Impact of baseline steroids on the efficacy of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma.

BACKGROUND: Immunochemotherapy involving the combination of programmed cell death 1/programmed cell death ligand 1 inhibitors with chemotherapy has advanced the treatment of locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). The use of corticosteroids as pretreatment might reduce immunotherapy efficacy. AIM: To investigate the impact of baseline corticosteroid use on neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (nIC) outcomes in locally advanced ESCC patients. METHODS: Patients with locally advanced ESCC who received nIC at Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University were included. Patients were divided into dexamethasone and antihistamine groups on the basis of the administered pretreatment. Antiallergic efficacy and safety were evaluated, as well as its impact on short-term efficacy [complete pathological response (pCR), major pathological response (MPR)] and long-term efficacy [overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS)] of nIC. RESULTS: From September 2019 to September 2023, 142 patients were analyzed. No severe treatment-related adverse events or deaths were observed. Allergy occurrence was greater in the antihistamine group (P = 0.014). Short-term efficacy was not significantly different: The pCR rates were 29.9% and 40.0%, and the MPR rates were 57.9% and 65.7% in the dexamethasone and antihistamine groups, respectively. The long-term efficacy was not significantly different: The 2 years OS rates were 95.2% and 93.5%, and the 2 years PFS rates were 90.3% and 87.8%. Subgroup analysis revealed no difference in OS between the 20 mg dexamethasone group and the < 20 mg dexamethasone group, but PFS was significantly greater in the 20 mg dexamethasone group (93.9% vs 56.4%, P = 0.001). CONCLUSION: Dexamethasone or antihistamines can be used before nIC in locally advanced ESCC without affecting short- or long-term efficacy. Administering 20 mg dexamethasone before nIC may improve PFS in ESCC.

SesamumGDB: a comprehensive platform for Sesamum genetics and genomics analysis.

Sesame (Sesamum indicum L., 2n = 26) is a crucial oilseed crop cultivated worldwide. The ancient evolutionary position of the Sesamum genus highlights its value for genomics and molecular genetics research among the angiosperms of other genera. However, Sesamum is considered a small orphan genus with only a few genomic databases for cultivated sesame to date. The urgent need to construct comprehensive, curated genome databases that include genus-specific gene resources for both cultivated and wild Sesamum species is being recognized. In response, we developed Sesamum Genomics Database (SesamumGDB), a user-friendly genomic database that integrates extensive genomic resources from two cultivated sesame varieties (S. indicum) and seven wild Sesamum species, covering all three chromosome groups (2n = 26, 32, and 64). This database showcases a total of 352 471 genes, including 6026 related to lipid metabolism and 17 625 transcription factors within Sesamum. Equipped with an array of bioinformatics tools such as BLAST (basic local alignment search tool) and JBrowse (the Javascript browser), SesamumGDB facilitates data downloading, screening, visualization, and analysis. As the first centralized Sesamum genome database, SesamumGDB offers extensive insights into the genomics and genetics of sesame, potentially enhancing the molecular breeding of sesame and other oilseed crops in the future. Database URL: http://www.sgbdb.com/sgdb/.

Physiological and Proteomic Analysis of Various Priming on Rice Seed under Chilling Stress.

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) cultivation using direct seeding is susceptible to chilling stress, particularly during seed germination and early seedling growth in the early season of a double cropping system. Alternatively, seed priming with various plant growth-promoting hormones is an effective technique to promote rapid and uniform emergence under chilling stress. Therefore, we evaluated the impact of gibberellin A3 (GA3) and brassinolide (BR) priming on rice seed emergence, examining their proteomic responses under low-temperature conditions. Results indicated that GA3 and BR increased the seed germination rate by 22.67% and 7.33% at 72 h and 35% and 15% at 96 h compared to the control (CK), respectively. Furthermore, proteomic analysis identified 2551, 2614, and 2592 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) in GA, BR, and CK, respectively. Among them, GA exhibited 84 upregulated and 260 downregulated DEPs, while BR showed 112 upregulated and 102 downregulated DEPs, and CK had 123 upregulated and 81 downregulated DEPs. Notably, under chilling stress, both GA3 and BR are involved in peroxide metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and inositol phosphate metabolism, enhancing antioxidant capacity and providing energy substances for germination. In addition, GA3 triggers the specific regulation of stress responsive protein activation, GTP activation, and ascorbic acid biosynthesis and promotes the stability and integrity of cell membranes, as well as the synthesis of cell walls, providing physical defense for seeds to resist low temperatures. At the same time, BR triggers specific involvement in ribosome synthesis and amino acid synthesis, promoting biosynthetic ability and metabolic regulation to maintain plant life activities under low-temperature stress. Furthermore, the various genes' expression (OsJ_16716, OsPAL1, RINO1) confirmed GA3 and BR involved in peroxide metabolism, phenylpropanoid biosynthesis, and inositol phosphate metabolism, enhancing antioxidant capacity and providing energy substances for germination. This study provides valuable insights into how rice seed embryo responds to and tolerates chilling stress with GA3 seed priming.

Hydrogen Sulfide Promotes Platelet Autophagy via PDGFR-α/PI3K/Akt Signaling in Cirrhotic Thrombocytopenia.

Background and Aims: The role of platelet autophagy in cirrhotic thrombocytopenia (CTP) remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the impact of platelet autophagy in CTP and elucidate the regulatory mechanism of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) on platelet autophagy. Methods: Platelets from 56 cirrhotic patients and 56 healthy individuals were isolated for in vitro analyses. Autophagy markers (ATG7, BECN1, LC3, and SQSTM1) were quantified using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, while autophagosomes were visualized through electron microscopy. Western blotting was used to assess the autophagy-related proteins and the PDGFR/PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway following treatment with NaHS (an H2S donor), hydroxocobalamin (an H2S scavenger), or AG 1295 (a selective PDGFR-α inhibitor). A carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhotic BALB/c mouse model was established. Cirrhotic mice with thrombocytopenia were randomly treated with normal saline, NaHS, or hydroxocobalamin for 15 days. Changes in platelet count and aggregation rate were observed every three days. Results: Cirrhotic patients with thrombocytopenia exhibited significantly decreased platelet autophagy markers and endogenous H2S levels, alongside increased platelet aggregation, compared to healthy controls. In vitro, NaHS treatment of platelets from severe CTP patients elevated LC3-II levels, reduced SQSTM1 levels, and decreased platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent manner. H2S treatment inhibited PDGFR, PI3K, Akt, and mTOR phosphorylation. In vivo, NaHS significantly increased LC3-II and decreased SQSTM1 expressions in platelets of cirrhotic mice, reducing platelet aggregation without affecting the platelet count. Conclusions: Diminished platelet autophagy potentially contributes to thrombocytopenia in cirrhotic patients. H2S modulates platelet autophagy and functions possibly via the PDGFR-α/PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Programmed Cell Death in Asthma: Apoptosis, Autophagy, Pyroptosis, Ferroptosis, and Necroptosis.

Bronchial asthma is a complex heterogeneous airway disease, which has emerged as a global health issue. A comprehensive understanding of the different molecular mechanisms of bronchial asthma may be an efficient means to improve its clinical efficacy in the future. Increasing research evidence indicates that some types of programmed cell death (PCD), including apoptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and necroptosis, contributed to asthma pathogenesis, and may become new targets for future asthma treatment. This review briefly discusses the molecular mechanism and signaling pathway of these forms of PCD focuses on summarizing their roles in the pathogenesis and treatment strategies of asthma and offers some efficient means to improve clinical efficacy of therapeutics for asthma in the near future.

Elevated BUN Upon Admission as a Predictor of in-Hospital Mortality Among Patients with Acute Exacerbation of COPD: A Secondary Analysis of Multicenter Cohort Study.

Background: High blood urea nitrogen (BUN) is observed in a subset of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD (AECOPD) and may be linked to clinical outcome, but findings from previous studies have been inconsistent. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of patients prospectively enrolled in the MAGNET AECOPD Registry study (ChiCTR2100044625). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) was used to determine the level of BUN that discriminated survivors and non-survivors. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of BUN on adverse outcomes. Results: Overall, 13,431 consecutive inpatients with AECOPD were included in this study, of whom 173 died, with the mortality of 1.29%. The non-survivors had higher levels of BUN compared with the survivors [9.5 (6.8-15.3) vs 5.6 (4.3-7.5) mmol/L, P < 0.001]. ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff of BUN level was 7.30 mmol/L for in-hospital mortality (AUC: 0.782; 95% CI: 0.748-0.816; P < 0.001). After multivariate analysis, BUN level ≥7.3 mmol/L was an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality (HR = 2.099; 95% CI: 1.378-3.197, P = 0.001), also for invasive mechanical ventilation (HR = 1.540; 95% CI: 1.199-1.977, P = 0.001) and intensive care unit admission (HR = 1.344; 95% CI: 1.117-1.617, P = 0.002). Other independent prognostic factors for in-hospital mortality including age, renal dysfunction, heart failure, diastolic blood pressure, pulse rate, PaCO2 and D-dimer. Conclusion: BUN is an independent risk factor for in-hospital mortality in inpatients with AECOPD and may be used to identify serious (or severe) patients and guide the management of AECOPD. Clinical Trial Registration: MAGNET AECOPD; Chinese Clinical Trail Registry NO.: ChiCTR2100044625; Registered March 2021, URL: http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=121626.

Retracted: MicroRNA-1179 regulates proliferation and chemosensitivity of human ovarian cancer cells by targeting the PTEN-mediated PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.5114/aoms.2019.86798.].

Effects of microwave ablation on serum Golgi protein 73 in patients with primary liver cancer.

BACKGROUND: Microwave ablation (MWA) is an effective treatment option for patients with primary liver cancer. However, it has been reported that the MWA procedure induces a hepatic inflammatory response and injury, which may negatively affect the efficacy of MWA. As such, the discovery of reliable markers to monitor the patient's response to MWA is needed. Golgi protein 73 (GP73) has been shown to be associated with chronic liver disease. To date, the potential value of serum GP73 in the dynamic monitoring during MWA of liver cancer remains unclear. AIM: To examine the effects of MWA on the serum levels of GP73 in patients with primary liver cancer. METHODS: A total of 150 primary liver cancer patients with a single small lesion (≤ 3 cm in diameter) were retrospectively enrolled spanning the period between January 2016 and October 2018. All of the patients received MWA for the treatment of primary liver cancer. Serum GP73, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and widely used liver biochemical indicators [serum albumin, total bilirubin (TBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)] were compared before MWA and at different time points, including 1, 2, and 4 wk following the ablation procedure. RESULTS: Complete tumor ablation was achieved in 95.33% of the patients at 1 mo after MWA. The 1-, 2-, and 3-year disease-free survival rates were 74.67%, 59.33%, and 54.00%, respectively. The serum AFP levels were significantly decreased at 1, 2, and 4 wk after MWA; they returned to the normal range at 12 wk after MWA; and they remained stable thereafter during follow-up in those cases without recurrence. In contrast, the serum GP73 levels were significantly increased at 1 and 2 wk after MWA. The serum GP73 levels reached the peak at 2 wk after MWA, started to decline after hepatoprotective treatment with glycyrrhizin and reduced glutathione, and returned to the pretreatment levels at 12 and 24 wk after MWA. Notably, the changes of serum GP73 in response to MWA were similar to those of TBIL, ALT, and AST. CONCLUSION: Serum GP73 is markedly increased in response to MWA of liver cancer. Thus, serum GP73 holds potential as a marker to monitor MWA-induced inflammatory liver injury in need of amelioration.

An Inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase Dimerization Inhibitor Prevents the Progression of Osteoarthritis.

Objective: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease. Excessive nitric oxide (NO) mediates the chondrocyte inflammatory response, apoptosis, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation during the occurrence and development of OA. NO in chondrocytes is mainly produced by inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). The aim of this study was to design and synthesize an iNOS dimerization inhibitor and evaluate its effects on chondrocyte inflammation and articular cartilage injury in OA via in vitro and in vivo experiments. Design: The title compound 22o was designed, synthesized, and screened based on a previous study. The effects of different concentrations (5, 10, and 20 µM) of compound 22o on chondrocyte inflammatory response and ECM anabolism or catabolism were evaluated by Western blot and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction using the rat chondrocyte model of IL-1ß-induced OA. Furthermore, different doses (40 and 80 mg/kg) of compound 22o were administered by gavage to a rat OA model induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection (ACLT), and their protective effects on the articular cartilage were evaluated by histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Results: Compound 22o showed effective iNOS inhibitory activity by inhibiting the dimerization of iNOS. It inhibited the IL-1ß-induced expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP3) in the chondrocytes, decreased NO production, and significantly increased the expression levels of the ECM anabolic markers, aggrecan (ACAN), and collagen type II (COL2A1). Gavage with compound 22o was found to be effective in the rat OA model induced by ACLT, wherein it regulated the anabolism and catabolism and exerted a protective effect on the articular cartilage. Conclusions: Compound 22o inhibited the inflammatory response and catabolism of the chondrocytes and reduced articular cartilage injury in the rat OA model, indicating its potential as a disease-modifying OA drug.

Transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt with radioactive seed strand for main portal vein tumor thrombosis with cirrhotic portal hypertension.

BACKGROUND: Patients with hepatocellular carcinoma complicated with main portal vein tumor thrombosis (mPVTT) and cirrhotic portal hypertension (CPH) have an extremely poor prognosis, and there is a lack of a clinically effective treatment paradigm. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) combined with radioactive seed strand for the treatment of mPVTT patients with CPH. METHODS: The clinical data of 83 consecutive patients who underwent TIPS combined with 125I seed strand placement for mPVTT and CPH from January 2015 to December 2018 were retrospectively reviewed. Procedure-related data (success rate, relief of portal vein pressure and CPH symptoms, and adverse events), PVTT response, and patient survival were assessed through a 2-year follow-up. RESULTS: The success rate was 100.0% without perioperative death or procedure-related severe adverse events. The mean portal vein pressure was significantly decreased after the procedure (22.25 ± 7.33 mmHg vs 35.12 ± 7.94 mmHg, t = 20.61, P < 0.001). The symptoms of CPH were all effectively relieved within 1 mo. The objective response rate of PVTT was 67.5%. During a mean follow-up of 14.5 ± 9.4 mo (range 1-37 mo), the cumulative survival rates at 6, 12 and 24 mo were 83.1%, 49.7%, and 21.8%, respectively. The median survival time was 12.0 ± 1.3 mo (95% confidence interval: 9.5-14.5). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, body mass index, Child-Pugh grade, cTNM stage, and PVTT response were independent prognostic factors (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: TIPS combined with radioactive seed strand might be effective and safe in treating mPVTT patients with CPH.

Effect of Occupational Extremely Low-Frequency Electromagnetic Field Exposure on the Thyroid Gland of Workers: A Prospective Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the biological effects of occupational extremely low-frequency electromagnetic field (ELF-EMF) exposure on the thyroid gland. METHODS: We conducted a prospective analysis of 85 workers (exposure group) exposed to an ELF-EMF (100 µT, 10-100 Hz) produced by the electromagnetic aircraft launch system and followed up on thyroid function indices, immunological indices, and color Doppler images for 3 years. Additionally, 116 healthy volunteers were randomly selected as controls (control group), the thyroid function of whom was compared to the exposure group. RESULTS: No significant difference was observed in thyroid function between the exposure and control groups. During the follow-up of the exposure group, the serum free triiodothyronine (FT3) level was found to slowly decrease and free thyroxine (FT4) level slowly increase with increasing exposure time. However, no significant difference was found in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) over the three years, and no significant difference was observed in the FT3, FT4 and TSH levels between different exposure subgroups. Furthermore, no significant changes were observed in thyroid autoantibody levels and ultrasound images between subgroups or over time. CONCLUSION: Long-term exposure to ELF-EMF may promote thyroid secretion of T4 and inhibit deiodination of T4 to T3. ELF-EMF has no significant effect on thyroid immune function and morphology.

[Research Progress on Enzyme-free Blood Glucose Sensor].

Blood glucose monitoring is of great significance to diabetic patients, and the development of rapid, accurate and real-time glucose detection technology has become a research hotspot nowadays. This study introduces the concept and classification of the enzyme-free glucose sensor, expounds enzymefree glucose sensor electrode characterization methods and the application progress of different materials in enzyme-free blood glucose sensors. Meanwhile, some problems of enzyme-free glucose sensor existing in the current research and its future application prospects also will be discussed.

Correlation of pressure gradient in three hepatic veins with portal pressure gradient.

BACKGROUND: The liver is one of the most important organs in the human body, with functions such as detoxification, digestion, and blood coagulation. In terms of vascular anatomy, the liver is divided into the left and the right liver by the main portal vein, and there are three hepatic efferent veins (right, middle, and left) and two portal branches. Patients with impaired liver function have increased intrahepatic vascular resistance and splanchnic vasodilation, which may lead to an increase in the portal pressure gradient (PPG) and cause portal hypertension (PHT). In order to measure the increased pressure gradient of portal vein, the hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG) can be measured to reflect it in clinical practice. The accuracy of PPG measurements is directly related to patient prognosis. AIM: To analyze the correlation between HVPG of three hepatic veins and PPG in patients with PHT. METHODS: From January 2017 to December 2019, 102 patients with PHT who met the inclusion criteria were evaluated during the transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt procedure and analyzed. RESULTS: The mean HVPG of the middle hepatic vein was 17.47 ± 10.25 mmHg, and the mean HVPG of the right and left hepatic veins was 16.34 ± 7.60 and 16.52 ± 8.15 mmHg, respectively. The average PPG was 26.03 ± 9.24 mmHg. The correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination of the right hepatic vein, middle hepatic vein, and left hepatic vein were 0.15 and 0.02 (P = 0.164); 0.25 and 0.05 (P = 0.013); and 0.14 and 0.02 (P = 0.013), respectively. The mean wedged hepatic vein/venous pressure (WHVP) of the middle and left hepatic veins was similar at 29.71 ± 12.48 and 29.1 ± 10.91 mmHg, respectively, and the mean WHVP of the right hepatic vein was slightly lower at 28.01 ± 8.95 mmHg. The mean portal vein pressure was 34.11 ± 8.56 mmHg. The correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination of the right hepatic vein, middle hepatic vein, and left hepatic vein were 0.26 and 0.07 (P = 0.009); 0.38 and 0.15 (P < 0.001); and 0.26 and 0.07 (P = 0.008), respectively. The average free hepatic venous pressure (FHVP) of the right hepatic vein was lowest at 11.67 ± 5.34 mmHg, and the average FHVP of the middle and left hepatic veins was slightly higher at 12.19 ± 4.88 and 11.67 ± 5.34 mmHg, respectively. The average inferior vena cava pressure was 8.27 ± 4.04 mmHg. The correlation coefficient and coefficient of determination of the right hepatic vein, middle hepatic vein, and left hepatic vein were 0.30 and 0.09 (P = 0.002); 0.18 and 0.03 (P = 0.078); and 0.16 and 0.03 (P = 0.111), respectively. CONCLUSION: Measurement of the middle hepatic vein HVPG could better represent PPG. Considering the high success rate of clinical measurement of the right hepatic vein, it can be the second choice.

The Research Progress of Exosomes in Osteoarthritis, With Particular Emphasis on the Therapeutic Effect.

Exosomes participate in many physiological and pathological processes by regulating cell-to-cell communication. This affects the etiology and development of diseases, such as osteoarthritis (OA). Although exosomes in the OA tissue microenvironment are involved in the progression of OA, exosomes derived from therapeutic cells represent a new therapeutic strategy for OA treatment. Recent studies have shown that exosomes participate in OA treatment by regulating the proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix synthesis of chondrocytes. However, studies in this field are scant. This review summarizes the therapeutic properties of exosomes on chondrocytes in OA and their underlying molecular mechanisms. We also discuss the challenges and prospects of exosome-based OA treatment.

Infectivity and antigenicity of pseudoviruses with high-frequency mutations of SARS-CoV-2 identified in Portugal.

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has had a major impact on global human health. During the spread of SARS-CoV-2, weakened host immunity and the use of vaccines with low efficacy may result in the development of more-virulent strains or strains with resistance to existing vaccines and antibodies. The prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 mutant strains differs between regions, and this variation may have an impact on the effectiveness of vaccines. In this study, an epidemiological investigation of SARS-CoV-2 in Portugal was performed, and the VSV-ΔG-G* pseudovirus system was used to construct 12 spike protein epidemic mutants, D614G, A222V+D614G, B.1.1.7, S477N+D614G, P1162R+D614G+A222V, D839Y+D614G, L176F+D614G, B.1.1.7+L216F, B.1.1.7+M740V, B.1.258, B.1.258+L1063F, and B.1.258+N751Y. The mutant pseudoviruses were used to infect four susceptible cell lines (Huh7, hACE2-293T-293T, Vero, and LLC-MK2) and 14 cell lines overexpressing ACE2 from different species. Mutant strains did not show increased infectivity or cross-species transmission. Neutralization activity against these pseudoviruses was evaluated using mouse serum and 11 monoclonal antibodies. The neutralizing activity of immunized mouse serum was not significantly reduced with the mutant strains, but the mutant strains from Portugal could evade nine of the 11 monoclonal antibodies tested. Neutralization resistance was mainly caused by the mutations S477N, N439K, and N501Y in the spike-receptor binding domain. These findings emphasize the importance of SARS-CoV-2 mutation tracking in different regions for epidemic prevention and control.

7,8-Dihydroxyflavone protects retinal ganglion cells against chronic intermittent hypoxia-induced oxidative stress damage via activation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway.

PURPOSE: Chronic intermittent hypoxia (CIH) plays a key role in the complications of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), which is strongly associated with retinal and optic nerve diseases. Additionally, the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) signaling pathway plays an important protective role in neuronal injury. In the present study, we investigated the role of 7,8-dihydroxyflavone (7,8-DHF) in regulating CIH-induced injury in mice retinas and rat primary retinal ganglion cells (RGCs). METHODS: C57BL/6 mice and in vitro primary RGCs were exposed to CIH or normoxia and treated with or without 7,8-DHF. The mice eyeballs or cultured cells were then taken for histochemistry, immunofluorescence or biochemistry, and the protein expression of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway analysis. RESULTS: Our results showed that CIH induced oxidative stress (OS) in in vivo and in vitro models and inhibited the conversion of BDNF precursor (pro-BDNF) to a mature form of BDNF, which increased neuronal cell apoptosis. 7,8-DHF reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by CIH and effectively activated TrkB signals and downstream protein kinase B (Akt) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (Erk) survival signaling pathways, which upregulated the expression of mature BDNF. ANA-12 (a TrkB specific inhibitor) blocked the protective effect of 7,8-DHF. CONCLUSION: In short, the activation of the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway alleviated CIH-induced oxidative stress damage of the optic nerve and retinal ganglion cells. 7,8-DHF may serve as a promising agent for OSA related neuropathy.

A chronic EBV infection causing persistent facial erythema multiforme and a retrospective literature review: A case report.

RATIONALE: Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) infection is associated with a variety of diseases and can involve multiple organs and systems, with complex and nonspecific clinical manifestations that are easily misdiagnosed. Chronic EBV infection with persistent erythema multiforme (EM) on the cheek as the main manifestation is very rare and has been reported rarely. PATIENT CONCERNS: This article reports a case of an adolescent female with chronic EBV infection who presented with chronic symmetrical erythema lesions on the face for 4 years, exacerbated with photophobia, lacrimation, Henoch-Schonlein purpura (HSP)-like rash, decline in granulocyte and erythrocyte lineages, hematuria, and proteinuria for 1 week. DIAGNOSES: The disease was initially misdiagnosed as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and later confirmed as chronic EBV infection by skin biopsy. In the case, EBV infection not only caused chronic facial EM, but also induced acute HSP and purpura nephritis (hematuria and proteinuria type). INTERVENTIONS: The child was treated with 1 week of glucocorticosteroids in adequate doses combined with acyclovir antiviral therapy and 3 sessions of hemoperfusion. After discharge, she took prednisone acetate (15 mg twice a day) orally for 1 month and then discontinued. OUTCOMES: She was discharged with her rash relieved and normal blood routine test and urine routine test. After 13 months of long-term follow-up, her facial erythema and hyperpigmentation became lighter, and there was no new rash on the whole body, and no abnormality in continuous monitoring of complete blood count and urine test. LESSONS: This case suggests the need to be alert for chronic EBV infection in adolescent females with chronic facial EM rash and multiple organs and systems injury, in addition to connective tissue diseases such as SLE.