Variation of NK, NKT, CD4+ T, CD8+ T cells, and IL-17A by CalliSpheres® microspheres-transarterial chemoembolization in refractory liver metastases patients.

Immune environment plays an important role in the management of liver cancer. The current study aimed to explore the change of NK and NKT cells, IL-17A, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells in refractory liver metastases patients before and after CalliSpheres® microspheres transarterial chemoembolization (CSM-TACE). Peripheral blood (PB) samples from 35 refractory liver metastases patients were collected before CSM-TACE (baseline), 2 days (D2) and 5 days (D5) after CSM-TACE. Then, NK and NKT cells, IL-17A, CD4+ T and CD8+ T cells from PB samples were detected. All enrolled patients successfully completed CSM-TACE procedure and achieved disease control rate of 100% after 1 month. NKT cells were increased from baseline to D2 and D5 [median (range): 5.88% (1.53%-12.05%) vs. 9.54% (5.19%-15.71%) vs. 7.12% (2.77%-13.29%)], NK cells were also enhanced from baseline to D2 and D5 [median (range): 14.35% (5.85%-20.52%) vs. 20.36% (15.88%-27.30%) vs. 30.82% (22.18%-37.72%)], while IL-17A was declined from baseline to D2 and D5 [median (range): 22.11 (9.46-39.18) pg/ml vs. 12.41 (3.24-26.84) pg/ml vs. 6.55 (1.11-20.98) pg/ml]. Furthermore, IL-17A was negatively correlated with the NK and NKT cells at baseline, D2 and D5 (all p < .05), respectively. Additionally, CD4+ T cells and CD4+ T/CD8+ T ratio were increased while CD8+ T cells were declined from baseline to D2 and D5 (all p < .05). NK cells, NKT cells, and CD4+ T cells are increased but IL-17A and CD8+ T cells are declined after CSM-TACE in refractory liver metastases.

Effect of adzuki bean sprout fermented milk enriched in γ-aminobutyric acid on mild depression in a mouse model.

This study focused on the ability of adzuki bean (Vigna angularis) sprout fermented milk, which is rich in γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), to relieve anxiety and mild depression. A high-yield GABA-producing strain, Lactobacillus brevis J1, from a healthy cow was screened, and its physiological and probiotic properties were evaluated. The effect of adzuki bean sprout fermented milk was investigated in vivo in a chronic depression mouse model. The results showed that Lb. brevis J1 had excellent probiotic properties, grew well at low pH and 3% NaCl, and adhered to the surface of HT-29 cells. The GABA-enriched (241.30 ± 1.62 µg/mL) adzuki bean sprout fermented milk prepared with Streptococcus thermophilus, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, and Lactobacillus plantarum, and Lb. brevis J1 can reduce and possibly prevent mild depression-like symptoms in mice (C57/B6) by increasing social interaction and enhancing the pleasure derived from movement. The research revealed that the GABAB-cyclic AMP-protein kinase A-cAMP-response element binding protein (GABAB-cAMP-PKA-CREB) signaling pathway was related to the depression-like symptoms and that levels of 5-hydroxytryptamine, norepinephrine, and dopamine in the hippocampus of mice increased after treatment with the adzuki bean sprout fermented milk. Our results suggest that GABA-enriched dairy products have the potential to prevent or treat mild depression-like symptoms in mice, which suggests a new approach for a dietary therapy to treat chronic social stress.

Complete remission of diffuse hepatocellular carcinoma in a young adult after GSP-TACE: a case report.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common primary tumor of the liver. It mostly occurs in older age groups (usually those 50 to 60 years old), and rarely in young adults. The survival rate of these young HCC patients is usually very low. The authors report a case of a 22-year old man with diffuse-type HCC who successfully achieved complete remission for 46 months after second transcatheter arterial chemoembolization using gelatin sponge particles (Eric Kang Pharmaceutical Technology Co., Ltd. Hangzhou, China) combined with pirarubicin.

[The preliminary study of recombinant adenovirus p53 combined with transarterial embolization with particles for advanced hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of transarterial embolization with 350-560 µm Gelatin sponge microspheres (GSMs-TAE) mixed with recombinant adenovirus p53 (rAd-p53, trademarked as Gendicine) in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS: The study was designed as a case-control, single-institution clinical trial. 24 male patients with advanced HCC were included in this study. Tumor response was evaluated by contrast enhanced CT using modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST) after 1-, 6- and 12-month of initial rAd-p53 combined with GSMs -TAE. Adverse events were evaluated by the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Effects (CTCAE). Overall survival of all the patients was calculated from the date of initial rAd-p53 combined with GSMs -TAE using the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: GSMs -TAE was performed 73 times (mean 3.0) in total on 24 patients. All procedures were performed successfully. The mean follow-up period was 14 (range 6-42) months. Complete response (CR) rate after 1-, 6- and 12-month was 25.0%, 33.3% and 37.5% respectively. Objective response (OR) rate was 87.5% , 75.0% and 75.0% after 1-, 6- and 12-month respectively. There were no serious complications such as acute liver failure, liver abscess and pulmonary embolism. CONCLUSIONS: Recombinant adenovirus p53 combined with transarterial embolization with 350-560 µm Gelatin sponge particles for hepatocellular carcinoma is safe and effective.

The second-line treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with CalliSpheres drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization combined with regorafenib: A safety and efficacy analysis.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with regorafenib in the second-line treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was made of 34 patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that had progressed after first-line treatment in Linyi Tumor Hospital from October 2019 to June 2021. These patients were divided into observation group (n = 15) and control group (n = 19) based on their treatment plans, who were respectively treated with regorafenib alone and regorafenib combined with DEB-TACE. The objective response rate (ORR) and the disease control rate (DCR) were evaluated by the modified Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (mRECIST), and the progression-free survival (PFS) and the overall survival (OS) were calculated; the factors influencing PFS and OS of patients were analyzed by the Cox proportional hazards model; and the adverse reactions to the treatments were observed and recorded. RESULTS: After 2 months of treatment, the ORR and the DCR of the observation group were 73.3% (11/15) and 86.7% (13/15) respectively, both higher than 10.5% (2/19) and 47.4% (9/19) of the control group. Their differences are statistically significant (P < 0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in the incidences of regorafenib-related adverse reactions including hand-foot skin reactions, fatigue, hypertension, diarrhea, and proteinuria between the two groups (P > 0.05). In the observation group, the main adverse reactions to DEB-TACE such as fever, pain, nausea, and vomiting were relieved after symptomatic treatment, and no serious complications such as ectopic embolization of CalliSpheres drug-eluting beads occurred. As of July 31, 2022, the median follow-up time was 12.5 months, and the average was (14.00 ± 5.69) months. The median PFS was 9 months in the observation group, and 6 months in the control group, presenting a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05), and the median OS was 18 months in the observation group, and 12 months in the control group, also presenting a statistically significant difference (P < 0.05). The results of monofactor prognostic analysis showed that Child grade, AFP level, and treatment method had an influence on the PFS and the OS of liver cancer patients receiving regorafenib second-line treatment (P < 0.05), and the results of multifactor prognostic analysis showed that child grade and treatment method independently influenced the PFS of patients, while treatment method independently influenced the OS of patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: DEB-TACE combined with regorafenib is safe and feasible in the treatment of unresectable HCC, with good efficacy and mild adverse reactions.

Therapeutic effect and tolerability of gelatin sponge particle-mediated chemoembolization for colorectal liver metastases: a retrospective study.

BACKGROUND: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide. The majority (approximately 60%) of patients with CRC will eventually develop liver metastases, which remain the most common cause of mortality in these patients. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect and tolerability of gelatin sponge particle (GSP)-mediated chemoembolization in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases after systemic chemotherapy failure. METHODS: This was a single-center retrospective study of 15 patients with colorectal liver metastases, who underwent GSP-mediated chemoembolization with 50 mg of lobaplatin during the period December 2009 to December 2010 in the Department of Interventional Radiology, Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University. Clinical data were retrieved, and the therapeutic effect and tolerability of the treatment were evaluated. RESULTS: All 15 patients with colorectal liver metastases completed the GSP-mediated chemoembolization. The therapeutic effect and tolerability were evaluated 3 months after the initial procedure. The tumor lesions in all patients showed various levels of necrosis and shrinkage. According to the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST), one patient achieved complete response (CR), eleven patients achieved partial response (PR), and three patients achieved stable disease (SD). The overall response rate (CR + PR) was 80%. CONCLUSIONS: GSP-mediated chemoembolization is well tolerated and has a good short-term response rate (80%) in the treatment of colorectal liver metastases after systemic chemotherapy failure. Collectively, further study of the long-term effect of GSP-mediated chemoembolization in colorectal liver metastasis in a large cohort is warranted.

[Change and significance of Th22 cells in patients with aplastic anemia].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the proportion of Th22 cells in peripheral blood of patients with aplastic anemia (AA) and evaluate its significance. METHODS: From January 2011 to June 2012, a total of 47 AA patients were recruited and divided into 4 groups: severe aplastic anemia (SAA) pre-therapy (group A, n = 11), non-severe aplastic anemia (NSAA) pre-therapy (group B, n = 12), SAA post-therapy (group C, n = 12), NSAA post-therapy (group D, n = 12) and healthy donor controls (n = 12). The proportion of Th22 cells in peripheral blood of each group was evaluated by flow cytometry. The cytokines interleukin-22 (IL-22), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by ELISA. And the level of IL-22 mRNA was examined by reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). RESULTS: The percentage of Th22 cells and the level of IL-22, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-22 mRNA in group A (4.3% ± 1.4%, (57 ± 17) ng/L, (497 ± 123) ng/L, (323 ± 88) ng/L, 1.65 ± 0.51) and group C (2.6% ± 0.6%, (34 ± 10) ng/L, (314 ± 79) ng/L, (187 ± 45) ng/L, 0.92 ± 0.28) were significantly higher than that in control group (1.2% ± 0.3%, (19 ± 6) ng/L, (228 ± 50) ng/L, (134 ± 26) ng/L, 0.47 ± 0.09,all P < 0.05). The percentage of Th22 cells and the level of IL-22, TNF-α , IL-6 and IL-22 mRNA in group A were higher than those in group C (all P < 0.05). NSAA patients had similar results. The percentage of Th22 cells and the level of IL-22, TNF-α , IL-6 and IL-22 mRNA in group A were higher than those in group B (all P < 0.05). But the level of TGF-ß in groups A and C were significantly lower than that in control group ((3.4 ± 1.1) and (5.8 ± 1.7) vs (9.7 ± 2.8) ng/L, P < 0.05). And the level of TGF-ß in group A was lower than that of group B (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The number of Th22 cells is elevated in AA patients. Th22 cells may be positively correlated with the development of AA. And a higher level of TNF-α, IL-6 and a lower level of TGF-ß promote the differentiation of Th22 cells.

The Effect of Meditation-Based Mind-Body Interventions on Symptoms and Executive Function in People With ADHD: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

OBJECTIVE: This study aims to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of the effect of MBIs (Mindfulness, Tai Chi, Yoga, and Qigong) on symptoms and executive function (EF) in ADHD. METHOD: PubMed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, PsycINFO, CINAHL, Embase, and CNKI databases were searched to collect randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on the effects of MBIs on symptoms and EF in ADHD. Data extraction and methodological quality evaluation were conducted by two researchers, and a meta-analysis was conducted by Stata SE. RESULTS: The pooled meta-analyses of MBIs revealed a positive and small effect on inattention (g = -0.26), hyperactivity/impulsivity (g = -0.19), and EF (g = -0.35). CONCLUSION: Results suggest that MBIs have a significant improvement relative to the control condition. Although some results show that symptoms are affected by age, interventions, and total time of moderators, while EF is not affected by age and measurement, it needs to be supported by more research evidence. (J. of Att. Dis. XXXX; XX(X) XX-XX).

Effect of Apple Polyphenols on the Antioxidant Activity and Structure of Three-Dimensional Printed Processed Cheese.

Additives can influence the processability and quality of three-dimensional (3D)-printed foods. Herein, the effects of apple polyphenols on the antioxidant activity and structure of 3D-printed processed cheese were investigated. The antioxidant activities of processed cheese samples with different contents of apple polyphenols (0%, 0.4%, 0.8%, 1.2%, or 1.6%) were evaluated using 2,2'-azinobis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) and 2,2-di(4-tert-octylphenyl)-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. In addition, the rheological properties and structural characteristics of the processed cheeses were investigated using rheometry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Then, the final printed products were analyzed for comparative molding effects and dimensional characteristics. it was found that apple polyphenols can significantly improve the antioxidant activity of processed cheese. When the amount of apple polyphenols added was 0.8%, the 3D shaping effect was optimal with a porosity rate of 4.1%. Apple polyphenols can be used as a good antioxidant additive, and the moderate addition of apple polyphenols can effectively improve the antioxidant and structural stability of 3D-printed processed cheese.

Gelatin sponge microparticles for transarterial chemoembolization combined with regorafenib in hepatocellular carcinoma: a single-center retrospective study.

Background: The treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is challenging. The positive effect of gelatin sponge microparticles for transarterial chemoembolization (GSMs-TACE) in the treatment of Barcelona Clinic Liver Cancer (BCLC) stage C and large HCC has been confirmed by previous studies. This study initially explored the efficacy and safety of GSMs-TACE combined with regorafenib in patients with unresectable HCC who failed first-line sorafenib and/or lenvatinib therapy. Methods: This retrospective study collated the data of patients who presented at the Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital of Dalian University between December 2018 and June 2021. Patients were treated with GSMs-TACE, followed by regorafenib 1 week later. Follow-up was conducted every 3 to 5 weeks after combination therapy. If the treatment was changed due to disease progression, the patients were followed up every 3 months to obtain overall survival (OS) time. The OS, progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) was used to evaluate the efficacy of the treatment, while adverse events (AEs) was used to assess its safety. Results: A total of 47 patients were included in the study. The age of patients was 64.4±6.8 years; There were 43 (91.5%) males and 4 (8.5%) females; the number of Child-Pugh grade A was 22 (46.8%) and B was 25 (53.2%); the longest tumor diameter was 5.1 cm [interquartile range (IQR), 3.8, 8.9 cm]; the number of BCLC grade B was 14 (29.8%) and grade C was 33 (70.2%). The median follow-up time was 11.6 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.8 to 14.0 months]. The median number of GSMS-TACE sessions was 3. The initial doses of regorafenib were 80 mg/d (n=17, 36.2%), 120 mg/d (n=23, 48.9%), and 160 mg/d (n=7, 14.9%). The median PFS was 6.0 months (95% CI: 4.5 to 7.5 months), and the median OS was 14.3 months (95% CI: 11.8 to 16.8 months). The ORR and DCR were 21.3% and 85.1%, respectively. The incidence of grade 3/4 AEs was 8 out of 47 patients (17.0%). Conclusions: The study indicated that GSMs-TACE combined with regorafenib may be efficient and safe in patients with unresectable HCC. Future prospective large-scale studies should be conducted to verify these results.

Irinotecan eluting beads-transarterial chemoembolization using Callispheres® microspheres is an effective and safe approach in treating unresectable colorectal cancer liver metastases.

BACKGROUND: Callispheres® microspheres (CSM) are the first drug-eluting bead (DEB) product developed in China; meanwhile, DEB-transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) with CSM is effective and safe in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma. However, the data regarding the role of irinotecan-eluting beads-TACE (DEBIRI-TACE) using CSM for colorectal cancer liver metastases (CRLM) treatment is limited. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the efficacy and safety of DEBIRI-TACE using CSM in the patients with unresectable CRLM. METHODS: Totally, 42 unresectable CRLM patients treated with DEBIRI-TACE using CSM were continuously enrolled in this study. Postoperative treatment response (including complete response rate (CR), objective response rate (ORR), and disease control rate (DCR)), survival data (overall survival (OS)), liver function, and adverse events were documented during the follow-up. RESULTS: CR, ORR, and DCR were 19.0%, 92.9%, and 100.0%, respectively, at month (M) 1; were 23.8%, 92.9%, and 97.6%, respectively, at M3; then were 14.3%, 78.6%, and 90.5%, respectively at M6. Regarding survival profiles, 1-year OS was 81.0%; 2-year OS was 58.5%; median OS was 25.0 months (95%CI: 19.3-30.7 months). Additionally, ALT and AST experienced an obviously increased trend at 4 days, but a declined trend at 7 days, while ALB and TBIL had no obvious change. No grade 3 or grade 4 adverse event was observed, and main adverse events included fever (95.3%), pain (57.1%), fatigue (50.0%), and nausea/vomiting (42.8%). CONCLUSION: DEBIRI-TACE with CSM achieves high treatment response, acceptable survival benefits, and good toleration in unresectable CRLM treatment.

CalliSpheres® microsphere transarterial chemoembolization combined with 125I brachytherapy for patients with non-small-cell lung cancer liver metastases.

Objective: Poor prognosis and limited treatments of liver metastases from non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after radical surgery are critical issues. The current study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® microsphere transarterial chemoembolization (CSM-TACE) plus 125I brachytherapy in these patients. Methods: A total of 23 patients with liver metastases from NSCLC after radical surgery were included. All patients received CSM-TACE 1-3 times, then 125I brachytherapy was carried out following the last CSM-TACE. Complete response (CR), objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), survival, and adverse events were evaluated. Results: CR, ORR and DCR were 43.5%, 87.0%, and 100%, respectively, at three months; furthermore, they were 78.3%, 100%, and 100% accordingly at six months. Moreover, most European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire-Core 30 (QLQ-C30) subscales of functions (including physical and emotional function) and symptoms (including pain, nausea, and vomiting) were generally improved at three months (all P < 0.05). Furthermore, median progression-free survival (PFS) was 14.0 [95% confidence interval (CI): 10.4-17.6] months, with a 1-year PFS rate of 62.9%, but the 2-year PFS rate was not reached. Moreover, the median overall survival (OS) was 22.0 (95% CI: 16.8-27.2) months, with a 1-year OS rate of 91.3% and a 2-year OS rate of 43.5%. Additionally, the main adverse events included fever (100%), pain (65.2%), liver function impairment (65.2%), fatigue (56.5%), and nausea and vomiting (52.2%), which were all categorized as grade 1-2. Conclusion: CSM-TACE plus 125I brachytherapy is effective and safe in patients with liver metastases from NSCLC after radical surgery, providing a potentially optimal option in these patients.

Resveratrol and organic selenium-rich fermented milk reduces D-galactose-induced cognitive dysfunction in mice.

Recently, dietary intervention has been considered as a prospective strategy in treating age-related cognitive dysfunction and brain plasticity degeneration. In this study, we developed a kind of functional fermented milk rich in resveratrol and organic selenium, and explored the effects on cognitive behavior, hippocampal neurogenesis and the neurotrophic signaling pathway in d-galactose model mice. Behavioral tests showed that the functional fermented milk significantly reversed spatial memory loss and showed a recognition behavior reduction in a novel object recognition task. Immunohistochemistry analysis demonstrated that the functional fermented milk significantly increased hippocampal neurogenesis. Moreover, walnut diets with dairy products reserved a d-galactose induced decrease of hippocampal p-ERK/ERK, p-CREB/CREB, and BDNF expression in the protein level. These findings confirmed that dietary treatment with the functional fermented milk could ameliorate cognitive dysfunction in d-galactose model mice, and yoghurt rich in resveratrol and organic selenium has the potential in treating age-related diseases.

Assessment of efficacy and safety by CalliSpheres versus HepaSpheres for drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization in unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma patients.

This study aimed to compare efficacy and safety of HepaSpheres and CalliSpheres in unresectable large hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients. One hundred and twenty-seven unresectable large HCC patients receiving drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) treatment with CalliSpheres or HepaSpheres microspheres were analyzed. Treatment response, Karnofsky performance status (KPS) score, adverse events, main liver function indexes, time to progression (TTP), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed. Objective response rate (82.7% vs. 63.8%, p=.030) and disease control rate (100.0% vs. 91.5%, p=.030) were increased in CalliSpheres group compared to HepaSpheres group at 1 month after treatment, while no difference was found between the two groups regarding treatment response at 3 or 6 months post treatment (all p>.05). The KPS score at 1, 3, and 6 months was similar between the two groups (all p>.05). As for the liver function, the ALT, AST, ALB, and TBIL levels at 7 and 30 days were of no difference between the two groups (all p>.05). In addition, the adverse events including nausea/vomiting, pain, fever, myelosuppression, biloma, and abscess were of no difference between the two groups, either (all p>.05). In terms of survival profile, there was no difference regarding TTP (6.3 months (95%CI: 5.9-6.6 months) vs. 6.0 months (95%CI: 5.6-6.4 months), p=.082) or OS (23.0 months (95%CI: 20.1-25.9 months) vs. 22.0 months (95%CI: 20.2-23.8 months), p=.571) between the two groups. In conclusion, CalliSpheres seems to be superior in short-term efficacy and equal in long-term efficacy as well as safety compared to HepaSpheres for DEB-TACE treatment in unresectable large HCC patients.

CalliSpheres® microspheres drug-eluting bead transhepatic artery chemoembolization with or without sorafenib for the treatment of large liver cancer: a multi-center retrospective study.

PURPOSE: To explore the clinical efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® microspheres drug-eluting bead transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) combined with sorafenib in the treatment of large liver cancer. METHOD: The study retrospectively analyzed 90 patients with large liver cancer. 42 patients who received DEB-TACE and sorafenib were included in the experimental group and 48 patients who received only DEB-TACE were included in the control group. The efficacy, TTP, OS and ARs were evaluated and further analysis was conducted on factors which might affect the prognosis. RESULTS: As of June 2020. The median OS of the experimental group was significantly longer than that of the control group (18.6 months vs. 12.7 months), and the TTP was also longer in the experimental group (8.3 months vs. 6.9 months). Three months after the intervention, the ORR and DCR of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group. The main ARs of the experimental group taking sorafenib included hand-foot syndrome, skin rash, diarrhea, fatigue, hypertension, and anorexia. And they could be alleviated through treatment of the symptoms. TACE-related ARs for both groups were fever, pain, nausea, and vomiting, and there was no significant difference. Logistic regression analysis showed that the combined sorafenib treatment was a protective factor improving the prognosis of patients with large liver cancer, and risk factors were the number of tumors and vascular invasion. CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE combined with sorafenib is safe and well tolerated in the treatment of large liver cancer. It can improve the tumor control rate and prolong the survival time.

[The Clinical Features of Metabolic Syndrome in Receptors of Hematopoietic Stem Cells].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the incidence and clinical characteristics of metabolic syndrome (MS) within one year after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in order to screen the risk factors for HSCT-MS, provide early intervention and improve the long-term quality of survival of patients. METHODS: The clinical follow-up data of 64 HSCT patients (survival time > 1 year) who received HSCT in our center from January 2007 to August 2018 were collected. Among them, 50 cases were allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) and 14 cases were autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (auto-HSCT). The changes of MS-related indexes and clinical characteristics before and 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after HSCT were analyzed retrospectively. RESULTS: In allo-HSCT group, 14 cases were diagnosed as MS before operation, including high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (hypo-HDL-C)> hyper triglycerides（hyper-TG）> hyper fasting glucose（hyper-FBG）> abdominal obesity (AO) > hypertension. The preoperative diagnosis of MS in the auto-HSCT group was 5 cases, in the order of hyper-FBG> hyper-TG> AO> hypo-HDL-C> hypertension. Incidence of MS at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months after transplantation: 19, 26, 24 and 20 cases in the allo-HSCT group, respectively; auto-HSCT group were 7, 7, 6 and 6 cases, respectively. Hyper-TG and hypo-HDL-C were prominent in both groups. CONCLUSION: The incidence of HSCT-MS is significantly higher within 1 year after HSCT. Regardless of allo-HSCT and auto-HSCT, the prevention and control of HSCT-MS is emphasized as an important guarantee to improve the long-term survival quality of HSCT patients.

Experimental study on embolization of rabbit renal artery with gelatin sponge microspheres.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to evaluate the degradation characteristics and embolic effect of gelatin microspheres (GMSs) produced domestically in China through an experimental study comparing the embolization of rabbit renal arteries using GMSs and tris-acryl microspheres. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sixteen healthy adult New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into two groups. Group A was embolized with GMSs produced in China with a diameter of 150-200 µm (n = 8), and Group B was embolized with tris-acryl microspheres with a diameter of 100-200 µm (n = 8). The renal arteries were embolized through femoral artery puncture and catheterization. Renal artery angiography rechecks and hematoxylin and eosin staining of tissue sections were performed at 1 day, 4 days, 7 days, and 14 days after embolization, respectively, to observe vascular recanalization, degradation of microspheres, and embolic effect. RESULTS: Group A: Digital subtraction angiography showed complete recanalization at 14 days. The changes in embolic necrotic areas at different time points after embolization were similar in the two groups. At 4 days after embolization, changes in glomerular structure were observed in the kidney on the embolic side. At 7 days after embolization, atrophy, degeneration, and necrosis of the glomeruli, as well as degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration of the renal tubules, were observed in the kidney on the embolic side. At 14 days after embolization, extensive atrophy and hyalinization of the glomeruli were observed, and local renal tissue showed patchy fibrosis with calcification of internal tissue. Hyperplasia of fibrillar connective tissue was observed in the renal interstitium. CONCLUSION: The GMSs produced domestically in China can be completely degraded after embolizing blood vessels for 14 days. The GMSs are similar to tris-acryl microspheres in arterial embolization effect and are safe and effective.

Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization combined with low-dose apatinib in the treatment of unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma in elderly patients: Efficacy and safety.

CONTEXT: Owing to the increasing age of the population, the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the elderly is increasing annually. AIMS: This study aims to investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) combined with low-dose apatinib for unresectable HCC treatment in elderly patients (≥65 years). SETTINGS AND DESIGN: The clinical data from 61 elderly patients with unresectable HCC who were retrospectively analyzed. SUBJECTS AND METHODS: Of these 61 patients, 27 received TACE combined with low-dose (250 mg/qd) apatinib (experimental group), and 34 patients received the standard TACE treatment (control group). The short-term efficacy was evaluated according to the mRECIST1.1 standards, and the mid- and long-term efficacy and safety in the two groups of patients were evaluated. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED: Statistical analyses were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (version 20.0; SPSS). RESULTS: Both the objective response rate and disease control rate of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group (P < 0.05). The 6-month and 12-month survival rates of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of control group too (P < 0.05). The median survival in the experimental group was longer than in the control group (26.0 months vs. 20.0 months). The adverse reactions related to the intake of apatinib were higher in the experimental than the control group, but were generally alleviated after symptomatic treatment. CONCLUSIONS: TACE combined with low-dose apatinib provides an alternative treatment option for elderly patients with unresectable HCC. Our clinical study has proven its safety and efficacy.

Decitabine Compared With Conventional Regimens in Older Patients With Acute Myeloid Leukemia: A Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: The incidence of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) increases with age. The overall prognosis remains poor for older patients. Studies on the efficacy of decitabine, an epigenetic agent, in older patients with AML have reported conflicting results. MATERIALS AND METHODS: For this meta-analysis, we performed a literature search and collected 38 studies (including 3298 patients with AML) to evaluate the role of decitabine in elderly patients with AML. We used complete response (CR) or overall response (OR) rate as indicators of effectiveness. RESULTS: Patients treated with decitabine have a higher CR/OR rate than those treated with low-dose cytarabine (CR, 2.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.64-4.14; OR, 4.88; 95% CI, 1.98-12.04) or CAG/HAG (low-dose epirubicin and cytarabine with granulocyte stimulating factor/low-dose homoharringtonine and cytarabine with granulocyte stimulating factor) regimens (CR, 2.53; 95% CI, 1.98-3.23; OR, 2.89; 95% CI, 2.24-3.73). However, patients treated with decitabine had a CR rate equivalent to those treated with intensive chemotherapy (CR, 0.58; 95% CI, 0.28-1.22; P = .15). Use of decitabine in combination with other regimens resulted in a higher CR/OR rate than did use of decitabine alone (P < .001); there was no significant difference in infection rates and early death rates (P > .05). CONCLUSION: The findings presented in this article show that decitabine is effective and safe for the treatment of older patients with AML.

[Analysis of severe complications after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for primary hepatocellular carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the cause and treatment as well as prevention measures of rarely occurring severe complications after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) for primary hepatic carcinoma. METHODS: 573 consecutive patients with primary hepatic carcinoma underwent a total of 1252 TACE procedures from January 2005 to July 2007. All the patients who developed complications after TACE received imaging and biochemical examinations. The cause, treatment and preventive measures of the complications in the 573 cases were analyzed. RESULTS: There were upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage in 3 cases, hepatic failure in 4, pulmonary embolism in 1, cholecystitis in 4, hepatic encephalopathy in 2, gastric perforation in 1, and intrahepatic biloma in 2 cases. Two patients died of the complications: 1 of hepatic failure and 1 of gastric perforation. CONCLUSION: The rarely occurring severe complications after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization for primary hepatic carcinoma is correlated with poor hepatic function and portal hypertension before therapy, overdose and reflux of chemotherapeutic agents or allotopic chemoembolism, etc. It can be reduced or prevented through careful selection of proper cases before the treatment, close observation, and protection of hepatic function and gastric mucosa after treatment.