Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most prevalent primary malignant bone tumor affecting children and adolescents. Despite ongoing research efforts, the 5-year survival rate has remained stagnant for many years, highlighting the critical need for novel drug development to enhance current treatment protocols. Ziyuglycoside II (ZYG II), a triterpenoid saponin extracted from S. officinalis, has recently demonstrated antitumor properties. This study evaluates the antitumor effect of ZYG II on osteosarcoma and elucidates its mechanism of action through the co-regulation of p53 and estrogen-related receptor gamma (ESRRG), which inhibits disease progression. The research employs in vitro experiments using multiple established osteosarcoma cell lines, as well as in vivo studies utilizing a nude mouse model of orthotopic xenograft osteosarcoma. Additionally, ESRRG shRNA was used to construct stable ESRRG-reducing OS cell lines to investigate the molecular mechanism by which ZYG II exerts its anti-osteosarcoma effects through the co-regulation of ESRRG and p53. Results indicate that ZYG II administration led to decreased OS cell viability and reduced tumor volumes. Furthermore, cell cycles were arrested at the G₀/G₁ phase, while the proportion of apoptotic cells increased. Expression of p53, ESRRG, p21, Bax, Cleaved Caspase-9, and Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins increased, while expression of CDK4, Cyclin D1, and Bcl-2 proteins decreased. Multiple ZYG II and ESRRG docking patterns were simulated through molecular docking. Comparing the pharmacodynamic response of ZYG II to OS cell lines with reduced ESRRG and normal expression demonstrated that ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, induces cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through the coordination of p53 and ESRRG. In conclusion, ZYG II inhibits osteosarcoma progression, leads to cell cycle arrest, and promotes cell apoptosis through synergistic regulation of p53 and ESRRG.
Osteosarcoma/physiopathology* ; Tumor Suppressor Protein p53/genetics* ; Humans ; Animals ; Saponins/chemistry* ; Bone Neoplasms/physiopathology* ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Mice, Nude ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Receptors, Estrogen/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Female ; Male ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays

Objective: To evaluate the clinical value of combining low-dose energy spectrum CT with virtual un-enhanced(VUE) scanning and deep-learning image reconstruction(DLIR) in aortic CT angiography(CTA). Methods : In a prospective study, 94 patients scheduled for aortic CTA were randomized into two groups: a low-dose energy spectrum group and a standard 100 kVp enhancement group, with 47 patients in each. All patients initially underwent a true un-enhanced(TUE) scan at 120 kVp using adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-V(ASIR-V) at 40% for image reconstruction. The low-dose group received enhanced scans using gemstone spectral imaging(GSI) mode with DLIR-H, producing 60 keV virtual monoenergetic images(VMIs) and VUE images. The standard group was scanned at 100 kVp, with images reconstructed using ASIR-V at 50%. Parameters were measured including CT values, noise(SD), signal-to-noise ratio(SNR), and contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR) for key vascular and muscular areas, alongside the effective radiation dose(ED). Two radiologists evaluated the image quality using a 5-point scale. Results : The low-dose group exhibited significantly higher SNR and CNR values in the ascending aorta, descending aorta, abdominal aorta, and common iliac artery compared to the standard group(P<0.05), with comparable subjective quality scores. The VUE images also demonstrated superior SNR values in the abdominal aorta, common iliac artery, and psoas major muscle, and CNR value in the ascending aorta compared to TUE images, with similar subjective quality. Importantly, the ED in the low-dose group was about 40% lower than that of the standard group. Conclusion Low-dose energy spectrum CT with DLIR in aortic CTA can significantly enhance SNR and CNR, while approximating the image quality of traditional TUE scans, thereby substantially reducing radiation exposure.

Objective:To understand the characteristics of sexual behaviors in the elderly aged ≥60 years and provide evidence for AIDS prevention and control in the elderly.Methods:Local residents who were aged ≥60 years and had lived in Yongchuan District of Chongqing for more than half a year were recruited by multi-stage sampling with a sample size of 2 721 from September to December 2022 for a face to face questionnaire survey to collect the information about their demographic characteristics, awareness of AIDS related knowledge and sexual behaviors, and the incidence of non-marital sexual behaviors. Multivariate logistic regression model was used to analyze related factors non-marital sexual behaviors in the elderly aged ≥60 years. SPSS 23.0 software was used for statistical analysis.Results:A total of 2 974 valid questionnaires were collected from 3 000 old persons aged ≥60 years, the male to female ratio of the elderly who returned the questionnaires was about 1∶1 (1 488∶1 486). The average age of them was (69.3± 7.0) years, and the awareness rate of AIDS related knowledge was 78.5% (2 336/2 974), 26.9% of them (801/2 974) had sexual behavior in the past year, 20.9% (493/2 350) of them had sexual behaviors with their spouses in the past year, and 10.8% (322/2 974) of them had non-marital sexual behaviors. The proportions of the elderly with commercial sexual behaviors and non-marital/non-commercial sexual behaviors were 10.2% (304/2 974) and 1.2% (36/2 974). The results of multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that being man (a OR=89.08, 95% CI: 36.30-218.60), age 70-79 years (a OR=1.93, 95% CI:1.44-2.59) and ≥80 years (a OR=2.41, 95% CI: 1.56-3.74), and unawareness of AIDS related knowledge (a OR=2.72, 95% CI: 2.04-3.64) were associated with the incidence of non-marital sex. Conclusions:The proportions of non-marital sexual behaviors were higher among the elderly aged ≥60 years in Yongchuan District of Chongqing. It is necessary to pay attention to the sexual needs and sexual health of the population, improve the awareness rate of AIDS prevention and treatment knowledge, advocate safe sex, and improve the sexual health and quality of life in the elderly.

The cancer staging system of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) is the most widely used clinical basis for tumor staging. In October 2023, AJCC released the staging system (ninth version) for the neuroendocrine tumors of stomach (NET), which has been implemented in January 2024. The ninth version of NET staging system mainly updated the histopathologic classification, diagnosis and staging methods, clinical and pathological staging, prognosis grade, tumor and non-tumor prognostic features. The update and implementation of the staging system provide a more detailed reference for the accurate diagnosis, staging and precise treatment of gastric neuroendocrine tumors. Moreover, it is convenient for clinicians to carry out clinical practice. The purpose of our article is to provide a high-level overview of the major changes in AJCC staging system (version 9) for gastric NET based on the latest evidence-based medical research.

Objective To identify the biomarkers for early rheumatoid arthritis(RA)diagnosis and explore the possible immune regulatory mechanisms.Methods The differentially expressed genesin RA were screened and functionally annotated using the limma,RRA,batch correction,and clusterProfiler.The protein-protein interaction network was retrieved from the STRING database,and Cytoscape 3.8.0 and GeneMANIA were used to select the key genes and predicting their interaction mechanisms.ROC curves was used to validate the accuracy of diagnostic models based on the key genes.The disease-specific immune cells were selected via machine learning,and their correlation with the key genes were analyzed using Corrplot package.Biological functions of the key genes were explored using GSEA method.The expression of STAT1 was investigated in the synovial tissue of rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).Results We identified 9 core key genes in RA(CD3G,CD8A,SYK,LCK,IL2RG,STAT1,CCR5,ITGB2,and ITGAL),which regulate synovial inflammation primarily through cytokines-related pathways.ROC curve analysis showed a high predictive accuracy of the 9 core genes,among which STAT1 had the highest AUC(0.909).Correlation analysis revealed strong correlations of CD3G,ITGAL,LCK,CD8A,and STAT1 with disease-specific immune cells,and STAT1 showed the strongest correlation with M1-type macrophages(R=0.68,P=2.9e-08).The synovial tissues of the ankle joints of CIA rats showed high expressions of STAT1 and p-STAT1 with significant differential expression of STAT1 between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the synovial fibroblasts.The protein expressions of p-STAT1 and STAT1 in the cell nuclei were significantly reduced after treatment.Conclusion CD3G,CD8A,SYK,LCK,IL2RG,STAT1,CCR5,ITGB2,and ITGAL may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of RA.Gene-immune cell pathways such as CD3G/CD8A/LCK-γδ T cells,ITGAL-Tfh cells,and STAT1-M1-type macrophages may be closely related with the development of RA.

Objective To identify the biomarkers for early rheumatoid arthritis(RA)diagnosis and explore the possible immune regulatory mechanisms.Methods The differentially expressed genesin RA were screened and functionally annotated using the limma,RRA,batch correction,and clusterProfiler.The protein-protein interaction network was retrieved from the STRING database,and Cytoscape 3.8.0 and GeneMANIA were used to select the key genes and predicting their interaction mechanisms.ROC curves was used to validate the accuracy of diagnostic models based on the key genes.The disease-specific immune cells were selected via machine learning,and their correlation with the key genes were analyzed using Corrplot package.Biological functions of the key genes were explored using GSEA method.The expression of STAT1 was investigated in the synovial tissue of rats with collagen-induced arthritis(CIA).Results We identified 9 core key genes in RA(CD3G,CD8A,SYK,LCK,IL2RG,STAT1,CCR5,ITGB2,and ITGAL),which regulate synovial inflammation primarily through cytokines-related pathways.ROC curve analysis showed a high predictive accuracy of the 9 core genes,among which STAT1 had the highest AUC(0.909).Correlation analysis revealed strong correlations of CD3G,ITGAL,LCK,CD8A,and STAT1 with disease-specific immune cells,and STAT1 showed the strongest correlation with M1-type macrophages(R=0.68,P=2.9e-08).The synovial tissues of the ankle joints of CIA rats showed high expressions of STAT1 and p-STAT1 with significant differential expression of STAT1 between the nucleus and the cytoplasm of the synovial fibroblasts.The protein expressions of p-STAT1 and STAT1 in the cell nuclei were significantly reduced after treatment.Conclusion CD3G,CD8A,SYK,LCK,IL2RG,STAT1,CCR5,ITGB2,and ITGAL may serve as biomarkers for early diagnosis of RA.Gene-immune cell pathways such as CD3G/CD8A/LCK-γδ T cells,ITGAL-Tfh cells,and STAT1-M1-type macrophages may be closely related with the development of RA.

Background::The potential impact of pre-existing coronary artery stenosis (CAS) on acute pulmonary embolism (PE) episodes remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the association between pre-existing CAS and the elevation of high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I (hs-cTnI) levels in patients with PE.Methods::In this multicenter, prospective case-control study, 88 cases and 163 controls matched for age, sex, and study center were enrolled. Cases were patients with PE with elevated hs-cTnI. Controls were patients with PE with normal hs-cTnI. Coronary artery assessment utilized coronary computed tomographic angiography or invasive coronary angiography. CAS was defined as ≥50% stenosis of the lumen diameter in any coronary vessel >2.0 mm in diameter. Conditional logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between CAS and hs-cTnI elevation.Results::The percentage of CAS was higher in the case group compared to the control group (44.3% [39/88] vs. 30.1% [49/163]; P = 0.024). In multivariable conditional logistic regression model 1, CAS (adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.680; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.243–5.779), heart rate >75 beats/min (OR, 2.306; 95% CI, 1.056–5.036) and N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) >420 pg/mL (OR, 12.169; 95% CI, 4.792–30.900) were independently associated with elevated hs-cTnI. In model 2, right CAS (OR, 3.615; 95% CI, 1.467–8.909) and NT-proBNP >420 pg/mL (OR, 13.890; 95% CI, 5.288–36.484) were independently associated with elevated hs-cTnI. Conclusions::CAS was independently associated with myocardial injury in patients with PE. Vigilance towards CAS is warranted in patients with PE with elevated cardiac troponin levels.

Objective:To analyze the risk factors for postoperative pathological upgrade of prostate cancer patients with single core positive biopsy,and to attempt to build a mathematical model for predic-ting postoperative pathological upgrade in these cancer patients with single core positive biopsy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 1 349 patients diagnosed with prostate cancer and undergoing radical prostatectomy at Peking University First Hospital from January 2015 to August 2020.The pa-tients'age,body mass index,clinical stage,prostate imaging reporting and data system(PI-RADS)scores,prostate volume in magnetic resonance imaging(MRI),Gleason score of biopsy,serum prostate specific antigen(PSA)before biopsy and operation,surgical method and pathological stage were inclu-ded in the analysis.The variables with P＜0.1 in univariate analysis were included to construct multi-variate Logistic regression and the nomogram was drawn.The model was evaluated using the receiver operating curve.Results:A total of 71 patients were included in this research,with 34 patients in the upgraded group and 37 patients in the non-upgraded group.There were no significant differences in the pa-tients'age(P=0.585),body mass index(P=0.165),operation method(P=0.08),prostate volume in MRI(P=0.067),clinical stage(P=0.678),PI-RADS score(P=0.203),difference of PSA density(P=0.063),Gleason score in biopsy(P=0.068),PSA before puncture(P=0.359)and operation(P=0.739)between the two groups.However,there were significant differences in the proportion of tumor tissue(P=0.007),postoperative pathological stage(P＜0.001)and postoperative Gleason score(P＜0.001)between the two groups.The preoperative variables with a P value of less than 0.1(prostate volume in MRI,difference of PSA density,proportion of tumor tissue and Gleason score in biopsy)in univariate analysis were included in the Logistic regression,and the nomogram was drawn.Only the prostate volume in MRI had a P value of less than 0.05.The area under the curve of the model was 0.773.Conclusion:In patients with sin-gle core positive biopsy,if the prostate volume is small or the proportion of tumor in positive core is small,clinicians should be alert to the possibility of postoperative pathology upgrading,preoperative risk stratifica-tion should be carefully considered for patients with possible pathological upgrading.This model can be used to predict the pathological upgrade of patients with single core positive biopsy.

Objective To understand the use situation of Rush among the men who have sex with men(MSM)in Chongqing City and its influencing factors,so as to provide a basis for the formulation of relevant prevention and control measures.Methods The cross-sectional survey was adopted.The MSM population in Chongqing City were recruited through the network recruitment and referral of social organizations to conduct an anonymous electronic questionnaire survey to obtain the information such as demographic characteristics,sexual partners and sexual behavior characteristics in the past 6 months,Rush use,HIV and syphilis antibody testing.The X2 test and non-conditioned multi-factor Logistic regression analysis were used to analyze the in-fluencing factors of Rush use.Results A total of 494 MSM were surveyed,the Rush usage rate was 22.1％.The results of the multi-factor logistic regression analysis showed that the age of first time homosexuality be-havior＜18 years old(OR=2.715,95％CI:1.353-5.451),unprotected homosexual anal intercourse in near-ly 6 months(OR=2.237,95％CI:1.355-3.693),having multiple same-sex partners in nearly 6 months(OR=3.610,95％CI:1.449-8.993),same-sex casual partners in the nearly 6 months(OR=3.734,95％CI:2.221-6.280)were the risk factors for MSM using Rush.Conclusion The RUSH use rate among the MSM population in Chongqing City is high.The targeted intervention measures should be carried out,especially to strengthen the propaganda and education of the population who first have homosexual behavior under 18 years old,have unprotected homosexual anal intercourse in the nearly 6 months,have multiple homosexual perma-nent partners in the last 6 months,and have homosexual temporary partners,in order to reduce the use rate of Rush and thereby reduce the risk of HIV infection and transmission in this population.