Ultrasound-guided local ablation therapy for liver tumors has extensive clinical application because of its minimal invasiveness, proven effectiveness, low complication rates, and suitability for repeat treatments. Ultrasound-guided interventional therapy has continuously evolved in terms of the following: technological advancements, from the initial utilization of percutaneous ethanol injection to thermal ablation therapies exemplified by radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation and presently advancing toward emerging techniques such as irreversible electroporation; imaging methods, from conventional ultrasound guidance to contrast-enhanced ultrasound and fusion imaging for precise guidance and assessment; supplementary strategies, from monotherapy to auxiliary method and synergistic therapy; and innovative treatment concepts, from early-stage small hepatocellular carcinoma to intermediate and even large liver cancers. The development of ultrasound-guided local ablation of liver cancers has progressed from an initial phase of rapid advancement to a mature stage characterized by further enhancements. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the status of technical equipment, treatment processes, efficacy, complications, and challenges encountered in ultrasound-guided local ablation for liver tumors, with the objective of offering valuable insights for interventional ultrasound physicians.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the short-term effectiveness of uni-portal non-coaxial spinal endoscopic surgery (UNSES) via crossing midline approach (CMA) in the treatment of free lumbar disc herniation (FLDH). METHODS: Between March 2024 and June 2024, 16 patients with FLDH were admitted and treated with UNSES via CMA. There were 9 males and 7 females with an average age of 55.1 years (range, 47-62 years). The disease duration was 8-30 months (mean, 15.6 months). The pathological segments was L _{3, 4} in 4 cases, L _{4, 5} in 5 cases, and L ₅, S ₁ in 7 cases. The preoperative pain visual analogue scale (VAS) score was 6.9±0.9 and the Oswestry disability index (ODI) was 57.22%±4.16%. The operation time, intraoperative bleeding volume, postoperative hospital stay, and incidence of complications were recorded. The spinal pain and functional status were evaluated by VAS score and ODI, and effectiveness was evaluated according to the modified MacNab criteria. CT and MRI were used to evaluate the effect of nerve decompression. RESULTS: All 16 patients underwent operation successfully without any complications. The operation time was 63-81 minutes (mean, 71.0 minutes). The intraoperative bleeding volume was 47.3-59.0 mL (mean, 55.0 mL). The length of hospital stay after operation was 3-4 days (mean, 3.5 days). All patients were followed up 1-3 months, with 15 cases followed up for 2 months and 14 cases for 3 months. The VAS score and ODI gradually decreased over time after operation, and there were significant differences between different time points ( P<0.05). At 3 months after operation, the effectiveness was rated as excellent in 12 cases and good in 2 cases according to the modified MacNab criteria, with an excellent and good rate of 100%. CT and MRI during follow-up showed a significant increase in the diameter and cross-sectional area of the spinal canal, indicating effective decompression of the canal. CONCLUSION When using UNSES to treat FLDH, choosing CMA for nerve decompression has the advantages of wide decompression range, large operating space, and freedom of operation. It can maximize the preservation of the articular process, avoid fracture and breakage of the isthmus, clearly display the exiting and traversing nerve root, and achieve good short-term effectiveness.
Humans ; Male ; Intervertebral Disc Displacement/diagnostic imaging* ; Middle Aged ; Female ; Lumbar Vertebrae/surgery* ; Endoscopy/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Operative Time ; Pain Measurement ; Length of Stay

Objective To investigate the expression and clinical significance of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1(MEN1)gene in breast cancer.Methods The Cancer Genome Atlas(TCGA)database was used to analyze the relationship between MEN1 gene and clinicopathological characteristics of breast cancer.Kaplan-Meier method was used to observe the effect of MEN1 on survival of breast cancer patients.Gene Ontology(GO),Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes(KEGG),and gene set enrichment analysis(GSEA)were used to predict the function and signaling pathways of MEN1 related and interacting genes.Tumor Immune Estimation Resource(TIMER)and single sample gene set enrichment analysis(ssGSEA)were used to investigate the correlation between the level of immune infiltration and MEN1 expression in breast cancer.Results MEN1 was highly expressed in breast cancer patients,and its expression level was related to PAM50 subtype and menopause status(both P＜0.05).Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that high MEN1 expression was associated with poor clinical outcome(P=0.019).GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that MEN1 related and interacting genes were involved in biological processes(histone modification,histone-lysine methylation),cell components(methyltransferase complex and histone methyltransferase complex),molecular functions(histone-methyltransferase activity),and functional pathways(transcriptional disorders in tumors).GSEA identified that the highly expressed MEN1 phenotype was involved in vesicle-mediated transport,complement cascade,B-cell receptor signaling,lymphocyte-non-lymphocyte interaction,interleukin signaling,and cytokine signaling pathways in the immune system.CancerSEA single cell sequencing results indicated that the expression of MEN1 was positively correlated with angiogenesis in MDA-MB-231 cells(P＜0.05).TIMER analysis found that MEN1 in breast cancer was negatively correlated with the infiltration levels of macrophages and CD8+T cells,and positively correlated with the infiltration level of CD4+T cells(all P＜0.05).ssGSEA showed that the infiltration levels of 18 types of immune cells were negatively correlated with MEN1 expression(all P＜0.05).Conclusion High MEN1 level is associated with poor survival and immune infiltration in breast cancer patients.

Objective To evaluate the improvement effect and mechanism of propofol on neuropathic pain(NP)model rats induced by spinal nerve ligation(SNL).Methods An SNL rat model was established,and 30 success-fully modeled rats were randomly divided into SNL group,propofol+SNL group and propofol+7-N1(7-nitroindazole)+SNL group(n=10 each),with sham group as control(n=10).After propofol intervention,Von Frey method was applied to detect mechanical hypersensitivity in rats.The hot claw foot analgesic device was applied to detect the la-tent period of the heat contraction foot reflex.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA)method was applied to detect the expression level of interleukin-6(IL-6)and interferon-γ(IFN-γ)in the spinal cord of rats.RT-qPCR method was used to detect the mRNA expressions of suppressor of cytokine signaling 3(SOCS3),arginase-1(Arg-1)and cluster of differentiation 68(CD68)in the spinal dorsal horn.Western blot was applied to detect the expression level of proteins related to the nitric oxide/cyclic guanosine monophosphate(NO/cGMP)signaling pathway.Results Compared with the sham group,the mechanical foot contraction reflex threshold,thermal foot contraction reflex latency,and the expression level of Arg-1 mRNA,endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)and soluble gua-nylate cyclase(sGCa)proteins were significantly reduced in the SNL group(P＜0.05),the level of IL-6 and IFN-γ and the expression level of SOCS3,CD68 mRNA and inducible nitric oxide synthase(iNOS)protein were signifi-cantly increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the SNL group,the mechanical foot reflex threshold,thermal foot reflex latency of rats in the propofol+SNL group,the expression level of Arg-1 mRNA,eNOS and sGCa protein were sig-nificantly increased(P＜0.05),the level of IL-6 and IFN-γ and the expression of SOCS3,CD68 mRNA and iNOS protein were all decreased(P＜0.05).The NO/cGMP signaling pathway inhibitor 7-N1 reversed the improvement effect of propofol on SNL rats(P＜0.05).Conclusions Propofol alleviates NP and injury in SNL rats by activating the NO/cGMP signaling pathway.

Osteoporosis is a systemic metabolic bone disease characterized by decreased bone mass, damage to bone tissue microstructure, increased bone fragility, and susceptibility to fractures, while sarcopenia is a syndrome characterized by progressive reduction in overall muscle mass and functional decline. Based on the common pathophysiological mechanism and close correlation between the two, the concept of "osteosarcopenia" has gradually emerged to describe the simultaneous attenuation of muscles and bones. Signaling pathways serve as important signal transmission channels between muscles and bones, and if abnormal, they can lead to osteosarcopenia. The aim of this article, therefore, is to review the signaling pathways related to osteogenesis and myogenesis, such as Hedgehog, Hippo, mTOR, MAPK, in order to provide new ideas for targeted treatment of osteosarcopenia.

The cognition and attitude of scientific research ethics consciousness affect the willingness and degree of individual researchers to follow research ethics norms. This study investigated the awareness, access and training needs of Chinese medical researchers (n=11 164) on the knowledge of scientific research ethics. The survey found that more than 50.0% of people were aware of the "golden rice incident" and "skull transplantation"; 80.0% of people were knew of Operational Quideline for the Ethic Review of Biomedical Research Involving Human Subject; 90.0% said that "respecting people" and "not harming" were the basic ethical principles, but 42.8% and 75.1% chose "beneficial" and "fair" respectively; more than 60.0% of people have acquired scientific research ethics knowledge through "self-study", "special training organized by units" or "words and deeds taught by mentors or colleagues", but still 30.0% have not participated in scientific research ethics lectures in recent three years; In terms of training needs, more than 50.0% chose "ethical norms for research and application", followed by "frontier ethical issues" (41.0%) and "ethical review" (36.7%). Based on this, this paper puts forward some suggestions to improve the content and form of scientific research ethics education and training in China.

Objective:To summarize the clinical features of primary segmental volvulus (PSV) in neonates.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of neonates with PSV who were admitted to the Department of Neonatal Surgery, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Capital Institute of Pediatrics from May 2014 to May 2023. The clinical manifestations, auxiliary examinations, treatment and prognosis of the neonates were summarized, and descriptive statistical analysis was performed on the collected data.Results:A total of 10 neonates with PSV were included, with a mean gestational age of (34.1±3.0) weeks and birth weight of (2 291±646) g. Eight cases had an onset age of 3 d or less, and 2 cases had an onset age of more than 3 d. Abdominal distension was observed as the main manifestation in all cases, while bilious vomiting occurred in seven cases and hematochezia in five cases. Imaging examinations mainly revealed low intestinal obstruction without specific manifestations. Laboratory tests showed metabolic acidosis and varing degrees of anaemia. Nine cases underwent diagnostic abdominal puncture, of which five had bloody ascites, two had clear ascites, one had bloody mixed with fecal-like ascites, and one had chylous ascites. All the cases underwent emergency exploratory laparotomy and segmental small bowel resections with either primary intestinal anastomosis or enterostomy. All cases were successfully cured and had been followed up to the age of 4 months to 9 years with good growth and development as normal children of the same age.Conclusions:Neonatal PSV is an independent abdominal emergency characterized by non-specific clinical manifestations and difficult preoperative diagnosis, but the overall prognosis is favorable after active surgical treatment.

Objective:To observe the value of superb microvascular imaging(SMI)combined with contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)in the differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes.Methods:A total of 82 patients with superficial enlarged lymph nodes who admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Qinhuangdao City from March 2020 to June 2022 were selected.All patients underwent SMI and CEUS examinations,and the ultrasound-guided needle biopsy was used as the"gold standard",and Kappa values was used to analyze the consistencies of single SMI and CEUS,and the combination of them with the"gold standard"in diagnosing benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes.Results:The results of ultrasound-guided needle biopsy showed that 34 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 63 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were malignant lymph nodes in 97 superficial enlarged lymph nodes of 82 patients.The results of SMI examination showed that 37 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 60 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were malignant lymph nodes in 97 superficial enlarged lymph nodes.The results of consistency analysis indicated that SMI has favorable value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,which has better consistency with needle biopsy(Kappa=0.712).The results of CEUS examination showed that 36 cases of the 97 superficially enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 61 cases were malignant lymph nodes.The results of consistency analysis indicated that CEUS has better value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,which has higher consistency with needle biopsy(Kappa=0.821).The results of SMI combined with CEUS examination showed that 35 cases of 97 superficial enlarged lymph nodes were benign lymph nodes and 62 cases were malignant lymph nodes.The result of consistency analysis indicated that SMI combined with CEUS has better value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,and has higher consistency with needle biopsy(Kappa=0.886).Conclusion:Both SMI and CEUS examinations have better value in differential diagnosis of benign and malignant superficial enlarged lymph nodes,and the combination of them can further improve the consistency with result of pathological examination,and enhance the diagnostic value,which has a certain guidance significance in clinical screening malignant lymph nodes.

Objective To explore the protective effect of Lycium barbanun glycopeptide(LbGP)against osteogenic inhibition induced by exosomes derived from human gingival fibroblasts(HGFs)exposed to radiation.Methods Cultured HGFs with or without LbGP pretreatment were exposed to 8 Gy X-ray radiation,and the changes in cell apoptosis,senescence and α-SMA level were detected using RT-qPCR,Western blotting and β-galactosidase staining.The exosomes secreted by the treated cells were extracted,and after identification by electron microscopy,particle size analysis and Western blotting,the exosomes were added into primary cultured bone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs),and osteoclast activity and osteogenesis in the cell cultures were detected by Trap staining,Alizarin red staining,ALP staining,RT-qPCR and Western blotting.Results In cultured HGFs,X-ray radiation significantly increased the percentage of senescent cells,which was obviously lowered by LbGP treatment.X-ray radiation significantly reduced Bcl-2/Bax ratio and increased α-SMA expression in HGFs,and these changes were significantly suppressed by LbGP pretreatment.In rat BMSCs,incubation with the exosomes derived from HGFs with radiation exposure caused a significant increase of osteoclasts,reduced calcium nodules and lowered alkaline phosphatase expression in the cells;The opposite changes were observed in the cells treated with exosomes from LbGP-pretreated HGFs,which also significantly increased the cellular expressions of the osteogenic genes(BMP2,ALP,and RUNX2)and proteins(ALP and RUNX2)as compared with the exosomes from irradiated HGFs.Conclusion LbGP can effectively inhibit osteoclast activity and promote osteogenesis by acting on exosomes secreted by irradiated HGFs,suggesting its potential value for treatment of osteoradionecrosis of the jaw.

Objective:To explore the related factors of vascular complications after liver transplantation in children.Methods:This is a retrospective case series research. The clinical data of 89 pediatric liver transplant patients admitted to the Organ Transplantation Center, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University from January 2016 to March 2024 were collected retrospectively. This study included 44 males and 45 females,aged from 4 months to 17 years. The ratio of graft to recipient weight was 0.6% to 7.7%. The primary diseases included 48 cases of biliary atresia and 41 cases of non-biliary atresia. The Wilcoxon rank sum test, χ2 test, and Fisher′s exact probability method were used for data analysis. Multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the related factors of vascular complications. Results:All 89 children with liver transplantation completed surgery successfully. There were 8 cases of arterial complications after surgery, including 6 cases of hepatic artery thrombosis and 2 cases of hepatic artery stenosis. There were 16 cases of portal vein complications after surgery, including 9 cases of portal vein stenosis and 7 cases of portal vein thrombosis. The results of univariate analysis showed that the age of the recipient ≤1 year was the relevant factor for hepatic arterial complications( χ 2=4.772, P=0.029). The age of the recipient ≤1 year, the age of the donor, the hepatic phase, and the time of cold ischemia were the relevant factors for the occurrence of portal vein complications( χ 2=7.270, Z=388.500, Z=838.000, Z=894.500;all P<0.05). The results of multivariate analysis showed that age(≤1 year vs. >1 year) and duration of cold ischemia(every additional 1 hour) were independent related factors for portal vein complications after liver transplantation in children(both P<0.05). Conclusion:Children aged ≤1 year and with prolonged cold ischemia are more likely to develop portal vein complications after liver transplantation.