ObjectiveTo investigate the influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis， as well as the impact of recompensation on the prognosis of such patients， and to provide a basis for early identification of high-risk patients in clinical practice. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed for the clinical data of patients who attended The Third People’s Hospital of Kunming from January 2016 to December 2022 and were diagnosed with decompensated liver cirrhosis due to hepatitis B， hepatitis C， alcoholic hepatitis， and autoimmune hepatitis， and they were divided into recompensation group and persistent decompensation group. To control for confounding factors， whether recompensation occurred was used as the rouping variable，and BMI， alcohol consumption history， HIV infection history， TG， CHOL， LDL， and HDL were used as covariates. The propensity score was calculated， and 1：1 nearest neighbor matching was performed with a caliper value of 0.1. After propensity score matching， the recompensation group and the persistent decompensation group with relatively balanced covariates were obtained. Univariate and multivariate Cox proportional-hazards regression model analyses were used to investigate the influencing factors for recompensation； the “rms” package was used to establish a nomogram； the receiver operating characteristic （ROC） curve was plotted to calculate the area under the ROC curve （AUC）； the Hosmer-Lemeshow test was used to assess the goodness of fit of the model； the “Calibration Curves” package was used to plot calibration curves for model assessment. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to plot survival curves， and the Log-rank test was used for comparison of survival curves. ResultsAmong the 863 patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis， 305 experienced recompensation， resulting in an incidence rate of 35.3%. After PSM， 610 cases were successfully matched， with 305 cases in each group. The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses showed that etiology （hepatitis C： hazard ratio［HR］=0.288， P=0.002）； male（HR=0.701， P=0.016）， age（HR=0.988， P=0.047）， hemoglobin （HGB）（HR=1.006， P=0.017）， and CD4 T cell（HR=1.001，P=0.047）， TIPS procedure （HR=1.808，P=0.042） were independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. During follow-up， 116 patients died of liver disease-related causes， with 27 patients （8.85%） in the recompensation group and 89 （15.95%） in the persistent decompensation group； 109 patients developed HCC， with 23 patients （7.54%） in the recompensation group and 86 （15.41%） in the persistent decompensation group. The Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed significant separation between the patients with different states of compensation in terms of liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC， and the Log-rank test showed that there were significant differences between the two groups in liver disease-related mortality rate （χ²=9.023， P=0.003） and the incidence rate of HCC （χ²=10.526， P=0.001）. ConclusionEtiology，sex，age，TIPS，HGB，and CD4 T cell are independent influencing factors for recompensation in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis. There is a significant difference in the incidence rate of recompensation between decompensated liver cirrhosis patients with different etiologies， and female patients and patients with a younger age，a history of TIPS， a higher HGB level， and a higher CD4 lymphocyte count are more likely to experience recompensation. Recompensation is the key to improving the long-term prognosis of patients and can significantly reduce long-term liver disease-related mortality rate and the incidence rate of HCC.

Objective: To investigate the predictive value of EZH2 expression for malignant transformation in oral leukoplakia (OLK) and to provide a reference for clinical practice. Methods: This study was approved by the institutional ethics committee, and informed consent was obtained from all participants. A total of 114 patients diagnosed with OLK by pathological examination and treated at our hospital between November 2020 and July 2022 were initially enrolled. After excluding those with incomplete data or follow-up, 105 participants were included in the final analysis, comprising 14 in the high EZH2 expression group and 91 in the low EZH2 expression group. Histopathological examination of oral mucosa and immunohistochemical detection of EZH2 protein expression were performed. The follow-up period was 30 months; participants were followed until malignant transformation occurred or until the end of follow-up, at which point they were withdrawn from the study. The exposure factor was the level of EZH2 protein expression, and the outcome was the malignant transformation rate of OLK. Differences in EZH2 expression levels and transformation outcomes were analyzed. Results: There were no statistically significant differences between the high and low EZH2 expression groups in terms of age, sex, history of systemic disease, lifestyle habits, psychological status, diet, and sleep conditions (P > 0.05). Lesions in the high EZH2 expression group were mainly located on the ventral tongue, while in the low EZH2 expression group, they were more commonly found on the dorsal tongue and buccal mucosa. The malignant transformation rate was 28.6% (4/14) in the high expression group and 8.8% (8/91) in the low expression group; these differences were not statistically significant (P=0.053). In univariate Cox regression analysis, the risk of malignant transformation in the high EZH2 expression group was 3.647 times that of the low EZH2 expression group (HR = 3.647, 95% CI: 1.097-12.120, P<0.05). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that over the 30-month follow-up period, the cancer-free survival rate in the high EZH2 expression group was 19.8% lower than in the low expression group, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, only moderate and severe epithelial dysplasia were identified as independent risk factors for malignant transformation. The risk of malignant transformation in the moderate and severe dysplasia groups was 10.695 and 13.623 times higher, respectively, than in the mild dysplasia group (HR = 10.695, 95% CI: 2.270-50.396, P<0.05; HR=13.623, 95% CI: 1.918-96.774, P<0.05). EZH2 high expression was not an independent risk factor in the multivariate model (HR= 2.528, 95% CI: 0.752-8.500, P = 0.134). Conclusion High EZH2 protein expression is a risk factor for the malignant transformation of OLK but does not have independent predictive value.

Objective To investigate the causal relationship between obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)and common types of dementia by using Mendelian randomization(MR)analysis methods.Methods Based on summary data from large-scale genome-wide association studies(GWAS),single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)highly associated with OSA,Alzheimer's disease(AD),vascular dementia(VaD),dementia with Lewy bodies(DLB),and frontotemporal dementia(FTD)were selected as instrumental variables.The inverse variance weighted method(IVW)was employed as the primary analytical method,and stability tests were conducted by using the simple median method,weighted median method(WME),MR-Egger regression meth-od,simple mode(SM)and weighted mode(WM).Additionally,F-statistics,Cochran'Q test,MR-Egger re-gression intercept test,and leave-one-out method were used for weak instrument variables bias testing,hetero-geneity testing,pleiotropy analysis,and sensitivity analysis,respectively.Causal associations were evaluated by using odds ratios(OR)and 95%CI.Results MR analysis showed that OSA was associated with an increased risk of VaD(OR=1.829,95%CI:1.024-3.266,P<0.05).All F-statistics were>10,indicating no weak in-strumental variables.Cochran'Q test and MR-Egger regression intercept test revealed no heterogeneity and horizontal pleiotropy(P>0.05).Conclusion Genetic-level prediction suggests that OSA is associated with an increased risk of VaD.Early prevention and treatment of OSA may help improve patients'quality of life.

Objective To analysis the efficacy and safety of antiviral therapy in patients with chronic hepatitis B virus in indeterminate phase based on the new guidelines(2022 Edition of the Guidelines for the Prevention and Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis B).Methods A total of 170 patients with newly diagnosed HBV infection who visited the Third People's Hospital of Kunming from August 1,2020,to July 31,2024,were selected as study subjects.The clinical indicators of patients with normal ALT in the indeterminate phase were analyzed after 12 weeks,24 weeks,and 48 weeks of antiviral treatment,as well as those who did not receive antiviral treatment for 48 weeks.Results(1)Among the 170 patients with normal ALT during the indeterminate phase of HBV infection,the treatment group consisted of 125 patients(36 HBeAg positive and 89 HBeAg negative),while the untreated group had 45 patients.In the treatment group,the HBV-DNA load and HBsAg titer decreased significantly after 48 weeks compared to before treatment,with statistically significant differences(both P<0.05).In the untreated group,the HBV-DNA load showed an upward trend,and the HBsAg titer slightly decreased,with statistically significant differences(both P<0.05).(2)The CVR rate in the treatment group after 48 weeks was 66.67%(24/36)for HBeAg positive patients and 95.51%(85/89)for HBeAg negative patients,with a statistically significant difference(P<0.05).(3)The treatment group showed a significant decrease in GGT and AFP after 48 weeks compared to before treatment,while the untreated group saw an increase in ALT,GGT,and AFP,with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05).(4)The fibrosis indicators APRI,FIB-4,and LSM in the treatment group significantly decreased after 48 weeks compared to before treatment,with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05).(5)The safety indicators CREA,blood calcium,and blood phosphorus in the treatment group significantly decreased after 48 weeks compared to before treatment,with statistically significant differences(all P<0.05).Conclusion Expanding the antiviral treatment indications according to the new guidelines for patients with normal ALT in the indeterminate phase of HBV infection demonstrates good efficacy in controlling HBV-DNA,improving CVR rates,and enhancing fibrosis indicators,while also showing favorable renal safety.However,there may be a risk of osteoporosis due to calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders,necessitating enhanced monitoring and prevention.

Objective:To screen genetic and epigenetic expression differences associated with pulmonary embolism through integrated bioinformatics analysis.Methods:Four patients with pulmonary embolism and healthy physical examination in the Third Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University in 2019 were selected as the research objects, using high-throughput sequencing technologies and methylation chip technology to detect, screening and integrated peripheral blood difference genomes and the epigenome data to identify the pathogenesis of pulmonary embolism caused by methylation of drive and differentially expressed genes, GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed.Results:Coexpression analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression data between the pulmonary embolism group and the healthy control group showed that differential methylation in the upstream region of genes was negatively correlated with gene expression. Among them, 8 significantly methylated genes in the upstream region of genes were screened out, and independent sample t-test and Pearson correlation analysis were done. In the pulmonary embolism group, there were 6 significant methylated genes of TSS1500, namely TSPO2, C1QA, AQP1, TNFSF9, MIA and STAB1, and the differential expression multiple log2FC of corresponding genes was 1.298, 1.629, 1.024, 2.746, 2.539, 1.060, respectively. The correlation between gene expression and gene methylation were -0.908, -0.900, -0.824, -0.784, -0.783, -0.779, respectively, and the methylation differences between the two groups were -0.049, -0.053, -0.048, -0.057, -0.050, respectively. -0.053 ( P < 0.05). There were three significantly methylated genes in the TSS200 region, namely TSPO2, SLC9A, and SIGLEC1. The gene expression differential multiple log2FC was 1.298, -2.252, and 1.866, respectively. The correlation between gene expression and gene methylation was -0.860, -0.774, and -0.739, respectively. The methylation difference between the two groups was -0.051, 0.027, -0.048 ( P < 0.05). In the pulmonary embolism group, 7 genes, including TSPO2, C1QA, AQP1, TNFSF9, MIA, STAB1 and SIGLEC1, showed hypomethylation and high expression in the TSS region. SLC9A3 gene showed high methylation and low expression. In the analysis of GO function, significant enrichment was obtained in complement activation, immune response and activation protein cascade. In the KEGG signaling pathway, the immune system, bacterial infection, and signaling molecules and interactions are significantly enriched, thereby regulating the occurrence of pulmonary embolism. Conclusions:Based on the combined analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression, a new idea of the occurrence and development of pulmonary embolism has been found, which can be further studied in the future.

Objective To determine the time point when porcine pancreatic elastase(PPE)induced abdominal aortic aneurysm(AAA)reaches the regression phase in mice and observe the histological characteristics of AAA in regression phase.Methods AAAs were induced by transient intraluminal infusion of PPE in C57BL/6J mice.The diameters of the mouse abdominal aortas were measured before PPE infusion and sacrifice time,day 14 for AAA progression phase or day 56 for regression phase after PPE infusion,respectively.The histological characteristics of the aneurysm lesion site on day 14 and day 56 after surgery were compared and analyzed.Results The diameters of the abdominal aortas were significantly increased in both day 14 and day 56 after PPE infusion groups(diameter growth rate 147％and 155％,respectively)as compared to the baseline diameters.In the day 14 group,the infused aortas showed typical AAA characteristics,such as elastin break/degradation,medial smooth muscle cells depletion,and inflammatory cell diffused infiltration.In the day 56 group after PPE infusion,although the artery diameter did not change significantly as compared to the day 14 group,histology showed that elastin was partially repaired,new smooth muscle cells were added to the damaged aorta media,the infiltrated inflammatory cells were significantly subsided,and the adventitia neovascularization was reduced,showing a significant feature of the disease regression phase.Conclusion In the PPE-induced mouse AAA model,day 56 after surgery is an appropriate time point for observing aneurysm regression,and the histological characteristics of the regression are obvious.

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abnormally expressed in CRC. However, the function and underlying mechanism of circRNA pinin (circ-PNN; hsa_circ_0101802) in CRC remain unclear. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from the plasma of CRC patients and identified by transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. The RNA expression levels of circ-PNN, miR-1225-5p, and fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting K-8, colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assays. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis and metastasis-related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. The associations among circ-PNN, miR-1225-5p, and FGF13 were confirmed by dual-luciferase report assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. A xenograft model was used to verify the function of circ-PNN in tumor formation in vivo. Results: circ-PNN expression was upregulated in plasmic exosomes derived from CRC patients. The expression of circ-PNN and FGF13 was upregulated, while miR-1225-5p expression was downregulated in CRC cells incubated with plasmic exosomes derived from CRC patients.Tumor-derived exosomes promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion but inhibited apoptosis of CRC cells. Moreover, the addition of tumor-derived exosomes partly reversed the inhibitory effect of circ-PNN knockdown on CRC tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. Thus, circ-PNN acts as a sponge for miR-1225-5p to regulate FGF13 expression. Conclusions Tumor-derived exosomal circ-PNN promoted CRC progression through the regulation of the miR-1225-5p/FGF13 pathway, providing a potential therapeutic target for CRC.

Objective: To investigate the expression changes of cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 3(CDKN3) indifferent tumors and its effect on tumor staging, prognosis and immunotherapy. Methods: The expression characteristics of CDKN3 in different cancers using data from TCGA, CCLE, ICGC, and GTEx databases were evaluated. The GEPIA2 platform and Kaplan-Meier analysis were utilized to assess the effect of CDKN3 on tumor pathological staging and survival prognosis. The TIMER platform was employed to explore the influence of CDKN3 on the tumor immune microenvironment and immunotherapy. Its effect on immune checkpoint and key immunotherapeutic predictors using bioinformatics methods was explored. The GeneMANIA tool was used to construct the protein-protein interaction(PPI) network of CDKN3. Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG) and Gene Onotology(GO) enrichment analyses were conducted to explore the biological processes and signaling pathways associated with CDKN3. The effect of CDKN3 on HepG2 cell proliferation, invasion, migration, and apoptosis was validated through transfection with CDKN3 siRNA. Results: CDKN3 was found to be widely overexpressed in tumors. High expression of CDKN3 was often associated with advanced pathological staging and poor survival prognosis. CDKN3 expression was negatively correlated with most immune checkpoints and positively correlated with tumor mutation burden(TMB), microsatellite instability(MSI), and mismatch repair(MMR) genes. CDKN3 was associated with cell cycle, cellular senescence, and the p53 signaling pathway. Furthermore, EdU staining, JC-1 staining, Transwell, and Wound Healing assays confirmed that CDKN3 promoted HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration while inhibiting apoptosis. Conclusion Abnormal expression of CDKN3 is closely related to tumor staging, prognosis, and immune microenvironment characteristics, making it a potential prognostic marker and immunotherapy adjuvant target in cancer.

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy(PCNL) has always been the first-line minimally invasive treatment for staghorn kidney stones, with high surgical efficiency and first-stage stone free rate. However, due to the complexity of stones and the difficulty of surgery, serious complications such as postoperative bleeding, infection, and renal function damage often occur. Needle-perc assisted endoscopic surgery(NAES) surgery, also known as needle-perc assisted endoscopic surgery, is an innovative model based on needle-perc proposed by our center. The S+ N mode is standard tract PCNL combined with needle-perc, which not only improves the efficiency and stone free rate, but also reduces the number of tracts, effectively protecting renal function and reducing complications. This article reports a case of complete staghorn kidney stones that were completely removed by NAES surgery in one stage, with no complications after surgery and the patient recovering quickly and being discharged from the hospital.

Background/Aims: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignant tumor, and circular RNAs (circRNAs) are abnormally expressed in CRC. However, the function and underlying mechanism of circRNA pinin (circ-PNN; hsa_circ_0101802) in CRC remain unclear. Methods: Exosomes were isolated from the plasma of CRC patients and identified by transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. The RNA expression levels of circ-PNN, miR-1225-5p, and fibroblast growth factor 13 (FGF13) were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Cell proliferation was detected by Cell Counting K-8, colony formation, and 5-ethynyl-2’-deoxyuridine assays. Cell apoptosis was assessed by flow cytometry. The expression of apoptosis and metastasis-related proteins was evaluated by Western blotting. The associations among circ-PNN, miR-1225-5p, and FGF13 were confirmed by dual-luciferase report assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay. A xenograft model was used to verify the function of circ-PNN in tumor formation in vivo. Results: circ-PNN expression was upregulated in plasmic exosomes derived from CRC patients. The expression of circ-PNN and FGF13 was upregulated, while miR-1225-5p expression was downregulated in CRC cells incubated with plasmic exosomes derived from CRC patients.Tumor-derived exosomes promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion but inhibited apoptosis of CRC cells. Moreover, the addition of tumor-derived exosomes partly reversed the inhibitory effect of circ-PNN knockdown on CRC tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. Thus, circ-PNN acts as a sponge for miR-1225-5p to regulate FGF13 expression. Conclusions Tumor-derived exosomal circ-PNN promoted CRC progression through the regulation of the miR-1225-5p/FGF13 pathway, providing a potential therapeutic target for CRC.