Microwave Ablation versus Surgical Resection for US-detected Multifocal T1N0M0 Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma: A 10-Center Study.

Background Microwave ablation (MWA) is currently under preliminary investigation for the treatment of multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and has shown promising treatment efficacy. Compared with surgical resection (SR), MWA is minimally invasive and could preserve thyroid function. However, a comparative analysis between MWA and SR is warranted to draw definitive conclusions. Purpose To compare MWA and SR for preoperative US-detected T1N0M0 multifocal PTC in terms of overall and 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free survival rates and complication rates. Materials and Methods In this retrospective study, 775 patients with preoperative US-detected T1N0M0 multifocal PTC treated with MWA or SR across 10 centers between May 2015 and December 2021 were included. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed for patients in the MWA and SR groups, followed by comparisons between the two groups. The primary outcomes were overall and 1-, 3-, and 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) rates and complication rates. Results After PSM, 229 patients (median age, 44 years [IQR 36.5-50.5 years]; 179 female) in the MWA group and 453 patients (median age, 45 years [IQR 37-53 years]; 367 female) in the SR group were observed for a median of 20 months (range, 12-74 months) and 26 months (range, 12-64 months), respectively. MWA resulted in less blood loss, shorter incision length, and shorter procedure and hospitalization durations (all P < .001). There was no evidence of differences in overall and 1-, 3-, or 5-year PFS rates (all P > .05) between MWA and SR (5-year rate, 77.2% vs 83.1%; P = .36) groups. Permanent hoarseness (2.2%, P = .05) and hypoparathyroidism (4.0%, P = .005) were encountered only in the SR group. Conclusion There was no evidence of a significant difference in PFS rates between MWA and SR for US-detected multifocal T1N0M0 PTC, and MWA resulted in fewer complications. Therefore, MWA is a feasible option for selected patients with multifocal T1N0M0 PTC. © RSNA, 2024 Supplemental material is available for this article. See also the editorial by Georgiades in this issue.

Efficacy and safety of microwave ablation for the treatment of multifocal versus unifocal T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma: a propensity-matched multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVES: Microwave ablation (MWA) has been widely used for unifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (U-PTC) and has recently been preliminarily used in multifocal papillary thyroid carcinoma (M-PTC). However, the efficacy and safety of MWA for M-PTC have not been investigated in large samples. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of MWA for M-PTC and compare them with MWA for U-PTC. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This retrospective multicentre study enrolled 504 patients (376 females) who underwent MWA for U-PTC (340 cases) or M-PTC (164 cases) from Jan 2015 to Dec 2020. The median age of the patients was 43 years (age range, 20-80 years). Propensity score matching (PSM) was used to balance the baseline characteristics between M-PTC group and U-PTC group. The tumour progression, tumour disappearance, and complication rates were compared between the two groups. RESULTS: The complete ablation was achieved in all enrolled cases in one session. According to the statistical results, no significant differences were shown in tumour progression-free survival (p  = 0.29) or cumulative tumour progression rate (6.7% vs. 4.3%, p  = 0.33) between the M-PTC and U-PTC groups during the follow-up time. However, the tumour disappearance rate in the M-PTC group was lower in the U-PTC group (40.9% vs. 62.8%, p < 0.001), and tumour disappearance was slower in the M-PTC group (p < 0.001). The complication rate showed no significant difference (3.0% vs. 4.9%, p  = 0.571). CONCLUSIONS: MWA is an effective and safe treatment for selected patients with M-PTC, and the prognosis is similar to that of U-PTC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT: The present study provided evidence that compared with unifocal papillary thyroid cancer, microwave ablation could also treat multifocal T1N0M0 papillary thyroid cancer safely with similar clinical outcome, which could promote the application of minimally invasive treatment for papillary thyroid cancer. KEY RESULTS: • Microwave ablation for multifocal and unifocal T1N0M0 papillary thyroid carcinoma had similar tumour progression rates after propensity score matching (6.7% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.33). • The tumour disappearance rate in the multifocal group was lower than that in the unifocal group (40.9% vs. 62.8%, p < 0.001), and tumour disappearance was slower in the multifocal group (p < 0.001). • Tumour size, number, and location were not risk factors for tumour progression in the multifocal papillary thyroid cancer group.

Clinical Observation of Microplasma Radiofrequency Technology Combined With Glucocorticoid Injection in the Treatment of Hundreds of Cases of Hypertrophic Scar After Early Deep Burn and Scald.

BACKGROUND: To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of microplasma radiofrequency technology combined with glucocorticoid injection in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring after early deep burns and scalding. METHODS: A total of 150 patients with hypertrophic scars after early deep burns from June 2018 to June 2021 were randomly divided into 3 groups, with 50 cases in each group. The patients were treated with compound betamethasone injection (Group A), microplasma radiofrequency technique (Group B), and compound betamethasone injection combined with microplasma radiofrequency technology (Group C). Each course of treatment included 5 standard treatments, and they were performed 6 weeks apart. Each patient was analyzed using the Vancouver scar scale and visual analogy scale after each treatment. The results were compared over time and across groups using repeated measurement analysis of variance. RESULTS: A total of 138 patients in these 3 groups completed this study. As treatment continued, the Vancouver scar scale value of Group C decreased more rapidly than that of Group A and Group B, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05). In the improvement of scar pain and itching, there was little difference between Group C and Group A ( P >0.05), but both were better than Group B, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05). Regarding the incidence of adverse reactions, there was little difference between Group C and Group B ( P >0.05), but the incidence of adverse reactions was lower than that of Group A, and the difference was statistically significant ( P <0.05). CONCLUSION: Microplasma radiofrequency combined with glucocorticoid injection in the treatment of hypertrophic scarring after early deep burns is effective, safe, and has a low incidence of adverse reactions, and it merits clinical promotion.

High-value utilization of Cr-containing sludge: Eco-friendly and ultra-low-cost electrocatalyst for efficient OER in alkaline media from Cr-containing sludge.

Economically sustainable development requires more viable waste recycling solutions. In this context, we address the problem of utilizing chromium-containing sludge, a prevalent and environmentally hazardous waste. Meanwhile, sustainable energy development must develop ecology-friendly and low-cost electrocatalysts for the oxygen evolution reaction (OER) in alkaline media. Herein, we report an ultra-low-cost electrocatalyst from chromium-containing sludge. The optimum preparation conditions are determined by optimizing the calcination temperature and the loading of nickel acetylacetonate. The optimized catalyst delivers excellent stability and outstanding OER activity with overpotentials of 320 mV at 10 mA cm-2 in alkaline media. Density functional theory calculations reveal that the energy barrier of OER is decreased because of the catalyst's heterogeneous structure arrangement and confirm the influence of chromium on performance improvement. The concept of "turning waste into treasure" stimulates the search for methods to process Cr-containing waste and produce low-cost, high-performance electrocatalysts.

[Comparative study of purgative pharmacological effects and mechanisms of Moringa oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma].

Moringa oleifera leaves are known for their "Virechana"(purgative) effect in Ayurvedic medicine in India. This study compared the purgative effects and mechanisms of M. oleifera leaves with the reference Rhei Radix et Rhizoma to establish a foundation for the further application of M. oleifera leaves in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). Using network pharmacology and molecular docking methods, this study identified the material basis, common targets, and signaling pathways through which Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and M. oleifera leaves exerted their purgative pharmacological effects. A low-fiber diet-induced constipation mouse model was established to measure fecal parameters and small intestinal propulsion rate, and histological changes in the colon were observed using HE staining. Relative expression levels of relevant genes and target proteins were assessed using RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The results showed that mapping the targets of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and M. oleifera leaves onto the biological process network of constipation revealed close proximity, indicating that they may exert their therapeutic effects on constipation through similar biological processes. Molecular docking results indicated that compounds such as sennoside C and isoquercitrin could target serine/threonine protein kinases(AKT1) and mitogen-activated protein kinase 3(MAPK3), thereby affecting MAPK and calcium signaling pathways to promote defecation. Animal experiments demonstrated that both M. oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma increased the number of fecal pellets and water content in constipated mice, improved small intestine motility, colon mucosal thickness, and muscle layer thickness, upregulated the gene expression levels of AKT1 and MAPK3 in the colon, and downregulated the expression of AQP3 protein. These findings suggest that M. oleifera leaves and Rhei Radix et Rhizoma share similarities in their therapeutic efficacy and mechanisms for treating constipation. Using Rhei Radix et Rhizoma as a reference can provide a better understanding of the characteristics of the "Virechana"(purgative) effect of M. oleifera leaves in TCM.

Concurrent Hearing and Genetic Screening of 180,469 Neonates with Follow-up in Beijing, China.

Concurrent hearing and genetic screening of newborns is expected to play important roles not only in early detection and diagnosis of congenital deafness, which triggers intervention, but also in predicting late-onset and progressive hearing loss and identifying individuals who are at risk of drug-induced HL. Concurrent hearing and genetic screening in the whole newborn population in Beijing was launched in January 2012. This study included 180,469 infants born in Beijing between April 2013 and March 2014, with last follow-up on February 24, 2018. Hearing screening was performed using transiently evoked otoacoustic emission (TEOAE) and automated auditory brainstem response (AABR). For genetic testing, dried blood spots were collected and nine variants in four genes, GJB2, SLC26A4, mtDNA 12S rRNA, and GJB3, were screened using a DNA microarray platform. Of the 180,469 infants, 1,915 (1.061%) were referred bilaterally or unilaterally for hearing screening; 8,136 (4.508%) were positive for genetic screening (heterozygote, homozygote, or compound heterozygote and mtDNA homoplasmy or heteroplasmy), among whom 7,896 (4.375%) passed hearing screening. Forty (0.022%) infants carried two variants in GJB2 or SLC26A4 (homozygote or compound heterozygote) and 10 of those infants passed newborn hearing screening. In total, 409 (0.227%) infants carried the mtDNA 12S rRNA variant (m.1555A>G or m.1494C>T), and 405 of them passed newborn hearing screening. In this cohort study, 25% of infants with pathogenic combinations of GJB2 or SLC26A4 variants and 99% of infants with an m.1555A>G or m.1494C>T variant passed routine newborn hearing screening, indicating that concurrent screening provides a more comprehensive approach for management of congenital deafness and prevention of ototoxicity.

Flexible Wearables for Plants.

The excellent stretchability and biocompatibility of flexible sensors have inspired an emerging field of plant wearables, which enable intimate contact with the plants to continuously monitor the growth status and localized microclimate in real-time. Plant flexible wearables provide a promising platform for the development of plant phenotype and the construction of intelligent agriculture via monitoring and regulating the critical physiological parameters and microclimate of plants. Here, the emerging applications of plant flexible wearables together with their pros and cons from four aspects, including physiological indicators, surrounding environment, crop quality, and active control of growth, are highlighted. Self-powered energy supply systems and signal transmission mechanisms are also elucidated. Furthermore, the future opportunities and challenges of plant wearables are discussed in detail.

Food withdrawal alters the gut microbiota and metabolome in mice.

Food withdrawal as a health-enhancing measure has beneficial effects on aging, disease prevention, and treatment. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms involving gut microbial changes and metabolic consequences resulting from food withdrawal have yet to be elucidated. In this study, we subjected lean and obese mice to a dietary intervention that consisted of a 4-d complete food withdrawal and an 8-d 50% food withdrawal, and we studied changes in cecal microbiome and host serum metabolome. The abundance of potentially pathogenic Proteobacteria was decreased and Akkermansia muciniphila was elevated by food withdrawal in mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD). Meanwhile, food withdrawal decreased the abundance of metabolites in branched chain amino acid, lipid, and free fatty acid metabolisms in host serum, more so in HFD mice than in normal mice. Microbial predicted function also showed that food withdrawal decreased the abundance of microbes associated with predicted diseases in the HFD group but not in the normal chow group. Correlation between the microbiome data and metabolomics data revealed a strong association between gut microbial and host metabolic changes in response to food withdrawal. In summary, our results showed that food withdrawal was safer and more metabolically beneficial to HFD-induced obese mice than to normal lean mice, and the beneficial effects were primarily derived from the changes in gut microbiota, which were closely associated with the host metabolome.-Zheng, X., Zhou, K., Zhang, Y., Han, X., Zhao, A., Liu, J., Qu, C., Ge, K., Huang, F., Hernandez, B., Yu, H., Panee, J., Chen, T., Jia, W., Jia, W. Food withdrawal alters the gut microbiota and metabolome in mice.

Bile acid is a significant host factor shaping the gut microbiome of diet-induced obese mice.

BACKGROUND: Intestinal bacteria are known to regulate bile acid (BA) homeostasis via intestinal biotransformation of BAs and stimulation of the expression of fibroblast growth factor 19 through intestinal nuclear farnesoid X receptor (FXR). On the other hand, BAs directly regulate the gut microbiota with their strong antimicrobial activities. It remains unclear, however, how mammalian BAs cross-talk with gut microbiome and shape microbial composition in a dynamic and interactive way. RESULTS: We quantitatively profiled small molecule metabolites derived from host-microbial co-metabolism in mice, demonstrating that BAs were the most significant factor correlated with microbial alterations among all types of endogenous metabolites. A high-fat diet (HFD) intervention resulted in a rapid and significant increase in the intestinal BA pool within 12 h, followed by an alteration in microbial composition at 24 h, providing supporting evidence that BAs are major dietary factors regulating gut microbiota. Feeding mice with BAs along with a normal diet induced an obese phenotype and obesity-associated gut microbial composition, similar to HFD-fed mice. Inhibition of hepatic BA biosynthesis under HFD conditions attenuated the HFD-induced gut microbiome alterations. Both inhibition of BAs and direct suppression of microbiota improved obese phenotypes. CONCLUSIONS: Our study highlights a liver-BA-gut microbiome metabolic axis that drives significant modifications of BA and microbiota compositions capable of triggering metabolic disorders, suggesting new therapeutic strategies targeting BA metabolism for metabolic diseases.

Expression Changes of Long Noncoding RNA in the Process of Endothelial Cell Activation.

BACKGROUND: Endothelial cells have been shown to be in response to a variety of local and systemic stimuli, and are able to transition between quiescent and activated states. Endothelial cell activation is critical for the pathogenesis of various cardiovascular diseases. However, the expression changes of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are still unknown in the process of endothelial cell activation. Thus, this study was aimed to investigate expression changes of lncRNA before and after endothelial cell activation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In an experimental model of peripheral venous congestion, endothelial cells were activated and analyzed with Affymetrix HG-U133 plus2.0 microarray. We analyzed these microarray data and reannotated the microarray probes for lncRNA. RESULTS: According to the definition of absolute fold change>2 and p value <0.05, 27 differentially expressed lncRNAs were identified and only 1 lncRNA transcript, ENST00000509256 was down-regualted. Co-expression network of lncRNA and mRNA were constructed to predict function of the dysregulated lncRNA. Gene set enrichment analyses suggested that these ENST00000509256 was associated with many important functions, such as cell-cell signaling and regulation of cell differentiation. CONCLUSION: Many lncRNAs are dysregulated upon endothelial cell activation and further experiments are needed to identify the potential biological functions of these lncRNAs.

[Effects of Er, Cr: YSGG laser on the root surface of periodontitis and healthy teeth].

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of Er, Cr: YSGG laser on the root surface of periodontally involved teeth and healthy teeth, concerning the microstructure and the roughness. METHODS: Eight freshly extracted teeth due to severe periodontitis and eight freshly extracted teeth due to orthodontic reasons or being third molar were chosen in this study. The root surface of each tooth was divided into four areas, and received four treatment METHODS: no treatment (control group); root planing with Gracey scaler for 30 seconds; irradiation by the lower power Er, Cr: YSGG laser; irradiation by the higher power Er, Cr: YSGG laser. Four periodontally involved teeth and four healthy teeth were used for the evaluation of microstructure using scanning electron microscope (SEM). The other four periodontitis teeth and four healthy teeth were used for the evaluation of roughness (Ra value) using 3D profiler. RESULTS: Smear layer was found on the teeth scaled by Gracey scaler, while the teeth irradiated by Er, Cr: YSGG laser demonstrated a melting surface with less smear layer. In the periodontitis teeth irradiated by the higher power, opening dentinal tubules could be observed. For the periodontally involved teeth, the Ra values of groups 1 to 4 were (237.4 ± 20.0) nm, (135.7 ± 11.9) nm (P=0.01), (463.6 ± 49.3) nm (P<0.001) and (486.0 ± 59.0) nm (P<0.001) respectively. For the healthy teeth, the Ra values of groups 1 to 4 were (191.4 ± 44.5) nm, (131.6 ± 21.5) nm (P=0.482), (463.7 ± 34.6) nm (P<0.001) and (470.3 ± 121.3) nm (P<0.001) respectively. CONCLUSION: Er, Cr: YSGG laser can affect the microstructure of the cementum of the periodontitis teeth and healthy teeth. Irradiation by the Er, Cr: YSGG laser resulted in a melting surface with less smear layer and increased the roughness in the surface of root.

Comparative profiling of serum, urine, and feces bile acids in humans, rats, and mice.

Bile acids (BAs) play important pathophysiological roles in both humans and mammalian animals. Laboratory rats and mice are widely used animal models for assessing pharmacological effects and their underlying molecular mechanisms. However, substantial physiological differences exist in BA composition between humans and murine rodents. Here, we comprehensively compare BA profiles, including primary and secondary BAs, along with their amino acid conjugates, and sulfated metabolites in serum, urine, and feces between humans and two murine rodents. We further analyze the capabilities in gut microbial transform BAs among three species and compare sex-dependent variations within each species. As a result, BAs undergo amidation predominately with glycine in humans and taurine in mice but are primarily unamidated in rats. BA sulfation is a unique characteristic in humans, whereas rats and mice primarily perform multiple hydroxylations during BA synthesis and metabolism. For gut microbial transformed BA capabilities, humans are comparable to those of rats, stronger than those of mice in deconjugation and 7α-dehydroxylation, while humans are weak than those of rats or mice in oxidation and epimerization. Such differences enhance our understanding of the divergent experimental outcomes observed in humans and murine rodents, necessitating caution when translating findings from these rodent species to humans.

Endoscopic variceal ligation combined with sclerotherapy for management of gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in pediatric patients: a single-center retrospective study.

Objectives: Portal hypertension (PH) frequently gives rise to severe and life-threatening complications, including hemorrhage accompanied by the rupture of esophageal and gastric varices. In contrast to the guidelines for the management of PH in adults, the optimal endoscopic management of variceal bleeding for secondary prophylaxis in children remains unclear. The present study evaluated the efficacy and safety of endoscopic variceal ligation (EVL) and endoscopic sclerotherapy (EST) to control gastroesophageal variceal bleeding in children. Methods: This retrospective study included children with gastroesophageal variceal bleeding who underwent EST or EVL at Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, between February 2013 and March 2020. Short-term hemostasis rate and long-term rebleeding rate were evaluated. Adverse events related to the procedures, such as esophageal ulcer, esophageal stricture, abnormal embolization, pneumonia and perforation, were also recorded. Results: EVL (n = 8) and EST (n = 13) were performed successfully in all pediatric patients diagnosed with moderate to severe esophageal varices concurrent with gastric varices. Hemostasis was achieved during episodes of upper gastrointestinal bleeding. The mean volume of each single aliquot of cyanoacrylate injected was 0.3 ± 0.1 ml (range: 0.1-0.5 ml). Varices were eradicated in six (75%) of the eight patients who underwent EVL after a median 2 (range: 1-4) procedures and a median time of 3.40 months (range: 1.10-13.33 months). Eleven (52.4%) of the 21 patients developed rebleeding events, with the mean duration of hemostasis being 11.1 ± 11.6 months (range 1.0-39.2 months). No treatment-related complications, for example, distal embolism, occurred except for abdominal pain in one patient (4.8%). Conclusions: EST, alone or in combination with EVL, is an effective and safe method of managing gastroesophageal variceal hemorrhage in children undergoing secondary prophylaxis.

Toxicological evaluation of porcine bile powder in Kunming mice and Sprague-Dawley rats.

Background: Porcine bile powder (PBP) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been used for centuries in various therapeutic applications. However, PBP has not previously undergone comprehensive component analysis and not been evaluated for safety through standard in vivo toxicological studies. Methods: In our study, we characterized the component of PBP by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. The acute and subchronic oral toxicity, genotoxicity, and teratogenicity studies of PBP were designed and conducted in Kunming mice and Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Results: The chemical analysis of PBP showed that the main components of PBP were bile acids (BAs), especially glycochenodeoxycholic acid. There were no signs of toxicity observed in the acute oral test and the subchronic test. In the genotoxicity tests, no positive results were observed in the bacterial reverse mutation test. Additionally, in the mammalian micronucleus test and mouse spermatocyte chromosomal aberration test, no abnormal chromosomes were observed. In the teratogenicity test, no abnormal fetal development was observed. Conclusion: Our findings demonstrate that PBP, composed mainly of BAs, is non-toxic and safe based on the conditions tested in this study.

Endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding for the treatment of grade II-III internal hemorrhoids: A prospective, multi-center, randomized study.

BACKGROUND: Endoscopic rubber band ligation (ERBL) is a nonsurgical technique for the treatment of symptomatic internal hemorrhoids but is limited by recurrence and post-procedural pain. AIM: To evaluate satisfaction, long-term recurrence, and post-procedural pain in managing internal hemorrhoids using a combination of polidocanol foam sclerotherapy and ERBL. METHODS: This was a prospective, multicenter, randomized study. A total of 195 consecutive patients diagnosed with grade II-III internal hemorrhoids were enrolled from four tertiary hospitals and randomly divided into a cap-assisted endoscopic polidocanol foam sclerobanding (EFSB) or an ERBL group. All patients were followed-up for 12 months. Symptom-based severity and post-procedural pain were assessed using a hemorrhoid severity score (HSS) and a visual analog scale (VAS). Continuous variables were reported as medians and interquartile range. RESULTS: One hundred and ninety-five patients were enrolled, with 98 in the EFSB group. HSS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL group at 8 weeks [4.0 (3.0-5.0) vs 5.0 (4.0-6.0), P = 0.003] and 12-month [2.0 (1.0-3.0) vs 3.0 (2.0-3.0), P < 0.001] of follow-up. The prolapse recurrence rate was lower in the EFSB group at 12 months (11.2% vs 21.6%, P = 0.038). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that EFSB treatment [B = -0.915, 95% confidence interval (CI): -1.301 to -0.530, P = 0.001] and rubber band number (B = 0.843, 95%CI: 0.595-1.092, P < 0.001) were negatively and independently associated with the VAS score 24 hours post-procedure. The median VAS was lower in the EFSB group than in the ERBL [2.0 (1.0-3.0) vs 3.0 (2.0-4.0), P < 0.001]. CONCLUSION: Cap-assisted EFSB provided long-term satisfaction and effective relief from the recurrence of prolapse and pain 24 hours post-procedure.

A TGF-ß signaling-related lncRNA signature for prediction of glioma prognosis, immune microenvironment, and immunotherapy response.

AIMS: The dysregulation of TGF-ß signaling is a crucial pathophysiological process in tumorigenesis and progression. LncRNAs have diverse biological functions and are significant participants in the regulation of tumor signaling pathways. However, the clinical value of lncRNAs related to TGF-ß signaling in glioma is currently unclear. METHODS: Data on glioma's RNA-seq transcriptome, somatic mutation, DNA methylation data, and clinicopathological information were derived from the CGGA and TCGA databases. A prognostic lncRNA signature was constructed by Cox and LASSO regression analyses. TIMER2.0 database was utilized to deduce immune infiltration characteristics. "ELMER v.2" was used to reconstruct TF-methylation-gene regulatory network. Immunotherapy and chemotherapy response predictions were implemented by the TIDE algorithm and GDSC database, respectively. In vitro and in vivo experiments were conducted to verify the results and clarify the regulatory mechanism of lncRNA. RESULTS: In glioma, a TGF-ß signaling-related 15-lncRNA signature was constructed, including AC010173.1, HOXA-AS2, AC074286.1, AL592424.1, DRAIC, HOXC13-AS, AC007938.1, AC010729.1, AC013472.3, AC093895.1, AC131097.4, AL606970.4, HOXC-AS1, AGAP2-AS1, and AC002456.1. This signature proved to be a reliable prognostic tool, with high risk indicating an unfavorable prognosis and being linked to malignant clinicopathological and genomic mutation traits. Risk levels were associated with different immune infiltration landscapes, where high risk was indicative of high levels of macrophage infiltration. In addition, high risk also suggested better immunotherapy and chemotherapy response. cg05987823 was an important methylation site in glioma progression, and AP-1 transcription factor family participated in the regulation of signature lncRNA expression. AGAP2-AS1 knockdown in in vitro and in vivo experiments inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of glioma cells, as well as the growth of glioma, by downregulating the expression levels of NF-κB and ERK 1/2 in the TGF-ß signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: A prognostic lncRNA signature of TGF-ß signaling was established in glioma, which can be used for prognostic judgment, immune infiltration status inference, and immunotherapy response prediction. AGAP2-AS1 plays an important role in glioma progression.

Insights into food preference in hybrid F1 of Siniperca chuatsi (♀) × Siniperca scherzeri (♂) mandarin fish through transcriptome analysis.

BACKGROUND: As economically relevant traits, feeding behavior and food preference domestication determine production cost and profitability. Although there are intensive research efforts on feeding behavior and food intake, little is known about food preference. Mandarin fish accept only live prey fish and refuse dead prey fish or artificial diets. Very little is currently known about the genes regulating this unique food preference. RESULTS: Using transcriptome sequencing and digital gene expression profiling, we identified 1,986 and 4,526 differentially expressed genes in feeders and nonfeeders of dead prey fish, respectively. Up-regulation of Crbp, Rgr and Rdh8, and down-regulation of Gc expression, consistent with greater visual ability in feeders, could promote positive phototaxis. Altered expressions of period, casein kinase and Rev-erbα might reset circadian phase. Down-regulation of orexigenic and up-regulation of anorexigenic genes in feeders were associated with lower appetite. The mRNA levels of Creb, c-fos, C/EBP, zif268, Bdnf and Syt were dramatically decreased in feeders, which might result in significant deficiency in memory retention of its natural food preference (live prey fish). There were roughly 100 times more potential SNPs in feeders than in nonfeeders. CONCLUSIONS: In summary, differential expression in the genes identified shed new light on why mandarin fish only feed on live prey fish, with pathways regulating retinal photosensitivity, circadian rhythm, appetite control, learning and memory involved. We also found dramatic difference in SNP abundance in feeders vs nonfeeders. These differences together might account for the different food preferences. Elucidating the genes regulating the unique food preference (live prey fish) in mandarin fish could lead to a better understanding of mechanisms controlling food preference in animals, including mammals.

[Intraoperative decisions and surgical efficacies of trigeminal neuralgia responsible vessels].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the types of primary trigeminal neuralgia (TN) responsible vessels and curative efficacies of microscopic vascular decompression (MVD). METHODS: A total of 162 primary TN patients underwent MVD from August 2004 to the present at our hospital.Their clinical data were collected and analyzed. There were 69 males and 93 females with an age range of 22-88 years. RESULTS: The most common responsible vessels were superior cerebellar artery (n = 65, 40.12%), anteroinferior cerebellar artery (n = 45, 27.78%), multiple vessels (n = 26, 16.05%), posteroinferior cerebellar artery (n = 16, 9.88%), veins (n = 6, 3.70%) and vertebral artery (n = 4, 2.47%). And the pressure points were at the root of trigeminal nerve (n = 139, 85.80%), distal part (n = 16, 9.88%) and root and distal part (n = 7, 4.32%). Postoperatively pain disappeared in all patients (including one case on second surgery). Postoperative follow-ups were conducted for 132 cases.Two cases recurred over 8 years and the recurrence rate was 1.52%. CONCLUSION: MVD is preferred method for primary TN non-responsive to pharmacotherapy. Identification and treatment of responsible vessels remain a key. Venous and distal pressure points should be taken care.

Feasibility and efficacy of endoscopic purse-string suture-assisted closure for mucosal defects induced by endoscopic manipulations.

BACKGROUND: Large or transmural defects induced by gastrointestinal endoscopic manipulations are difficult to close, although complete closure is recommended for better recovery. Endoscopic purse-string assisted suturing (EPSS) has been used in clinical practice and has proven to be an effective and safe technique for the closure of large mucosal defects. However, details regarding the efficacy of endoscopic pre-purse-string suture (P-EPSS) are unknown, especially that it offers several advantages over conventional EPSS (C-EPSS). AIM: To elucidate the outcomes of EPSS-assisted closure in different clinical situations, and evaluate the efficacy of P-EPSS. METHODS: This retrospective observational study included a total of 180 patients who underwent closure assisted by P-EPSS (n = 63) or C-EPSS (n = 117) between July 2014 and June 2020. The P-EPSS and C-EPSS groups were compared and the intergroup differences in aspects such as the lesion size, location, and mor-phology, incidence of complete closure, intraoperative perforation, and delayed adverse events were evaluated. Data on the features and clinical course of cases with adverse events were collected for further analysis. RESULTS: Patients with lesion size larger than 3 cm, lesions located at the fundus of stomach, or submucosal tumors originating from the deep mucosa were more likely to undergo P-EPSS-assisted closure. The P-EPSS group showed a sign-ificantly higher proportion of intraoperative perforation (56% vs 17%) and a much shorter procedure time (9.06 ± 6.14 min vs 14.84 ± 7.25 min). Among adverse events, the incidence of delayed perforation (5% vs 4%; P = 0.82) and delayed bleeding (3% vs 4%; P = 0.96) did not differ significantly between the groups. Multivariate analysis revealed that lesions with incomplete closure [odds ratio (OR) = 21.33; 95% confidence interval (CI): 5.45-83.45; P < 0.01] or size greater than 3 cm (OR = 3.14; 95%CI: 1.08-9.18; P = 0.039) showed a statistical tendency to result in an increase in delayed adverse events. CONCLUSION: The present study revealed that EPSS could achieve secure complete closure of mucosal defect. P-EPSS could shorten the procedure and yield complete closure of mucosal defects. Rather than closure-type selection, incomplete closure or lesion size larger than 3 cm were associated with worse outcomes.

Potential factors affecting success rate and long term outcome in single balloon enteroscopy-assisted therapeutic endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography in patients with pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis: a retrospective study.

Background: Pancreaticojejunal anastomotic stenosis (PJS) after pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is difficult to treat. Single-balloon enteroscope-assisted endoscopic retrograde pancreatography (SBE-assisted ERP) is a safe way to treat PJS with the strength of minimally invasion and repeatability, but since its technical difficulty and few patient number, data on long-term outcomes remain limited. The optimal treatment is still unknown. We aim to study the safety, effectiveness, and long-term outcome of single balloon enteroscopy-assisted (SBE-assisted) therapeutic ERP in patients with PJS in this study. Methods: The clinical information of patients undergoing SBE-assisted therapeutic ERP from March 2016 to March 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. All patients were diagnosed as PJS and without any contraindication for therapeutic endoscopy. Treatment details, postoperative complications, factors influencing technical success rate were evaluated. Long-term outcomes results were obtained by clinical or telephone follow-up. Results: Sixteen patients with median age of 51 years were included in this study, surgical reconstruction methods including PD with Whipple reconstruction, PD with Child reconstruction, pylorus-preserving pancreaticoduodenectomy (PpPD) with Whipple reconstruction. Eight patients were successfully treated. No serious complications happened. Risk factors for the failure of pancreaticojejunal anastomotic site identification include the digestive tract reconstruction sequence, pancreaticojejunostomy method, pancreatic duct tube implantation, pancreatic duct width before surgery, and pancreatic fistula during perioperative period. The median follow-up time was 77.2 months, the mean indwelling time of the stent was 62.3 months [interquartile range (IQR), 6.8-153.7 months]. Two of eight patients developed recurrent PJS. The variation in body mass index (BMI) was +2.46 in the non-recurrence group compared to -1.09 in the recurrence group and -2.12 in the endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) treatment failure group. Conclusions: ERP intervention should be carried out early once PJS occurs in order to increase success rate. BMI is a crucial indicator which can reflex PJS rehabilitation degree during follow-up. In order to reduce PJS recurrence rate, a wider pancreatic stent and a longer stent indwelling time are recommended.