Facile Synthesis of P-Doped ZnIn2S4 with Enhanced Visible-Light-Driven Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

ZnIn2S4 (ZIS) is widely used in the field of photocatalytic hydrogen production due to its unique photoelectric properties. Nonetheless, the photocatalytic performance of ZIS usually faces problems of poor conductivity and rapid recombination of charge carriers. Heteroatom doping is often regarded as one of the effective strategies for improving the catalytic activity of photocatalysts. Herein, phosphorus (P)-doped ZIS was prepared by hydrothermal method, whose photocatalytic hydrogen production performance and energy band structure were fully studied. The band gap of P-doped ZIS is about 2.51 eV, which is slightly smaller than that of pure ZIS. Moreover, due to the upward shift of its energy band, the reduction ability of P-doped ZIS is enhanced, and P-doped ZIS also exhibits stronger catalytic activity than pure ZIS. The optimized P-doped ZIS exhibits a hydrogen production rate of 1566.6 µmol g-1 h-1, which is 3.8 times that of the pristine ZIS (411.1 µmol g-1 h-1). This work provides a broad platform for the design and synthesis of phosphorus-doped sulfide-based photocatalysts for hydrogen evolution.

[Effective substances and mechanism of Yishen Guluo Mixture in treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis based on metabolomics and serum pharmacochemistry].

This study aimed to investigate the effective substances and mechanism of Yishen Guluo Mixture in the treatment of chronic glomerulonephritis(CGN) based on metabolomics and serum pharmacochemistry. The rat model of CGN was induced by cationic bovine serum albumin(C-BSA). After intragastric administration of Yishen Guluo Mixture, the biochemical indexes related to renal function(24-hour urinary protein, serum urea nitrogen, and creatinine) were determined, and the efficacy evaluations such as histopathological observation were carried out. The serum biomarkers of Yishen Guluo Mixture in the treatment of CGN were screened out by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole time-of-flight/mass spectrometry(UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) combined with multivariate statistical analysis, and the metabolic pathways were analyzed. According to the mass spectrum ion fragment information and metabolic pathway, the components absorbed into the blood(prototypes and metabolites) from Yishen Guluo Mixture were identified and analyzed by using PeakView 1.2 and MetabolitePilot 2.0.4. By integrating metabolomics and serum pharmacochemistry data, a mathematical model of correlation analysis between serum biomarkers and components absorbed into blood was constructed to screen out the potential effective substances of Yishen Guluo Mixture in the treatment of CGN. Yishen Guluo mixture significantly decreased the levels of 24-hour urinary protein, serum urea nitrogen, and creatinine in rats with CGN, and improved the pathological damage of the kidney tissue. Twenty serum biomarkers of Yishen Guluo Mixture in the treatment of CGN, such as arachidonic acid and lysophosphatidylcholine, were screened out, involving arachidonic acid metabolism, glycerol phosphatide metabolism, and other pathways. Based on the serum pharmacochemistry, 8 prototype components and 20 metabolites in the serum-containing Yishen Guluo Mixture were identified. According to the metabolomics and correlation analysis of serum pharmacochemistry, 12 compounds such as genistein absorbed into the blood from Yishen Guluo Mixture were selected as the potential effective substances for the treatment of CGN. Based on metabolomics and serum pharmacochemistry, the effective substances and mechanism of Yishen Guluo Mixture in the treatment of CGN are analyzed and explained in this study, which provides a new idea for the development of innovative traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of CGN.

circ_0061265 competitively binds to microRNA-885-3p to promote the development of gastric cancer by upregulating AURKA expression.

BACKGROUND: Circular RNAs (circRNAs) represent a class of newly identified transcripts that act as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to modulate gene expression by competing for the shared microRNAs (miRNAs) in humans. In this study, we set out to investigate the role of the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network in gastric cancer (GC). METHODS: A differential analysis on GC-related circRNAs, miRNAs and mRNAs was performed utilizing the R language "limma" package, followed by GO and KEGG enrichment analyses. The Cytoscape visualization software was used to construct the circRNA-miRNA-mRNA ceRNA network. RT-qPCR, Western blot assay, immunohistochemistry, RNA pull down, RIP and dual luciferase gene reporter assay were conducted to verify the expression of the related circRNA, miRNA and mRNA and their interaction in GC tissues and cells. RESULTS: The bioinformatics analysis screened 13 circRNAs, 241 miRNAs and 7483 mRNAs related to GC. Ten DEmRNAs (AURKA, BUB1, CCNF, FEN1, FGF2, ITPKB, CDKN1A, TRIP13, KNTC1 and KIT) were identified from the constructed PPI network and module analysis, among which AURKA was the most critical. A circ_0061265-miRNA-885-3p-AURKA ceRNA network was constructed. In vitro cell experiment demonstrated significantly upregulated circ_0061265 and AURKA, but downregulated miR-885-3p in GC. Moreover, circ_0061265 promoted the occurrence of GC by competitively binding to miRNA-885-3p to regulate AURKA expression. CONCLUSION: Our work validated that circ_0061265 may increase AURKA expression by competitively binding to miRNA-885-3p, thereby promoting GC development.

[Effective substance and mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract in treatment of insomnia based on serum metabolomics and network pharmacology].

This study aims to study the effective substance and mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract in the treatment of insomnia based on serum metabolomics and network pharmacology. The rat insomnia model induced by p-chlorophenylalanine(PCPA) was established. After oral administration of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract, the general morphological observation, pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test, and histopathological evaluation were carried out. The potential biomarkers of the extract in the treatment of insomnia were screened by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS) combined with multivariate analysis, and the related metabolic pathways were further analyzed. The "component-target-pathway" network was constructed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Exactive mass spectrometry(UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS) combined with network pharmacology to explore the effective substances and mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in the treatment of insomnia. The results of pentobarbital sodium-induced sleep test and histopathological evaluation(hematoxylin and eosin staining) showed that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract had good theraputic effect on insomnia. A total of 21 endogenous biomarkers of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract in the treatment of insomnia were screened out by serum metabolomics, and the metabolic pathways of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis, phenylalanine metabolism, and nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism were obtained. A total of 34 chemical constituents were identified by UHPLC-Q-Exactive-MS/MS, including 24 flavonoids, 2 triterpenoid saponins, 4 alkaloids, 2 triterpenoid acids, and 2 fatty acids. The network pharmacological analysis showed that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen mainly acted on target proteins such as dopamine D2 receptor(DRD2), 5-hydroxytryptamine receptor 1 A(HTR1 A), and alpha-2 A adrenergic receptor(ADRA2 A) in the treatment of insomnia. It was closely related to neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, serotonergic synapse, and calcium signaling pathway. Magnoflorine, N-nornuciferine, caaverine, oleic acid, palmitic acid, coclaurine, betulinic acid, and ceanothic acid in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen may be potential effective compounds in the treatment of insomnia. This study revealed that Ziziphi Spinosae Semen extract treated insomnia through multiple metabolic pathways and the overall correction of metabolic disorder profile in a multi-component, multi-target, and multi-channel manner. Briefly, this study lays a foundation for further research on the mechanism of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen in treating insomnia and provides support for the development of innovative Chinese drugs for the treatment of insomnia.

[Acute toxicity mechanism of Panax notoginseng saponins in larvae zebrafish based on metabonomics].

Based on metabolomics,the metabolites of larvae zebrafish with overdose of Panax notoginseng saponins( PNS) were compared with those in normal group of larvae zebrafish to investigate the possible toxicity mechanism of overdose PNS in larvae zebrafish. An experimental animal model of long-term toxicity induced by PNS overdose was established by administering 1-6 dpf at low,medium and high doses of PNS,respectively. The ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-Q-TOF-MS) technique was combined with principal component analysis( PCA) and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis( OPLS-DA) to screen and identify biomarkers associated with toxicity,and then the MetaboAnalyst database was used to analyze metabolism-related pathways. The results showed that the metabolites of each group could be distinguished distinctly,and they deviated more from the normal group in a time and dose dependent manner. Twenty-nine potential biomarkers related to toxicity( VIP>1,P<0. 05) were identified preliminarily,mainly involving six metabolic pathways. From the metabonomics point of view,the toxicity mechanism of overdose PNS may be related to the disorders of lipid metabolism,amino acid metabolism and energy metabolism.

[Study on blood enrichment mechanism of steamed notoginseng based on metabolomics method].

In this paper,ultra performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry( UPLC-Q-TOFMS) technique was used to study the effects of steamed notoginseng on endogenous markers in plasma of rats with hemolytic anemia induced by N-acetyl phenyl hydrazine( APH). The aim was to find out the potential biomarkers and possible blood enriching mechanism of steamed notoginseng on hemolytic anemia rats. In the experiment,steamed notoginseng medicine pair( steamed notoginseng-ginseng)and compound medicines( Sanqi Yangxue Capsules) were used respectively to intervene in APH-induced hemolytic anemia model rats.Then blood routine indexes such as red blood cells( RBC),hemoglobin( Hb) and related organ indexes were determined. As compared with the blank group,the RBC and Hb levels in the model group were substantially decreased( P< 0. 01),while the liver and spleen organ indexes were increased( P< 0. 05). The results of blood routine and organ index demonstrated that the blood deficiency model was successfully established. Steamed notoginseng can significantly increase the RBC level of rats( P<0. 01),and the related indicators of each drug group had a trend of returning to normal levels,verifying the blood enriching effect of steamed notoginseng. The UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technique,principal component analysis( PCA) and partial least squares-discrimination analysis( PLS-DA) were used to analyze the metabolic profiles between the normal group and the model group. Twenty-six potential biomarkers for hemolytic anemia were screened in plasma. Nine metabolites such as retinol,L-valine,and arachidonic acid were down-regulated in the blood deficiency rats,and 17 metabolites such as protoporphyrin Ⅸ and niacinamide were up-regulated. The metabolic level of biomarkers could be changed to a normal state after rats were given with steamed notoginseng,drug pairs,and compound prescriptions. It can be speculated that steamed notoginseng may play a role of blood tonifying by improving biosynthesis of valine,leucine and isoleucine,as well as metabolic pathways such as retinol metabolism and arachidonic acid metabolism.

miR-184 Inhibits Tumor Invasion, Migration and Metastasis in Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma by Targeting Notch2.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: A recent study found that dysregulated microRNA-184 (miR-184) is involved in the proliferation and survival of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). This study aimed to evaluate the detailed mechanisms of invasion, migration and metastasis of NPC cells. METHODS: Quantitative reverse-transcription PCR (qRT-PCR) and Western blot were used to confirm the expression levels of miR-184 and Notch2. NPC cell invasion and migration were subsequently examined using in vitro cell invasion and wound-healing assays, respectively. MicroRNA (miRNA) target gene prediction databases and dual-luciferase reporter assay were adopted to validate the target genes of miR-184. RESULTS: MiR-184 was downregulated in the NPC cell lines. The miR-184 inhibitor increased the number of invading NPC cells, whereas miR-184 mimics inhibited the invasive ability of such cells. The protein level of E-cadherin decreased, whereas those of N-cadherin and vimentin increased in the anti-miR-184 group. This result showed that miR-184 inhibited NPC cell invasion and metastasis by regulating EMT progression. MiRNA target gene prediction databases indicated the potential of Notch2 as a direct target gene of miR-184. Such a notion was then validated by results of dual-luciferase reporter assay. Notably, shRNANotch2 restrained the EMT and partially abrogated the inhibitory effects of miR-184 on EMT progression in NPC cells. CONCLUSION: MiR-184 functions as a tumour-suppressive miRNA targeting Notch2 and inhibits the invasion, migration and metastasis of NPC.

Progress of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy in gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric carcinoma, a highly common malignant tumor, is treated mainly by surgery. Meanwhile, radiotherapy is attracting increased attention as a crucial locoregional therapy. However, the application of radiotherapy in gastric carcinoma is still limited and radiation standards remain debatable. MAIN BODY: The use of preoperative radiotherapy for treating gastroesophageal junction cancer has advanced. However, additional phase III clinical trials are needed to further verify the therapeutic value of preoperative radiotherapy for gastric cancer. Patients with D1 or D1 plus lymphadenectomy can benefit from postoperative radiotherapy obviously, and postoperative radiotherapy may be effective for patients with D2 lymphadenectomy with a high N stage. The target volume delineation of preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy should be based on clinical experience and the characteristics of lymphatic drainage. CONCLUSIONS: With the advancement of radiotherapy technology, preoperative and postoperative radiotherapy are becoming increasingly accepted as important auxiliary treatments for gastric cancer.

Synthesis of α,ß-Unsaturated N-Sulfonyl Imides through Zinc-Catalyzed Intermolecular Oxidation of N-Sulfonyl Ynamides.

A novel zinc-catalyzed intermolecular oxidation of N-sulfonyl ynamides has been developed. A variety of functionalized α,ß-unsaturated N-sulfonyl imides are readily accessed by utilizing this approach, thus providing a viable alternative to synthetically useful α,ß-unsaturated imides. Importantly, the reaction is proposed to proceed by a vinyligous E2-type elimination pathway, but not metal carbene pathway.

[A260G and A386G single nucleotide polymorphisms of the DAZL gene are not correlated with male infertility in the Chinese population of Zhejiang Province].

OBJECTIVE: To assess the association of the A260G and A386G single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of the DAZL gene with male infertility in the Chinese population of Zhejiang Province. METHODS: We collected the peripheral blood samples from 317 idiopathic infertile males with azoospermia or oligozoospermia and 246 normal fertile men, and genotyped the polymorphic loci of the A260G and A386G polymorphisms of the DAZL gene using the SNaPshot technique. RESULTS: The DAZL gene A260G was found genetically polymorphic in the Chinese population of Zhejiang Province, with the gene frequencies and their distribution consistent to the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The frequencies of the AA, AG and GG genotypes of the A260G polymorphism were 92.3%, 7.3%, and 0.4% respectively in the normal controls and 94.3%, 5.7%, and 0% in the infertile patients, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.43, OR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.413-1.46). Heterozygosis (AG) of A386G was found in 1 of the control males but not in the infertile patients, while homozygosis (GG) of A386G was not observed in either group (P = 0.259, OR = 0.698, 59% CI: 0.374-1.306). CONCLUSION: A260G and A386G SNPs of the DAZL gene are not associated with spermatogenic failure and neither represents a molecular marker for the genetic diagnosis of male infertility in the Chinese population of Zhejiang Province.

Liquid biopsy techniques and lung cancer: diagnosis, monitoring and evaluation.

Lung cancer stands as the most prevalent form of cancer globally, posing a significant threat to human well-being. Due to the lack of effective and accurate early diagnostic methods, many patients are diagnosed with advanced lung cancer. Although surgical resection is still a potential means of eradicating lung cancer, patients with advanced lung cancer usually miss the best chance for surgical treatment, and even after surgical resection patients may still experience tumor recurrence. Additionally, chemotherapy, the mainstay of treatment for patients with advanced lung cancer, has the potential to be chemo-resistant, resulting in poor clinical outcomes. The emergence of liquid biopsies has garnered considerable attention owing to their noninvasive nature and the ability for continuous sampling. Technological advancements have propelled circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), extracellular vesicles (EVs), tumor metabolites, tumor-educated platelets (TEPs), and tumor-associated antigens (TAA) to the forefront as key liquid biopsy biomarkers, demonstrating intriguing and encouraging results for early diagnosis and prognostic evaluation of lung cancer. This review provides an overview of molecular biomarkers and assays utilized in liquid biopsies for lung cancer, encompassing CTCs, ctDNA, non-coding RNA (ncRNA), EVs, tumor metabolites, TAAs and TEPs. Furthermore, we expound on the practical applications of liquid biopsies, including early diagnosis, treatment response monitoring, prognostic evaluation, and recurrence monitoring in the context of lung cancer.

[PDE5 inhibitors for the management of temporary penile erectile dysfunction during treatment with assisted reproductive technology].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE5) inhibitors in the management of temporary penile erectile dysfunction (ED) in patients undergoing assisted reproductive technology (ART). METHODS: This study included 75 male patients that experienced ejaculation failure due to temporary ED during ART treatment. We treated the patients with PDE5 inhibitors sildenafil, tadanafil and vardenafil, and then evaluated the hardness of penile erection using Erection Hardness Score (EHS) and analyzed the end-point efficacy. RESULTS: Sildenafil was administered to 28 of the patients, tadanafil to 25, and vardenafil to 22. Of the total number of patients, 61 (81.3%) achieved effective erection, but no significant differences were observed in the rate of effectiveness among the sildenafil (24 cases, 85.7%), tadanafil (20 cases, 80.0%) and vardenafil (17 cases, 77.3%) groups (P > 0.05). After medication, 53 (70.7%) of the patients successfully ejaculated, but there were no remarkable differences in the success rate among the sildenafil (21 cases, 75.0%), tadanafil (17 cases, 68.0%) and vardenafil (15 cases, 68.2%) groups (P > 0.05). Of the 75 patients, 37 received the recommended initial dose and 38 the maximum recommended dose of PDE5 inhibitors, but no significant differences were found in the rate of successful sperm retrieval between the former (28 cases, 75.7%) and the latter group (25 cases, 65.8%) (P > 0.05). Mild adverse events, including transient flush and dizziness, occurred in 5 cases (6.7%). CONCLUSION: PDE5 inhibitors can help temporary ED patients to achieve penile erection and ejaculation during ART treatment.

Visible-light-driven AgI/Bi4O5I2 S-scheme heterojunction for efficient tetracycline hydrochloride removal: Mechanism and degradation pathway.

The existence of excessive tetracycline hydrochloride (TCH) in the ecological environment has seriously threatened human health, so there is an urgent need to develop a high-performance photocatalyst that can efficiently and greenly remove TCH. Currently, most photocatalysts have the problems of fast recombination of photogenerated charge carriers and low degradation efficiency. Herein, S-scheme AgI/Bi4O5I2 (AB) heterojunctions was constructed for TCH removal. Compared with the single component, the apparent kinetic constant of the 0.7AB is 5.6 and 10.2 time as high as the AgI and Bi4O5I2, and the photocatalytic activity only decreases by 3.0% after four recycle runs. In addition, to verify the potential practical application of the fabricated AgI/Bi4O5I2 nanocomposite, the photocatalytic degradation of TCH was performed under different conditions by regulating the dosage of photocatalyst, the TCH concentration, pH, and the existence of various anions. Systematical characterizations are conducted to investigate the intrinsic physical and chemical properties of the constructed AgI/Bi4O5I2 composites. Based on the synergetic characterizations by in situ X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, band edge measurements, as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) detections, the S-scheme photocatalytic mechanism is proved. This work provides a valuable reference for developing efficient and stable S-scheme AgI/Bi4O5I2 photocatalyst for TCH removal.

Highly efficient and recyclable Z-scheme heterojunction of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 floating foam for photocatalytic inactivation of harmful algae under visible light.

Harmful algal blooms (HABs) have frequently occurred worldwide, causing marine ecosystems and human health risks. As an advanced and green oxidation technology, photocatalysis has potential to remove red tide algae using solar energy. Herein, in this work, Z-scheme photocatalysts of Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 (APCN) floating foam with different mass ratios were fabricated for the algae inactivation. Under visible light irradiation, the 0.10APCN (0.10 mM AgNO3) composite photocatalyst could cause 91.8% of the loss in Karenia mikimotoi (K. mikimotoi) cell viability following 24 h and the removal rate of algae could reach to 86% after five successive cycles. The underlying mechanism of photocatalytic inactivation of harmful algae is proposed in this system. The photosynthetic efficiency of harmful algae is inhibited with the decrease of photosynthetic pigments, which are inactivated by the high levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) (superoxide radical •O2- and hydroxyl radical •OH) produced in Z-scheme photocatalytic system of the Ag3PO4/g-C3N4 heterojunction under visible light. Meanwhile, the activities of antioxidant enzymes (i.e. POD, APX and SOD) are up-regulating with the overproduction of ROS going into the algae, causing the cytotoxicity and apoptosis of algae. This work not only reveals the mechanisms of photocatalytic inactivation of harmful algae, but also guides the design the construction of high active composite photocatalysts, and thus provides theoretical and practical significance for highly efficient and recyclable prospect of controlling of harmful algae.

[Sperm DNA damage and sperm-nucleoprotein transition correlate to acrosin activity and seminal parameters].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the correlation of sperm DNA damage and sperm-nucleoprotein transition with acrosin activity and seminal parameters. METHODS: We collected 535 semen samples, assessed sperm DNA damage by sperm chromatin dispersion test, and analyzed the correlation of sperm DNA damage and sperm-nucleoprotein transition with acrosin activity and seminal parameters according to the WHO criteria. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences were observed in sperm DNA damage among sperm-nucleoprotein transition, acrosin activity, sperm concentration and the percentage of grade a + b sperm (P < 0.01). Sperm DNA damage was positively correlated with age, sperm-nucleoprotein transition, sperm concentration and the percentage of grade d sperm (P < 0.01 or P < 0.05), but negatively correlated with acrosin activity (P < 0.001). Stepwise linear regression analysis demonstrated that age, sperm concentration, the percentage of grade d sperm, sperm-nucleoprotein transition and acrosin activity were independent variables related to the DNA fragmentation index (DFI). The abnormality rates of sperm-nucleoprotein transition, acrosin activity, sperm concentration and graded a + b sperm were significantly higher in the sperm DNA damage group (DFI > or = 30%) than in the normal control (DFI < 30%) (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: Sperm DNA damage is closely related with sperm-nucleoprotein transition, acrosin activity and seminal parameters, which may become another important independent parameter for the evaluation of sperm quality.

Design and analysis of a wireless power transfer system for capsule robot using an optimised planar square spiral transmitting coil pair.

BACKGROUND: The wireless power transfer system (WPTS) is a promising way to continuously provide efficient and stable power for gastrointestinal capsule robots with active movement ability. METHODS: The proposed WPTS using an optimised planar square spiral transmitting coil pair with space-saving structure can flexibly adjust the distance between the coils according to the patient's condition, and thus has better applicability. To improve power transfer efficiency and uniformity of the generated magnetic field, design parameters are discussed and optimised based on the analytical calculation and simulation analysis. RESULTS: The power demand can be guaranteed with spacing distance of 350-500 mm and the peak received power of 1124 mW with a remarkable transfer efficiency of 7.8% can be obtained when the spacing reaches the minimum. The human electromagnetic exposure safety in different situations is also discussed and verified. CONCLUSIONS: The WPTS can provide power for capsule robots safely and efficiently.

Comparative analysis of the quantitative parameter method and elasticity color mode method for real-time shear wave elastography in the diagnosis of benign and malignant solid breast lesions.

OBJECTIVE: To examine the performance of real-time shear wave elastography (RT-SWE) in routine clinical practice. METHODS: This was a prospective study of 500 patients. The elasticity color mode method was judged by a four-mode system. The quantitative parameter method was used to measure the modulus of elasticity of the lesions. Pathologic reports were used as a gold standard to comparatively analyze the diagnostic performance of the two methods. RESULTS: A total of 553 tumors were detected. The average mode value and the modulus of elasticity (Emax) of the benign breast masses was lower than that of malignant masses (p < 0.05). With Emax = 67.4 as the diagnostic threshold value, the sensitivity, specificity, accuracy, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value of the two methods were not statistically significant different (p > 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The shear wave quantitative parameter method and the elasticity color mode method showed similar performances in the diagnosis of benign and malignant breast masses. The elasticity color mode method is convenient and intuitive, whereas the quantitative parameter method can be used to objectively assess the lesions when it is difficult to score the elasticity of an image, but could not be relied on alone.

Gastric cancer with calcifications: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Mucinous gastric carcinoma (MGC) is a rare histological type of gastric carcinoma. Calcifications, seen on imaging and histopathological preparations, and which are infrequent in other types of gastric carcinoma, are characteristic of MGC. We present a patient with MGC with calcifications of the gastric wall and describe the computerized tomography (CT) features of the lesion and changes in the calcifications before and after chemotherapy. CASE SUMMARY: A 61-year-old man was admitted to our hospital in May 2020 because of a large, tender abdominal mass. Abdominal CT showed diffuse, irregular thickening of the gastric walls, with miliary and punctate calcifications. There were metastases to the perigastric and retroperitoneal lymph nodes and also peritoneal seeding. Histological examination of a specimen obtained by endoscopic biopsy showed poorly differentiated calcified signet-ring cell gastric cancer. The patient was clinically staged with T4N+M1 disease. He was treated with docetaxel, cisplatin, and fluorouracil as first-line therapy, irinotecan combined with S-1 as second-line chemotherapy, and programmed cell death protein 1 as third-line therapy. The patient underwent a total of nine cycles of chemotherapy. Follow-up CT scans every 3 mo showed continually increasing calcifications. As of this writing, the patient has survived almost 1 year. CONCLUSION: In this case report, we describe the histopathological and imaging characteristics of a patient with gastric cancer receiving chemotherapy. Multiple punctate calcifications were seen, which gradually increased during chemotherapy. Several possible mechanisms for the calcifications are described, but further research is needed. Future findings may lead to new approaches for the evaluation and treatment of such tumors.

Effect of nursing mode under the seamless connection between operating room and ward on severe traumatic brain injury patients in coma.

OBJECTIVE: The goal of the present study was to test the effects of the nursing mode under the seamless connection between operating room and ward on severe traumatic brain injury (STBI) patients in coma period. METHODS: Totally, 120 STBI inpatients in coma admitted to our hospital from June 2018 to June 2019 were recruited and equally randomized into a study group and a control group. The control group underwent routine neurosurgery nursing, while the study group received nursing with seamless connection between the operating room and the ward. Clinical effects of the two groups were compared. RESULTS: No significant differences were shown in terms of gender ratio, age, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, clinical manifestations and residence between the two groups of patients (P > 0.05); the Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) scores of the two groups of patients after nursing were significantly higher than those before nursing (P < 0.001), and the GCS score of patients in the study group after nursing was found to be higher than that in the control group (P < 0.001); no discernable difference in Barthel index between the two groups of patients after one week of nursing was observed (P > 0.05), and the Barthel index of the patients in the study group after 1 month and 2 months of nursing was significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.001); neuron-specific enolase (NSE) and myelin basic protein (MBP) in the study group after nursing were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.001); the total clinical effective rate of the study group was found to be significantly higher than that of the control group (P < 0.05); for the recovery time, the study group performed better than the control group (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION: The nursing with seamless connection between operating room and ward has the potential to improve the degree of coma in STBI patients and their activities of daily living.

The efficacy and safety of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy for locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with concurrent chemoradiation: A meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVES: To assess the efficacy and toxicity of gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) in locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LA-NPC). METHODS: Both observational studies (OBS) and randomized controlled trials (RCT) were included in the meta-analysis. Systematic online searches were conducted in Web of Sciences, PubMed, Embase, meeting proceedings and ClinicalTrials.gov from the inception to May 25, 2020. The primary endpoint of interest was overall survival. RESULTS: five OBSs and 2 RCTs including 1680 patients were incorporated in the analysis. The evidence from the RCTs showed that adding gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy to CCRT significantly improved progression free survival (hazard ratio (HR): 0.60, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.40-0.88; P = .010; chi square P = .25; I2 = 24%) and overall survival (HR: 0.47; 95% CI: 0.28-0.80; P = 0.005; chi square P = .49, I2 = 0%) and was related to a higher risk of hematological toxicities. Furthermore, based on the data of OBSs, overall survival (HR: 0.52; 95% CI: 0.31-0.88; P = .02; chi square P = .37, I2 = 6%) was significantly improved in patients treated with gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy compared to those treated with taxane-based induction chemotherapy. However, the progression free survival (HR: 0.67; 95% CI: 0.45-1.01; P = .06; chi square P = .74; I2 = 0%) showed no significant difference. CONCLUSIONS: For LA-NPC patients, adding gemcitabine-based induction chemotherapy to CCRT significantly improved overall survival and progression free survival with a higher risk of hematological toxicities when compared to CCRT alone. Also, gemcitabine-based regimen could be used as an alternative induction chemotherapy regimen to taxane-based regimen in the treatment of LA-NPC.