Quantifying the natural growth rate of hepatocellular carcinoma: A real-world retrospective study in southwestern China.

BACKGROUND: In recent years, approximately half of the newly diagnosed cases and mortalities attributed to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have been reported in China. Despite the high incidence of HCC, there remains a paucity of data regarding the natural growth pattern and the determination of optimal surveillance intervals specific to the Chinese population. AIM: To quantify the natural tumor growth pattern of HCC in regional China. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was performed on patients from a single institution in Southwest China who had undergone two or more serial dynamic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging scans between 2014 and 2020, without having received any anti-cancer therapy. Tumor growth was assessed using tumor volume doubling time (TVDT) and tumor growth rate (TGR), with volumes measured manually by experienced radiologists. Simple univariate linear regression and descriptive analysis were applied to explore associations between growth rates and clinical factors. RESULTS: This study identifies the median TVDT for HCC as 163.4 d, interquartile range (IQR) 72.1 to 302.3 d, with a daily TGR of 0.42% (IQR 0.206%-0.97%). HCC growth patterns reveal that about one-third of tumors grow indolently with TVDT exceeding 270 d, another one-third of tumors exhibit rapid growth with TVDT under 90 d, and the remaining tumors show intermediate growth rates, with TVDT ranging between 3 to 9 months. CONCLUSION: The identified TGRs support biannual surveillance and follow-up for HCC patients in certain regions of China. Given the observed heterogeneity in HCC growth, further investigation is warranted.

A randomized controlled trial of standard vs customized graduated elastic compression stockings in patients with chronic venous disease.

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to compare the efficacy of customized graduated elastic compression stockings (c-GECSs) based on lower leg parameter models with standard GECSs (s-GECSs) in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD). METHODS: In this randomized, single-blind, controlled trial, 79 patients with stage C2 or C3 CVD were assigned to one of two groups: c-GECSs or s-GECSs. The primary outcome was change to Venous Insufficiency Epidemiological and Economic Study Quality of Life (VEINES-QOL) scores at months 1, 3, and 6 as compared with baseline. Secondary outcomes included compliance with wearing ECSs, interface pressure at the smallest circumference of the ankle (point B) and the largest circumference of the calf (point C), and calf volume (CV). RESULTS: There were 13 pairs of s-GECS and 2 pairs of c-GECS that showed pressure values higher than the standard at either point B or C. The c-GECSs were significantly superior to s-GECSs in terms of score improvement at all three time points (month 1, 8.47 [95% confidence interval (CI), 7.47-9.45] vs 5.89 [95% CI, 5.00-6.78]; month 3, 9.60 [95% CI, 8.47-10.72] vs 6.72 [95% CI, 5.62-7.83]; month 6, 7.09 [95% CI, 5.93-8.24] vs 3.92 [95% CI, 2.67-5.18]; P < .0001). Besides, at month 1, the mean daily use time of the c-GECS and s-GECS groups was 10.7 and 9.5 hours, respectively (P < .05). Correlation analysis indicated a negative relationship between local high pressure and daily duration in the s-GECS group (rpb = -0.388; n = 38; P < .05). Variances in pressure were greater in the s-GECSs group. The c-GECSs showed advantage in maintaining pressure. Both c-GECSs and s-GECSs effectively reduced CV (mL), with no significant differences between groups (month 1, 90.0 [95% CI, 71.4-108.5] vs 85.0 [95% CI, 65.6-104.2]; month 3, 93.8 [95% CI, 69.7-117.8] vs 85.9 [95% CI, 65.5-106.2]; month 6, 70.8 [95% CI, 46.5-95.2]) vs 60.8 [95% CI, 44.1-77.5]). CONCLUSIONS: The c-GECSs based on individual leg parameter models significantly improved VEINES-QOL scores and provided stable and enduring pressure as compared with s-GECSs for patients with stage C2 or C3 CVD. Although both c-GECSs and s-GECSs effectively reduced CV, the superior fit and comfort of c-GECSs improved patient compliance. Hence, c-GECSs are a viable alternative for patients who have difficulty tolerating s-GECSs.

Endovascular embolization of visceral artery aneurysm: a retrospective study.

To assess the safety and efficacy of endovascular embolization techniques, we compared the short- to medium-term prognosis of coil embolization for symptomatic visceral aneurysms (SVAA) and asymptomatic visceral aneurysms (ASVAA) to identify risk factors associated with 30-day mortality. Explore the symptom profile and intrinsic associations of SVAA. A retrospective study of 66 consecutive patients at two tertiary care hospitals from 2010 to 2020 compared the short- to mid-term outcomes of 22 symptomatic VAAs and 44 asymptomatic VAAs treated with coil embolization. Univariate and log-rank tests were used to analyze the prognostic impact of SVAA and ASVAA. SVAA group had significantly higher 30-day mortality than ASVAA group (2(9.1%) vs 0, P = 0.042), both patients who died had symptomatic pseudoaneurysms. Perioperative complications such as end-organ ischemia (P = 0.293) and reintervention (P = 1) were similar in both groups. No difference in event-free survival was identified between the two groups (P = 0.900), but we found that the majority of pseudoaneurysms were SVAA (4/5) and that they had a much higher event rate than true aneurysms. In addition, dyslipidemia may be an influential factor in the development of VAA (P = 0.010). Coil embolization is a safe and effective method of treatment for VAA. Most pseudoaneurysms have symptoms such as abdominal pain and bleeding, and in view of their risk, more attention should be paid to symptomatic patients and the nature of the aneurysm should be determined as soon as possible to determine the next stage of treatment.

Identification of the MALAT1/miR-106a-5p/ZNF148 feedback loop in regulating HaCaT cell proliferation, migration and apoptosis.

Aims: This study aims to investigate the function of positive feedback loops involving noncoding RNA in diabetic wound healing. Methods: We developed a mouse diabetic wound model to confirm that hyperglycemia can impair wound healing. We also used an in vitro keratinocyte model in high-glucose conditions to investigate the mechanism of delayed wound healing. Results: MALAT1 was decreased in diabetic mouse wound tissue and can promote keratinocyte biological functions. MALAT1 could bind to miR-106a-5p to modulate the expression of ZNF148, a target gene of miR-106a-5p. Surprisingly, ZNF148 bound to a region in the MALAT1 promoter to stimulate gene expression. Conclusion: ZNF148-activated MALAT1 increases ZNF148 expression by competitively binding miR-106a-3p, generating a positive feedback loop that enhances keratinocyte function.

Delayed wound repair is a leading cause of diabetic foot ulcers. However, the molecular mechanism underlying impaired wound healing in diabetes is unclear. In our study we found that a positive feedback loop consisting of MALAT1, miR-106a-5p and ZNF148 could promote chronic wound repair. In diabetic skin tissues, MALAT1 levels were lower, causing impairments in skin cell function. On a molecular level, MALAT1 can bind miR-106a-5p to increase ZNF148 levels. Surprisingly, ZNF148 can bind the promoter of MALAT1 to reverse the decline of MALAT1 levels in diabetic wounds. Our findings advance our understanding of chronic diabetic wounds and, more crucially, open new therapeutic possibilities for this disease.

Three-dimensional laser scanner as a new tool for measuring lower limb volume in patients with chronic venous diseases.

OBJECTIVE: Measurement of lower limb volume in patients with chronic venous disease (CVD) is necessary for assessing severity at the time of diagnosis and evaluating response to therapy administered. Existing methods have some limitations in clinical application and accuracy. The study aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of a three-dimensional laser scanner (3DLS) in measuring the lower limb volume of patients with CVD. METHODS: A total of 30 patients with CVD (mean age, 55.6 ± 8.07 years; mean body mass index, 24.61 ± 1.87) were recruited in a vascular surgery clinic. The lower limb volumes of all participants were measured using the 3DLS and circumferential method (CM). Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the 3DLS and CM. RESULTS: There was a strong correlation between the CM and 3DLS method (r2 = 0.9065). The 3DLS had a high intraoperator and interoperator reliability. A Bland-Altman plot showed satisfactory agreement between the two methods. The 3DLS demonstrated greater bilateral limb differences than CM. CONCLUSIONS: There was satisfactory agreement between the two investigated methods. The 3DLS method was confirmed to be accurate, repeatable, and rapid in measuring the lower limb volume in patients with CVD and is, therefore, suitable for clinical use.

A Study of Fiscal Expenditure Structure and Green Economic Growth Effects: A Sample from Asian Economies.

The structure of fiscal expenditure in China has been suffering from over-reliance on a single type, while synchronisation and coordination with economic growth are lacking. This paper studies and analyses fiscal expenditure and green from a theoretical perspective. There is a close link between the structure of fiscal expenditure and green economic growth, and a reasonable and appropriate selection and allocation is conducive to promoting the overall development level of China, while financial resources input is a key consideration in optimising the structure of fiscal expenditure. This paper proposes hypotheses and establishes a regression model after an in-depth study of fiscal expenditure in a provincial economy in Asia in the light of domestic and international literature. Through empirical analysis, a green GDP reflecting economic growth and environmental pollution is synthesised using the principle of output per unit of pollution, and the impact of fiscal expenditure structure on green economic growth in China is empirically tested.

From Entrepreneurship Education, Government Support, and Global Competence to Entrepreneurial Behavior: The Serial Double Mediating Effect of the Self-Efficacy and Entrepreneurial Intention.

Entrepreneurship plays a significant role in promoting the social and economic development of a country. At present, entrepreneurship education is widely carried out in universities and colleges in order to improve students' entrepreneurial ability, and then to provide support for the formation of a comprehensive entrepreneurial situation. As entrepreneurship education has gradually become a hot topic of teaching for innovation and entrepreneurship education of international students, studies on the influencing mechanism of entrepreneurship education of international students in relation to their entrepreneurial behavior are conducive to providing theoretical basis and empirical evidence for international students' entrepreneurship education, so as to pertinently guide international students' innovation and entrepreneurship practice. This study aims to explore the influence of entrepreneurship education, government support for entrepreneurship, global competence, entrepreneurial self-efficacy, and entrepreneurial intention on the entrepreneurial behavior of international students in the Republic of Korea ("Korea"). It summarized and drew on the results of the existing literature research. According to the contents and points of research, this study takes the international students studying in Korea as the sample and uses statistical analysis software, SPSS 22.0 and AMOS 24.0, to establish a structural equation model to conduct empirical study on the influencing mechanism of entrepreneurial behavior of international students in Korea, so as to better understand the influence of entrepreneurship education in Korean universities and colleges on entrepreneurial behavior of international students in Korea. Based on the analysis results, this study puts forward the theoretical basis for the policies related to effective management of entrepreneurship, which will help alleviate the unemployment of young people studying in Korea and the tight labor market supply and demand.

The Effect of Agarose on 3D Bioprinting.

In three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting, the accuracy, stability, and mechanical properties of the formed structure are very important to the overall composition and internal structure of the complex organ. In traditional 3D bioprinting, low-temperature gelatinization of gelatin is often used to construct complex tissues and organs. However, the hydrosol relies too much on the concentration of gelatin and has limited formation accuracy and stability. In this study, we take advantage of the physical crosslinking of agarose at 35-40 °C to replace the single pregelatinization effect of gelatin in 3D bioprinting, and printing composite gelatin/alginate/agarose hydrogels at two temperatures, i.e., 10 °C and 24 °C, respectively. After in-depth research, we find that the structures manufactured by the pregelatinization method of agarose are significantly more accurate, more stable, and harder than those pregelatined by gelatin. We believe that this research holds the potential to be widely used in the future organ manufacturing fields with high structural accuracy and stability.

New tirucallane-type triterpenoids from the resin of Boswellia carteriiand their NO inhibitory activities.

Six new tirucallane-type triterpenoids (1-6), along with ten known triterpenoids, were isolated from methylene chloride extract of the resin of Boswellia carterii Birdw. By the application of the comprehensive spectroscopic data, the structures of the compounds were clarified. The experimental electronic circular dichroism spectra were compared with those calculated, which allowed to assign the absolute configurations. Compounds 5 and 6 possesed a 2, 3-seco tirucallane-type triterpenoid skeleton, which were first reported. Their inhibitory activity against NO formation in LPS-activated BV-2 cells were evaluated. Compound 9 showed appreciable inhibitory effect, with an IC50 value of 7.58 ± 0.87 µmol·L-1.

CXCL13/CXCR5 axis facilitates endothelial progenitor cell homing and angiogenesis during rheumatoid arthritis progression.

Angiogenesis is a critical process in the formation of new capillaries and a key participant in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) pathogenesis. The chemokine (C-X-C motif) ligand 13 (CXCL13) plays important roles in several cellular functions such as infiltration, migration, and motility. We report significantly higher levels of CXCL13 expression in collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice compared with controls and also in synovial fluid from RA patients compared with human osteoarthritis (OA) samples. RA synovial fluid increased endothelial progenitor cell (EPC) homing and angiogenesis, which was blocked by the CXCL13 antibody. By interacting with the CXCR5 receptor, CXCL13 facilitated vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression and angiogenesis in EPC through the PLC, MEK, and AP-1 signaling pathways. Importantly, infection with CXCL13 short hairpin RNA (shRNA) mitigated EPC homing and angiogenesis, articular swelling, and cartilage erosion in ankle joints of mice with CIA. CXCL13 is therefore a novel therapeutic target for RA.

Association of Matrix Metalloproteinase-1 Genotypes With Bladder Cancer Risk.

AIM: There is very little literature reporting the association of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP1) with personal susceptibility to bladder cancer. In the current study, we carried out the first examination of the contribution of MMP1 rs1799750 to bladder cancer risk in Taiwanese. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 375 bladder cancer cases and 375 healthy controls were genotyped for MMP1 rs1799750 via polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology and this was evaluated for association with clinicopathological factors. RESULTS: The frequencies of MMP1 rs1799750 2G/2G, 1G/2G, and 1G/1G genotypes were 35.7%, 44.8% and 19.5% in the group with bladder cancer and 32.5%, 46.4%, and 21.1% in the healthy control group (p for trend=0.6362). The odds ratios (ORs) for bladder cancer risk after adjusting for age and gender for those carrying 1G/2G and 1G/1G genotypes at MMP1 rs1799750 were 0.88 (95% CI=0.62-1.24, p=0.4357) and 0.83 (95% CI=0.61-1.26, p=0.3990), respectively, compared with the wild-type 2G/2G genotype. In allelic frequency analysis, the adjusted OR for those carrying the 1G allele at MMP1 rs1799750 was 0.87 (95% CI=0.71-1.23, p=0.3479) compared to those people carrying a 2G allele. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicated that the genotypes at MMP1 rs1799750 appear to play little role in determining personal susceptibility to bladder cancer for Taiwanese.

The Significant Interaction of Excision Repair Cross-complementing Group 1 Genotypes and Smoking to Lung Cancer Risk.

BACKGROUND: The study aims to evaluate the contribution of excision repair cross-complementing group 1 (ERCC1), which plays an important role in genome integrity maintenance, to lung cancer risk. MATERIALS AND METHODS: ERCC1 rs11615 and rs3212986 genotypes were identified by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and their association with lung cancer risk was examined among 358 lung cancer patients and 716 controls. RESULTS: The proportions of CC, CT and TT for the rs11615 genotype were 43.6%, 41.6% and 14.8% in the case group and 50.0%, 41.1% and 8.9% in the control group, respectively (p for trend=0.0082). Allelic analysis showed that ERCC1 rs11615 T-allele carriers have a 1.32-fold higher risk of lung cancer than wild-type C-allele carriers [95%confidence interval (CI)=1.09-1.60, p=0.0039]. In addition, a significant interaction between the rs11615 genotype and smoking status was observed. CONCLUSION: The T allele of ERCC1 rs11615 jointly with smoking habits may contribute to a higher lung cancer risk in Taiwan.

Association of Murine Double Minute 2 Genotypes and Lung Cancer Risk.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the contribution of human mouse double minute 2 (MDM2) gene polymorphisms to the risk of Taiwan lung cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this case-control study, the association of MDM2 rs2279744 genotypes with lung cancer risk was investigated among 358 lung cancer patients and 716 age-, gender- and smoking status-matched controls in Taiwan. RESULTS: The percentages of MDM2 rs2279744 GT and GG genotypes were 50.0% and 27.4% in lung cancer group and 50.0% and 26.5% in control group, respectively [odds ratio (OR)=1.03 and 1.07, 95% confidence interval (CI)=0.75-1.43 and 0.75-1.53, respectively]. The analysis about allelic frequency showed that G allele at MDM2 rs2279744 conferred a non-significant increased cancer risk (OR=1.03, 95%CI=0.86-1.24). CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of MDM2 rs2279744 may play a role in lung carcinogenesis. However, the studied genotypes were not shown as predictors of lung cancer susceptibility.

Significant Association of Interleukin-16 Genetic Variations to Taiwanese Lung Cancer.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Interleukin-16 has been reported to exhibit tumoricidal effects, however, the contribution of IL-16 genotypes to lung cancer is still largely unrevealed. This study aimed at investigating whether IL-16 genotypes contribute to lung cancer susceptibility. MATERIALS AND METHODS: IL-16 rs4778889, rs11556218, and rs4072111 genotypic characteristics were determined among 358 lung cancer patients and 716 controls via the polymerase chain reaction-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. RESULTS: The highlight finding is that the distributions of genotypic (p=8.6E-10) and allelic (p=0.0001) frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 was significantly different between cases and controls. In detail, the frequencies of IL-16 rs11556218 heterozygous variant TG and homozygous variant GG were 36.6 and 7.3% among the lung cancer patients, significantly higher than those among the controls (22.5% and 2.6%). On the other way, no difference was observed regarding IL-16 rs4778889 or IL-16 rs4072111. CONCLUSION: The present study indicates IL-16 rs11556218 G allele is significantly associated with increased Taiwan lung cancer risk.

Association of Nijmegen Breakage Syndrome 1 Genotypes With Bladder Cancer Risk.

BACKGROUND/AIM: We aimed to examine the association of the genotypes of Nijmegen breakage syndrome 1 (NBS1), a critical gene in DNA double strand break repair machinery, with bladder cancer risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: NBS1 rs1805794 genotypes among 375 bladder cancer patients and 375 non-cancer healthy controls were determined via the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology and their association with bladder cancer risk were evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed that the percentages of GG, CG and CC of NBS1 rs1805794 genotypes were 45.4%, 43.7% and 10.9% in the bladder cancer patient group and 47.2%, 43.2% and 9.6% in the non-cancer control group, respectively (p for trend=0.7873). The analysis of allelic frequency distributions showed that the variant C allele of NBS1 rs1805794 does not contribute to an increased bladder cancer susceptibility (p=0.5066). CONCLUSION: The genotypes of NBS1 rs1805794 are not closely associated with personal susceptibility to bladder cancer.

Significant Association Between the MiR146a Genotypes and Susceptibility to Childhood Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Mounting evidence has shown that miRNAs play a critical role in the regulation of hematopoiesis of cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as in tumorigenesis. The miR146a rs2910164 polymorphism, which is closely responsive for its expression, has been reported to associate with the risk of several solid cancers. The study aimed at examining the association of the it with susceptibility to childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We recruited 266 patients with childhood ALL and 266 healthy controls, and rs2910164 genotypes were determined by the polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism methodology. RESULTS: The allele G was associated with decreased childhood ALL risk (OR=0.66, 95%CI=0.52-0.85, p=0.0011). Consistently, the GG genotype was associated with a decreased susceptibility (OR=0.40, 95%CI=0.23-0.67, p=0.0004). Patients with CG and GG genotypes were of earlier onset than those with CC genotype (p=0.0255 and p=0.0001). CONCLUSION: MiR146a rs2910164 G allele serves as a protective marker for childhood ALL in Taiwan.

A new xanthyletin-type coumarin from the roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum.

A new xanthyletin-type coumarin, neopeucedalactone (1), was isolated from the roots of Peucedanum praeruptorum Dunn. Its chemical structure was elucidated based on extensive spectroscopic interpretation. The absolute configurations of xanthyletin-type coumarin were determined by comparing experimental and calculated ECD spectra for the first time. Compound 1 exhibited moderate cell growth inhibitory activities in vitro against human leukemic HL-60, THP-1 cell lines, and human prostate cancer PC-3 cell lines, with IC50 values of 9.97, 27.80, and 48.68 µM, respectively. [Formula: see text].

Association of Caspase-8 Genotypes With Oral Cancer Risk in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recently, mounting evidence has shown that caspase-8 (CASP8) rs3834129 (-652, 6N insertion/deletion) polymorphism may serve as a genetic biomarker for personal risk of various cancer types. The contribution of CASP8 rs3834129 polymorphism has been investigated in several oral cancer populations, but not in Taiwan. This study investigated the role of CASP8 rs3834129 polymorphism on oral risk in Taiwan. MATERIALS AND METHODS: CASP8 rs3834129 polymorphic genotypes were determined and their associations with oral cancer risk were investigated among 788 patients with oral cancer and 956 age- and gender-matched healthy controls via polymerase chain reaction-restrictive fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) methodology. In addition, the interaction of CASP8 rs3834129 genotype with personal behavior and clinicopathological features were also examined. RESULTS: The frequencies of II, ID and DD genotypes for CASP8 rs3834129 were 57.5, 36.5 and 6.0% in the patient group and 54.0, 39.0 and 7.0% in the healthy control group, respectively (p for trend=0.3052), genotypes were not significantly differentially distributed between the two groups. The comparisons in allelic frequency distribution also supported the findings that the D variant allele may not serve as a determinant of risk for oral cancer. There was no interaction of CASP8 rs3834129 genotype with age, gender, smoking, alcohol or betel quid consumption in regard to oral cancer risk. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that the caspase-8 genotype does not appear to play a direct role in personal susceptibility to oral cancer in Taiwan.

Contribution of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 Promoter Genotypes to Nasopharyngeal Cancer Susceptibility and Metastasis in Taiwan.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) is up-regulated in many cancers. However, the association of MMP2 genotype to nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC) susceptibility in Taiwan remains elusive. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the role of MMP2 promoter C-1306T (rs243865) and C-735T (rs2285053) genotypes were investigated among 208 NPC patients and 416 healthy controls, and their role in NPC staging and TNM classifications were examined. RESULTS: There was no differential distribution as for the genotypic or allelic frequencies at MMP2 promoter C-1306T or C-735T between the control and case groups. Noticeably, those with MMP2 C-1306T CT+TT genotypes had a lower metastatic risk than those with CC (p=0.0295). As for staging, T and N classifications, there was no differential distribution in C-1306T genotypes (p>0.05). Also, there was no differential distribution of C-735T genotypes according to different behavioral/clinicopathological characteristics. CONCLUSION: CT and TT genotypes at MMP2 C-1306T were associated with a significantly decreased risk of NPC metastasis.