Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate lymph node metastasis (LNM) in the prostatic anterior fat pad (PAFP) of PCa patients after robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP), and analyze the clinicopathological features and prognosis of LNM in the PAFP. METHODS: We retrospectively analyzed the clinicopathological data on 1 003 cases of PCa treated by RARP in the Department of Urology of PLA General Hospital from January 2017 to December 2022. All the patients underwent routine removal of the PAFP during RARP and pathological examination, with the results of all the specimens examined and reported by pathologists. Based on the presence and locations of LNM, we grouped the patients for statistical analysis, compared the clinicopathological features between different groups using the Student's t, Mann-Whitney U and Chi-square tests, and conducted survival analyses using the Kaplan-Meier and Log-rank methods and survival curves generated by Rstudio. RESULTS: Lymph nodes were detected in 77 (7.7%) of the 1 003 PAFP samples, and LNM in 11 (14.3%) of the 77 cases, with a positive rate of 1.1% (11/1 003). Of the 11 positive cases, 9 were found in the upgraded pathological N stage, and the other 2 complicated by pelvic LNM. The patients with postoperative pathological stage≥T3 constituted a significantly higher proportion in the PAFP LNM than in the non-PAFP LNM group (81.8% ［9/11］ vs 36.2% ［359/992］, P = 0.005), and so did the cases with Gleason score ≥8 (87.5% ［7/8］ vs 35.5% ［279/786］, P = 0.009). No statistically significant differences were observed in the clinicopathological features and biochemical recurrence-free survival between the patients with PAFP LNM only and those with pelvic LNM only. CONCLUSION The PAFP is a potential route to LNM, and patients with LNM in the PAFP are characterized by poor pathological features. There is no statistically significant difference in biochemical recurrence-free survival between the patients with PAFP LNM only and those with pelvic LNM only. Routine removal of the PAFP and independent pathological examination of the specimen during RARP is of great clinical significance.
Humans ; Male ; Prostatectomy/methods* ; Robotic Surgical Procedures ; Lymphatic Metastasis ; Retrospective Studies ; Prognosis ; Prostatic Neoplasms/pathology* ; Adipose Tissue/pathology* ; Prostate/pathology* ; Lymph Nodes/pathology* ; Middle Aged ; Aged

Cemental tear is a rare and indetectable condition unless obvious clinical signs present with the involvement of surrounding periodontal and periapical tissues. Due to its clinical manifestations similar to common dental issues, such as vertical root fracture, primary endodontic diseases, and periodontal diseases, as well as the low awareness of cemental tear for clinicians, misdiagnosis often occurs. The critical principle for cemental tear treatment is to remove torn fragments, and overlooking fragments leads to futile therapy, which could deteriorate the conditions of the affected teeth. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and subsequent appropriate interventions are vital for managing cemental tear. Novel diagnostic tools, including cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT), microscopes, and enamel matrix derivatives, have improved early detection and management, enhancing tooth retention. The implementation of standardized diagnostic criteria and treatment protocols, combined with improved clinical awareness among dental professionals, serves to mitigate risks of diagnostic errors and suboptimal therapeutic interventions. This expert consensus reviewed the epidemiology, pathogenesis, potential predisposing factors, clinical manifestations, diagnosis, differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of cemental tear, aiming to provide a clinical guideline and facilitate clinicians to have a better understanding of cemental tear.
Humans ; Dental Cementum/injuries* ; Consensus ; Diagnosis, Differential ; Cone-Beam Computed Tomography ; Tooth Fractures/therapy*

Objective To determine the median effective dose(ED50)of ropivacaine for spinal anesthesia in sub-high altitude cesarean sections.Methods A total of 30 parturients from sub-high altitudes received initial 14 mg(1.4 mL)of 1%ropivacaine intrathecally.Effectiveness was defined by sensory block to T6 within 15 minutes without additional epidural anesthesia.Doses were adjusted by±1 mg based on response.ED50 and 95%CI were estimated using Dixon's method and isotonic regression.Adverse reactions were noted.Results Thirty parturients with an average age of(30.88±5.56)years,gestational weeks of(40±1.41)weeks,height of(156.69±5.80)cm,and weight of(67.44±10.48)kg were studied.The ED50 was 10.68 mg(95%CI:9.65-12.58 mg)by Dixon's method and 10.33 mg(95%CI:9.41-12.07 mg)by isotonic regression.Intraoperatively,8 cases of hypotension,1 case of bradycardia,and 7 cases of nausea and vomiting were observed,no hypertension or shivering occurred among the parturients.Conclusion The ED50 for ropivacaine in sub-high altitude cesarean sections is 10.68 mg,which is higher than the currently known ED50 required for patients in plain areas.

Background: Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a highly desmoplastic tumor with poor prognosis even after curative resection. We investigated the associations between the composition of the ICC stroma and immune cell infiltration and aimed to develop a stromal-immune signature to predict prognosis in surgically treated ICC. Patients and methods: We recruited 359 ICC patients and performed immunohistochemistry to detect α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), CD3, CD4, CD8, Foxp3, CD68, and CD66b. Aniline was used to stain collagen deposition. Survival analyses were performed to detect prognostic values of these markers. Recursive partitioning for a discrete-time survival tree was applied to define a stromal-immune signature with distinct prognostic value. We delineated an integrated stromal-immune signature based on immune cell subpopulations and stromal composition to distinguish subgroups with different recurrence-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) time. Results: We defined four major patterns of ICC stroma composition according to the distributions of α-SMA and collagen: dormant (α-SMAlow/collagenhigh), fibrogenic (α-SMAhigh/collagenhigh), inert (α-SMAlow/collagenlow), and fibrolytic (α-SMAhigh/collagenlow). The stroma types were characterized by distinct patterns of infiltration by immune cells. We divided patients into six classes. Class I, characterized by high CD8 expression and dormant stroma, displayed the longest RFS and OS, whereas Class VI, characterized by low CD8 expression and high CD66b expression, displayed the shortest RFS and OS. The integrated stromal-immune signature was consolidated in a validation cohort. Conclusion We developed and validated a stromal-immune signature to predict prognosis in surgically treated ICC. These findings provide new insights into the stromal-immune response to ICC.

Humans ; Gallbladder Neoplasms/pathology* ; Liver Neoplasms/pathology* ; Immunotherapy

Objective: To investigate the association between muscle mass and quality of life in adults in Shaanxi adults. Methods: The data in this analysis were part of the baseline survey of the Regional Ethnic Cohort Study in Northwest China from June 2018 to May 2019 in Shaanxi Province. The participants' quality of life, including physical component summary (PCS) and mental component summary (MCS), was assessed by the 12-Item Short Form Survey, and the Body Fat Determination System measured muscle mass. A logistic regression model with adjustment for confounding factors was established to analyze the association between muscle mass and quality of life in different genders. Further, sensitivity and subgroup analyses were conducted to explore its stability. Finally, a restricted cubic spline was employed to investigate the dose-response relationship between muscle mass and quality of life in different genders. Results: A total of 20 595 participants were included, with an average age of 55.0, and 33.4% were male. After controlling for potential confounders, compared with the Q₁ group, the risk of low PCS was reduced by 20.6% (OR=0.794, 95%CI: 0.681-0.925) and the risk of low MCS was lower reduced by 20.1% (OR=0.799, 95%CI: 0.689-0.926) in female Q₅ groups. Compared with the Q₁ group, the risk of low PCS was reduced by 24.4% (OR=0.756, 95%CI: 0.644-0.888) in the male Q₂ group. However, no significant association between muscle mass and MCS in males has been found. In females, restricted cubic spline analysis showed a significant linear dose-response relationship between muscle mass and PCS and MCS. Conclusions: There is a positive association between muscle mass and quality of life in Shaanxi adults, especially females. With the increase in muscle mass, the physical and mental functions of the population continue to improve.
Humans ; Female ; Adult ; Male ; Quality of Life ; Cohort Studies ; Adipose Tissue ; China ; Muscles

The canonical transient receptor potential channel(TRPC)proteins form Ca2+-permeable cation channels that are involved in various heart diseases.However,the roles of specific TRPC proteins in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion(I/R)injury remain poorly understood.We observed that TRPC1 and TRPC6 were highly expressed in the area at risk(AAR)in a coronary artery ligation induced I/R model.Trpc1-/-mice exhibited improved cardiac function,lower serum Troponin T and serum creatine kinase level,smaller infarct volume,less fibrotic scars,and fewer apoptotic cells after myocardial-I/R than wild-type or Trpc6-/-mice.Cardiomyocyte-specific knockdown of Trpc1 using adeno-associated virus 9 mitigated myocardial I/R injury.Furthermore,Trpc1 deficiency protected adult mouse ventricular myocytes(AMVMs)and HL-1 cells from death during hypoxia/reoxygenation(H/R)injury.RNA-sequencing-based transcriptome analysis revealed differential expression of genes related to reactive oxygen species(ROS)generation in Trpc1-/-cardiomyocytes.Among these genes,oxoglutarate dehydrogenase-like(Ogdhl)was markedly downregulated.Moreover,Trpc1 deficiency impaired the calcineurin(CaN)/nuclear factor-kappa B(NF-κB)signaling pathway in AMVMs.Suppression of this pathway inhibited Ogdhl upregulation and ROS generation in HL-1 cells under H/R conditions.Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays confirmed NF-κB binding to the Ogdhl promoter.The cardioprotective effect of Trpc1 deficiency was canceled out by overexpression of NF-κB and Ogdhl in cardiomyocytes.In conclusion,our findings reveal that TRPC1 is upregulated in the AAR following myocardial I/R,leading to increased Ca2+influx into associated cardiomyocytes.Subsequently,this upregulates Ogdhl expression through the CaN/NF-κB signaling pathway,ultimately exacerbating ROS production and aggravating myocardial I/R injury.