ObjectiveTo address the key challenges in breast electrical impedance tomography (EIT) reconstruction including the severe ill‑posedness of the inverse problem, limited measurement information from the electrodes, low contrast of small lesions, as well as the common drawbacks of traditional reconstruction methods such as boundary blurring, low spatial resolution, and weak small-target detection capability, and to overcome the limitations of existing deep learning approaches namely low training efficiency, insufficient physical consistency, and substantial information loss during the low‑to‑high dimensional mapping process, this study proposes a multi‑scale attention and dynamic sparse mask fusion network (MADS‑Net). The proposed method aims to enhance high‑resolution reconstruction accuracy, small-lesion detectability, noise robustness, and computational efficiency in breast‑screening-oriented EIT, thereby providing a feasible solution for the application of EIT in breast functional imaging. MethodsThe proposed network adopts a strategy of “locate first, reconstruct later”. It realizes adaptive allocation of computational resources through a dynamic mask module, alleviates information loss in the low-to-high dimensional mapping process via a multi-scale attention mechanism, and embeds physical constraints to improve the physical rationality of reconstruction results. The performance of the proposed method was validated through systematic numerical simulations, agar phantom experiments, and porcine tissue experiments. Comparisons were made with mainstream methods including the Gauss-Newton algorithm, convolutional neural networks, U-Net, and Deep D-Bar. The image correlation coefficient (ICC), root mean square error (RMSE), and peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR) were adopted as quantitative evaluation metrics. Furthermore, lesion‑level evaluation metrics were introduced to assess the capability of different methods in reconstructing abnormal target boundaries and small‑sized target regions. ResultsExperimental results demonstrate that MADS-Net outperforms all comparison methods across all test scenarios. In numerical simulations, it achieves higher accuracy in target morphology and spatial location recovery as well as better background suppression. In agar phantom experiments, its detection and imaging reliability for small targets is significantly superior to the comparison methods. In porcine tissue experiments, the model maintains good generalization performance and can adapt to complex biological tissue imaging scenarios. Quantitative results show that MADS-Net achieves an average ICC of 0.917 6±0.048 8, an RMSE as low as0.060 6±0.031 6, and a PSNR of (23.893 9±2.685 3) dB. It successfully detects tiny targets as small as 5 mm within a 100 mm diameter sensing field, reduces the total training duration by 23.5% compared with the baseline method, and maintains stable reconstruction performance even under strong noise interference. ConclusionThe results demonstrate that MADS-Net achieves favorable EIT reconstruction performance in numerical simulations, agar phantom experiments, and porcine tissue experiments, even under common practical imaging challenges including low signal-to-noise ratio and blurred tissue boundaries. This study provides a methodological reference for further research on EIT in breast-screening-related scenarios and other medical functional imaging tasks, and also offers a low-cost, radiation-free alternative for breast lesion screening that aligns with the clinical demand for non-invasive diagnostic tools. It should be noted that real clinical breast data have not yet been used for validation in this study, and the clinical applicability of the proposed method requires further investigation. Future work will prioritize collecting multi-center real clinical breast datasets, and further optimize the model’s generalization ability to adapt to individual differences in breast tissue composition to promote its clinical application.

Due to advances in treatment methods, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been improved. Radiation-induced vascular injury (RIVI) is a common adverse reaction following radiotherapy, mainly manifested as capillary injury and atherosclerosis in the irradiated area. Radiotherapy induces RIVI in the cerebral vessels, carotid arteries, coronary arteries, and large arteries through mechanisms such as endothelial cell injury and senescence, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. In this review research progress in the pathological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment strategies of RIVI was summarized, aiming to provide insights for future research on RIVI.

OBJECTIVE: The relationship between non-high-density lipoprotein (NHDL) cholesterol to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) ratio (NHHR) and stoke remains unknown. This study aimed to evaluate the association between the adult NHHR and stroke occurrence in the United States of America (USA). METHODS: To clarify the relationship between the NHHR and stroke risk, this study used a multivariable logistic regression model and a restricted cubic spline (RCS) model to investigate the association between the NHHR and stroke, and data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2005 to 2018. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses were conducted to test the robustness of the results. RESULTS: This study included 29,928 adult participants, of which 1,165 participants had a history of stroke. Logistic regression analysis of variables demonstrated a positive association between NHHR and stroke ( OR 1.24, 95% CI: 1.03-1.50, P = 0.026). Compared with the lowest reference group of NHHR, participants in the second, third, and fourth quartile had a significantly increased risk of stroke after full adjustments ( OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 1.08-1.69) ( OR: 1.83, 95% CI: 1.42-2.36) ( OR: 2.04, 95% CI: 1.50-2.79). In the total population, a nonlinear dose-response relationship was observed between the NHHR and stroke risk ( P non-linearity = 0.002). This association remained significant in several subgroup analyses. Further investigation of the NHHR may enhance our understanding of stroke prevention and treatment. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest a positive correlation between the NHHR and an increased prevalence of stroke, potentially serving as a novel predictive factor for stroke. Timely intervention and management of the NHHR may effectively mitigate stroke occurrence. Prospective studies are required to validate this association and further explore the underlying biological mechanisms.
Humans ; Stroke/blood* ; United States/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Cross-Sectional Studies ; Nutrition Surveys ; Adult ; Aged ; Cholesterol, HDL/blood* ; Cholesterol/blood* ; Risk Factors

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Asteris Radix et Rhizoma and their anti-inflammatory activities.METHODS The extract from Asteris Radix et Rhizoma was isolated and purified by column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as(Z)-9,10,11-trihydroxy-12-octadecenoic acid(1),tianshic acid(2),6,6-dimethyl-2-methlenebicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-O-(6-O-apiofuranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside(3),ent-16β,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid(4),ent-17-hydroxy-19-kauranoic acid(5),7β,17-dihydroxy-16α-ent-kauran-19-oic acid 19-O-β-D-glucopyranoside ester(6),paniculoside Ⅳ(7),thomimarine A(8),cyclo-(S-Pro-R-Leu)(9),4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid 1-methyl ether(10),methyl 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate(11),5-acetyl-3β-hydroxy-2β-(1-hydroxyisopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofurane(12),4-ally-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl glucoside(13).Compounds 1 and 3-12 had inhibition on the release of NO in RAW264.7 cells,and 4-6,8,10-12 were better than the positive control.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,6,8-9 are isolated from Compositae family for the first time,and 2-5,7,10 and 11-13 are first isolated from this plant.Compounds 1,3-12 have anti-inflammatory activities.

Due to advances in treatment methods, the survival rate and quality of life of cancer patients have been improved. Radiation-induced vascular injury (RIVI) is a common adverse reaction following radiotherapy, mainly manifested as capillary injury and atherosclerosis in the irradiated area. Radiotherapy induces RIVI in the cerebral vessels, carotid arteries, coronary arteries, and large arteries through mechanisms such as endothelial cell injury and senescence, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses, angiogenesis, and vascular remodeling. In this review research progress in the pathological features, pathophysiological mechanisms, clinical manifestations, prevention and treatment strategies of RIVI was summarized, aiming to provide insights for future research on RIVI.

Objective:To establish an in vitro cell model simulating acute graft-versus-host disease(aGVHD)bone marrow microenvironment injury with the advantage of mouse serum of aGVHD model and explore the effect of serum of aGVHD mouse on the adipogenic differentiation ability of mesenchymal stem cells(MSCs).Methods:The 6-8-week-old C57BL/6N female mice and BALB/c female mice were used as the donor and recipient mice of the aGVHD model,respectively.Bone marrow transplantation(BMT)mouse model(n=20)was established by being injected with bone marrow cells(1 × 10'per mouse)from donor mice within 4-6 hours after receiving a lethal dose(8.0 Gy,72.76 cGy/min)of y ray general irradiation.A mouse model of aGVHD(n=20)was established by infusing a total of 0.4 ml of a mixture of donor mouse-derived bone marrow cells(1 × 107 per mouse)and spleen lymphocytes(2 × 106 per mouse).The blood was removed from the eyeballs and the mouse serum was aspirated on the 7th day after modeling.Bone marrow-derived MSCs were isolated from 1-week-old C57BL/6N male mice and incubated with 2％,5％and 10％BMT mouse serum and aGVHD mouse serum in the medium,respectively.The effect of serum in the two groups on the in vitro adipogenic differentiation ability of mouse MSCs was detected by Oil Red O staining.The expression levels of related proteins PPARy and CEBPα were detected by Western blot.The expression differences of key adipogenic transcription factors including PPARy,CEBPα,FABP4 and LPL were determined by real-time quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR).Results:An in vitro cell model simulating the damage of bone marrow microenvironment in mice with aGVHD was successfully established.Oil Red O staining showed that the number of orange-red fatty droplets was significantly reduced and the adipogenic differentiation ability of MSC was impaired at aGVHD serum concentration of 10％compared with BMT serum.Western blot experiments showed that adipogenesis-related proteins PPARy and CEBPα expressed in MSCs were down-regulated.Further RT-qPCR assay showed that the production of PPARy,CEBPα,FABP4 and LPL,the key transcription factors for adipogenic differentiation of MSC,were significantly reduced.Conclusion:The adipogenic differentiation capacity of MSCs is inhibited by aGVHD mouse serum.

Objective:To investigate the association between anti-rituximab antibodies (ARA) and relapse after rituximab (RTX) therapy in children with frequently relapsing or steroid-dependent nephrotic syndrome (FRNS or SDNS).Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted. Clinical and laboratory data were collected from 48 FRNS or SDNS children treated with RTX in the Department of Pediatrics, General Hospital of Eastern Theater Command, between April 2024 and October 2024. Data included RTX dosing frequency, relapse events, peripheral CD20? B-cell counts, and ARA levels. With a 6-month observation period after the last RTX therapy, the children were divided into an ARA-positive group and an ARA-negative group based on ARA test results. Chi-square test, independent sample t-test, or Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare relapse rates and laboratory indicators between the two groups. The predictive value of ARA levels for relapse was evaluated using univariate receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis. Results:Among the 48 children (36 males, 12 females), the age of disease onset was 3.5 (2.0, 6.0) years, the ages at the first and last RTX treatments were 7.0 (5.0, 12.0) years and 9.5 (7.0, 13.0) years, respectively. The overall ARA positive rate was 29% (14/48). The relapse rate in the ARA-positive group was significantly higher than that in the negative group ( P<0.05). The ARA level was 0.01 (0.01, 5.88) μg/L, and all 12 children with ARA levels >5.88 μg/L relapsed. ROC curve analysis showed that ARA levels predicted relapse after RTX treatment in FRNS or SDNS children with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.73, sensitivity of 0.50, specificity of 1.00, and an optimal cut-off value of 5.02 μg/L. All children received single-dose RTX therapy, with no significant difference in treatment frequency between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 3 months after the last rituximab therapy, CD20? B cell counts were significantly higher in the ARA-positive group ( P<0.05). During follow-up, 15% (7/48) of the children experienced infusion-related adverse reactions, with no significant difference in incidence between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:ARA is significantly associated with relapse in FRNS or SDNS children after RTX therapy.

Objective:This study employs a combination of single-cell sequencing and Mendelian randomization to explore the genetic associations and molecular mechanisms of Eomes in RCC.Methods:In this study,single-cell transcriptomic data from RCC tissues and adjacent normal tissues were extracted from the GEO database.The data were analyzed using R language and various packages such as Seurat,limma,and CellChat for cell cluster annotation,intercellular communication analysis,and differential expression analysis.Additionally,eQTL data related to differentially expressed genes were retrieved from the GWAS database as exposure variables,with RCC used as the outcome variable in Mendelian randomization analysis to identify the role of Eomes in RCC.Finally,GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway analyses were conducted to explore the potential molecular mechanisms of Eomes.Results:Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that B cells play a significant role in the heterogeneity of RCC.Mendelian randomization analysis indicated that Eomes is an important risk factor for RCC(P＜0.05).Furthermore,seven highly correlated specific SNPs were identified,including rs 17021298,rs2247056,rs2617170,rs3806624,rs55908509,rs6590334,and rs9420589.GO and KEGG enrichment analyses suggest that Eomes may be involved in early cell fate determination in renal cell carcinoma and participate in the regulation of Th1 and Th2 cell differentiation,HPV infection,and the Notch signaling pathway.Conclusions:This study is the first to combine single-cell sequencing and Mendelian randomization analysis in RCC,confirming a strong positive causal relationship between Eomes and RCC(OR＞1).Our findings offer new insights into the pathogenesis of RCC,suggesting that Eomes could serve as a novel target for early diagnosis and personalized treatment of RCC.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of linaclotide and procalcitide in the treatment of adult constipation IBS-C.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 80 IBS-C patients admitted from May 2021 to May 2024.All patients were treated with novel secretagogues,and were divided into four groups according to the different treatment methods:linarotinib group and Pucanapide group,with 40 patients in each group.The clinical efficacy of oral administration of 290 μg of Nallotide capsules and 3 mg of Pucanapeptide in the Linalotide group and Pucanapeptide group was compared after one month of continuous treatment.The scores of IBS-C symptoms related to stool frequency,stool characteristics,upper abdominal pain,early satiety,and bloating were evaluated before and Post-treatment.Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)was used to detect the levels of vasoactive intestinal peptide(VIP),substance P(SP),5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),motilin,and gastrin IBS-C related serum markers in feces.The 16s rDNA fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction method was used to detect Escherichia coli and lactate in feces.Compare the incidence of adverse reactions between the two groups based on the levels of Bacillus and Bifidobacterium.Results:There was no difference in the total effective rate between linagliptin group and Pucanotide group(P＞0.05);Post-treatment,the fecal frequency scores of the linaclotide group and the procalcitonin group were higher than pretherapy,while the fecal characteristics,upper abdominal pain,early satiety,and fullness scores were lower than pretherapy(P＜0.05).There was no difference in the fecal frequency,fecal characteristics,early satiety,and fullness scores between the linaclotide group and the procalcitonin group(P＞0.05),and the upper abdominal pain score of the linaclotide group was lower than that of the procalcitonin group(P＜0.05);Post-treatment,VIP,SP,5-HT,motilin and gastrin levels in linagliptin group and Pucanotide group were all lower than that pretherapy(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference between linagliptin group and Pucanotide group(P＞0.05);Post-treatment,the levels of Escherichia coli in the linaclotide group and the procaine group were lower than pretherapy,while the numbers of Lactobacilli and Bifidobacteria were higher than pretherapy(P＜0.05).There was no difference between the linaclotide group and the procaine group(P＞0.05);There was no difference in the incidence of headache,bloating/abdominal pain between the linaclotide group and the procaine group(P＞0.05),and the incidence of diarrhea in the procaine group was lower than that in the linaclotide group(P＜0.05).Conclusion:Linalotide and Pucanatide have similar therapeutic effects in treating adult IBS-C,both of which can improve patients' clinical symptoms,serum biomarker levels,and intestinal microbiota structure.However,Linalotide has a better effect on improving abdominal pain,while Pucanatide can reduce the risk of diarrhea.Therefore,the clinical application of different new secretagogue drugs can be determined based on individualized symptoms and diarrhea risk of patients.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Asteris Radix et Rhizoma and their anti-inflammatory activities.METHODS The extract from Asteris Radix et Rhizoma was isolated and purified by column chromatography and high performance liquid chromatography,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.Their anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated by RAW264.7 model.RESULTS Thirteen compounds were isolated and identified as(Z)-9,10,11-trihydroxy-12-octadecenoic acid(1),tianshic acid(2),6,6-dimethyl-2-methlenebicyclo[3.1.1]hept-3-O-(6-O-apiofuranosyl)-β-D-glucopyranoside(3),ent-16β,17-dihydroxy-kauran-19-oic acid(4),ent-17-hydroxy-19-kauranoic acid(5),7β,17-dihydroxy-16α-ent-kauran-19-oic acid 19-O-β-D-glucopyranoside ester(6),paniculoside Ⅳ(7),thomimarine A(8),cyclo-(S-Pro-R-Leu)(9),4,5-di-O-caffeoylquinic acid 1-methyl ether(10),methyl 3,5-di-O-caffeoyl quinate(11),5-acetyl-3β-hydroxy-2β-(1-hydroxyisopropyl)-2,3-dihydrobenzofurane(12),4-ally-2,6-dimethoxyphenyl glucoside(13).Compounds 1 and 3-12 had inhibition on the release of NO in RAW264.7 cells,and 4-6,8,10-12 were better than the positive control.CONCLUSION Compounds 1,6,8-9 are isolated from Compositae family for the first time,and 2-5,7,10 and 11-13 are first isolated from this plant.Compounds 1,3-12 have anti-inflammatory activities.