1.Influencing factors for recompensation and its impact on the prognosis in patients with decompensated liver cirrhosis
Danqing XU ; Haiwen LI ; Huan MU ; Yingyuan ZHANG ; Caifen SA ; Li LIU ; Yongrui YANG
Journal of Clinical Hepatology 2026;42(1):90-100
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.
2.Three-dimensional image reconstruction can safely assist one-hole split endoscope in treatment of L5/S1 far lateral lumbar disc herniation
Zhimeng FENG ; Ning SUN ; Zhaozhong SUN ; Yuefei LI ; Changzhen LIU ; Sa LI
Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research 2025;29(9):1876-1882
BACKGROUND:One-hole split endoscope as a new type of endoscopic technique is suitable for the treatment of far lateral lumbar disc disease.However,there are few research data on L5/S1,which has a very low incidence of far lateral lumbar disc herniation at home and abroad,and there is no detailed image anatomical data describing the one-hole split endoscope treatment of L5/S1 far lateral lumbar disc herniation. OBJECTIVE:Through the three-dimensional image reconstruction,the bony landmarks were determined to accurately locate the positional relationship between the L5 outlet nerve root,the L5/S1 intervertebral space and other structures.One-hole split endoscope via posterolateral approach was used to accurately,safely and effectively decompress the L5 outlet nerve root and treat the L5/S1 far lateral lumbar disc herniation. METHODS:Twenty-nine patients with L5/S1 unilateral far lateral lumbar disc herniation who met the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected,including 12 males and 17 females at the age of 48-74 years.The lumbar CT data of the patients were imported into Mimics 21.0 software to reconstruct the three-dimensional lumbar model.Measurement of L5/S1 related parameters:(1)Measurement on the sagittal plane at the intersection(H)of the lower edge of the transverse process and the lateral edge of the isthmus:The vertical distance between H and the upper and lower edges of L5 outlet nerve root(a1,a2);the vertical distance between H and the lower endplate of L5 and the upper endplate of S1(b1,b2);vertical distance from the lower edge of the pedicle from H to L5(c).(2)Horizontal distance between the left and right sides of the sagittal surface where the medial wall of the pedicle was located from H to L5(d).(3)The horizontal distance from H to the left and right side of the sagittal plane where the lateral margin of the dura was located(e).(4)Horizontal distance(f)between the left and right sides of the sagittal plane at the outermost edge of the lower endplate from H to L5.(5)Measurements were made on the sagittal plane where the outermost edge of the lower endplate of L5:The vertical distance between the cross section of H and the upper and lower edges of L5 outlet nerve root(g1,g2);vertical distance(h1,h2)between the transverse section of H and the lower endplate of L5 and the upper endplate of S1,respectively;(6)anteroposterior horizontal distance from H to L5 in the coronal plane where the last edge of the nerve root exits(i);(7)anteroposterior horizontal distance from the highest point of the posterior margin of the sacral wing to the last margin of the inferior endplate of L5 in the coronal plane(j). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)There was no significant difference in the relevant measurement parameters between men and women(P>0.05).(2)a1,a2,b1,b2,c,d,e,f,h1,h2,g1,g2,i,and j on the affected side were not significantly different from the healthy side(P>0.05).(3)There was no significant difference between a1 and c(P>0.05),indicating that the lower edge of the pedicle was the upper edge of the L5 outlet nerve root;the L5 outlet nerve root was close to the lower edge of the pedicle and ran anterolateral behind the L5 vertebral body,and H was located above the L5 outlet nerve root.(4)With H as the bony marker point,it was not necessary to probe upward or to remove the isthmus,but only to grind part of the bone downward and laterally to reveal the L5 outlet nerve root and vertebral space,and to have enough safe distance to avoid damage to the dural membrane to complete exploration and decompression of the lateral recess and foraminal region.(5)The surgeon could operate in the sagittal plane where the most lateral edge of the L5 inferior endplate was located,and in the"rectangular area"formed by the L5 transverse process and the sacral wing.The closer to the medial and inferior area(Kambin triangle),the safer the operation was.(6)It is suggested that using H as the bony landmark point to locate the L5 outlet nerve root and intervertebral space through one-hole split endoscope via posterolateral approach can achieve accurate,safe and effective decompression of L5/S1 far lateral lumbar disc herniation.
3.Nutritional management for breast cancer patients
Minjeong KIM ; Minkyoung LEE ; Jisun SA
The Ewha Medical Journal 2025;48(1):e11-
Breast cancer is a complex disease influenced by environmental, genetic, dietary, and hormonal factors. This underscores the importance of postoperative nutritional management in supporting recovery, minimizing complications, and enhancing long-term outcomes. This review synthesizes clinical guidelines, expert recommendations, and observational studies to provide a comprehensive overview of dietary interventions for breast cancer patients following surgery. Post-surgical nutritional care is centered around three primary objectives: supporting wound healing through high-quality protein intake, maintaining optimal nutritional status to prevent malnutrition, and promoting healthy lifestyle habits to reduce the risk of recurrence. To achieve these objectives, postoperative dietary strategies focus on several key components: ensuring adequate hydration for metabolic processes and tissue repair, consuming a balanced diet rich in fresh vegetables and fruits to mitigate oxidative stress, incorporating whole grains to support overall healing, and maintaining sufficient intake of high-quality protein from sources such as fish, meat, and dairy products to aid tissue repair and immune system recovery. Patients are also advised to avoid alcohol, limit saturated fats, and reduce intake of salty, sugary, and smoked foods to minimize inflammation. As research progresses, the implementation of personalized dietary plans remains essential for optimizing recovery outcomes in breast cancer patients.
4.Implantation of Islets Co-Seeded with Tregs in a Novel Biomaterial Reverses Diabetes in the NOD Mouse Model
Diana M. ELIZONDO ; Lais L. de Oliveira REKOWSKY ; Ayane de Sa RESENDE ; Jonathan SEENARINE ; Ricardo Luis Louzada da SILVA ; Jamel ALI ; Dazhi YANG ; Tatiana de MOURA ; Michael W. LIPSCOMB
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(1):43-55
Background:
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required.
Methods:
Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments.
Results:
Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial.
Conclusion
These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.
6.Implantation of Islets Co-Seeded with Tregs in a Novel Biomaterial Reverses Diabetes in the NOD Mouse Model
Diana M. ELIZONDO ; Lais L. de Oliveira REKOWSKY ; Ayane de Sa RESENDE ; Jonathan SEENARINE ; Ricardo Luis Louzada da SILVA ; Jamel ALI ; Dazhi YANG ; Tatiana de MOURA ; Michael W. LIPSCOMB
Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine 2025;22(1):43-55
Background:
Type 1 diabetes (T1D) results in autoreactive T cells chronically destroying pancreatic islets. This often results in irreplaceable loss of insulin-producing beta cells. To reverse course, a combinatorial strategy of employing glucose-responsive insulin restoration coupled with inhibiting autoreactive immune responses is required.
Methods:
Non-obese diabetic mice received a single intraperitoneal implantation of a novel biomaterial co-seeded with insulin-producing islets and T regulatory cells (Tregs). Controls included biomaterial seeded solely with islets, or biomaterial only groups. Mice were interrogated for changes in inflammation and diabetes progression via blood glucose monitoring, multiplex serum cytokine profiling, flow cytometry and immunohistochemistry assessments.
Results:
Islet and Tregs co-seeded biomaterial recipients had increased longevity, insulin secretion, and normoglycemia through 180 days post-implantation compared to controls. Serum profile revealed reduced TNFα, IFNγ, IL-1β and increased IL-10, insulin, C-Peptide, PP and PPY in recipients receiving co-seeded biomaterial. Evaluation of the resected co-seeded biomaterial revealed reduced infiltrating autoreactive CD8 + and CD4 + T cells concomitant with sustained presence of Foxp3 + Tregs; further analysis revealed that the few infiltrated resident effector CD4+ or CD8+ T cells were anergic, as measured by low levels of IFNγ and Granzyme-B upon stimulation when compared to controls. Interestingly, studies also revealed increased Tregs in the pancreas. However, there was no restoration of the pancreas beta cell compartment, suggesting normoglycemia and production of insulin levels were largely supported by the implanted co-seeded biomaterial.
Conclusion
These studies show the efficacy of a combinatorial approach seeding Tregs with pancreatic islets in a novel self-assembling organoid for reversing T1D.
7.Clinical practice in office hysteroscopy
Namkung JEONG ; Angela CHO ; Yu-Jin KOO ; Jun-Woo AHN ; Hyuntae PARK ; Eun Sil LEE ; Sang Wook YI ; Won Duk JOO ; Sang-Hoon LEE ; Jae Kwan LEE ; Sa Ra LEE ;
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(3):175-185
Hysteroscopy is particularly valuable for the diagnosis of uterine cavity abnormalities through direct visualization. The development of office hysteroscopy has expanded the range of diagnostic and surgical procedures available. These detailed guidelines include patient counseling and the selection and setting of office hysteroscopy, including room, equipment, and medical staff. Analgesia or local anesthesia is often required in selective office hysteroscopy cases. Cervical dilation and preparation using medical or mechanical methods are required for most diagnostic hysteroscopic procedures. Methods for optimizing visualization and choosing suitable distension media are important for a successful office hysteroscopy. It is crucial to adhere to guidelines to prevent complications, such as vasovagal syncope, cervical trauma, uterine perforation, fluid overload, and embolism. Vaginoscopy can be a good alternative option for alleviating pain, especially in cases where the insertion of a vaginal speculum is expected to be challenging.
8.Alterations in portal vein confluence during gastric cancer surgery: two case reports
Sa-Hong KIM ; Franco José SIGNORINI ; Kyoyoung PARK ; Chungyoon KIM ; Jeesun KIM ; Yo-Seok CHO ; Seong-Ho KONG ; Do-Joong PARK ; Hyuk-Joon LEE ; Han-Kwang YANG
Korean Journal of Clinical Oncology 2025;21(1):40-46
This article presents two cases of extrahepatic portal vein anomalies that can be challenging during lymph node (LN) dissection in gastric cancer surgery. The first case was a participant for a clinical trial assessing the completeness of D2 LN dissection. The trial utilized near-infrared (NIR) lymphangiography with indocyanine green only after completing dissection of a certain topological LN station to detect any residual lymphatic tissue. However, the patient was excluded from the trial due to an unexpected extrahepatic portal vein confluence anomaly and aberrant common hepatic artery. Consequently, continuous lymphatic navigation with NIR imaging was utilized for remaining surgery. The second case featured a patient with an anteriorly positioned splenic vein, hindering LN dissection along the left gastric artery. Preoperative identification of great vessel anomalies around the stomach is critical to prevent life-threatening complications during LN dissection in gastric cancer surgery. Augmented imaging technology can be a valuable tool in ensuring oncologic safety and precision.
9.Clinical practice in office hysteroscopy
Namkung JEONG ; Angela CHO ; Yu-Jin KOO ; Jun-Woo AHN ; Hyuntae PARK ; Eun Sil LEE ; Sang Wook YI ; Won Duk JOO ; Sang-Hoon LEE ; Jae Kwan LEE ; Sa Ra LEE ;
Obstetrics & Gynecology Science 2025;68(3):175-185
Hysteroscopy is particularly valuable for the diagnosis of uterine cavity abnormalities through direct visualization. The development of office hysteroscopy has expanded the range of diagnostic and surgical procedures available. These detailed guidelines include patient counseling and the selection and setting of office hysteroscopy, including room, equipment, and medical staff. Analgesia or local anesthesia is often required in selective office hysteroscopy cases. Cervical dilation and preparation using medical or mechanical methods are required for most diagnostic hysteroscopic procedures. Methods for optimizing visualization and choosing suitable distension media are important for a successful office hysteroscopy. It is crucial to adhere to guidelines to prevent complications, such as vasovagal syncope, cervical trauma, uterine perforation, fluid overload, and embolism. Vaginoscopy can be a good alternative option for alleviating pain, especially in cases where the insertion of a vaginal speculum is expected to be challenging.
10.Glutathione’s Role in Liver Metabolism and Hangover Symptom Relief: Dysregulation of Protein S-Glutathionylation and Antioxidant Enzymes
Hwa-Young LEE ; Geum-Hwa LEE ; Do-Sung KIM ; Young Jae LIM ; Boram CHO ; Hojung JUNG ; Hyun-shik CHOI ; Soonok SA ; Wookyung CHUNG ; Hyewon LEE ; Myoung Ja CHUNG ; Junghyun KIM ; Han-Jung CHAE
Biomolecules & Therapeutics 2025;33(1):117-128
Hangovers from alcohol consumption cause symptoms like headaches, nausea, and fatigue, disrupting daily activities and overall well-being. Over time, they can also lead to inflammation and oxidative stress. Effective hangover relief alleviates symptoms, prevents dehydration, and replenishes energy needed for daily tasks. Natural foods considered high in antioxidants and antiinflammatory properties may aid in the hepatic breakdown of alcohol. The study aims to investigate the impact of glutathione or its enriched yeast extract, which is recognized for its antioxidant characteristics, on alcohol metabolism and alleviating hangovers in a rat model exposed to binge drinking. In this study, glutathione and its enriched yeast extract controlled hangover behaviour patterns, including locomotor activity. Additionally, it enhanced the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) following ethanol ingestion (3 g/kg). Further, the incorporation of glutathione led to an increase in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, such as SOD and catalase, by activating the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.This activation reduced the excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde. Next, glutathione modulated the activity of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) and the protein expressions of Bax and Bcl2. Besides, in vitro and in vivo investigations with glutathione demonstrated a regulating effect on the pan-s-glutathionylation and its associated protein expression, glutaredoxin 1 (Grx1), glutathione-S-transferase Pi (GST-π), and glutathione reductase (GR). Together, these findings suggest that glutathione or its enriched yeast extract as a beneficial dietary supplement for alleviating hangover symptoms by enhancing alcohol metabolism and its associated Nrf2/Keap1 signalings.

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