ObjectiveTo establish fingerprint profiles and a quantitative determination method for Lycii Cortex， providing a scientific basis for the formulation of quality standards for Lycii Cortex and its roasted products. MethodsHigh performance liquid chromatography（HPLC） was developed for the quantitative method for determining kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and its roasted products on an Alphasil XD-C₁₈ CH column（4.6 mm×250 mm， 5 μm）. HPLC fingerprint profiles were established for 10 batches of Lycii Cortex and its roasted products， and ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry（UPLC-Q-TOF-MS） was used to identify the common peaks based on reference standards， literature and MS information. Quality evaluation indicators included yield of decoction pieces， appearance properties， content of kukoamine B， and fingerprint profiles. The temperature and time of the roasting process were investigated to select the optimal preparation process， which was then verified. Additionally， chemical pattern recognition was combined to assess the differences in the chemical composition of Lycii Cortex before and after roasting， as well as among samples from different origins. ResultsQuantitative analysis indicated that the contents of kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and its roasted products were 0.35%-5.51% and 0.24%-4.15%， respectively. The transfer rate of kukoamine B was 58.6%-78.9% after roasting. The fingerprint profile analysis demonstrated that the method established in this study effectively separated kukoamine B from other components in the samples and distinctly differentiated it from its impurity peak， cis-N-caffeoylputrescine. The HPLC fingerprint profiles of Lycii Cortex and its roasted products showed high similarity（all above 0.95）， with 7 common peaks identified and five common components， including kukoamine B， cis-N-caffeoylputrescine， N-coumaroyl tyramine， feruloyltyramine， and glucosyringic acid， confirmed. Process optimization confirmed that baking at 110 ℃ for 20 min was a stable and feasible method for roasting Lycii Cortex. Principal component analysis and cluster analysis showed that there was little difference in the chemical composition between raw and roasted Lycii Cortex， but the quality of Lycii Cortex from different origins differed greatly. ConclusionThis study successfully established the fingerprint profiles and a quantitative method for the effective component kukoamine B in Lycii Cortex and roasted Lycii Cortex. The qualitative and quantitative analyses clarified that the impact of the roasting process on the chemical composition of Lycii Cortex was less significant than the variations due to its geographical origin. The findings of this study offer a reference for the development of quality evaluation methods and the establishment of quality standards for Lycii Cortex and its processed products.

BACKGROUND:In endodontics,revascularization and effective control of bacterial infection are prerequisite for regenerative repair of tissues and further development of the root apex.Ornidazole,carried in pulp-capping materials or vascularized scaffolding materials may control pulpal infections,but its effect on vascularization need to be investigated.OBJECTIVE:To investigate the residual concentration pattern of ornidazole in root canals and to evaluate the effects of ornidazole on endothelial cell proliferation,migration,and differentiation,as well as on vascular irritation.METHODS:(1)Ornidazole was encapsulated in the isolated pulp cavity and then immersed in Hank's balanced salt solution for 7 days.Ornidazole was then removed from the pulp cavity,reencapsulated in sterile water,and again immersed in Hank's balanced salt solution.The mass concentration of ornidazole in the pulp cavity fluid was measured periodically by colorimetric method.(2)Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were inoculated into well plates.Adherent cells were stimulated by the addition of lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours,and then co-cultured by the addition of 0,1,2,5,8,10 μg/mL ornidazole,to detect the cellular activity and migratory ability.Human umbilical vein endothelial cells were inoculated in well plates and co-cultured with different mass concentrations(0,1,2,5,8,10 μg/mL)of ornidazole or stimulated by lipopolysaccharide for 24 hours followed by the addition of different mass concentrations(0,1,2,5,8,10 μg/mL)of ornidazole.The gene expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor as well as the protein expression of vascular endothelial growth factor was detected.(3)The chorioallantoic membrane assay was employed to assess the vascular irritation of 2 and 10 μg/mL ornidazole.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Residual ornidazole in exfoliated teeth was rapidly released within the initial 6 days,with a subsequent decrease in release rate,maintaining a concentration of approximately 2 μg/mL at the root apex after 8 days.Under lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory conditions,cell counting kit-8 and cell live-dead fluorescence staining showed that ornidazole(1-10 μg/mL)had no significant effect on the activity of human umbilical vein endothelial cells,and the cell scratch assay showed that ornidazole(1-10 μg/mL)had no obvious effect on the migratory ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells.RT-qPCR assay showed that,after co-cultivation with ornidazole alone,the mRNA expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and basic fibroblast growth factor in human umbilical vein endothelial cells showed an overall decreasing trend.After co-culturing with ornidazole under lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation,the mRNA expression of the two factors showed a rising trend in human umbilical vein endothelial cells.Western blot assay showed that vascular endothelial growth factor protein expression had an elevating trend in human umbilical vein endothelial cells after co-culture with ornidazole under lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammatory conditions.The chorioallantoic membrane assay showed that 2 and 10 μg/mL ornidazole were non-vascular irritating.To conclude,1-10 μg/mL ornidazole is non-cytotoxic and non-vascular irritating,promotes the expression of angiogenesis-related genes and proteins in inflammatory endothelial cells,and serves as a potential therapeutic agent for pulpal infection control.

Objective:To investigate the feasibility of the bortezomib, lenalidomide, and dexamethasone (VRD) regimen combined with autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT) in patients with multiple myeloma (MM) and renal impairment, analyze treatment efficacy and renal responses stratified based on renal dysfunction severity, and explore the prognostic significance of early renal response and its affecting factors.Methods:This retrospective study, conducted at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, categorized 316 patients with newly diagnosed MM (NDMM) from August 2018 to October 2022 based on renal function for analysis of clinical characteristics, treatment response, and prognosis. Continuous variables were compared using t-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, categorical variables utilizing Chi-square tests, survival outcomes employing Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank tests, and renal response predictors with logistic regression.Results:Patients were stratified based on baseline estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) : normal [≥90 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=160], mild [≥60 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1 to <90 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=55], moderate [≥30 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1 to <60 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=39], and severe impairment [<30 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1, n=62]. Moderate and severe renal impairment correlated with advanced International Staging System/Revised International Staging System classification, lower hemoglobin levels, frailty, and higher light-chain/IgD subtype prevalence ( P<0.05). Despite younger age ( P=0.001) and higher transplant rates ( P=0.041) in severe cases, overall response rates ( ORR: 93.7% ; ≥VGPR: 82.9% ) were comparable across groups ( P>0.05). Among 24 dialysis-dependent patients at diagnosis, 11 (45.8% ) achieved dialysis independence after induction [median: 3.0 (0.5–4.0) months], including 10 undergoing auto-HSCT. In 89 evaluable patients [baseline eGFR <50 ml·min -1· (1.73 m 2) -1], renal ORR (RORR) was 70.8% [rapid complete response: 31.5% ; rapid partial response: 11.2% ; rapid minimal response (RMR) : 28.1% ]. Renal response predicted better survival (overall survival: HR=0.36, 95% CI: 0.13–0.99, P=0.049). Moderate-to-severe renal impairment was associated with increased transplant-related adverse events and delayed engraftment ( P<0.05) ; however, auto-HSCT significantly improved outcomes after 33.5-month median follow-up (range: 2–65 months). Multivariate analysis identified 1q21+ ( OR=3.58, 95% CI: 1.17–11.02, P=0.026) and light-chain subtype ( OR=2.86, 95% CI: 1.08–7.69, P=0.036) as independent predictors of poor renal response. Conclusion:VRD regimen plus auto-HSCT demonstrates robust efficacy in NDMM, including patients with renal impairment, with a 70.8% RORR and manageable toxicity. Achieving ≥RMR correlates with superior prognosis, whereas 1q21+ and light-chain subtype independently predict inferior renal response.

Objective·To detect immunoglobulin(Ig)expression levels in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(MM)patients before and after induction therapy,and to explore the clinical significance of Ig expression levels and their dynamic changes in relation to treatment efficacy,infection occurrence,and prognosis.Methods·Clinical data from 142 MM patients treated at the Department of Hematology,The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between August 2018 and September 2020 were analyzed.Baseline Ig expression levels and post-induction changes following bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone(VRD)regimen were assessed.Immunoparesis was defined as uninvolved Igs below the laboratory lower limit of normal.Patients were stratified by immunoparesis severity(mild,moderate,severe,extremely severe).ANOVA,rank-sum tests,and x2 tests were used to analyze correlations with baseline characteristics.The relationship between the improvement in immunoparesis and the induction efficacy,infection occurrence,and prognosis was analyzed based on the dynamic changes in immunoparesis.Results·Normal Igs were severely reduced in newly diagnosed MM patients.Immunoparesis was present in 128 patients(90.1%),with severe or extremely severe immunoparesis accounting for 76.1%.Patients with extensive immunoparesis(all uninvolved Ig levels below the lower normal limit)were more likely to have severe immunoparesis(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in age,gender,presence of severe renal insufficiency,and high-risk cytogenetics among MM patients with different degrees of immunoparesis(P>0.05),but there were statistically significant differences in MM staging(P=0.008)and typing(P=0.010).Most patients with severe immunoparesis were at stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ based on the Revised International Staging System(R-ISS)and were of the IgG type.At diagnosis,the levels of the involved Ig or light chain were negatively correlated with normal Ig levels(P<0.05).Improvement in immunoparesis after induction therapy was positively correlated with treatment response(P=0.006).The infection rate was high(26.8%),but no significant correlation was found between immunoparesis and infection occurrence(P>0.05).After induction therapy,patients showing improvement in immunoparesis had significantly longer progression-free survival(PFS)(median PFS:not reached vs 38 months,P=0.025),but no significant impact on overall survival(OS)was observed(P=0.450).Conclusion·Immunoparesis is common and severe in newly diagnosed MM patients,with severity correlating with disease stage and subtype.VRD therapy can partially reverse immunoparesis,and improvement is positively associated with treatment response and PFS benefit.Infection risk appears unrelated to immunoparesis severity and warrants comprehensive prevention strategies.Humoral immune deficiency may serve as a prognostic indicator in MM,but its impact on OS requires further investigation.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of different endovascular interventional treatments for extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.Method:The clinical data of 48 patients with extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysms treated with multiple endovascular procedures were retrospectively analyzed in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2012 to February 2024. The patients presented with a total of 48 extracranial carotid pseudoaneurysms, ranging in diameter from 2.5 to 34.2 mm [mean (12.0±9.6) mm]. The lesions were distributed as follows: 25 in the internal carotid artery, 16 in the external carotid artery and 7 in the common carotid artery. The selection of endovascular interventional techniques was tailored to individual cases according to the pseudoaneurysm size, anatomical location, morphological configuration, and specific features of the parent artery. Perioperative adverse events were monitored, and the efficacy of individualized endovascular interventional therapy was evaluated based on immediate postoperative and 6-month follow-up digital subtraction angiography (DSA) findings, including aneurysm occlusion and in-stent patency.Result:The treatment modalities included parent artery coiling occlusion ( n=16), overlapping braided carotid stent implantation ( n=3), covered stent placement ( n=23), combined implantation of covered stent and braided carotid stent implantation ( n=4) and flow-diverting stent implantation ( n=2) based on the characteristics of the pseudoaneurysms. Endovascular interventional procedures were successfully completed in 47 patients (technical success rate: 97.9%). Immediate postoperative DSA revealed residual pseudoaneurysm at the distal end of the stent in 1 case. Among the remaining cases, complete aneurysm obliteration or faint opacification was observed, with stent lumen patency confirmed in 31 cases and complete parent artery occlusion achieved in 16 cases. In one case involving a patient who underwent flow-diverting stent implantation, a pulsatile vascular murmur reappeared in the neck one week postoperatively. Follow-up DSA revealed stent migration into the aneurysm sac. After retrieval and removal of the displaced stent, combined implantation of a covered stent and a braided carotid artery stent was performed. Postoperative angiography confirmed complete aneurysm occlusion and patent parent artery blood flow. No severe perioperative adverse events (e.g., aneurysm rupture) were observed. During a postoperative follow-up period of 6.2-24.2 months, DSA at 6 months revealed mild in-stent or distal segment stenosis in 2 patients who underwent covered stent implantation. The remaining 46 patients exhibited complete aneurysm occlusion with no significant stenosis observed within the stent lumen. At the final follow-up, all patients demonstrated resolution or significant alleviation of clinical symptoms. Conclusion:Individualized endovascular interventional therapy demonstrates favorable safety and efficacy profiles in managing extracranial carotid artery pseudoaneurysms.

Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy that poses significant treatment challenges due to its heterogeneity and propensity for relapse and progression. In the last two decades, the therapeutic landscape of MM has changed dramatically, but the disease remains largely incurable, with many patients facing treatment resistance. This review evaluates the current status of MM treatments, emphasizing the limitations of traditional therapies and the emerging role of immunotherapy in improving patient outcomes. It highlights the importance of achieving and maintaining minimal residual disease negativity and a balanced immune response as key treatment goals. Furthermore, it discusses the advancements in immunotherapies that are improving the prospects for patients, particularly those with relapsed or refractory disease. Innovative strategies, such as chimeric antigen receptor T-cell therapy, bispecific antibodies, and bispecific T cell engagers, have shown significant promise by targeting the malignant cells and the bone marrow microenvironment, which are essential for disease persistence and resistance to therapy. Future research should focus on refining MM treatment strategies, including the integration of immunotherapy into earlier treatment lines and the development of predictive biomarkers for personalized treatment approaches, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.

Objective:To analyze the correlation between bone metabolism indicators,ultrasound quantitative parameters,and prediction of osteoporosis fracture risk assessment tool(FRAX)in elderly patients with osteoporosis(OP).Methods:A total of eighty elderly patients with OP who admitted to Wuxi Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine from December 2023 to December 2024 were selected.Based on the results of measuring bone quality by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry(DXA),they were divided into bone loss group(26 cases),moderate group(41 cases),and severe group(13 cases).All patients underwent measurements for N-terminal osteocalcin(N-MID OCN),total type I collagen N-terminal extended peptide(TP1NP),25 hydroxyvitamin D(25-OH VitD),parathyroid hormone(PTH),and β-collagen specific sequence(CROSSL)bone metabolism indicators when they were enrolled in groups.They underwent examinations of ultrasonic quantitative parameters included ultrasonic bone density(T value),ultrasound conduction velocity(SOS)and bone quality index(BQI),as well as FRAX prediction.The results of bone metabolism indicators,the examination of ultrasound quantitative parameter,and FRAX prediction were compared among the three groups of elderly patients with OP.Using Pearson linear correlation analysis analyzed the relationship among the three factors.Results:The N-MID OCN and 25-OH VitD levels in the severe group were lower respectively than those in the moderate group and the bone loss group,while the TP1NP,PTH,and CROSSL levels were higher than those in the moderate group and the bone less group,and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant(F=31.646,75.055,110.274,93.321,59.246,P<0.05).The T value,SOS,and BQI in the severe group were lower than those in the moderate group and the bone loss group,and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant(F=81.980,108.985,76.327,P<0.05).The levels of proximal humeral fracture(PHF)and postmenopausal osteoporosis fracture(PMOF)in the severe group were higher than those in the moderate group and the bone loss group,and the differences among the three groups were statistically significant(F=57.086,118.079,P<0.05).Pearson linear correlation analysis showed that the N-MID OCN and 25-OH VitD levels were positively correlated with T value,SOS,and BQI in elderly patients with OP(r=0.398,0.617,0.769,0.752,0.500,0.654,P<0.05),and were negatively correlated with PHF and PMOF(r=-0.504,-0.534,-0.572,-0.662,P<0.05).The TP1NP,PTH,CROSSL levels were negatively correlated with T value,SOS and BQI(r=-0.745,-0.751,-0.634,-0.733,-0.728,-0.569,-0.709,-0.648,-0.611,P<0.05),and were positively correlated with PHF and PMOF(r=0.612,0.558,0.602,0.700,0.695,0.740,P<0.05).Conclusion:The bone metabolism indicators of elderly patients with OP are correlated significantly with ultrasound quantitative parameters and FRAX prediction,which can be used as an important scheme in clinical assessment for bone strength and fracture risk.

Objective:To investigate the prenatal echocardiographic features of fetuses diagnosed with Ebstein anomaly (EA), identify prognostic factors affect the fetal and neonatal mortality, and evaluate the clinical value of the Simpson Andrews Sharland prognostic score (SAS prognostic score).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 37 fetuses diagnosed with EA via prenatal and postnatal echocardiography at Guangdong Provincial People′s Hospital from June 2012 to June 2024. The echocardiographic features of EA patients were summarized. According to the patients′ survival statuses during the fetal and neonatal periods, they were divided into survival group and death group for a comparative analysis of key echocardiographic parameters, as well as SAS prognostic score. Also, receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve was employed to assess the predictive abilities of various indicators. Finally, based on the medium-and long-term prognostic outcomes of EA cases, the predictive value of the SAS system was evaluated. The t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and Fisher exact test were used for group comparison. Results:Regarding the 37 EA cases, the gestational age at the initial diagnosis was (29±4) weeks. All of EA fetuses exhibited echocardiographic characterized by tricuspid regurgitation (TR) originating below the native tricuspid annulus with the severity varied, accompanied by manifestations such as right atrial enlargement. Of all cases, 5 cases (14%) died prenatally, and 32 cases (86%) were born alive. Postnatally, 4 cases died preoperatively, 1 case died postoperatively, and 27 cases survived. Compared with the survival group, the death group had a significantly higher average SAS prognostic score (6.9±1.1 vs. 2.0±1.5, t=9.17, P<0.001), right atrium (RA) to left atrium (LA) transverse diameter ratio (2.0±0.5 vs. 1.3±0.2, t=4.87, P=0.001) and TR area to RA area ratio (0.8±0.2 vs. 0.4±0.2, t=5.27, P<0.001). According to the ROC analysis, the optimal predictive value indicators are RA to LA transverse diameter ratio (AUC=0.93, 95% CI 0.81-1.00) and the TR area-to-RA area ratio (AUC=0.93, 95% CI 0.85-1.00); the optimal cut-point values were 1.5 and 0.5, respectively. Of 32 born alive cases, 21 cases (66%) didn′t undergo surgery, 2 cases (6%) underwent bidirectional Glenn surgery, and one case (3%) underwent tricuspid valvuloplasty. All 17 cases with SAS score≤2 survived, while all 9 cases with SAS score≥6 died. Among the 11 cases with a score from 3 to 5, 8 cases achieved a biventricular outcome. Conclusions:The typical echocardiographic feature of EA fetuses is that the originating point of TR is below the native tricuspid annulus and the severity can vary. The SAS score is essential for tiered prognosis. When the SAS is 3-5, dynamic monitoring for TR and RA enlargement should be employed to help guide prenatal intervention and reduce fetal and neonatal mortality.

Objective·To detect immunoglobulin(Ig)expression levels in newly diagnosed multiple myeloma(MM)patients before and after induction therapy,and to explore the clinical significance of Ig expression levels and their dynamic changes in relation to treatment efficacy,infection occurrence,and prognosis.Methods·Clinical data from 142 MM patients treated at the Department of Hematology,The First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University between August 2018 and September 2020 were analyzed.Baseline Ig expression levels and post-induction changes following bortezomib-lenalidomide-dexamethasone(VRD)regimen were assessed.Immunoparesis was defined as uninvolved Igs below the laboratory lower limit of normal.Patients were stratified by immunoparesis severity(mild,moderate,severe,extremely severe).ANOVA,rank-sum tests,and x2 tests were used to analyze correlations with baseline characteristics.The relationship between the improvement in immunoparesis and the induction efficacy,infection occurrence,and prognosis was analyzed based on the dynamic changes in immunoparesis.Results·Normal Igs were severely reduced in newly diagnosed MM patients.Immunoparesis was present in 128 patients(90.1%),with severe or extremely severe immunoparesis accounting for 76.1%.Patients with extensive immunoparesis(all uninvolved Ig levels below the lower normal limit)were more likely to have severe immunoparesis(P<0.05).There were no statistically significant differences in age,gender,presence of severe renal insufficiency,and high-risk cytogenetics among MM patients with different degrees of immunoparesis(P>0.05),but there were statistically significant differences in MM staging(P=0.008)and typing(P=0.010).Most patients with severe immunoparesis were at stage Ⅱ/Ⅲ based on the Revised International Staging System(R-ISS)and were of the IgG type.At diagnosis,the levels of the involved Ig or light chain were negatively correlated with normal Ig levels(P<0.05).Improvement in immunoparesis after induction therapy was positively correlated with treatment response(P=0.006).The infection rate was high(26.8%),but no significant correlation was found between immunoparesis and infection occurrence(P>0.05).After induction therapy,patients showing improvement in immunoparesis had significantly longer progression-free survival(PFS)(median PFS:not reached vs 38 months,P=0.025),but no significant impact on overall survival(OS)was observed(P=0.450).Conclusion·Immunoparesis is common and severe in newly diagnosed MM patients,with severity correlating with disease stage and subtype.VRD therapy can partially reverse immunoparesis,and improvement is positively associated with treatment response and PFS benefit.Infection risk appears unrelated to immunoparesis severity and warrants comprehensive prevention strategies.Humoral immune deficiency may serve as a prognostic indicator in MM,but its impact on OS requires further investigation.

Objective To investigate the standardized use of anti-tumor drugs in Beijing hospitals in 2024,and put forward relevant policy suggestions on standardizing the use of anti-tumor drugs.Methods In 2024,Beijing Cancer Quality Control Center organized internal medicine and pharmacy experts to conduct a research on the standardized use of anti-tumor drugs in 556 medical records from 60 hospitals.The evaluation content included pathological diagnosis and tumor staging,treatment process and quality control.Results The evaluation of the use of anti-tumor drugs in 60 hospitals in Beijing found that the main problems of non-standardized use of anti-tumor drugs were incomplete or unsigned informed consent forms;incomplete,un-staged or incorrect staging of tumors;lack of adverse reaction evaluation;incomplete records of drug application on the day of treatment;no reasons given for adjustments in drug dosage and administration methods,and incomplete efficacy evaluation.Conclusion It is necessary to strengthen the training and guidance of medical staff,carry out regular quality control inspections,enhance information construction,establish a multi-disciplinary diagnosis and treatment system,and establish a regular follow-up mechanism,so as to further standardize and improve the standard rate of antitumor drug use in hospitals.