Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the prognostic value of [ 18F]ALF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT-derived parameters, including the maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), FAPI-avid tumor volume (FTV), and total lesion FAP expression (TLF), in patients with recurrent gastric cancer undergoing combined chemoimmunotherapy. We sought to establish a noninvasive imaging biomarker framework to optimize patient stratification and therapeutic decision-making. Materials and Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed 51 patients with recurrent gastric cancer who received programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) inhibitors combined with chemotherapy after gastrectomy. All patients underwent [ 18F]ALF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT within 14 days of chemoimmunotherapy. Semi-quantitative parameters (SUVmax, FTV, and TLF) were derived using semi-automated tumor segmentation. The primary endpoint of this study was the assessment of the clinical efficacy of chemoimmunotherapy, categorized as a durable or nondurable clinical benefit. The secondary endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). In a subgroup of 16 patients who underwent sequential [ 18F]FDG PET/CT within seven days of [ 18F]ALF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT, tracer uptake values were compared between the two PET/CT examinations. Results: 51 patients were included. The median PFS and OS were 7 and 10 months, respectively. Durable clinical benefit (DCB) was observed in 30 patients and showed significantly lower SUVmax, FTV, and TLF values than non-DCB. TLF demonstrated the highest diagnostic accuracy for DCB (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUC] = 0.80). Multivariable analysis identified TLF ≥ 188.88 SUVbw·cm 3 as an independent factor associated with PFS (hazard ratio [HR] = 7.29, P = 0.001) and FTV ≥ 44.17 cm 3 as an independent factor associated with OS (HR = 5.16, P = 0.010). In the subgroup analysis of 16 patients, semi-quantitative analysis demonstrated consistently higher values of [ 18F]ALF-NOTA-FAPI-04-derived parameters than [ 18F]FDG-derived parameters (all P < 0.001). Conclusion [ 18F]ALF-NOTA-FAPI-04 PET/CT may be a useful imaging tool for predicting clinical outcomes in patients with recurrent gastric cancer undergoing treatment with PD-1 inhibitors and chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: To compare the effectiveness and advantages of the double reverse traction reduction versus open reduction internal fixation for treating complex tibial plateau fractures. METHODS: A clinical data of 25 patients with Schatzker type Ⅴ or Ⅵ tibial plateau fractures, who met the selection criteria and were admitted between January 2019 and January 2023, was retrospectively analyzed. Thirteen patients underwent double reverse traction reduction and internal fixation (double reverse traction group), while 12 patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation (traditional open group). There was no significant difference in the baseline data (age, gender, injury mechanism, Schatzker classification, interval between injury and operation) between the two groups ( P>0.05). The effectiveness were evaluated and compared between the two groups, included operation time, intraoperative blood loss, incision length, hospital stay, full weight-bearing time, complications, fracture healing, Rasmussen radiological score (reduction quality), knee Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS) score, and knee flexion/extension range of motion. RESULTS: The double reverse traction group demonstrated significantly superior outcomes in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, hospital stay, incision length, and time to full weight-bearing ( P<0.05). Two patients in traditional open group developed incisional complications, while the double reverse traction group had no complication. There was no significant difference in the incidence of complication between the two groups ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up 24-36 months (mean, 30 months), with no significant difference in follow-up duration between groups ( P>0.05). Fractures healed in both groups with no significant difference in healing time ( P>0.05). At 6 months after operation, Rasmussen radiological scores and grading showed no significant difference between the two groups ( P>0.05); the double reverse traction group had significantly higher HSS scores compared to the traditional open group ( P<0.05). At 12 months after operation, knee flexion/extension range of motion were significantly greater in the double reverse traction group than in the traditional open group ( P<0.05). CONCLUSION Double reverse traction reduction offers advantages over traditional open reduction, including shorter operation time, reduced blood loss, minimized soft tissue trauma, and improved joint functional recovery. It is a safe and reliable method for complex tibial plateau fractures.
Humans ; Tibial Fractures/surgery* ; Fracture Fixation, Internal/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Traction/methods* ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Open Fracture Reduction/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Range of Motion, Articular ; Fracture Healing ; Operative Time ; Length of Stay ; Blood Loss, Surgical ; Aged ; Tibial Plateau Fractures

Objective:To investigate the pathogenetic characteristics of clinical isolates of Streptococcus suis in Henan Province from 2020 to 2023. Methods:Eight clinical isolates of S. suis in Henan Province from 2020 to 2023 were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serotype and virulence genes were detected by the serum agglutination test and PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), minimum core genome (MCG), identification of antibiotic resistance genes, and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis were conducted using whole genome sequencing. Results:The results showed that eight S. suis strains isolated from humans were mainly serotype 2 (75.0%), while the rest were serotype 14 (25.0%). ST353 (62.5%) was the predominant genotype, followed by ST1 (25.0%) and ST7 (12.5%). All isolates belonged to the MCG1 group. The virulence genotypes of these isolates were primarily mrp(NA2)/ sly+/ ef+/ gapdh+(75.0%), while the remaining were mrp(EU)/ sly+/ ef+/ gapdh+(25.0%). These isolates carried tetracycline, macrolide, lincosamide and aminoglycoside resistance genes, and their resistance rates to tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin were 100.0%, 87.5% and 87.5%, respectively, and 62.5% strains were intermediate-resistant to penicillin. The cgSNP analysis indicated that these isolates were closer to the isolates from Guangdong, Zhejiang and Guangxi Provinces, with five ST353 strains and one ST7 strain belonging to Clade Ⅰ, and two ST1 strains belonging to Clade Ⅱ. Conclusion:The human isolates of S. suis in Henan Province are mainly ST353, harboring multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.

Pregabalin, a structural analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been widely prescribed since its approval in 2004 for treating various neuropathic pain conditions. In Western countries, it is also approved for managing anxiety disorders. However, concerns about its potential for abuse and dependence have led to its reclassification as a second-line treatment in recent years. Although pregabalin addiction has been reported in international studies, there have been no such reports within China. This article presents a case of addiction stemming from pregabalin abuse to manage anxiety symptoms. The patient experienced withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing the drug, which were successfully treated. The development of pregabalin addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and the OD(overdose) pattern of drug abuse in this case should draw the attention of clinicians in China.

AIM:To explore the therapeutic effects of Liuwei-Dihuang decoction(LD)on ovarian function in pre-mature ovarian failure(POF)mice,and to uncover the role of the Notch signaling pathway in its mechanism.METHODS:A mouse model of POF was constructed through intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide/busulfan.Subsequently,the mice were randomly divided into six groups(n=12 per group):control,POF model,low-dose LD(LD-L),medium-dose LD(LD-M),high-dose LD(LD-H),and positive drug(0.7 mg/kg diethylstilbestrol)groups.The ovarian histopathologi-cal alterations were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and estradiol(E2)were quantified via ELISA assays.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was conducted to compare the expression level of cell proliferation marker Ki-67 in mouse ovarian tissues among the groups.The expression of proteins involved in the Notch pathway components[Notch1,Notch2,Jagged1(JAG-1),and hairy and enhancer of split 1(Hes1)]was determined via IHC and Western blot,while the corresponding mRNA levels of Notch1,Notch2,JAG-1,JAG-2,Hes1,and Hes5 were quantified through the qPCR analysis.RESULTS:Ovarian weight was significantly higher,and the number of atretic follicles was significantly lower in the LD-H and positive drug groups com-pared to the model group(P<0.05).However,serum FSH levels were decreased(P<0.01),whereas those of E2 and AMH were elevated in both treatment groups compared with the model group(P<0.01).In the LD-H group,the expres-sion of key molecules of the Notch pathway components was increased at the protein and mRNA level compared with the model group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:LD ameliorates ovarian dysfunction in POF mice via activating the Notch sig-naling pathway.

AIM:To explore the therapeutic effects of Liuwei-Dihuang decoction(LD)on ovarian function in pre-mature ovarian failure(POF)mice,and to uncover the role of the Notch signaling pathway in its mechanism.METHODS:A mouse model of POF was constructed through intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide/busulfan.Subsequently,the mice were randomly divided into six groups(n=12 per group):control,POF model,low-dose LD(LD-L),medium-dose LD(LD-M),high-dose LD(LD-H),and positive drug(0.7 mg/kg diethylstilbestrol)groups.The ovarian histopathologi-cal alterations were assessed by hematoxylin-eosin(HE)staining.Serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone(FSH),anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and estradiol(E2)were quantified via ELISA assays.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was conducted to compare the expression level of cell proliferation marker Ki-67 in mouse ovarian tissues among the groups.The expression of proteins involved in the Notch pathway components[Notch1,Notch2,Jagged1(JAG-1),and hairy and enhancer of split 1(Hes1)]was determined via IHC and Western blot,while the corresponding mRNA levels of Notch1,Notch2,JAG-1,JAG-2,Hes1,and Hes5 were quantified through the qPCR analysis.RESULTS:Ovarian weight was significantly higher,and the number of atretic follicles was significantly lower in the LD-H and positive drug groups com-pared to the model group(P<0.05).However,serum FSH levels were decreased(P<0.01),whereas those of E2 and AMH were elevated in both treatment groups compared with the model group(P<0.01).In the LD-H group,the expres-sion of key molecules of the Notch pathway components was increased at the protein and mRNA level compared with the model group(P<0.01).CONCLUSION:LD ameliorates ovarian dysfunction in POF mice via activating the Notch sig-naling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the pathogenetic characteristics of clinical isolates of Streptococcus suis in Henan Province from 2020 to 2023. Methods:Eight clinical isolates of S. suis in Henan Province from 2020 to 2023 were identified using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) and real-time fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Serotype and virulence genes were detected by the serum agglutination test and PCR, and antibiotic susceptibility was evaluated using the microbroth dilution method. Multilocus sequence typing (MLST), minimum core genome (MCG), identification of antibiotic resistance genes, and core genome single nucleotide polymorphism (cgSNP) analysis were conducted using whole genome sequencing. Results:The results showed that eight S. suis strains isolated from humans were mainly serotype 2 (75.0%), while the rest were serotype 14 (25.0%). ST353 (62.5%) was the predominant genotype, followed by ST1 (25.0%) and ST7 (12.5%). All isolates belonged to the MCG1 group. The virulence genotypes of these isolates were primarily mrp(NA2)/ sly+/ ef+/ gapdh+(75.0%), while the remaining were mrp(EU)/ sly+/ ef+/ gapdh+(25.0%). These isolates carried tetracycline, macrolide, lincosamide and aminoglycoside resistance genes, and their resistance rates to tetracycline, erythromycin and clindamycin were 100.0%, 87.5% and 87.5%, respectively, and 62.5% strains were intermediate-resistant to penicillin. The cgSNP analysis indicated that these isolates were closer to the isolates from Guangdong, Zhejiang and Guangxi Provinces, with five ST353 strains and one ST7 strain belonging to Clade Ⅰ, and two ST1 strains belonging to Clade Ⅱ. Conclusion:The human isolates of S. suis in Henan Province are mainly ST353, harboring multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance genes.

Pregabalin, a structural analog of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), has been widely prescribed since its approval in 2004 for treating various neuropathic pain conditions. In Western countries, it is also approved for managing anxiety disorders. However, concerns about its potential for abuse and dependence have led to its reclassification as a second-line treatment in recent years. Although pregabalin addiction has been reported in international studies, there have been no such reports within China. This article presents a case of addiction stemming from pregabalin abuse to manage anxiety symptoms. The patient experienced withdrawal symptoms after discontinuing the drug, which were successfully treated. The development of pregabalin addiction, withdrawal symptoms, and the OD(overdose) pattern of drug abuse in this case should draw the attention of clinicians in China.

Objective:To analyze the reinfection rates in people previously infected with SARS-CoV-2 in Zhengzhou and Yuzhou cities (first infected with Delta/B.1.617.2 variant), and Anyang city (first infected with Omicron/BA.1.1 variant) in January 2022 and the population characteristics, and compare the differences in antibody levels among different populations.Methods:Serum samples were collected from 371 previously infected, 134 reinfected and 19 uninfected people for IgG antibody detection. Among them, serum samples from 45 previously infected, 44 reinfected and 19 uninfected people were tested with different novel coronavirus variants (early original strain, BA.5.2 variant, XBB.1.5 variant) for neutralizing antibody detection.Results:The rate of reinfection was 32.82% (85/259) in Zhengzhou and Yuzhou cities, and 19.92% (49/246) in Anyang city. The IgG antibody level in reinfected people was higher than that in previously infected and uninfected people ( P<0.05). The IgG antibody level in uninfected group was higher in people vaccinated within three months than in those vaccinated six months ago ( P<0.05). The IgG antibody level in the group receiving four doses of vaccine was higher than that in the group receiving three doses of vaccine ( P<0.05). The results of true virus neutralization antibody detection showed that in the Zhengzhou and Yuzhou cases, the level of neutralization antibody against the early original strain was higher than those against the BA.5.2 variant and the XBB.1.5 variant ( P<0.05), and the level of neutralizing antibody against BA.5.2 variant was higher than that against XBB.1.5 variant ( P<0.05). In Anyang city cases, the level of neutralizing antibody against the early original strain was higher than those against BA.5.2 variant and XBB.1.5 variant ( P<0.05); in the reinfected population, the level of neutralizing antibody against the early original strain was higher than that against the XBB.1.5 variant ( P<0.05). In addition, the levels of all neutralizing antibodies in both previously infected and reinfected people were higher than those in uninfected people ( P<0.05). The level of neutralizing antibody in the infected population in Zhengzhou and Yuzhou cities was higher than that in the infected population in Anyang city and in uninfected population ( P<0.05). The levels of antibodies against BA.5.2 and anti-XBB.1.5 variants in infected people in Zhengzhou and Yuzhou cities were higher than those in uninfected people ( P<0.05). The level of neutralizing antibody against BA.5.2 variants in the previously infected population in Anyang city was higher than that in the uninfected population ( P<0.05), and the level of neutralizing antibody against XBB.1.5 variants in the infected population in Anyang city was higher than that in the uninfected population ( P<0.05). Conclusions:After infection with SARS-CoV-2, the neutralizing antibodies produced in the human body have a certain cross-protection effect on other variants, but the antibody level will gradually decrease over time. Protection from a previous early SARS-CoV-2 variants infection against the current main circulating Omicron variants (such as XBB variants) is low, and the immunity conferred by pervious infection or booster vaccination may not be able to provide sufficient protection against new variants.

Objective:To analyze the genus, drug resistance/virulence and phylogenetic characteristics of Brucella strains isolated from brucellosis surveillance sentinels in Henan Province from 2013 to 2022, and provide baseline data for the surveillance, early warning and outbreak tracing of brucellosis. Methods:Blood samples were collected from patients with Brucella infection for strain isolation, culture and species identification, drug susceptibility test, whole genome sequencing, splicing and assembly, functional/virulence/resistance gene prediction analysis and phylogenetic tree drawing based on single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP). Results:In 36 brucellosis patients, the majority were men (86.11%, 31/36), young adults aged 18-50 (88.89%, 32/36) and farmers/herdsmen (72.22%, 26/36). A total of 36 strains of Brucella melitensis were isolated, and average 1 305 functional proteins of 21 categories were predicted by strain genome; all the strains carried four main virulence factors (pmm, VirB group, BtpA/BtpB, BvrS/BvrR). The drug sensitivity rate was 100.00% to six types of antibiotics including levofloxacin, rifampicin, doxycycline, streptomycin, tetracycline and gentamicin, they showed different resistances to three antibiotics including compound trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, ciprofloxacin and ampicillin. The strains carried four types of resistance genes and two clusters of resistance genes, with four combinations of genotypes, the resistance mechanisms included antibiotic degradation/modification enzymes, resistant nodular cell differentiation (RND) efflux pumps, 16S/23S ribosomal rRNA binding site mutations, etc. The number of SNP differed in the genomes of 36 Brucellamelitensis strains ranged from 0 to 454 and phylogenetic tree was divided into three major branches, with relative branch distances between 0.000 0 and 0.498 6 for each strain. Conclusions:Human Brucellamelitensis strains isolated from surveillance sentinels in Henan from 2013 to 2022 carried multiple virulence and antibiotic resistance genes and had different drug resistance phenotypes. Single nucleotide polymorphism analysis and phylogenetic tree analysis showed significant differences in phylogenetic relationships among different strains.