Objective To explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer and to analyze its influencing factors from multiple dimensions, including clinical characteristics, psychological factors, and laboratory indicators. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted, which enrolled 235 postoperative patients with ovarian cancer. Depressive status was assessed using the patient health questionnaire, and the demographic, pathological, and medical record data of the patients were collected using the generalized anxiety disorder scale, Pittsburgh sleep quality index, European organization for research and treatment of cancer quality of life questionnaire core 30, and ECOG performance status score. Peripheral blood tumor marker (CA125), routine blood test, lymphocyte subsets, and serum cytokine levels were measured. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis were used for statistical analysis. Results The prevalence of depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer was 39.15% (92/235). Univariate analysis showed that ECOG score ≥ 2 points, pain, anxiety, poor sleep quality, low quality of life, low life satisfaction, tumor recurrence, six or more cycles of chemotherapy, as well as higher levels of CA125, NLR, and NAR, and lower hemoglobin levels were significantly associated with depression (all P<0.05). Multivariate binary Logistic regression analysis showed that anxiety (OR=1.975, 95%CI: 1.231-3.170), sleep efficiency (OR=4.181, 95%CI: 1.211-14.43), sleep latency (OR=34.806, 95%CI: 4.258-284.542), ECOG performance status score, cognitive function (OR=0.918, 95%CI: 0.868-0.97), and life satisfaction were independent risk factors for depression (all P<0.05). Laboratory indicators were not independent influencing factors in the multivariate Logistic regression model. Conclusion Depression in postoperative patients with ovarian cancer is influenced by physiological, psychological, and social factors. Clinical management should focus on patients with anxiety, sleep disorders, poor physical condition, and low life satisfaction, and a comprehensive prevention and treatment strategy centered on psychological intervention and taking into account symptom management and social support should be implemented.

Deficiencies remain in the early identification and screening method for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Relying solely on blood glucose indicators as diagnostic criteria fails to capture the systematic evolution of glucose metabolism destabilization and does not allow for the identification of the critical transition period preceding the onset of T2DM.In the complex system of the human body,structural and state variables correspond to the traditional Chinese medicine concepts of"zang"and"xiang."These variables determine the landscape of the systemic state changes over time.The pathogenesis of T2DM is characterized by a shift from compensatory insulin secretion to β-cell dysfunction,driven by negative-positive feedback dynamics,ultimately resulting in a marked increase in blood glucose levels.A critical transition exists between glycemic homeostasis and the establishment of T2DM disease homeostasis.Using theoretical approaches such as critical slowing and dynamic network markers in dynamical systems theory,various clinical case data-including four-diagnosis information,multiple biological samples,and histological analysis method-can be leveraged to identify the critical transition key stage from pre-disease to disease of T2DM,facilitating early intervention.This paper aims to develop a dynamic model describing the transition from"glucose homeostasis-glycemic state of instability-steady state of T2DM"by analyzing the mechanism of the complex human system and the dynamic characteristics underlying T2DM onset.This framework aims to enhance early identification method.Establishing this holistic approach offers a novel perspective for the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Barrett's esophagus(BE),a precancerous state of esophageal adenocarcinoma,poses a major challenge for prevention and treatment owing to its complex mechanism of inflammation-cancer transformation and the lack of effective clinical treatment and torsion strategies.Building upon the"preventing disease progression"theory,this study aimed to address the critical clinical challenge of intercepting the pathological progression during the inflammation-cancer transformation of BE by proposing an innovative"two critical nodes-three stages"pathomechanism framework.The pathogenesis of BE originates from liver depression and qi stagnation.The pathological progression evolves through two critical nodes:liver depression transforming into heat and heat transforming into blood stasis,representing a three-stage evolutionary pattern of qi stagnation,heat transformation,and blood stasis formation.Acidic bile salts,acting as a pathogenic toxin,permeate the entire process and catalyze carcinogenesis.Based on this understanding,the therapeutic principles of"treatment from the liver"and"truncation and torsion"were established,emphasizing stage-specific interventions.For the qi stagnation stage,treatment focuses on soothing the liver and regulating qi,as well as moistening,harmonizing,and descending the qi.This is achieved by combining modified Chaihu Shugan Powder with Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction,while using pungent and drying herbs cautiously and supplementing them with light and floral herbs.In the heat transformation stage,the strategy aims to clear the liver and drain heat while protecting yin and harmonizing the stomach,employing modified Huaganjian combined with Yiguanjian and supplemented with Jinlingzi Powder to clear depressed fire.For the blood stasis formation stage,treatment involves activating blood and resolving stasis,combined with supporting healthy qi and removing toxins.This is achieved using a modified Gexia Zhuyu Decoction,supplemented with Liujunzi Decoction,and additions such as Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and turtle carapace to disperse nodules and reduce masses.This theoretical framework establishes a diagnostic and therapeutic model characterized by the integration of disease mechanisms with pathology and the mutual reference of macro-level signs with micro-level indicators.It provides a comprehensive clinical practice pathway,complete with principles,methods,formulas,and herbs,for the stage-specific interception of inflammation-cancer transformation in BE using traditional Chinese medicine.

This study aims to explore the mechanism of Huanglian Jiedu Decoction(HJD) in treating acute liver injury(ALI) in the mouse model of sepsis induced by lipopolysaccharide(LPS). Fifty-four male C57BL/6 mice were randomized into six groups: blank group, model group, low-, medium-, and high-dose group HJD, and dexamethasone group. The mouse model of sepsis was established by intraperitoneal injection of LPS after 7 days of gavage with HJD, and dexamethasone(0.2 mL) was injected intraperitoneally 1.5 h after modeling. The murine sepsis score(MSS) was recorded 12 h after modeling. The levels of alanine aminotransferase(ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase(AST) in the liver tissue and tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α) and interleukin-6(IL-6) in the serum were measured by ELISA. Hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of the mouse liver. The content of light chain 3 of microtubule-associated protein 1(LC3) was detected by immunofluorescence, and that of sirtuin 1(SIRT1) was detected by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA levels of adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase(AMPK), LC3, and P62 were detected by RT-PCR. Western blot was employed to determine the protein levels of AMPK, p-AMPK, and SIRT1 in the liver tissue. The results showed that compared with model group, drug interventions decreased the MSS and liver injury indicators, lowered the levels of inflammatory cytokines, improved the liver tissue structure, upregulated the protein levels of of p-AMPK/AMPK and SIRT1 and the mRNA levels of AMPK and LC3, and downregulated the mRNA level of P62. To sum up, HJD can regulate the autophagy level and reduce inflammation to ameliorate acute liver injury in septic mice by activating the AMPK/SIRT1 autophagy pathway.
Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Sirtuin 1/genetics* ; Male ; Mice ; Sepsis/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Autophagy/drug effects* ; AMP-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Humans ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/genetics*

Biomolecular condensates are formed through phase separation of biomacromolecules such as proteins and RNAs. These condensates exhibit liquid-like properties that can futher transition into more stable material states. They form complex internal structures via multivalent weak interactions, enabling precise spatiotemporal regulations. However, the use of inconsistent and non-standardized terminology has become increasingly problematic, hindering academic exchange and the dissemination of scientific knowledge. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the terminology related to biomolecular condensates in order to clarify concepts, promote interdisciplinary cooperation, enhance research efficiency, and support the healthy development of this field.

Poly(lactic-co-glycolide)(PLGA)is a key excipient in long-acting sustained-release preparations,and its degradation properties directly affect the drug release behavior.In this study,PLGA microspheres were prepared by microfluidic techniques,and the morphology changes of the microspheres were observed by scanning electron microscopy(SEM).In alkaline environment,due to the accelerated hydrolysis of ester bonds,the surface of the microspheres was rapidly dissolved and eroded,and the degradation rate was significantly higher than that in acidic environment.High temperature accelerated the degradation of PLGA microspheres.Under neutral and alkaline conditions,the microspheres showed aggregation and adhesion.Under acidic conditions,the microspheres gradually decomposed into irregular fragments.The high ionic strength further promoted the surface corrosion of the microspheres,especially under extreme pH conditions.Simultaneously,PLGA microspheres encapsulating coumarin were prepared to simulate the microsphere formulation.The release rate of coumarin after degradation of the microspheres under different conditions was observed by measuring the absorbance with ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry.The results were consistent with those of the blank microspheres.This study revealed that the degradation of PLGA microspheres was significantly pH-dependent,temperature sensitive and ion strength responsive.These findings not only helped to understand and optimize the long-term stability and controlled release performance of drug-carrying microspheres,but also provided a theoretical basis for further improvement of PLGA-based drug carrier design.

Deficiencies remain in the early identification and screening method for type 2 diabetes mellitus(T2DM).Relying solely on blood glucose indicators as diagnostic criteria fails to capture the systematic evolution of glucose metabolism destabilization and does not allow for the identification of the critical transition period preceding the onset of T2DM.In the complex system of the human body,structural and state variables correspond to the traditional Chinese medicine concepts of"zang"and"xiang."These variables determine the landscape of the systemic state changes over time.The pathogenesis of T2DM is characterized by a shift from compensatory insulin secretion to β-cell dysfunction,driven by negative-positive feedback dynamics,ultimately resulting in a marked increase in blood glucose levels.A critical transition exists between glycemic homeostasis and the establishment of T2DM disease homeostasis.Using theoretical approaches such as critical slowing and dynamic network markers in dynamical systems theory,various clinical case data-including four-diagnosis information,multiple biological samples,and histological analysis method-can be leveraged to identify the critical transition key stage from pre-disease to disease of T2DM,facilitating early intervention.This paper aims to develop a dynamic model describing the transition from"glucose homeostasis-glycemic state of instability-steady state of T2DM"by analyzing the mechanism of the complex human system and the dynamic characteristics underlying T2DM onset.This framework aims to enhance early identification method.Establishing this holistic approach offers a novel perspective for the prevention and treatment of T2DM.

Barrett's esophagus(BE),a precancerous state of esophageal adenocarcinoma,poses a major challenge for prevention and treatment owing to its complex mechanism of inflammation-cancer transformation and the lack of effective clinical treatment and torsion strategies.Building upon the"preventing disease progression"theory,this study aimed to address the critical clinical challenge of intercepting the pathological progression during the inflammation-cancer transformation of BE by proposing an innovative"two critical nodes-three stages"pathomechanism framework.The pathogenesis of BE originates from liver depression and qi stagnation.The pathological progression evolves through two critical nodes:liver depression transforming into heat and heat transforming into blood stasis,representing a three-stage evolutionary pattern of qi stagnation,heat transformation,and blood stasis formation.Acidic bile salts,acting as a pathogenic toxin,permeate the entire process and catalyze carcinogenesis.Based on this understanding,the therapeutic principles of"treatment from the liver"and"truncation and torsion"were established,emphasizing stage-specific interventions.For the qi stagnation stage,treatment focuses on soothing the liver and regulating qi,as well as moistening,harmonizing,and descending the qi.This is achieved by combining modified Chaihu Shugan Powder with Xuanfu Daizhe Decoction,while using pungent and drying herbs cautiously and supplementing them with light and floral herbs.In the heat transformation stage,the strategy aims to clear the liver and drain heat while protecting yin and harmonizing the stomach,employing modified Huaganjian combined with Yiguanjian and supplemented with Jinlingzi Powder to clear depressed fire.For the blood stasis formation stage,treatment involves activating blood and resolving stasis,combined with supporting healthy qi and removing toxins.This is achieved using a modified Gexia Zhuyu Decoction,supplemented with Liujunzi Decoction,and additions such as Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae and turtle carapace to disperse nodules and reduce masses.This theoretical framework establishes a diagnostic and therapeutic model characterized by the integration of disease mechanisms with pathology and the mutual reference of macro-level signs with micro-level indicators.It provides a comprehensive clinical practice pathway,complete with principles,methods,formulas,and herbs,for the stage-specific interception of inflammation-cancer transformation in BE using traditional Chinese medicine.

Objective:To compare and analyze the differences in clinical and pathological features of uterine smooth muscle tumor of uncertain malignant potential (STUMP), common uterine leiomyoma (UL), and cellular uterine leiomyoma (CUL), and to identify biomarkers for predicting STUMP recurrence.Methods:A total of 72 cases of STUMP patients (STUMP group) treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University and the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were collected from June 2015 to March 2024. Additionally, 72 cases of UL and 72 cases of CUL (UL group and CUL group) in the same period were collected as controls. The clinical and pathological features of the three groups were compared, and the recurrence rates and related factors affecting STUMP recurrence were analyzed.Results:(1) Comparison of clinical and pathological features: there were statistically significant differences in age, history of myomectomy, and preoperative serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels among STUMP, UL, and CUL groups (all P<0.05). STUMP group were significantly older than UL group ( P<0.05). The proportions of STUMP group with a history of myomectomy and elevated preoperative serum LDH levels were significantly higher than those in UL and CUL groups (all P<0.05). On ultrasound, 16 cases of STUMP patients (22%, 16/72), 2 cases of UL patients (3%, 2/72), and 8 cases of CUL patients (11%, 18/72) had unclear fibroid borders, with significant differences between the three groups ( χ2=12.94, P=0.002), with STUMP group significantly higher than UL group ( P<0.05). Regarding immunohistochemistry, the proportion of p16 positivity, p53 mutations, and nuclear antigen associated with cell proliferation (Ki-67) >10% were significantly higher in STUMP group compared to UL group ( P<0.05). In terms of surgical approach, 52 cases of STUMP patients (72%, 52/72) underwent hysterectomy, compared to 27 cases of UL patients (38%, 27/72) and 38 cases of CUL patients (53%, 38/72), with a significant difference between the three groups ( χ2=17.89, P=0.001). The proportion of patients who underwent myomectomy was significantly lower in STUMP group compared to UL and CUL groups (both P<0.05). Among the 20 cases of STUMP patients who underwent myomectomy, 6 patients had a subsequent total hysterectomy after being diagnosed with STUMP. (2) Comparison of recurrence: the median follow-up time for the STUMP, UL, and CUL groups was 38, 12, and 29 months, respectively. During the follow-up period, 3 cases (6%, 3/53) in STUMP group, 4 cases (7%, 4/55) in UL group, and 8 cases (13%, 8/62) in CUL group had recurrence, with no significant differences between the three groups ( χ2=1.91, P=0.411). Among the 3 cases of STUMP patients with recurrence (in the pelvic cavity, liver, and abdominal wall), 2 cases had STUMP pathology on recurrence, and 1 case progressed to well-differentiated uterine leiomyosarcoma. (3) Related factors affecting STUMP recurrence: when comparing preoperative body mass index, serum LDH levels, and Ki-67 positivity ≥30% between recurrent and non-recurrent patients, significant differences were observed (all P<0.05). Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that Ki-67 positivity ≥30% was a significant risk factor for STUMP recurrence ( OR=24.67, 95% CI: 1.70-357.36, P=0.019). Conclusions:Factors such as age, history of myomectomy, preoperative serum LDH levels, and ultrasound findings of unclear fibroid borders are helpful for distinguishing STUMP from UL and CUL. Elevated preoperative serum LDH levels and Ki-67 positivity ≥30% have predictive value for STUMP recurrence. Active postoperative follow-up is essential, whether STUMP patients undergo myomectomy or hysterectomy.

Objective:To investigate the predictive ability of Glypican-3 (GPC3) positive hepatocellular carcinoma based on the hepatobiliary specific contrast agent gadoxetate disodium enhancement of the liver imaging reporting and data system version 2018 (LI-RADS v2018) imaging features, and to assess the relevant clinical imaging features for postoperative recurrence in GPC3 positive HCC patients.Methods:This study was a cohort study. A total of 122 hepatocellular carcinoma patients who underwent gadoxetate disodium enhanced MRI examination with hepatic tumor resection in Henan Provincial People′s Hospital from January 2017 to December 2021 were retrospectively collected, including 96 GPC3 positive and 26 GPC3 negative patients. The imaging features defined by LI-RADS v2018 of HCC lesions were analyzed. Patients were followed up for 40 months to determine recurrence free survival (RFS). The logistic regression was used to analyze the risk factors of GPC3 positivity. An imaging model, and a clinical-imaging model which combined the patient′s alpha-fetoprotein levels were constructed. The efficacy of the model for predicting GPC3 positivity was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves. Kaplan-Meier method was used to draw the survival curve, and the log-rank test was used to compare the RFS between GPC3 positive and negative patients. Risk factors affecting the recurrence of GPC3 positive HCC were assessed by Cox regression.Results:The results of logistic multivariate regression analysis confirmed that rim enhancement ( OR=5.685, 95% CI 1.229-26.287, P=0.026) and irregular tumor margin at hepatobiliary phase ( OR=4.431, 95% CI 1.684-11.663, P=0.003) were independent risk factors for GPC3 positive HCC. The area under the curve for predicting GPC3 positivity was 0.745 (95% CI 0.636-0.854) for the imaging model and 0.776 (95% CI 0.677-0.876) for the clinical-imaging model. The mean RFS in the GPC3 positive group was 22 months, and it was 32 months in the negative group. There was a statistically significant difference in RFS between the two groups ( χ2=5.15, P=0.023). The multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the arterial rim enhancement ( HR=5.460, 95% CI 1.966-15.162, P=0.001), microvascular invasion ( HR=2.402, 95% CI 1.210-4.769, P=0.012), portal vein tumor thrombus ( HR=3.226, 95% CI 1.114-9.344, P=0.031) were independent risk factors for recurrence after hepatic tumor resection for GPC3-positive HCC. Conclusions:A model based on the LI-RADS v2018 imaging features of hepatobiliary specific contrast agent gadoxetate disodium enhancement can effectively predict GPC3 positive HCC. The arterial rim enhancement, microvascular invasion and portal vein tumor thrombus are independent risk factors for postoperative recurrence of GPC3 positive HCC.