Objective: To evaluate the diagnostic performance of magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) in discriminating fumarate hydratase-deficient (FH-d) uterine leiomyomas (ULs) from FH-preserved ULs. Materials and Methods: This study consisted of three stages, with independent cohorts recruited for each stage: 1) sample-size estimation was retrospectively performed on UL specimens (diameter ≥3 cm; age, 20–40 years) from our database with immunohistochemistry (IHC) for 2-succinocysteine (2-SC) as the reference, without genetic testing, 2) MRS sequence optimization in confirmed FH germline mutation participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm), without IHC analysis, and 3) prospective diagnostic test accuracy was evaluated in consecutive participants with ultrasound-detected ULs (diameter ≥3 cm;age, 20–40 years), using IHC for 2-SC for determining the FH status and subsequent genetic testing in those with positive 2-SC results to identify whether FH mutations were germline or somatic in origin. The choline and fumarate peaks in MRS were classified as positive, negative, or technical failure (TF). TFs were analyzed separately and excluded from the primary diagnostic accuracy calculations. T1-, T2-, and diffusion-weighted images were interpreted as hyperintense or hypointense. The enhancement rate and apparent diffusion coefficient were also acquired. Diagnostic performance was compared between MRS and various magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) features. Results: The optimal MRS parameters for the fumarate peak were echo time (TE) = 140 ms and an average of 256. Among the 360 prospective participants, 37 were confirmed to have FH-dULs. MRS showed positive fumarate peaks in 35 of 37 FH-dULs.After excluding six TFs, the positive fumarate peak on MRS showed 94.6% (35/37) sensitivity, 99.7% (316/317) specificity, and 99.2% (351/354) accuracy, all of which were significantly superior to those of other MRI features (P ≤ 0.002). Conclusion A positive fumarate peak on MRS may be a useful imaging biomarker for diagnosing FH-dULs.

Isolated axillary recurrence(AR)after breast cancer surgery is one of the critical factors influencing patients'prognosis.With advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques,the clinical understanding of AR has progressively deepened.However,due to the low incidence of AR,systematic studies on its clinical features remain limited.High-quality clinical trials,such as ACOSOG Z0011 and AMAROS,have demonstrated that in patients with varying statuses of sentinel lymph node,axillary lymph node dissection(ALND)and sentinel lymph node dissection(SLND)provide comparable control of AR.In recent years,the trend towards de-escalation axillary surgery has advanced the development of less invasive techniques such as targeted axillary lymph node dissection.The SOUND trial further confirmed the safety and feasibility of omitting axillary surgery in patients with tumors≤2 cm.In addition,a series of clinical studies have identified a variety of potential high-risk factors,including patient age,number of positive lymph nodes,high Ki-67 proliferation,extranodal extension,and axillary soft tissue infiltration.However,there is no broad consensus regarding the association of these factors with AR.This review comprehensively summarized the clinical characteristics,risk factors and personalized management strategies of AR,with an emphasis on the impact of different axillary surgical approaches,radiotherapy and systemic therapy on the AR risk.In addition,more high-quality clinical studies are urgently needed to further clarify prognostic factors and optimize individualized treatment strategies,so as to provide more precise management for patients.

BACKGROUND: Delayed platelet engraftment is a common complication after umbilical cord blood transplantation (UCBT), and there is no standard therapy. Avatrombopag (AVA) is a second-generation thrombopoietin (TPO) receptor agonist (TPO-RA) that has shown efficacy in immune thrombocytopenia (ITP). However, few reports have focused on its efficacy in patients diagnosed with thrombocytopenia after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT). METHODS: We conducted a retrospective study at the First Affiliated Hospital of the University of Science and Technology of China to evaluate the efficacy of AVA as a first-line TPO-RA in 65 patients after UCBT; these patients were compared with 118 historical controls. Response rates, platelet counts, megakaryocyte counts in bone marrow, bleeding events, adverse events and survival rates were evaluated in this study. Platelet reconstitution differences were compared between different medication groups. Multivariable analysis was used to explore the independent beneficial factors for platelet implantation. RESULTS: Fifty-two patients were given AVA within 30 days post-UCBT, and the treatment was continued for more than 7 days to promote platelet engraftment (AVA group); the other 13 patients were given AVA for secondary failure of platelet recovery (SFPR group). The median time to platelet engraftment was shorter in the AVA group than in the historical control group (32.5 days vs . 38.0 days, Z  = 2.095, P  = 0.036). Among the 52 patients in the AVA group, 46 achieved an overall response (OR) (88.5%), and the cumulative incidence of OR was 91.9%. Patients treated with AVA only had a greater 60-day cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment than patients treated with recombinant human thrombopoietin (rhTPO) only or rhTPO combined with AVA (95.2% vs . 84.5% vs . 80.6%, P  <0.001). Patients suffering from SFPR had a slightly better cumulative incidence of OR (100%, P  = 0.104). Patients who initiated AVA treatment within 14 days post-UCBT had a better 60-day cumulative incidence of platelet engraftment than did those who received AVA after 14 days post-UCBT (96.6% vs . 73.9%, P  = 0.003). CONCLUSION Compared with those in the historical control group, our results indicate that AVA could effectively promote platelet engraftment and recovery after UCBT, especially when used in the early period (≤14 days post-UCBT).
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Thrombocytopenia/etiology* ; Adult ; Retrospective Studies ; Cord Blood Stem Cell Transplantation/adverse effects* ; Middle Aged ; Adolescent ; Young Adult ; Thiazoles/adverse effects* ; Platelet Count ; Receptors, Thrombopoietin/agonists* ; Child ; Thiophenes

Objective:To study the distribution characteristics of current patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner (referred to as Morin Banner), and provide suggestions for service management.Methods:Information of KBD current patients in Morin Banner was collected from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 using the "KBD Current Patient Survey System" provided by the Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A descriptive study method was used to analyze the basic information and clinical data of current patients.Results:As of June 30, 2024, a total of 6 223 KBD current patients were reported in Morin Banner, and the patients were distributed in 15 townships (towns). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different townships (towns, χ 2 = 3 069.01, P < 0.001). The minimum age of the KBD current patients was 27 years old, and the maximum was 98 years old, mainly concentrated in the age range of 45 - 74 years old, accounting for 95.7% (5 954/6 223). There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different age groups (χ 2 = 5 912.76, P < 0.001). The male to female ratio was 1.00∶1.14 (2 910 ∶ 3 313), and there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence rate of KBD between genders(χ 2 = 44.38, P < 0.001). The KBD current patients mainly had a primary school education, married, and farmers, accounting for 59.2% (3 685/6 223), 89.8% (5 590/6 223), 93.2% (5 802/6 223), respectively; and the clinical grading of patients is mainly degree Ⅰ. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of limb disability among patients with different clinical grades (χ 2 = 64.26, P < 0.001). The rate of limb disability in males was higher than that in females (χ 2 = 10.36, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The KBD current patients in Morin Banner are distributed in various township (town), with middle-aged and elderly famers being the main ones. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring of KBD, and pay attention to personalized treatment and management of KBD current patients.

Objective:To study the distribution characteristics of current patients with Kashin-Beck disease (KBD) in Molidawa Daur Autonomous Banner (referred to as Morin Banner), and provide suggestions for service management.Methods:Information of KBD current patients in Morin Banner was collected from January 1, 2018 to June 30, 2024 using the "KBD Current Patient Survey System" provided by the Center for Endemic Disease Control, Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention. A descriptive study method was used to analyze the basic information and clinical data of current patients.Results:As of June 30, 2024, a total of 6 223 KBD current patients were reported in Morin Banner, and the patients were distributed in 15 townships (towns). There was a statistically significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different townships (towns, χ 2 = 3 069.01, P < 0.001). The minimum age of the KBD current patients was 27 years old, and the maximum was 98 years old, mainly concentrated in the age range of 45 - 74 years old, accounting for 95.7% (5 954/6 223). There was a significant difference in the prevalence rate of KBD among different age groups (χ 2 = 5 912.76, P < 0.001). The male to female ratio was 1.00∶1.14 (2 910 ∶ 3 313), and there was a statistically significant difference in prevalence rate of KBD between genders(χ 2 = 44.38, P < 0.001). The KBD current patients mainly had a primary school education, married, and farmers, accounting for 59.2% (3 685/6 223), 89.8% (5 590/6 223), 93.2% (5 802/6 223), respectively; and the clinical grading of patients is mainly degree Ⅰ. There was a statistically significant difference in the rate of limb disability among patients with different clinical grades (χ 2 = 64.26, P < 0.001). The rate of limb disability in males was higher than that in females (χ 2 = 10.36, P = 0.001). Conclusions:The KBD current patients in Morin Banner are distributed in various township (town), with middle-aged and elderly famers being the main ones. It is necessary to strengthen monitoring of KBD, and pay attention to personalized treatment and management of KBD current patients.

Isolated axillary recurrence(AR)after breast cancer surgery is one of the critical factors influencing patients'prognosis.With advancements in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques,the clinical understanding of AR has progressively deepened.However,due to the low incidence of AR,systematic studies on its clinical features remain limited.High-quality clinical trials,such as ACOSOG Z0011 and AMAROS,have demonstrated that in patients with varying statuses of sentinel lymph node,axillary lymph node dissection(ALND)and sentinel lymph node dissection(SLND)provide comparable control of AR.In recent years,the trend towards de-escalation axillary surgery has advanced the development of less invasive techniques such as targeted axillary lymph node dissection.The SOUND trial further confirmed the safety and feasibility of omitting axillary surgery in patients with tumors≤2 cm.In addition,a series of clinical studies have identified a variety of potential high-risk factors,including patient age,number of positive lymph nodes,high Ki-67 proliferation,extranodal extension,and axillary soft tissue infiltration.However,there is no broad consensus regarding the association of these factors with AR.This review comprehensively summarized the clinical characteristics,risk factors and personalized management strategies of AR,with an emphasis on the impact of different axillary surgical approaches,radiotherapy and systemic therapy on the AR risk.In addition,more high-quality clinical studies are urgently needed to further clarify prognostic factors and optimize individualized treatment strategies,so as to provide more precise management for patients.

Objective To observe the clinical effect of hypomethylating agents (HMAs) in the treatment of patients with intermediate- and high-risk myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 58 patients with intermediate-and high-risk MDS. The study group(25 patients) received azacitidine or decitabine for hypomethylating treatment, while the control group(33 patients) received routine symptomatic supportive treatment. The clinical efficacy, hematologic parameters, quality of life, and adverse events were observed and compared between the two groups. Results After treatment, the complete remission rate, objective response rate, and disease control rate were higher in the study group than in the control group, while the disease progression rate was lower (P < 0.05). The 1-year survival rate was 92.00% in the study group, which was higher than 75.76% in the control group, but the difference showed no statistically significant (P>0.05). After treatment, hemoglobin, white blood cell, and platelet levels were higher in both groups than before treatment, and were higher in the study group than in the control group (P < 0.05). The total incidence of adverse events was lower in the study group than that in the control group (P < 0.05). After treatment, the quality of life scores (physical function, cognitive function, emotional function, role function, and social function) were higher in the study group than those in the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion HMAs treatment is superior to routine symptomatic supportive treatment in patients with intermediate-and high-risk MDS, and not only improves the quality of life but also has good safety.

Objective To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)and molecular targeted therapy for Child-Pugh grade B hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC).Methods The patients with Child-Pugh grade B HCC,who received TACE combined with ICI and molecular targeted therapy(combination group)or TACE monotherapy(monotherapy group)at the three medical centers including the Affiliated Zhongda Hospital of Southeast University of China between January 2018 and May 2021,were enrolled in this study.The primary outcome was overall survival(OS),and the secondary outcomes included progression-free survival(PFS),objective response rate(ORR),and clinical safety.Results A total of 126 patients were enrolled in this study,including 64 patients in the combination group and 62 patients in the monotherapy group.No statistically significant difference in median OS existed between the combination group and the monotherapy group[17.7 months(95％CI:11.9-29.9 months)vs.13.2 months(95％CI:7.8-19.9 months);P=0.160].In the combination group,the patients having a Child-Pugh score of 7 points obtained a significantly better OS[19.0months(95％CI:13.6-NR)vs.13.2 months(95％CI:8.0-NR),P=0.024].The differences in the median PFS and ORR between the two groups were not statistically significant(P=0.720 and P=0.960 respectively).Grade Ⅲ/Ⅳ adverse events occurred in 19 patients(14.1％)of the combination group and in 6 patients(9.7％)of the monotherapy group.Conclusion In treating patients with Child-Pugh grade B HCC,TACE combined with ICI and molecular targeted therapy does not show a better prognosis than TACE monotherapy,however,the patients having a Child-Pugh score of 7 points in the combination group can have a much better OS.

Tirzepatide,the first and currently the only approved GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist worldwide,has demonstrated favorable effects in glycemic control and body weight reduction in several studies.In recent years,the effects of Tirzepatide on improving cardiovascular risk factors have gained increasing attentions.This article reviews the research progress of the effects of Tirzepatide on the cardiovascular system.

BACKGROUND:A large number of previous studies have confirmed that a high concentration of metabolites is significantly correlated with embryo quality and clinical outcome,and the theory of silencing embryo development indicates that normally developed embryos maintain a low level of material exchange with the outside world during in vitro culture,while embryos often show abnormal metabolic activity due to stress repair mechanism when DNA damage occurs. OBJECTIVE:To establish and verify an embryo quality prediction model based on the third-day 340 nm absorbance embryo cultures to provide the basis for a more objective and accurate embryo quality assessment. METHODS:269 patients at the Nanxishan Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region for in vitro fertilization and embryo transplantation from November 2019 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.Among them,on day 3,162 cases who had 873 optimal embryos and 214 high-quality blastocysts were included in the high-quality embryo group.On day 3,107 cases who had 859 non-optimal embryos and 214 non-high-quality blastocysts were included in the non-high-quality embryo group.Lambert-beer law was used to screen out the characteristic wavelength with distinguishing degree between superior and non-superior embryos,analyze its correlation and influence trend with high-quality embryos,and establish the clinical prediction model and validation of absorbance for high-quality and non-high-quality embryos at this wavelength. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was a significant difference in absorbance between high-quality and non-high-quality embryos at 340 nm on day 3(P<0.001),and a negative correlation was found with the formation of high-quality embryos on day 3(r=-0.486,P<0.001).The absorbance of high-quality and non-high-quality blastocyst at 340 nm was significantly different(P<0.05),and was negatively correlated with the formation of high-quality blastocyst(r=-0.642,P<0.001).(2)The optimal cut-off value of absorbance at 340 nm between high-quality and non-high-quality embryos on day 3 was 0.235.The area under the curve was 0.799.Sensitivity was 62.9%.Specificity was 78.0%.Accuracy was 70.5%.The optimum cutoff value of high-quality and non-high-quality blastocysts of absorbance at 340 nm was 0.175.The area under the curve was 0.871.Sensitivity was 74.3%.Specificity was 89.1%.Accuracy was 82.2%.(3)Restricted cubic spline curve analysis showed that when the absorbance of the culture medium at 340 nm was greater than 0.221,there was a significant positive trend on the formation of non-high-quality embryos at day 3,and when the absorbance of the culture medium at 340 nm was greater than 0.160,there was a significant positive trend on the formation of non-high-quality blastocysts.(4)The clinical decision curve and clinical influence curve showed that the absorbance of the culture medium at 340 nm had the maximum clinical net benefit for the prediction models of high-quality embryos and high-quality blastocysts on the third day when the valve probability was 0.18-0.95 and 0.16-1.00,respectively,and the ratio of loss to gain within the valve probability range was always less than 1.It is proven that the prediction model has good efficacy in clinical applications.The results of embryo transfer showed that the absorbance of embryo culture medium at 340 nm in non-pregnant patients was significantly higher than that in clinical pregnancy,biochemical pregnancy and early abortion patients(P<0.05).(5)The high-quality and non-high-quality embryo culture in 340 nm absorbance has a significant difference with correlation.The embryo quality prediction model has a certain clinical value and application effectiveness.The joint embryo morphology evaluation to a certain extent improves the objectivity and accuracy of embryo quality evaluation.