Endoscopic Treatment of Duodenocolic Fistula Caused by Migrating Biliary Stents.

BACKGROUND Endoscopic biliary stent implantation is a recognized and effective method for the treatment of benign and malignant diseases of the bile duct and pancreas, ensuring smooth bile drainage. Currently, stent migration is considered a long-term and complex process, and in most cases, stents are removed through endoscopy or expelled from the body through the intestinal cavity. In rare cases, stents lead to formation of duodenocolic fistulas. CASE REPORT We report a case of duodenal colon fistula caused by a biliary stent penetrating the duodenum and entering the ascending colon. We removed the stent through endoscopy and clamped the fistulas of the colon and duodenum separately with titanium clips. Due to the presence of large common bile duct stones, nasobiliary drainage was performed again. Later, laparoscopic choledocholithotomy was performed, and the patient was discharged after rehabilitation. CONCLUSIONS ERCP endoscopy must consider the possibility of stent displacement in patients with biliary stents. In the case of CBD biliary stent dislocation in the patient, continuous abdominal plain films and physical examinations are required until spontaneous discharge is confirmed. In addition, for patients with benign bile duct stenosis undergoing biliary drainage, doctors should urge them to return to the hospital on time to remove the stent. For patients with postoperative abdominal pain or peritonitis symptoms, abdominal CT scan confirmation is required and early intervention should be considered.

Ultra-high pressure improved gelation and digestive properties of Tai Lake whitebait myofibrillar protein.

This study investigated the effects of ultra-high pressure (UHP) at different levels on the physicochemical properties, gelling properties, and in vitro digestion characteristics of myofibrillar protein (MP) in Tai Lake whitebait. The α-helix gradually unfolded and transformed into ß-sheet as the pressure increased from 0 to 400 MPa. In addition, the elastic modulus (G') and viscous modulus (G'') of the 400 MPa-treated MP samples increased by 4.8 and 3.8 times, respectively, compared with the control group. The gel properties of the MP also increased significantly after UHP treatment, e.g., the gel strength increased by a 4.8-fold when the pressure reached 400 Mpa, compared with the control group. The results of in vitro simulated digestion showed that the 400 MPa-treated MP gel samples showed a 1.8-fold increase in digestibility and a 69.6 % decrease in digestible particle size compared with the control group.

Sand fixation and human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau for ecological conservation and sustainable development.

The sand fixation ecosystem services and human activities on the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau (QTP) play a crucial role in local sustainable development and ecosystem health, with significant implications for surrounding regions and the global ecological environment. We employed an improved integrated wind erosion modeling system (IWEMS) model for the QTP to simulate sand fixation quantities under the unique low temperature and low pressure conditions prevalent on the plateau. Using the human footprint index (HFI), the intensity of human activities on the plateau was quantified. Additionally, an econometric model was constructed to analyze the impacts of the natural factors, the HFI, and policy factors on the sand fixation capacity. The results revealed that the average sand fixation quantity was 1368.0 t/km2/a, with a standard deviation of 1725.4 t/km2/a, and the highest value during the study period occurred in 2003. The average value of the HFI for 2020 was 6.69 with a standard deviation of 6.61, and the HFI exhibited a continuous growth trend from 2000 to 2020. Despite this growth, the average human activity intensity remained at a low level, with over 50 % of the area having an index value of <4.84. Overall, a strong negative correlation was observed between the sand fixation ecological capacity and the HFI on the QTP. However, extensive regions exhibited high values or low values for both indicators. The sand fixation capacity on the QTP is influenced by both natural and human factors. In light of these findings, suggestions are made for optimizing protected area design, rational control of human activity scales, and targeted human activity aggregation within certain regions as part of ecological conservation strategies. This study has implications for assessing sand fixation ecological functions in high-altitude regions and enhancing sand fixation capacity within the region, providing valuable practical guidance.

Evaluation of universal preenrichment broth and comparison of rapid molecular methods for the detection of Salmonella from spent sprout irrigation water (SSIW).

Sprouts and spent sprout irrigation water (SSIW) present unique challenges for the development of a Salmonella detection method in food matrices. This study aimed to compare universal preenrichment broth (UPB) and lactose broth (LB) as preenrichment media for cultural and rapid screening methods and to compare their abilities to recover Salmonella in SSIW samples from different sprout varieties (i.e., alfalfa, broccoli, and mung bean sprouts). The associated co-enriched microbiota with different sprout varieties using different preenrichment media were also examined using a quasi-metagenomic approach. The performance of media and detection methods was compared using the relative level of detection (RLOD) value, as recommended by ISO 16140-2:2016. The level of detection (LOD) for Salmonella culture method with UPB was similar to that with LB in low aerobic plate count (APC) background samples (the relative LOD, i.e., RLOD, was nearly 1 after adjusting for the effects of SSIW variety and serovar), but significantly lower than that with LB in high APC background samples (RLOD = 0.32). The LOD for Salmonella with selected rapid methods was comparable to each other (RLOD from 0.97 to 1.50) and to the culture method (RLOD from 0.69 to 1.03), and no significant difference was detected between preenrichment broths in low APC background samples with RLOD values between 0.76 and 1.04. In samples with a high APC background, however, a drastic difference in LOD was observed between methods and between preenrichment broths for each method. The RLOD ranged from 0.03 to 0.32 when UPB was compared to LB as preenrichment broth. The composition and relative abundance (RA) of co-enriched microbiota was affected by multiple factors including food matrices, preenrichment media and Salmonella contamination. Altogether, this study validated UPB as a better preenrichment broth than LB for the detection of Salmonella enterica from SSIW. This study also suggested UPB may also be an optimal preenrichment medium for rapid screening methods when APC level is high. The observation of potential exclusion of Salmonella in preenrichment through the overgrowth of competitive microflora from the quasi-metagenomic study provided novel information that may be used to further optimize preenrichment formulations.

Comparison of the saccules and lagenae in six macrourid fishes from different deep-sea habitatsa).

There are substantial interspecific differences in the morphology of the ears of the more than 34 000 living fish species. However, almost nothing is known about the functional significance of these differences. One reason is that most comparative studies have been conducted on shallow-water species with far less focus on the numerous species that inhabit the depths of the oceans. Thus, to get a better sense of ear diversity in fishes and its potential role in hearing, this study focuses on the saccule and lagena, the primary auditory end organs, in six species of the family Macrouridae (rattails), a large group of fishes that typically inhabit depths from 1000 to 4000 m. The inner ears and, particularly, the saccules and lagenae in these species are large with the saccule resembling that of other Gadiformes. The lagenae of all macrourids studied here have serrated edge otoliths and highly diverse hair cell ciliary bundle shapes. The differences found in the inner ear anatomy of macrourids likely reflect the sensory advantages in different habitats that are related to the benefits and constraints at different depths, the fish's particular lifestyle, and the trade-off among different sensory systems.

Delegated Proof of Stake Consensus Mechanism Based on Community Discovery and Credit Incentive.

Consensus algorithms are the core technology of a blockchain and directly affect the implementation and application of blockchain systems. Delegated proof of stake (DPoS) significantly reduces the time required for transaction verification by selecting representative nodes to generate blocks, and it has become a mainstream consensus algorithm. However, existing DPoS algorithms have issues such as "one ballot, one vote", a low degree of decentralization, and nodes performing malicious actions. To address these problems, an improved DPoS algorithm based on community discovery is designed, called CD-DPoS. First, we introduce the PageRank algorithm to improve the voting mechanism, achieving "one ballot, multiple votes", and we obtain the reputation value of each node. Second, we propose a node voting enthusiasm measurement method based on the GN algorithm. Finally, we design a comprehensive election mechanism combining node reputation values and voting enthusiasm to select secure and reliable accounting nodes. A node credit incentive mechanism is also designed to effectively motivate normal nodes and drive out malicious nodes. The experimental simulation results show that our proposed algorithm has better decentralization, malicious node eviction capabilities and higher throughput than similar methods.

A combination of ultrasound and contrast-enhanced ultrasound improves diagnostic accuracy for the differentiation of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis from primary lymphoma.

OBJECTIVES: To present a method combining ultrasound (US) and contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) features for differential diagnosis of cervical tuberculous lymphadenitis (CTL) and primary lymphoma. METHODS: A total of 155 patients with CTL (n = 49) and lymphoma (n = 106) who underwent US and CEUS were retrospectively included. The features extracted from US and CEUS and the significant clinical data were created three models using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator and logistic regression analysis. The diagnostic performance of the models was assessed using the area under the curve (AUC). RESULTS: The combined model outperformed US model and CEUS model in distinguish CTL from lymphoma achieved favorable performances in training set and validation set with AUCs of 0.958 and 0.946 as well as high accuracies (91.7% and 87.2%), sensitivities (95.9% and 84.4%) and specificities (82.4% and 93.3%). Delong's test showed that among the three models, combined model was significantly different from the other two models in training set (p = 0.011 and 0.029, respectively) and validation set (p = 0.018 and 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: A combination of US and CEUS achieved good diagnostic performance in differentiating lymphoma and CTL, which might aid in clinical decision-making.

Polymorphisms of mtDNA in the D-loop region moderate the associations of BMI with HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß among women with polycystic ovary syndrome: a cross-sectional study.

PURPOSE: Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the leading causes of infertility in women of childbearing age, and many patients with PCOS have obesity and insulin resistance (IR). Although obesity is related to an increased risk of IR, in clinical practice, PCOS patients exhibit different effects on improving insulin sensitivity after weight loss. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to examine the moderating effect of polymorphisms of mtDNA in the D-loop region on the associations of body mass index (BMI) with the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) and pancreatic ß cell function index (HOMA-ß) among women with PCOS. METHODS: Based on a cross-sectional study, women with PCOS were recruited from the Reproductive Center of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University from 2015 to 2018. A total of 520 women who were diagnosed with PCOS based on the revised 2003 Rotterdam criteria were included in the study. Peripheral blood was collected from these patients, followed by DNA extraction, PCR amplification, and sequencing at baseline. HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß were calculated according to blood glucose-related indices. Moderating effect models were performed with BMI as an independent variable, polymorphisms of mtDNA in the D-loop region as moderators, and ln (HOMA-IR) and ln (HOMA-ß) as dependent variables. To verify the stability of moderating effect, sensitivity analysis was performed with the quantitative insulin sensitivity check index (QUICKI), fasting plasma glucose/fasting insulin (G/I), and fasting insulin as dependent variables. RESULTS: BMI was positively associated with ln (HOMA-IR) and ln (HOMA-ß) (ß = 0.090, p < 0.001; ß = 0.059, p < 0.001, respectively), and the relationship between BMI and ln (HOMA-IR) or ln (HOMA-ß) was moderated by the polymorphisms of mtDNA in the D-loop region. Compared with the respective wild-type, the variant -type of m.16217 T > C enhanced the association between BMI and HOMA-IR, while the variant-type of m.16316 A > G weakened the association. On the other hand, the variant-type of m.16316 A > G and m.16203 A > G weakened the association between BMI and HOMA-ß, respectively. The results of QUICKI and fasting insulin as dependent variables were generally consistent with HOMA-IR, and the results of G/I as dependent variables were generally consistent with HOMA-ß. CONCLUSION: Polymorphisms of mtDNA in the D-loop region moderate the associations of BMI with HOMA-IR and HOMA-ß among women with PCOS.

Transcriptomics reveals apigenin alleviates airway inflammation and epithelial cell apoptosis in allergic asthma via MAPK pathway.

Persistent chronic inflammation of the lungs and airway remodeling are important pathological features that cannot be ignored in patients with chronic asthma. Apigenin (API) is a natural small molecule compound with good anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity that has been widely reported in recent years, but its role in chronic asthma is not well defined. Our study began with oral gavage intervention using API (10, 20 mg/kg) or dexamethasone (DEX, 2 mg/kg) in a BALB/c mouse model of ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization. Different doses of API intervention effectively reduced airway resistance in the administered group. Additionally, inflammation was downregulated, mucus secretion was reduced, and airway remodeling was inhibited in the API intervention group compared with the model group. Asthma-related inflammatory cytokines, such as IgE, IL-4, IL-5, IL-13, and IL-17, were downregulated in alveolar lavage fluid. Moreover, the apoptosis level of the administered group was found to be lower than that of the model group in the Tunel staining experiment. By analyzing transcriptome sequencing results, we found that API may exert anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting the MAPK pathway. Our subsequent results supported this conclusion, showing that the phosphorylation levels of ERKs, JNKs, and p38 MAPKs were inhibited in the administered group relative to the model group. Downstream expression of the apoptosis-related protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) was upregulated, and the expression of Bcl-2-associated × protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 was downregulated. To further investigate the specific mechanism by which API acted, we established an in vitro model with house dust mite (HDM) stimulation, using API (10, 20 µM) for administration intervention. The results showed that API was able to improve cell viability, inhibit ROS production, and reverse HDM-induced decreases in mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and apoptosis in airway epithelial cells via the MAPK pathway.

High-intensity ultrasound modified the functional properties of Neosalanx taihuensis myofibrillar protein and improved its emulsion stability.

This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity ultrasound treatment on the functional properties and emulsion stability of Neosalanx taihuensis myofibrillar protein (MP). The results showed that the carbonyl groups, emulsification properties, intrinsic fluorescence intensity, and surface hydrophobicity of the ultrasound treated MP solution were increased compared to the MP without ultrasound treatment. The results of secondary structure showed that the ultrasound treatment could cause a huge increase of ß-sheet and a decline of α-helix of MP, indicating that ultrasound induced molecular unfolding and stretching. Moreover, ultrasound reduced the content of total sulfhydryl and led to a certain degree of MP cross-linking. The microscopic morphology of MP emulsion indicated that the emulsion droplet decreased with the increase of ultrasound power. In addition, ultrasound could also increase the storage modulus of the MP emulsion. The results for the lipid oxidation products indicated that ultrasound significantly improved the oxidative stability of N. taihuensis MP emulsions. This study offers an important reference theoretically for the ultrasound modification of aquatic proteins and the future development of N. taihuensis deep-processed products represented by surimi.

EBV-Upregulated B7-H3 Inhibits NK cell-Mediated Antitumor Function and Contributes to Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Progression.

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is an Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-associated epithelial malignancy characterized by the presence of prominent infiltration of lymphocytes, including natural killer (NK) cells. Although NK cells can directly target EBV-infected tumor cells without restriction by the MHC, EBV-positive (EBV+) NPC cells often develop resistance mechanisms that allow them to evade immune surveillance by NK cells. Elucidating the mechanisms involved in EBV-induced NK-cell dysfunction will contribute to the design of novel NK cell-based immunotherapies to treat NPC. Herein, we confirmed that the cytotoxic function of NK cells was impaired in EBV+ NPC tissues and found that EBV infection-induced expression of B7-H3 in NPC negatively correlated with NK-cell function. The inhibitory effect of EBV+ tumor expression of B7-H3 on NK-cell function was clarified in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway via EBV latent membrane protein 1 (LMP1) was responsible for EBV infection-induced upregulation of B7-H3 expression. In an NPC xenograft mouse model with adoptive transfer of primary NK cells, deletion of B7-H3 on tumor cells in combination with anti-PD-L1 treatment restored NK cell-mediated antitumor activity and significantly improved the antitumor efficacy of NK cells. On the basis of our findings, we conclude that EBV infection can inhibit NK cell-mediated antitumor function by inducing upregulation of B7-H3 expression and provide a rationale for NK cell-based immunotherapies in combination of PD-L1 blockade and overcoming the immunosuppression of B7-H3 to treat EBV-associated NPC.

The Value of Contrast-Enhanced Ultrasound in the Detection of Sentinel Lymph Nodes in Malignant Melanoma.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the location and characterization value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) in the detection of sentinel lymph nodes (SLNs) in malignant melanoma. METHODS: SLNs and the lymph node network were tracked by subcutaneous injection of ultrasonic contrast agent around the tumor and preoperative localization, and qualitative analyses were performed. The SLNs were also detected by the intraoperative subcutaneous injection of carbon nanoparticles, and the findings were compared with lymph nodes located by CEUS. The accuracy of the preoperative lymph node identification was evaluated by the results of postoperative pathology, which served as the gold standard of detection. RESULTS: In 47 patients with malignant melanoma, the mean number of SLNs detected by CEUS was 1.72 ± 0.10, while that by carbon nanoparticle administration it was 1.79 ± 1.07 (P = .371 > .05). Seven cases of lymph node metastasis were detected by CEUS, with a sensitivity of 70.0%, specificity of 97.3%, positive predictive value of 87.5%, negative predictive value of 92.3%, and accuracy of 91.5%. There was high consistency between the findings of CEUS and pathology in differentiating benign and malignant lymph nodes (kappa = 0.726, χ2  = 25.243, P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: CEUS can localize and differentiate SLNs in malignant melanoma, and thus, may potentially guide clinical treatment in the future.

Kruppel-like factor 9 inhibits growth and metastasis of cholangiocarcinoma cells by targeted regulation of metallothionein 1 M transcription.

This study is to investigate the effect of Kruppel-like factor 9 (KLF9) on the occurrence and progression of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) and its underlying mechanism. After the CCA cells were transfected with OE-KLF9 and/or sh-metallothionein 1 M (sh-MT1M), KLF9 and MT1M expression levels were measured. Likewise, the biological characteristics of CCA cells were measured, followed by detections of caspase3 activity and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related protein. Furthermore, the binding site of KLF9 and MT1M was predicted and verified. An in vivo model of CCA in nude mice was established where tumor volume and weight were recorded, in addition to tumor metastasis in the liver. The expression of KLF9 and MT1M in the CCA cells was remarkably lower. CCA cells overexpressing KLF9 showed repressed abilities to proliferate, invade, and migrate, and strengthened cell apoptosis. KLF9 inhibited EMT, growth, and migration of CCA cells by modulating MT1M transcription. Additionally, KLF9 facilitated MT1M expression in vivo and improve the progression of CCA in nude mice. KLF9 acted as a transcription factor of MT1M to promote its transcription level, thereby affecting the growth and migration of CCA cells, and ultimately improving the occurrence and development of CCA.

FOXC2 as a prognostic marker and a potential molecular target in patients with human solid tumors.

Background: Forkhead Box Protein C2 (FOXC2) belongs to the Forkhead/Wing-helix family. The regulatory role of this transcription factor in physiological function and carcinogenic activity has been proven in subsequent investigations. However, there is still scarcity of evidence on the relationship between FOXC2 expression and prognosis in human solid tumors. We conducted this meta-analysis to evaluate the role of FOXC2 as a prognosis factor and a possible target marker in human solid tumors. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, and the Cochrane library database were all searched methodically. Eligible publications on FOXC2 in human solid tumors were gathered and reviewed. The effect sizes were calculated using pooled hazard ratios (HRs) or odds ratios (ORs) with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (CI). Statistical analysis was conducted with Stata SE12.0. Results: This meta-analysis comprised 3,267 patients from 20 studies covering a variety of solid tumors. Increased FOXC2 expression was related to shorter overall survival (OS) (HR = 2.05, 95% CI: 1.73-2.42). High expression of FOXC2 is associated with lymph node metastases (OR = 3.33, 95% CI: 2.65-4.19), TNM stage (OR = 3.09, 95% CI: 2.00-4.78), and age (OR = 1.26, 95% CI: 1.06-1.50), according to the pooled ORs. However, no significant association was observed between the high expression of FOXC2 and sex, tumor size or tumor differentiation. Conclusion: Increased expression of FOXC2 is associated with unfavored OS, lymph node metastases, TNM stage, and age. FOXC2 is a promising prognostic marker and a novel target marker in human solid tumors.

Upregulation of P2X3 receptors in primary afferent pathways involves in colon-to-bladder cross-sensitization in rats.

Background: Clinical investigation indicates a high level of co-morbidity between bladder overactivity and irritable bowel syndrome. The cross-sensitization of afferent pathways has been demonstrated to be the main reason for the cross-organ sensitization, but the underlying mechanism is unclear. Methods: A single dose of 2, 4, 6-trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was applied to induce the colitis rat models by intracolonic administration. All rats were randomly divided into three groups: control, TNBS-3-day, and TNBS-7-day groups. Western blot and immunofluorescent staining were performed to detect the expression of the P2X3 receptor. The spontaneous contractions of the detrusor strip were measured to evaluate the detrusor contractility function. The micturition function was measured by a cystometry experiment. The intercontractile interval (ICI) and maximum bladder pressure (BP) were recorded. Results: The distal colon from colitis showed serious tissue damage or chronic inflammation after TNBS instillation (p < 0.01). However, there were no detectable histological changes in bladder among groups (p > 0.05). TNBS-induced colitis significantly increased P2X3 receptor expression on the myenteric and submucosal plexus of the distal colon and urothelium of the bladder, especially at day 3 post-TNBS (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, the expression of the P2X3 receptor on DRG neurons was increased in TNBS-induced colitis (p < 0.01). The detrusor strip of rats exhibited detrusor overactivity after days 3 and 7 of TNBS administration (p < 0.01), but inhibition of the P2X3 receptor had no effect (p > 0.05). Moreover, the rats with colitis exhibited the micturition pattern of bladder overactivity, manifested by decreased ICI and increased maximum BP (p < 0.05). Interestingly, inhibition of the P2X3 receptor by intrathecal injection of A-317491 alleviated bladder overactivity evoked by TNBS-induced colitis (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The upregulation of the P2X3 receptor in an afferent pathway involved in bladder overactivity evoked by TNBS-induced colonic inflammation, suggesting that the P2X3 receptor antagonist may be an available and novel strategy for the control of bladder overactivity.

Identification of symptom clusters in patients with ankylosing spondylitis.

Symptom cluster refers to a group of 3 or more related symptoms that occur together. Our objectives were to: (1) investigate the frequency, severity and gender difference of symptoms in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS); and (2) identify symptom clusters in AS patients. A cross-sectional questionnaire-based survey was conducted using the Patient Health Questionnaire Symptoms Group combined with self-designed variables. Demographic and symptom variables between male and female patients in terms of C-reactive protein (CRP) and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-B27 status were analyzed with 2-tailed independent t test for continuous variables and Chi-square or Fisher's exact test for categorical variables. Symptom clusters were extracted and analyzed by principal component analysis. There were 122 AS patients included in the study. The most severe symptoms included severe back pain, extremity or joint pain, difficulty in breathing, constipation, intestine discomfort and diarrhea. Stomachache was more prevalent in male patients in which odds ratio was 4.60 (CI 1.59-12.97) (P = .006). Patients with HLA-B27 negativity or a higher CRP value were more likely to have dry mouth. Four symptom clusters were classified, which explained 58.4% of the total variation. They were named as the gastrointestinal-cardiac cluster, the fatigue-sleep disturbance cluster, the headache-chest pain cluster, and the mouth-eye cluster. The symptoms appeared to cluster into 4 groups in AS patients, which should be noticed in clinical care.

Short-Term and Long-Term Curative Effect of Partial Hepatectomy on Ruptured Hemorrhage of Primary Liver Cancer after TAE.

Objective: To observe the short-term and long-term curative effects of partial hepatectomy on ruptured hemorrhage of primary liver cancer after transcatheter arterial embolization (TAE). Methods: A total of 150 patients with primary liver cancer treated in the hospital were enrolled as research objects between February 2018 and February 2021, including 75 cases undergoing TAE in the TAE group and the other 75 cases undergoing elective partial hepatectomy after TAE in the combination group. The surgical related indexes (leaving bed time, discharge time, success rate of hemostasis, lesion clearance rate), mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), hemoglobin, and liver function indexes (serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), albumin (ALB), total bilirubin (TBIL)) before and after treatment, postoperative complications, survival rate, and recurrence rate at 1 year after surgery between the two groups were compared. Results: Compared with the TAE group, hospitalization time was shorter (P < 0.05), the success rate of hemostasis and lesions clearance rate were higher in the combination group (P < 0.05). After surgery, levels of HR and serum AFP were significantly decreased, while levels of MAP, hemoglobin, serum ALB, and TBIL were significantly increased in both groups. The levels of HR and serum AFP in the combination group were lower than those in the TAE group, while levels of MAP, hemoglobin, serum ALB, and TBIL were higher than those in the TAE group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups (P < 0.05). Compared with the TAE group, the recurrence rate was lower, and the survival rate was higher in the combination group at 1 year after surgery (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Partial hepatectomy can effectively improve hemostatic effect and liver function in ruptured hemorrhage of primary liver cancer after TAE, increase survival rate, and reduce postoperative recurrence rate.

Effects of ginger extract and its major component 6-gingerol on anti-tumor property through mitochondrial biogenesis in CD8+ T cells.

Ginger extract (GE) and its major component 6-gingerol (6G) have been reported to exert anti-tumor effects in various cancers. The underlying mechanism, however, has not been well demonstrated. Here, we have focused on the relationship between promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells induced by GE and 6G and their cytotoxic effect. The results showed that GE induced 56% inhibition of tumor growth in Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) xenograft mouse model and 6G induced 33% (25 mg/kg) and 37% (50 mg/kg) inhibition. GE increased mitochondrial mass of CD8+ T cells in tumor and draining lymph nodes (DLNs) significantly, while 6G had no significant effect. GE and 6G both had no significant influence on histopathological changes of liver and kidney in mice. In the co-culture system of CTLL-2 cells and LLC cells, GE enhanced the cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells against LLC cells by 14% and 19% at concentrations of 2.5 and 5 mg/ml, respectively. 6G did not promote cytotoxicity of CTLL-2 cells. GE increased mitochondrial mass at 5 and 10 mg/ml and mtDNA copy number and ATP production at 2.5, 5, 10 mg/ml in CTLL-2 cells. 6G promoted mtDNA copy number at 50, 100, 150 µM and mitochondrial mass and ATP production at 25, 50, 100, 150 µM in CTLL-2 cells. These results suggest that promotion of mitochondrial biogenesis and function in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells may play an essential role in GE-induced inhibition of tumor growth. The current results perfect the mechanism of anti-tumor effect of ginger, which is beneficial for further application in cancer management. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Ginger, as a worldwide food seasoning and herbal medicine in traditional Chinese medicine, has been reported to possess anti-tumor efficacy. To our knowledge, it is the first time to focus on ginger's ability of promoting mitochondrial biogenesis in tumor infiltrating CD8+ T cells to explore the mechanism of its anti-tumor effect. Our observations demonstrate that ginger inhibits tumor growth via promoting mitochondrial biogenesis and function of T cells. The present study links food to anti-tumor immunity and provides impetus to investigate and design dietary supplements for cancer management.