The importance of gait assessment in the rehabilitation of cancer patients is gradually being recognized. However, quantitative analysis of balance ability in cancer patients is still limited. A total of 102 cancer patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited from Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences. Their balance ability was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Gait data were collected by an electronic walkway and an IMU sensor system, including spatial-temporal and kinematic gait features such as step length, cadence, support time, and range of motion. Recursive feature elimination was used for feature selection. Ridge, Elastic Net, SVR, RF, and AdaBoost models were used to predict balance ability scores. Five-fold cross-validation was used to evaluate the performance of these models. Results show that the SVR model achieves the best performance with fifteen features (RMSE=3.22, R ²=0.91), followed by Ridge (RMSE=3.63, R ²=0.89). A method for evaluating balance ability based on gait features is proposed, providing a quantitative tool for personalized rehabilitation interventions in cancer patients.
Humans ; Postural Balance ; Neoplasms/rehabilitation* ; Gait ; Gait Analysis ; Biomechanical Phenomena ; Female

Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men, accounting for 14.1% of new cancer cases in 2020. The aggressiveness of prostate cancer is highly variable, depending on its grade and stage at the time of diagnosis. Despite recent advances in prostate cancer treatment, some patients still experience recurrence or even progression after undergoing radical treatment. Accurate initial staging and monitoring for recurrence determine patient management, which in turn affect patient prognosis and survival. Classical imaging has limitations in the diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer, but the use of novel molecular probes has improved the detection rate, specificity, and accuracy of prostate cancer detection. Molecular probe-based imaging modalities allow the visualization and quantitative measurement of biological processes at the molecular and cellular levels in living systems. An increased understanding of tumor biology of prostate cancer and the discovery of new tumor biomarkers have allowed the exploration of additional molecular probe targets. The development of novel ligands and advances in nano-based delivery technologies have accelerated the research and development of molecular probes. Here, we summarize the use of molecular probes in positron emission tomography (PET), single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), optical imaging, and ultrasound imaging, and provide a brief overview of important target molecules in prostate cancer.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatic Neoplasms/diagnosis* ; Molecular Probes ; Molecular Imaging/methods* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Positron-Emission Tomography ; Tomography, Emission-Computed, Single-Photon ; Ultrasonography ; Optical Imaging ; Biomarkers, Tumor ; Precision Medicine/methods*

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorder worldwide, causing dementia and affecting millions of individuals. One prominent characteristic in the brains of AD patients is glucose hypometabolism. In the context of galactose metabolism, intracellular glucose levels are heightened. Galactose mutarotase (GALM) plays a crucial role in maintaining normal galactose metabolism by catalyzing the conversion of β-D-galactose into α-D-galactose (α-D-G). The latter is then converted into glucose-6-phosphate, improving glucose metabolism levels. However, the involvement of GALM in AD progression is still unclear. In the present study, we found that the expression of GALM was significantly increased in AD patients and model mice. Genetic knockdown of GALM using adeno-associated virus did not change the expression of amyloid precursor protein (APP) and APP-cleaving enzymes including a disintegrin and metalloprotease 10 (ADAM10), β-site APP-cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE1), and presenilin-1 (PS1). Interestingly, genetic overexpression of GALM reduced APP and Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, although it did not alter the expression of BACE1 and PS1. Further electrophysiological and behavioral experiments showed that GALM overexpression significantly ameliorated the deficits in hippocampal CA1 long-term potentiation (LTP) and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Importantly, direct α-D-G (20 mg/kg, i.p.) also inhibited Aβ deposition by increasing the maturation of ADAM10, thereby improving hippocampal CA1 LTP and spatial learning and memory in AD model mice. Taken together, our results indicate that GALM shifts APP processing towards α-cleavage, preventing Aβ generation by increasing the level of mature ADAM10. These findings indicate that GALM may be a potential therapeutic target for AD, and α-D-G has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement for the prevention and treatment of AD.
Animals ; ADAM10 Protein/metabolism* ; Alzheimer Disease/pathology* ; Amyloid Precursor Protein Secretases/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Humans ; Mice ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; Male ; Mice, Transgenic ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Amyloid beta-Protein Precursor/metabolism* ; Female ; Hippocampus/metabolism* ; Long-Term Potentiation/physiology*

The incomplete degradation of tumour cells by macrophages (Mϕ) is a contributing factor to tumour progression and metastasis, and the degradation function of Mϕ is mediated through phagosomes and lysosomes. In our preliminary experiments, we found that overactivation of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) reduced the ability of Mϕ to degrade engulfed tumour cells. Above this, we screened out liquiritin from Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch, which can significantly inhibit NOX2 activity and inhibit tumours, to elucidate that suppressing NOX2 can enhance the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells. We found that the tumour environment could activate the NOX2 activity in Mϕ phagosomes, causing Mϕ to produce excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus prohibiting the formation of phagolysosomes before degradation. Conversely, inhibiting NOX2 in Mϕ by liquiritin can reduce ROS and promote phagosome-lysosome fusion, therefore improving the enzymatic degradation of tumour cells after phagocytosis, and subsequently promote T cell activity by presenting antigens. We further confirmed that liquiritin down-regulated the expression of the NOX2 specific membrane component protein gp91 phox, blocking its binding to the NOX2 cytoplasmic component proteins p67 phox and p47 phox, thereby inhibiting the activity of NOX2. This study elucidates the specific mechanism by which Mϕ cannot degrade tumour cells after phagocytosis, and indicates that liquiritin can promote the ability of Mϕ to degrade tumour cells by suppressing NOX2.

Nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures (OVF), predominantly affecting the elderly, can lead to intractable pain, vertebral collapse, progressive kyphotic deformity, and neurological impairment, significantly compromising patients′ quality of life. There exists considerable debate on diagnosis and management of OVF, encompassing key issues such as clinical diagnosis and staging criteria for nonunion, surgical indications and procedure selection, and postoperative rehabilitation planning. Currently, there lacks standardized clinical guideline and expert consensus on the diagnosis and management of OVF nonunion in China. To address this gap, Minimally Invasive Surgery Group of Chinese Orthopedic Association, Osteoporosis Committee of Chinese Association of Orthopedic Surgeons, Prevention and Rehabilitation Committee for Osteoporosis of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine and Minimally Invasive Orthopedic Surgery Branch of China Association for Geriatric Care jointly organized domestic experts in spinal surgery, endocrinology, and rehabilitation to formulate the Clinical guideline for the diagnosis and treatment for nonunion of osteoporotic vertebral fractures ( version 2025), based on existing literature and clinical experience and adhering to principles of scientific rigor and practicality. The guideline provided 13 evidence-based recommendations encompassing diagnosis and treatment of OVF nonunion, aiming to standardize its clinical management.

Acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fracture (ASOTLF) can lead to chronic low back pain, kyphosis deformity, pulmonary dysfunction, loss of mobility, and even life-threatening complications. Vertebral augmentation is currently the mainstream treatment method for this condition. In 2019, the Editorial Board of Chinese Journal of Trauma and the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association collaboratively led the development of Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation for acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures. Six years later, with advances in clinical diagnosis and treatment techniques as well as accumulating evidence in related fields, the 2019 guideline requires updating. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of Orthopedic Surgeons Branch of Chinese Medical Doctor Association, the Spinal Health Professional Committee of China Human Health Science and Technology Promotion Association, and the Minimally Invasive Orthopedics Professional Committee of Shaanxi Medical Doctor Association have organized experts in the field to develop the Clinical guideline for vertebral augmentation of acute symptomatic osteoporotic thoracolumbar compression fractures ( version 2025) , based on the latest evidence-based medical researches. This guideline incorporates 3 recommendations retained from the 2019 version with updated strength of evidence, along with 12 new recommendations. It provides recommendations from six aspects of diagnosis, pain management, treatment option selection, prevention of postoperative complications, anti-osteoporosis therapy, and postoperative rehabilitation, aiming to provide a reference for standard treatment of vertebral augmentation for ASOTLF in hospitals at all levels.

Global population aging has exacerbated the clinical management challenges of osteoporotic fractures, especially during the high-risk period of re-fracture within 2 years after fracture. Although significant progress has been made in the comprehensive management of osteoporotic fractures in China, which has improved patient prognosis. There are still many challenges in clinical practice, including the mismatch between traditional implants and osteoporotic bone structure, the clinical management bottlenecks from treatment to rehabilitation of osteoporotic fractures (such as low implementation rates of drug treatment, poor drug compliance, and inadequate rehabilitation awareness), as well as the underdevelopment and regional disparities of fracture liaison services in China. To address these challenges, we propose three strategic improvements: transitioning from a purely mechanical fixation to a combined "mechanical-biological" synergistic treatment model, optimizing a full-cycle management pathway for osteoporotic fractures based on the enhanced recovery after surgery, and developing a systematic and intelligent approach for re-fracture prevention (such as establishing exclusive management teams, constructing specialized databases, and developing intelligent data platforms). These strategies are expected to enable efficient screening, precise monitoring, and full lifecycle management of patients with osteoporotic fractures, thereby enhancing the effectiveness and precision of clinical management and offering new insights and practical pathways for improving the treatment and care of osteoporotic fractures in China.

Objective:To compare gamma pass rates for ultra-long target volumes of cervical cancer between individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and segmented measurements combined with merging and to assess the influence of scattering blocks on verification result during segmented measurements.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 24 cervical cancer patients with ultra-long target volumes (lengths: 23.5–36.0 cm) treated using helical tomotherapy. Two measurement methods were used to verify the gamma pass rates: individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and segmented measurements combined with merging. For the first measurement method, the patients′ treatment plans were transferred to the ArcCheck phantom. After the dose distribution was calculated and exported, the gamma pass rates measured and calculated were compared. For the segmented measurements, a 50-cm-long virtual phantom was imported, and the treatment plans of patients were then transferred to the virtual phantom. Afterward, the dose distribution of the virtual phantom was calculated and exported. Then, two dose measurements were conducted under upward and downward setup of the ArcCheck phantom. Two dose measurement files were obtained and then fused to produce a merged file. Then, the γ pass rates were calculated. Repeated measurements were conducted after scattering blocks were installed. The γ-pass rates were assessed using varying dose criteria.Results:Under various evaluation criteria, no statistically significant differences in γ pass rates were observed between the individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and the segmented measurement in the presence of scattering blocks ( P > 0.05). In contrast, there existed statistically significant differences in γ pass rates between the individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and the segmented measurement in the absence of scattering blocks according to the (global) criterion of 3%/2 mm absolute dose ( Z = -2.31, P = 0.02). Additionally, the segmented measurement in the presence of scattering blocks enhanced pass rates, with statistical significant difference under the criterion of 3%/2 mm relative dose ( Z = -2.11, P = 0.04). Conclusions:In the case where ArcCheck is used to measure the dose distribution of ultra-long target volumes in cervical cancer, it is advisable to preferentially use individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter. When segmented measurements combined with merging are required, it is necessary to install scattering blocks during measurements. This will improve γ-pass rates during verification and ensure the accuracy of dose verification.

Objective:To explore a new surgical approach [anteromedial approach of the hip (AMA)] for Pipkin Ⅰ and Ⅱ femoral head fractures through an imaging and anatomical study.Methods:The hip imaging data were collected of the 38 patients who had undergone lower limb CT angiography for open tibiofibular fractures at Department of Orthopaedics, The Sixth People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University from June 2023 to January 2024. There were 20 males aged (40.9±3.5) years and 18 females aged (41.5±3.3) years. The origins and shapes of the femoral artery and its main branches were observed. The distances between the femoral head and the femoral artery, the medial femoral circumflex artery, and the lateral femoral circumflex artery were measured. Four fresh adult cadavers were collected, including 2 males and 2 females. Their ages of death were 56, 65, 72 and 78 years old, respectively. An incision was made along the axis of the limb at the midpoint of the inguinal ligament at the 4 fresh cadavers. After the femoral head was exposed through the gap between the femoral artery and the femoral nerve, the range of the femoral head exposed was marked.Results:The femoral artery ran along the anteromedial side of the femoral head. The shortest distance between the medial femoral circumflex artery and the femoral head was (13.1±5.7) mm, and the shortest distance between the origin of the lateral femoral circumflex artery and the femoral head (21.6±8.6) mm. On the lateral view of CT angiography, the distance between the femoral artery and the femoral head was (20.6±4.9) mm at the level of the apex of greater trochanter. Gross observation on the cadavers found only small branches of vessels between the femoral artery and the femoral nerve. After the femoral artery and femoral nerve were respectively pulled medially and laterally, the anterior-inferior part of the femoral head was exposed directly by pulling the muscles to open the joint capsule. The exposure range of the femoral head was further expanded through internal and external rotation of the hip joint under traction. The anatomical gap between the femoral artery and the femoral nerve was named the AMA.Conclusion:AMA utilizes the potential gap between the femoral artery and the femoral nerve, providing a new surgical approach for exposure and fixation of Pipkin type Ⅰ and Ⅱ femoral head fractures.

Objective To elucidate the effects and mechanisms of Biejiajian pill(BJJP)-containing serum on the malignant biological behaviors of hepatocellular carcinoma Huh7 cells.Methods This research knocked down CKLF-like MARVEL transmembrane domain containing 6(CMTM6)expression using a CMTM6-specific small interfering RNA(siRNA).Healthy Sprague-Dawley rats were used to prepare normal rat serum and low-(0.55 g/kg),medium-(1.1 g/kg),and high-(2.2 g/kg)BJJP-containing.Huh7 cells were cultured with normal fetal bovine serum(BC),normal rat serum(NC),and low-,medium-,and high-dose BJJP serum(LBJJP,MBJJP,and HBJJP,respectively).BJJP-containing serum and si-CMTM6 were applied to Huh7 cancer cells,and the proliferation,migration,and invasion abilities were evaluated by CCK-8 and Transwell assays,respectively.Protein expression levels of proliferating cell nuclear antigen(PCNA),epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)markers,and CMTM6 were detected by Western blot.Results CMTM6 knockdown significantly reduced the mRNA and protein expression level of CMTM6 in Huh7 cells(P＜0.05).There were no significant differences between the BC and NC groups in terms of cell proliferation,migration,invasion,expression levels of PCNA,EMT markers,and CMTM6(all P＞0.05).BJJP-containing serum markedly inhibited Huh7 cell proliferation,migration,and invasion(P＜0.05),downregulated PCNA,CMTM6,N-cadherin,and Vimentin expression,and upregulated E-cadherin compared with the NC group(all P＜0.05).CMTM6 knockdown suppressed malignant behaviors,with reduced PCNA,Vimentin,and N-cadherin and elevated E-cadherin expression(all P＜0.05).Conclusions BJJP-containing serum can significantly inhibit Huh7 cell growth,invasion,migration,and EMT progression,potentially mediated via CMTM6 suppression.