Zoledronic acid (ZA), a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate with established clinical utility in osteoporosis management, exhibits emerging antitumor potential in estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its nonapoptotic anticancer effects remain poorly characterized. This study revealed that ZA induced ferroptosis in ER+ breast cancer cells through dual suppression of cystine-glutamate antiporter SLC7A11 and glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), key repressors of ferroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of ferroptosis using Ferrostatin-1 significantly attenuated ZA-induced cytotoxicity, while combinatorial treatment with the GPX4 inhibitor RSL3 synergistically enhanced lipid peroxidation and cell death. Mechanistically, ZA activated the Hippo-YAP signaling pathway, promoting YAP phosphorylation, proteasomal degradation, and cytoplasmic retention, thereby silencing SLC7A11 and GPX4. We established a novel metabolic vulnerability in hormone-responsive malignancies.These findings position ZA as a bifunctional ferroptosis inducer in ER+ breast cancer, offering a promising strategy to overcome endocrine resistance.

Objective:To investigate the value of habitat radiomic features based on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA)-enhanced MRI in establishing a predictive model for cytokeratin 19 (CK19) expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to evaluate its role in prognostic risk stratification.Methods:This multicenter case-control study retrospectively enrolled 489 patients with pathologically confirmed HCC who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI between June 2016 and June 2024. Among them, 346 patients from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University were divided into a training cohort ( n=245) and an internal test cohort ( n=101) via stratified sampling at a 7∶3 ratio. And 143 patients from Nantong Third Hospital Affiliated to Nantong University served as an external validation cohort. The training cohort included 53 CK19-positive and 192 CK19-negative patients. The internal test cohort included 21 CK19-positive and 80 CK19-negative patients. The external validation cohort included 30 CK19-positive and 113 CK19-negative patients. Univariate logistic regression analysis was performed to identify potential factors associated with CK19 expression, and a clinical-radiologic model was constructed. The k-means clustering algorithm was applied to segment target HCC lesions into 3 subregions. Radiomic features were extracted and selected from these habitat subregions. Habitat radiomics models were constructed for the arterial phase (AP), portal venous phase, hepatobiliary phase (HBP), and combined phases (CP). Multivariate logistic regression analysis identified independent clinical and radiologic predictors of CK19 expression, and the optimal habitat model score was integrated to build a clinical-radiologic-habitat combined model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) was used to evaluate model predictive performance. Recurrence-free survival (RFS) was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and the differences in survival curves were compared with the log-rank test. Results:Univariate logistic regression analysis revealed that alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) ( OR=2.629, 95% CI 1.412-4.896, P=0.002), AP enhancement ( OR=3.636, 95% CI 1.642-8.052, P=0.001), AP peritumoral enhancement ( OR=2.219, 95% CI 1.084-4.542, P=0.029), and HBP peritumoral hypointensity ( OR=2.010, 95% CI 1.004-4.021, P=0.049) were potential factors associated with CK19 expression, which were incorporated into the clinical-radiologic model. In the internal and external validation cohorts, the AUC of the clinical-radiologic model was 0.690 (95% CI 0.590-0.778) and 0.650 (95% CI 0.565-0.727), respectively. The habitat radiomics model based on CP images demonstrated the highest performance. It achieved AUC of 0.729 (95% CI 0.622-0.836) and 0.725 (95% CI 0.607-0.842) in the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified AFP ( OR=2.494, 95% CI 1.163-5.348, P=0.019), AP enhancement ( OR=5.230, 95% CI 1.868-14.643, P=0.002) and habitat radiomics model score ( OR=4.105, 95% CI 2.643-6.368, P<0.001) as independent predictors of CK19 positivity. Based on these factors, a combined clinical-radiologic-habitat combined model was established. The clinical-radiologic-habitat combined model achieved AUCs of 0.767 (95% CI 0.671-0.846) and 0.730 (95% CI 0.649-0.801) in the internal and external validation cohorts, respectively. Significant differences in RFS were observed between the CK19-positive group (25.1 month) and CK19-negative group (51.0 month) as predicted by the clinical-radiologic-habitat model ( χ2=4.17, P=0.041). Conclusion:The clinical-radiologic-habitat combined model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA-enhanced MRI habitat radiomics demonstrates good predictive performance for CK19 expression in HCC and offers valuable prognostic stratification for clinical practice.

Objective:To explore the value of the deep learning model based on gadolinium ethoxybenzyl diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid (Gd-EOB-DTPA) enhanced MRI in preoperatively predicting vessels completely encapsulating tumor clusters (VETC) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).Methods:This study adopted a case-control design to retrospectively analyze 420 patients with HCC confirmed by postoperative pathology who underwent Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI between June 2016 and March 2023. A total of 420 patients were divided into a training set ( n=305) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University and an external validation set ( n=115) from Affiliated Nantong Hospital 3 of Nantong University. Based on postoperative pathological findings, patients were stratified into VETC-positive and VETC-negative groups. The training set comprised 161 VETC-positive cases and 144 VETC-negative cases, while the external validation set included 55 VETC-positive cases and 60 VETC-negative cases. Tumor regions of interest in arterial, portal venous, and hepatobiliary phases were manually delineated using ITK-SNAP software. Pre-trained Vgg19, Densenet121, and Vision Transformer (ViT) models were employed for transfer learning, extracting deep learning features from each image. Feature data were processed using FAE software, and 12 logistic regression models (arterial phase, portal venous phase, hepatobiliary phase, and combined three-phase models) were constructed to select the optimal deep learning model. Independent predictors in clinical characteristics were identified through univariate and multivariate logistic analyses to establish a clinical model for predicting VETC pattern. Subsequently, a clinical-deep learning fusion model was developed by integrating these clinical predictors with the optimal deep learning features. Model performance in predicting VETC-positive HCC was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:In the external validation set, the area under the curve (AUC) of the Vgg19 model in the arterial phase, portal venous phase, hepatobiliary phase, and combined three-phase, respectively were 0.799,0.756,0.789,0.821, which were higher than those of Densenet121 (AUC: 0.544,0.581,0.544,0.583) and ViT (AUC: 0.740,0.752,0.785,0.767) model. The three-phase combined Vgg19 model achieved the highest AUC of 0.821 (95% CI 0.746-0.897). Multivariate logistic regression identified alpha-fetoprotein level ( OR=1.826,95% CI 1.069-3.120, P=0.028) and tumor diameter ( OR=1.329,95% CI 1.206-1.466, P<0.001) as independent predictors of VETC-positive HCC, forming the clinical model with an AUC of 0.789 (95% CI 0.703-0.859). The clinical-deep learning fusion model further achieved the AUC of 0.825 (95% CI 0.749-0.900). Calibration curves confirmed high concordance between predicted and actual probabilities for the three-phase Vgg19 model, while DCA revealed greater net clinical benefit for the combined Vgg19 and fusion models compared with the clinical model alone. Conclusions:The deep learning model based on Gd-EOB-DTPA enhanced MRI can be used to predict VETC of HCC preoperatively, among which the three-phase combined Vgg19 model and the clinical-deep learning model provide high predictive value.

Objective To investigate the characteristics of changes in blood uric acid(UA)and detection rate of hyperuricemia(HUA)among officers and soldiers during long-term maritime missions,as well as their related influencing factors.Methods A total of 100 servicemen were randomly selected from 240 officers and soldiers who will participate in a long-distance voyage mission.Their general information,including age,education level,administrative position,years of service on board,and department,was surveyed.Their annual data of physical examination were retrospectively analyzed and compared with the results of another 335 shore-based servicemen during the same period.On mission day 10(D10)and day 50(D50),the venous blood samples were collected from the participants to synchronously measure blood UA level and body composition indicators(body fat mass,BMI,fat percentage,fat mass,muscle mass,and muscle percentage).Additionally,on D50,Self-Rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS)and Symptom Checklist-90(SCL-90)were employed to survey their conditions.Seventy service members were randomly selected from the 100 participants to engage in aerobic exercise.The changes in UA level and detection rate of HUA among the mission personnel were analyzed,along with their influencing factors.Results The UA level and HUA detection rate in long-term navigation personnel during concurrent annual physical examinations were significantly lower than those in shore-based personnel(P<0.01).Compared to pre-voyage physical examination results,the UA level and HUA detection rate in long-term navigation personnel were significantly increased from mission day D10(P<0.001).Compared to the values at D10,the UA level and HUA detection rate at D50 showed significant decreases(P<0.05),and then essentially returned to pre-mission examination levels(P>0.05).Aged<32 years was an independent risk factor for new-onset HUA at mission D10(P<0.05).<32 years old and aerobic exercise during the voyage were independent influencing factors for HUA outcome(P<0.05).Conclusion Serum UA level and HUA detection rate among officers and soldiers participating in long-term maritime missions are relatively low before departure,but in significant increases during the early stages of the mission,particularly among those aged<32 years.Scientific aerobic exercise during the mission period helps reduce UA level and HUA detection rate,playing a crucial role in guaranteeing physical and mental health.

Objective To investigate the synergistic therapeutic effects of HER2 antibody-drug conjugate(HER2-ADC)combined with anti-PD-1 antibody(anti-PD-1)on HER2-expressing bladder cancer and elucidate its regulatory mechanisms on the tumor immune microenvironment.Methods Orthotopic tumor models were established in 40 female C57BL/6 mice(6～8 weeks old,body mass 18～22 g)using MB49 bladder cancer cells overexpressing human HER2.When tumors reached 100 mm3,the mice were randomized into(n=10)control(intraperitoneal injection of 1.0 mL PBS),anti-PD-1(200 μg per mouse every 3 d),HER2-ADC(2.5 mg/kg once weekly),and combination groups(same regimens as above monotherapy).Tumor volume and body mass were measured every 3 d during 28-day treatment.Tumor growth kinetics and survival rates were analyzed.Post-treatment survival was monitored until natural death to determine median survival time(n=5).At day 28,blood and tumor samples(n=5)were collected to detect myeloid-derived suppressor cells(MDSCs;CD11b?Gr1?)and regulatory T cells(Tregs;CD4?CD25?FOXP3?)with flow cytometry,tumor-infiltrating CD3?T,CD8?T,and FOXP3?T cells with immunohistochemical assasy,and liver/kidney functions[alanine aminotransferase(ALT),aspartate aminotransferase(AST),blood urea nitrogen(BUN),creatinine(CRE)]and tissue damage indicators[lactate dehydrogenase isoenzyme(LDH-L)].Results In 28 d after treatment,the combination group obtained significantly smallest tumor volume than the control group and the 2 monotherapy groups(all P<0.01).The longest median survival was observed in the combination group(65 d,P<0.01),followed by the HER2-ADC group(55 d),anti-PD-1 group(53 d)and control group(41 d).After 28 d of treatment,the combination group exhibited obviously the smallest peripheral proportions of MDSCs/Tregs,most tumor-infiltrating CD3?T/CD8?T cells,and less FOXP3?T cells when compared with the 2 monotherapy groups and control group(all P<0.05).While,the 2 monotherapy groups had smaller MDSCs/Tregs proportions than the control group(P<0.05).No significant differences were observed among the 4 groups in serum ALT,AST,BUN,CRE,or LDH-L levels,and all of them were within normal ranges.Conclusion HER2-ADC combined with anti-PD-1 suppresses the growth of orthotopic bladder tumor,probably through their synergic effects on down-regulating MDSCs/Treg and enhancing CD8?T cell infiltration.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effect of the direct stimulation of acupuncture at extraocular muscle attachment point on acquired extraocular muscle palsy. METHODS: Thirteen patients with acquired extraocular muscle palsy were treated with acupuncture directly at extraocular muscle (paralytic muscle) attachment point. Firstly, the intraocular conjunctival sac drops of topical anesthetic (procaine hydrochloride eye drops) were administered, 0.2 mL each time, once every 10 minutes, for a total of 3 times. Acupuncture was delivered immediately after the third drop. The sterile acupuncture needle for single use, 0.25 mm×25 mm, was inserted at the anatomical location of the corneal limbal attachment of paralytic extraocular muscle, with an angle of 10° to 15° formed between the needle tip and extraocular muscle, and a depth of 0.3 mm to 0.5 mm. Pivoted by the needle tip, the eyeball was moved passively towards the direction of normal action of orbital muscle, 30 to 50 times until the patient felt soreness of the eyeball; afterwards, the needle was removed. After acupuncture, levofloxacin eye drops were administered once (0.2 mL) at the affected eye. The treatment was given twice a week, and completed when diplopia disappeared. Before and after treatment, the diplopia and the synoptophore circumference were observed respectively. RESULTS: After 7 to 24 (15.46±5.56) times of direct stimulation with acupuncture at extraocular muscle attachment point, the symptoms of diplopia disappeared in 13 patients, the eye position restored to orthophoria, and the circumference of synoptophore was reduced to be (4.04±0.82)° from (19.38±3.98)° detected before treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Acupuncture directly at extraocular muscle attachment can attenuate diplopia and improve ocular muscle function in patients with acquired extraocular muscle palsy.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Oculomotor Muscles/physiopathology* ; Aged ; Acupuncture Points ; Ophthalmoplegia/physiopathology*

Objective:To compare the clinical characteristics of neovascular age-related macular degeneration (nAMD) patients with or without secondary subretinal fibrosis (SF).Methods:A retrospective case-control study. A total of 88 patients (92 eyes) diagnosed with nAMD at Department of Ophthalmology, Xiyuan Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences from January 2020 to January 2024 were enrolled in this study. All eyes underwent best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), color fundus photography, and optical coherence tomography (OCT) examinations. BCVA was measured using the international standard visual acuity chart and converted to logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution for statistical analysis. SF area was measured on color fundus images. OCT was used to assess the presence of shallow irregular retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) elevation, RPE detachment, ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane disruption, subretinal fluid and/or intraretinal fluid, thinning of the inner nuclear layer or inner plexiform layer, complete RPE and outer retinal atrophy (cRORA), epiretinal membrane, and suprachoroidal fluid. Device-integrated software measured central retinal thickness (CRT), subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT), and the height and width of subfoveal fibrosis in SF eyes. Based on the presence of SF, patients were divided into the SF group (47 eyes) and the non-SF (NSF) group (45 eyes). Baseline characteristics, OCT, and color fundus photography imaging features were compared between groups. Independent samples t tests were used for intergroup comparisons, and multiple linear regression was performed to analyze potential factors influencing SF height. Results:Compared with the NSF group, the SF group had a longer disease duration, longer symptom onset to initial treatment interval to receiving anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) drug treatment, a lower proportion of patients receiving 3 anti-VEGF drug injections within 6 months, worse BCVA, thicker SFCT, higher rates of pigment epithelial detachment and inner nuclear layer or inner plexiform layer thinning, and a lower rate of subretinal fluid ( P<0.05). No significant differences were observed in CRT or the proportions of irregular retinal pigment epithelia, ellipsoid zone/external limiting membrane disruption, cRORA, suprachoroidal fluid, or epiretinal membrane between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:nAMD eyes with secondary SF exhibit distinct OCT imaging features compared to NSF eyes.

The global aging intensification has made geriatric wound repair a medical challenge. Diabetic foot and venous ulcers are highly prevalent and difficult to heal in the elderly population, seriously affecting patients′ quality of life and increasing medical burdens. The repair of geriatric wounds is constrained by multiple factors, including weakened regenerative capacity and immune dysfunction. Current research has gradually focused on mechanism analysis and precise intervention. Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) has been confirmed as a key factor in wound repair, and exogenous FGF can activate signaling pathways to promote wound healing. Exosomes have shown an important role in wound regeneration by promoting cell migration and proliferation, thereby accelerating the wound healing process. Geriatric wounds also face the challenge of drug-resistant bacterial infections, so future treatment strategies should combine microecological reconstruction and immune function recovery. Overall, research on geriatric wounds has formed a multidimensional repair framework aimed at activating the regenerative capacity of aging organisms.

This article reports on the nursing experience in the rehabilitation of laryngeal function with primary tracheoesophageal puncture for voice prosthesis rehabilitation after laryngectomy.The core elements of postoperative nursing included:the use of a Heat and Moisture Exchanger(HME)for airway humidification to maintain pulmonary health;the implementation of progressive speech training to aid in the reconstruction of speech function;continuous monitoring and dilatation training to ensure the appropriate size of the stoma,thereby ensuring smooth breathing and speech;nasal airflow-inducing training for the promotion of olfactory rehabilitation;standardized maintenance of the voice prosthesis to extend its lifespan and reduce the occurrence of complications.After meticulous postoperative care,the patient showed good recovery of speech,olfaction,and respiratory function at the one-month follow-up,with the stoma diameter maintained at an ideal size and no complications occurred.

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.