[Objective] To compare the diagnostic accuracy of three imaging modalities, inlducing CT urography (CTU), contrast-enhanced MRI (CE-MRI), and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the qualitative diagnosis of renal space-occupying lesions. [Methods] A retrospective analysis was performed on 542 patients with renal lesions confirmed by surgical pathology in our hospital during Jan.2019 and May 2024.The diagnostic results of CTU, CE-MRI and CEUS were compared and analyzed based on the patients' clinical and pathological data. [Results] The diagnostic accuracy rate of CTU, CE-MRI and CEUS were 84.50%, 83.14% and 86.14%, respectively.For the 161 patients who underwent all three examinations, CEUS was significantly more accurate than CTU (84.16% vs. 77.02%, P=0.018), while there was no significant difference between CTU or CEUS and CE-MRI (79.81%) (P>0.05). Further analysis found that for lesions ≤4 cm, the accuracy of the three examinations was as follows: CEUS=CTU 79.55%, CE-MRI 76.14%, with no significant difference (P>0.05). However, for lesions >4 cm, CEUS ranked the first, followed by CE-MRI and CTU (89.73% vs. 84.25% vs. 73.97%), and CEUS and CE-MRI were better than CTU (P<0.05). Additionally, for the diagnosis of clear cell renal carcinoma and benign renal space-occupying lesions, there was no statistically significant difference among the three imaging modalities (P>0.05), while for the qualitative diagnosis of non-clear cell renal carcinoma, CEUS ranked the first, followed by CE-MRI and CTU (83.87% vs. 74.19% vs. 56.45%), and CE-MRI and CEUS were better than CTU (P<0.05). [Conclusion] All of them have important diagnostic value, and the appropriate selection should be based on patients' specifc conditions.CEUS and CE-MRI are more accurate in the qualitative diagnosis of renal space-occupying lesions than CTU, especially for large lesions and non-clear cell carcinoma.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect and mechanism of Shuangshi Tonglin Capsules (SSTL) in the treatment of prostate fibrosis (PF). METHODS: Human prostate stromal cells (WPMY-1) were used for in vitro experiments to establish PF cell models induced with estradiol (E₂). The cell proliferation, migration and clonogenic capacity were determined by cell counting kit-8, scratch assay, and crystal violet staining, respectively. Sprague-Dawley rats were used for in vivo experiments. The changes in histomorphology and organ index of rat prostate by SSTL were determined. Pathologic changes and collagen deposition changes in rat prostate were observed by haematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to determine changes in rat PF markers fibroblast growth factor-23 (FGF-23), E₂ and prostate specific antigen (PSA). Mechanistically, changes in oxidative stress indicators by SSTL were determined in WPMY-1 cells and PF rats. Then the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad pathway-related proteins as well as Nrf2 and TGF-β1 mRNA were further detected by Western blot or quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction both in vivo and in vitro. RESULTS: In the efficacy study, SSTL significantly reduced the proliferation, migration, and clonogenic ability of cells, improved the morphology of the glandular tissue, significantly reduced the prostate index, reduced glandular fibrous tissue and collagen deposition, and resulted in a significant decrease in the levels of FGF-23, E₂ and PSA (P<0.01 or P<0.05). In the mechanistic study, SSTL ameliorated oxidative stress by significantly increasing superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase levels and decreasing malondialdehyde level in WPMY-1 cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL significantly elevated the expressions of Nrf2, HO-1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO-1), and Smad7 proteins in both cells and rats, and significantly decreased the expressions of TGF-β1, collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin and Smad4 proteins (P<0.01 or P<0.05). SSTL also elevated the content of Nrf2 mRNA and decreased the content of TGF-β1 mRNA in cells and rats (P<0.01 or P<0.05). The Nrf2 inhibitor ML385 was added in in vitro experiments to further validate the pathway relevance. CONCLUSION SSTL was effective in improving PF in vivo and in vitro, and its mechanism of action may function through the Nrf2/TGF-β1 signaling pathway.
Male ; NF-E2-Related Factor 2/metabolism* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Transforming Growth Factor beta1/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Humans ; Fibrosis ; Prostate/drug effects* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Capsules ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; Oxidative Stress/drug effects* ; Rats

Recent studies have indicated that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 51 (USP51), a novel deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that mediates protein degradation as part of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS), is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms and signaling networks involved in USP51-mediated regulation of malignant phenotypes remain largely unknown. The present study provides evidence of USP51's functions as the prominent DUB in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. At the molecular level, ectopic expression of USP51 stabilized the 78 kDa Glucose-Regulated Protein (GRP78) protein through deubiquitination, thereby increasing its expression and localization on the cell surface. Furthermore, the upregulation of cell surface GRP78 increased the activity of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), the main efflux pump of doxorubicin (DOX), ultimately decreasing its accumulation in TNBC cells and promoting the development of drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, we found significant correlations among USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 expression in TNBC patients with chemoresistance. Elevated USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 levels were also strongly associated with a poor patient prognosis. Importantly, we revealed an alternative intervention for specific pharmacological targeting of USP51 for TNBC cell chemosensitization. In conclusion, these findings collectively indicate that the USP51/GRP78/ABCB1 network is a key contributor to the malignant progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of TNBC cells, underscoring the pivotal role of USP51 as a novel therapeutic target for cancer management.

Objective To explore the influence of Buqi Qingchang Decoction(composed of Buzhong Yiqi Decoction plus Baitouweng Decoction with Curcumae Radix and Curcumae Longae Rhizoma added)combined with XELOX chemotherapy and Bevacizumab targeted therapy on the clinical efficacy,quality of life and survival period of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer of qi deficiency and damp-heat syndrome.Methods A retrospective study was conducted in 70 patients with metastatic colorectal cancer of qi deficiency and damp-heat syndrome who were admitted to the Department of Oncology,Chongqing Hospital of the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine(Chongqing Beibei District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine)from December 2020 to December 2023.The patients were divided into an observation group and a control group according to the therapy,with 35 cases in each group.The control group was treated with XELOX chemotherapy combined with Bevacizumab targeted therapy,while the observation group was given oral administration of Buqi Qingchang Decoction together with chemotherapy and targeted therapy.The changes in the serum levels of tumor markers such as carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)and carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),and Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)scores for quality of life in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.Moreover,the clinical efficacy,progression-free survival(PFS)and overall survival(OS)were compared between the two groups.Results(1)After treatment,the objective response rate(ORR)and disease control rate(DCR)in the observation group were 51.42％(18/35)and 85.71％(30/35),respectively,which were significantly higher than those in the control group[25.71％(9/35)and 54.29％(19/35),respectively],and the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(2)The PFS of the observation group was 16.7 months and that of the control group was 12.9 months,and the OS of the observation group was 23.3 months and that of the control group was 17.7 months.The PFS and OS of the observation group were significantly longer than those of the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,the levels of serum CEA and CA199 in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05),and the KPS scores were significantly increased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05).The decrease of serum CEA and CA1 99 levels and the increase of KPS scores in the observation group were superior to those in the control group,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion XELOX chemotherapy and Bevacizumab regimen combined with Buqi Qingchang Decoction exerts certain effect in treating metastatic colorectal cancer.The combined therapy is effective on enhancing the efficacy to a certain extent,prolonging the survival period of patients,reducing the risk of disease progression,decreasing the levels of serum tumor markers,and improving the quality of life of patients.

Objective To investigate the clinical efficacy of Shen Jiang Zhouche Powder(composed of modified Lizhong Pill,Erchen Decoction,and Zhouche Pill)in the treatment of malignant pleural effusion(MPE)patients with fluid retention in the chest and hypochondrium syndrome.Methods Eighty MPE patients with fluid retention in the chest and hypochondrium syndrome were randomly divided into the treatment group and the control group,with 40 cases in each group.Both groups were given conventional western medical treatment,and additionally the control group was treated with Spironolactone and Furosemide Tablets orally while the treatment group was treated with Shen Jiang Zhouche Powder orally.A total of 21 days constituted one course of treatment,and both groups were treated for two courses and then were followed up for one month.The changes of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)syndrome scores,scores of Karnofsky Performance Status(KPS)established by Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group(ECOG),and scores of self-rating scale of sleep(SRSS)in the two groups were observed before and after treatment.After treatment,the clinical efficacy,TCM syndrome efficacy and clinical safety of the two groups were evaluated.Results(1)After treatment and one-month follow-up,the total clinical effective rate in the treatment group was 67.5%(27/40)and that in the control group was 45.0%(18/40),and the intergroup comparison(by chi-square test)showed that the clinical efficacy of the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05).(2)After two courses of treatment,the total effective rate of TCM syndrome improvement in the treatment group was 92.5%(37/40)and that of the control group was 50.0%(20/40),and the intergroup comparison(by chi-square test)showed that the TCM syndrome efficacy in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.01).(3)After treatment,except for the score of dyspnea in the control group,the scores of each of the main symptoms(including dry cough,chest tightness,chest pain,tightness of breath,dyspnea)and accompanied symptoms as well as the total TCM syndrome scores in the two groups were significantly decreased compared with those before treatment(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01),and the decrease of the scores of each of the main symptoms and accompanied symptoms as well as the total TCM syndrome scores were significantly superior to those in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(4)After treatment,the scores of KPS and SRSS in the two groups were significantly improved compared with those before treatment(P＜0.01),and the improvement in the treatment group was significantly superior to that in the control group(P＜0.05 or P＜0.01).(5)There were no obvious adverse reactions occurring in both groups,while only mild symptoms of the adverse reactions were presented.The incidence of adverse reactions in the treatment group was 7.5%(3/40)and that in the control group was 12.5%(5/40),and the difference was not statistically significant between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion Shen Jiang Zhouche Powder exerts certain clinical efficacy in the treatment of MPE patients with fluid retention in the chest and hypochondrium syndrome,which is effective on alleviating the clinical symptoms of TCM,and improving the quality of life of patients,without obvious toxicity or side effects.

Objective To evaluate the predictors of biochemical recurrence after laparoscopic radical prostatectomy.Methods The study cohort consisted of 416 consecutive prostatecancer patients who underwent radical prostatectomy in Zhongshan Hospital,Fudan University between Jan 2016 and Jun 2018.No patient received adjuvant therapy until documented biochemical recurrence.Biochemical recurrence-free survival(BCRFS)was estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method.Univariable and multivariable Cox proportional hazards regression models were utilized to determine variables predictive of biochemical recurrence.Results The median follow-up period was 174 weeks(inter quartile range 133-209 weeks).The overall biochemical recurrence rate was 21.39%(88/416).The time to biochemical recurrence was(51.11±47.71)weeks.Until the end of follow-up,the biochemical recurrence rates were 10%(1/10),6.12%(3/49),16.41%(43/262)and 43.16%(41/95)for low-risk,medium-risk,high-risk and locally advanced prostate cancer,respectively.On multivariable analysis,tumor invasion of the seminal vesicles(HR:2.119,95%CI:1.154-3.891,P=0.016);Seminal vesicle invasion(HR:1.824,95%CI:1.034-3.220,P=0.038),Gleason score≥8(HR:2.746,95%CI:1.268-5.943,P=0.010),prostate-specific antigen(PSA)=10-20 ng/mL(HR:4.240,95%CI:2.550-7.050,P<0.001);PSA>20 ng/mL(HR:6.341,95%CI:3.296-12.202,P<0.001)were the main predictors of biochemical recurrence.Conclusion Laparoscopic radical prostatectomy provides effective control of biochemical recurrence during the mid-term follow-up period.Tumor invasion of the seminal vesicles,seminal vesicle invasion,GS≥8,PSA=10-20 ng/mL,PSA>20 ng/mL were important predictors of biochemical recurrence after radical prostatectomy.

Objective To investigate the latent classes of mental workload and related factors among cardiovascular nurses.Methods A convenience sample of 664 cardiovascular nurses were surveyed from Jun to Jul 2023.General information questionnaire,the Nurse Workload Index Scale and the Nursing Interruption Event Scale were conducted in the investigation.Latent class analysis and multiple Logistic regression analysis were employed to analyze the latent classes of nurses'mental workload and its related factors.Results Two latent classes were identified,named low mental workload group(25.90%)and a high mental workload group(74.10%).Multiple Logistic regression analysis revealed that educational qualifications(OR=1.641,95%CI:1.036-2.598),nursing interruption event scores(OR=1.060,95%CI:1.044-1.076),and the region of nurses(OR=0.688,95%CI:0.542-0.874)were the influencing factors for cardiovascular nurses'mental workload.Conclusion There are obvious categorical characteristics of cardiovascular nurses'mental workload,nurses with higher education,frequent interruption events,and from the eastern region have higher mental workload.Nursing managers need to focus on human resource allocation and optimize processes to reduce the occurrence of nursing interruptions.

Genetic risk factors have been shown to contribute to the development of sexual dysfunction. However, the role of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene variants in the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) remains unclear. In this study, we recruited 1254 participants who underwent ED assessed by the International Index of Erectile Function-5. The MTHFR c.677C>T variant was also measured by fluorescence polymerase chain reaction (PCR). No significant difference in the genotypic frequency of the MTHFR C677T polymorphism (CC, CT, and TT) was observed between men from the ED and non-ED groups. In addition, on binary logistic regression analysis, both crude and adjusted models showed that the risk of ED was not significantly associated with the C677T polymorphism. Interestingly, a significantly higher frequency of the 677TT polymorphism was found in severe and moderate ED (P = 0.02). The positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and severe ED was confirmed by logistic regression analysis, even after adjusting for potential confounders (odds ratio [OR] = 2.46, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.15-5.50, P = 0.02). These findings suggest a positive correlation between the MTHFR 677TT polymorphism and the risk of severe ED. Identification of MTHFR gene polymorphisms may provide complementary information for ED patients during routine clinical diagnosis.

Temozolomide(TMZ)is an anticancer agent used to treat glioblastoma,typically following radiation therapy and/or surgical resection.However,despite its effectiveness,at least 50％of patients do not respond to TMZ,which is associated with repair and/or tolerance of TMZ-induced DNA lesions.Studies have demonstrated that alkyladenine DNA glycosylase(AAG),an enzyme that triggers the base excision repair(BER)pathway by excising TMZ-induced N3-methyladenine(3meA)and N7-methylguanine le-sions,is overexpressed in glioblastoma tissues compared to normal tissues.Therefore,it is essential to develop a rapid and efficient screening method for AAG inhibitors to overcome TMZ resistance in glio-blastomas.Herein,we report a robust time-resolved photoluminescence platform for identifying AAG inhibitors with improved sensitivity compared to conventional steady-state spectroscopic methods.As a proof-of-concept,this assay was used to screen 1440 food and drug administration-approved drugs against AAG,resulting in the repurposing of sunitinib as a potential AAG inhibitor.Sunitinib restored glioblastoma(GBM)cancer cell sensitivity to TMZ,inhibited GBM cell proliferation and stem cell char-acteristics,and induced GBM cell cycle arrest.Overall,this strategy offers a new method for the rapid identification of small-molecule inhibitors of BER enzyme activities that can prevent false negatives due to a fluorescent background.

The research status of wearable and non-wearable human sleep monitoring devices were introduced,and the advantages and limitations of each category of device were analyzed for sleep monitoring.Bio-radar-based non-wearable human sleep monitoring devices were less affected by ambient noise and light,and thus suitable for non-contact sleep monitoring at home.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2023,44(10):95-101]