A Lactic Acid Metabolism-Related Gene Signature for Predicting Clinical Outcome and Tumor Microenvironmental Status in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma.

This study aims to build a prognostic model based on lactic acid metabolism-related genes (LMRGs) to predict survival outcomes and tumor microenvironment status of Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. The model was used to calculate riskscores of clinical samples. Survival analysis and Cox regression analysis were conducted to verify the independence and reliability of the riskscore to determine its clinical significance in prognosis evaluation of HCC. Additionally, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of tumor mutation burden (TMB), immune cell infiltration, and gene set molecular function in the high- and low-risk groups. We obtained 134 LMRGs mainly involved in cellular calcium homeostasis and calcium signaling pathways. The LMRGs in the risk assessment model included PFKFB4, SLC16A3, ADRA2B, SLC22A1, QRFPR, and PROK1. This study discovered much shorter overall survival and median survival time of patients with higher riskscores when compared to those with lower riskscores. It was indicated that for independent prediction of patients' prognosis, the riskscore had a significant clinical value. A remarkable difference was also found regarding TMB between the two groups. Finally, cell experiments demonstrated that the knockout of PFKFB4 and SLC16A3 genes suppressed lactate. Our research demonstrated that the riskscore, established based on LMRGs, is a promising biomarker.

Single-photon ionization induced C-C or C-N bond formation in pyrrole clusters.

The formation of photodimers of nitrogen heterocyclic compounds (NHCs) can partially explain the DNA damage due to radiation. Pyrrole and its derivatives, as major components of DNA, are used to understand the phenomena at the molecular level. With the aid of vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-infrared (IR) spectroscopy and theoretical calculations, herein, we explore the possibility of the formation of a new C-C or C-N bond in pyrrole (py) clusters in a supersonic jet after single-photon ionization. Both neutral (py)2 and (py)3 clusters are stabilized by multiple interactions, such as N-H⋯π hydrogen bonds and π⋯π interactions. With 118 nm light ionization of the (py)2, we elucidate that the two py are more inclined to be stabilized by a newly formed C-C or C-N covalent bond, besides the π-stacked parallel structure of (py)2+. The (py)3+ with a C-C or C-N covalent bonded (py)2+ core mainly contributes to the IR spectrum of (py)3+. The present results are helpful to elucidate the mechanism of DNA damage at a molecular level.

Single-Photon Ionization Induced New Covalent Bond Formation in Acrylonitrile(AN)-Pyrrole(Py) Clusters.

The formation of nitrogen-containing organic compounds is crucial for understanding chemical evolution and the origin of life in the interstellar medium (ISM). In this study, we explore whether acrylonitrile (AN) and pyrrole (Py) can form new nitrogen-containing compounds after single-photon ionization in their gaseous clusters by vacuum ultraviolet (VUV)-infrared (IR) spectroscopy and theoretical calculations. The results show that a strong linear H-bond is formed in neutral AN-Py, while cyclic or bicyclic H-bonded networks are formed in the neutral AN-Py2 cluster. It is found that the structure containing a new C-C covalent bond between two moieties in (AN-Py)+ is formed besides the formation of H-bonded structures after AN-Py is ionized by VUV light. In (AN-Py2)+ cluster cations, new C-C or C-N covalent bonds tend to be formed between two Py, with (Py)2+ as the core in the cluster. The results reveal that new covalent bonds are more likely to be formed between two Py species when AN and Py are present in the cationic clusters. These results provide spectroscopic evidence of the formation of new nitrogen-containing organic compounds from AN and Py induced by VUV, which are helpful for our understanding of the formation of diverse prebiotic molecules in interstellar space.

Spectroscopic evidence of S∴N and S∴O hemibonds in heterodimer cations.

Computational and condensed phase experimental evidence for the existence of S∴N and S∴O hemibonded structures has been reported previously, but no gas phase experimental evidence has been reported. To experimentally explore the existence of the S∴N and S∴O hemibonds in the gas phase, we recorded the infrared photodissociation action spectra of four cationic clusters: [CH3SH-NH3]+, [CH3SCH3-NH3]+, [CH3SCH3-H2O]+, and [CH3OCH3-H2O]+. Combined with the calculation results, it is found that the S∴N hemibonded structure is competitive with the S⋯HN H-bonded structure, though only the latter structure is actually observed in [CH3SH-NH3]+. The spectral and theoretical results show that hemibonds can form between the second- (oxygen or nitrogen) and the third-period elements (sulfur) in the heterodimer clusters of [CH3SCH3-NH3]+ and [CH3SCH3-H2O]+. However, the S∴N and S∴O hemibonded structures are found competitive with the C⋯HN and CH⋯O H-bonded structures, respectively, and both the structures coexist. On the other hand, the O∴O hemibonded structure is much less stable than other hydrogen bonded (H-bonded) structures in [CH3OCH3-H2O]+, and it shows no clear contribution to the observed spectrum. This study provides direct spectroscopic evidence for the existence of S∴N and S∴O hemibonds in the gas phase and their competition with the H-bonds, which may be also fundamentally important in biological processes.

Conventional three-port laparoscopic appendectomy versus transumbilical and suprapubic single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy using only conventional laparoscopic instruments.

PURPOSE: Single-incision laparoscopic appendectomy (SILA) is usually performed using single-port instruments, which may restrict its development and application. This study explored the performance of transumbilical SILA (TSILA) and suprapubic SILA (SSILA) using only conventional laparoscopic instruments and compared them with conventional three-hole/port laparoscopic appendectomy (CLA). METHODS: This retrospective study included 174 patients who underwent CLA, TSILA, or SSILA for acute appendicitis at our hospital between June 2019 and July 2021. Demographic data and clinical outcomes were compared among the three groups. RESULTS: Compared with CLA, TSILA was associated with significant reductions in postoperative pain, length of hospital stay, and hospital cost, while SSILA was associated with significant reductions in length of hospital stay and hospital cost (all P < 0.05). Significantly more patients in the two SILA groups were cosmetically satisfied than those in the CLA group (all P < 0.05). However, compared with CLA, SSILA required a significantly longer operative time (65.3 ± 24.1 vs 56.5 ± 20.9, P = 0.039). Besides, compared with TSILA, SSILA showed significantly higher postoperative pain score (2 ± 2 vs 3 ± 2, P = 0.006). Mild incisional or intraabdominal infections were noticed in 2 (3.0%) patients in the CLA group, 3 (5.1%) in the TSILA group, and 3 (6.3%) in the SSILA group (P = 0.69). CONCLUSION: SILA performed with only conventional laparoscopic instruments was associated with reduced hospital stay and cost and higher cosmetic satisfaction in comparison to CLA. However, it is technically demanding and may increase operative time.

Single non-noble metal atom doped C2N catalysts for chemoselective hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene.

Improving the reaction selectivity and activity for challenging substrates such as nitroaromatics bearing two reducible functional groups is important in industry, yet remains a great challenge using traditional metal nanoparticle based catalysts. In this study, single metal atom doped M-C2N catalysts were theoretically screened for selective hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene to 3-vinylaniline with H2 as the H-source. Among 20 M-C2N catalysts, the non-noble Mn-C2N catalyst was found to have excellent reaction selectivity. Importantly, due to the solid frustrated Lewis pair sites in the pores of Mn-C2N, a low H2 activation energy is achieved on high-spin Mn-C2N and the rate-determining step for the hydrogenation reactions is the H diffusion from the metal site to the N site. The unraveled mechanism of the hydrogenation of 3-nitrostyrene using Mn-C2N enriches the applications of Mn based catalysts and demonstrates its excellent properties for catalyzing the challenging hydrogenation reaction of substrates with two reducible functional groups.

Up-Regulated Maternal Embryonic Leucine Zipper Kinase Predicts Poor Prognosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients in a Chinese Han Population.

BACKGROUND Maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase (MELK) has been implicated in various types of tumors, but its expression profile and clinicopathologic significance in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in Chinese Han people remains unknown. Therefore, this study attempted to investigate the expression pattern of MELK in HCC tissues obtained from a Chinese Han population. MATERIAL AND METHODS The expression of MELK, from RNA to protein levels, in HCC or disease-free human liver tissues was evaluated using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays and immunohistochemistry staining, and its prognostic significance was determined based on its impact on HCC patients' survival. RESULTS We found that HCC tissues expressed a higher level of MELK RNA than non-tumor tissues in tumor-related public databases (P<0.001). Hence, we assessed MELK mRNA expression within 32 HCC samples and their adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues in our center. Subsequently, MELK protein expression was evaluated within 101 HCC specimens and 40 disease-free liver tissues. Notably, it revealed that high MELK protein expression was significantly related with tumor number, tumor size, higher pathological tumor-nodule-metastasis stage, vascular invasion, and recurrence (P<0.05, all). Furthermore, elevated MELK protein expression was correlated with decreased overall survival and disease-free survival (P=0.004 and P=0.002, respectively). Univariate and multivariate analysis results show that MELK protein may serve as an independent prognostic indicator for determining prognosis of HCC patients. CONCLUSIONS We found that, in a Chinese Han population, MELK was highly expressed within HCC tissues from RNA to protein levels, and may be a potential independent prognostic biomarker for HCC patients.

Undifferentiated high-grade pleomorphic sarcoma of the common bile duct: A case report and review of literature.

BACKGROUND: Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a rare malignant mesenchymal tumor with a poor prognosis. It mainly occurs in the extremities, trunk, head and neck, and retroperitoneum regions. Owing to the lack of specific clinical manifestations and imaging features, UPS diagnosis mainly depends on pathological and immunohistochemical examinations for exclusive diagnosis. Here we report an extremely rare case of high-grade UPS in the common bile duct (CBD). There are limited available data on such cases. CASE SUMMARY: A 70-year-old woman was admitted to our department with yellow eyes and urine accompanied by upper abdominal distending pain for 2 wk. Her laboratory data suggested significantly elevated hepatorenal function levels. The imaging data revealed calculous cholecystitis, intrahepatic and extrahepatic bile duct dilation with extrahepatic bile duct calculi, and a space-occupying lesion at the distal CBD. After endoscopic biliary stenting and symptomatic support therapy, CBD exploration and biopsy were performed. The frozen section indicated malignant spindle cell tumor of the CBD mass, and further radical pancreaticoduodenectomy was performed. Finally, the neoplasm was diagnosed as a high-grade UPS combined with the light-microscopic morphology and immunohistochemical results. CONCLUSION: This extremely rare case highlighted the need for increasing physicians' vigilance, reducing the odds of misdiagnosis, and providing appropriate treatment strategies.

ETV4 facilitates proliferation, migration, and invasion of liver cancer by mediating TGF-ß signal transduction through activation of B3GNT3.

BACKGROUND: Metastasis of liver cancer (LC) is the main cause of its high mortality. ETV4 is a critical regulatory factor in promoting LC progression, but the mechanism that ETV4 impacts LC proliferation, migration, and invasion is poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: Investigation of the molecular mechanism of LC metastasis is conducive to developing effective drugs that prevent LC metastasis. METHODS: Expression of ETV4 and its target gene B3GNT3 in LC tissue was analyzed by bioinformatics, and the result was further verified in LC cells by qRT-PCR. In vitro cellular assays evaluated the impact of ETV4 on the proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual-luciferase reporter gene assay were conducted to analyze the interaction between B3GNT3 and ETV4. SB525334 suppressor was used to treat and access the activation of ETV4 on the TGF-ß pathway. RESULTS: We discovered that ETV4 and B3GNT3 were evidently up-regulated in LC, and high expression of ETV4 was coupled to the increase of proliferation, migration, and invasion of LC cells and epithelial-mesenchymal transition ability. Besides, ETV4 could bind to the B3GNT3 promoter and activate its transcription. Knockdown of B3GNT3 could prominently suppress the effect of up-regulated ETV4 on LC cells. Meanwhile, ETV4 could activate the TGF-ß signaling pathway via B3GNT3, while SB525334 treatment notably repressed the functions of ETV4. CONCLUSION: ETV4 emerges as a driven oncogene in LC, and the ETV4/B3GNT3-TGF-ß pathway promotes proliferation, migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress of LC. Inhibition of the pathway may provide an underlying method for the prevention and treatment of LC metastasis.

Plasma lipid levels are associated with the CD8+ T-cell infiltration and prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer.

BACKGROUND: Recently, researchers have found that the tumour microenvironment plays an important role in tumours. We aimed to investigate the effects of plasma lipids on the prognosis of patients with pancreatic cancer and the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes in tumour tissue. METHODS: We enrolled patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) who underwent pancreatic surgery between 2012 and 2021. Clinical pathological data were recorded; total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) levels were measured; and tissue samples were collected. A tissue microarray was generated using collected tissue samples, and CD8 staining was performed to determine immunoreactive scores (IRSs). The correlations of TC and TG levels with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analysed. Finally, the correlations of TC and TG levels with CD8+ T-cell infiltration were analysed. RESULTS: A total of 90 eligible PDAC patients were included. TC levels were significantly correlated with tumour grade and lymph node metastasis, and TG levels were significantly correlated with perineural invasion. The Kaplan-Meier survival analysis results indicated that the prognosis in the high TC group was significantly worse than that in the low TC group, and the prognosis in the high TG group was significantly worse than that in the low TG group. Cox multivariate analysis indicated that TC was an independent indicator of poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients after surgery. Spearman correlation analysis indicated that there were significant negative correlations between CD8 IRS and TC and between CD8 IRS and TG. CONCLUSIONS: TC and TG levels are significantly related to the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients. They may be associated with tumour progression to higher grades, lymph node metastasis and/or nerve invasion. More importantly, TC and TG may reduce CD8+ T lymphocyte infiltration into pancreatic cancer tissue, affecting antitumour immune functions and immunotherapy efficacy.

Case report: Spontaneous bilateral intraocular lens dislocation in a patient with homocystinuria.

Background: Spontaneous bilateral intraocular lens dislocation of the vitreous cavity is a rare ocular disorder. This article aims to comprehensively describe bilateral spontaneous intraocular lens dislocation with unilateral lamellar macular hole and retinoschisis in a Chinese woman with homocystinuria. Case presentation: A 72-year-old Chinese woman with homocystinuria presented with a painless bilateral blurring of vision. The slit lamp showed the absence of lenses in both eyes. B-ultrasound and orbital computed tomography (CT) demonstrated bilateral posterior dislocation of the crystalline lenses, and spectral-domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) revealed a lamellar macular hole and retinoschisis in the right eye. Biochemical examination demonstrated that the total homocysteine level was moderately elevated. Conclusion: This report is the first to present an extensive and valuable description of bilateral intraocular lens dislocation with unilateral lamellar macular hole and retinoschisis secondary to homocystinuria. We have demonstrated that this case was spontaneous and chronic. CT is an effective diagnostic tool for patients with ectopia lentis. Early diagnosis and suitable management of patients with homocystinuria are essential to prevent these complications.

In-situ photodeposition of cadmium sulfide nanocrystals on manganese dioxidenanorods with rich oxygen vacancies for boosting water-to-oxygen photooxidation.

Carrier separation and surface reaction kinetic are two main bottlenecks limiting photocatalytic efficiency of photocatalysts towards an industrial level. In this regard, heterostructures and defects engineering have been proven to be effective strategies for addressing the two issues. However, the integrated construction of heterostructures and defects has been reported rarely. Herein, a facile in-situ photodeposition strategy has been developed to grow CdS nanocrystals on MnO2-x nanorods with rich oxygen vacancies (VO) as a direct Z-scheme photocatalyst for boosting water oxidation. It has been found that the Cd2+ ions accept photoelectrons from MnO2-xunder irradiation for the in-situ growth of CdS nanocrystals, which enables a close contact between the two components, providing high-speed electron-transport channels for photocatalysis. Meanwhile, the photooxidation half reactions extract surface lattice oxygen, leading to the increase of VO content in MnO2-x, which supplies abundant active sites for oxygen evolution. Owing to the synergistic effects of VO and Z-scheme systems, the optimized MnO2-x/CdS photocatalyst displays a dramatically enhanced photocatalytic activity with an O2 production rate of 779 µmol g-1h-1 under visible-light irradiation without any cocatalysts, which is 2.33 times higher than the bare MnO2-x. This work reveals the cooperative manipulation of VO and CdS nanocrystals on MnO2-x for achieving efficient photocatalysis, providing new insights into the construction of high-performance photocatalysts via a combined strategy of Z-scheme heterostructures and surface defects.

ZnSe Nanorods-CsSnCl3 Perovskite Heterojunction Composite for Photocatalytic CO2 Reduction.

Utilizing sunlight to convert CO2 into chemical fuels could simultaneously address the greenhouse effect and fossil fuel crisis. ZnSe nanocrystals are promising candidates for photocatalysis because of their low toxicity and excellent photoelectric properties. However, pristine ZnSe generally has low catalytic activities due to serious charge recombination and the lack of efficient catalytic sites for CO2 reduction. Herein, a ZnSe nanorods-CsSnCl3 perovskite (ZnSe-CsSnCl3) type II heterojunction composite is designed and prepared for photocatalytic CO2 reduction. The ZnSe-CsSnCl3 type II heterojunction composite exhibits enhanced photocatalytic activity for CO2 reduction with respect to pristine ZnSe nanorods. The experimental characterizations and theoretical calculations reveal that the efficient charge separation and lowered free energy of CO2 reduction facilitate the CO2 conversion on the ZnSe-CsSnCl3 heterojunction composite. This work presents a type II heterojunction composite photocatalyst based on ecofriendly metal chalcogenides and metal halide perovskites. Our study has also promoted the understanding of the CO2 reduction mechanisms on perovskite nanocrystals, which could be valuable for the development of metal halide perovskite photocatalysts.

Effect of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis for N0 gallbladder carcinoma patients: A study based on SEER database.

BACKGROUND: It remains unclear whether lymph node dissection is necessary for patients with N0 gallbladder carcinoma (GBC). The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of lymphadenectomy on the prognosis for N0 GBC patients. The secondary objective was to establish a prognostic model of survival for N0 GBC patients being founded on the large samples. METHODS: Patient data were obtained from the database named SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results database) between 2010 and 2014. Analyses of Kaplan-Meier survival and multivariate Cox regression were performed in subgroups based on regional lymph nodes removal (LNR) to calculate the excess risk of cause-specific death. A prognosis nomogram was constructed build on the results of a multivariate analysis to predict the specific survival time (CSS) rates of N0 GBC patients. RESULT: A total of 1406 N0 GBC patients were included in this research. The majority of N0 GBC patients undergoing cancer-directed surgery did not undergo LNR (64.5%). The results showed that LNR can improve the survival of N0 GBC patients, including those at the T1a and T1b stages, and a wider range of lymph node dissection (LNR2) compared to LNR1 was more conducive to the prognosis. Furthermore, multivariate regression analysis showed that LNR was an independent favorable prognostic factor of N0 GBC. Finally, a nomogram was constructed to accurately predict the prognosis of N0 gallbladder cancer patients. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated a significant survival benefit for extended lymph nodes removed in N0 GBC patients. These results recommend that an extended lymph node dissection strategy is needed for N0 GBC patients.

Activate Fe3S4 Nanorods by Ni Doping for Efficient Dye-Sensitized Photocatalytic Hydrogen Production.

Developing suitable catalysts capable of receiving injected electrons and possessing active sites for hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) is the key to building an efficient dye-sensitized system for hydrogen production. Fe3S4 is generally regarded as an inferior HER catalyst among the metal sulfide family, mainly due to its weak surface adsorption toward H atoms. In this work, we demonstrate a facile metal-organic framework-derived method to synthesize uniform Fe3S4 nanorods and active them for HER by Ni doping. Our experimental results and theoretical calculations reveal that Ni doping can greatly modify the electronic structure of Fe3S4 nanorods, improving their electron conductivity and optimizing their surface adsorption energy toward H atoms. Sensitized by a commercial organic dye (eosin-Y), 1%Ni-doped Fe3S4 nanorods display a high H2 production rate of 3240 µmol gcat-1 h-1 with an apparent quantum yield of 12% under 500 nm wavelength, which is significantly higher than that of pristine Fe3S4 and even higher than that of 1% Pt-deposited Fe3S4. The working mechanism of this dye-sensitized system is explored, and the effect of Ni-doping concentration has been studied. This work presents a facile strategy to synthesize metal-doped sulfide nanocatalysts with greatly enhanced activity toward photocatalytic H2 production.

Anastomosing hemangioma arising from the left renal vein: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Anastomosing hemangioma (AH) is a rare subtype of benign hemangioma that is most commonly found in the genitourinary tract. Due to the lack of specific clinical and radiologic manifestations, it is easily misdiagnosed preoperatively. Here, we report a case of AH arising from the left renal vein that was discovered incidentally and confirmed pathologically, and then describe its imaging characteristics from a radiologic point of view and review its clinicopathologic features and treatment. CASE SUMMARY: A 74-year-old woman was admitted to our department for a left retroperitoneal neoplasm measuring 2.6 cm × 2.0 cm. Her laboratory data showed no significant abnormalities. A non-contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) scan showed a heterogeneous density in the neoplasm. Non-contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a heterogeneous hypointensity on T1-weighed images and a heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighed images. On contrast-enhanced CT and MRI scans, the neoplasm presented marked septal enhancement in the arterial phase and persistent enhancement in the portal phase, and its boundary with the left renal vein was ill-defined. Based on these clinical and radiological manifestations, the neoplasm was initially considered to be a neurogenic neoplasm in the left retroperitoneum. Finally, the neoplasm was completely resected and pathologically diagnosed as AH. CONCLUSION: AH is an uncommon benign hemangioma. Preoperative misdiagnoses are common not only because of a lack of specific clinical and radiologic manifestations but also because clinicians lack vigilance and diagnostic experience in identifying AH. AH is not exclusive to the urogenital parenchyma. We report the first case of this neoplasm in the left renal vein. Recognition of this entity in the left renal vein can be helpful in its diagnosis and distinction from other neoplasms.

Bladder perforation caused by long-term catheterization misdiagnosed as digestive tract perforation: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous bladder rupture is relatively rare, and common causes of spontaneous bladder rupture include bladder diverticulum, neurogenic bladder dysfunction, gonorrhea infection, pelvic radiotherapy, etc. Urinary bladder perforation caused by urinary catheterization mostly occurs during the intubation process. CASE SUMMARY: Here, we describe an 83-year-old male who was admitted with 26 h of middle and upper abdominal pain and a history of long-term catheterization. Physical examination and computed tomography of the abdomen supported the diagnosis of diffuse peritonitis, most likely from a perforated digestive tract organ. Laparoscopic exploration revealed a possible digestive tract perforation. Finally, a perforation of approximately 5 mm in diameter was found in the bladder wall during laparotomy. After reviewing the patient's previous medical records, we found that 1 year prior the patient underwent an ultrasound examination showing that the end of the catheter was embedded into the mucosal layer of the bladder. Therefore, the bladder perforation in this patient may have been caused by the chronic compression of the urinary catheter against the bladder wall. CONCLUSION: For patients with long-term indwelling catheters, there is a possibility of bladder perforation, which needs to be dealt with quickly.

Radiological aspects of giant hepatocellular adenoma of the left liver: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Hepatocellular adenoma (HCA) is very rare and has a high misdiagnosis rate through clinical and imaging examinations. We report a case of giant HCA of the left liver in a young woman that was diagnosed by medical imaging and pathology. CASE SUMMARY: A 21-year-old woman was admitted to our department for a giant hepatic tumor measuring 22 cm × 20 cm × 10 cm that completely replaced the left hepatic lobe. Her laboratory data only suggested mildly elevated liver function parameters and C-reactive protein levels. A computed tomography (CT) scan showed mixed density in the tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the tumor revealed a heterogeneous hypointensity on T1-weighed MR images and heterogeneous hyperintensity on T2-weighed MR images. On dynamic contrast CT and MRI scans, the tumor presented marked enhancement and the subcapsular feeding arteries were clearly visible in the arterial phase, with persistent enhancement in the portal and delayed phases. Moreover, the tumor capsule was especially prominent on T1-weighted MR images and showed marked enhancement in the delayed phase. Based on these imaging manifestations, the tumor was initially considered to be an HCA. Subsequently, the tumor was completely resected and pathologically diagnosed as an HCA. CONCLUSION: HCA is an extremely rare hepatic tumor. Preoperative misdiagnoses were common not only due to the absence of special clinical manifestations and laboratory examination findings, but also due to the clinicians' lack of practical diagnostic experience and vigilance in identifying HCA on medical images. Our case highlights the importance of the combination of contrast-enhanced CT and MRI in the preoperative diagnosis of HCA.

[Expression and prognostic value of Polo-like kinase 1, E-cadherin in the patients with hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVES: To study the expression of Polo-like kinase 1 (PLK1) and E-cadherin in the tissues of hepatocellular carcinoma, and to discuss the relationship between them and clinical-pathological features, and to evaluate their prognostic value of hepatocellular carcinoma after liver transplantation. METHODS: mRNA and protein expression of PLK1, E-cadherin were detected by RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry method respectively, the correlations of them with clinical-pathological data, tumor free time, recurrence rate were compared and analyzed. RESULTS: The mRNA expression was observed in 90.0% for PLK1 and 96.0% for E-cadherin, and higher in cancerous' tissues than paracancerous' of all cases for PLK1 but no trend for E-cadherin. The positive and decreased expression rate for PLK1 and E-cadherin was observed in 60.0% and 50.0% respectively, the positive PLK1 expression was correlated with preoperative serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) only (chi2 = 4.433, P = 0.035), while E-cadherin expression was associated with none of the clinical-pathological features. There was a correlation between the positive PLK1 and decreased E-cadherin expression (chi2 = 5.333, P = 0.021). PLK1 (P = 0.006), E-cadherin (P = 0.019) and larger tumor (P = 0.019), portal vein tumor thrombi (P = 0.030), Edmondson grading (P = 0.019), preoperative serum AFP (P = 0.020) were all correlated with recurrence rate under Kaplan-Meier analysis, while only PLK1 (RR = 3.104, P = 0.009) had significant difference under Cox regression analysis. CONCLUSIONS: The positive PLK1 expression and the decreased E-cadherin expression indicate higher recurrence rate of HCC after liver transplantation, and PLK1 is a independent risk factor.

[Preparation of immunomagnetic nanoparticles for tumor targeting therapy with herceptin].

OBJECTIVE: To prepare immunomagnetic nanoparticles (IMNs) for HER2/neu-targeted radioimmunotherapy with herceptin, a humanized anti-p185-HER-2/neu monoclonal antibody targeting the extracellular domain of HER-2/neu receptor. METHODS: The magnetic nanoparticles were synthesized by partial reductive precipitation method and the surface of the particles was chemically modified using silane coupling agent. Herceptin and histidine were covalently linked to the amine group upon the silica-coated magnetic nanoparticles modified by N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl) propyl]-ethylenediamine using glutaraldehyde method to prepare the IMNs. The nanoparticles were evaluated by diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM) and X- ray energy spectrometry (EDS), and the immunoreactivity of IMN was determined. RESULTS: The average diameter of the decanoic acid-coated Fe(3)O(4) nanoparticle was about 20 nm with a magnetic saturation of 65 emu/g. The surface amino group was 0.5 µmol/mg after modification with the amid functional group, and the mean size of Herceptin-loaded IMNs was about 60 nm. The IMN retained good immunoreactivity of Herceptin. CONCLUSION: The IMNs exhibit good properties for potential application in tumor targeting therapy using Herceptin against HER-2/nue proto-oncogene.