Objective To investigate the value of ultrasonographic features combined with immunohistochemistry in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in middle-aged women with breast cancer.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on 827 middle-aged female breast cancer patients who underwent surgical treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Chengde Medical University from June 2017 to June 2023.Ultrasonographic and immunohistochemical information was collected,and the patients were randomly allocated into a training set(579 patients)and a validation set(248 patients).Univariate and multivariate Logistic regression analyses were performed to identify ultrasonographic and immunohistochemical risk factors associated with axillary lymph node metastasis in these patients,and a nomogram model was developed.Receiver operating characteristic curves and calibration curves were established to evaluate the performance of the nomogram model,and clinical decision curves were built to assess the clinical value of the model.Results The maximum diameter,morphology,boundary,calcification,and expression of human epidermal growth facor receptor 2 and Ki-67 in breast cancer lesions were identified as risk factors for predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in middle-aged women.The areas under the curve of the nomogram model on the training and validation sets were 0.747(0.707-0.787)and 0.714(0.647-0.780),respectively.Calibration curves and clinical decision curves indicated good consistency and performance of the model.Conclusion The nomogram model constructed based on ultrasonographic features and immunohistochemistry of the primary breast cancer lesion demonstrates high value in predicting axillary lymph node metastasis in middle-aged women with breast cancer.
Humans ; Female ; Breast Neoplasms/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Lymphatic Metastasis/diagnostic imaging* ; Axilla ; Retrospective Studies ; Nomograms ; Ultrasonography ; Immunohistochemistry ; Lymph Nodes/diagnostic imaging* ; Risk Factors ; Ki-67 Antigen

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a kind of exogenous chemicals presenting in the human living environment widely which affects the action of endocrine hormones in the human body. Numerous studies have shown that BPA has reproductive toxicity in the spermatogenic function damage of the testes through a variety of mechanisms such as interfering with endocrine function, inducing oxidative stress, promoting spermatogonial cell apoptosis, destroying the integrity of the blood-testis barrier, and regulating epigenetic inheritance, thereby destroying male fertility. Relevant studies have shown that TCM can improve male fertility by reversing BPA-induced reproductive damage through multi-component, multi-target and multi-mechanisms. However, there is no systematic review on the mechanism of TCM to reduce the reproductive toxicity of BPA. Based on the existing studies, this article will systematically introduce the mechanisms of BPA-induced reproductive impairment in men and the progress of TCM interventions, with a view to providing reference targets and research directions for the development of new Chinese medicines.
Humans ; Benzhydryl Compounds/adverse effects* ; Male ; Phenols/adverse effects* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Infertility, Male/chemically induced* ; Testis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Bisphenol A Compounds

This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria enteric-coated capsules in the adjuvant treatment of patientys with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)complicated with depression,and its effect on intestinal flora and inflammatory indicators.Methods A total of 168 patients with GDM complicated with depression were selected and randomly divided into the control group(81 cases,treated with psychological counseling,dietary control and appropriate exercise)and the observation group(87 cases,treated with Bifidobacterium trilactis enteric-coated capsules on the basis of the control group,2 capsules each time,twice a day).Both groups were treated for 1 month continuously.The therapeutic effects were evaluated after treatment.The depression degree of patients was evaluated by Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)before treatment and one month after treatment.The fasting blood glucose(FBG)and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2 hPG)of patients were detected.The intestinal flora was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.The inflammatory indicators serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and serum C-reactive protein(CRP)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoturbidimetry.The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in peripheral venous blood were detected by automatic blood analyzer,and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)was calculated.The adverse drug reactions were recorded.Results The total effective rate was 96.55%in the observation group,which was higher than that of the control group(87.65%,P＜0.05).After 1 month of treatment,the SDS score,FBG,2 hPG,serum TNF-α,CRP and NLR were decreased in both groups,and those of the observation group were lower than the control group(P＜0.05).One month after treatment,there was no significant difference in the number of intestinal flora compared with that before treatment in the control group.The number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the observation group was increased compared with that before treatment,while the number of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis decreased.After 1 month of treatment,the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,while the number of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.01).The adverse reaction rate of the observation group was 3.45%,and there was no significant difference compared with 1.23%of the control group.Conclusion Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria enteric-coated capsules has a good clinical effect in the adjuvant treatment of GDM with depression,which can effectively control blood glucose level,improve intestinal flora,reduce inflammatory reaction and has good safety.

Objective To investigate the efficacy of Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria enteric-coated capsules in the adjuvant treatment of patientys with gestational diabetes mellitus(GDM)complicated with depression,and its effect on intestinal flora and inflammatory indicators.Methods A total of 168 patients with GDM complicated with depression were selected and randomly divided into the control group(81 cases,treated with psychological counseling,dietary control and appropriate exercise)and the observation group(87 cases,treated with Bifidobacterium trilactis enteric-coated capsules on the basis of the control group,2 capsules each time,twice a day).Both groups were treated for 1 month continuously.The therapeutic effects were evaluated after treatment.The depression degree of patients was evaluated by Self-Rating Depression Scale(SDS)before treatment and one month after treatment.The fasting blood glucose(FBG)and 2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2 hPG)of patients were detected.The intestinal flora was detected by fluorescence quantitative PCR.The inflammatory indicators serum tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α)and serum C-reactive protein(CRP)were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoturbidimetry.The neutrophil and lymphocyte counts in peripheral venous blood were detected by automatic blood analyzer,and the neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)was calculated.The adverse drug reactions were recorded.Results The total effective rate was 96.55%in the observation group,which was higher than that of the control group(87.65%,P＜0.05).After 1 month of treatment,the SDS score,FBG,2 hPG,serum TNF-α,CRP and NLR were decreased in both groups,and those of the observation group were lower than the control group(P＜0.05).One month after treatment,there was no significant difference in the number of intestinal flora compared with that before treatment in the control group.The number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the observation group was increased compared with that before treatment,while the number of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis decreased.After 1 month of treatment,the number of Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium in the observation group was higher than that in the control group,while the number of Escherichia coli and Bacteroides fragilis was lower than that in the control group(P＜0.01).The adverse reaction rate of the observation group was 3.45%,and there was no significant difference compared with 1.23%of the control group.Conclusion Bifidobacterium triple live bacteria enteric-coated capsules has a good clinical effect in the adjuvant treatment of GDM with depression,which can effectively control blood glucose level,improve intestinal flora,reduce inflammatory reaction and has good safety.

Objective To develop a hypoxia endurance testing system for aviation physiological training of pilots.Methods The hypoxia endurance testing system comprised a low-oxygen mixed gas generator,a pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas and a personal breathing apparatus.The low-oxygen mixed gas generator consisted of a main unit composed of an air compressor,a filter,a buffer tank,polymer membrane,a control module,sensors and regulators,wire cables,supporting hoses,etc.;the pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas was made up of a protective box,a cooling fan,a motor and a driver,a control module,a solenoid valve,a convergence block,a pressure gauge,etc.;the personal breating apparatus was composed of a gas cylinder,a pressure reducer,an oxygen supply regulator,etc.Forty-eight subjects were selected for hypoxia exposure tests to verify the effectiveness of the system.Results The system developed had the functions of low-oxygen gas preparation,pressurized filling and hypoxia experiment,and the experimental results indicated the acute hypoxia exposure by the system significantly caused signs and symptoms of hypoxia and weakened physiological functions.Conclusion The system developed gains advantages in high accuracy of gas volume fraction control,safety and remarkable effect of simulated hypoxia,and can be an effective tool for acute high-altitude hypoxia testing and training of pilots.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):23-28]

This study assessed the role and mechanism of the recombinant Bacillus Calmette-Gue?rin vaccine(rBCG)with c-di-AMP adjuvant in regulating metabolism and immunity in epididymal white adipose(eWAT)in mice.Male C57BL/6 mice were intravenously immunized with BCG and rBCG,and their body weights were monitored.eWAT was isolated from the mice,and the stromal vascular fractions(SVFs)cell number was counted with a hemocytometer.Sections of mouse adipose tissue were prepared,and the size,number,and morphology of eWAT adipocytes and crown-like structure(CLS)formation were compared under a microscope after HE staining.The transcription levels of lipid metabolism-associated factors,cytokines and aging-associated genes in each group were determined with qRT-PCR.The body weights of mice gradually increased after immunization with BCG and rBCG.The proportions of eWAT increased,and the SVFs cell number decreased,in rBCG immunized mice.HE staining indicated that BCG immunization promoted hyperplasia,whereas rBCG immunization promoted hypertrophy of eWAT adipocytes;moreover,both BCG and rBCG immunization induced CLS formation in eWAT.The qRT-PCR results indicated that rBCG immunization inhibited the expression of genes associated with lipolysis and energy expenditure in eWAT.BCG immunization had little effect on cytokine transcription,whereas rBCG significantly induced the transcription of IFN-γ and IL-1Ra,and inhibited that of IL-15 and IL-2,but did not induce the expression of aging-associated genes.Thus,rBCG immunization induced eWAT adipocyte hypertrophy,which was associated with the inhibition of eWAT lipolysis and the regulation of cytokine expression.

Objective To develop a hypoxia endurance testing system for aviation physiological training of pilots.Methods The hypoxia endurance testing system comprised a low-oxygen mixed gas generator,a pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas and a personal breathing apparatus.The low-oxygen mixed gas generator consisted of a main unit composed of an air compressor,a filter,a buffer tank,polymer membrane,a control module,sensors and regulators,wire cables,supporting hoses,etc.;the pressurization system for low-oxygen mixed gas was made up of a protective box,a cooling fan,a motor and a driver,a control module,a solenoid valve,a convergence block,a pressure gauge,etc.;the personal breating apparatus was composed of a gas cylinder,a pressure reducer,an oxygen supply regulator,etc.Forty-eight subjects were selected for hypoxia exposure tests to verify the effectiveness of the system.Results The system developed had the functions of low-oxygen gas preparation,pressurized filling and hypoxia experiment,and the experimental results indicated the acute hypoxia exposure by the system significantly caused signs and symptoms of hypoxia and weakened physiological functions.Conclusion The system developed gains advantages in high accuracy of gas volume fraction control,safety and remarkable effect of simulated hypoxia,and can be an effective tool for acute high-altitude hypoxia testing and training of pilots.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(10):23-28]

Objective Insect-specific viruses(ISVs)in Aedes albopictus are closely associated with the transmission and replication of pathogenic infectious agents,such as dengue,chikungunya and Zika virus.In this study,their genome sequence was deciphered to provide a theoretical basis for developing of novel insect-borne virus control strategies.Methods Next-generation sequencing(NGS)technology was used to investigate ISVs in Ae.albopictus field populations collected from three port areas in Jiangxi Province(Nanchang Changbei Airport,Jiujiang Chengxi Port and Ganzhou Port).Results It turned out that the ISV Aedes albopictus anphevirus(AealbAV)was widely detected in the three field Ae.albopictus populations.Sequencing reads were assembled using MEGAHIT software and two strains of AealbAV were obtained that were highly homologous(＞98％)to the virus strain,MW147277.1(identified in the US).The GenBank numbers of the two strains were Jiujiang OR715784 and Ganzhou OR729834.In addition,we sequenced the Nanchang strain,but failed to obtain an assembled full-length genome.Conclusion AealbAV is prevalent in Ae.albopictus populations in Jiangxi,and its genomic research provides a theoretical basis for integrated control of Ae.albopictus using insect-specific viruses in port areas.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the risk of aristolochic acid (AA)-associated cancer in patients with AA nephropathy (AAN). METHODS: A retrospective study was conducted on patients diagnosed with AAN at Peking University First Hospital from January 1997 to December 2014. Long-term surveillance and follow-up data were analyzed to investigate the influence of different factors on the prevalence of cancer. The primary endpoint was the incidence of liver cancer, and the secondary endpoint was the incidence of urinary cancer during 1 year after taking AA-containing medication to 2014. RESULTS: A total of 337 patients diagnosed with AAN were included in this study. From the initiation of taking AA to the termination of follow-up, 39 patients were diagnosed with cancer. No cases of liver cancer were observed throughout the entire follow-up period, with urinary cancer being the predominant type (34/39, 87.17%). Logistic regression analysis showed that age, follow-up period, and diabetes were potential risk factors, however, the dosage of the drug was not significantly associated with urinary cancer. CONCLUSIONS No cases of liver cancer were observed at the end of follow-up. However, a high prevalence of urinary cancer was observed in AAN patients. Establishing a direct causality between AA and HCC is challenging.
Humans ; Retrospective Studies ; Incidence ; Carcinoma, Hepatocellular ; Liver Neoplasms/epidemiology* ; Kidney Diseases/chemically induced* ; Aristolochic Acids/adverse effects*