Background/Aims: Natural killer (NK) cell function is generally considered dampened in chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection; however, the NK cell pool exhibits phenotypic and functional heterogeneity, and the antibody--mediated effect of NK cells remains less characterized. This study evaluated the dynamic changes in antibody-mediated NK cell responses and the involvement of distinct NK subsets across disease stages and during antiviral treatment. Methods: A T-cell receptor-like antibody specific for the HBV core 18–27 peptide (cTCRL-Ab) was used to determine the antibody-mediated effect of NK cells, and an array of NK cell surface markers were analyzed in cross-sectional and longitudinal cohorts of patients with chronic HBV infection. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) was performed to identify the heterogeneity of NK subsets. Results: The cTCRL-Ab enabled the detection of NK cell cytolytic activity and IFNγ production. Notably, cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell responses were compromised in chronically HBV-infected patients, particularly in those receiving pegylated interferon-α (Peg-IFNα), which was associated with the downregulation of CD16 expression. Correspondingly, Peg-IFNα inhibited cTCRL-Ab-mediated NK cell function by reducing CD16 expression in vitro. scRNA-seq revealed that CD16 downregulation occurred mainly within a dysfunctional CD16hi NK subset exhibiting exhaustion properties. In contrast, an activated CD16hiNK subpopulation (CX3CR1⁺KLRC2–CD16hi) with high cytotoxicity was enriched in patients who experienced favorable treatment responses. Furthermore, the intrahepatic CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hi subset tended to exhibit functional restoration in HBsAg-loss individuals. Conclusions Our data contribute to the understanding of antibody-mediated responses of NK cells in chronic HBV infection, and highlight a previously unappreciated functional CX3CR1+KLRC2–CD16hiNK subset as a potential therapeutic target.

We report a family with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1(MEN1), in which the proband presented with primary amenorrhea and was diagnosed with both a pituitary prolactinoma and an ACTH-secreting adenoma. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous MEN1 gene c. 1449_1476del mutation in the proband, as well as in six additional family members, who exhibited variable clinical phenotypes. Following initial transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, the proband's symptoms and biochemical abnormalities persisted, with elevated ACTH and cortisol levels. Functional imaging using [ 68Ga]-DOTA-TATE PET/CT confirmed residual pituitary tumor tissue, and a second surgery resulted in biochemical remission.

We report a family with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1(MEN1), in which the proband presented with primary amenorrhea and was diagnosed with both a pituitary prolactinoma and an ACTH-secreting adenoma. Genetic testing identified a heterozygous MEN1 gene c. 1449_1476del mutation in the proband, as well as in six additional family members, who exhibited variable clinical phenotypes. Following initial transsphenoidal pituitary surgery, the proband's symptoms and biochemical abnormalities persisted, with elevated ACTH and cortisol levels. Functional imaging using [ 68Ga]-DOTA-TATE PET/CT confirmed residual pituitary tumor tissue, and a second surgery resulted in biochemical remission.

Objective: Uterine cancer (UC) is a major cause of cancer-related deaths among women. This study assesses the global burden of UC from 1990 to 2021. Methods: Data from the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study were used to analyze UC incidence, mortality, and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) across 204 countries.Age-standardized rates were evaluated by age and Socio-Demographic Index (SDI), with trends forecasted to 2036 using Bayesian models. Results: In 2021, the global incidence of UC reached 473,614 cases (95% uncertainty interval [UI]=4,29916–5,13667), with an age-standardized incidence rate of 5.41 per 100,000 (95% UI=4.90–5.87), showing an upward trend since 1990, particularly in high-SDI regions. However, the mortality rate in high SDI regions exhibited a declining trend, with an estimated annual percentage change (EAPC) of −0.25 (95% confidence interval=−0.42 to −0.08). Although the number of deaths globally has increased, the age-standardized mortality rate has decreased compared to 1990 (EAPC: −0.85). The global age-standardized DALYs also show a downward trend, except in high SDI and low-middle SDI regions. The highest incidence was observed among individuals aged 70–74 in 2021. By 2036, new cases are projected to rise, though incidence, mortality, and DALYs are expected to decline. Conclusion Regional disparities in the global UC burden highlight the need for tailored strategies, especially in low-income countries, to reduce its impact.

Cervical cancer (CC) is a significant cause of cancer-related deaths in women and ranks as the fourth most common malignant tumor worldwide. Cervical histopathology is currently the primary diagnostic method for confirming the presence of CC. Tumor markers and imaging techniques play crucial roles in monitoring treatment effectiveness and prognostic follow-up. Unfortunately, these traditional examination methods are invasive and often lack sensitivity and accuracy. Therefore, there is a need for a less invasive and more sensitive test to facilitate early diagnosis, efficacy evaluation, and prognostic monitoring of CC. In recent years, liquid biopsy has been developed as a new detection method. It involves analyzing tumor components released into the peripheral circulation, such as cell-free RNA, circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, tumor-educated platelets, and exosomes. Liquid biopsy offers advantages such as being less invasive, highly reproducible, and capable of real-time monitoring. Moreover, liquid biopsy can play a crucial role in the early diagnosis of CC, guiding targeted therapy, assessing prognosis, and evaluating treatment effectiveness.This review focuses on the value of liquid biopsy application in CC, detection markers, and detection methods. It also explores how liquid biopsy can be used in the detection, prognosis, and monitoring the progression of CC. The advantages and limitations of liquid biopsy in CC are analyzed to promote its application and improve the diagnosis and treatment of the disease.

Objective:To investigate the effect of deviation from the isocenter point on the quality of CT images at the same radiation dose.Methods:A 160-layer CT scanner was used to scan the phantom at isocenter and deviations of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 cm. CT was performed with the following parameters: 120 kVp; 400 mAs; slice thickness, 1 mm; and slice increment, 1 mm. Images were reconstructed using the filtered back projection algorithm. Noise power spectrum (NPS), task transfer function (TTF) and detectability index (d′) were measured. NPS peak was used to quantify the noise magnitude and TTF 50% was used to quantify the spatial resolution. NPS, TTF and d′ were compared using one-way ANOVA. Results:The NPS average spatial frequency, spatial resolution and d′ values gradually decreased as the offset distance increased and the amount of noise increased. NPS peak at isocenter and deviations of 3 cm, 6 cm, 9 cm, 12 cm and 15 cm were (94.31±1.48), (104.25±1.46), (131.44±1.96), (171.86±1.91), (224.05±1.37), (286.51±2.09)HU 2·mm 2, respectively ( F=37 241.91, P<0.001). And d′ values of 2 mm low-contrast lesions were 3.51±0.06, 3.31±0.04, 3.01±0.04, 2.59±0.06, 2.21±0.03, 1.88±0.03, respectively. The reduction in spatial resolution was more pronounced for high contrast, and the d′ values decreased to a similar extent for various types of lesions. The noise was increased by about 82%, the high contrast spatial resolution was decreased by about 12%, and the d′ value was decreased by about 26% at 9 cm from the isocenter point (all P<0.05). The noise was increased by about 204%, the high contrast spatial resolution was decreased by about 27%, and the d′ value was decreased by about 45% at 15 cm from the isocenter (all P<0.05). Conclusion:The CT image quality was decreased with the increase of the offset distance from the CT isocenter point. The image quality was severely compromised at offset distances greater than 9 cm.

Objective    To evaluate the early and mid-term safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement via transfemoral (TF), transapical (TAp) and transsubclavian (TSc) approaches by meta-analysis. Methods    We systematically searched the clinical comparative trials published from inception to June 2019 from PubMed, Web of Science, EMbase and The Cochrane Library, to evaluate the safety of transcatheter aortic valve replacement through TF, TAp or TSc approaches. The information of all-cause mortality at 30 days, 1 year, 2 years and the incidence of common complications at 30 days after operation (including pacemaker-dependent block, major vascular complications, severe bleeding events, acute renal injury and stroke) were exacted, and a meta-analysis was conducted by RevMan 5.3 software. Results    This study included 11 literatures, with a total of 7 833 patients, among whom 5 348 patients were treated by TF TAVR, 1 796 patients by TAp TAVR and 689 patients by TSc TAVR. The results of the meta-analysis were as follows: (1)  at 30 days after operation, the mortality of TF and TSc approaches were lower than that of the TAp approach (TF vs. TAp:OR=0.57, 95%CI 0.39-0.84, P=0.004; TSc vs. TAp: OR=4.12, 95%CI 1.93-8.79, P=0.000 3). There was no statistical difference between the TF and TSc approaches (TF vs. TSc: OR=0.98, 95%CI 0.38-2.51, P=0.97); at 1 year, there was no statistical difference in mortality among the three approaches (P>0.05); at 2 years, there was no statistical difference between TSc and TF or TAp approaches (TF vs. TSc: OR=1.21, 95%CI 0.95-1.54, P=0.13; TSc vs. TAp: OR=1.02, 95%CI 0.76-1.36, P=0.91). (2) The incidence of acute kidney injury after TF approach was lower than that of the TAp approach (OR=0.30, 95%CI 0.22-0.41, P<0.000 01). (3) There was no statistical difference in major vascular complications between TSc and TF or TAp approaches (TF vs. TSc: OR=0.75, 95%CI 0.38-1.49, P=0.41; TSc vs. TAp: OR=1.37, 95%CI 0.56-3.32, P=0.49). (4) There was no statistical difference in severe bleeding events between TF and TSc (OR=0.97, 95%CI 0.53-1.76, P=0.92). (5) There was no statistical difference in the incidence of postoperative stroke, pacemaker dependent block among the three approaches (P>0.05). Conclusion    TAp and TSc approaches are safe and effective. They are not only an alternative to TF approach, but also the first choice in some patients with poor condition of iliofemoral artery.

ObjectiveTo screen out the mRNAs involved in the resistance of hepatoma cells to anlotinib using ceRNA microarray. MethodsHigh-dose shock combined with low-dose induction was used to culture hepatoma cells resistant to anlotinib, and CCK8 assay was used to verify the difference in the proliferation of drug-resistant hepatoma cells treated by anlotinib. The ceRNA microarray was used to screen out the differentially expressed genes between drug-resistant hepatoma cells and normal hepatoma cells, and real-time PCR was used to verify the differentially expressed genes detected by some microarrays. the independent samples t-test was used for comparison of continuous data between two groups, and the Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze the overall survival of hepatoma cells samples, and the log-rank test was used to compare survival rates. Fisher’s exact test was used for chip screening. ResultsThere was a significant difference in gene expression between drug-resistant hepatoma cells and normal hepatoma cells, and 10 genes with the greatest difference were screened out for analysis by reducing the range. There were 4 genes associated with drug resistance and tumor growth, i.e., BIRC2, BIRC7, ABCC2, and MAPK8. There were significant reductions in the expression levels of BIRC2, ABCC2, and MAPK8 (P=0001 4, 0001 2, and 0.011 8), and there was a significant increase in the expression of BIRC7 (P＜0.001). The results of real-time PCR were consistent with those of microarray (t=10.74,32.65,18.34, and 2.80; P=0.000 4, 0.000 1, 0.000 1, and 0.044 8). The high expression of BIRC7 and the low expression of MAPK8 were associated with the significant reduction in survival time (P=0.022 0 and 0.005 6). ConclusionBIRC2, BIRC7, ABCC2, and MAPK8 are differentially expressed between anlotinib-resistant hepatoma cells and normal hepatoma cells and may be involved in the resistance of hepatoma cells to anlotinib.

Objective: To explore the clinical application value of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) in the laparoscopic surgery for cholecystolithiasis comorbid with choledocholithiasis. Methods: The prospective study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 52 patients with cholecystolithiasis comorbid with choledocholithiasis who were admitted to the Third Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from September 2016 to September 2018 were collected. Patients were divided into 2 groups by random number table: patients in observation group received laparoscopic cholecystectomy + choledocholithotomy + choledochoscopic exploration + T-tube drainage (or primary suture of common bile duct) and perioperative management guided by the concept of enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS), and patients in control group received traditional perioperative management. Observation indicators: (1) surgical situations; (2) postoperative situations; (3) postoperative complications; (4) postoperative pain scores; (5) changes in hepatic function and blood routine during perioperative period. Follow-up using outpatient examination and telephone interview was performed to detect complications during the postoperative 6 months up to March 2019. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean±SD, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the paired t test or repeated ANOVA. Count data were described as absolute numbers and percentages, and comparison between groups was analyzed using the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability. Results: Fifty-two patients were screened for eligibility, including 20 males and 32 females, aged 25-68 years, with an average age of 53 years. There were 30 patients in the observation group and 22 in the control group. (1) Surgical situations: the operation time and volume of intraoperative blood loss were (133±19)minutes and (47±21)mL in the observation group, and (136±22)minutes and (49±23)mL in the control group, respectively, showing no significant difference between the two groups (t=-0.386, -0.211, P>0.05). (2) Postoperative situations: time to out-of-bed activity, time to initial food intake, time to first anal flatus, duration of postoperative hospital stay, and hospital expenses were (18±4)hours, (19±5)hours, (28±2)hours, (4.0±1.0)days, and (1.82±0.22)×10⁴ yuan in the observation group, and (29±7)hours, (46±9)hours, (37±4)hours, (6.6±1.6)days, and (2.25±0.29)×10⁴ yuan in the control group, respectively, showing significant differences between the two groups (t=-7.054, -14.169, -9.426, -6.582, -5.809, P<0.05). (3) Postoperative complications: 1 of 30 patients in the observation group had postoperative biliary leakage, with a postoperative complication rate of 3.3%, and was cured after symptomatic support treatment. Six of 22 patients in the control group had postoperative complication, with a postoperative complication rate of 27.3%, including 2 of biliary leakage, 1 of hemorrhage, 1 of abdominal infection, 1 of pulmonary infection, 1 of urinary infection, and they were cured after symptomatic support treatment. There was a significant difference between the two groups (χ²=4.358, P<0.05). (4) Postoperative pain scores: from postoperative 6 hours to 48 hours, the postoperative pain score changed from 2.4±0.7 to 1.9±0.9 in the observation group, and from 4.1±0.7 to 2.9±0.9 in the control group, respectively, showing a significant difference in the changing trend between the two groups (F=78.053, P<0.05). (5) Changes in hepatic function and blood routine during perioperative period: from preoperation to postoperative 3 days, levels of alamine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin (TBil), and count of white blood cells in the observation group changed from (77±20)U/L to (53±12)U/L, from (85±22)U/L to (61±17)U/L, from (166±39)U/L to (55±24)U/L, from (40±13)μmol/L to (29±12)μmol/L, from (7.0±2.0)×10⁹/L to (6.8±1.9)×10⁹/L, and changed from (79±23)U/L to (62±14)U/L, from (88±24)U/L to (64±17)U/L, from (179±34)U/L to (74±29)U/L, from (45±13)μmol/L to (35±12)μmol/L, from (7.9±2.4)×10⁹/L to (7.5±1.9)×10⁹/L in the control group, respectively. The levels of ALT, AST, GGT, TBiL, and count of WBC showed increasing at postoperative 1 day, and decreasing at postoperative 3 days. There was no significant difference in the changing trend between the two groups (F=0.058, 0.471, 3.021, 1.593, 2.172, P>0.05). Conclusion ERAS is safe and effective in the laparoscopic surgery for choledocholithiasis comorbid with cholecystolithiasis.

Objective To study the impact of splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization on the nutritional status of patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension.Methods Sixty consecutive patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension who underwent splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization at the Beijing YouAn Hospital from April 5,2015 to January 23,2017 were included in this study.The body mass index (BMI),albumin (Alb),prealbumin (PA) and lymphocyte counts were prospectively collected at the end of 1-week,1-month,3-month,6-month and 1-year after surgery.The postoperative results were compared with the preoperative results in these patients.Results The BMI results obtained at 1-week and 1-month after surgery were significantly lower than the preoperative level [(22.14 ± 3.08)kg/m2 vs.(22.85 ± 3.14) kg/m2,(21.72 ± 3.05) kg/m2 vs.(22.86 ± 3.16) kg/m2,P ＜ 0.05].The BMI result at the end of 1-year after surgery was significantly elevated when compared with the preoperative level [(23.24 ± 3.64) kg/m2 vs.(22.68 ± 3.47) kg/m2,P ＜ 0.05].The ALB levels at 1-month and 3-month after surgery were significantly higher than the preoperative level [(39.87 ± 4.22)g/L vs.(35.35 ±5.15) g/L,(39.35 ± 4.75) g/L vs.(34.82 ± 5.50) g/L,P ＜ 0.05].The PA obtained at 1-week after surgery was significantly lower than the preoperative levels [(79.59 26.52)mg/L vs.(121.77 ±39.96)mg/L,P ＜ 0.05].The lymphocyte counts at all the points after surgery were significantly higher than the preoperative level (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion Short term and long term nutritional status improved in patients with cirrhosis and portal hypertension after splenectomy and esophagogastric devascularization.