Autophagy and its role in gastrointestinal diseases

Gastrointestinal disorders encompass a spectrum of conditions affecting various organs within the digestive system,such as the esophagus,stomach,colon,rectum,pancreas,liver,small intestine,and bile ducts.The role of autophagy in the etiology and progression of gastrointestinal diseases has garnered significant attention.This paper seeks to evaluate the impact and mechanisms of autophagy in gastrointestinal disorders by synthesizing recent research findings.Specifically,we delve into inflammation-related gastrointestinal conditions,including ulcerative colitis,Crohn’s disease,and pancreatitis,as well as gastrointestinal cancers such as esophageal,gastric,and colorectal cancers.Additionally,we provide commentary on a recent publication by Chang et al in the World Journal of Gastroenterology.Our objective is to offer fresh perspectives on the mechanisms and therapeutic approaches for these gastrointestinal ailments.This review aims to offer new perspectives on the mechanisms and therapeutic strategies for gastrointestinal disorders by critically analyzing relevant publications.As discussed,the role of autophagy in gastrointestinal diseases is complex and,at times,contentious.To harness the full therapeutic potential of autophagy in treating these conditions,more in-depth research is imperative.

Conversion therapy for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma:Advances and challenges

Recently,the World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology published an article entitled“Pathologically successful conversion hepatectomy for advanced giant hepatocellular carcinoma after multidisciplinary therapy:A case report and review of the literature”,in which the authors shared their successful experience with complete surgical resection after multidisciplinary conversion therapy.The study by Chu et al demonstrates the great challenges that the advanced hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)poses to surgical oncology,reveals the complexity of conversion therapy for unresectable HCC,emphasizes the important role of a multidisciplinary management model in conversion therapy,and enriches our understanding of the dynamics of personalized treatment for different patients.At present,conversion therapy is a hot research topic in the treatment of unresectable HCC,which has brought new hope to many patients with moderately advanced HCC.However,there are still many urgent problems to be solved in conversion therapy.Here,we would like to further discuss the advances and challenges of conversion therapy for unresectable HCC with the authors and the general readers.

Enhanced Precision Therapy of Multiple Myeloma Through Engineered Biomimetic Nanoparticles with Dual Targeting

Multiple myeloma(MM)is the second most prevalent hematological malignancy.Current MM treatment strategies are hampered by systemic toxicity and suboptimal therapeutic efficacy.This study addressed these limitations through the development of a potent MM-targeting chemotherapy strategy,which capitalized on the high binding affinity of alendronate for hydroxyapatite in the bone matrix and the homologous targeting of myeloma cell membranes,termed T-PB@M.The results from our investigations highlight the considerable bone affinity of T-PB@M,both in vitro and in vivo.Additionally,this material demonstrated a capability for drug release triggered by low pH conditions.Moreover,T-PB@M induced the generation of reactive oxygen species and triggered cell apoptosis through the poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase 1(PARP1)-Caspase-3-B-cell lymphoma-2(Bcl-2)pathway in MM cells.Notably,T-PB@M preferentially targeted bone-involved sites,thereby circumventing systemic toxic side effects and leading to prolonged survival of MM orthotopic mice.Therefore,this designed target-MM nanocarrier presents a promising and potentially effective platform for the precise treatment of MM.

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the ability of dental pulp stem cells to ameliorate atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E-knockout mice

BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis(AS),a chronic inflammatory disease of blood vessels,is a major contributor to cardiovascular disease.Dental pulp stem cells(DPSCs)are capable of exerting immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects by secreting cytokines and exosomes and are widely used to treat autoimmune and inflam-mation-related diseases.Hepatocyte growth factor(HGF)is a pleiotropic cytokine that plays a key role in many inflammatory and autoimmune diseases.AIM To modify DPSCs with HGF(DPSC-HGF)and evaluate the therapeutic effect of DPSC-HGF on AS using an apolipoprotein E-knockout(ApoE-/-)mouse model and an in vitro cellular model.METHODS ApoE-/-mice were fed with a high-fat diet(HFD)for 12 wk and injected with DPSC-HGF or Ad-Null modified DPSCs(DPSC-Null)through tail vein at weeks 4,7,and 11,respectively,and the therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms were analyzed by histopathology,flow cytometry,lipid and glucose measurements,real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction(RT-PCR),and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at the different time points of the experiment.An in vitro inflammatory cell model was established by using RAW264.7 cells and human aortic endothelial cells(HAOECs),and indirect co-cultured with supernatant of DPSC-Null(DPSC-Null-CM)or DPSC-HGF-CM,and the effect and mechanisms were analyzed by flow cytometry,RT-PCR and western blot.Nuclear factor-κB(NF-κB)activators and inhibitors were also used to validate the related signaling pathways.RESULTS DPSC-Null and DPSC-HGF treatments decreased the area of atherosclerotic plaques and reduced the expression of inflammatory factors,and the percentage of macrophages in the aorta,and DPSC-HGF treatment had more pronounced effects.DPSCs treatment had no effect on serum lipoprotein levels.The FACS results showed that DPSCs treatment reduced the percentages of monocytes,neutrophils,and M1 macrophages in the peripheral blood and spleen.DPSC-Null-CM and DPSC-HGF-CM reduced adhesion molecule expression in tumor necrosis factor-αstimulated HAOECs and regulated M1 polarization and inflammatory factor expression in lipopolysaccharide-induced RAW264.7 cells by inhibiting the NF-κB signaling pathway.CONCLUSION This study suggested that DPSC-HGF could more effectively ameliorate AS in ApoE-/-mice on a HFD,and could be of greater value in stem cell-based treatments for AS.

Ocular surface in patients with different degrees of myopia

AIM:To investigate the clinical features of the ocular surface in patients with different degrees of myopia.METHODS:A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 122 participants with myopia in Beijing Tongren Hospital from February to June,2023.After completing the Ocular Surface Disease Index(OSDI)score scale,measurements were taken for refraction,biometric parameters and ocular surface parameters.The prevalence,severity and related parameters of the dry eye among different groups based on axial length(AL)were compared.Correlation analysis was performed between ocular surface parameters and refraction/biometric measurement parameters.RESULTS:Statistically significant differences were observed in refractive error,corneal thickness,anterior chamber depth,and subfoveal choroidal thickness among the groups(all P<0.05).With the increase in AL,the incidence and severity of dry eye increased significantly(P<0.05).Moreover,the tear film break-up time(BUT)shortened(P<0.05),and the corneal fluorescein staining(CFS)points increased significantly(P<0.05).OSDI scores were positively correlated with AL and spherical equivalent(SE;both P<0.05);BUT was negatively correlated with AL,SE,and corneal astigmatism(AST;all P<0.05);Schirmer I test(SIT)results were negatively correlated with AL and SE(both P<0.05).CONCLUSION:AL elongation is a risk factor for dry eye onset in myopic participants.The longer the AL,the more severe the dry eye is,with the increased CFS spots and tear film instability.Additionally,SE and AST exhibit negative correlations with dry eye symptom scores and ocular surface parameters.

Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma:Transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib in combination with programmed death-1 inhibition is a possible approach

In this editorial,we review the article“Efficacy and predictive factors of transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib plus programmed cell death protein-1 inhibition for unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma”.We specifically focused on whether transarterial chemoembolization combined with lenvatinib in combination with a programmed death 1 inhibitor could be used in patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma.Since both transarterial chemoembolization as well as lenvatinib in combination with programmed death 1 inhibitors play an important role in the treatment of advanced liver cancer,but the combination of all three therapeutic approaches needs more research.

Magnetic resonance imaging-based radiomics model for preoperative assessment of risk stratification in endometrial cancer

BACKGROUND Preoperative risk stratification is significant for the management of endometrial cancer(EC)patients.Radiomics based on magnetic resonance imaging(MRI)in combination with clinical features may be useful to predict the risk grade of EC.AIM To construct machine learning models to predict preoperative risk stratification of patients with EC based on radiomics features extracted from MRI.METHODS The study comprised 112 EC patients.The participants were randomly separated into training and validation groups with a 7:3 ratio.Logistic regression analysis was applied to uncover independent clinical predictors.These predictors were then used to create a clinical nomogram.Extracted radiomics features from the T2-weighted imaging and diffusion weighted imaging sequences of MRI images,the Mann-Whitney U test,Pearson test,and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis were employed to evaluate the relevant radiomic features,which were subsequently utilized to generate a radiomic signature.Seven machine learning strategies were used to construct radiomic models that relied on the screening features.The logistic regression method was used to construct a composite nomogram that incorporated both the radiomic signature and clinical independent risk indicators.RESULTS Having an accuracy of 0.82 along with an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.915[95%confidence interval(CI):0.806-0.986],the random forest method trained on radiomics characteristics performed better than expected.The predictive accuracy of radiomics prediction models surpassed that of both the clinical nomogram(AUC:0.75,95%CI:0.611-0.899)and the combined nomogram(AUC:0.869,95%CI:0.702-0.986)that integrated clinical parameters and radiomic signature.CONCLUSION The MRI-based radiomics model may be an effective tool for preoperative risk grade prediction in EC patients.

Extracorporeal shock wave therapy in treating ischial non-union following Bernese periacetabular osteotomy:A case report

BACKGROUND Extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)is increasingly being recognized as an advantageous alternative for treating non-union due to its efficacy and minimal associated complications.Non-union following Bernese periacetabular osteotomy(PAO)is particularly challenging,with a reported 55%delayed union and 8%non-union.Herein,we highlight a unique case of ischial non-union post-PAO treated successfully with a structured ESWT regimen.CASE SUMMARY A 50-year-old patient,diagnosed with left ischial non-union following the PAO,underwent six cycles of ESWT treatment across ten months.Each cycle,spaced four weeks apart,consisted of five consecutive ESWT sessions without anesthesia.Regular X-ray follow-ups showed progressive disappearance of the fracture line and fracture union.The patient ultimately achieved a satisfactory asymptomatic recovery and bone union.CONCLUSION The results from this case suggest that this ESWT regimen can be a promising non-invasive treatment strategy for non-union following PAO.

Correlation between age of onset and gastrointestinal stenosis in hospitalized patients with Crohn's disease

BACKGROUND Patients affected by Crohn's disease(CD)are more likely to develop gastrointestinal stenosis and often undergo surgery during the duration of disease.AIM To identify the risk factors for gastrointestinal stenosis in hospitalized CD patients in China.METHODS The clinical data of CD patients hospitalized at the Seventh Medical Center,Chinese People's Liberation Army General Hospital from January 2010 to December 2018 were included.Patients with gastrointestinal stenosis were compared to those without gastrointestinal stenosis for clinical variables.The risk factors for gastrointestinal stenosis were identified using univariate and multivariable logistic regression analyses.The treatments for patients with gastrointestinal stenosis were analyzed,and the characteristics of different treatment methods were discussed.RESULTS The incidence of gastrointestinal stenosis was 59.02%in the 122 hospitalized CD patients.Age of onset of more than 40 years(odds ratio[OR]=3.072,95%confidence interval[CI]:1.298-7.272,P=0.009)and duration of disease of more than 5 years(OR=2.101,95%CI:1.002-4.406,P=0.048)were associated with the occurrence of gastrointestinal stenosis.Fifteen(20.83%)patients did not undergo surgery and received internal medicine and nutrition treatment.Surgical treatments were performed in 72.22%(52)of cases.The rate of postoperative complications was 15.38%(8 cases),and during a median follow-up period of 46 mo,11.54%(6 cases)underwent reoperation.A total of 29.17%(21 cases)were treated with endoscopic therapy,and during a median follow-up period of 32 mo,76.19%(16 cases)had no surgical event,23.81%(5 cases)failed to avoid surgical treatments,and no serious postoperative complications occurred after endoscopic therapy.CONCLUSION Age of onset of more than 40 years and duration of disease of more than 5 years may be strongly correlated with a higher risk of gastrointestinal stenosis in hospitalized CD patients.Endoscopic therapy for gastrointestinal stenosis is relatively safe and effective,and may help to prevent or delay surgery.

Changes in pulse pressure × heart rate, hs-CRP, and arterial stiffness progression in the Chinese general population: a cohort study involving 3978 employees of the Kailuan Company

Background Pulse wave velocity(PWV) is a marker of arterial stiffness, which represents sub-clinical atherosclerosis. Pulsatile stress and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein(hs-CRP) are associated with arteriosclerosis. However, there is no prospective data confirming whether changes in pulsatile stress and inflammatory markers affect the progression of arterial stiffness. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships over time between the effects of changes in pulsatile stress and hs-CRP, and arterial stiffness progression during a 2-year follow-up. Methods We performed a longitudinal study involving 3978 participants. All participants underwent a physical examination in 2010–2011 and 2012–2013, during which we measured participants’ hs-CRP levels, brachial–ankle pulse wave velocity(ba PWV), and pulsatile stress. Results Baseline hs-CRP was correlated with ba PWV(r = 0.18, P = 0.000);however the correlation was weaker than that with systolic blood pressure(r = 0.65), pulsatile stress(r = 0.57), and rate-pressure product(r = 0.58). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that changes in pulsatile stress, mean arterial pressure, and low-density lipoprotein-C(LDL-C) were positively correlated with changes in ba PWV, with correlation coefficients of 0.27, 0.25, and 0.07, respectively, but not with changes in hs-CRP. Moreover, each 100-a U increase in pulsatile stress, 1 mm Hg increase in mean blood pressure, and 1 mmol/L increase in LDL-C was associated with a 3 cm/s, 4.78 cm/s, and 17.37 cm/s increase in ba PWV, respectively. Conclusions Pulsatile stress increases are associated with arterial stiffness progression, but that changes in hs-CRP had no effect on arterial stiffness progression. Hs-CRP may simply be a marker of inflammation in arterial stiffness and has no association with arterial stiffness progression.

Clinical Application of Double Ovulation Stimulation in Patients with Diminished Ovarian Reserve and Asynchronous Follicular Development Undergoing Assisted Reproduction Technology

Objective This study aimed to compare the clinical effects of double ovulation stimulation(DouStim)applied during the follicular and luteal phases with the antagonist protocol in patients with diminished ovarian reserve(DOR)and asynchronous follicular development undergoing assisted reproductive technology(ART).Methods The clinical data of patients with DOR and asynchronous follicular development receiving ART from January 2020 to December 2021 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into two groups according to their ovulation stimulation protocol:DouStim group(n=30)and antagonist group(n=62).Assisted reproduction and clinical pregnancy outcomes were compared between the two groups.Results In the DouStim group,the number of oocytes retrieved,metaphase II(MII)oocytes,two-pronuclei(2PN),day 3(D3)embryos,D3 high-quality embryos as well as blastocyst formation,implantation,and human chorionic gonadotropin-positive rates were significantly greater than those in the antagonist group(all P<0.05).No significant differences were found in MII,fertilization,or continued pregnancy rates at the first frozen embryo transfer(FET),in-vitro fertilization(IVF)cancellation,or early medical abortion rates between the groups(all P>0.05).Except for the early medical abortion rate,the DouStim group generally had favorable outcomes.In the DouStim group,the dosage and duration of gonadotropin and the fertilization rate were significantly greater in the first ovulation stimulation induction than in the second ovulation stimulation induction(P<0.05).Conclusion The DouStim protocol efficiently and economically obtained more mature oocytes and high-quality embryos for patients with DOR and asynchronous follicular development.

Effects of individual shock wave therapy vs celecoxib on hip pain caused by femoral head necrosis

BACKGROUND Celecoxib has been used to treat hip discomfort and functional difficulties associated with osteonecrosis of the femoral head(ONFH),although significant adverse reactions often follow long-term use.Extracorporeal shock wave therapy(ESWT)can delay the progression of ONFH,alleviate the pain and functional limitations it causes,and avoid the adverse effects of celecoxib.AIM To investigate the effects of individual ESWT,a treatment alternative to the use of celecoxib,in alleviating pain and dysfunction caused by ONFH.METHODS This was a randomized,controlled,double-blinded,non-inferiority trial.We examined 80 patients for eligibility in this study;8 patients were excluded based on inclusion and exclusion criteria.A total of 72 subjects with ONFH were randomly assigned to group A(n=36;celecoxib+alendronate+sham-placebo shock wave)or group B(n=36;individual focused shock wave[ESWT based on magnetic resonance imaging three-dimensional(MRI-3D)reconstruction]+alendronate).The outcomes were assessed at baseline,at the end of treatment,and at an 8-wk follow-up.The primary outcome measure was treatment efficiency after 2 wk of intervention using the Harris hip score(HHS)(improvement of 10 points or more from the baseline was deemed sufficient).Secondary outcome measures were post-treatment HHS,visual analog scale(VAS),and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index(WOMAC)scores.RESULTS After treatment,the pain treatment efficiency of group B was greater than that of group A(69%vs 51%;95%CI:4.56%to 40.56%),with non-inferiority thresholds of-4.56%and-10%,respectively.Furthermore,the HHS,WOMAC,and VAS scores in group B dramatically improved during the follow-up period as compared to those in group A(P<0.001).After therapy,the VAS and WOMAC in group A were significantly improved from the 2nd to 8th wk(P<0.001),although HHS was only significantly altered at the 2 wk point(P<0.001).On the 1st d and 2nd wk after treatment,HHS and VAS scores were different between groups,with the difference in HHS lasting until week 4.Neither group had severe complications such as skin ulcer infection or lower limb motorsensory disturbance.CONCLUSION Individual shock wave therapy(ESWT)based on MRI-3D reconstruction was not inferior to celecoxib in managing hip pain and restrictions associated with ONFH.

Relationship of Microvascular Obstruction with Global and Regional Myocardial Function Determined by Cardiac Magnetic Resonance after ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

Objective To investigate the impact of microvascular obstruction(MVO)on the global and regional myocardial function by cardiac magnetic resonance feature-tracking(CMR-FT)in ST-segment-elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI)patients after percutaneous coronary intervention.Methods Consecutive acute STEMI patients who underwent cardiac magnetic resonance imaging 1-7 days after successful reperfusion by percutaneous coronary intervention treatment were included in this retrospective study.Based on the presence or absence of MVO on late gadolinium enhancement images,patients were divided into groups with MVO and without MVO.The infarct zone,adjacent zone,and remote zone were determined based on a myocardial 16-segment model.The radial strain(RS),circumferential strain(CS),and longitudinal strain(LS)of the global left ventricle(LV)and the infarct,adjacent,and remote zones were measured by CMRFT from cine images and compared between patients with and without MVO using independent-samples t-test.Logistic regression analysis was used to assess the association of MVO with the impaired LV function.Results A total of 157 STEMI patients(mean age 56.66±11.38 years)were enrolled.MVO was detected in 37.58%(59/157)of STEMI patients,and the mean size of MVO was 3.00±3.76 mL.Compared with patients without MVO(n=98),the MVO group had significantly reduced LV global RS(t=-4.30,P<0.001),global CS(t=4.99,P<0.001),and global LS(t=3.51,P=0.001).The RS and CS of the infarct zone in patients with MVO were significantly reduced(t=-3.38,P=0.001;t=2.64,P=0.01;respectively)and the infarct size was significantly larger(t=8.37,P<0.001)than that of patients without MVO.The presence of LV MVO[OR=4.10,95%CI:2.05-8.19,P<0.001]and its size[OR=1.38,95%CI:1.10-1.72,P=0.01],along with the heart rate and LV infarct size were significantly associated with impaired LV global CS in univariable Logistic regression analysis,while only heart rate(OR=1.08,95%CI:1.03-1.13,P=0.001)and LV infarct size(OR=1.10,95%CI:1.03-1.16,P=0.003)were independent influencing factors for the impaired LV global CS in multivariable Logistic regression analysis.Conclusion The infarct size was larger in STEMI patients with MVO,and MVO deteriorates the global and regional LV myocardial function.

Large animal models of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury:Where are we now?

Large animal models of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion are critical for evaluation of the efficacy of cardioprotective interventions prior to clinical translation.Nonetheless,current cardioprotective strategies/interventions formulated in preclinical cardiovascular research are often limited to small animal models,which are not transferable or reproducible in large animal models due to different factors such as:(i)complex and varied features of human ischemic cardiac disease(ICD),which are challenging to mimic in animal models,(ii)significant differences in surgical techniques applied,and(iii)differences in cardiovascular anatomy and physiology between small versus large animals.This article highlights the advantages and disadvantages of different large animal models of preclinical cardiac ischemic reperfusion injury(IRI),as well as the different methods used to induce and assess IRI,and the obstacles faced in using large animals for translational research in the settings of cardiac IR.

Testicular pain originating from lumbar disc degeneration:A case report

BACKGROUND Testicular pain caused by lumbar disease is uncommon in the clinic.Here we reported a case of discogenic low back pain with testicular pain that was successfully cured.CASE SUMMARY A 23-year-old male patient presented to our department with chronic low back pain.Based on his clinical symptoms,signs and imaging,he was diagnosed with discogenic low back pain.Since conservative treatment for more than half a year did not significantly improve his low back pain,we decided to treat it with intradiscal methylene blue injection.During the course of surgery,we again identified the low back pain as originating from the degenerated lumbar disc by analgesic discography.Interestingly,the patient’s low back pain disappeared along with the testicular pain that had been present for more than 3 mo.After the operation,the patient’s low back pain improved,and the testicular pain did not reappear.CONCLUSION Intradiscal methylene blue injection is a convenient and effective surgical intervention for the treatment of discogenic low back pain.Lumbar disc degeneration may also be a possible clinical cause of testicular pain.Methylene blue injection in the diseased disc improved the low back pain,and the accom-panying testicular pain was successfully managed.

Multidisciplinary discussion and management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases: A single center study in China

BACKGROUND The multidisciplinary team(MDT)has been carried out in many large hospitals now.However,given the costs of time and money and with little strong evidence of MDT effectiveness being reported,critiques of MDTs persist.AIM To evaluate the effects of MDTs on patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases and share our opinion on management of synchronous colorectal liver metastases.METHODS In this study we collected clinical data of patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases from February 2014 to February 2017 in the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital and subsequently divided them into an MDT+group and an MDT-group.In total,93 patients in MDT+group and 169 patients in MDT-group were included totally.RESULTS Statistical increases in the rate of chest computed tomography examination(P=0.001),abdomen magnetic resonance imaging examination(P=0.000),and preoperative image staging(P=0.0000)were observed in patients in MDT+group.Additionally,the proportion of patients receiving chemotherapy(P=0.019)and curative resection(P=0.042)was also higher in MDT+group.Multivariable analysis showed that the population of patients assessed by MDT meetings had higher 1-year[hazard ratio(HR)=0.608,95%confidence interval(CI):0.398-0.931,P=0.022]and 5-year(HR=0.694,95%CI:0.515-0.937,P=0.017)overall survival.CONCLUSION These results proved that MDT management did bring patients with synchronous colorectal liver metastases more opportunities for comprehensive examination and treatment,resulting in better outcomes.

Short-term efficacy assessment of transarterial chemoembolization combined with radioactive iodine therapy in primary hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND Transarterial chemoembolization(TACE)is an effective treatment for primary hepatocellular carcinoma(PHC).Radioactive iodine therapy has been used in the treatment of advanced PHC,especially in patients with portal vein tumor thrombosis.However,data on the therapeutic effect of TACE combined with radioactive iodine therapy in PHC are scarce.AIM To investigate the clinical efficacy of TACE combined with radioactive iodine implantation therapy in advanced PHC via perfusion computed tomography(CT).METHODS For this study,98 advanced PHC patients were recruited and divided randomly into the study and control groups.Patients in the study group were treated with TACE combined radioactive iodine implantation therapy.Patients in the control group were treated with only TACE.The tumor lesion length,clinical effect,serum alpha-fetoprotein(AFP)and CT perfusion parameters were compared before and after therapy,and statistical analysis was performed.RESULTS There was no significant difference in tumor length and serum AFP between the study and control groups(P>0.05)before treatment.However,the tumor length and serum AFP in the study group were lower than those in the control group 1 mo and 3 mo after therapy.After 3 mo of treatment,the complete and partial remission rate of the study group was 93.88%,which was significantly higher than the control group(77.55%)(P<0.05).Before treatment,there were no significant differences between the two groups on the perfusion CT variables,including the lesion blood volume,permeability surface,blood flow,hepatic artery flow and mean transit time(P>0.05).After 3 mo of treatment,all perfusion CT variables were lower in the study group compared to the control group(P<0.05).The survival time of patients in the study group was 22 mo compared to 18 mo in the control group,which was significantly different[log rank(Mantel-Cox)=4.318,P=0.038].CONCLUSION TACE combined with radioactive iodine implantation in the treatment of advanced PHC can inhibit the formation of blood vessels in tumor tissue and reduce the perfusion level of tumor lesions,thereby improving the clinical efficacy and prolonging the survival time of patients.

Resveratrol Prevents Vibrio vulnificus-Induced Sepsis by Attenuating Necroptosis

Objective This study investigated how the natural phytophenol and potent SIRT1 activator resveratrol(RSV)regulate necroptosis during Vibrio vulnificus(V.vulnificus)-induced sepsis and the potential mechanism.Methods The effect of RSV on V.vulnificus cytolysin(VVC)-induced necroptosis was analyzed in vitro using CCK-8 and Western blot assays.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction,western blot,and immunohistochemistry and survival analyses were performed to elucidate the effect and mechanism of RSV on necroptosis in a V.vulnificus-induced sepsis mouse model.Results RSV relieved necroptosis induced by VVC in RAW264.7 and MLE12 cells.RSV also inhibited the inflammatory response,had a protective effect on histopathological changes,and reduced the expression level of the necroptosis indicator pMLKL in peritoneal macrophages,lung,spleen,and liver tissues of V.vulnificus-induced septic mice in vivo.Pretreatment with RSV downregulated the mRNA of the necroptosis indicator and protein expression in peritoneal macrophages and tissues of V.vulnificusinduced septic mice.RSV also improved the survival of V.vulnificus-induced septic mice.Conclusion Our findings collectively demonstrate that RSV prevented V.vulnificus-induced sepsis by attenuating necroptosis,highlighting its potency in the clinical management of V.vulnificus-induced sepsis.

Analysis of differentially expressed genes in Verruca vulgaris vs.adjacent normal skin by RNA-sequencing

Introduction:Verruca vulgaris is one of the most common low-risk HPV infections and is characterized by excessive proliferation of keratinocytes.Currently,very little genetic information is available regarding verruca vulgaris in the Chinese population.This study aimed to obtain comprehensive transcript information of verruca vulgaris by RNA sequencing.Methods:High-throughput sequencing was performed on three fresh verruca vulgaris samples and adjacent normal skin on the Illumina sequencing platform.The transcriptomes were analyzed using bioinformatics and the differentially expressed genes(DEGs)were verified by immunohistochemistry.Verruca vulgaris exhibited a unique molecular signature.Results:In total,1,643 DEGs were identified in verruca vulgaris compared to normal skin.The functions of the DEGs were studies by Gene Ontology(GO)enrichment,Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG)pathway analysis,DEGs Reactome analysis,disease annotation function,and STRING protein-protein interaction(PPI)network analysis.The results revealed 595 GO terms associated with the cell cycle,signal transduction,immune system,signaling molecules,and interaction.The Reactome analysis revealed enrichment in reversible hydration of carbon dioxide and BMP signaling,while the disease annotation function revealed that the enriched DEGs are involved in keratosis disorders.The STRING PPI network showed that the edges with the highest density mainly included the 2′-5′oligoadenylate synthase(OAS)family-related proteins.Furthermore,the M-code analysis found ISG15,IRF7,and OASL were scored as significant modules and their high expression compared to the control was verified by immunohistochemistry.Conclusion:These findings contribute to the genetic information of verruca vulgaris in the Chinese population,revealing that interferon-stimulated genes may play essential roles in verruca vulgaris.

Outcome of reconstructive surgery for patients with urogenital tuberculosis

Dear Editor,Urogenital tuberculosis(UGTB)is the second most common type of extra-pulmonary tuberculosis(TB)and is defined as tuberculous infectious inflammation of urogenital system organs.Currently,the modern therapeutic approach to UGTB has shifted focus from saving lives to saving functional kidney units,which implies that surgical intervention should be considered for kidneys with structural damage.