ObjectiveTo investigate whether anti-programmed death-1 （PD-1） monoclonal antibody can enhance the efficacy and safety of argon-helium cryoablation combined with targeted therapy in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma （uHCC） aged 60 years or older. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of 124 patients with advanced uHCC aged 60 years or older who were treated at The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2013 to September 2024. After propensity score matching， 57 patients received cryoablation combined with targeted therapy （double combination group）， while 57 received cryoablation combined with targeted therapy and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody （triple combination group）. The indicators for efficacy assessment included objective response rate （ORR）， disease control rate （DCR）， progression-free survival （PFS）， overall survival （OS）， and the incidence rate of adverse events. The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups， and the chi-square test or the Fisher’s exact test was used for comparison of categorical data between two groups. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves， and the Log-rank test was used for comparison between groups. A Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis was used to investigate the influencing factors for survival prognosis. ResultsThe triple combination group had a significantly higher ORR than the double combination group （59.6% vs 29.8%， χ²=9.083， P=0.003）， while there was no significant difference in DCR between the two groups （87.7% vs 77.2%， χ²=1.516， P=0.218）， and compared with the double combination group， the triple combination group had significantly longer median PFS （9.1 months vs 4.8 months， χ²=7.813， P=0.005） and median OS （26.1 months vs 13.6 months， χ²=14.199， P<0.001）. The multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model analysis showed that triple combination treatment was an independent influencing factor for PFS （hazard ratio ［HR］=0.52， 95% confidence interval ［CI］： 0.35 — 0.78， P=0.001） and OS （HR=0.32， 95%CI： 0.20 — 0.51， P<0.001）. There was no significant difference in the incidence rate of adverse events between the two groups （P>0.05）. ConclusionTriple combination treatment with argon-helium cryoablation， targeted therapy， and anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibody can significantly improve survival benefits in uHCC patients aged 60 years or older， with a controllable safety profile.

Objective: To explore the efficacy of a novel injectable hydrogel (GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP) loaded with P11 bacteriophages and interleukin-4 (IL-4) liposomes (LIP) in preventing relapse after maxillary expansion in mice, providing experimental evidence for its clinical application. Methods: This study was approved by the experimental animal ethics committee of our hospital. First, 15 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a maxillary expansion model and divided into 5 groups (3 mice in each group): a control group, post expansion day 3 group (PED3 group), post expansion day 7 group (PED7 group), retention for 14 days group (RET group), and relapse for 7 days group (REL group). The mice in each group were sacrificed at their designated time points (day 0, 3, 7, 21, 28), and their maxilla and anterior cranial regions were collected. Bone parameters and the inter-crestal distance (ICD) of maxillary incisor mesial alveolar ridge were measured using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT). Histological staining was performed to evaluate bone formation and resorption, while immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed for macrophage markers (CD86 and CD206), mesenchymal stem cell markers (glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 [Gli1]), and osteogenic markers (Runt-related transcription factor 2 [Runx2] and Osterix [OSX]). Next, GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP was synthesized and administered to mouse models of maxillary expansion. A total of 24 7-week-old C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups (6 mice in each group): a blank control group, GelMA group, GelMA/P11 group, and GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP group. All mice underwent palatal expansion. On PED7, the expanders of all 24 mice were cemented with resin to initiate the 14-day retention period. On day 1 of the retention phase, the mice in each group received injections of saline, GelMA, GelMA/P11, or GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP at the midpalatal suture. After the 14-day retention period, three mice in each group were randomly selected and sacrificed, while the other three had their expanders removed and underwent a 7-day relapse before being sacrificed on day 28 (REL). Micro-CT, histological staining, and IHC were performed to evaluate the preventive effect of GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP on post-expansion relapse. Results: The mice maxillary expansion model exhibited a decreased ICD at REL compared to RET in micro-CT analysis (P = 0.008). IHC analysis demonstrated prolonged M1 macrophage infiltration, scarce Gli1+ mesenchymal stem cells, and insufficient expression of osteogenic markers (RUNX2 and OSX) (P < 0.001). Compared to the blank control and GelMA groups, GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP hydrogel injection in the midpalatal suture led to increased ICD at REL, promoted the timely M2 polarization of macrophages, recruited Gli1+ mesenchymal stem cells, and upregulated the expression of RUNX2 and OSX (P < 0.05). Conclusion The mechanism of relapse after maxillary expansion involves the persistent infiltration of M1 macrophages, as well as the inadequate recruitment and insufficient osteogenic differentiation of MSCs in the midpalatal suture. The GelMA/P11/IL4@LIP composite enhanced orofacial mesenchymal stem cell recruitment and promoted the M2 polarization of macrophages, thereby enhancing osteogenesis in the midpalatal suture and preventing post-expansion relapse.

Objective: To map the research hotspots, developmental trends, and existing challenges in the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) with multi-omics in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) through comprehensive bibliometric analysis. Methods: China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Wanfang Data, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), Chaoxing Journal Database, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched to collect literature on the theme of AI in TCM multi-omics research from the inception of each database to December 31, 2024. Eligible records were required to simultaneously address AI, TCM, and multi-omics. Quantitative and visual analyses of publication growth, core authorship networks, institutional collaboration patterns, and keyword co-occurrence were performed using Microsoft Excel 2021, NoteExpress v4.0.0, and Cite Space 6.3.R1. AI application modes in TCM multi-omics research were also categorized and summarized. Results: A total of 1 106 articles were enrolled (932 Chinese and 174 English). Publication output has increased continuously since 2010 and accelerated after 2016. Region-specific collaboration clusters were identified, dominated by Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine. Keyword co-occurrence analysis revealed that current AI applications predominantly centered on metabolomics and algorithms such as cluster analysis and data mining. Research foci mainly ranked as follows: single herbs, herbal formulae, and disease-syndrome differentiation. Conclusion Machine learning methods are the predominant integrative modality of AI in the realm of TCM multi-omics research at present, utilized for processing omics data and uncovering latent patterns therein. The domain of TCM, in addition to investigating omics information procured through high-throughput technologies, also integrates data on traditional Chinese medicinal substances and clinical phenotypes, progressing towards joint analysis of multi-omics, high-dimensionality of data, and multi-modality of information. Deep learning approaches represent an emerging trend in the field.

Objective:This study aims to investigate the differences in hemostatic efficacy and patient comfort between an innovative domestically produced biodegradable nasal packing sponge and a traditional absorbent sponge following endoscopic nasal surgery. Methods:A prospective, randomized controlled trial design was utilized, including 30 patients who were divided into two groups according to random allocation, each receiving one of the two types of nasal packing. The study assessed the hemostatic efficacy, comfort, and safety of the materials by comparing the rates of no bleeding within 24 hours after packing, re-bleeding rates after 48 hours, pain ratings in the head and nasal areas, scores on a visual analog scale for nasal ocular symptoms, and safety indicators between the two groups. Results:The rates of no bleeding within 24 hours post-packing were 73.33% for both the experimental and control groups, with a no-bleeding rate of 100% after 48 hours in both groups. The pain rating in the head and nasal areas at various times post-packing was Grade Ⅰ（100%） in both groups, with no statistically significant difference（P=1.000）. The experimental groups sneezing score on the day of packing was（0.73±1.03）, lower than the control groups（2.27±1.67）, （P=0.007）; after 48 hours, the experimental groups sneezing score was（0.67±0.98）, also lower than the control groups（1.67±1.18）, （P=0.019）. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the Lund-Kennedy scoring during endoscopic examinations at the screening period, 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months post-packing（P>0.05）. Laboratory tests for other examination indicators were normal in both groups. Conclusion:The innovative domestically produced biodegradable nasal packing sponge not only provides hemostatic efficacy comparable to imported materials but also significantly improves patient comfort after surgery. It represents an economical and effective choice for nasal packing materials.
Humans ; Prospective Studies ; Surgical Sponges ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Male ; Female ; Epistaxis/prevention & control* ; Middle Aged ; Nasal Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Adult

Objective:To explore the effects of combining APR-246 with irradiation for enhancing anti-tumor immune response against 4T1 breast cancer cells, and to develop multiple tumor treatment strategies.Methods:The control group, APR-246 group, irradiation group and irradiation combined APR-246 group were used both in the cell experiment and tumor-bearing mice experiment. The inhibitory effect of APR-246 on the proliferation of 4T1 cells was assessed by using Cell Counting Kit-8. The effect of APR-246 with irradiation on the survival rate of 4T1 cells using clone formation assay was measured. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in tumor cells using a 2’, 7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe and a lipid peroxidation sensor, the tumor inhibition rates of different groups of tumor bearing mice were compared, and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages were determined in the tumor microenvironment by flow cytometry.Results:Compared with irradiation group, 2, 4, 6 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group significantly reduced the survival rates of 4T1 cells ( t = 2.89, 4.15, 2.62, P < 0.05), the 6 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group significantly increased the levels of ROS ( t = 16.95, P < 0.05) and LPO ( t = 6.09, P < 0.05) in 4T1 cells, and significantly increased the apoptosis rate of 4T1 cells ( t = 10.99, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, from the 16 th day of tumor inoculation, the 10 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group showed significantly inhibited tumor growth ( t = 2.38-2.91, P < 0.05) and significantly increased proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells ( t = 9.96, 6.28, P < 0.05) and M1/M2 ratio ( t = 15.30, P < 0.05) in tumor tissues. Conclusions:APR-246 combined with irradiation can effectively increase ROS and LPO levels in 4T1 cells, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and induce anti-tumor immune response, thus potentially inhibiting the growth of 4T1 cells.

Acupuncture is considered both safe and effective for treating depression;however,its underlying mechanism remains incompletely understood.This article reviewed the mechanisms of acupuncture in depression from the perspective of brain network dynamics.It has been found abnormal alterations in the structural and functional brain networks,including the default mode network,cognitive control network,salience network and affective network in individuals with depression.Acupuncture has been shown to enhance the diffusion anisotropy value of white matter and repair the microstructure of white matter fiber bundles in key brain regions.It can also modulate the activation the functional brain networks,either globally or in specific network segments,improve functional connectivity within and between functional networks,regulate global transmission efficiency and connectivity patterns of functional networks,restore brain network interaction balance,regulate abnormal integration of functional networks,and improve emotional regulation ability and cognitive function,in order to alleviate the clinical symptoms of depression and serve as an effective antidepressant therapy,which can provide reference for the study of acupuncture intervention in the brain network mechanism of depression.

BACKGROUND:Carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors play a crucial role in regulating lipid metabolism and glucose homeostasis.However,the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats remain to be revealed. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects of different exercise intensity interventions on carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory factors in skeletal muscle of type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS:Thirty-two 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into normal control group(n=12)and modeling group(n=20)after 1 week of adaptive feeding.Rat models of type 2 diabetes mellitus were prepared by high-fat diet and single injection of streptozotocin.After successful modeling,the rats were randomly divided into diabetic control group(n=6),moderate-intensity exercise group(n=6)and high-intensity intermittent exercise group(n=6).The latter two groups were subjected to treadmill training at corresponding intensities,once a day,50 minutes each,and 5 days per week.Exercise intervention in each group was carried out for 6 weeks.After the intervention,ELISA was used to detect blood glucose and blood lipids of rats.The morphological changes of skeletal muscle were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining.The mRNA expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by real-time quantitative PCR.The protein expression levels of carboxylesterase 1 and inflammatory cytokines were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Compared with the normal control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,insulin resistance index in the diabetic control group were significantly increased(P<0.01),insulin activity was decreased(P<0.05),and the mRNA and protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,never in mitosis gene A related kinase 7(NEK7)and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle tissue were upregulated(P<0.05).Compared with the diabetic control group,fasting blood glucose,triglyceride,low-density lipoprotein cholesterol,and insulin resistance index in the moderate-intensity exercise group and high-intensity intermittent exercise group were down-regulated(P<0.05),and insulin activity was increased(P<0.05).Moreover,compared with the diabetic control group,the mRNA level of NEK7 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were decreased in the moderate-intensity exercise group(P<0.05),while the mRNA levels of carboxylesterase 1,NEK7,NOD-like receptor heat protein domain associated protein 3 and interleukin 18 and the protein levels of carboxylesterase 1 and interleukin 18 in skeletal muscle were downregulated in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group(P<0.05).Hematoxylin-eosin staining showed that compared with the diabetic control group,the cavities of myofibers in the moderate-intensity exercise group became smaller,the number of internal cavities was reduced,and the cellular structure tended to be more intact;the myocytes of rats in the high-intensity intermittent exercise group were loosely arranged,with irregular tissue shape and increased cavities in myofibers.To conclude,both moderate-intensity exercise and high-intensity intermittent exercise can reduce blood glucose,lipid,insulin resistance and carboxylesterase 1 levels in type 2 diabetic rats.Moderate-intensity exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of NEK7 protein in skeletal muscle,while high-intensity intermittent exercise can significantly reduce the expression level of interleukin 18 protein in skeletal muscle.In addition,the level of carboxylesterase 1 is closely related to the levels of NEK7 and interleukin 18.

Uric acid (UA) is the final metabolite of purines in the human body. An imbalance in UA production and excretion that disrupts homeostasis leads to elevated blood UA levels and the development of hyperuricemia (HUA). Approximately one-third of UA is excreted through the intestinal tract. As a crucial component of the intestinal microenvironment, the gut microbiota plays a pivotal role in regulating blood UA levels. Alterations or imbalances in gut microbiota composition are linked to the onset of HUA, which implies the potential of gut microbiota as a novel target for the prevention and treatment of HUA. This review introduces the occurrence mechanism and damage of hyperuricemia, examines the association between HUA and the gut microbiota and their metabolites, and explores the molecular mechanisms underlying gut microbiota-targeted therapies for HUA. Furthermore, it discusses the potential applications of probiotics, prebiotics, and traditional Chinese medicine (including both single herbs and compound formulas) with UA-lowering effects, along with cutting-edge technologies such as fecal microbiota transplantation and machine learning in HUA treatment. This review provides valuable perspectives and strategies for improving the prevention and treatment of HUA.
Hyperuricemia/microbiology* ; Humans ; Gastrointestinal Microbiome/physiology* ; Probiotics/therapeutic use* ; Uric Acid/blood* ; Fecal Microbiota Transplantation ; Prebiotics ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional

Objective To investigate the efficacy and influencing factors of programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitors in neoadjuvant chemotherapy for triple-negative breast cancer(TNBC).Methods A total of 86 patients with TNBC who received neoadjuvant therapy in The Fifth Medical Center,PLA General Hospital between Jan.1,2018,and Jan.1,2024 and met the inclusion criteria were enrolled,and their clinicopathological data were collected.Based on the neoadjuvant treatment regimens,40 patients who received TP+PD-1 inhibitor(paclitaxel+carboplatin+pembrolizumab)were assigned to TP+PD-1 inhibitor group,and 46 patients who received TP(paclitaxel+carboplatin)were assigned to TP group.The efficacy and incidence of adverse events were compared between the 2 groups after 6 cycles of neoadjuvant therapy.According to the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy,the patients were further categorized into pathological complete response(pCR)group and non-pCR group.Multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis was performed to identify independent factors influencing neoadjuvant treatment efficacy.Patients were followed up until Dec.31,2024,and survival analysis was conducted using Kaplan-Meier method.Results There was no significant difference in the objective response rates between the TP+PD-1 inhibitor group and TP group after neoadjuvant therapy(95.0%[38/40]vs 91.3%[42/46],P=0.351].However,the pCR rate was significantly higher in the TP+PD-1 inhibitor group compared with the TP group(65.0%[26/40]vs 43.5%[20/46],P=0.047).There were no significant differences between the 2 groups in terms of disease-free survival,overall survival,or incidence of adverse events(all P＞0.05).Multivariate logistic stepwise regression analysis revealed that the expression of Ki-67 and treatment regimen were influencing factors of pCR after neoadjuvant therapy(odds ratio[OR]=3.382,95%confidence interval[95%CI]1.290-8.868,P=0.013;OR=2.524,95%CI 1.013-6.285,P=0.047).One case of distant metastasis and death occurred in the pCR group,while 8 cases of distant metastasis and 4 deaths occurred in the non-pCR group.The disease-free survival was significantly longer in the pCR group than in the non-pCR group(P=0.031),while the overall survival was similar between the 2 groups(P=0.087).Conclusion Compared with the 6-cycle TP regimen,the 6-cycle TP combined with PD-1 inhibitor regimen can improve the pCR rate in the neoadjuvant treatment of TNBC,with manageable adverse events,suggesting it may serve as a preferred option for TNBC neoadjuvant therapy.Ki-67 expression may serve as a predictive biomarker for achieving pCR.TNBC patients who achieved pCR have better disease-free survival than those who did not.

Objective To explore the correlation between the expression of serum microRNA(miR)-1298-5p,miR-625-5p,and miR-155 with the degree of Helicobacter pylori(Hp)infection in elderly gastric cancer patients.Methods From January 2021 to November 2023,120 elderly patients with gastric cancer admitted to the hospital from January 2021 to November 2023 were selected as the gastric cancer group,and 130 non-gas-tric cancer patients who underwent gastroscopy were selected as the control group.The expression levels of miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p and miR-155 in serum were detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR(qPCR).Car-bon 13 urea breath test was used to detect the positive rate of Hp infection in two groups,and the degree of Hp infection in elderly patients with gastric cancer were evaluated.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the diagnostic value of serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p,and miR-155 expression levels for Hp infection in elderly gastric cancer patients.Pearson method was applied to analyze the correlation between serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p,miR-155 expression and positive rate of Hp infection in elderly gas-tric cancer patients.Results Compared with the control group,the expression levels of miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p in serum of gastric cancer group decreased(P＜0.05),while the positive rate of Hp infection and the expression level of serum miR-155 increased(P＜0.05).The expression levels of serum miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p in elderly gastric cancer patients with Hp grade Ⅰ,Ⅱ,and Ⅲ infection were lower than those without Hp infection,while the expression level of miR-155 was higher(P＜0.05).Patients with poor differ-entiation,lymph node metastasis,and TNM stage Ⅲ-Ⅳ had lower expressions of serum miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p(P＜0.05),and higher expression of miR-155(P＜0.05)than those with moderate-high differen-tiation,no lymph node metastasis,and TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ.The expression levels of serum miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p were negatively correlated with the positive rate of Hp infection in elderly patients with gastric cancer(r=-0.443,-0.386,both P＜0.001),and the expression levels of serum miR-155 were positively correlated with the positive rate of Hp infection(r=0.525,P＜0.001).The area under the curve(AUC)of serum miR-1298-5p,miR-625-5p and miR-155 combined diagnosis of Hp infection in elderly gastric cancer pa-tients was higher than that of single diagnosis(P＜0.05).Conclusion The expression levels of miR-1298-5p and miR-625-5p in serum of elderly gastric cancer patients with Hp infection decrease,while the expression level of miR-155 increases.These three factors are related to the degree of Hp infection and have good diag-nostic value for the occurrence of Hp infection.