Objective:To analyze the efficacy and prognostic factors of fractionated stereotactic radiotherapy (FSRT) for patients with breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM).Methods:Medical records and follow-up data of BCBM patients who underwent FSRT in Cancer Hospital Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Shenzhen Center and Shenzhen People's Hospital from August 2019 to May 2023 were collected. The R Studio platform of the R version 4.2.1 statistical software was applied to analyze patients' baseline characteristics, 1- and 2-year local brain control (LBC), overall survival (OS) and distant brain control (DBC) and corresponding median failure-free survival, draw survival curve using Kaplan-Meier method. Prognostic factors were screened by univariate analysis and multivariate analysis (Cox regression).Results:Cumulatively, 52 patients (163 metastases in total) had a median survival follow-up of 22.1 months, 83% were<60 years old. Molecular typing: 13 cases (25%) were positive for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2+) / hormone receptor negative (HR-), 2 cases (4%) were luminal A, 26 cases (50%) were luminal B, and 11 cases (21%) were triple negative. The median number of brain metastases was 2 (range: 1 - 17). Follow-up outcomes: the median OS was 34.0 months, with 1- and 2-year OS rates of 85.6% and 65.4%, respectively; the median LBC was 20.6 months, with 1- and 2-year LBC rates of 79.2% and 45.2%, respectively; and the median DBC was 10.3 months, with 1- and 2-year DBC rates of 46.7% and 28.9%, respectively. During follow-up, 13 patients underwent salvage local therapy (10 FSRT); 5 developed radiation necrosis (1 symptomatic). Prognostic factor analysis: absence of extracranial organ metastases (compared with ≥3) was a protective factor for OS, P<0.05. For LBC, fewer (1 - 2) extracranial organ metastases (compared with ≥3), and single brain metastasis (compared with ≥2) were favorable prognostic factors , while N 3 staging upon initial diagnosis was a poor prognostic factor (all P<0.05). For DBC, brain metastasis after surgery was a good prognostic factor, while complicated with lung metastasis and asymptomatic brain metastasis at the first diagnosis were poor prognostic factors (all P<0.05). Conclusions:FSRT yields relatively good LBC and poor DBC for BCBM patients. A certain percentage of patients require salvage FSRT during follow-up, but OS is maintained acceptable and the radiation necrosis is tolerable. Among the prognostic factors, the absence of extracranial metastatic organs is a good prognostic factor for OS; patients with single brain metastasis, fewer extracranial metastatic organs, and non-N 3 staging upon initial diagnosis can obtain better LBC after FSRT.

Objective:To analyze the nonlinear correlation and inflection points between age and short-term mortality in patients with negative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)sepsis score.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the medical information mart for intensive care Ⅳ(MIMIC-Ⅳ)database, which included adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)within 24 hours and did not receive mechanical ventilation or vasoactive drug, with a SIRS score ≤1.Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors based on 28-day survival.Baseline variables such as age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI), body mass index(BMI), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score, and initial lactate levels were compared between the two groups.With case fatality rate as the dependent variable, variables with differences in univariate analysis were incorporated into the binary logistic regression model, and baseline variables with statistically significant differences except age were matched according to the 1∶3 propensity score.Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was used to analyze the nonlinear relationship between patient age and mortality after matching and to determine the inflection point.Results:A total of 53 150 hospital records in the MIMIC-Ⅳ database were retrospectively screened, and 1 691 adult patients[aged(69.82±14.87)years]diagnosed with sepsis and negative SIRS score within 24 hours of ICU admission were included, with 101(5.97%)deaths within 28 days.Patients in the non-survivor group were older [(73.63±14.55)years vs.(69.58±14.86)years, t=-2.663, P=0.008], had higher CCI(4.38±2.64 vs.2.99±2.34, t=-5.732, P<0.001), and higher SOFA score (8.18±3.58 vs.5.04±2.67, t=-8.664, P<0.001)compared to the survivor group.There were no significant differences in gender, BMI, initial lactate levels, and the suspected infection sites (all P>0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that increased age ( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05, P<0.001), increased CCI ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.26, P<0.001), and increased SOFA score ( OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.26-1.43, P<0.001)were significantly associated with increased mortality in patients with negative SIRS score.After including SOFA score and CCI in the propensity score matching, there were 271 survivors and 93 non-survivors.RCS results showed a non-linear association between age and mortality( Poverall=0.001, Pnon-linear=0.001), with a significant increase in the OR for mortality when age exceeded 73 years. Conclusions:In sepsis patients with comparable organ function, the short-term mortality rate of patients with negative SIRS score increases non-linearly with age.These patients have mild symptoms but poor clinical outcomes, necessitating early and enhanced monitoring when age exceeds 73 years.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective: The CT/MRI Liver Imaging Reporting and Data System (LI-RADS) demonstrates high specificity with relatively limited sensitivity for diagnosing hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in high-risk patients. This study aimed to explore the possibility of improving sensitivity by combining CT/MRI LI-RADS v2018 with second-line contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) LI-RADS v2017 using sulfur hexafluoride (SHF) or perfluorobutane (PFB). Materials and Methods: This retrospective analysis of prospectively collected multicenter data included high-risk patients with treatment-naive hepatic observations. The reference standard was pathological confirmation or a composite reference standard (only for benign lesions). Each participant underwent concurrent CT/MRI, SHF-enhanced US, and PFB-enhanced US examinations. The diagnostic performances for HCC of CT/MRI LI-RADS alone and three combination strategies (combining CT/ MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or a modified algorithm incorporating the Kupffer-phase findings for PFB [modified PFB]) were evaluated. For the three combination strategies, apart from the CT/MRI LR-5 criteria, HCC was diagnosed if CT/MRI LR-3 or LR-4 observations met the LR-5 criteria using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB. Results: In total, 281 participants (237 males; mean age, 55 ± 11 years) with 306 observations (227 HCCs, 40 non-HCC malignancies, and 39 benign lesions) were included. Using LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, and modified PFB, 20, 23, and 31 CT/MRI LR-3/4 observations, respectively, were reclassified as LR-5, and all were pathologically confirmed as HCCs. Compared to CT/MRI LI-RADS alone (74%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 68%–79%), the three combination strategies combining CT/MRI LI-RADS with either LI-RADS SHF, LI-RADS PFB, or modified PFB increased sensitivity (83% [95% CI: 77%–87%], 84% [95% CI: 79%–89%], 88% [95% CI: 83%–92%], respectively; all P < 0.001), while maintaining the specificity at 92% (95% CI: 84%–97%). Conclusion The combination of CT/MRI LI-RADS with second-line CEUS using SHF or PFB improved the sensitivity of HCC diagnosis without compromising specificity.

Objective:To establish a linear calibration method using two reference substances for seven characteristic peaks of Cassiae Semen under complicated chromatographic condition,and to optimize the method.Methods:Using 15 different types of screened chromatographic columns and 2 components as reference compounds pair,the linear calibration method with 2 reference substances was established to predict the retention time of the other 5 components,and the method was verified by unknown chromatographic columns and unknown samples.Combined with column confirmation number and average coincidence rate of target peaks,the location results were compared comprehen-sively,and the method was optimized according to the defect under the influence of complicated chromatographic condition.Results:The average conformity rate of the target peak of the method before optimization was 73.3％,and the average conformity rate of the target peak of the optimized method was 98.7％.The optimized method has a high-er average peak coincidence rate and a wider range of applicability for the chromatographic column.Conclusion:The optimized linear calibration method using two reference substances can assist the localization analysis of chromato-graphic peaks in the characteristic chromatogram under complicated chromatographic condition.

Objective:To establish a linear calibration method using two reference substances for seven characteristic peaks of Cassiae Semen under complicated chromatographic condition,and to optimize the method.Methods:Using 15 different types of screened chromatographic columns and 2 components as reference compounds pair,the linear calibration method with 2 reference substances was established to predict the retention time of the other 5 components,and the method was verified by unknown chromatographic columns and unknown samples.Combined with column confirmation number and average coincidence rate of target peaks,the location results were compared comprehen-sively,and the method was optimized according to the defect under the influence of complicated chromatographic condition.Results:The average conformity rate of the target peak of the method before optimization was 73.3％,and the average conformity rate of the target peak of the optimized method was 98.7％.The optimized method has a high-er average peak coincidence rate and a wider range of applicability for the chromatographic column.Conclusion:The optimized linear calibration method using two reference substances can assist the localization analysis of chromato-graphic peaks in the characteristic chromatogram under complicated chromatographic condition.

Objective:To analyze the nonlinear correlation and inflection points between age and short-term mortality in patients with negative systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS)sepsis score.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted using the medical information mart for intensive care Ⅳ(MIMIC-Ⅳ)database, which included adult patients with sepsis who were admitted to the intensive care unit(ICU)within 24 hours and did not receive mechanical ventilation or vasoactive drug, with a SIRS score ≤1.Patients were divided into survivors and non-survivors based on 28-day survival.Baseline variables such as age, gender, Charlson Comorbidity Index(CCI), body mass index(BMI), Sequential Organ Failure Assessment(SOFA)score, and initial lactate levels were compared between the two groups.With case fatality rate as the dependent variable, variables with differences in univariate analysis were incorporated into the binary logistic regression model, and baseline variables with statistically significant differences except age were matched according to the 1∶3 propensity score.Restricted cubic spline (RCS) regression was used to analyze the nonlinear relationship between patient age and mortality after matching and to determine the inflection point.Results:A total of 53 150 hospital records in the MIMIC-Ⅳ database were retrospectively screened, and 1 691 adult patients[aged(69.82±14.87)years]diagnosed with sepsis and negative SIRS score within 24 hours of ICU admission were included, with 101(5.97%)deaths within 28 days.Patients in the non-survivor group were older [(73.63±14.55)years vs.(69.58±14.86)years, t=-2.663, P=0.008], had higher CCI(4.38±2.64 vs.2.99±2.34, t=-5.732, P<0.001), and higher SOFA score (8.18±3.58 vs.5.04±2.67, t=-8.664, P<0.001)compared to the survivor group.There were no significant differences in gender, BMI, initial lactate levels, and the suspected infection sites (all P>0.05).Multivariable logistic regression analysis showed that increased age ( OR=1.03, 95% CI: 1.02-1.05, P<0.001), increased CCI ( OR=1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.26, P<0.001), and increased SOFA score ( OR=1.34, 95% CI: 1.26-1.43, P<0.001)were significantly associated with increased mortality in patients with negative SIRS score.After including SOFA score and CCI in the propensity score matching, there were 271 survivors and 93 non-survivors.RCS results showed a non-linear association between age and mortality( Poverall=0.001, Pnon-linear=0.001), with a significant increase in the OR for mortality when age exceeded 73 years. Conclusions:In sepsis patients with comparable organ function, the short-term mortality rate of patients with negative SIRS score increases non-linearly with age.These patients have mild symptoms but poor clinical outcomes, necessitating early and enhanced monitoring when age exceeds 73 years.