OBJECTIVE: Cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating the development of effective treatment approaches. Developing synergistic therapy can provide a highly promising strategy for anti-cancer treatment through combining the benefits of various mechanisms. METHODS: In this study, we developed a synergistic strategy for chemo-photothermal therapy by constructing nanocomposites using gold nanorods (GNRs) and tetrahedral framework nucleic acids (tFNA) loaded with the anti-tumor drug doxorubicin (DOX). RESULTS: Our in vitro studies have systematically clarified the anti-cancer behaviors of tFNA-DOX@GNR nanocomposites, characterized by their enhanced cellular uptake and proficient lysosomal escape capabilities. It was found that the key role of tFNA-DOX@GNR nanocomposites in tumor ablation is primarily due to their capacity to induce cytotoxicity in tumor cells via a photothermal effect, which generates instantaneous high temperatures. This mechanism introduces various responses in tumor cells, facilitated by the thermal effect and the integrated chemotherapeutic action of DOX. These reactions include the induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress, characterized by elevated reactive oxygen species levels, the promotion of apoptotic cell death, and the suppression of tumor cell proliferation. CONCLUSION This work exhibits the potential of synergistic therapy utilizing nanocomposites for cancer treatment and offers a promising avenue for future therapeutic strategies.
Doxorubicin/chemistry* ; Gold/chemistry* ; Nanotubes/chemistry* ; Humans ; Nanocomposites/chemistry* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Nucleic Acids/chemistry* ; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic/pharmacology* ; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage*

Insulin is an important protein hormone that participates in multiple metabolic pathways.Biosynthetic insulin has been widely used in the treatment of type 1 and type 2 diabetes.Currently,the number of reported cases of insulin overdose both at home and abroad is gradually increasing,and insulin homicide is no longer a means of"committing murder without leaving a trace".At present,there are no systematic protocols for the identification of insulin overdose in the field of forensic medi-cine in China.This article introduces the causes,toxicological characteristics,forensic examination,labo-ratory testing methods and indicator reference of insulin overdose.Based on the identification practice and research results and referring to relevant studies on insulin overdose at home and abroad,this pa-per aims to provide recommendations and references for the formulation of forensic identification guide-lines for insulin overdose cases.

BACKGROUND: Neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery has been a common practice for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer, but the response rate varies among patients. This study aimed to develop a ResNet-Vision Transformer based magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)-endoscopy fusion model to precisely predict treatment response and provide personalized treatment. METHODS: In this multicenter study, 366 eligible patients who had undergone neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy followed by radical surgery at eight Chinese tertiary hospitals between January 2017 and June 2024 were recruited, with 2928 pretreatment colonic endoscopic images and 366 pelvic MRI images. An MRI-endoscopy fusion model was constructed based on the ResNet backbone and Transformer network using pretreatment MRI and endoscopic images. Treatment response was defined as good response or non-good response based on the tumor regression grade. The Delong test and the Hanley-McNeil test were utilized to compare prediction performance among different models and different subgroups, respectively. The predictive performance of the MRI-endoscopy fusion model was comprehensively validated in the test sets and was further compared to that of the single-modal MRI model and single-modal endoscopy model. RESULTS: The MRI-endoscopy fusion model demonstrated favorable prediction performance. In the internal validation set, the area under the curve (AUC) and accuracy were 0.852 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.744-0.940) and 0.737 (95% CI: 0.712-0.844), respectively. Moreover, the AUC and accuracy reached 0.769 (95% CI: 0.678-0.861) and 0.729 (95% CI: 0.628-0.821), respectively, in the external test set. In addition, the MRI-endoscopy fusion model outperformed the single-modal MRI model (AUC: 0.692 [95% CI: 0.609-0.783], accuracy: 0.659 [95% CI: 0.565-0.775]) and the single-modal endoscopy model (AUC: 0.720 [95% CI: 0.617-0.823], accuracy: 0.713 [95% CI: 0.612-0.809]) in the external test set. CONCLUSION The MRI-endoscopy fusion model based on ResNet-Vision Transformer achieved favorable performance in predicting treatment response to neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and holds tremendous potential for enabling personalized treatment regimens for locally advanced rectal cancer patients.
Humans ; Rectal Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Neoadjuvant Therapy/methods* ; Aged ; Adult ; Chemoradiotherapy/methods* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P＜0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P＞0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.

With the rapid development of deep learning(DL)technology,its potential applications in the medical field have become increasingly prominent.As a refractory disease,osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH)has certain limitations in traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches.The application of DL technology is expected to overcome these limitations and improve diagnosis and treatment outcomes.At present,the applications of DL models-including enhancing image clarity,improving diagnostic accuracy and efficiency,conducting prognostic evaluations,optimizing preoperative planning,assisting intraoperative imaging,and customizing personalized treatment plans-have fully demonstrated their tremendous potential in the diagnosis and treatment of ONFH.This review summarizes the current application status of DL in ONFH diagnosis and treatment,aiming to provide references and insights for future related research.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of facilitated percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI)with half-dose recombinant staphylokinase(r-SAK)in patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)who are expected to undergo PCI within 120 minutes.Methods From October 2021 to August 2022,a total of 200 STEMI patients in eight centers were included and randomly assigned in a 1﹕1 ratio to either r-SAK group or control group.Patients received loading doses of aspirin and ticagrelor and intravenous heparin and were randomized to receive an intravenous bolus of either 5 mg r-SAK or normal saline prior to PCI.The outcomes were set as ST-segment resolution(STR)at 60-90 minutes after PCI,the proportion and transition of pathological Q waves on the 5th day after PCI,and the proportion of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin T(hs-cTnT)peaking within 12 hours of onset.The safety outcome was major bleeding events defined as Bleeding Academic Research Consortium(BARC)≥type 3 bleeding during hospitalization.Results Compared with the control group,the r-SAK group had a higher proportion of STR≥70%within 60-90 minutes after PCI(58.3%vs.40.3%,P=0.009);a lower proportion of pathological Q waves(59.1%vs.74.1%,P=0.040);a lower rate of Q wave progression(14.8%vs.43.2%,P＜0.001);a higher rate of Q wave disappearance(12.5%vs.3.7%,P=0.027);and a higher proportion of hs-cTnT peaking within 12 hours of symptom onset[31/40(77.5%)vs.17/33(51.5%),P=0.027].Regarding the safety outcome,no significant difference in BARC≥type 3 bleeding was found between the two groups during hospitalization(P＞0.05).Conclusions For STEMI patients who were expected to undergo primary PCI within 120 minutes of symptom onset,the facilitated PCI with half-dose r-SAK significantly increased the proportion of STR≥70%at 60-90 minutes after PCI,reduced the formation of pathological Q waves,and shortened the time to peak hs-cTnT,without increasing the risk of bleeding,which should be an alternative reperfusion strategy worthy of further study.

Objective To explore the application value of serum Syndecan-1 and endocan-1 combined with rapid sequential organ failure(qSOFA)score in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis.Methods The severity of 118 patients with sepsis was divided into the general sepsis group(48 cases),the severe sepsis group(42 cases)and the septic shock group(28 cases).According to the prognosis,patients were divided into the death group(n=32)and the survival group(n=86).A total of 118 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group.Serum Syndecan-1 and endocan-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The value of serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores in the early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and the area under the curve(AUC)was compared.Results Compared with the control group,levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores were increased in the study group(P＜0.05).The serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA score in the general sepsis group,the severe sepsis group and the septic shock group were significantly increased in sequence(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA score in the diagnosis of sepsis(0.967)were higher than that of Syndecan-1(AUC=0.868),endocan-1(AUC=0.798)and qSOFA score(AUC=0.873)alone(Z=6.541,5.495 and 6.395,P＜0.001).Compared with the survival group,the levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores were significantly increased in the death group(P＜0.05).The combined prediction of AUC(0.983)was higher than that of Syndecan-1(AUC=0.814),endocan-1(AUC=0.834)and qSOFA score(AUC=0.924)alone(Z=6.596,9.268 and 6.904,P＜0.001).Conclusion Serum levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA are increased in patients with sepsis,and the combination of the three has higher clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis.

Objective To explore the application value of serum Syndecan-1 and endocan-1 combined with rapid sequential organ failure(qSOFA)score in the diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis.Methods The severity of 118 patients with sepsis was divided into the general sepsis group(48 cases),the severe sepsis group(42 cases)and the septic shock group(28 cases).According to the prognosis,patients were divided into the death group(n=32)and the survival group(n=86).A total of 118 healthy volunteers were selected as the control group.Serum Syndecan-1 and endocan-1 levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA).The value of serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores in the early diagnosis and prognosis of sepsis was analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,and the area under the curve(AUC)was compared.Results Compared with the control group,levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores were increased in the study group(P＜0.05).The serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA score in the general sepsis group,the severe sepsis group and the septic shock group were significantly increased in sequence(P＜0.05).ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC of serum Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA score in the diagnosis of sepsis(0.967)were higher than that of Syndecan-1(AUC=0.868),endocan-1(AUC=0.798)and qSOFA score(AUC=0.873)alone(Z=6.541,5.495 and 6.395,P＜0.001).Compared with the survival group,the levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA scores were significantly increased in the death group(P＜0.05).The combined prediction of AUC(0.983)was higher than that of Syndecan-1(AUC=0.814),endocan-1(AUC=0.834)and qSOFA score(AUC=0.924)alone(Z=6.596,9.268 and 6.904,P＜0.001).Conclusion Serum levels of Syndecan-1,endocan-1 and qSOFA are increased in patients with sepsis,and the combination of the three has higher clinical value in the diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of sepsis.

OBJECTIVE: To explore characteristics, management strategies and preventive measures of fusion device displacement after oblique lateral interbody fusion (OLIF) in treating lumbar lesions. METHODS: The clinical data of 12 patients with fusion device displacement after OLIF for lumbar lesions in 4 medical centers from October 2014 to December 2018 were retrospectively analyzed, including 4 males and 8 females, aged from 53 to 81 years old;2 patients with lumbar disc degeneration, 4 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, 3 patients with lumbar degenerative spondylolisthesis and 3 patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis;preoperative dual-energy X-ray bone mineral density (BMD) was detected in 1 patient with T-value > -1 SD, 5 patients with T-value >-1~-2.5 SD, and 6 patients with T-value <-2.5 SD;9 patients with single-segment fusion, 1 patient with 2-segment fusion, and 2 patients with 3-segment fusion;standalone OLIF was performed in 9 patients and OLIF combined with posterior pedicle screws in 3 patients. Visual analogue scale (VAS) and Oswestry disability index (ODI) were used to evaluate low back pain and lumbar function recovery at the time of fusion graft displacement and at the latest follow-up, respectively. In addition, according to imaging results during follow-up, the fusion device subsidence or redisplacement, loosening or fracture of internal fixation, and interbody fusion were observed, and the changes in the height of interbody space on the segment with fusion device displacement were measured and compared. RESULTS: There were no necrosis or infection in skin incision of 10 patients after reoperation, and 12 patients were followed up for 12 to 48 months. VAS for low back pain decreased from 3 to 8 points at the time of fusion device displacement to 0 to 2 points at the latest follow-up. ODI recovered from 31% to 51% at the time of fusion transfer to 5% to 13% at the latest follow-up. There was no loosening or fracture of the pedicle screw system during follow-up. All 11 patients with bone grafting with fusion apparatus had fusion apparatus subsidence and no further displacement of fusion apparatus. The vertebral space height recovered from 9.0 to 12.7 mm at the time of fusion graft displacement to 8.0 to 11.8 mm at the latest follow-up. Interbody fusion was obtained in all patients except 1 with no imaging results at the latest follow-up. CONCLUSION OLIF could be used for fusion of lumbar lesions, and there is a risk of fusion organ displacement after operation, especially in cases of bone loss or osteoporosis before surgery, end-plate injury during surgery, and Stand-alone mode, and most of them occur within 3 months after operation. Surgery is required for the transposition of the fusion apparatus in the Stand-alone OLIF mode during the primary operation. Although good clinical results could be obtained by timely detection and accurate treatment, it is still necessary to emphasize the precise selection of cases before operation, the appropriate application of OLIF, and precise operation during operation to prevent displacement of fusion device.
Humans ; Spinal Fusion/instrumentation* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Aged, 80 and over ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Retrospective Studies ; Pedicle Screws

Objective:To explore the value of color Doppler ultrasound (CDUS) combined with shear wave elastography (SWE) in the diagnosis of thyroid micropapillary carcinoma (PTMC).Methods:The clinical data were retrospectively collected including 51 patients with PTMC (study group) and 49 patients with benign thyroid nodules (control group) who treatment in Maanshan 17 Metallurgical Hospital from October 2020 to December 2022. The clinical data, serum tumor markers, CDUS quantitative parameters, and SWE quantitative parameters were compared between the two groups, the correlation between CDUS, SWE quantitative parameters and serum tumor markers were analyzed by Pearson test, and the diagnostic value of CDUS, SWE quantitative parameters were analyzed by receiver operating characteristic(ROC) curve.Results:The levels of serum carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), thyroglobulin (TG), galactose hemagglutinin-3 (Gal-3), resistance index (RI), peak systolic flow velocity (PSV), elasticity modulus minimum (E min), elasticity modulus mean (E mean), and elasticity modulus maximum (E max) in the study group were higher than those in the control group: (28.76 ± 4.29) μg/L vs. (15.73 ± 2.96) μg/L, (117.53 ± 25.17) μg/L vs. (49.85 ± 9.64) μg/L, (8.31 ± 2.43) μg/L vs. (3.50 ± 0.82) μg/L, 0.85 ± 0.21 vs. 0.54 ± 0.13, (44.18 ± 8.26) cm/s vs. (22.05 ± 6.49) cm/s, (15.80 ± 1.94) kPa vs. (12.97 ± 1.58) kPa, (38.02 ± 10.39) kPa vs. (23.16 ± 7.83) kPa, (60.13 ± 19.41) kPa vs. (34.65 ± 11.87) kPa, there were statistical differences ( P<0.05). In patients with PTMC, the results of Pearson test showed that, RI, PSV, E min, E mean, and E max were positively correlated with serum CEA, TG, and Gal-3 levels ( P<0.05). The results of ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of the combined diagnosis of PTMC by RI, PSV, E min, E mean, and E max was 0.937. Conclusions:CDUS combined with SWE can provide reliable reference for clinical diagnosis of PTMC.