Objective : To analyze the current status of anti-PD-1 combined with chemotherapy in advanced gastric cancer. Methods: The clinical data of 120 patients with advanced gastric cancer treated with chemotherapy or anti-PD-1 plus chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed. The efficacy [measures include objective response rate(ORR), disease control rate(DCR), and progression-free survival(PFS)]and the occurrence of adverse reactions in patients was monitored. Univariate and multivariate Cox were used to analyze the relationship between clinicopathologic data [including age, gender, body mass index(BMI), differentiation degree, and related hematological indexes], specific treatment conditions and PFS, and to analyze the influence of treatment plan and line number on the curative effect. Results : The PFS of chemotherapy plus immunotherapy was significantly better than that of chemotherapy alone(P<0.05), and the median PFS of the two was 7.17 months(95%CI5.85-8.49) and 5.33 months(95%CI3.96-5.70), respectively. In the combination group, the overall ORR was 27.5% and DCR was 94.8%. In the chemotherapy group alone, the overall ORR was 9.7% and DCR was 69.4%.In the chemotherapy plus anti-PD-1 group, a high prognostic nutritional index(PNI) level also provided superior PFS in patients with a 47% reduction in the risk of progression versus a low PNI level [HR0.53(95%CI0.30-0.96);P<0.05]. The median PFS was 7.47 months(95%CI5.83-9.11) with a high PNI level versus 6.00 months(95%CI4.45-7.55) with a low PNI level. The overall incidence of adverse reactions of chemotherapy combined with anti-PD-1 was slightly higher than that of chemotherapy alone, and the incidence of adverse reactions of grade 3-4 was similar, within a controllable range, and could be improved after clinical treatment. Conclusion The efficacy of anti-PD-1 combined with chemotherapy in patients with advanced gastric cancer is better than that of chemotherapy, and the adverse reactions are controllable. In the chemotherapy plus anti-PD-1 group, patients with high PNI levels achieved a higher PFS.

Objective To explore the repair effect and mechanism of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells(hAMSCs)on endometrial injury.Methods hAMSCs were isolated using a two-enzyme digestion and then cultured.The third-passage(P3)cells were harvested to detect the surface markers by flow cytometry and to identify their trilineage differentiation potentials.Eighteen nulliparous female SD rats(8～9 weeks old,weighing 250～280 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups(n=6):normal control group,model group,and hAMSCs group.A rat model of intrauterine adhesions(IUA)was established in SD rats by using curettage combined with lipopolysaccharide(LPS)infection.In 2 weeks after modeling,the hAMSCs group received a bilateral uterine horn transplantation of 0.2 mL hAMSCs(1.0×10? cells/mL),while the model group received a same volume of PBS into both uterine horns.All rats were sacrificed in 2 weeks after transplantation.HE and Masson staining was used to observe endometrial thickness and gland number as well as endometrial fibrosis area.RT-qPCR and Western blotting were performed to detect the mRNA and protein levels of TGF-β1,Smad3,Smad7,epithelial-mesenchymal transition(EMT)markers(E-cadherin,Vimentin),fibrosis factor α-SMA,and endometrial estrogen receptor(ER)and progesterone receptor(PR)in endometrial tissues.Results The obtained cells were identified as hAMSCs due to the characteristics of surface markers and differentiation potentials.Compared with the normal control group,the model group showed decreased endometrial thickness,reduced gland number,increased fibrosis area,and enhanced mRNA and protein levels of fibrosis-related factors TGF-β1,Smad3,Vimentin,and α-SMA(P<0.01),while down-regulation of fibrosis-inhibiting molecule Smad7,the EMT marker E-cadherin,and endometrial receptors ER and PR at both mRNA and protein levels(P<0.01).hAMSCs transplantation increased endometrial thickness and gland number,decreased fibrosis area,and down-regulated mRNA expression of the aforementioned fibrosis-related factors(P<0.01),and up-regulated the mRNA expression levels of Smad7,E-cadherin,ER,and PR(P<0.01).The hAMSCs group also exhibited obviously down-regulated protein levels of TGF-β1,Smad3,and α-SMA(P<0.05),while enhanced protein levels of Smad7 and PR(P<0.05).Conclusion Intrauterine transplantation of hAMSCs can promote the repair of endometrial injury,and inhibits endometrial EMT and fibrosis through the TGF-β1/Smad7 signaling pathway.

Objective To establish a clinical-CT model,and to observe its value for evaluating lymphovascular invasion(LVI)and/or perineural invasion(PNI)in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC).Methods Data of 156 ESCC patients were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into positive group(n=58,LVI[+]and/or PNI[+])and negative group(n=98,LVI[-]and PNI[-])according to postoperative pathological results.Clinical and CT data were compared between groups.Logistic regression analysis was performed to establish a model,and its efficacy of evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was analyzed.Results Significant differences of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),carbohydrate antigen 199(CA199),tumor thickness,tumor volume and CT venous phase value(CTV),the difference between CTV and CT plain phase value(CTP)(△CTV-P)and venous phase enhancement rate(V％)were found between groups(all P＜0.05),and the area under the curve(AUC)of the above parameters for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 0.702,0.690,0.731,0.744,0.621,0.631 and 0.599,respectively.CEA,CA199,tumor thickness,tumor volume and CTV were all independent predictive factors for ESCC LVI and/or PNI.A combined model was established based on the above features,and its accuracy,sensitivity and specificity for evaluating ESCC LVI and/or PNI was 82.05％,65.52％and 91.84％,respectively,with AUC of 0.838,higher than that of each single parameter(all P＜0.05).Conclusion The established clinical-CT model could effectively evaluate ESCC LVI and/or PNI.

BACKGROUND:Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is an effective and even the only way to cure various hematological diseases,but the short-term mortality rate is relatively high after transplantation. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the risk factors affecting the overall survival of patients with hematological diseases in the short term(within 100 days)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation,so as to reduce mortality and effectively prevent related risks in the short term(within 100 days)after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. METHODS:Clinical data of 585 patients with hematological diseases who underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation at the Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation Center of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 1,2018 to June 30,2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The risk factors that affected overall survival within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation were explored. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:A total of 585 patients with hematologic diseases underwent allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.92 patients died within 100 days after transplantation,with a mortality rate of 15.7%(92/585).The median age of death cases was 26.5 years old(1-56 years),and the median survival time of death cases was 48 days(0-97 days).Univariate analysis exhibited that age≥14 years old,acute graft-versus-host disease,grade IV acute graft-versus-host disease,bacterial bloodstream infection,as well as carbapenem-resistant organism bloodstream infection,were risk factors for overall survival within 100 days after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation(P<0.05).Multivariate regression analysis showed that age≥14 years old,grades Ⅲ-Ⅳ acute graft-versus-host disease,bacterial bloodstream infection,and carbapenem-resistant organism bloodstream infections were independent risk factors for overall survival(within 100 days)in patients after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation.Hazard ratios were 1.77(95%CI 1.047-2.991),7.926(95%CI 3.763-16.695),2.039(95%CI 1.117-3.722),and 3.389(95%CI 1.563-7.347),respectively.In conclusion,all-cause mortality rate after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation is relatively high in the short term.A timely diagnosis and effective treatment of bacterial bloodstream infection and acute graft-versus-host disease are essential to improving allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation outcomes.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Yuye Decoction against diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Drugbank,Gene Cards,OMIM and PharmGKb databases were used to obtain DCM-related targets,and the core targets were identified and functionally annotated by protein-protein interaction network analysis followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.The"Traditional Chinese Medicine-Key Component-Key Target-Key Pathway"network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1,and molecular docking was carried out for the key components and the core targets.In the animal experiment,Wistar rat models of DCM were treated with normal saline or Yuye Decoction by gavage at low(0.29 g/kg)and high(1.15 g/kg)doses for 8 weeks,and the changes in cardiac electrophysiology and histopathology were evaluated.The changes in serum levels of LDH,CK,and CK-MB were examined,and myocardial expressions of PI3K,P-PI3K,Akt,P-AKT,BAX,IL-6,and TNF-α were detected using Western blotting.Results We identified 61 active compounds in Yuye Decoction with 1057 targets,3682 DCM-related disease targets,and 551 common targets between them.Enrichment of the core targets suggested that apoptosis,inflammation and the PI3K/Akt pathways were the key signaling pathways for DCM treatment.Molecular docking studies showed that the active components in Yuye Decoction including gold amidohydroxyethyl ester and kaempferol had strong binding activities with AKT1 and PIK3R1.In DCM rat models,treatment with Yuye Decoction significantly alleviated myocardial pathologies,reduced serum levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB,lowered myocardial expressions of BAX,IL-6 and TNF-α,and increased the expressions of P-PI3K and P-AKT.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of compound Yuye Decoction against DCM is mediated by its multiple active components that act on multiple targets and pathways to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective To explore the therapeutic mechanism of compound Yuye Decoction against diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM).Methods Drugbank,Gene Cards,OMIM and PharmGKb databases were used to obtain DCM-related targets,and the core targets were identified and functionally annotated by protein-protein interaction network analysis followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analysis.The"Traditional Chinese Medicine-Key Component-Key Target-Key Pathway"network was constructed using Cytoscape 3.9.1,and molecular docking was carried out for the key components and the core targets.In the animal experiment,Wistar rat models of DCM were treated with normal saline or Yuye Decoction by gavage at low(0.29 g/kg)and high(1.15 g/kg)doses for 8 weeks,and the changes in cardiac electrophysiology and histopathology were evaluated.The changes in serum levels of LDH,CK,and CK-MB were examined,and myocardial expressions of PI3K,P-PI3K,Akt,P-AKT,BAX,IL-6,and TNF-α were detected using Western blotting.Results We identified 61 active compounds in Yuye Decoction with 1057 targets,3682 DCM-related disease targets,and 551 common targets between them.Enrichment of the core targets suggested that apoptosis,inflammation and the PI3K/Akt pathways were the key signaling pathways for DCM treatment.Molecular docking studies showed that the active components in Yuye Decoction including gold amidohydroxyethyl ester and kaempferol had strong binding activities with AKT1 and PIK3R1.In DCM rat models,treatment with Yuye Decoction significantly alleviated myocardial pathologies,reduced serum levels of LDH,CK and CK-MB,lowered myocardial expressions of BAX,IL-6 and TNF-α,and increased the expressions of P-PI3K and P-AKT.Conclusion The therapeutic effect of compound Yuye Decoction against DCM is mediated by its multiple active components that act on multiple targets and pathways to inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway.

Objective:To systematically evaluate the psychological experience of financial toxicity in breast cancer patients.Methods:A computer search was conducted in Web of Science, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, CINAHL, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, China Biology Medicine disc, Wanfang, and VIP for qualitative studies on the psychological experience of financial toxicity among breast cancer patients up to April 15, 2023. The Joanna Briggs Institute's quality assessment criteria for qualitative research were used for literature quality evaluation, and an aggregative integration method was applied for data analysis.Results:Ten studies were included, from which 56 distinct themes were extracted. These themes were consolidated into 11 new categories, forming three integrated results: multidimensional negative experiences in coping with financial toxicity, needs and expectations in dealing with financial toxicity, and strategies for dealing with financial toxicity.Conclusions:Breast cancer patients face varying degrees of financial toxicity, negatively impacting their physical and mental health. Healthcare professionals should pay close attention to the characteristics and needs of patients coping with financial toxicity. Continuous assessment of their financial status and implementation of comprehensive intervention strategies and measures through multiple channels and approaches are needed to help reduce the issues of financial toxicity.

Group A Streptococci(GAS)can cause multiple diseases such as pharyngotonsillitis, scarlet fever, streptococcal toxic shock syndrome(STSS), necrotizing fasciitis, and so on, making it extremely difficult to monitor all GAS infections.Developed countries such as the United States and the United Kingdom have classified invasive GAS diseases/infections(iGAS) or certain specific types, such as STSS, as notifiable diseases.China only includes scarlet fever caused by GAS infections in the legal infectious diseases.Although case reports or clinical studies of STSS and necrotizing fasciitis in China can be found, there is a lack of investigation and summary on iGAS, and there are few materials to introduce its definition and diagnostic criteria.Based on a recently diagnosed typical case, this paper intends to introduce the definition and diagnostic criteria of iGAS adopted in the United States, the United Kingdom and other developed countries, as well as the valuable early manifestations and risk factors, and the incidence of iGAS.Given the epidemiological changes in GAS infections in recent years, this paper also emphasizes the importance of paying attention to GAS infections, especially iGAS, aiming to arouse the attention of China′s clinical doctors and urge them to carry out research on this group of diseases.

It is difficult to accurately distinguish pharyngitis caused by Group A Streptococcus(GAS) from other pathogens according to the clinical presentation alone, which cannot effectively guide the rational use of antimicrobials.The pharyngeal swab culture, rapid antigen detection test, nucleic acid test, and blood test can help definitively diagnose GAS pharyngitis.However, there are differences in different guidelines on who the laboratory test methods are intended for, interpretation of laboratory test results and so on.This article summarizes and analyses the laboratory diagnostic modalities and their characteristics, as well as recommendations for GAS pharyngitis in different guidelines to provide references for the clinical diagnosis, antimicrobial treatment, and further study of GAS pharyngitis.