Clinical analysis of colistin sulfate in the treatment of pneumonia caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacteria

BACKGROUND Multidrug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria,exacerbated by excessive use of antimicrobials and immunosuppressants,are a major health threat.AIM To study the clinical efficacy and safety of colistin sulfate in the treatment of carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli-induced pneumonia,and to provide theoretical reference for clinical diagnosis and treatment.METHODS This retrospective analysis involved 54 patients with Gram-negative bacilli pneumonia admitted to intensive care unit of The General Hospital of the Northern Theater Command of the People's Liberation Army of China from August 2020 to June 2022.After bacteriological culture,the patients'airway secretions were collected to confirm the presence of Gram-negative bacilli.The patients were divided into the experimental and control groups according to the medication used.The research group consisted of 28 patients who received polymyxin sulfate combined with other drugs through intravenous,nebulization,or intravenous combined with nebulization,with a daily dosage of 1.5–3.0 million units.The control group consisted of 26 patients who received standard dosages of other antibiotics(including sulbactam sodium for injection,cefoperazone sodium sulbactam for injection,tigecycline,meropenem,or vaborbactam).RESULTS Of the 28 patients included in the research group,26 patients showed improvement,treatment was ineffective for two patients,and one patient died,with the treatment efficacy rate of 92.82%.Of the 26 patients in the control group,18 patients improved,treatment was ineffective for eight patients,and two patients died,with the treatment efficacy rate of 54.9%;significant difference was observed between the two groups(P<0.05).The levels of white blood cell(WBC),procalcitonin(PCT),and C-reactive protein(CRP)in both groups were significantly lower after treatment than before treatment(P<0.05),and the levels of WBC,PCT,and CRP in the research group were significantly lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Compared with before treatment,there were no significant changes in aspartate aminotransferase,creatinine,and glomerular filtration rate in both groups,while total bilirubin and alanine aminotransferase decreased after treatment(P<0.05)with no difference between the groups.In patients with good clinical outcomes,the sequential organ failure assessment(SOFA)score was low when treated with inhaled polymyxin sulfate,and specific antibiotic treatment did not improve the outcome.Sepsis and septic shock as well as a low SOFA score were independent factors associated with good clinical outcomes.CONCLUSION Polymyxin sulfate has a significant effect on the treatment of patients with multiple drug-resistant Gram-negative bacilli pneumonia and other infections in the lungs and is safe and reliable.Moreover,the administration route of low-dose intravenous injection combined with nebulization shows better therapeutic effects and lower adverse reactions,providing new ideas for clinical administration.

Parenteral iron therapy in children with iron deficiency anemia

Iron deficiency anemia(IDA)continues to be a global public health problem.Oral iron is the universally accepted first-line therapy,and most children have a prompt and favorable response to oral formulations.In subsets of children who fail to respond due to intolerance,poor adherence,or inadequate intestinal absorption,parenteral iron is indicated.Despite numerous studies in adults with IDA of diverse etiologies,pediatric studies on parenteral iron use are very limited.Although mostly retrospective and small,these studies have documented the efficacy and safety profile of intravenous iron formulations.In this editorial the author comments on the most important published data and underscores the need to seriously consider parenteral iron use in children unresponsive to oral therapy.

Transcranial direct current stimulation efficacy in trigeminal neuralgia

Trigeminal neuralgia is a severe,disabling pain and its deafferentation remains a challenge for health providers.Transcranial direct current stimulation is a non-invasive stimulation technique which finds new utility in managing pain.There-fore,the introduction of alternative,non-invasive,safe,and effective methods should be considered in treating patients with trigeminal neuralgia unresponsive to conventional treatment.

Effectiveness and safety of rocuronium or nitroglycerin plus ropivacaine on pain during intravenous regional anesthesia:A double-blind randomized controlled trial

Objective:To compare the effects of adding rocuronium and nitroglycerin to ropivacaine in intravenous regional anesthesia(IVRA)on pain and hemodynamic parameters.Methods:This randomized controlled trial was done in 2023.Participants were 177 candidates for forearm operation surgery under IVRA selected from Valiasr Hospital,Arak,Iran.They were allocated by block randomization to three different groups,namely nitroglycerin group,rocuronium group and control group.Hemodynamic parameters were recorded before tourniquet application up to postoperative recovery time.Sensory block and motor block onset and duration and pain were also evaluated.The data analysis was carried out by IMB SPSS software 20.0.Results:177 Eligible patients were included in study,with 59 in each group.Time to sensory and motor block onset in the nitroglycerin group was significantly less than the other groups and the time of motor block in the rocuronium group was statistically higher than the control and the nitroglycerin groups(P<0.001).Seven participants in the nitroglycerin group experienced headache and three from the rocuronium group experienced dizziness.The side effects occurrence in the nitroglycerin group was more prevalent than in the control and rocuronium groups(P=0.009).Conclusions:Nitroglycerin significantly reduces the time to sensory and motor block onset,while rocuronium is more effective in prolonging the time of motor block.Although there is no difference between nitroglycerin and rocuronium respecting the pain score and opioid need administration,nitroglycerin is associated with a higher prevalence of medication side effects.Therefore,both nitroglycerin and rocuronium can be used as adjuvant for IVRA.The final choice relies on patients’conditions and anesthesiologists’judgment.

Demyelinating neuropathy in patients with hepatitis B virus: A case report

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B rarely leads to demyelinating neuropathy,despite peripheral neuropathy being the first symptom of hepatitis B infection.CASE SUMMARY A 64-year-old man presented with sensorimotor symptoms in multiple peripheral nerves.Serological testing showed that these symptoms were due to hepatitis B.After undergoing treatment involving intravenous immunoglobulin and an antiviral agent,there was a notable improvement in his symptoms.CONCLUSION Although hepatitis B virus(HBV)infection is known to affect hepatocytes,it is crucial to recognize the range of additional manifestations linked to this infection.The connection between long-term HBV infection and demyelinating neuropathy has seldom been documented;hence,prompt diagnostic and treatment are essential.The patient's positive reaction to immunoglobulin seems to be associated with production of the antigen-antibody immune complex.

Pain and immune function in patients undergoing gastric cancer surgery following stellate ganglion block with total intravenous anesthesia

BACKGROUND Stellate ganglion block is a commonly used sympathetic nerve block technique that restores the balance of the sympathetic and vagal nervous systems of the body and inhibits sympathetic nerve activity.AIM To analyze the effect of a stellate ganglion block combined with total diploma intravenous anesthesia on postoperative pain and immune function in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical gastric cancer(GC)surgery to provide a refe-rence basis for the formulation of anesthesia protocols for radical GC surgery.METHODS This study included 112 patients who underwent laparoscopic radical surgery for GC between January 2022 and March 2024.There was no restriction on sex.The patient grouping method used was a digital random table method,and the num-ber of cases in each group was 56.The control group was administered total intravenous anesthesia,and the observation group compounded the stellate gan-glion block according to the total intravenous anesthesia protocol.Postoperative hemodynamics,pain levels,and immune indices were compared between the groups.RESULTS The heart rate and mean arterial pressure in the observation group after in-tubation were lower than those in the control group(P<0.05).Pain levels were compared between the two groups at 2 hours,12 hours,24 hours,and 48 hours after surgery(P>0.05).The number of CD3+,CD4+,and CD4+/CD8+cells at the end of surgery was higher in the observation group than in the control group,and the number of CD8+cells was lower in the observation group than in the control group(P<0.05).There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of propofol dosage,awakening time,extubation time,or postoperative adverse reactions(P>0.05).CONCLUSION The application of a stellate ganglion block combined with total intravenous anesthesia had no significant effect on postoperative pain levels in patients undergoing laparoscopic radical GC surgery.However,it can safely reduce the effect of surgery on the immune function of patients and is worth applying in clinical practice.

Therapeutic efficacy of methylprednisolone sodium succinate via diverse administration routes for mid-to high-frequency sudden sensorineural hearing loss

BACKGROUND Sudden sensorineural hearing loss(SSNHL),characterized by a rapid and unexplained loss of hearing,particularly at moderate to high frequencies,presents a significant clinical challenge.The therapeutic use of methylprednisolone sodium succinate(MPSS)via different administration routes,in combination with conventional medications,remains a topic of interest.AIM To compare the therapeutic efficacy of MPSS administered via different routes in combination with conventional drugs for the treatment of mid-to high-frequency SSNHL.METHODS The medical records of 109 patients with mid-to high-frequency SSNHL were analyzed.The patients were divided into three groups based on the route of administration:Group A[intratympanic(IT)injection of MPSS combined with mecobalamin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract injection],Group B(intravenous injection of MPSS combined with mecobalamin and Ginkgo biloba leaf extract injection),and Group C(single IT injection of MPSS).The intervention effects were compared and analyzed.RESULTS The posttreatment auditory thresholds in Group A(21.23±3.34)were significantly lower than those in Groups B(28.52±3.36)and C(30.23±4.21;P<0.05).Group A also exhibited a significantly greater speech recognition rate(92.23±5.34)than Groups B and C.The disappearance time of tinnitus,time to hearing recovery,and disappearance time of vertigo in Group A were significantly shorter than those in Groups B and C(P<0.05).The total effective rate in Group A(97.56%)was significantly greater than that in Groups B and C(77.14%and 78.79%,χ^(2)=7.898,P=0.019).Moreover,the incidence of adverse reactions in Groups A and C was significantly lower than that in Group B(4.88%,3.03%vs 2.57%,χ^(2)=11.443,P=0.003),and the recurrence rate in Group A was significantly lower than that in Groups B and C(2.44%vs 20.00%vs 21.21%,χ^(2)=7.120,P=0.028).CONCLUSION IT injection of MPSS combined with conventional treatment demonstrates superior efficacy and safety compared to systemic administration via intravenous infusion and a single IT injection of MPSS.This approach effectively improves patients'hearing and reduces the risk of disease recurrence.

Impact of hepatitis B immunoglobulin mode of administration on treatment experiences of patients after liver transplantation: Results from an online survey

BACKGROUND Hepatitis B immunoglobulin(HBIG)in combination with a potent nucleos(t)ide analog is considered the standard of care for prophylaxis against hepatitis B virus(HBV)reinfection after liver transplantation for HBV-associated disease.AIM To evaluate patients’satisfaction,preferences,and requirements for subcutaneous(SC),intramuscular(IM),and intravenous(IV)HBIG treatments.METHODS A self-completion,cross-sectional,online,22-question survey was conducted to examine perceptions and satisfaction with current HBIG treatment in adults receiving HBIG treatment following liver transplantation for HBV-associated disease in France,Italy,and Turkey.Hypothetical HBIG products with different administration modes were evaluated using target product profile assessment and a conjoint(trade-off)exercise.RESULTS Ninety patients were enrolled;32%,17%,and 51%were SC,IM,and IV HBIG users,respectively.Mean duration of treatment was 36.2 months.SC HBIG had the least negative impact on emotional well-being and social life and was perceived as the most convenient,easiest to administer,least painful,and had the highest self-rating of treatment compliance.More IM HBIG users than SC or IV HBIG users reported that administration frequency was excessive(67%,28%,and 28%,respectively).In the target product profile assessment,76%of patients were likely to use hypothetical SC HBIG.In the conjoint exercise,administration route,frequency,and duration were key drivers of treatment preferences.CONCLUSION Ease,frequency,duration,and side effects of HBIG treatment administration were key drivers of treatment preferences,and SC HBIG appeared advantageous over IM and IV HBIG for administration ease,convenience,and pain.A hypothetical SC HBIG product elicited a favorable response.Patient demographics,personal preferences,and satisfaction with HBIG treatment modalities may influence long-term treatment compliance.

Early Application Study of Intravenous Pain Pump Combined with Parecoxib Injection in Relieving Pain in Patients after Thoracoscopy

Objective: To explore the clinical effectiveness of combined use of intravenous pain pump with Parecoxib injection in alleviating pain in patients during the early postoperative period after thoracoscopic surgery. Methods: Eighty patients who underwent thoracoscopic surgery in a tertiary hospital were selected as the study subjects and randomly divided into two groups, with 40 patients in each group. The control group received routine postoperative treatment with intravenous pain pump, while the experimental group received Parecoxib in addition to the standard postoperative pain pump treatment. Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores were used to evaluate postoperative pain relief in both groups, along with adverse reactions, postoperative complications, and patient satisfaction with pain relief. Results: Patients who received Parecoxib injection in addition to the routine use of intravenous pain pump had VAS pain scores lower than 3 points at 6 h, 12 h, 24 h, and 36 h postoperatively compared to those in the control group. The incidence of postoperative lung collapse, pleural effusion, and pulmonary infections was also significantly lower in the experimental group. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (P Conclusion: Early combined use of Parecoxib injection in the early postoperative period after thoracoscopic surgery has shown good clinical efficacy. It can reduce the level of pain in patients, promote effective coughing and expectoration, facilitate early mobilization of patients, improve patient compliance, reduce complications, shorten hospital stay, and expedite patient recovery. Therefore, it is worth promoting the widespread clinical application of Parecoxib injection in this setting.

Postoperative Analgesia and Cesarean Section under General Anesthesia: Multicenter Study

Background: Neuraxial anesthesia with intrathecal morphine is the reference technique in cesarean section anesthesia for the management of postoperative analgesia. If there is a contraindication to this, general anesthesia is required. The objective of the study was to evaluate the analgesic effectiveness of 4 analgesic techniques performed during cesarean section under general anesthesia in two centers with different anesthetic practices (North Franche Comté Hospital and Omar Bongo Ondimba Army Training Hospital). Method: This is a retrospective and descriptive study over 2 years, from January 1, 2019 to December 31, 2020. It involved evaluating the analgesic effectiveness and tolerance of morphine in the epidural catheter, wound infiltration, intravenous analgesia and Transversus Abdominous Plane block (TAP block) from the post-anesthesia care unit (PACU) until the 4th post-operative day. Results: Of the 354 cesarean sections performed, 84 (11.14%) received general anesthesia. The average age was 32.27 years. Acute fetal distress was the first indication for cesarean section (45.2%), followed by hemorrhagic placenta previa (10.7%) and prolapse of the cord (8.33%). Morphine in the epidural catheter was the most used (47.6%) followed by parietal infiltration (36.9%), intravenous analgesia (13.1%) and TAP block (2.38%). The analgesic effectiveness was comparable between the techniques from postoperative day 0 to day 4. No difference in side effects. Postoperative morphine consumption was significantly reduced (p = 0.011) in the infiltration (9 mg) and TAP block (9mg) groups compared to the epidural catheter (16 mg) and intravenous analgesia (17 mg). No difference in 02 rehabilitation criteria (ambulation, first bowel movement). No difference in the occurrence of chronic pain. Conclusion: In the event of a cesarean section under general anesthesia, there are effective and well-tolerated alternatives to neuraxial anesthesia, particularly regional anesthesia techniques (nerve blocks), particularly in countries with low availability of morphine.

Amylase intrapancreatic infusion delays insulin release during an intravenous glucose tolerance test,proof of acini–islet–acinar interactions

BACKGROUND The possible existence of an acini–islet–acinar(AIA)reflex,involving mutual amylase and insulin interactions,was investigated in the current acute experiment on pigs.AIM To confirm the existence of an AIA reflex and justify the placement of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic components within the same organ.METHODS The study was performed on six pigs under general anesthesia.An intravenous glucose tolerance test was performed,with a bolus infusion of 50%glucose to the jugular vein,while amylase(5000 U/kg)or vehicle intrapancreatic infusions were administered via the pancreaticoduodenalis cranialis artery during 30 min with a 1 mL/min flow rate.RESULTS The amylase infusion to pancreatic arterial circulation inhibited and delayed the insulin release peak which is usually associated with the highest value of blood glucose and is typically observed at 15 min after glucose infusion,for>1 h.The intrapancreatic infusion of the vehicle(saline)did not have any effect on the time frame of insulin release.Infusion of 1%bovine serum albumin changed the insulin release curve dramatically and prolonged the high range of insulin secretion,far beyond the glucose peak.CONCLUSION Intrapancreatic arterial infusion of amylase interrupted the integrated glucose–insulin interactions.This confirms an AIA reflex and justifies placement of the exocrine and endocrine pancreatic components within the same organ.

Application of Patient Simulators Combined with Internet plus Scenario Simulation Teaching Models on Intravenous Infusion Nursing Education in China

Objective: To explore the effectiveness of applying patient simulators combined with Internet Plus scenario simulation teaching models on intravenous (IV) infusion nursing education, and to provide scientific evidence for the implementation of advanced teaching models in future nursing education. Methods: Enrolled 60 nurses who took the IV infusion therapy training program in our hospital from January 2022 to December 2023 for research. 30 nurses who were trained in traditional teaching models from January to December 2022 were selected as the control group, and 30 nurses who were trained with simulation-based teaching models with methods including simulated patients, internet, online meetings which can be replayed and scenario simulation, etc. from January to December 2023 were selected as the experimental group. Evaluated the learning outcomes based on the Competency Inventory for Nursing Students (CINS), Problem-Solving Inventory (PSI), comprehensive learning ability, scientific research ability, and proficiency in the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of IV infusion therapy. Nursing quality, the incidence of IV infusion therapy complications and nurse satisfaction with different teaching models were also measured. Results: The scientific research ability, PSI scores, CINS scores, and comprehensive learning ability of the experimental group were better than those of the control group (P 0.05), and their assessment results of practical skills, nursing quality of IV infusion therapy during training, and satisfaction with teaching models were all better than those of the control group with statistical significance (P < 0.05). The incidence of IV infusion therapy complications in the experimental group was lower than that in the control group, indicating statistical significance (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Teaching models based on patient simulators combined with Internet Plus scenario simulation enable nursing students to learn more directly and practice at any time and in any place, and can improve their proficiency in IV infusion theoretical knowledge and skills (e.g. PICC catheterization), core competencies, problem-solving ability, comprehensive learning ability, scientific research ability and the ability to deal with complicated cases. Also, it helps provide high-quality nursing education, improve the nursing quality of IV therapy, reduce the incidence of related complications, and ensure the safety of patients with IV therapy.

Inpatient management of iron deficiency anemia in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A single center experience

BACKGROUND Screening for iron deficiency anemia(IDA)is important in managing pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD).Concerns related to adverse reactions may contribute to a reluctance to prescribe intravenous(IV)iron to treat IDA in this population.AIM To track the efficacy and safety of IV iron therapy in treating IDA in pediatric IBD patients admitted to our center.METHODS A longitudinal observational cohort study was performed on 236 consecutive pediatric patients admitted to our tertiary IBD care center between September 2017 and December 2019.92 patients met study criteria for IDA,of which 57 received IV iron,17 received oral iron,and 18 were discharged prior to receiving iron therapy.RESULTS Patients treated with IV iron during their hospitalization experienced a significant increase of 1.9(±0.2)g/dL in mean(±SE)hemoglobin(Hb)concentration by the first ambulatory follow-up,compared to patients who received oral iron 0.8(±0.3)g/dL or no iron 0.8(±0.3)g/dL(P=0.03).One out of 57(1.8%)patients that received IV iron therapy experienced an adverse reaction.CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrate that treatment with IV iron therapy is safe and efficacious in improving Hb and iron levels in pediatric patients with IDA and active IBD.

Drugs used for pain management in gastrointestinal surgery and their implications

Pain is the predominant symptom troubling patients.Pain management is one of the most important aspects in the management of surgical patients leading to early recovery from surgical procedures or in patients with chronic diseases or malignancy.Various groups of drugs are used for dealing with this;however,they have their own implications in the form of adverse effects and dependence.In this article,we review the concerns of different pain-relieving medicines used postoperatively in gastrointestinal surgery and for malignant and chronic diseases.

Research Progress of Assessment Tools for Peripheral Venous Access Difficulties in Children

Objective:To review the research progress of peripheral venous access difficulty assessment tools in children and to provide a reference for clinical nurses to select and develop appropriate assessment tools.Methods:Search the literature at home and abroad and summarize and analyze the existing evaluation tools.Results:There is no unified assessment tool about difficult venous access in children at home and abroad.The existing tools include the difficult venous access assessment scale and peripheral venous grading assessment tool.Conclusion:The current assessment tools for venous access difficulties in children have their own limitations,and it is necessary to develop further the assessment tools suitable for the cultural background of children's venous access difficulties.This paper summarized the current progress of research on peripheral venous access difficulty assessment tools.It also analyzed and summarized the shortcomings of existing tools to provide a reference for clinical staff to choose appropriate assessment tools.

Analysis of the Nursing Effect of Hierarchical Extended Nursing Based on The Guidance of Orem’s Theory in Patients with PICC Catheterization

Objective:To analyze the nursing effect of hierarchical extended nursing based on the guidance of Orem’s theory in patients with peripherally inserted central(PICC)catheterization.Methods:Ninety-one patients with PICC catheterization admitted to the hospital from May 2021 to May 2023 were selected and divided into a control group and an observation group,with 45 and 46 cases,respectively.The control group received routine nursing care,while the observation group received routine nursing care combined with hierarchical extended nursing based on the guidance of Orem’s theory for 3 months.Relevant indicators between the two groups were compared.Results:The improvement degree of various indicators in the observation group after nursing was better than that of the control group(P<0.05).Conclusion:Graded extended nursing based on the guidance of Orem’s theory improved the knowledge,belief,behavior,and self-efficacy of patients with PICC catheterization,and relieved their anxiety,depression,and other negative emotions.The nursing effect was deemed to be significant.

Research on the Causes and Nursing Interventions of Extravasation During Intravenous Infusion

Intravenous infusion,a common clinical drug treatment method,is widely used in the treatment of various diseases.Due to the invasive nature of puncture during intravenous infusion,patients may inevitably experience resistance and tension when facing nursing staff performing infusion procedures.Additionally,the complexity of the nursing staff’s work and the impact of the infusion therapy environment can exacerbate the tension between nurses and patients,leading to risks such as drug leakage and needlestick injuries.This article focuses on the factors influencing extravasation during intravenous infusion and elaborates on how high-quality nursing interventions can reduce the incidence of adverse events during intravenous infusion.These interventions aim to improve patient satisfaction with intravenous infusion nursing care and ensure the safety of intravenous infusion procedures.

Application and Effect Evaluation of the Integrated“5A and 3+3”Management Model in the Safe Medication Use for Chemotherapy Patients

Objective:To explore the application and effect evaluation of the integrated“5A and 3+3”management model in ensuring safe medication use for chemotherapy patients.Methods:A total of 100 intravenous chemotherapy patients admitted to the oncology department of Shaanxi Provincial People’s Hospital were randomly divided into two groups using a random number list method.Both groups received conventional nursing management during chemotherapy,while the study group additionally received the integrated“5A and 3+3”safety management model.The nursing intervention effects between the two groups were compared.Results:After the intervention,the study group showed higher levels of self-management ability,compliance,and nursing satisfaction compared to the control group.The overall incidence of adverse events during hospitalization was lower in the study group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).The knowledge scores of medical staff in the study group,related to the prevention and treatment of chemotherapy drug side effects,daily symptom management,and daily life management,were higher than those in the control group,with statistically significant differences(P<0.05).Conclusion:Implementing the integrated“5A and 3+3”model in the safe medication management of intravenous chemotherapy patients can effectively enhance patients’self-management abilities and compliance,improve medical staff’s ability to safely administer chemotherapy drugs,reduce adverse events caused by chemotherapy,and increase patient satisfaction.

Role of Peripheral Regulatory T Lymphocytes in Patients with Thyroid Associated Ophthalmopathy During Systemic Glucocorticoid Treatment:A Prospective Observational Study

Objective Thyroid-associated ophthalmopathy(TAO)is an autoimmune disorder involving the orbital tissue.This study aimed to understand the role of regulatory T cells(Tregs)in TAO during 12-week systemic glucocorticoid(GC)treatment.Methods Thirty-two moderate-severe TAO patients with a clinical activity score(CAS)≥3/7 or with prolonged T2 relaxation time(T2RT)on at least one side of extraocular muscle(EOM)were enrolled.The percentage of the peripheral CD4+CD25(high)CD127(−/low)Tregs was analyzed using flow cytometry before and after the GC treatment.The activity and severity of TAO,T2RT,and the clinical outcomes after the GC treatment were assessed.Their correlation with the peripheral Tregs was investigated.Results There was no significant association between the baseline Treg fraction and the activity and severity of TAO or the treatment response.A significant reduction of Tregs was observed after the GC therapy merely in patients without any clinical improvement.Conclusion Treg reduction after systemic GC therapy is indicative of a poor therapeutic response.Accordingly,dynamic alterations of Tregs could help to evaluate the effectiveness of the GC treatment.

Oncolytic virus-based hepatocellular carcinoma treatment:Current status,intravenous delivery strategies,and emerging combination therapeutic solutions

Current treatments for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)have limited success in improving patients’quality of life and prolonging life expectancy.The clinical need for more efficient and safe therapies has contributed to the exploration of emerging strategies.Recently,there has been increased interest in oncolytic viruses(OVs)as a therapeutic modality for HCC.OVs undergo selective replication in cancerous tissues and kill tumor cells.Strikingly,pexastimogene devacirepvec(Pexa-Vec)was granted an orphan drug status in HCC by the U.S.Food and Drug Administration(FDA)in 2013.Meanwhile,dozens of OVs are being tested in HCC-directed clinical and preclinical trials.In this review,the pathogenesis and current therapies of HCC are outlined.Next,we summarize multiple OVs as single therapeutic agents for the treatment of HCC,which have demonstrated certain efficacy and lowtoxicity.Emerging carrier cell-,bioengineered cell mimetic-or nonbiological vehicle-mediated OV intravenous delivery systems in HCC therapy are described.In addition,we highlight the combination treatments between oncolytic virotherapy and other modalities.Finally,the clinical challenges and prospects of OV-based biotherapy are discussed,with the aim of continuing to develop a fascinating approach in HCC patients.