Laser interstitial thermal therapy in the treatment of brain metastases: the relationship between changes in postoperative magnetic resonance imaging characteristics and tumor recurrence.

BACKGROUND: Laser interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) has been used to treat brain metastases (BMs) in several countries, and its safety and effectiveness have been confirmed. In most cases, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) reveals an increase in tumor volume with an enhanced margin after LITT. However, little is known about the relationship between this MRI change and tumor recurrence. OBJECTIVE: We report the first case series of BMs treated by LITT in China to evaluate the clinical characteristics and predictive factors of tumor recurrence. MATERIAL AND METHODS: Patients with less than four brain metastatic lesions and a Karnofsky performance status (KPS) > 70 were eligible for study inclusion. Standard LITT procedures were performed, and a follow-up MRI was performed to analyze the radiographic changes, especially the volume ratio of the enhanced margin and the whole lesion on MRI at 30 days postoperatively. All the volume-related data were delineated and calculated using 3D Slicer software. Related predictors were also collected to evaluate the correlation with local tumor control. RESULTS: Eighteen patients with nineteen lesions were enrolled for treatment and follow-up. Primary tumor histology included pulmonary carcinoma (n = 11) and breast cancer (n = 4). On average, the tumor size measured 3.01 cm3 (range, 0.40-7.40 cm3), the total ablation time was 13.58 min (range, 2.88-37.15 min), and the complete ablation rate was 92.4% (range, 29.2-100%). Comparing 3s0-day follow-up MRI results with preoperative MRI findings, 18 lesions showed a 2.28-fold (range, 1.21-4.88) volume increase; all the lesions displayed an enhanced component with a volume ratio of 42.35% (range, 10.14-100%). Five patients experienced tumor recurrence, and the local tumor control rates at 90 days and 180 days of follow-up were 68.4% and 66.7%, respectively. Univariate analysis indicated that the primary tumor, ablation rate, and enhanced volume ratio (EVR) > 40% in the 30-day MRI were associated with tumor recurrence, whereas multivariate analysis showed that only EVR > 40% was a predictive factor of local control. CONCLUSION: LITT is a minimally invasive method used to ablate brain metastases which can be used as the first-line treatment for BM patients under certain indications. After LITT, most tumors showed volume enlargement on the 30-day MRI scan, and EVR > 40% on the 30-day MRI may indicate late tumor recurrence.

IncRNA LUCAT1 acts as a Potential Biomarker and Demonstrates Malignant Biological Behaviors in Gastric Cancer.

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) remains the fourth-leading malignancy worldwide and has a high mortality rate. Accumulating evidence reveals that long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play essential roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis and can be used as potential biomarkers for diagnosis and prognosis. METHODS: We downloaded gene expression profiles from the National Center of Biotechnology Information Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), screened lncRNAs differentially expressed in gastric cancer tissues and adjacent tissues, and then constructed a lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. Seventy patients with gastric cancer were divided into two groups according to different clinical characteristics. The expression of lncRNA LUCAT1 in gastric cancer was detected by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The AGS and SGC-7901 cell lines were used in CCK8 assay, apoptosis, cell cycle test, transwell assay, and wound healing assay. RESULTS: The expression level of LUCAT1 was associated with tumor diameter (p < 0.001), tissue differentiation grade (p = 0.026), and LNM status (p = 0.020) in GC. The results showed that the lncRNA LUCAT1 could promote the proliferation, invasion, and migration of GC cells, inhibit the apoptosis of GC cells, and affect the process of cell cycles. CONCLUSIONS: The lncRNA LUCAT1 may be used as a potential biomarker for early signs of LNM in GC and may play a crucial role in the development of GC.

Suppression of the CD28/B7 pathway reduces the occurrence and development of myasthenia gravis and cytokine levels.

BACKGROUND: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an antibody-mediated, autoimmune neuromuscular disease. Reports have indicated that the CD28/B7 ligand interactions play a crucial role during primary immune responses. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the possible effects of the CD28/B7 pathway on the occurrence and development of MG and its associated cytokine factors. METHODS: An experimental autoimmune myasthenia gravis (EAMG) was initially established by immunization of Lewis rats with acetylcholine receptor (AChR) α97-116 peptide. Then the rats were treated with dexamethasone and CTLA4-Ig (used for inhibiting the CD28/B7 pathway). Serum levels of AChR IgG and AChR IgG2b were then detected using ELISA. The clinical features, muscle contraction function, AChR content, expression of CD28, CTLA4, B7.1 and B7.2 in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood and the secretion of cytokines (INF-γ, IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12) in serum of rats were measured. Finally, lymphocyte proliferation upon CTLA4 IgG treatment was examined in vitro. RESULTS: Inhibition of the CD28/B7 pathway and dexamethasone were found to significantly improve clinical symptoms of EAMG rats, reduce serum levels of AChR IgG, AChR IgG2b, INF-γ, IL-2, IL-10 and IL-12, the expression of CD28, CTLA4, B7.1 and B7.2 in mononuclear cells of peripheral blood, and enhance muscle contraction function and AChR content in the muscle in vivo. Meanwhile, CTLA4 IgG could abolish the increased lymphocyte proliferation following AChR stimulation in vitro. CONCLUSION: Overall, the suppression of the CD28/B7 pathway by CTLA4-Ig can have the potential to retard the occurrence and development of MG.

Prognostic Value of Lymphovascular Invasion in Patients with Stage III Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study.

BACKGROUND Lymph node metastasis and tumor progression depend on lymphovascular invasion (LVI). This study aimed to investigate the prognostic role of LVI in patients with stage III colorectal cancer (CRC) and to develop a prognostic nomogram. MATERIAL AND METHODS A retrospective study included 437 patients with stage III CRC. The impact of LVI on overall survival (OS) was analyzed with the Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression model. A nomogram was constructed, and its predictive accuracy was evaluated using the concordance index (C-index) and the calibration plot. RESULTS LVI was found in 19.7% of cases of stage III CRCs and was significantly correlated with high tumor grade (poor differentiation) and advanced tumor stage (all P<0.05). Patients age, a family history of cancer in a first-degree relative, pre-treatment levels of carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), prognostic nutritional index (PNI), histological tumor grade, tumor-node-metastasis (TNM) stage, and LVI were independent prognostic indicators (all P<0.05). Compared with the LVI(-) group, patients in the LVI(+) group showed a 1.748-fold increased risk of death (P=0.004) and a significantly reduced OS rate (P<0.001). In the prognostic nomogram, the C-index was significantly increased with LVI compared with the TNM stage alone (0.742 vs. 0.593; P<0.001). Calibration plots showed good fitness of the nomogram for prediction of survival. Comparison of the nomograms with and without LVI showed that inclusion of LVI improved the C-index from 0.715 to 0.742. CONCLUSIONS LVI was an indicator of more aggressive biological behavior and poor prognosis in patients with stage III CRC.

CREB-regulated transcription coactivator 1: important roles in neurodegenerative disorders.

The cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB)-regulated transcription coactivator, CRTC (also known as transducer of regulated CREB, TORC), is identified as a potent modulator of cAMP response element (CRE)-driven gene transcription. The CRTC family consists of three members (CRTC1-3), among which the CRTC1 shows the highest expression in the brain. Several studies have demonstrated that the CRTC1 plays critical roles in neuronal dendritic growth, long-term synaptic plasticity, memory consolidation and reconsolidation etc., whereas dysfunction of CRTC1 is mainly involved in neurodegenerative disorders. In light of these findings, we aim to review recent research reports that indicate the CRTC1 dysfunction and its underlying mechanisms in the neurodegenerative disorders.

Contamination and health risks from heavy metals in cultivated soil in Zhangjiakou City of Hebei Province, China.

A total of 79 topsoil samples (ranging from 0 to 20 cm in depth) were collected from a grape cultivation area of Zhangjiakou City, China. The total concentrations of As, Cd, Hg, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn in soil samples were determined to evaluate pollution levels and associated health risks in each sample. Pollution levels were calculated using enrichment factors (EF) and geoaccumulation index (I geo). Health risks for adults and children were quantified using hazard indexes (HI) and aggregate carcinogenic risks (ACR). The mean concentrations of measured heavy metals Cd, Hg, and Cu, only in the grape cultivation soil samples, were higher than the background values of heavy metals in Hebei Province. According to principal component analysis (PCA), the anthropogenic activities related to agronomic and fossil fuel combustion practices attributed to higher accumulations of Cd, Hg, and Cu, which have slightly polluted about 10-40% of the sampled soils. However, the HI for all of the heavy metals were lower than 1 (within safe limits), and the ACR of As was in the 10(-6)-10(-4) range (a tolerable level). This suggests the absence of both non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks for adults and children through oral ingestion and dermal absorption exposure pathways in the studied area. It should be also noted that the heightened vulnerability of children to health risks was accounted for higher HI and ACR values. Consequently, heavy metal concentrations (e.g., Cd, Hg, Cu) should be periodically monitored in these soils and improved soil management practices are required to minimize possible impacts on children's health.

Latexin inhibits the proliferation of CD133+ miapaca-2 pancreatic cancer stem-like cells.

BACKGROUND: An increasing number of evidence suggests that pancreatic cancer contains cancer stem cells (CSCs), which may be relevant to the resistance of chemotherapy. Latexin (Lxn) is a negative regulator of stem cell proliferation and we investigate the effects of Lxn on CD133+ pancreatic cancer stem-like cells. METHODS: CD133+ miapaca-2 cells, a human pancreatic carcinoma cell line, were isolated and sorted by magnetic activated cell sorting and flow cytometry. The capacity for self-renewal, proliferation, and tumorigenicity of CD133+ miapaca-2 cells was determined by the floating spheres test and tumor xenograft assays. Protein and mRNA expression of Lxn in CD133+ and CD133- miapaca-2 cells were detected by Western blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. After CD133+ miapaca-2 cells were treated with Lxn in serum-free medium (SFM), cell proliferation was assayed with a Cell Counting Kit 8 (CCK-8) and apoptosis was analyzed by flow cytometry. The protein and mRNA expression levels of Bcl-2, bax, and c-myc were also analyzed. RESULTS: We successfully isolated CD133+ miapaca-2 cells that exhibited the capacity for self-renewal in SFM, a proliferation potential in DMEM supplemented with FBS, and high tumorigenicity in nude mice. Lxn protein and mRNA expression levels in CD133+ miapaca-2 cells were significantly lower than those in CD133- cells. Lxn-treated CD133+ miapaca-2 cells exhibited increased apoptosis and low proliferation activity, down-regulation of Bcl-2 and c-myc expression, and up-regulation of Bax expression in a dose-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS: Lxn induces apoptosis and inhibits the proliferation of CD133+ miapaca-2 cells. These changes are associated with down-regulation of Bcl-2 and c-myc and up-regulation of Bax.

A novel method of the generalized interval-valued fuzzy rough approximation operators.

Rough set theory is a suitable tool for dealing with the imprecision, uncertainty, incompleteness, and vagueness of knowledge. In this paper, new lower and upper approximation operators for generalized fuzzy rough sets are constructed, and their definitions are expanded to the interval-valued environment. Furthermore, the properties of this type of rough sets are analyzed. These operators are shown to be equivalent to the generalized interval fuzzy rough approximation operators introduced by Dubois, which are determined by any interval-valued fuzzy binary relation expressed in a generalized approximation space. Main properties of these operators are discussed under different interval-valued fuzzy binary relations, and the illustrative examples are given to demonstrate the main features of the proposed operators.

Comparison between different treatment regimens of vascular targeting drug to malignant pleural effusion in patients with lung cancer: A Bayesian network meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: The presence of malignant pleural effusion in lung cancer patients often suggests a poor prognosis. We plan to investigate which regimen of vascular targeting drug is preferable to control the malignant pleural effusion in such patients. METHODS: Two investigators dependently searched and screened for randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China National Knowledge Infrastructure from the database inception to August 2022. R software was applied to build a network model in Bayesian method. Objective response rate of malignant pleural effusion is the primary outcome measure. Besides, the incidence of 3 adverse events were compared, including gastrointestinal reaction, leukopenia and hypertension. Due to the disconnection of network, we analysis and discuss the short-term treatment (3-4 weeks) and long-term treatment (6-12 weeks) respectively. RESULTS: 31 studies with 2093 patients were identified. Four targeting drugs contain bevacizumab (Bev), anlotinib, apatinib and Endostar. Two administration routes include intracavity perfusion (icp) and intravenous injection. Based on the current evidence, for short-term treatments, compared with single-agent chemotherapy (CT), Bev_icp + CT, anlotinib + CT, Bev_icp and anlotinib + endorstar_icp present better objective response, and no statistical significance was found in objective response between Bev_icp + CT, anlotinib + CT and Bev_icp. For long-term treatments, compared with doublet or triplet chemotherapy (2CT or 3CT), Bev_icp + 2CT, apatinib + 2CT, Bev_icp + 3CT, and Bev_intravenous injection + 2CT are more effective option, but no statistical significance was found in objective response between the 4 combination regimens with chemotherapy. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that no statistical significance between above vascular targeting regimens. Pathological type of lung cancer may affect the effect of bevacizumab intracavity infusion plus chemotherapy. The influence of different administration routes of vascular targeting drugs on efficacy remains to be investigated. There are some concerns with the quality of the studies, and some limitations should be considered when interpreting these results, which includes limited geographical region and sample size of studies. Despite these limitations, this study may inform vascular targeting therapy choice in such a patient population.

Health risk assessment of heavy metals for edible parts of vegetables grown in sewage-irrigated soils in suburbs of Baoding City, China.

With the long-term application of wastewater to vegetable production fields, there is concern about potential health risks of heavy metals contaminating the edible parts of vegetables grown in contaminated soils in the suburban areas of Baoding City, China. The average concentration of elemental Zn in sewage-irrigated soil was the highest (153.77 mg kg(-1)), followed by Pb (38.35 mg kg(-1)), Cu (35.06 mg kg(-1)), Ni (29.81 mg kg(-1)), and Cd (0.22 mg kg(-1)) which were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than those in the reference soil. The results showed that long-term sewage irrigation had led to a growing accumulation of heavy metals in the soils, especially for Cd, Zn, and Pb. Furthermore, the concentrations of elemental Cd, Zn, and Ni in vegetables (e.g., Beassica pekinensis L., Allium fistulosum L., Spinacia oleracea L.) collected from the wastewater-irrigated soils exceeded the maximum permissible limits, and this also increased the daily intake of metals by food. However, compared with the health risk index of <1 for heavy metals, the ingestion of vegetables from the soils irrigated with sewage effluent posed a low health risk. Nevertheless, heavy metal concentrations should be periodically monitored in vegetables grown in these soils together with the implementation effective remediation technologies to minimize possible impacts on human health.

[Correlations of genetic polymorphisms of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand gene and its plasma phenotype with ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To explore the correlations of genetic polymorphisms in tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) gene and the plasma levels of soluble TRAIL (sTRAIL) with ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS: From May 2004 to April 2011, a total of 393 UC patients were recruited from Second and First Affiliated Hospitals of Wenzhou Medical College and Second Renmin Hospital of Wenzhou City. During the same period, a total of 1292 healthy controls were recruited from Physical Examination Center at Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical College. After PCR amplification, the genetic polymorphisms in TRAIL (G1525A, G1588A, C1595T) genes were examined by direct sequencing, and the haplotype analysis were also performed in all study subjects. Furthermore, the plasma levels of sTRAIL were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS: The frequencies of variant genotypes in TRAIL (G1525A, G1588A, C1595T) genes were significantly lower in the UC patients than those in the controls (all P < 0.01). Both of variant allele frequencies in TRAIL G1525A and G1588A were significantly decreased in UC patients (40.08% (315/786) vs 54.95% (1420/2584), 49.49% (389/786) vs 55.53% (1435/2584), both P < 0.01). However, the variant allele frequency in TRAIL C1595T gene was not significantly lower in the UC patients (P = 0.133). According to disease severity, the UC patients were divided into mild, intermediate and severe groups. The frequencies of variant allele (T) and genotype (CT + TT) in TRAIL C1595T gene were also significantly higher in the patients with severe UC than those in others (63.50% (127/200) vs 49.15% (288/586), 77.00% (77/100) vs 61.43% (180/293), both P < 0.01). In haplotype analysis, the frequency of GAT haplotype was significantly higher in the UC patients than that in the controls. However, the frequency of AAT haplotype was significantly lower in the UC patients (both P < 0.01). Furthermore, the plasma levels of sTRAIL were significantly higher in the UC patients than those in the controls ((1.05 ± 0.48) vs (0.96 ± 0.90) ng/L, P < 0.01). CONCLUSION: The genetic polymorphisms of TRAIL (G1525A, G1588A, C1595T) and the plasma levels of sTRAIL are correlated with UC in Chinese patients.

Prognostic value of radial peripapillary capillary density for visual field outcomes in pituitary adenoma: A case-control study.

Pituitary adenomas are known to cause optic chiasmal compression leading to visual field (VF) defects. Herein, we analysed the factors influencing early VF recovery following transsphenoidal surgery and explored the significance of retinal vessel density parameters in predicting prognoses. We collected data of 50 patients with pituitary adenoma and an abnormal VF prior to surgery. Patients were categorised into VF recovery (n = 25) and non-recovery (n = 25) groups within 1 week postoperatively. The VF, optic chiasm form, tumour volume, retinal thickness, and vessel density parameters were measured. The χ2 test was used for single-factor analyses, and odds ratios (ORs) for each factor were calculated. Logistic regression was implemented to determine interactions between radial peripapillary capillary (RPC) density and other factors. Tumour volume (≥5 cm3, OR = 5.09), duration of visual symptoms (≥6 months, OR = 6.00), preoperative VF (mean deviation [MD] < -10 dB, OR = 6.77), thin retinal nerve fibre layer (OR = 9.04), ganglion cell layer complex thickness (OR = 7.67), and RPC density (whole ≤ 48%; OR = 15.58; temporal ≤ 49.3%; OR = 14.64) were found to be risk factors for postoperative VF recovery. After adjusting for these factors, RPC density was a dependent factor affecting VF recovery in patients with pituitary adenoma. RPC density seemed to be a stronger indicator than preoperative MD, tumour volume, duration of visual symptoms, or retinal thickness for predicting early VF recovery following optic chiasm decompression, thus helping surgeons determine the optimal timing of surgery and formulate effective treatment plans.

[The associations of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase gene C677T and A1298C polymorphisms and ulcerative colitis].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the association between the genetic polymorphisms of methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) and ulcerative colitis (UC) of Han ethnic population in Zhejiang, China. METHODS: Two hundred and seventy-four consecutive patients with UC and 726 healthy controls (HC) were studied. The genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR (C677T and A1298C) were genotyped using PCR-RELP methods. RESULTS: The frequencies of variant allele and genotype in MTHFR A1298C gene were higher in UC patients than in the HC (35.77% vs 29.96%, P = 0.013; 52.19% vs 44.90%, P = 0.039; respectively). However, there were no significant discrepancies of the allele and genotype frequencies in the MTHFR C677T gene between the UC patients and the HC (P > 0.05). In addition, the MTHFR 677TT homozygote, T allele and 677CT/1298AC compound genotype were more prevalent in patients with extensive colitis than in those with distal colitis (37.66% vs 14.72%, P = 0.0002; 49.35% vs 32.99%, P = 0.0004; 29.87% vs 15.23%, P = 0.006; respectively). Furthermore, the variant allele in the MTHFR A1298C gene (C) in severe UC patients was significantly lower than in mild and moderate UC patients (18.97% vs 33.88%, P = 0.022). CONCLUSION: The genetic polymorphisms of MTHFR C677T and A1298C are obviously associated with Han ethnic population with UC in Zhejiang province.

[Effects of foliar spraying with low concentration NaCl on the growth and physiological responses of cucumber seedlings under temperature regulation in solar greenhouse]. / 设施调温模式下叶施低浓度NaClå¯¹é»„ç“œå¹¼è‹—ç”Ÿé•¿å’Œç”Ÿç†æŒ‡æ ‡çš„å½±å“.

In order to clarify the effects of foliar spraying the solution with low concentration NaCl on the growth and matter accumulation of vegetables under the temperature-regulated solar greenhouse, we carried out an experiment on cucumber seedlings with two cotyledons, under two tempera-ture regimes and four concentrations of NaCl. Low-medium temperature zone (L) and medium-high temperature zone (H) were set by low tunnel with plastic film in the greenhouse. The solutions with different concentrations of NaCl, 0 mmol·L-1 (L0 and H0), 5 mmol·L-1 (L5 and H5), 10 mmol·L-1 (L10 and H10) and 15 mmol·L-1 (L15 and H15), were sprayed every day to the cucumber seedlings. The seedling growth, plant biomass, nutrient accumulation and photosynthetic gas exchange parameters of cucumber seedlings were measured at the 21th day of spraying treatment. Compared with the control groups (L0 and H0), NaCl spraying significantly increased dry matter and plant water content by 38.6% (L5)-50.2% (L10) and 20.8% (L5)-52.2% (L10) in L zone, 8.9% (H5)-23.3% (H10) and 8.7% (H5)-10.1% (H10) in H zone, respectively. The treatment of 10 mmol·L-1 NaCl (L10 and H10) under both temperature regimes increased dry matter accumulation and plant water content than other treatments. Nevertheless, the highest normalized strong seedling index (SI) with the highest stomatal conductance (gs) and photosynthetic rate (Pn) was only found in L5 treatment. L10 treatment promoted foliar expansion much more than H10 treatment. In addition, foliar spraying NaCl with concentrations from 5 mmol·L-1 to 10 mmol·L-1 under both temperature regimes significantly increased the accumulation of soluble sugar, free amino acids and soluble protein, which were preferentially allocated to the stem or root of cucumber seedlings. Results of two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of both temperature and NaCl concentration on dry biomass, leaf area, Pn, plant water content, SI, gs and free amino acid content. On the contrary, there were significant interactions between temperature and NaCl concentration in affecting plant water content, SI, gs and free amino acid content (except leaf). In conclusion, foliar spraying with 5-10 mmol L-1 NaCl could promote growth and physiological indices of cucumber seedlings, with the effect being higher under low temperature regime. More importantly, foliar spraying of proper concentration (L5 and H10) of NaCl could stimulate biomass accumulation more than water retention in cucumber seedlings, which would provide a relevant breeding target for high water-use efficiency in cucumber.

Combined Application of Sodium Fluorescein and Neuronavigation Techniques in the Resection of Brain Gliomas.

Objectives: To explore the effectiveness and safety of the combined application of sodium fluorescein and neuronavigation techniques in the resection of brain gliomas in different locations and patients of different ages. Methods: Fifty clinical cases of brain gliomas treated at the Department of Neurosurgery of Beijing Tiantan Hospital were collected from March 2014 to March 2019. These cases were divided into a supratentorial group (24 cases) and a brainstem group (26 cases) based on location and an adult group (28 cases) and a pediatric group (22 cases) based on age. Fluorescein-guided surgery was performed: the adult group received 5 mg/kg sodium fluorescein before opening the dura, while the pediatric group received 2.5 mg/kg during resection. Tumor visualization was evaluated by the enhancement of yellow fluorescein and considered "satisfactory" if the illumination demarcated the tumor boundary. Additionally, the consistency between fluorescein and neuronavigation was analyzed. The Karnofsky performance score (KPS) of all patients was recorded and assessed at admission, discharge, and the 6-month follow-up. Results: In the 28 adult cases, 4 were unsatisfactory, while in the 22 pediatric cases, 2 were unsatisfactory; in 7 cases, there was an inconsistency between yellow fluorescein enhancement and neuronavigation, 6 were in the supratentorial group, and 1 was in the brainstem group. Statistical analysis showed no significant differences in the satisfactory rate between the adult and pediatric groups (P = 0.575), whereas there were significant differences inconsistency between the supratentorial group and brainstem group (P = 0.031). The mean KPS at admission was between 70 and 100, which was not significantly different from that at discharge (P = 0.839), but the KPS at the 6-month follow-up was significantly higher than that at admission (P = 0.041). Conclusions: The consistency between sodium fluorescein and the neuronavigation system was higher in the brainstem group than in the supratentorial group; a half dose of sodium fluorescein (2.5 mg/kg) was sufficient for pediatric patients. The combined utilization of sodium fluorescein and neuronavigation techniques may confer glioma patients the opportunity to obtain better clinical outcomes after surgery.

Duodenal ulcer caused by coil wiggle after digital subtraction angiography-guided embolization: A case report.

BACKGROUND: Acute gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) is a life-threatening medical emergency with high morbidity and mortality. Transcatheter embolization with endovascular coils under digital subtraction angiography guidance is a common and effective method for the treatment of GIB with high technical success rates. Duodenal ulcers caused by coils wiggled from the branch of the gastroduodenal artery, which is a rare complication, have not previously been reported in a patient with right intrathoracic stomach. CASE SUMMARY: A 62-year-old man had undergone thoracoscopy-assisted radical resection of esophageal cancer and gastroesophageal anastomosis 3 years ago, resulting in right intrathoracic stomach. He was admitted to the hospital 15 mo ago for dizziness and suffered acute GIB during his stay. Interventional surgery was urgently performed to embolize the branch of the gastroduodenal artery with endovascular coils. After 15 mo, the patient was re-admitted with a chief complaint of melena for 2 d, esophagogastroduodenoscopy and abdominal computed tomography revealed that some endovascular coils had migrated into the duodenal bulb, leading to a deep ulcer. Bleeding was controlled after conservative treatment. Seven months later, duodenal balloon dilatation was performed to relieve the stenosis after the removal of a few coils, and the patient was safely discharged with only one coil retained in the duodenum due to difficulties in complete removal and risk of bleeding. Mild melena recurred once during the long-term follow-up. CONCLUSION: Although rare, coil wiggle after interventional therapy requires careful attention, effective precautionary measures, and more secure alternative treatment methods.

Dedifferentiated human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell reprogramming of endogenous hSDF-1α expression participates in neural restoration in hypoxic-ischemic brain damage rats.

The transplantation of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (hUC-MSCs) can promote hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) nerve repair, but finding suitable seed cells to optimize transplantation and improve treatment efficiency is an urgent problem to be solved. In this study, we induced hUC-MSCs into dedifferentiated hUC-MSCs (De-hUC-MSCs), and the morphology, stem cell surface markers, proliferation and tri-directional differentiation ability of the De-hUC-MSCs and hUC-MSCs were detected. A whole-gene chip was utilized for genome cluster, gene ontology and KEGG pathway analyses of differentially expressed genes. De-hUC-MSCs were transplanted into HIBD rats, and behavioral experiments and immunofluorescence assays were used to assess the therapeutic effect. A lentivirus vector for human stromal cell-derived factor-1 (hSDF-1α) was constructed, and the role of hSDF-1α in the neuroprotective effect and mechanism of De-hUC-MSCs was verified. De-hUC-MSCs displayed similar cell morphology, stem cell surface marker expression, cell proliferation and even three-dimensional differentiation ability as hUC-MSCs but exhibited greater treatment potential in vivo. The reprogramming mechanism of hSDF-1α participated in the dedifferentiation process. By successfully constructing a stable hSDF-1α cell line, we found that De-hUC-MSCs might participate in nerve repair through the hSDF-1α/CXCR4/PI3K/Akt pathway. De-hUC-MSCs reprogramming of endogenous hSDF-1α expression may mediate the hSDF-1α/CXCR4/PI3K/Akt pathway involved in nerve repair in HIBD rats.

[The production of hydroxyl radical in HRP-NADH-H2O/O2 systems and its application in chlorobenzene removal].

The mechanism of radical generation in HRP-NADH-O2/H2O2 systems and state-change of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) was investigated by using ESR and UV measurements, and the novel enzyme-coenzymatic systems were performed to degrade chlorobenzene as a non-phenolic persistent organic pollutants. The UV results showed that compound III was produced from HRP oxidized by hydrogen peroxide with the catalysis of NADH, which would generate hydroxyl radical. The ESR results demonstrated the production of *OH and O2-. in enzyme-coenzymatic system in the presence of O2 or H2O2 with DMPO and POBN as spin-trappers, respectively. In HRP-NADH-H2O2 system, compound III was the main state of HRP in the initial 10 min, and then converted to HRP with generating hydroxyl radical; and after the addition of oxygen, the production of hydroxyl radical was promoted rapidly, as 4 times as that of the system in absence of oxygen. The addition of SOD(Zn-Cu) decreased the production of hydroxyl radical significantly, resulting from that SOD eliminated O2 reduction to O2-. by NADH and then inhibited *OH formation. The results showed that NADH could improve by about 20% enzyme activity of HRP for phenol removal. The removal of chlorobenzene with HRP-NADH-H2O2 and HRP-NADH-H2O2-O2 systems reached 24.6% and 48.2%, respectively, which was much higher than that with traditional enzymatic system (1.42%), showing a promising prospect in proposal

Accessory spleen originating from the intrinsic muscularis of the stomach misdiagnosed as gastrointestinal stromal tumor: a case report.

A 34-year-old man presented to our hospital with a 2-month history of repeated dull upper abdominal pain. Gastroscopy and endoscopic ultrasonography indicated a hemispherical mass at the junction of the greater curvature and the gastric fundus, with hypoechogenicity originating from the intrinsic muscular layer. He was diagnosed with a gastric body submucosal lesion and gastrointestinal stromal tumor, and underwent endoscopic full-thickness resection. However, postoperative pathological examination of the mass unexpectedly revealed heterotopic spleen tissue (accessory spleen). Intragastric ectopic spleen tissue originating from the intrinsic muscular layer of the stomach is a rare clinical condition, with no specific clinical symptoms. This finding is of great clinical significance for the identification of gastric submucosal tumors.

Performance of endoscopic ultrasound for diagnosis of agenesis of the dorsal pancreas: a case report.

Agenesis of the dorsal pancreas is a rare congenital pancreatic malformation. We herein describe a 67-year-old woman with a 5-day history of lower back pain who was eventually diagnosed with agenesis of the dorsal pancreas. Abdominal computed tomography showed an enlarged pancreatic head, but the pancreatic body and tail were invisible. The magnetic resonance imaging findings were similar to the computed tomography findings. Magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography showed that the major pancreatic duct was mildly dilated but otherwise normal. Endoscopic ultrasound revealed absence of the pancreatic body and tail, an enlarged head of the pancreas, and mild pancreatic duct dilation. The final diagnosis was dorsal pancreatic agenesis.