Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

Objective: To retrospectively compare the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with parotidectomy for superficial pleomorphic adenoma (PA). Materials and Methods: From March 2022 to October 2023, 88 patients diagnosed with superficial parotid PA underwent either RFA (n = 12; mean age, 47.1 years) or parotidectomy (n = 76; mean age, 47.8 years). Patients in the RFA group were matched to those in the surgery group in a 1:1 ratio using propensity scores based on age, sex, tumor volume, diameter, location, and comorbidities. Ultrasound characteristics, cosmetic scores (0–4), numerical rating scale scores (0–10), and complications were assessed before the procedures and at 1-, 3-, and 6-month follow-ups. Outcomes were compared between baseline and follow-up in the RFA group and between the RFA and surgery groups. Results: In the RFA group, significant reductions in tumor volume were observed between baseline (median, 2.02 cm 3 ) and the 1-month follow-up (median, 1.21 cm 3 ; P = 0.015), between the 1-month and 3-month follow-ups (median, 0.53 cm 3 ; P= 0.002), and between the 3- and 6-month follow-ups (median, 0.23 cm 3 ; P = 0.003). The volume reduction ratios at 1, 3, and 6 months were 39.7%, 79.9%, and 88.0%, respectively. The cosmetic score was significantly lower at 3- and 6-month followup compared to baseline (median 1 and 1 vs. 4, P = 0.04). The numerical rating scale scores did not differ significantly from baseline throughout follow-up. In the propensity score-matched analysis (12 patients per group), RFA was associated with a shorter median procedure time (61.5 vs. 253.3 minutes; P < 0.001), shorter hospital stay (0 vs. 4 days; P < 0.001), and lower cost (1859.9 vs. 3512.4 USD; P < 0.001) than parotidectomy, with no significant difference in overall complication rates (33.3% [4/12] vs. 41.7% [5/12]; P = 1.000). Conclusion RFA may be a safe and effective alternative to surgery for superficial parotid PA, offering a shorter median procedure time, shorter hospital stay, and lower costs.

BACKGROUND: T cell dysfunction, which includes exhaustion, anergy, and senescence, is a distinct T cell differentiation state that occurs after antigen exposure. Although T cell dysfunction has been a cornerstone of cancer immunotherapy, its potential in transplant research, while not yet as extensively explored, is attracting growing interest. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) has been shown to play a pivotal role in inducing T cell dysfunction. METHODS: A novel ultra-low-dose combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin, targeting IRF4 inhibition, was employed to investigate T cell proliferation, apoptosis, cytokine secretion, expression of T-cell dysfunction-associated molecules, effects of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways, and allograft survival in both in vitro and BALB/c to C57BL/6 mouse cardiac transplantation models. RESULTS: In vitro , blockade of IRF4 in T cells effectively inhibited T cell proliferation, increased apoptosis, and significantly upregulated the expression of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1), Helios, CD160, and cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen (CTLA-4), markers of T cell dysfunction. Furthermore, it suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines interferon (IFN)-γ and interleukin (IL)-17. Combining ultra-low-dose Trametinib (0.1 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) and Rapamycin (0.1 mg·kg -1 ·day -1 ) demonstrably extended graft survival, with 4 out of 5 mice exceeding 100 days post-transplantation. Moreover, analysis of grafts at day 7 confirmed sustained IFN regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) inhibition, enhanced PD-1 expression, and suppressed IFN-γ secretion, reinforcing the in vivo efficacy of this IRF4-targeting approach. The combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin synergistically inhibited the MAPK and mTOR signaling network, leading to a more pronounced suppression of IRF4 expression. CONCLUSIONS Targeting IRF4, a key regulator of T cell dysfunction, presents a promising avenue for inducing transplant immune tolerance. In this study, we demonstrate that a novel ultra-low-dose combination of Trametinib and Rapamycin synergistically suppresses the MAPK and mTOR signaling network, leading to profound IRF4 inhibition, promoting allograft acceptance, and offering a potential new therapeutic strategy for improved transplant outcomes. However, further research is necessary to elucidate the underlying pharmacological mechanisms and facilitate translation to clinical practice.
Animals ; Mice ; Mice, Inbred BALB C ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Interferon Regulatory Factors/metabolism* ; Heart Transplantation/methods* ; T-Lymphocytes/immunology* ; Sirolimus/therapeutic use* ; Pyridones/therapeutic use* ; Graft Survival/drug effects* ; Pyrimidinones/therapeutic use* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Male ; Signal Transduction/drug effects*

Periodontal bone defects, primarily caused by periodontitis, are highly prevalent in clinical settings and manifest as bone fenestration, dehiscence, or attachment loss, presenting a significant challenge to oral health. In regenerative medicine, harnessing developmental principles for tissue repair offers promising therapeutic potential. Of particular interest is the condensation of progenitor cells, an essential event in organogenesis that has inspired clinically effective cell aggregation approaches in dental regeneration. However, the precise cellular coordination mechanisms during condensation and regeneration remain elusive. Here, taking the tooth as a model organ, we employed single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect the cellular composition and heterogeneity of human dental follicle and dental papilla, revealing a distinct Platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFRA) mesenchymal stem/stromal cell (MSC) population with remarkable odontogenic potential. Interestingly, a reciprocal paracrine interaction between PDGFRA⁺ dental follicle stem cells (DFSCs) and CD31⁺ Endomucin⁺ endothelial cells (ECs) was mediated by Vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) and Platelet-derived growth factor subunit BB (PDGFBB). This crosstalk not only maintains the functionality of PDGFRA⁺ DFSCs but also drives specialized angiogenesis. In vivo periodontal bone regeneration experiments further reveal that communication between PDGFRA⁺ DFSC aggregates and recipient ECs is essential for effective angiogenic-osteogenic coupling and rapid tissue repair. Collectively, our results unravel the importance of MSC-EC crosstalk mediated by the VEGFA and PDGFBB-PDGFRA reciprocal signaling in orchestrating angiogenesis and osteogenesis. These findings not only establish a framework for deciphering and promoting periodontal bone regeneration in potential clinical applications but also offer insights for future therapeutic strategies in dental or broader regenerative medicine.
Receptor, Platelet-Derived Growth Factor alpha/metabolism* ; Humans ; Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology* ; Dental Sac/cytology* ; Single-Cell Analysis ; Transcriptome ; Mesenchymal Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Bone Regeneration ; Animals ; Dental Papilla/cytology* ; Periodontium/physiology* ; Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Regeneration ; Angiogenesis

Objective To compare clinical efficacy and complication rate of percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discec-tomy(PETD),percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy(PEID)and unilateral biportal endoscopic(UBE)in treating single-segment lumbar disc herniation(LDH).Methods From October 2019 to August 2021,121 LDH patients with single-segment treated by spinal endoscopy were retrospectively analyzed and divided into three groups.In PETD group,there were 48 patients,including 19 males and 29 females,aged from 18 to 72 years old with an average of(44.0±13.9)years old;3 patients with L3,4 segments,27 patients with L4,5 segments,and 18 patients with L5S1 segments.In PEID group,there were 43 patients,including 23 males and 20 females,aged from 20 to 69 years old with an average of(40.1±12.1)years old;1 patient with L3.4 segments,15 patients with L4.5 segments,and 27 patients with L5S1 segments.In UBE group,there were 30 patients,including 12 males and 18 females,agedfrom29 to 72 years old with an average of(41.2±15.0)years old;1 patient with L3,4 segments,18 patients with L4,5 segments,and 11 patients with L5S1 segments.Operation time,blood loss,fluoroscopy times and complica-tions among three groups were observed and compared.Before opertaion,3 months after operation and at the latest follow-up,visual analogue scale(VAS)was used to evaluate low back pain and lower extremity pain,Oswestry disfunction index(ODI)was used to evaluate lumbar function,and modified MacNab was used to evaluate clinical efficacy at the latest follow-up.Re-sults All patients were performed endoscopic spinal surgery completely and were followed up for at least 12 months.One patient occurred dural sac rupture both in PETD and PEID group,and dural sac rupture was small,and there was no obvious discomfort after operation.Two patients were occurred intraoperative rupture of dural sac in UBE group.One patient was occurred cere-brospinal fluid leakage after operation,and was improved after rest in supine position and fluid rehydration.One patient without no significant postoperative discomfort.(1)There were no significant difference in operating time,blood loss and hospital stay between PETD and PEID group(P＞0.05),while UBE group was higher than those of PETD and PEID group(P＜0.05).There was no statistical significance in fluoroscopy times between PEID and UBE group(P＞0.05),but PETD group was higher than that of PEID and UBE group(P＜0.05).(2)VAS of low back pain at 3 months after operation in UBE group was higher than that in PETD and PEID group(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between PETD and PEID group(P＞0.05).At the latest follow-up,there was no significant difference in VAS of low back pain among three groups(P＞0.05).(3)Lower ex-tremity pain of VAS and ODI among 3 groups after operation were significantly improved at all time points compared with those before opertaion(P＜0.05),and there were no statistical significance between groups(P＞0.05),and there were no statistical significance in interaction between different time points and operation groups(P＞0.05).(4)At the latest follow-up,according to the modified MacNab standard,the results of PETD group were excellent in 27 patients,good in 16 patients,moderate in 4 patients,poor in 1 patient;in PEID group,27 patients got excellent result,12 good,3 moderate,and 1 poor;in UBE group,16 patients got excellent,10 good,2 moderate,and 2 poor.There was no significant difference among three groups(x2=0.308,P＞0.05).Recurrence of lumbar disc herniation occurred in 1 patient among each three groups,symptoms were improved in 2 pa-tients after symptomatic treatment,and 1 patient was treated in other hospitals.Conclusion PETD,PEID and UBE techniques could achieve good early clinical effects in treating lumbar disc herniation with similar complication rates.Both of PETD and PEID are single-channel minimally invasive surgery,with mild intraoperative tissue damage and quick postoperative recovery;while intraoperative fluoroscopy of PETD was relatively more frequent,and PEID was more suitable for L5S1 segment;UBE is a two-channel surgery,in which the intraoperative soft tissue damage is more severe,but exposure is broad,which is more suit-able for complex cases.

Objective To prospectively compare the clinical efficacy and radiographic outcomes between interlaminar per-cutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression(IL-PELD)and transforaminar percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression(TF-PELD)in the treatment of single-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis.Methods From April 2018 to July 2021,85 pa-tients with single-segment lumbar lateral recess stenosis underment percutaneous endoscopic lumbar decompression.There were 44 males and 41 females,aged from 49 to 81 years old with an average of(65.5±8.3)years old,duration of lumbar lateral re-cess stenosis ranging from 3 to 83 months with an average of(26.7±16.5)months.They were divided into IL-PELD group and TF-PELD group according to the different operation methods.There were 47 patients in the IL-PELD group,including 28 males and 19 females aged from 50 to 80 yeaes old with an average age was(66.7±9.3)years old.The disease duration ranged from 3 to 65 months with an average of(25.7±15.0)months.There were 38 patients in the TF-PELD group,including 16 males and 22 females,aged from 51 to 78 years old with an average of(64.1±7.6)years old.The disease duration ranged from 4 to 73 months with an average of(27.9±18.3)months The operation time,intraoperative blood loss,intraoperative fluoroscopy,hospi-talization day and complications of the two groups were recorded.Visual analogue scale(VAS)to evaluate low back pain and lower limb pain,Oswestry disability index(ODI)to evaluate lumbar function in preoperative and postoperative period(1 month,6 months and last follow-up)were recorded.the sagittal diameter of the lateral recess of the responsible intervertebral space in preoperative and 1 week after the operation were recorded.Results The operation was successfully completed in both groups without serious complications such as vascular injury,dural sac tear and nerve injury.The operation time in IL-PED group(69.3±19.3)min was significantly longer than that in TF-PELD group(57.5±14.5)min(P＜0.05).There was no significant dif-ference in the intraoperative blood loss between the two groups(P＞0.05).The number of intraoperative fluoroscopy in TF-PELD group(8.8±2.6)times was significantly higher than that in IL-PED group(4.8±1.2)times(P＜0.05).The hospitalization days of the two groups were not statistically significant(P＞0.05).VAS for low back and lower extremity pain and ODI were(5.1±2.2),(6.9±1.3)scores and(71.4±12.6)％in IL-PELD group,and(4.7±1.8),(6.9±1.3)scores and(68.4±13.9)％in TF-PELD group.In the IL-PELD group,the VAS of low back pain was(2.4±1.5),(1.6±0.8),(1.4±0.9)scores,and the VAS of lower extremity pain was(3.0±1.2),(1.6±0.7),(1.5±1.0)scores,ODI was(32.6±11.9)％,(17.4±6.5)％,(19.3±9.3)％;In TF-PELD group,the VAS of low back pain was(2.6±1.4),(1.5±0.6),(1.4±1.0)scores,and the VAS of lower extremity pain was(2.8±1.2),(1.6±0.6),(1.5±1.2)scores,The ODI was(32.0±11.2)％,(15.0±6.1)％,and(20.0±11.3)％.The VAS and ODI of the two groups at each time point after operation were significantly improved compared with those before operation(P＜0.05),but there was no statistically significant difference between the groups(P＞0.05),and there was no statistically sig-nificant difference in the interaction between different time points and groups(P＞0.05).At 1 week after operation,the sagittal diameter of lateral recess in both groups was significantly increased compared with that before operation(P＜0.05),but there was no significant difference between the two groups at each time point(P＞0.05).According to the modified Macnab criteria,IL-PELD group was rated as excellent in 24 cases,good in 19 cases and fair in 4 cases.In TF-PELD group the results were ex-cellent in 19 cases,good in 15 cases,fair in 3 cases and poor in 1 case.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion IL-PELD and TF-PELD can expand the lateral recess in the treatment of single level lumbar lateral recess stenosis,and have achieved good clinical effects.

Objective To investigate the effect of intraoperative renal artery resistance index(RI)in predicting postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in patients undergoing cardiac surgery with cardiopul-monary bypass(CPB).Methods Forty-four patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery with CPB,21 males and 23 females,aged ≥18 years,BMI 18.5-30.0 kg/m2,ASA physical status Ⅰ-Ⅲ,were select-ed.Left renal artery peak systolic velocity(PSV)and end-diastolic velocity(EDV)were measured by transesophageal echocardiography(TEE)20 minutes after general anesthesia induction(T1)and 30 minutes after CPB cessation(T2).RI was calculated as(PSV-EDV)/PSV.Patients were divided into two groups:the AKI group and the non-AKI group,according to whether occurred AKI by the diagnostic criteria of the kidney disease:improving global outcomes organization(KDIGO).Logistic multivariate regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for AKI occurrence.Results Sixteen patients(36％)oc-curred AKI.Compared with the non-AKI group,the CPB duration and aortic cross-clamp duration were sig-nificantly prolonged(P＜0.05),the renal artery RI at T,and T2 were significantly increased in the AKI group(P＜0.05).Multivariate logstic analysis showed that RI at T2 was an independent risk factor for AKI occurrence after cardiac surgery,the AUC was 0.893(95％CI 0.794-0.991,P＜0.010),the sensitivity and specificity were 84.5％and 78.6％,respectively,and the cut-off value was 0.720.Conclusion Intra-operative renal artery RI in patients undergoing cardiac surgery is an independent risk factor for AKI after cardiac surgery,and renal artery RI＞0.720 at 30 minutes after CPB cessation can serve as a predictive in-dicator for AKI after cardiac surgery.