase （P<0.05）. LRP1 knockdown or inhibition markedly decreased MMP3 and N-cadherin levels compared with the model group （both P<0.01）. Similarly， the combination of PSA and RAP led to significant reductions in MMP3 and N-cadherin expression compared with the model group （both P<0.01）. ConclusionPSA inhibits TNF-α-induced abnormal proliferation， migration， and invasion of synovial， at least in part， by downregulating LRP1 expression.

ObjectiveTo interpret the main contents of the Expert Consensus on Clinical Application of Yifei Zhike Capsules （hereinafter referred to as the Consensus）， analyze its evidence basis， and explore future research directions， thus providing a reference for rational drug use in clinical practice. MethodsThe core contents of the Consensus are summarized. Focusing on clinical issues， this paper summarizes the recommendations and consensus suggestions in the Consensus and explains them from aspects such as indications， key advantages， usage and dosage， combined medication， contraindications， precautions， and safety. ResultsThe Consensus clearly states that Yifei Zhike capsules can be used for acute or chronic bronchitis， pulmonary tuberculosis and other respiratory system diseases. It for the first time proposes that the applicable TCM syndrome of Yifei Zhike capsules is Qi-Yin deficiency together with combined phlegm and stasis. For different diseases， the Consensus provides specific usage instructions， dosage， and treatment course recommendations， supplementing the contents not covered in the drug instructions. In terms of combined medication， the Consensus emphasizes the principle of using this drug in combination with standardized chemotherapy regimens or conventional Western medicines and the applicability for the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis and moderate to severe acute or chronic bronchitis. In terms of safety， the Consensus proposes methods for identifying common adverse reactions， drug contraindications， and precautions based on a review of the existing data and preliminarily builds a risk management framework. However， the evidence on which the Consensus is based are mostly early studies， with small sample sizes， which result in the low evidence grades （mainly C and D） of some recommendations. ConclusionThe Consensus provides specific guidance for the clinical use of Yifei Zhike capsules. However， due to the limited quality of the existing research evidence， more high-quality clinical studies are needed in the future to further verify its efficacy， safety， and explore its broader application prospects.

Objective: To investigate the implementation and evaluate the effectiveness of health management services for patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in Urumqi City from 2017 to 2021, so as to provide the reference for enhancing T2DM patients management. Methods: Data on the rates of record establishment, health management and standardized management for T2DM patients, and blood glucose control rate in managed patients in Urumqi City from 2017 to 2021 were collected through the quarterly reports on basic public health service management from the Weining Health Platform System. The trends in the four management indicators, and the differences between urban and rural areas were analyzed. Results: The rates of record establishment, health management and blood glucose control rate in managed patients in Urumqi City were 46.94%, 38.37% and 59.92%, respectively, showing upward trends from 2017 to 2021 (all P<0.05). The rate of standardized management was 75.89%, showing a downward trend (P<0.05). The rate of record establishment was higher in urban areas than in rural areas (47.76% vs. 40.56%, P<0.05). The rates of standardized management and blood glucose control in managed patients were lower in urban areas than in rural areas (75.18% vs. 81.46%, 58.93% vs. 67.64%, both P<0.05). The rate of health management was 38.39% in urban areas and 38.24% in rural areas, with no statistically significant difference (P>0.05). The trends in the rates of record establishment, health management and standardized management in both urban and rural areas were consistent with those in the overall population. Conclusions From 2017 to 2021, the rates of record establishment, health management and blood glucose control in managed patients in Urumqi City showed upward trends, while the rate of standardized management exhibited a downward trend. There were urban-rural differences in the rates of record establishment, standardized management and blood glucose control in managed patients.