Objective To investigate the heterogeneity and key molecular features of epithelial cells in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), identify prognostic biomarkers, and develop a robust survival prediction model. Methods Using TNBC single-cell transcriptomic data, epithelial cells were extracted, normalized, and subclustered to characterize their molecular signatures and functional differences. High-dimensional weighted gene co-expression network analysis (hdWGCNA) was applied to establish co-expression modules in epithelial cells. Multiple machine learning algorithms were integrated to select key prognostic genes and develop a risk-score model, whose performance was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and Kaplan-Meier (K-M) survival analysis. In addition, the immune microenvironment features and potential drug-response differences between the high- and low-risk groups were systematically assessed. Finally, PCR was performed to validate the expression differences of the key genes between tumor and normal tissues. Results We characterized the composition and molecular features of TNBC epithelial subpopulations and identified a TNBC-associated epithelial subset. By integrating hdWGCNA with machine learning approaches, 10 key genes were selected to construct a prognostic model, which effectively stratified patients into distinct survival-risk groups and demonstrated favorable predictive performance in ROC and K-M analyses. Immune profiling revealed the differences in the infiltration levels of seven immune cell types and immune function-related features between the high- and low-risk groups. Drug-sensitivity analysis suggested potential differential responses to eight agents across the risk groups. PCR validation further confirmed the differential expression of the ten signature genes between tumor and normal tissues. Conclusion This study reveals epithelial heterogeneity in TNBC at single-cell resolution and establishes a 10-gene prognostic model, which may facilitate the stratification of TNBC risk and the evaluation of immune characteristics and potential therapeutic strategies.

Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of EGFR-TKIs monotherapy and its combination therapy in the first-line treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer （NSCLC） patients with EGFR mutations. Methods Databases such as PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov were systematically searched to collect eligible phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ randomized controlled trials （RCTs）, with the time range from the establishment of the databases to June 2023. Two researchers independently screened the literature, extracted data, and assessed the risk of bias in the studies. Outcome data, including overall survival （OS）, progression-free survival （PFS）, objective response rate （ORR）, grade 3 or higher adverse events （≥3 AEs）, and serious adverse events （SAEs）, were collected. A network meta-analysis was performed using R software （version 4.2.1） under the Bayesian theoretical framework. Subgroup analyses of survival outcomes （OS, PFS） were conducted based on different clinical and pathophysiological characteristics of the patients. Results A total of twenty-eight phase Ⅱ/Ⅲ RCTs were included in the study, involving a total of 7 460 patients and 18 first-line treatment regimens. The results showed that in terms of efficacy, gefitinib + pemetrexed-containing chemotherapy performed best in OS and ORR, while osimertinib + bevacizumab performed best in PFS. In terms of safety, furmonertinib had the lowest incidence of ≥3 grade AEs, and osimertinib had the lowest incidence of SAEs. Subgroup analysis results indicated that the efficacy and safety of various treatment regimens differed among patients with different clinical and pathological characteristics. Conclusion Monotherapy with third-generation EGFR-TKIs, represented by osimertinib, serves as the preferred therapeutic option considering both efficacy and safety profiles. While some combination therapies could enhance survival benefits, need to be vigilant about increased toxicity. Clinical decision-making should be tailored based on patients’ mutation subtypes, comorbidities, and tolerance.

Objective To analyze the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infection in this hospital in the past 7 years,and to provide reference for clinical treatment and prevention and control strategies of fun-gal infection.Methods The fungal data and clinical data of related patients isolated from clinical samples in Peking Union Medical College Hospital from early January 2018 to the end of May 2024 were selected,and the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infection in this hospital were identified and described through multi-angle statistical analysis.Results A total of 4 479 patients with filamentous fungal infection were en-rolled.The proportion of male patients[57.5％(2 576/4 479)]was higher than that of female patients[42.5％(1 903/4 143)],mainly distributed in internal medicine,Intensive Care Unit(ICU)and emergency de-partment,among which internal medicine accounted for the highest proportion[50.0％(2 241/4 479)].About 90.0％of the specimens were from the lower respiratory tract,in addition to specimens from skin and soft tis-sue,tissue,ear and blood culture.In terms of seasonal distribution,there are more patients in winter.The fun-gi were mainly composed of Aspergillus,Mucor,Cerdosporium,Fusarium and Penicillium,among which As-pergillus was the most abundant,accounting for 74.6％of the total.Aspergillus fumigatus was the most a-bundant Aspergillus,accounting for 42.5％of the total Aspergillus(1 418/3 340).Among the related infec-tions caused by mold,Aspergillus was the most common in the lower respiratory tract,accounting for 76.8％.Among them,Aspergillus fumigatus accounted for the highest proportion(33.6％).98.6％of the molds infected the ear were Aspergillus,of which Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus terreus were the most common.Skin infections are mainly caused by Sporothrix schenckii,Trichophyton rubrum,Microsporum ca-nis.The results of in vitro drug sensitivity test showed that the four common Aspergillus isolated in this hos-pital were sensitive to voriconazole,and amphotericin B had better antifungal activity against Mucorales in vitro.Conclusion Based on the main epidemiological characteristics of fungal infections in this hospital,it is recommended that special attention be paid to the admission of patients in the respiratory department during the peak infection period in autumn and winter.In the treatment of fungal infections in different regions and on different body parts,attention should be paid to the differences in the distribution of bacterial species.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of fluoroscopically-guided percutaneous gastrostomy (FGPG) for establishing enteral nutrition access in the treatment of esophageal fistula after radiotherapy for cervical esophageal cancer (CEC).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 54 patients who underwent FGPG due to esophageal fistula after radiotherapy for CEC at our department from November 2009 to August 2019. All patients received endoscopy before radiotherapy, and CEC was pathologically confirmed. Enteral nutrition support was offered through a gastrostomy tube postoperatively. The success rate of FGPG, complications, and healing of perforation were recorded and analyzed.Results:FGPG was successfully performed in all 54 patients (100%). During the 12-month follow-up, 50 patients (92.6) survived while four (7.4%) died. Among 36 patients with esophagomediastinal fistula, 32 (88.9%) healed in a median of 12 weeks; of 18 patients with esophagotracheal fistula, 8 (44.4%) healed in a median of 18 weeks. Thus, patients with esophagomediastinal fistula had a significantly higher healing rate ( P<0.01) and shorter healing time ( P=0.017). Gastrostomy tube-related complications were minimal, and no serious complication was noted. Conclusions:FGPG is effective for the treatment of esophageal fistula after CEC radiotherapy and may be an alternative treatment for esophageal fistula.

Objective To study the effect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) Pro-Pro-Glu-59 (PPE59) protein on the biological function of Mycobacterium smegmatis (Ms) and the regulation of host cell immune response. Methods PPE59 gene fragment was obtained by PCR amplification, cloned into pALACE, constructed into recombinant pALACE-PPE59 vector, and electro-transformed into Ms. Western blot was applied to analyse PPE59 expression and subcellular localization. The survival of Ms_Vec and Ms_PPE59 under low acid (pH=3 and pH=5) conditions and active surface pressure sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) conditions and their intracellular survival in macrophages were analyzed. ELISA was used to detect the cytokine (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12, TNF-α and IL-10) expression levels of Ms_Vec and Ms_PPE59 infected macrophages. Results PPE59 protein localized to the cell wall of Ms can enhance the acid-resistance and anti-SDS effect of Ms, which is conducive to the survival of Ms in macrophages. PPE59 significantly decreased the secretion levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-12 and TNF-α), and promoted the secretion levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Conclusion PPE59 enhances the survival ability of Ms under low acid and SDS pressure and promotes its intracellular survival by regulating the cytokine secretion levels.
Mycobacterium smegmatis/metabolism* ; Macrophages/metabolism* ; Cytokines/metabolism* ; Mycobacterium tuberculosis/metabolism* ; Bacterial Proteins/metabolism* ; Animals ; Mice ; Antigens, Bacterial/metabolism*

Acute lateral ankle sprain (ALAS) is one of the most common sport injuries, with high incidence, recurrence and disability rates. Currently, exercise rehabilitation-based non-surgical treatment is the primary management approach for ALAS. However, there remain improper practices such as excessive immobilization or uncontrolled activity, which contribute to recurrent sprains and chronic ankle instability, significantly impairing patients′ athletic function and quality of life. To standardize the non-surgical management of ALAS, improve the cure rates, and reduce the recurrence and disability rates, Chinese Sports Rehabilitation Medicine Training Project of Chinese Medical Association, Foot and Ankle Basics and Orthopedics Group, Orthopedic Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, and Sports Medicine Branch of Jiangsu Medical Association organized relevant experts to formulate Expert consensus on non-surgical treatment for acute lateral ankle sprain ( version 2025), following the principles of scientific vigor, practicality, and innovation. Thirteen recommendations were proposed for standardized treatment protocols across different healing phases, aiming to provide references for standard management of ALAS and improve the therapeutic outcomes.

Objectives:This study aims to investigate the correlation between urinary crystals and the components of urinary calculi in patients with urinary calculi，as well as the accuracy of urine crystals in predicting stone components.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on 280 patients with positive urine crystal and urinary calculi from January 2022 to December 2024. There were a total of 280 patients consisting of 185 males and 95 females，aged from 23 to 80 years，with an average age of（49.1 ± 12.3）years. Among them，there were 243 cases of renal stones or both renal and ureteral stones，25 cases of ureteral stones，and 12 cases of bladder stones. In all cases，10 ml of morning urine was collected preoperatively and sent for examination within one hour. After centrifuging at 400 g for 1 minute，the urine sediment was examined under a microscope. All positive crystals were categorized into calcium oxalate，uric acid，calcium phosphate，magnesium ammonium phosphate，and cystine based on the morphology of the crystals. Calculi were collected after endoscopic surgery，calculi composition was analyzed using infrared spectroscopy，and the main component（the first predominant component）was recorded. Statistical analysis was conducted using a 5×5 contingency table to analyze the correlation and contingency coefficient，and the positive predictive values of the urinary crystals for predicting calculi components were calculated. Results:Among the 280 patients，calcium oxalate crystals were found in 241 cases，uric acid in 25 cases，calcium phosphate in 7 cases，magnesium ammonium phosphate in 5 cases，and cystine in 2 cases. The main components of 280 calculi were calcium oxalate in 232 cases，uric acid in 21 cases，calcium phosphate in 24 cases，magnesium ammonium phosphate in 1 case，and cystine in 2 cases. There was a statistically significant correlation between urinary crystals and stone components（ χ2 = 152.46， P < 0.01），and the contingency coefficient between crystals and calculi components was 0.809. The overall positive expected value of urine crystals was 87.5%（245/280），among which the positive expected value of calcium oxalate crystals was 91.7%（221/241），uric acid crystals was 72.0%（18/25），calcium phosphate was 42.9%（3/7），magnesium ammonium phosphate was 20.0%（1/5），and cystine was 100.0%（2/2）. Conclusions:The urinary crystals of patients with calculi are significantly related to the main components of the calculi. Using urinary crystals to predict the components of the calculi has a relatively high accuracy.

Objective To investigate the real experience and needs of home enteral nutrition(HEN)support for patients with cancer pain so as to provide references for formulating effective clinical nursing intervention programs.Methods Purposive sampling was used to select the patients with cancer pain under HEN in the Department of Pain of our hospital between January and December 2022.Semi-structured interviews were conducted in the study.Data were analysed and summarised,then the themes were extracted using Colaizzi's 7-step method.Results Three themes were extracted,including positive experiences(pain relief,improved nutritional status,sense of family belonging and increased confidence in self-management)and negative experiences(sleep disturbance,limited activities,worry about adversary reactions and complications,and fear of intubation).Patients also expressed the need for more nutritional knowledge and social support(hope for professional guidance and supports from medical resource and policy).Conclusion Medical providers should enhance the management efficiency of the patients with cancer pain and their family members,pay attention to the psychological assessment and intervention during HEN,and strengthen the diversified supports and nursing follow-up of the patients.Effective interventions should be implemented to solve issues that arise during HEN to ensure a smooth and safe implementation.

Objective:In alignment with the practical teaching objectives of Diseases of the Locomotor System and the competency requirements for graduates of military medical universities, this study conducted a multidimensional modification of the traditional objective structured clinical examination (OSCE) to provide a novel training mode that enhances the effectiveness of practical teaching of this course.Methods:The traditional OSCE was modified from the four dimensions of integration, individuality, immersion, and intelligence. The first three stations were set as "diagnosis" and the last three stations were set as "operation" to reflect the "integration" of diagnosis and treatment. The last station of "operation" was set as "medical cares of combat and training injuries" to reflect "individuality" of military medical training. The method of situation creation was used to reflect "immersion", and the application of intelligent terminals reflected "intelligence". The study involved 50 trainees who were assigned to either a modified OSCE group or a traditional teaching group through a random drawing process. The teaching effectiveness was assessed through evaluation of theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and participant satisfaction. The statistical analysis was conducted by SPSS 22.0, with parametric data assessed by t-tests and non-parametric data assessed by chi-square tests. Results:Before entering the department, there were no statistically significant differences in theoretical ( P=0.832) and practical ( P=0.513) scores between the two groups of trainees. However, after the internship, the modified OSCE group demonstrated significantly enhanced scores compared to the traditional teaching group, both in theory assessment [(93.88±1.92) vs. (90.76±2.85), P=0.001] and skill assessment [(94.32±1.25) vs. (91.68±2.82), P=0.001]. Additionally, the self-assessment of clinical capability improvement by the modified OSCE group was markedly higher across all dimensions than the traditional teaching group ( P=0.001). Furthermore, the evaluation conducted by basic combat unit on the job competency of graduated trainees indicated that the modified OSCE group outperformed the traditional teaching group in basic clinical diagnosis and treatment [(4.72±0.46) vs. (3.44±0.71), P=0.001], emergency management of combat and training injuries [(4.72±0.46) vs. (3.52±0.71), P=0.001], application of information technology [(4.44±0.71) vs. (3.91±0.80), P=0.029], basic military qualities [(4.40±0.71) vs. (3.92±0.91), P=0.043], mental health and resilience [(4.36±0.70) vs. (3.68±0.85), P=0.003], and the capacity for continuous learning [(4.64±0.70) vs. (3.83±0.76), P=0.001]. Conclusions:The modified OSCE teaching mode can better meet the practical teaching requirements for Diseases of the Locomotor System in the military medical university and thus holds promise for further application.

OBJECTIVES: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) imposes a heavy burden on individuals, families, and society. This study analyzed the incidence and mortality trends of RA in China from 1990 to 2023 to provide epidemiological evidence for precise prevention and control. METHODS: Data on RA incidence, age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR), deaths, and age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) in China by sex and age group from 1900 to 2021 were extracted from the Global Burden of Disease (GBD) 2021 database. Joinpoint regression was used to analyze trends in ASIR and ASMR. An age-period-cohort model was constructed using R4.3.1 to evaluate longitudinal age trends and estimate relative risk (RR) values for period and cohort effects. RESULTS: In 2021, the number of RA cases, ASIR, deaths, and ASMR in China were 247 300, 13.70 per 100 000, 10 300, and 0.54 per 100 000, respectively. From 1990 to 2021, the ASIR of RA increased annually among both females and males, with average annual percentage changes (AAPCs) of 0.44% and 0.72%, respectively. Over the same period, ASMR declined in the total population and among females, with AAPCs of -0.78% and -1.19%, while the change in males was not statistically significant. Age-period-cohort analysis showed that the peak incidence occurred in women aged 60-64 years and men aged 75-79 years, and mortality increased with age. The period effect for incidence rose in both sexes, reaching 1.10 [95% confidence interval (CI) 0.94 to 1.27] for females and 1.14 (95% CI 1.02 to 1.27) for males during 2017 to 2021, compared with 2002 to 2006. The mortality period effect RR exhibited a downward-upward-downward pattern, decreasing to 0.56 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.61) in females and 0.75 (95% CI 0.68 to 0.82) in males in 2017 to 2021. Cohort analysis indicated that the highest incidence risk occurred in individuals born during 2012 to 2016, while the cohort effect RR for female RA mortality showed a continuous decline beginning with the 1922 to 1926 birth cohort. CONCLUSIONS The incidence and mortality risks of RA in China have continued to decline. However, with the aging of the population, the incidence and mortality risks among the elderly have increased. Middle-aged women and elderly men should receive focused attention. Health authorities should strengthen education, prevention, and screening among middle-aged women and enhance disease monitoring in elderly populations to reduce the national burden of RA.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Arthritis, Rheumatoid/epidemiology* ; Incidence ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Aged ; Cohort Studies ; Mortality/trends* ; Age Distribution ; Age Factors ; Aged, 80 and over ; Adolescent