Objective To describe the significance of the pretreatment inflammatory indicators in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after undergoing radical radiotherapy. Methods The data of 246 ESCC patients who underwent radical radiotherapy were retrospectively collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses by using the Cox proportional risk regression model. Software R (version 4.2.0) was used to create the nomogram of prognostic factors. Results The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of PLR, NLR, and SII were 146.06, 2.67, and 493.97, respectively. The overall response rates were 77.6% and 64.5% in the low and high NLR groups, respectively (P<0.05). The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients in the low PLR, NLR, and SII group was better than that of patients in the high PLR, NLR, and SII group (all P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that gender, treatment modalities, T stage, and NLR were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS). In addition, T stage and NLR were independent factors affecting the progression-free survival (PFS) (all P<0.05). The nomogram models of OS and PFS prediction were established based on multivariate analysis. The C-index values were 0.703 and 0.668. The calibration curves showed excellent consistency between the predicted and observed OS and PFS. Conclusion The pretreatment values of PLR, NLR, and SII are correlated with the prognosis of patients with ESCC who underwent radical radiotherapy. Moreover, NLR is an independent factor affecting the OS and PFS of ESCC patients. The NLR-based nomogram model has a good predictive ability.

“Inflammation-cancer” transformation of chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） refers to the process in which the gastric mucosa， in the context of CAG， progresses through stages of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer （PLGC）， such as intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia， and eventually develops into gastric cancer （GC）. In China， the incidence and mortality rates of GC rank among the highest in the world， and the proportion of GC cases caused by gastric mucosal infection and inflammation has been increasing. Modern medical treatments for CAG and PLGC mainly rely on drug therapy， endoscopic resection， and regular surveillance. Although these disease management strategies are relatively mature， they present limitations in early lesion prevention and recurrence risk control. Therefore， it is imperative to identify therapeutic approaches for CAG and PLGC that offer preventive， reversible， and recurrence-reducing benefits. With advances in research on the mechanisms underlying inflammation-cancer transformation and the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine， the advantages of TCM in preventing and even reversing early-stage CAG and PLGC have gradually become apparent. This review explored the mechanisms of inflammation-cancer transformation in CAG from five aspects： inflammatory microenvironment， autophagy， glycolysis， bile acids， and ferroptosis. In conjunction with TCM theory and a deeper understanding of the distinct mechanisms involved in the inflammation-cancer transformation of CAG， this review further discussed the specific mechanisms through which TCM intervened in treating CAG and PLGC， with the aim of providing theoretical support and therapeutic insights for future clinical applications.

“Inflammation-cancer” transformation of chronic atrophic gastritis （CAG） refers to the process in which the gastric mucosa， in the context of CAG， progresses through stages of precancerous lesions of gastric cancer （PLGC）， such as intestinal metaplasia and dysplasia， and eventually develops into gastric cancer （GC）. In China， the incidence and mortality rates of GC rank among the highest in the world， and the proportion of GC cases caused by gastric mucosal infection and inflammation has been increasing. Modern medical treatments for CAG and PLGC mainly rely on drug therapy， endoscopic resection， and regular surveillance. Although these disease management strategies are relatively mature， they present limitations in early lesion prevention and recurrence risk control. Therefore， it is imperative to identify therapeutic approaches for CAG and PLGC that offer preventive， reversible， and recurrence-reducing benefits. With advances in research on the mechanisms underlying inflammation-cancer transformation and the integration of traditional Chinese and Western medicine， the advantages of TCM in preventing and even reversing early-stage CAG and PLGC have gradually become apparent. This review explored the mechanisms of inflammation-cancer transformation in CAG from five aspects： inflammatory microenvironment， autophagy， glycolysis， bile acids， and ferroptosis. In conjunction with TCM theory and a deeper understanding of the distinct mechanisms involved in the inflammation-cancer transformation of CAG， this review further discussed the specific mechanisms through which TCM intervened in treating CAG and PLGC， with the aim of providing theoretical support and therapeutic insights for future clinical applications.

Recent studies have indicated that the expression of ubiquitin-specific protease 51 (USP51), a novel deubiquitinating enzyme (DUB) that mediates protein degradation as part of the ubiquitin‒proteasome system (UPS), is associated with tumor progression and therapeutic resistance in multiple malignancies. However, the underlying mechanisms and signaling networks involved in USP51-mediated regulation of malignant phenotypes remain largely unknown. The present study provides evidence of USP51's functions as the prominent DUB in chemoresistant triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells. At the molecular level, ectopic expression of USP51 stabilized the 78 kDa Glucose-Regulated Protein (GRP78) protein through deubiquitination, thereby increasing its expression and localization on the cell surface. Furthermore, the upregulation of cell surface GRP78 increased the activity of ATP binding cassette subfamily B member 1 (ABCB1), the main efflux pump of doxorubicin (DOX), ultimately decreasing its accumulation in TNBC cells and promoting the development of drug resistance both in vitro and in vivo. Clinically, we found significant correlations among USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 expression in TNBC patients with chemoresistance. Elevated USP51, GRP78, and ABCB1 levels were also strongly associated with a poor patient prognosis. Importantly, we revealed an alternative intervention for specific pharmacological targeting of USP51 for TNBC cell chemosensitization. In conclusion, these findings collectively indicate that the USP51/GRP78/ABCB1 network is a key contributor to the malignant progression and chemotherapeutic resistance of TNBC cells, underscoring the pivotal role of USP51 as a novel therapeutic target for cancer management.

Objective:Quantified MRCP imaging data was used as a reference for design and preparation of a modified percutaneous transhepatic cholangio drainage (PTCD) tube.Methods:3.0 T upper abdominal MR and MRCP imaging data of 2 300 patients treated from July 2015 to July 2020 at the Department of Radiology of the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University were screened and a total of 381 patients diagnosed with biliary duct structures were identified. Causative etiologies among these patients included pancreatic adenocarcinoma (pancreatic head), cholangiocarcinoma, ampullary carcinoma, as well as intrahepatic and/or extrahepatic bile duct dilation. An improved PTCD tube was designed based on MRCP quantification of left and right hepatic and common hepatic duct length.Results:In the setting of biliary obstruction caused by malignancy, the distance of the left hepatic duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 15.9±3.8 mm, while the distance of the right hepatic duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 12.4±3.2 mm; the length of the bile duct from its origin to the point of left and right hepatic duct confluence was 34.0±8.1 mm. The improved PTCD tube design incorporated an altered length of the drainage orifice.Conclusion:MRCP imaging of the biliary tract is effective for measuring biliary tract length in the setting of pathological dilation. Based on our biliary tract measurements, a modified PTCD tube was designed to more effectively meet drainage requirements and manage biliary obstruction caused by Bismuth-Corlette type Ⅱ and Ⅲ malignancies.

Objective To discuss the safety and efficacy of arterial embolization combined with local ablation in the treatment of recurrent and refractory chest wall tumors.Methods The clinical data of 11 patients with chest wall tumor that recurred after surgery and progressed after treatment were retrospectively analyzed.On the basis of the original treatment regimen,DSA-guided arterial embolization and CT-guided local ablation were employed.VAS score of pain relief and postoperative complications were recorded,and the therapeutic efficacy was evaluated Results All the patients were follow up for a median time of 18.5 months.Successful DSA-guided arterial embolization was accomplished in all patients.Seven patients(9 lesions in total)initially received CT-guided radiofrequency ablation(RFA),and tumor reoccurred in 2 patients,who had to receive RFA once more.Four patients(5 lesions in total)initially received CT-guided microwave ablation(MWA),and tumor reoccurred in one patient,who had to receive MWA again.According to mRECIST criteria,the 6-month,12-month and 18-month objective response rates(ORR)were 72.7%(8/11),45.5%(5/11)and 18.2%(2/11)respectively,the 6-month,12-month and 18-month overall survival rates were 81.8%(9/11),63.6%(7/11)and 27.3%(3/11)respectively,with a median survival time of 13.2 months.The postoperative one-month and 3-month VAS scores were(2.42±1.25)points and(1.91±1.24)points respectively,which were strikingly lower than preoperative(6.78±1.13)points,the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).After surgery,3 patients developed pleural effusion,which disappeared after puncture and drainage treatment,and 2 patients developed fever,which was improved after symptomatic treatment.One patient died of respiratory failure six months after treatment.Conclusion Arterial embolization combined with local ablation can improve the symptoms of pain and prolong the survival time of patients with chest wall tumors.This combination therapy is less traumatic and clinically safe,and it can be used as an effective treatment for patients with recurrent and refractory chest wall tumors.

Humans ; Consanguinity ; Exome Sequencing ; Mutation/genetics* ; Sequence Analysis, DNA ; Ciliary Motility Disorders ; Axonemal Dyneins/genetics*

Objective This study aims to provide an in-depth analysis of the effectiveness of blood pressure control and the influencing factors in elderly hypertensive patients in urban areas of Beijing,providing scientific support for developing more precise and effective home pharmaceutical intervention strategies.Methods Pharmacists conducted home visits and administered questionnaires to systematically investigate elderly hypertensive patients aged 60 and above in the urban areas of Beijing from February to June 2023.Binary logistic regression was used to identify key factors affecting blood pressure control.Results A total of 575 questionnaires were collected with 560 valid responses,achieving an effective recovery rate of 97.39%.Among the respondents,233 were male(41.61%)and 327 were female(58.39%),with a median age of 69.The proportion of patients with qualified blood pressure control was 33.39%(187 cases).Logistic regression analysis further revealed that smoking,the presence of comorbidities,and multiple comorbid conditions significantly impacted the control rate(P<0.05).Conclusion The blood pressure control rate among elderly hypertensive patients in urban areas of Beijing remains low.It is recommended to develop more targeted home pharmaceutical intervention measures for patients who smoke and have multiple comorbidities to enhance blood pressure control outcomes.

Objective:To investigate the safety and efficacy of C-arm CT laser-guided puncture combined with digital subtraction angiography (DSA)for percutaneous renal pelvic catheter drainage in the treatment of hydronephrosis caused by pelvic malignancy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed on the data of 56 patients with ureteral obstruction caused by pelvic malignancy admitted to the Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University from February 2020 to August 2021, including 10 males and 46 females. The mean age of the patients was (54.0±10.1)years old. The causes were colorectal cancer (7 cases), bladder cancer (3 cases), cervical cancer (36 cases), endometrial cancer (3 cases), ovarian cancer (2 cases), pelvic metastasis of gastric cancer (4 cases) and pelvic sarcoma (1 case). There were 71 sides of renal pelvis dilation in 56 patients, with the degree of dilation ranging from 1.2cm to 5.0cm.The degree of hydronephrosis was mild on 36 sides, moderate on 27 sides, and severe on 8 sides. Preoperative blood urea nitrogen(9.90±6.22)mmol/L and creatinine (155.80±146.83)μmol/L.During the puncture and catheter drainage, the patient was placed in the prone position, the C-arm CT scan was used to plan the puncture path, and the laser positioning of the DSA flat panel detector was used to determine the skin puncture point. With local anesthesia, the puncture direction of the puncture needle was adjusted to make the skin puncture point, the tail of the puncture needle, and the laser fixation point present a state of "three-points in one-line" when the patient stopped breathing temporarily at the end of expiratory breath in a non-fluoroscopic state, so as to achieve the preset puncture angle. Subsequently, pyelocentesis was completed according to the planned puncture depth. After successful pyelocentesis, percutaneous external renal drainage tube insertion or ureteral stents were performed under DSA. The number of renal pelvis puncture, puncture time, radiation dose, deviation of external renal drainage tube insertion angle from puncture angle, as well as postoperative hemoglobin changes, renal function recovery and complications were recorded.Results:In this group, 56 cases of 71 sides of renal pelvis puncture and catheter drainage were successfully completed, and the success rate of the operation was 100.0% (71/71). The success rate of the first needle puncture was 97.2% (69/71). Those who failed the first needle puncture succeeded in the second puncture during the operation. The puncture time of renal pelvis was (1.9±1.8) min.The intraoperative radiation dose was (2.7±1.5) mSV. The external drainage tube of the renal pelvis was placed on 53 sides, and the external drainage tube was placed on 29 sides with the same angle as the preset angle, and 24 sides with a deviation within 3°.On the first day after operation, there was no significant difference in hemoglobin compared with that before operation, urea nitrogen (5.31±1.99) mmol/L and creatinine (62.25±16.72) μmol/L were re-examined after operation, and the differences were statistically significant compared with those before operation ( P=0.008, P=0.002). No serious surgery-related complications occurred in any patient. Conclusion:C-arm CT laser-guided puncture combined with DSA percutaneous renal pelvic catheter drainage could be safe and effective in the treatment of ureteral obstruction caused by pelvic malignancy.

Primary ciliary dyskinesia (PCD) is a congenital, motile ciliopathy with pleiotropic symptoms. Although nearly 50 causative genes have been identified, they only account for approximately 70% of definitive PCD cases. Dynein axonemal heavy chain 10 (DNAH10) encodes a subunit of the inner arm dynein heavy chain in motile cilia and sperm flagella. Based on the common axoneme structure of motile cilia and sperm flagella, DNAH10 variants are likely to cause PCD. Using exome sequencing, we identified a novel DNAH10 homozygous variant (c.589C > T, p.R197W) in a patient with PCD from a consanguineous family. The patient manifested sinusitis, bronchiectasis, situs inversus, and asthenoteratozoospermia. Immunostaining analysis showed the absence of DNAH10 and DNALI1 in the respiratory cilia, and transmission electron microscopy revealed strikingly disordered axoneme 9+2 architecture and inner dynein arm defects in the respiratory cilia and sperm flagella. Subsequently, animal models of Dnah10-knockin mice harboring missense variants and Dnah10-knockout mice recapitulated the phenotypes of PCD, including chronic respiratory infection, male infertility, and hydrocephalus. To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to report DNAH10 deficiency related to PCD in human and mouse models, which suggests that DNAH10 recessive mutation is causative of PCD.
Humans ; Male ; Animals ; Mice ; Semen/metabolism* ; Dyneins/metabolism* ; Cilia/metabolism* ; Mutation ; Ciliary Motility Disorders/genetics*