Objective To predict the lymphovascular invasion(LVI)status of breast cancer patients based on digital breast tomo-synthesis(DBT)intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomogram.Methods A total of 192 breast cancer patients from 2 institu-tions were retrospectively selected,in which institution 1 was used for train(n=113)and test(n=49),while institution 2 was used for external validation(n=30).Radiomics features were extracted and selected based on intratumoral and peritumoral 1 mm regions from DBT images.Different machine learning algorithms were used to construct intratumoral,peritumoral,and combined intratumoral and peritumoral models,respectively.Patient clinical data were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analy-ses to identify independent risk factors for the clinical imaging model.The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The radiomics features with the optimal diagnostic performance and the selected clinical imaging features were combined to construct a comprehensive clinical-radiomics model,and a nomogram was drawn.Results The combined intratumoral and peritumoral model was the optimal radiomics model.Maximum tumor diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.486,P=0.014],suspicious malignant calcifications(OR=2.898,P=0.015),and axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis(OR=3.615,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for LVI positive.Furthermore,the area under the curve(AUC)of the comprehensive clinical-radiomics model in the training set,test set and external valida-tion set was 0.889,0.916,and 0.862,respectively,which was higher than those of the combined intratumoral and peritumoral model(0.858,0.849,0.844)and the clinical imaging model(0.743,0.759,0.732).Conclusion The predictive nomogram,derived from both radiomics and clinical imaging features,is relatively accurate in identifying future LVI occurrence in breast cancer,demonstra-ting its potential as an assistive tool for clinicians to devise individualized treatment regimes.

Objective:To explore the prognostic differences between liver resection and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify independent risk factors affecting patient survival.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 103 patients with stage Ⅰa-Ⅲa BCS complicated by HCC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Aug 2015 to Sep 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Patients were divided into two groups based on their initial treatment choices: the liver resection group ( n=20) and the TACE group ( n=83). Before propensity score matching(PSM), the median overall survival in the liver resection group was 42 months longer than in the TACE group (74 months vs. 32 months, P=0.002). After PSM, the median overall survival remained significantly longer in the liver resection group by 39 months (74 months vs. 35 months, P=0.032). In terms of disease-free survival, before PSM, the liver resection group was 30-month longer than the TACE group (42 months vs. 12 months, P=0.001). After PSM, the difference in median disease-free survival between the two groups was 23 months (35 months vs. 12 months, P=0.018). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified treatment modality and maximum tumor diameter as independent risk factors for overall survival, while treatment modality was the only independent factor for disease-free survival. Conclusions:Liver resection significantly prolongs both overall survival and disease-free survival in resectable HCC in BCS patients compared to TACE. Treatment modality and tumor size are key prognostic factors influencing overall survival.

Objective To predict the lymphovascular invasion(LVI)status of breast cancer patients based on digital breast tomo-synthesis(DBT)intratumoral and peritumoral radiomics nomogram.Methods A total of 192 breast cancer patients from 2 institu-tions were retrospectively selected,in which institution 1 was used for train(n=113)and test(n=49),while institution 2 was used for external validation(n=30).Radiomics features were extracted and selected based on intratumoral and peritumoral 1 mm regions from DBT images.Different machine learning algorithms were used to construct intratumoral,peritumoral,and combined intratumoral and peritumoral models,respectively.Patient clinical data were analyzed by both univariate and multivariate logistic regression analy-ses to identify independent risk factors for the clinical imaging model.The performance of the models was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.The radiomics features with the optimal diagnostic performance and the selected clinical imaging features were combined to construct a comprehensive clinical-radiomics model,and a nomogram was drawn.Results The combined intratumoral and peritumoral model was the optimal radiomics model.Maximum tumor diameter[odds ratio(OR)=1.486,P=0.014],suspicious malignant calcifications(OR=2.898,P=0.015),and axillary lymph node(ALN)metastasis(OR=3.615,P<0.001)were independent risk factors for LVI positive.Furthermore,the area under the curve(AUC)of the comprehensive clinical-radiomics model in the training set,test set and external valida-tion set was 0.889,0.916,and 0.862,respectively,which was higher than those of the combined intratumoral and peritumoral model(0.858,0.849,0.844)and the clinical imaging model(0.743,0.759,0.732).Conclusion The predictive nomogram,derived from both radiomics and clinical imaging features,is relatively accurate in identifying future LVI occurrence in breast cancer,demonstra-ting its potential as an assistive tool for clinicians to devise individualized treatment regimes.

Objective:To explore the prognostic differences between liver resection and transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients with Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) complicated by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and to identify independent risk factors affecting patient survival.Methods:The clinical and follow-up data of 103 patients with stage Ⅰa-Ⅲa BCS complicated by HCC treated at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from Aug 2015 to Sep 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Results:Patients were divided into two groups based on their initial treatment choices: the liver resection group ( n=20) and the TACE group ( n=83). Before propensity score matching(PSM), the median overall survival in the liver resection group was 42 months longer than in the TACE group (74 months vs. 32 months, P=0.002). After PSM, the median overall survival remained significantly longer in the liver resection group by 39 months (74 months vs. 35 months, P=0.032). In terms of disease-free survival, before PSM, the liver resection group was 30-month longer than the TACE group (42 months vs. 12 months, P=0.001). After PSM, the difference in median disease-free survival between the two groups was 23 months (35 months vs. 12 months, P=0.018). Multivariate Cox regression analysis identified treatment modality and maximum tumor diameter as independent risk factors for overall survival, while treatment modality was the only independent factor for disease-free survival. Conclusions:Liver resection significantly prolongs both overall survival and disease-free survival in resectable HCC in BCS patients compared to TACE. Treatment modality and tumor size are key prognostic factors influencing overall survival.

Cerebral white matter hyperintensity(WMH)is a type of ischemic alteration that appears as speckled or patchy areas around the ventricles and in the centrocentral area of the semiovals.This alteration can be caused by various factors and indicates a change in the composition of the white matter in the brain.It suggests an alteration in the water content of the hydrophobic white matter fiber bundles.WMH is commonly used as an imaging marker for cerebral small vessel disease.Previous studies have shown that WMH is highly correlated with cognitive impairment.Large-scale longitudinal studies,both population-based and hospital-based,have confirmed the correlation between WMH and clinical symptoms and demonstrated a causal relationship between large-scale WMH and dementia.Adequate differential diagnosis,evaluation,and management are crucial for patients,especially those with early cognitive impairment.Novel imaging techniques may detect subtle impairments before they become visible on an MRI.The purpose of this review is to offer a comprehensive overview of the relationship between WMH and cognitive function.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of short-term prognosis of severe Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients,established and verified the nomogram prediction model for these BCS patients and evaluated its clinical application value.Methods:This study is a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 171 patients with severe BCS diagnosed were retrospectively analyzed in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to December 2023. There were 105 males and 66 females, aged (52.1±12.8) years (range: 18 to 79 years). The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they died within 28 days: the death group ( n=38) and the survival group ( n=133). The risk factors for short-term death of patients were analyzed,and independent risk factors were screened by univariate and multivariate analysis. Furthermore,these factors were used to establish the nomogram prediction model. The area under the curve(AUC),the Bootstrap Resampling,the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the Decision Curve Analysis(DCA) were used to verify the model′s differentiation,internal verification,calibration degree and clinical effectiveness,respectively. Results:Univariate and multivariate Logistics regression analysis showed that the history of hepatic encephalopathy,white blood cell,glomerular filtration rate and prothrombin time were independent risk factors ( P<0.05). The above factors were used to successfully establish the prediction model with 0.908 of AUC and 0.895 of the internal verification of AUC,indicating that the predictive model was valuable. The 0.663 P-values in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated the high calibration degree of the model. The clinical effectiveness of the model was proved by the 18% clinical benefit population using the DCA curve with the 17% probability threshold. Conclusions:The independent risk factors are the history of hepatic encephalopathy,white blood cell,glomerular filtration rate and prothrombin time. An adequate basis was acquired by establishing a nomogram prediction model of the short-term prognosis of severe BCS,which was helpful for early clinical screening and identification of high-risk patients with severe BCS who could die in the short term and timely providing timely intervention measures for improving the prognosis.

Objective:To explore the risk factors of short-term prognosis of severe Budd-Chiari syndrome (BCS) patients,established and verified the nomogram prediction model for these BCS patients and evaluated its clinical application value.Methods:This study is a retrospective cohort study. The clinical data of 171 patients with severe BCS diagnosed were retrospectively analyzed in the Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2018 to December 2023. There were 105 males and 66 females, aged (52.1±12.8) years (range: 18 to 79 years). The patients were divided into two groups based on whether they died within 28 days: the death group ( n=38) and the survival group ( n=133). The risk factors for short-term death of patients were analyzed,and independent risk factors were screened by univariate and multivariate analysis. Furthermore,these factors were used to establish the nomogram prediction model. The area under the curve(AUC),the Bootstrap Resampling,the Hosmer-Lemeshow test and the Decision Curve Analysis(DCA) were used to verify the model′s differentiation,internal verification,calibration degree and clinical effectiveness,respectively. Results:Univariate and multivariate Logistics regression analysis showed that the history of hepatic encephalopathy,white blood cell,glomerular filtration rate and prothrombin time were independent risk factors ( P<0.05). The above factors were used to successfully establish the prediction model with 0.908 of AUC and 0.895 of the internal verification of AUC,indicating that the predictive model was valuable. The 0.663 P-values in the Hosmer-Lemeshow test indicated the high calibration degree of the model. The clinical effectiveness of the model was proved by the 18% clinical benefit population using the DCA curve with the 17% probability threshold. Conclusions:The independent risk factors are the history of hepatic encephalopathy,white blood cell,glomerular filtration rate and prothrombin time. An adequate basis was acquired by establishing a nomogram prediction model of the short-term prognosis of severe BCS,which was helpful for early clinical screening and identification of high-risk patients with severe BCS who could die in the short term and timely providing timely intervention measures for improving the prognosis.

Abstract: Cancer immunotherapy, which is an attractive strategy harnessing the host's own immune system to remove tumor cells, has been widely used in clinical practice, yet with low response rate and immune-related adverse events. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, the targets of immunotherapy exhibit high spatial heterogeneity and are distributed in different cell types or secondary organelles, resulting in off-target and on-target toxicity, which greatly reduces the efficacy and safety of treatment. Due to the altered metabolic level, tumor tissues often display a lower pH than normal tissues. In addition, the endocytosis pathway is accompanied by continuous pumping of protons. Therefore, the variation of environmental pH values could serve as an ideal stimulus for precise drug delivery and release. In recent years, pH-responsive materials (e.g., polymers, biomacromolecules, lipid nanoparticles, biofilm, inorganic nanoparticles, and metal-organic frameworks) have been widely investigated in the field of cancer immunotherapy. This paper summarizes recent strategies of pH-responsive drug delivery systems based on different types of carriers, aiming to provide some reference for the design of next generation of tumor-targeting formulations in cancer immunotherapy.

Objective To summarize the clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors of salivary duct carcinoma(SDC)patients.Methods This study was reviewed and approved by the Ethics Committee,and informed consent was obtained from the patients.The clinical data of 30 SDC patients who were admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2014 to 2022,including case records,pathological diagnoses,immunohistochemical indicators,treatment methods,follow-up data,and other data,were retrospectively analyzed.SPSS 26.0 software was used to process the data and construct relevant curves.The chi-square test was used to analyze the correlation between different immunohistochemical indices and the recurrence and metastasis of SDC,and a single factor was used to ana-lyze clinical prognostic factors.Results Among the 30 SDC patients,the male-to-female ratio was 5∶1,with a median age of 61.5 years.Approximately 60％of cases occurred in the parotid gland,whereas the remainder occurred in the submaxillary gland,sublingual gland,or minor salivary gland.Among them,19 patients were androgen receptor-positive,23 patients were human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 positive,and 26 patients were Ki-67 positive.Postoperative follow-up was 18-94 months,with a median follow-up of 37 months.There were 13 cases of recurrence and 14 cases of distant metastasis.The 5-year overall survival rate was only 31.2％.The long-term survival of patients who underwent postoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy was better than that of patients who underwent surgery alone(P=0.027).T stage and lymph node invasion were associated with prognosis and survival(P＜0.05).There was a correlation between a Ki-67-positive cell count ≥ 40％and postoperative recurrence or metastasis(P=0.025).Conclusion Radi-cal surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy is helpful for improving long-term overall survival,and tumor T stage and lymph node metastasis may be the main factors affecting the prognosis of patients with SDC.Patients with Ki-67-positive cell counts ≥ 40％are prone to postoperative recurrence or metastasis.

Objective To investigate the effect of metformin on liver fibrosis in a mouse model of Budd-Chiari syndrome and its mechanism. Methods A total of 30 male C57 mice were randomly divided into sham-operation group (SHAM group) with 6 mice, sham operation+ metformin group (SHAM+M group) with 5 mice, Budd-Chiari model group (BCS group) with 10 mice, and Budd-Chiari model+metformin group (BCS+M group) with 9 mice. The mice in the model group were treated with partial ligation of the inferior vena cava, those in the SHAM group were not treated with ligation, and those in the metformin group were given 0.1% metformin in drinking water besides modeling. The mice were sacrificed after 6 weeks. HE staining and picrosirius red staining were used to observe liver histopathology and collagen deposition; immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expressions of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and fibrinogen; quantitative real-time PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) and type Ⅰ collagen (collagen 1), and Western blot was used to measure the relative protein expression levels of HIF-1α, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), fibrinogen, α-SMA, and collagen 1. A one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison of continuous data between multiple groups, and the least significant difference t -test was used for further comparison between two groups. Results Pathological staining showed that compared with the SHAM group, the BCS group had significant liver fibrosis, disordered arrangement of hepatocytes near the central vein, sinusoidal expansion with red blood cell deposition and a small amount of inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. The BCS group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and collagen 1 and the protein expression levels of α-SMA, collagen 1, HIF-1α, VEGF, and fibrinogen (all P < 0.05); compared with the BCS group, the BCS+M group had significant alleviation of liver fibrosis, red blood cell deposition, and collagen deposition and significant reductions in the mRNA expression levels of HIF-1α and collagen 1 and the protein expression levels of α-SMA, collagen 1, HIF-1α, VEGF, and fibrinogen (all P < 0.05). Conclusion Metformin can improve congestive liver fibrosis caused by Budd-Chiari syndrome, possibly by reducing microthrombus in hepatic sinusoid and inhibiting the HIF-1α/VEGF pathway.