Objective To establish a model that integrates ultrasound features and immunological characteristics for predicting the efficacy of neoadjuvant chemotherapy(NAC)in breast cancer patients.Methods A total of 203 breast cancer patients undergoing preoperative NAC at the Fifth Medical Center of the PLA General Hospital between July 2021 and July 2024 were screened.In line with the inclusion/exclusion criteria,177 patients were included.Data on ultrasound and immunohistochemistry was collected.These patients were divided into pathological complete response(pCR)and non-pathological complete response(non-pCR)groups based on postoperative pathology.Factors with P＜0.0 1 in univariate analysis were evaluated using multivariate Logistic regression.Independent predictive factors were used to construct and validate the ultrasound-immunohistochemical model via Bootstrap.Results The reduction rateof the maximum diameter of lesions,posterior echo attenuation,PR status and HER-2 status were identified as independent predictors of pCR(all P＜0.05).The model proved to be highly accurate and stable.Conclusion The model that combines ultrasound and immunohistochemical features can effectively evaluatep CR after NAC in breast cancer patients.

Objective To investigate the early clinical efficacy of minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting (MICS CABG) via left intercostal small incision for multivessel coronary artery disease. Methods The patients who received off-pump CABG in the Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2021 to June 2023 were enrolled. Patients were divided into two groups according to the operative technique used, including a traditional midline sternotomy group and a left intercostal small incision group. The clinical data of the two groups were compared. Results A total of 143 patients were enrolled, including 70 patients in the traditional midline sternotomy group and 73 patients in the left intercostal small incision group. The age of the patients in the left intercostal small incision group and the traditional midline sternotomy group was (63.8±8.0) years and (63.0±7.8) years, respectively; the proportions of males were 69.9% and 74.3%, respectively. The differences were not statistically significant (all P>0.05). All patients in the two groups successfully completed the operation, and no patients in the left intercostal small incision group were converted to thoracotomy. The patients in the left intercostal small incision group showed less postoperative drainage within postoperative 24 hours [(239.4±177.7) mL vs. (338.0±151.9) mL, P<0.001], lower perioperative blood transfusion rate [32.9% (24/73) vs. 51.4% (36/70), P=0.028], higher postoperative myoglobin level within postoperative 24 hours [366.1 (247.9, 513.0) ng/mL vs. 220.8 (147.2, 314.9) ng/mL, P<0.001], shorter intensive care unit stay [45.5 (31.5, 67.5) h vs. 68.0 (46.0, 78.5) h, P=0.001] and postoperative hospital stay [(10.8±4.0) d vs. (13.1±5.3) d, P=0.028] compared to the traditional midline sternotomy group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular event between the two groups [2.7% (2/73) vs. 2.9% (2/70), P=1.000]. Conclusion Compared to the full median sternotomy, MICS CABG leads to a good clinical result with smaller trauma, faster overall recovery, and less perioperative blood transfusion.

Objective To compare perioperative outcomes of minimally invasive aortic valve surgery by a right anterior minithoracotomy (RAMT) and conventional sternotomy. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients who underwent isolated aortic valve surgeries in Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University between May 2021 and August 2023 with a minimal incision via the RAMT approach (a RAMT group) or conventional incision via the full sternotomy approach (a conventional group). A propensity score matching analysis was performed to balance preoperative data and compare perioperative data of the two groups. Results There were 58 patients in the RAMT group, including 46 males and 12 females with an average age of (52.0±14.1) years; 128 patients were enrolled in the conventional group, including 87 males and 41 females with an average age of (60.0±12.4) years. After propensity-score matching, there were 51 patients in each group. The RAMT group had a longer average operation time, cross-clamping time and cardiopulmonary bypass time compared to the conventional group (all P<0.05). However, ICU length of stay, ventilator-assisted time and postoperative hospital stay were significantly shorter in the RAMT group (all P<0.05). Patients in the RAMT group had lower 24 hour chest drain output (P<0.05). RAMT was associated with a trend towards a lower blood transfusion rate in comparison to the sternotomy group, although this was not statistically significant (P>0.05). The occurrence of all-cause death, and perioperative complications was also similar in both groups (P>0.05). Conclusion RAMT has less trauma, faster recovery, less postoperative drainage, and shorter hospital stay than conventional approach. RAMT in patients undergoing isolated aortic valve surgery is a safe approach.

Objectives:To investigate the safety and efficacy of concomitant mitral valvuloplasty(MVP)and implantation of domestic third-generation magnetically levitated Corheart 6 left ventricular assist device(LVAD). Methods:Clinical data of 13 end-stage heart failure patients who underwent Corheart 6 LVAD implantation and MVP at Central China Fuwai Hospital of Zhengzhou University from October 2021 to March 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.Mortality and complication events during hospitalization and at follow-up were collected,and changes in myocardial injury biomarkers,renal function,hemodynamics,and echocardiographic indices were observed. Results:There were no perioperative deaths and no MVP-related complications in these patients.During a mean follow-up of(14.2±5.6)months,2 patients died due to COVID-19 pneumonia and cardiac arrest respectively,11 cases(84.6%)survived.There were no recurrences of moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation in the survived patients.Compared with preoperative value,higher cardiac output,lower central venous pressure,pulmonary artery systolic pressure(PASP),and mean pulmonary artery pressure(PAMP)were evidenced at 24 h and 72 h postoperatively,estimated glomerular filtration rate was also reduced at 1 week post operation(all P<0.010).High-sensitive troponin T level was significantly increased at 1 week post operation and then reduced at 1 month post operation,but still not returned to pre-operative level([125.5±281.9]pg/ml at baseline,[1 295.6±654.6]pg/ml at 1 week post operation and[278.0±300.5]pg/ml at 1 month post operation).Echocardiography showed that compared with preoperative period,the left ventricular ejection fraction tended to be higher at 1 and 6 months postoperatively(both P>0.017),whereas left ventricular end-diastolic dimension,PASP,and PAMP were significantly reduced(all P<0.010). Conclusions:Domestic third-generation magnetically levitated Corheart 6 LVAD implantation with concomitant MVP is safe and feasible,there is no recurrence of moderate-to-severe mitral regurgitation,a significant reduction in pulmonary artery pressure,and significant hemodynamic improvement in early to mid-term postoperatively are observed in survived patients.

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a heterogeneous lung condition characterized by persistent airflow obstruction caused by long-term airway inflammation or alveolar abnormalities, often manifested as chronic respiratory symptoms and decreased lung function. In recent years, experimental research has shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) have anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and repairing properties of lung epithelial cells, which can be used to treat various diseases including COPD. This article is mainly based on the main findings of in vitro and in vivo animal model experiments and clinical studies of MSC treatment for COPD. It summarizes and discusses the possible mechanisms of action of MSC as a new therapy, and provides new ideas for clinical treatment of COPD.

Objective:To analyze the influencing factors of genotypic drug resistance mutations in people living with human immunodeficiency virus and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome(PLWHA) who failed anti-retroviral therapy (ART) in Henan Province, in order to provide a basis for adjusting ART regimens and reducing drug resistance.Methods:PLWHA with virological failure (human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) RNA≥500 copies/mL) after receiving ART for more than 24 weeks were included in Henan Province from January 2018 to December 2022. Baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, ART regimens and other clinical data were collected. HIV-1 gene subtypes and their drug resistance sequence mutations were detected in the Sixth People′s Hospital of Zhengzhou, and the sequences were submitted to the HIV Drug Resistance Interpretation System of Stanford University for comparison of test results. Genotypic drug resistance to nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NRTI), non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI), protease inhibitors (PI) and integrase inhibitors (INSTI) was determined. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the influencing factors of drug resistance in patients with ART failure. Results:Among 982 PLWHA, the sequences of 899 cases were successfully amplified, and drug resistance was detected in 737 cases, with the drug resistance rate of 81.98%(737/899). The rates of resistance to NRTIs, NNRTIs, PIs and INSTIs were 71.97%(647/899), 79.31%(713/899), 5.23%(47/899) and 2.72%(20/734), respectively.The largest number of those who developed concomitant resistance to two classes of drugs was 588 cases (79.78%), mainly NRTI and NNRTI concomitant resistance in 583 cases (79.10%). There were 99 cases (13.43%) who developed resistance to only one class of drugs, and those who developed concurrent resistance to three classes of drugs were 48 cases (6.51%), and two cases (0.27%) were found to be resistant to all four classes of drugs mentioned above. A total of 10 HIV genotypes were detected, among which subtype B accounted for the most (59.73%(537/899)), followed by circulating recombinant form (CRF)01_AE subtype (21.91%(197/899)) and CRF07_BC subtype (9.45%(85/899)). The risk factors affecting the development of drug resistance were baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, ART regimens and HIV-1 genotypes. The risk of drug resistance in patients with baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts <100/μL was 4.55 times (95% confidence interval ( CI) 2.69 to 7.70) higher than patients with CD4 + T lymphocyte counts≥250/μL, the risk of drug resistance in patients using 2NRTIs+ NNRTI regimen was 4.51 times (95% CI 1.75 to 11.63) higer than those using 2NRTIs+ INSTI regimen, and patients infected with B and CRF01_AE subtype was 2.18 times (95% CI 1.10 to 4.29) and 2.70 times (95% CI 1.26 to 5.78) higer than those with CRF07_BC subtype, respectively. Conclusions:The incidence of genotypic drug resistance in PLWHA with ART failure in Henan Province is high. Low baseline CD4 + T lymphocyte counts, 2NRTIs+ NNRTI regimens, and genotype B and CRF01_AE are risk factors for drug resistance in PLWHA.

Objective:To understand the clinical characteristics of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection/acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) patients with renal injury after antiviral therapy in Henan Province, and to explore the risk factors of renal injury.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted to investigate HIV infection/AIDS patients receiving antiviral therapy in Zhengzhou Sixth People′s Hospital, Anyang Fifth People′s Hospital, Hebi Third People′s Hospital, Luo Yang Zhoushan Hospital and Lankao Central Hospital in Henan Province from April 1 to September 30, 2023. The clinical information including basic data, antiviral therapy regimens and comorbidities, and laboratory test results (blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, blood uric acid, urine routine, urine microalbumin, urine α 1-microglobulin (α 1-MG), urine β 2-microglobulin (β 2-MG), urine retinol binding protein (RBP), urine creatinine, HIV viral load, CD4 + T lymphocyte count) were collected. Multivariate binary logistic regression was used to analyze independent risk factors for renal injury. Results:A total of 2 526 HIV infection/AIDS patients were included, with the age of (45.52±14.28) years and 2 156 (85.4%) males. The main route of transmission was sexual transmission (91.6%, 2 314/2 526). The duration of antiviral therapy was 5.00(2.92, 8.00) years. Tenofovir (TDF)+ lamivudine (3TC)+ non-nucleoside reverse transcriptase inhibitors (NNRTI) accounted for 55.3%(1 396/2 526) of the current antiviral therapy regimen. The percentage of HIV viral load <50 copies/mL was 93.0%(2 350/2 526). The CD4 + T lymphocyte count was 476(337, 645)/μL. There were 156 patients (6.2%) complicated with hepatitis B and/or hepatitis C, 205 patients (8.1%) with diabetes, 379 patients (15.0%) with hyperlipidemia, and 189 patients (7.5%) with hyperuricemia. A total of 1 040 patients (41.2%) with renal injury were found through renal function test, including 355 cases (14.1%) with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) or urine protein positive or urine albumin creatine ratio (UACR) ≥30 mg/g, 682 patients (27.0%) with pure tubular injury presented with only positive for urinary α 1-MG, urinary β 2-MG, or urinary RBP. eGFR< 60 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) was found in 71 cases (2.8%), eGFR from 60 to 89 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) was found in 509 cases (20.2%), and eGFR≥90 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) was found in 1 946 cases (77.0%). A total of 138 patients (5.5%) were identified as having combined chronic kidney disease (CKD). Among them, 110 patients (79.7%) were in CKD stages 1 to 2, and 117 patients (84.8%) were in urinary albumin A2 grade. Multivariate analysis of 355 patients with renal injury who had eGFR<60 mL/(min·1.73 m 2) or positive urine protein in urine routine or UACR ≥30 mg/g showed that ages of 50 to 69 years old (odds ratio( OR)=2.189, 95% confidence interval ( CI) 1.333 to 3.596, P=0.002)), ≥70 years old ( OR=5.190, 95% CI 2.912 to 9.248, P<0.001), female ( OR=1.685, 95% CI 1.241 to 2.286, P=0.001), combined opportunistic infection ( OR=2.521, 95% CI 1.567 to 4.056, P<0.001), combined hepatitis B ( OR=1.962, 95% CI 1.110 to 3.467, P=0.020), combined hepatitis C ( OR=1.883, 95% CI 1.043 to 3.400, P=0.036), combined diabetes ( OR=2.703, 95% CI 1.911 to 3.821, P<0.001), using TDF for two to four years ( OR=1.674, 95% CI 1.103 to 2.459, P=0.015), using TDF for greater than or equal to five years ( OR=1.880, 95% CI 1.287 to 2.746, P=0.001), using TDF combined with lopinavir/ritonavir (LPV/r) ( OR=3.610, 95% CI 2.273 to 5.734, P<0.001) and using TDF combined with non-LPV/r ( OR=1.495, 95% CI 1.036 to 2.157, P=0.031) were the risk factors of renal injury. Conclusions:There is a high proportion of renal injury among HIV infection/AIDS patients after antiviral therapy in Henan Province, including CKD and simple renal tubular injury. Older age, female, comorbidities, and long-term use of TDF are risk factors for renal injury.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the role of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway in the therapeutic mechanism of Liangxue Jiedu Huayu Formula (LXJDHYF) for acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) in mice. METHODS: Thirty C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into blank control group, model group, low- and high-dose LXJDHYF groups, and H151 (a specific cGAS-STING pathway inhibitor) group (n=6). In all but the control group, the mice were treated with CCl₄ to induce liver cirrhosis followed by intraperitoneal injections of lipopolysaccharide and D-amino galactose to establish mouse models of ACLF. After the treatments, the mouse livers were collected for HE and TUNEL staining, and serum levels of ALT, AST and TBil were determined. In bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDMs) and liver tissues of ACLF mice, the expressions of cGAS-STING signaling pathway-related mRNAs including IFN‑β, ISG15, IL-6 and TNF-α were determined with RT-qPCR, and the phosphorylation levels of IRF3 and STING proteins were investigated using Western blotting. RESULTS: Compared with the mice in the model group, the LXJDHYF-treated mice exhibited milder hepatocyte necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration in the liver with significantly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis. LXJDHYF treatment also significantly lowered serum levels of ALT, AST, TBil, IL-6 and TNF-α in ACLF mice and effectively suppressed the expressions of cGAS-STING signaling pathway-related mRNA in both the BMDMs and the liver tissues and the phosphorylation of IRF3 and STING proteins in the BMDMs. CONCLUSIONS LXJDHYF can significantly improve liver function and attenuate inflammation in ACLF mice possibly by inhibiting excessive activation of the cGAS-STING signaling pathway.
Animals ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Mice ; Nucleotidyltransferases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Acute-On-Chronic Liver Failure/etiology* ; Membrane Proteins/metabolism* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Disease Models, Animal ; Interferon Regulatory Factor-3/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Male

Background: The purpose of this research was to assess the role of heparanase (HPSE)/syndecan1 (SDC1)erve growth factor (NGF) on cancer pain from melanoma. Methods: The influence of HPSE on the biological function of melanoma cells and cancer pain in a mouse model was evaluated. Immunohistochemical staining was used to analyze HPSE and SDC1. HPSE, NGF, and SDC1 were detected using western blot. Inflammatory factors were detected using ELISA assay. Results: HPSE promoted melanoma cell viability, proliferation, migration, invasion, and tumor growth, as well as cancer pain, while SST0001 treatment reversed the promoting effect of HPSE. HPSE up-regulated NGF, and NGF feedback promoted HPSE. High expression of NGF reversed the inhibitory effect of HPSE down-regulation on melanoma cell phenotype deterioration, including cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion. SST0001 down-regulated SDC1 expression. SDC1 reversed the inhibitory effect of SST0001 on cancer pain. Conclusions The results showed that HPSE promoted melanoma development and cancer pain by interacting with NGF/SDC1. It provides new insights to better understand the role of HPSE in melanoma and also provides a new direction for cancer pain treatment.

Humans ; Adult ; Serum Albumin, Human ; Consensus ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures ; Thoracic Surgery