Objective To explore the pathogenesis and prognostic factors of liposarcoma in the head and neck region, and simultaneously analyze the efficacy of different treatment regimens. Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on all patients with primary untreated head and neck liposarcoma who were diagnosed and underwent surgical treatment at our hospital from January 2008 to January 2024. All patients were monitored during follow-up, and their prognoses were analyzed using SPSS software. Results A total of 30 patients were included in the study. Liposarcoma accounted for up to 60% of the cases in the orbit, while the remaining liposarcomas were primarily located in various interspaces of the neck. Dedifferentiated liposarcoma was the most common type, comprising 33%, while myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma was the rarest at 4%. The tumor pathological type (P<0.001) and Ki67 (P=0.014) significantly affected the tumor control rate. However, an analysis of disease-specific survival rates revealed no significant differences across various factors (all P>0.05). Conclusion The prognosis of head and neck liposarcoma is better compared to that of liposarcomas in other parts of the body. However, myxoid pleomorphic liposarcoma, pleomorphic fat sarcoma, and high Ki67 levels are indicators of poor prognosis. Additionally, postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy does not significantly enhance disease-specific survival rates.

Chikungunya virus (CHIKV), which is primarily transmitted by Aedes aegypti and Ae. albopictus, has recently rapidly spread across the world, which poses a huge threat to public health. Chikungunya fever (CHIKF), caused by CHIKV infection, typically manifests as acute febrile illness with severe polyarthralgia that may persist for months to years. A few severe CHIKF cases may be accompanied by serious neurological complications, even resulting in death. The accelerating global expansion of CHIKV is closely associated with genetic variations of the virus, and mutated genes in CHIKV may augment the virus adaptability to Aedes vectors and transmission efficiency. Currently, the diagnosis of the CHIKV infection primarily relies on molecular and serological assays; however, there are still multiple challenges for early and differential diagnosis of CHIKV infections due to co-infections with arboviruses and nonspecific early symptoms. The first prophylactic vaccine for CHIKF has been recently approved in the United States; however, the large-scale application still awaits further validations. More importantly, there are no licensed antiviral therapies against CHIKV until now. This review describes the structure and pathogenesis of CHIKV, summarizes the latest epidemiology and advances in the diagnosis of CHIKV infections, and depicts the current status and prospects of antiviral agents and vaccine development, so as to inform evidence-based prevention and control strategies.

The accurate segmentation of breast ultrasound images is an important precondition for the lesion determination. The existing segmentation approaches embrace massive parameters, sluggish inference speed, and huge memory consumption. To tackle this problem, we propose T ²KD Attention U-Net (dual-Teacher Knowledge Distillation Attention U-Net), a lightweight semantic segmentation method combined double-path joint distillation in breast ultrasound images. Primarily, we designed two teacher models to learn the fine-grained features from each class of images according to different feature representation and semantic information of benign and malignant breast lesions. Then we leveraged the joint distillation to train a lightweight student model. Finally, we constructed a novel weight balance loss to focus on the semantic feature of small objection, solving the unbalance problem of tumor and background. Specifically, the extensive experiments conducted on Dataset BUSI and Dataset B demonstrated that the T ²KD Attention U-Net outperformed various knowledge distillation counterparts. Concretely, the accuracy, recall, precision, Dice, and mIoU of proposed method were 95.26%, 86.23%, 85.09%, 83.59%and 77.78% on Dataset BUSI, respectively. And these performance indexes were 97.95%, 92.80%, 88.33%, 88.40% and 82.42% on Dataset B, respectively. Compared with other models, the performance of this model was significantly improved. Meanwhile, compared with the teacher model, the number, size, and complexity of student model were significantly reduced (2.2×10 ⁶ vs. 106.1×10 ⁶, 8.4 MB vs. 414 MB, 16.59 GFLOPs vs. 205.98 GFLOPs, respectively). Indeedy, the proposed model guarantees the performances while greatly decreasing the amount of computation, which provides a new method for the deployment of clinical medical scenarios.
Humans ; Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Female ; Ultrasonography, Mammary/methods* ; Image Processing, Computer-Assisted/methods* ; Algorithms ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Breast/diagnostic imaging*

OBJECTIVE To compare the consistency between the semi-quantitative detection of HPV E6/E7 mRNA and the detection of p16 IHC and E6/E7RNA ISH in the tissues,and the feasibility of detecting high-risk HPV in head and neck mucosal lesions by HPV E6/E7 mRNA detection in the swabs was discussed.METHODS A total of 100 cases of head and neck mucosal lesions treated by the Department of Head and Neck Surgery,Beijing Tongren Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University from September 2022 to August 2023 were collected.Semi-quantitative detection of HPV E6/E7 mRNA was performed in oropharynx,lesion surface swab and lesion tissue specimen,and p16 immunohistochemical staining(IHC)and E6/E7 mRNA in situ hybridization(ISH)were detected in lesion tissue,and the consistency and difference of different detection results were studied.RESULTS Among the 100 patients,83 met the inclusion criteria and were divided into 21 papilloma cases,10 polyps/chronic inflammation cases,19 laryngeal cancer cases,13 oropharyngeal cancer cases,and 20 hypopharyngeal cancer cases according to pathological diagnosis.The HPV E6/E7 mRNA semi-quantitative results of oropharyngeal swab and lesion surface swab showed moderate or near high consistency with p16 IHC results.The results of HPV E6/E7 mRNA semi-quantitative in diseased tissue were highly consistent with those of p16 IHC(Kappa=0.780).In the diagnostic efficacy analysis,both swabs showed high consistency with HPV E6/E7 mRNA ISH(Kappa=0.690 and 0.708).CONCLUSION In the head and neck mucosal lesions,the HPV semi-quantitative detection results of oropharyngeal and lesion surface swab showed good consistency compared with classical p16 IHC and gold standard HPV E6/E7 mRNA ISH.It is a simple and reliable method for clinical high-risk HPV detection,which is helpful for the screening and individualized precise prevention and control of HPV infection in head and neck mucosal lesions.

Six novel compounds,comprising three quinolones(1a,1b,and 2)and three flavanones(3-5),along with seven known analogs(6-13),were isolated from the 95％EtOH extract of the stems and leaves of Glycosmis craibii var.glabra.The structures of the new compounds were elucidated using HR-ESI-MS,UV,and 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance(NMR)data analysis.The ab-solute configurations were determined through Mosher ester and electronic circular dichroism(ECD)spectral analysis.Compounds 2,6,9,and 10 demonstrated inhibition of nitric oxide(NO)production stimulated by lipopolysaccharide in BV-2 microglial cells,with IC50 values ranging from 13.5 to 20.1 μmol·L-1,comparable to the positive control,dexamethasone.

Activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2)by Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)alkylation plays a central role in anti-inflammatory therapy.However,activators of Nrf2 through alkylation of Keap1-Kelch domain have not been identified.Deoxynyboquinone(DNQ)is a natural small molecule discovered from marine actinomycetes.The current study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects and molecular mechanisms of DNQ via alkylation of Keap1.DNQ exhibited signif-icant anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo.The pharmacophore responsible for the anti-inflammatory properties of DNQ was determined to be the α,β-unsaturated amides moieties by a chemical reaction between DNQ and N-acetylcysteine.DNQ exerted anti-inflammatory effects through activation of Nrf2/ARE pathway.Keap1 was demonstrated to be the direct target of DNQ and bound with DNQ through conjugate addition reaction involving alkylation.The specific alkylation site of DNQ on Keap1 for Nrf2 activation was elucidated with a synthesized probe in conjunction with liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry.DNQ triggered the ubiquitination and subsequent degra-dation of Keap1 by alkylation of the cysteine residue 489(Cys489)on Keap1-Kelch domain,ultimately enabling the activation of Nrf2.Our findings revealed that DNQ exhibited potent anti-inflammatory capacity through α,β-unsaturated amides moieties active group which specifically activated Nrf2 signal pathway via alkylation/ubiquitination of Keap1-Kelch domain,suggesting the potential values of targeting Cys489 on Keap1-Kelch domain by DNQ-like small molecules in inflammatory therapies.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Professor Ding Zhiguo's internal and external combined treatment of Hashimoto's disease, and to explore its mechanism.Methods:Prospective cohort study. A total of 85 patients of professor Ding Zhiguo from Sun Simmiao Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine and Dongzhimen Hospital of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine from August 2022 to March 2023 were selected and divided into control group (43 cases) and drug group (42 cases) by random number table method. Another 20 healthy volunteers were recruited for health control observation. The control group was given iodine restricted diet, the drug group was treated with Qinggan Sanjie Xiaoying Prescription combined with Liqi Sanjie Xiaoying Ointment, and the healthy control group was not treated with any intervention. Both drug group and control group were observed continuously for 4 weeks. TCM syndrome scores were performed before and after treatment. Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) and Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD) were used to assess the degree of anxiety and depression, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to assess sleep quality, and fatigue severity Scale (FSS) was used to assess the degree of fatigue. Lower limb lymphedema self-sensory symptoms assessment questionnaire was used to evaluate the symptoms of lower limb lymphedema. The serum levels of thyroid peroxidase antibody (TPOAb) and thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) were measured by automatic electrochemiluminescence immunoassay, and the reduction rate was calculated. The levels of serum Akt, ERK and protein kinase C (PKC) were detected by ELISA. The thyroid volume was calculated and the anterior and posterior diameter of the isthmus was recorded. The clinical efficacy and safety were evaluated.Results:The total effective rate was 71.43% (30/42) in the drug group and 27.91% (12/43) in the control group, with statistical significance ( χ2=16.10, P<0.01). The serum TPOAb [137.95 (141.44) IU/ml vs. 153.40 (154.93) IU/ml, Z=-4.37] and TGAb [182.00 (238.52) IU/ml vs. 190.50 (257.55) IU/ml, Z=-2.13] levels in the drug group were lower after treatment ( P<0.01 or P<0.05), and the decrease rate of TPOAb [15.62 (21.90)% vs. -6.42 (32.89)%, Z=-4.12] and TGAb [5.25 (20.49)% vs. -0.72 (17.67)%, Z=-2.67] were higher than that in the control group ( P<0.01). The thyroid volume [11.37 (6.48) cm 3vs. 12.89 (6.63) cm 3, Z=-2.95] and isthmus thickness [0.27 (0.14) cm vs. 0.28 (0.15) cm, Z=-2.18] in the drug group were reduced after treatment compared with that before treatment ( P<0.05). TCM syndrome scores (6.10±1.38 vs. 14.42±7.35, t=-7.29), HAMA (5.21±1.32 vs. 9.28±2.25, Z=-7.02), HAMD (8.28±3.17 vs. 10.42±5.28, t=-2.26), PSQI (6.00±2.16 vs. 9.47±3.08, t=-6.01), FSS (34.71±5.51 vs. 38.23±8.35, t=-2.30), lower limb lymphedema self-induced symptom evaluation questionnaire scores (4.95±2.56 vs. 7.86±3.07, t=-4.74) after treatment were lower than before treatment and lower than control group ( P<0.001 or P<0.05).The serum levels of Akt [52.28 (17.72) μmol/L vs. 44.38 (2.75) μmol/L],ERK [2 843.43 (607.90) ng/L vs. 2 648.25 (290.74) ng/L],PKC [8.87 (3.10) pmol/L vs. 7.88 (1.25) pmol/L] in drug group were higher than those in the healthy control group before treatment ( P<0.05), the levels of Akt [37.37 (7.90) μmol/L vs. 44.38 (2.75) μmol/L], ERK [2 432.74 (402.56) ng/L vs. 2 648.25 (290.74) ng/L] in drug group were lower than those in the healthy group after treatment ( P<0.05). After treatment, the levels of Akt [37.37 (7.90) μmol/L vs. 52.28 (17.72) μmol/L, 49.56 (9.12) μmol/L], ERK [2 432.74 (402.56) ng/L vs. 2 843.43 (607.90) ng/L, 3 021.76 (360.22) ng/L], PKC [7.37 (1.84) pmol/L vs. 8.87 (3.10) pmol/L, 10.00 (2.42) pmol/L] in drug group were lower than before treatment and lower than control group ( P<0.01). There were no adverse events during treatment in both groups. Conclusion:The internal and external treatment of Hashimoto's disease by Professor Ding Zhiguo can effectively reduce the level of thyroid antibody titer, reduce the thyroid swelling and isthmus thickness, improve the clinical symptoms of patients with Hashimoto's disease, and may play a therapeutic role by interfering with MAPK signaling pathway.

OBJECTIVE: Hepatic fibrosis has been widely considered as a conjoint consequence of almost all chronic liver diseases. Chuanxiong Rhizoma (Chuanxiong in Chinese, CX) is a traditional Chinese herbal product to prevent cerebrovascular, gynecologic and hepatic diseases. Our previous study found that CX extracts significantly reduced collagen contraction force of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Here, this study aimed to compare the protection of different CX extracts on bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced liver fibrosis and investigate plausible underlying mechanisms. METHODS: The active compounds of CX extracts were identified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Network pharmacology was used to determine potential targets of CX against hepatic fibrosis. Bile duct hyperplasia and liver fibrosis were evaluated by serologic testing and histopathological evaluation. The expression of targets of interest was determined by quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR) and Western blot. RESULTS: Different CX extracts were identified by tetramethylpyrazine, ferulic acid and senkyunolide A. Based on the network pharmacological analysis, 42 overlap targets were obtained via merging the candidates targets of CX and liver fibrosis. Different aqueous, alkaloid and phthalide extracts of CX (CX_AE, CX_AL and CX_PHL) significantly inhibited diffuse severe bile duct hyperplasia and thus suppressed hepatic fibrosis by decreasing CCCTC binding factor (CTCF)-c-MYC-long non-coding RNA H19 (H19) pathway in the BDL-induced mouse model. Meanwhile, CX extracts, especially CX_AL and CX_PHL also suppressed CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway and inhibited ductular reaction in cholangiocytes stimulated with taurocholate acid (TCA), lithocholic acid (LCA) and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), as illustrated by decreased bile duct proliferation markers. CONCLUSION Our data supported that different CX extracts, especially CX_AL and CX_PHL significantly alleviated hepatic fibrosis and bile duct hyperplasia via inhibiting CTCF-c-MYC-H19 pathway, providing novel insights into the anti-fibrotic mechanism of CX.

Objective To compare the synergies between the transcutaneous needle electrodes and the ETT surface electrodes used for neurological surveillance in thyroidology,and explore how to identify and protect recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagus nerve when the patient is not suitable for oral plug or surface electrodes are failure.Methods To collect and analyze the clinical data of 32 patients undergoing surgical treatment for thyroid disease,a total of 40 neurons of the recurrent laryngeal nerves and vagus nerves were monitored,and the amplitude and latency were recorded using ETT surface electrodes and transcutaneous needle electrodes for nerve monitoring,respectively.SPSS 26.0 software was used for statistical analysis,paired t-tests were used to analyze and compare the latency periods,and the rank sum test was used to analyze whether there is a difference in the amplitude obtained from stimulation of transcutaneous needle electrodes and ETT surface electrodes.Results When the transcutaneous needle electrodes were used in thyroid surgery,we identified all the nerves,obtained two-phase electrical signals similar to the latency and amplitude of the ETT surface electrodes,and could effectively identify the recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagus nerve[(3.22±0.50)ms vs.(3.85±1.00)ms,P＜0.05]through the incapacity period,with no obvious difference in the monitoring effect from the ETT surface electrodes[(3.04±0.58)ms vs.(3.89±1.07)ms,P＜0.05].At the same time,the visualization and safety of transcutaneous needle electrodes were higher,with great advantages.Conclusion Transcutaneous needle electrodes can effectively assist in identifying and protecting the recurrent laryngeal nerve and vagus nerve,and thus are an important supplement to ETT surface electrodes.