Understanding the nose-brain axis and its role in related diseases: A conceptual review.

The nose-brain axis (NBA), a critical component of the body-brain axis, not only serves as a drug transport route for the treatment of brain diseases but also mediates changes such as neuroimmune disorders, which may be an important mechanism in the occurrence and development of some nasal or brain diseases. Despite its importance, there are substantial gaps that remain in our understanding of the characteristics of NBA-mediated diseases and of the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the bidirectional NBA crosstalk. These gaps have limited the translational application of NBA-related research findings to some extent. Therefore, this review aims to address the conceptual framework of NBA and highlight its values in representative diseases by combining existing literature with new research results from our group. We hope that this paper will provide a basis for further in-depth research in this field, and facilitate the clinical translation of NBA.

Prognostic histological factors in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma after preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgery.

BACKGROUND: Pathological response is an important marker for tumor aggressiveness in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) who receive preoperative chemoradiation followed by esophagectomy. We aim to evaluate the prognostic value of histological factors after trimodality treatments. METHODS: 91 patients who received preoperative chemoradiation followed by transthoracic esophagectomy between 2009 and 2014 were included. The pathological examination was reviewed. Overall survival and disease free survival were recorded. Survival analysis was performed using the Cox regression model, and the survival curves were compared by the log-rank test. RESULTS: Survival analysis showed lymphovascular invasion (LVI, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.009, p = 0.029), perineural invasion (PNI, HR: 2.226, p = 0.019), ypN stage (HR: 2.041, p = 0.019), extracapsular invasion (ECI, HR: 2.804, p = 0.003), and incomplete resection (HR: 1.897, p = 0.039) as unfavorable prognostic factors affecting overall survival (OS). Moreover, tumor regression grade (TRG, HR: 1.834, p = 0.038), LVI (HR: 1.975, p = 0.038), ECI (HR: 2.836, p = 0.003), and incomplete resection (HR: 2.254, p = 0.007) adversely affected disease-free survival (DFS). Prognostic classification based on poor primary tumor (TRG2/3, LVI(+), and PNI (+)), lymph node (ypN(+) and ECI(+)), and surgical (incomplete resection) factors significantly predicts OS (p = 0.013) and DFS (p = 0.017). However, the use of postoperative adjuvant therapy was not a significant prognostic factor even in medium- and high-risk ESCC patients who underwent trimodality treatments. CONCLUSIONS: Histological factors, including primary tumor, lymph node, and surgical factors has high prognostic value for predicting outcomes in ESCC patients receiving preoperative chemoradiation followed by surgery.

Mutual Influence Between Allergic Rhinitis and Sleep: Factors, Mechanisms, and interventions-A Narrative Review.

Patients with allergic rhinitis (AR) have a high incidence of sleep disorders, such as insomnia, which can easily exacerbate nasal symptoms. The aggravation of nasal symptoms further promotes the deterioration of sleep disorders, forming a vicious cycle. Severe cases may even trigger psychological and neurological issues, such as anxiety, depression, and cognitive impairment, causing significant distress to patients, making clinical diagnosis and treatment difficult, and increasing costs. Furthermore, satisfactory therapeutics remain lacking. As the pathogenesis of AR-associated sleep disorders is not clear and research is still insufficient, paying attention to and understanding AR-related sleep disorders is crucial in clinical practice. Multiple studies have shown that the most crucial issues in current research on AR and sleep are analyzing the relationship between AR and sleep disorders, searching for the influencing factors, and investigating potential targets for diagnosis and treatment. This review aimed to identify and summarize the results of relevant studies using "AR" and "sleep disorders" as search terms. In addition, we evaluated the correlation between AR and sleep disorders and examined their interaction and potential mechanisms, offering a foundation for additional screening of potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets.

Porcine kobuvirus enhances porcine epidemic diarrhea virus pathogenicity and alters the number of intestinal lymphocytes in piglets.

Recent epidemiological studies have discovered that a lot of cases of porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PEDV) infection are frequently accompanied by porcine kobuvirus (PKV) infection, suggesting a potential relationship between the two viruses in the development of diarrhea. To investigate the impact of PKV on PEDV pathogenicity and the number of intestinal lymphocytes, piglets were infected with PKV or PEDV or co-infected with both viruses. Our findings demonstrate that co-infected piglets exhibit more severe symptoms, acute gastroenteritis, and higher PEDV replication compared to those infected with PEDV alone. Notably, PKV alone does not cause significant intestinal damage but enhances PEDV's pathogenicity and alters the number of intestinal lymphocytes. These results underscore the complexity of viral interactions in swine diseases and highlight the need for comprehensive diagnostic and treatment strategies addressing co-infections.

Machine learning developed a macrophage signature for predicting prognosis, immune infiltration and immunotherapy features in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma.

Macrophages played an important role in the progression and treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We employed weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to identify macrophage-related genes (MRGs) and classify patients with HNSCC into two distinct subtypes. A macrophage-related risk signature (MRS) model, comprising nine genes: IGF2BP2, PPP1R14C, SLC7A5, KRT9, RAC2, NTN4, CTLA4, APOC1, and CYP27A1, was formulated by integrating 101 machine learning algorithm combinations. We observed lower overall survival (OS) in the high-risk group and the high-risk group showed elevated expression levels in most of the immune checkpoint and human leukocyte antigen (HLA) genes, suggesting a strong immune evasion capacity. Correspondingly, TIDE score positively correlated with risk score, implying that high-risk tumors may resist immunotherapy more effectively. At the single-cell level, we noted macrophages in the tumor microenvironment (TME) predominantly stalled in the G2/M phase, potentially hindering epithelial-mesenchymal transition and playing a crucial role in the inhibition of tumor progression. Finally, the proliferation and migration abilities of HNSCC cells significantly decreased after the expression of IGF2BP2 and SLC7A5 reduced. It also decreased migration ability of macrophages and facilitated their polarization towards the M1 direction. Our study constructed a novel MRS for HNSCC, which could serve as an indicator for predicting the prognosis, immune infiltration and immunotherapy for HNSCC patients.

Prognostic value of preoperative radiographic perinephric fat features in renal cell carcinoma patients undergoing surgery.

BACKGROUND: We aimed to assess the prognostic importance of perinephric fat features in images of patients with non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma (RCC) undergoing surgery. METHODS: We enrolled RCC patients who underwent surgical treatment between 2011 and 2019. Two characteristics, including perinephric fat thickness and perinephric fat stranding, were evaluated using preoperative computed tomography or magnetic resonance images. The association between perinephric fat characteristics and disease progression was examined by Kaplan-Meier survival analysis and Cox regression model. RESULTS: In a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model adjusting for tumor stage, intratumoral necrosis, and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, we found that patients in the thin perinephric fat group (<1 cm) had a poorer progression-free survival (PFS) compared to the thick perinephric fat group (≥1 cm) (HR 2.8; 95% CI 1.175-6.674, p = 0.02). Additionally, the fat stranding group had a poorer PFS than the non-stranding group (HR 3.852; 95% CI 1.082-13.704, p = 0.037). The non-stranding with thick perinephric fat group exhibits the highest cumulative PFS while the stranding with thin perinephric fat group has the lowest cumulative PFS. In receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, combing these two perinephric fat characteristics with tumor stage can achieve a better discriminatory power than tumor stage alone. CONCLUSIONS: Our study indicates that the evaluation of image-based perinephric fat features is a simple, straightforward, reproducible tool for predicting RCC prognosis and may assist in preoperative risk stratification.

Association between CT-based adipose variables, preoperative blood biochemical indicators and pathological T stage of clear cell renal cell carcinoma.

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is corelated with tumor-associated material (TAM), coagulation system and adipocyte tissue, but the relationships between them have been inconsistent. Our study aimed to explore the cut-off intervals of variables that are non-linearly related to ccRCC pathological T stage for providing clues to understand these discrepancies, and to effectively preoperative risk stratification. Methods: This retrospective analysis included 218 ccRCC patients with a clear pathological T stage between January 1st, 2014, and November 30th, 2021. The patients were categorized into two cohorts based on their pathological T stage: low T stage (T1 and T2) and high T stage (T3 and T4). Abdominal and perirenal fat variables were measured based on preoperative CT images. Blood biochemical indexes from the last time before surgery were also collected. The generalized sum model was used to identify cut-off intervals for nonlinear variables. Results: In specific intervals, fibrinogen levels (FIB) (2.63-4.06 g/L) and platelet (PLT) counts (>200.34 × 109/L) were significantly positively correlated with T stage, while PLT counts (<200.34 × 109/L) were significantly negatively correlated with T stage. Additionally, tumor-associated material exhibited varying degrees of positive correlation with T stage at different cut-off intervals (cut-off value: 90.556 U/mL). Conclusion: Preoperative PLT, FIB and TAM are nonlinearly related to pathological T stage. This study is the first to provide specific cut-off intervals for preoperative variables that are nonlinearly related to ccRCC T stage. These intervals can aid in the risk stratification of ccRCC patients before surgery, allowing for developing a more personalized treatment planning.

Covalent organic framework modified vermiculite for total Cr removal and subsequent recycling for efficient ciprofloxacin and NO photooxidation.

Design and fabrication of feasible remediation composites for total Cr (Cr(T)) removal is still challenging but urgently required. Herein, eco-friendly expanded vermiculite (VE) is integrated with a photoactive covalent organic framework (COF) polymer, in which photoinduced electrons of surface anchored COF can freely transfer to Cr(VI) for chemical reduction, and layered expanded VE allows ion exchange between resultant Cr(III) cations and interlayered K+, Ca2+, Mg2+, Na+, etc. The Cr(T) removal capacities of the surface-modified VE with important parameters (solution pH value, initial Cr(VI) concentration, etc.) are discussed extensively to understand how to select the best conditions for optimum Cr(T) removal performance. More interestingly, from a circular economy view point, spent Cr-loading VE-based waste can serve as a photocatalyst towards oxidation conversion of ciprofloxacin and NO gas subsequently. Explanations for different effects on physicochemical properties as well as catalytic activities of the reused Cr-loading waste are given. This strategy could provide valuable and promising contribution towards the development of sustainable low-cost mineral materials for Cr(T) removal. These findings also shed new light on the research of recycling spent photocatalyst for resource and reutilization.

Decreased Regional Spontaneous Brain Activity and Cognitive Dysfunction in Patients with Coronary Heart Disease: a Resting-state Functional MRI Study.

OBJECTIVES: Chronic coronary heart disease (CHD) is correlated with an increased risk of cognitive impairment (CI), but the mechanisms underlying these changes remain unclear. The aim of the present study was to explore the potential changes in regional spontaneous brain activities and their association with CI, to explore the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying CI in patients with CHD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 71 CHD patients and 73 matched healthy controls (HCs) were included in this study. Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) were used to assess the participants' cognitive functions. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation(fALFF) values were calculated to determine regional spontaneous brain activity. Coronary artery calcium (CAC) score provides a measure of the total coronary plaque burden. Mediation analyses were performed to test whether CHD's effects on cognitive decline are mediated by decreased regional spontaneous brain activity. RESULTS: Patients with CHD had significantly lower MMSE and MoCA scores than the HCs. Compared with the HCs, the patients with CHD demonstrated significantly decreased ReHo and fALFF values in the bilateral medial superior frontal gyrus (SFGmed), left superior temporal gyrus (TPOsup) and left middle temporal gyrus (TPOmid). Impaired cognitive performance was positively correlated with decreased activities in the SFGmed. Mediation analyses revealed that the decreased regional spontaneous brain activity in the SFGmed played a critical role in the relationship between the increase in CAC score and the MoCA and MMSE scores. CONCLUSION: The abnormalities of spontaneous brain activity in SFGmed may provide insights into the neurological pathophysiology underlying CHD associated with cognitive dysfunction.

Gluteus maximus metastasis from sacrococcygeal chordoma: A case report.

We reported the metastatic chordoma in the right gluteus maximus of a 73-year-old man. The patient was initially diagnosed with sacrococcygeal chordoma and treated with surgical resection. Unfortunately, he had a gluteal metastasis and recurrence and suffered the third-operation therapy. Chordoma is a rare malignant tumor and may metastasize, but the metastasis and recurrence of chordoma at the right gluteus maximus following sacrococcygeal region are extraordinarily rare. This unusual case report may be helpful to clinical workers in diagnosing chordoma.

TIPS in patients with cranial porta hepatis: ultrasound-guided transhepatic portohepatic-portocaval puncture in single needle pass.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to describe our technique of transhepatic serial puncture of the portal vein and hepatic vein-inferior vena cava in one needle pass under ultrasound guidance to place a transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in patients with a porta hepatis cranial to the usual location. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Six patients (five men, one woman) underwent transhepatic TIPS procedures at our institution. The indications for portal decompression were recurrent variceal bleeding in four patients and refractory ascites and hydrothorax in one patient each. In five patients initial attempts at a classic transjugular approach failed because of an unusual angle between the hepatic vein and the portal vein; in the other patient, revision of an occluded shunt had failed. Two patients had main portal vein thrombosis. RESULTS: Technical success was achieved in all six patients. Two patients received a portohepatic venous shunt and four a portocaval shunt (inferior vena cava to right portal vein in three patients and inferior vena cava to left portal vein in one patient).The portosystemic pressure gradient before TIPS was 17-35 mm Hg and after TIPS was 6-10 mm Hg. No procedure-related complications occurred. One patient had severe hepatic encephalopathy. Two patients had shunt occlusion, which was successfully revised 17 and 10 months after the procedure. CONCLUSION: Our technique is a safe, effective, and universally applicable method for establishment of a TIPS in patients with either normal venous anatomy or severely distorted liver parenchyma.

Highly Stretchable, Self-Healable Elastomers from Hydrogen-Bonded Interpolymer Complex (HIPC) and Their Use as Sensitive, Stable Electric Skin.

There is a growing interest in developing stretchable strain sensors to quantify the large mechanical deformation and strain associated with the activities for a wide range of species. Herein, we constructed elastomeric, healable hydrogen-bonded interpolymer complex (HIPC) rubberlike film by complexation of hydrogen-bond (H-bond)-donating poly(acrylic acid) (PAA) and H-bond-accepting poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) (or poly(ethylene oxide)-poly(propylene oxide)-poly(ethylene oxide) (F108)). All HIPC elastomers prepared from varied PAA/PEO (or PAA/F108) ratios are healable elastomers with high extensibility (with the highest strain of 1400%). Recovery of all films can automatically occur or be accelerated by externally added water droplet. The stress- and strain healing efficiencies (ησ and ηε) of the water-assisting healed PAA/F108 blends are as high as 99%. Furthermore, stretchable and healable conductor films were fabricated from silver nanowire-printed (Ag-p) and the single-walled carbon nanotube-blended (SW-b) conductor films, respectively. The healable Ag-p conductor film is an ultrasensitive strain sensor, exhibiting large electric resistance variation when stretched. In contrast, the healable SW-b film is an ultrastable strain sensor with reversible resistance strain response over 200 stretching release cycles within a high strain range of 500%. Therefore, this study provides a new and flexible HIPC strategy for the fabrication of stretchable, ultrasensitive, and stable self-healing electrode materials.

Tension pneumoperitoneum after surgery for endometrial cancer and hernia in a morbidly obese female: a case report.

BACKGROUND: Obesity is a risk factor for the development of endometrial cancer and abdominal wall hernias. We report a case of tension pneumoperitoneum that developed after gynecological surgery and mesh repair of a ventral hernia. CASE PRESENTATION: A 57-year-old Asian Taiwanese woman with a body mass index of 52.9 (kg/m2) underwent total abdominal hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy due to endometrial cancer, and ventral herniorrhaphy with mesh due to ventral hernia. Tension pneumoperitoneum with severe dyspnea developed on postoperative day 14. Rather than performing emergency laparotomy as in visceral perforation, a transabdominal catheter was inserted to drain the intra-abdominal gas. This approach dramatically relieved the tension pneumoperitoneum and dyspnea. Our patient then recovered smoothly; the catheter was removed on postoperative 24, and she was discharged on postoperative day 28. The clinical course of the endometrial cancer and repaired ventral hernia was well at the 1-year follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Tension pneumoperitoneum, which may result from the valve effect of unhealed abdominal mesh, could develop after gynecological surgery and hernia mesh repair in obese patients. Under these conditions, emergency drainage of the intra-abdominal gas by catheter insertion is sufficient to relieve the abdominal pressure and correct the conditions, while emergency laparotomy as in visceral perforation is unnecessary and may increase patient morbidities.