Objective: To explore the association between preoperative aspartate transaminase to alanine transaminase (AST/ALT) ratio and the outcomes of urothelial cancers. Methods: After a systematic search of Web of Science，PubMed and Embase before Aug.2024，14 studies were included in the Meta-analysis.The hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) for overall survival (OS)，cancer-specific survival (CSS)，and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were analyzed using STATA 15.0 software. Results: The Meta-analysis included a total of 8190 patients.Urothelial cancer patients with an elevated preoperative AST/ALT ratio had worse OS (HR=1.92，95% CI：1.38-2.67，P<0.001)，CSS (HR=2.12，95% CI：1.48-3.05，P<0.001)，and RFS (HR=1.63，95% CI：1.27-2.10，P<0.001).In subgroup analyses，preoperative AST/ALT ratio had a better predictive value for OS，CSS，and RFS in patients with bladder cancer than in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma，and a better predictive value in Asian population than in Caucasian population (P<0.001). Conclusion: A high preoperative AST/ALT ratio is associated with poor OS，CSS and RFS in urothelial cancers，particularly among the Asian population.

Objective To investigatethe relationship between gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) symptoms and clinicopathological characteristics, p53 expression, and survival of Chinese patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma. Methods A total of 3882 patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, 970 matched patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, and 970 matched patients with gastric cardia adenocarcinoma were included to compare the incidence of GERD symptoms. Patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma were divided into two groups according to the presence and absence of GERD symptoms. The differences in clinicopathological characteristics and p53 expression between the two groups were compared by chi-square test, and the differences in survival between the two groups were compared by landmark analysis. Results The incidence of GERD symptoms increased successively in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, esophageal adenocarcinoma, and gastric cardia adenocarcinoma. In patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma, the proportions of male, less than 65 years old, lower thoracic tumors, tumors without squamous cell carcinoma, poorly differentiation, early tumors (stage 0-I), and p53-positive tumors in the group with GERD symptoms were higher than those in the group without GERD symptoms; moreover, the long-term survival (≥15 years) was better. Conclusion GERD symptom is an important clinical sign of esophageal adenocarcinoma. It is closely related to specific clinicopathological characteristics, p53 overexpression, and good long-term prognosis.

Lianggesan was first recorded in Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang， which was composed of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， Natrii Sulfas， Gardeniae Fructus， Forsythiae Fructus， Scutellariae Radix， Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma（GRR）， Menthae Haplocalycis Herba， Lophatheri Herba and Mel. It was clinically applied to treat fire-heat syndrome in the upper and middle Jiao， and the curative effect was positive. In this study， the bibliometric method was used to conduct a detailed textual research on the formula name， medicinal composition， dosage evolution， origin and processing， functional indications and other aspects of Lianggesan. Research revealed that Lianggesan has six other names， such as Lianqiao Yinzi， Lianqiao Jiedusan， Jufang Lianggesan， Jiegu Lianggesan， Hejian Lianggesan and Qingji Lianggesan. Based on the edition of Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang， an analysis of the evolution of its formula composition revealed that the missing Chinese medicines were predominantly bamboo leaves and honey， while the added Chinese medicines were primarily supplements introduced to address changes in disease manifestations. After textual research， the dosage for one dose of Lianggesan from Taiping Huimin Heji Jufang was as follows：826 g of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma， 826 g of Natrii Sulfas， 826 g of GRR， 413 g of Gardeniae Fructus， 413 g of Menthae Haplocalycis Herba， 413 g of Scutellariae Radix， and 1652 g of Forsythiae Fructus. Decocting method was as following：Grinding the Chinese medicines into coarse powder（2-4 mm）， taking 8.16 g per dose， adding 300 mL of water， along with 2 g of Lophatheri Herba and 5 g of Mel， and decocting to 140 mL. The residue was removed and taken warmly 30 min after meals. It was recommended to take it three times daily until improvement was achieved. The origins of the 9 Chinese medicines were consistent with the 2020 edition of Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China. Except for GRR， which required single frying（stir-frying）， the remaining medicines were all raw products. The description of the function of this formula in ancient books was summarized as purging fire and promoting bowel movements， clearing heat from the upper body and purging the lower body， and the main syndromes included facial redness， tongue swelling， red eyes， etc. In modern applications， the formula is primarily used for respiratory and digestive system diseases， including acute lung injury， chronic obstructive pulmonary disease， herpetic angina and aphthous stomatitis， covering 142 types of diseases. In summary， this paper can provide a basis for further research and development of Lianggesan through the literature review and key information combing.

Objective To explore the short-term efficacy of endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) in the treatment of early carcinoma in the remnant stomach. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 45 patients with early residual gastric cancer underwent ESD at the Endoscopy Center of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from December 2014 to April 2024, with a total of 45 lesions. The patients were divided into an anastomotic group (n=15) and a non-anastomotic group (n=30) based on the location of tumor occurrence, and their clinical data, endoscopic diagnosis and treatment, and histopathological conditions were compared between the two groups. Results All 45 patients had lesions with redness and erosion. There were 9 cases of poor lifting of submucosal injection in the anastomotic group and 2 cases in the non-anastomotic group, respectively, and the difference was statistically significant (P<0.05). ESD surgery was performed on 13 lesions in the anastomotic group and 28 lesions in the non-anastomotic group, with surgery times of 80.00 (50.00, 100.00) min and 55.00 (43.75, 80.00) min, respectively. The difference in surgery time between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.03). Among the 45 patients, ESD surgery achieved curative resection in 35 cases, including 11 cases in the anastomotic group and 24 cases in the non-anastomotic group, with no statistically significant difference. Conclusions Careful preoperative evaluation of early carcinoma in the remnant stomach is essential to prevent oversight. Lesions at anastomotic sites and suture lines present higher technical challenges for complete resection. ESD is safe and effective, with auxiliary traction technique available when necessary.

OBJECTIVE: To observe the effects of antagonistic needling therapy on lower limb spasticity and the muscle morphology of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius in patients with stroke. METHODS: A total of 100 patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity were randomly divided into an antagonistic needling group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out) and a routine acupuncture group (50 cases, 1 case dropped out). Both groups received basic treatment and rehabilitation training. The routine acupuncture group was treated with scalp acupuncture at anterior oblique line of vertex-temporal and vertex lateral line 1, combined with body acupuncture at Jianyu (LI15), Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36), Taichong (LR3), etc. on the affected side, with Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4), Zusanli (ST36) and Fenglong (ST40), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Taichong (LR3) connected to an electroacupuncture device, using disperse wave at 2 Hz of frequency. The antagonistic needling group used the same scalp and upper limb acupoints as the routine acupuncture group, with additional antagonistic needling on the lower limb at Yanglingquan (GB34), Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST41), and Xuanzhong (GB39) on the affected side, with Quchi (LI11) and Hegu (LI4), Yanglingquan (GB34) and Qiuxu (GB40), Jiexi (ST41), and Xuanzhong (GB39) connected to an electroacupuncture device, using disperse wave at 2 Hz of frequency. Both groups received treatment once daily for 6 consecutive days per course, with a total of 4 courses. The modified Ashworth scale (MAS), Holden functional ambulation classification (FAC), lower limb Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA), composite spasticity scale (CSS), and musculoskeletal ultrasound parameters (thickness and fiber length of the tibialis anterior and gastrocnemius, and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius on both sides) were evaluated before and after treatment. Clinical efficacy was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: Compared before treatment, the MAS grades and CSS scores were decreased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), with greater reductions in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.05, P<0.01). FAC grades and FMA scores were increased in both groups after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05), with greater improvements in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.05). The muscle thickness, fiber length of the tibialis anterior, the muscle thickness, fiber length and pennation angle of the gastrocnemius on the affected side were improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.01), with greater improvements in the antagonistic needling group (P<0.01, P<0.05). On the unaffected side, these parameters were also increased after treatment in both groups (P<0.01, P<0.05), but the antagonistic needling group showed smaller increases than the routine acupuncture group (P<0.01, P<0.05). The total effective rate in the antagonistic needling group was 91.8% (45/49), higher than 81.6% (40/49) in the routine acupuncture group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Antagonistic needling could effectively reduce spasticity, improve motor function, and enhance muscle structure in patients with post-stroke lower limb spasticity.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Middle Aged ; Muscle Spasticity/pathology* ; Aged ; Stroke/physiopathology* ; Lower Extremity/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Muscle, Skeletal/pathology* ; Treatment Outcome

BACKGROUND: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the first cohort of people in China treated with a responsive neurostimulation system (Epilcure TM , GenLight MedTech, Hangzhou, China) for focal drug-resistant epilepsy in this study. METHODS: This multicenter, before-and-after self-controlled study was conducted across 8 centers from March 2022 to June 2023, involving patients with drug-resistant epilepsy who were undergoing responsive neurostimulation (RNS). The study was based on an ongoing multi-center, single-blind, randomized controlled study. Efficacy was assessed through metrics including median seizure count, seizure frequency reduction (SFR), and response rate. Multivariable linear regression analysis was conducted to explore the relationships of basic clinical factors and intracranial electrophysiological characteristics with SFR. The postoperative quality of life, cognitive function, depression, and anxiety were evaluated as well. RESULTS: The follow-up period for the 19 participants was 10.7 ± 3.4 months. Seizure counts decreased significantly 6 months after device activation, with median SFR of 48% at the 6th month (M6) and 58% at M12 ( P  <0.05). The average response rate after 13 months of treatment was 42%, with 21% ( n  = 4) of the participants achieving seizure freedom. Patients who have previously undergone resective surgery appear to achieve better therapeutic outcomes at M11, M12 and M13 ( β  <0, P  <0.05). No statistically significant differences were observed in patients' scores of quality of life, cognition, depression and anxiety following stimulation when compared to baseline measurements. No serious adverse events related to the devices were observed. CONCLUSIONS: The preliminary findings suggest that Epilcure TM exhibits promising therapeutic potential in reducing the frequency of epileptic seizures. However, to further validate its efficacy, larger-scale randomized controlled trials are required. REGISTRATION Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR2200055247).
Humans ; Female ; Male ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/therapy* ; Adult ; Young Adult ; Middle Aged ; China ; Adolescent ; Treatment Outcome ; Quality of Life ; Single-Blind Method ; Seizures ; Electric Stimulation Therapy/methods*

T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (T-ALL) is a highly aggressive hematologic malignancy with a poor prognosis, despite advancements in treatment. Many patients struggle with relapse or refractory disease. Investigating the role of the super-enhancer (SE) regulated gene ubiquitin-specific protease 20 (USP20) in T-ALL could enhance targeted therapies and improve clinical outcomes. Analysis of histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing (ChIP-seq) data from six T-ALL cell lines and seven pediatric samples identified USP20 as an SE-regulated driver gene. Utilizing the Cancer Cell Line Encyclopedia (CCLE) and BloodSpot databases, it was found that USP20 is specifically highly expressed in T-ALL. Knocking down USP20 with short hairpin RNA (shRNA) increased apoptosis and inhibited proliferation in T-ALL cells. In vivo studies showed that USP20 knockdown reduced tumor growth and improved survival. The USP20 inhibitor GSK2643943A demonstrated similar anti-tumor effects. Mass spectrometry, RNA-Seq, and immunoprecipitation revealed that USP20 interacted with hypoxia-inducible factor 1 subunit alpha (HIF1A) and stabilized it by deubiquitination. Cleavage under targets and tagmentation (CUT&Tag) results indicated that USP20 co-localized with HIF1A, jointly modulating target genes in T-ALL. This study identifies USP20 as a therapeutic target in T-ALL and suggests GSK2643943A as a potential treatment strategy.

Epilepsy affects over 50 million people worldwide. Drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) accounts for up to a third of these cases, and neuro-inflammation is thought to play a role in such cases. Despite being a long-debated issue in the field of DRE, the mechanisms underlying neuroinflammation have yet to be fully elucidated. The pro-inflammatory microenvironment within the brain tissue of people with DRE has been probed using single-cell multimodal transcriptomics. Evidence suggests that inflammatory cells and pro-inflammatory cytokines in the nervous system can lead to extensive biochemical changes, such as connexin hemichannel excitability and disruption of neurotransmitter homeostasis. The presence of inflammation may give rise to neuronal network abnormalities that suppress endogenous antiepileptic systems. We focus on the role of neuroinflammation and brain network anomalies in DRE from multiple perspectives to identify critical points for clinical application. We hope to provide an insightful overview to advance the quest for better DRE treatments.
Humans ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/metabolism* ; Neuroinflammatory Diseases/immunology* ; Animals ; Brain/pathology* ; Nerve Net/pathology*

Ventriculostomy drainage is one of the commonly used surgical techniques in neurocritical care, which can relieve intracranial hypertension and facilitate postoperative cerebrospinal fluid and intracranial pressure monitoring. By placing a drainage tube in the ventricle, blood and fluid accumulation within the ventricle are drained out of the brain, reducing intracranial pressure and preventing brain tissue damage. Clinically, the speed of ventriculostomy drainage is often controlled by measuring the height difference between the drainage opening and the plane of the ventricle, ensuring the safe and effective reduction of intracranial pressure, facilitating the implementation of clinical management plans, and preventing complications. However, how to easily, safely, and effectively measure the height difference between the drainage opening and the ventricular plane remains a challenge in nursing management. Currently, clinical practice often uses a tape measure to measure the height of the ventriculostomy drainage, a process that is cumbersome and time-consuming and susceptible to human error, leading to inaccurate measurements. However, the challenge of easily, safely, and effectively detecting the height difference between the drainage opening and the ventricular plane remains a difficult problem in nursing management. To address this issue, the medical and nursing staff of the intensive care unit (ICU) at Zhongda Hospital, Southeast University, jointly designed a novel ventriculostomy drainage height measurement device, which has been granted a national utility model patent (patent number: ZL 2022 2 1400920.9). This device can be easily and securely fixed to an infusion stand. Using a level within the horizontal measuring part and a rotational structure, the vertical measuring part of the device is adjusted to be perpendicular to the ground. After opening the limit clip, the horizontal part is manually guided down to the appropriate height. The front end of the horizontal measuring part is then extended towards the patient's head, and after confirming the position, the limit clip is closed. At this point, the horizontal height difference between the drainage opening and the ventricular plane can be accurately measured. When temporarily finishing the height measurement of the drainage tube, the device can be folded and stored by retracting the horizontal measuring part and rotating components. This measuring device has a simple operation process, which can improve the accuracy and reliability of the drainage height measurement, enhance treatment outcomes and patient safety, reduce the workload of nursing staff, and has certain clinical promotion and practical value.
Humans ; Ventriculostomy/methods* ; Drainage/instrumentation* ; Equipment Design ; Cerebral Ventricles

Acromegaly is a rare disease characterized by the overproduction of growth hormone(GH)and insulin-like growth factor-1(IGF-1), which affects multiple organ systems and increases mortality risk.As the population ages, the number of elderly patients with acromegaly is rising annually, leading to more pronounced systemic complications and significantly impacting quality of life(QoL). However, there is limited data in the literature regarding the assessment of acromegaly complications in the elderly.Therefore, to enhance our understanding of acromegaly in this demographic, the present review focuses on the epidemiology, diagnosis, complication assessment, and therapeutic prognosis of acromegaly in elderly patients.