Hepatocellular carcinoma is one of the most common cancers， and due to the lack of obvious specific symptoms in its early stage， patients are often in the advanced stage at the time of diagnosis and tend to have a poor prognosis. Timely diagnosis and effective treatment in the early stage can help to prolong the survival time of patients. Liquid biopsy is a noninvasive technique that can obtain the information of tumor by detecting and analyzing related biomarkers， including circulating tumor cells， circulating tumor DNA， and extracellular vesicles， thereby contributing to early diagnosis， molecular pathological typing， and prognosis prediction. This article reviews the research advances in the application of liquid biopsy in the diagnosis and treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics and distribution of traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） syndromes in the patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma （ESCC）. MethodsAn electronic questionnaire was developed to collect the general data and four examination information of ESCC patients treated in 10 areas with high incidence of esophageal cancer in China from June 2020 to March 2021. Multiple analyses including frequency analysis， factor analysis， and hierarchical cluster analysis were performed to analyze the potential syndrome elements， disease location， and common syndromes of ESCC. ResultsA total of 2 027 patients with ESCC were included. Statistical analysis was performed on 113 symptoms， physical signs， 33 tongue manifestation variables， and 23 pulse manifestation variables of the patients’ four examination information. Factor analysis was performed on 55 variables with frequency>10%， extracting 19 common factors. According to clinical experience and expert opinions， the main lesions of patients with ESCC were in the spleen and stomach， and the main syndrome elements were Qi stagnation， blood stasis， phlegm， dampness， and Qi deficiency， with the syndrome element combination of phlegm obstruction + Qi stagnation + blood stasis being the most common. The syndromes can be classified into four categories of liver-stomach disharmony + combined phlegm and Qi obstruction， kidney-spleen dysfunction + combined phlegm and stasis， spleen-kidney Yang deficiency + obstinate phlegm and blood stasis， and liver-kidney Yin deficiency + obstinate phlegm and blood stasis. The main syndrome of ESCC was liver-stomach disharmony + combined phlegm and Qi obstruction in the early stage， liver-spleen dysfunction + combined phlegm and stasis in the middle stage， and spleen-kidney Yang deficiency + obstinate phlegm and blood stasis in the late stage. ConclusionESCC mainly has main pathological features of internal deficiency and external excess and combined deficiency and excess， with the key syndrome elements being phlegm obstruction， Qi stagnation， and blood stasis. The main disease locations are in the spleen and stomach， involving the liver， kidney， chest and diaphragm， heart， and lung. The main syndrome is liver-stomach disharmony + combined phlegm and Qi obstruction. In clinical practice， it is necessary to grasp the pathogenesis dynamics of the disease and use prescriptions according to patients’ syndromes.

Objective To investigate the effect of tritiated water on the immune system of zebrafish and its potential molecular mechanism. Methods Zebrafish embryos (2.5 to 3 hours post-fertilization [hpf]) were exposed to 3.7 × 10⁴ Bq/mL tritiated water (tritiated water group), and those exposed to E3 culture medium were used as the control group. The mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, heart rate, body length, yolk sac area, neutrophil count in the tail, immune-related gene expression, and immune-related protein expression of zebrafish in the two groups were determined. Then transcriptome technology was used to further analyze the possible mechanism of tritiated water affecting the immune system of zebrafish. Results Compared with the control group, zebrafish at 72 hpf in the tritiated water group had no significant changes in the mortality rate, hatching rate, deformity rate, body length, and yolk sac area((t = 0.9045, 0.5000, 1.0000, 0.7238, 0.0337, P = 0.4169, 0.6433, 0.3739, 0.4785, 0.9735), but had significantly increased heart rate(t = 4.575，P = 0.002). At 4 days post-fertilization (dpf), the neutrophil count in the tail of zebrafish in the tritiated water group was significantly increased(t = 2.563，P = 0.0196), the mRNA expression of TNF-α was significantly decreased(t = 2.891, P = 0.045), the protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) was significantly increased(t = 3.848, P = 0.018), and the protein expression of NLRP3 was significantly decreased(t = 14.98, P = 0.001). At 7 dpf, the neutrophil count in the tail and the protein expression levels of NF-κB, NLRP3, and interleukin-1β were significantly decreased(t = 3.772, 7.048, 15.620, 4.423, P = 0.014, 0.002, 0.0001, 0.012). Transcriptome sequencing revealed that differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the “neutrophil activation” and “platelet activation pathways” at 4 dpf and in the “neutrophil apoptosis”, “ferroptosis”, and “necroptosis” pathways at 7 dpf. Conclusion Tritiated water exposure induces a temporally dynamic immune response in zebrafish, potentially affecting immune homeostasis by regulating neutrophil activation and apoptosis, as well as the expression of NF-κB and NLRP3.

Iron is indispensable for the viablility of nearly all living organisms, and it is imperative for cells, tissues, and organisms to acquire this essential metal sufficiently and maintain its metabolic stability for survival. Disruption of iron homeostasis can lead to the development of various diseases. There is a robust connection between iron metabolism and infection, immunity, inflammation, and aging, suggesting that disorders in iron metabolism may contribute to the pathogenesis of arthritis. Numerous studies have focused on the significant role of iron metabolism in the development of arthritis and its potential for targeted drug therapy. Targeting iron metabolism offers a promising approach for individualized treatment of arthritis. Therefore, this review aimed to investigate the mechanisms by which the body maintains iron metabolism and the impacts of iron and iron metabolism disorders on arthritis. Furthermore, this review aimed to identify potential therapeutic targets and active substances related to iron metabolism, which could provide promising research directions in this field.

Background::Renal ischemia-reperfusion (R-I/R) injury is the most prevalent cause of acute kidney injury, with high mortality and poor prognosis. However, the underlying pathological mechanisms are not yet fully understood. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role of N-myc downstream-regulated gene 2 ( Ndrg2) in R-I/R injury. Methods::We examined the expression of Ndrg2 in the kidney under normal physiological conditions and after R-I/R injury by immunofluorescence staining, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting. We then detected R-I/R injury in Ndrg2-deficient ( Ndrg2-/-) mice and wild type ( Ndrg2+/+) littermates in vivo, and detected oxygen and glucose deprivation and reperfusion (OGD-R) injury in HK-2 cells. We further conducted transcriptomic sequencing to investigate the role of Ndrg2 in R-I/R injury and detected levels of oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage by dihydroethidium staining, biochemical assays, and western blot. Finally, we measured the levels of mitophagy in Ndrg2+/+ and Ndrg2-/- mice after R-I/R injury or HK-2 cells in OGD-R injury. Results::Ndrg2 was primarily expressed in renal proximal tubules and its expression was significantly decreased 24 h after R-I/R injury. Ndrg2-/- mice exhibited significantly attenuated R-I/R injury compared to Ndrg2+/+ mice. Transcriptomics profiling showed that Ndrg2 deficiency induced perturbations of multiple signaling pathways, downregulated inflammatory responses and oxidative stress, and increased autophagy following R-I/R injury. Further studies revealed that Ndrg2 deficiency reduced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. Notably, Ndrg2 deficiency significantly activated phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin-mediated mitophagy. The downregulation of NDRG2 expression significantly increased cell viability after OGD-R injury, increased the expression of heme oxygenase-1, decreased the expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase 4, and increased the expression of the PINK1/Parkin pathway. Conclusion::Ndrg2 deficiency might become a therapy target for R-I/R injury by decreasing oxidative stress, maintaining mitochondrial homeostasis, and activating PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy.

Objective:Berberine hydrochloride(BBR)is commonly used for the treatment of ulcerative colitis(UC),but its molecular mechanism,especially the mechanism of rescue of inflammatory-induced pyroptosis,needs to be further analyzed.Meth-ods:SD male rats were randomly divided into four groups:control group(Ctrl),DSS model group,BBR treatment group(DSS+BBR)and BBR+NLRP3 agonist group(DSS+BBR+BMS-986299).The UC rat model was established by the dextran sulfate sodium method(DSS).At the same time,BBR was intragastrically administered to BBR treatment group and BBR+NLRP3 agonist group twice per-day for 7 consecutive days.BMS-986299 was intraperitoneally injected to BBR+NLRP3 group twice a day.During the experiment,the body weights were weighed,the general condition was observed,and the disease activity index(DAI)was evaluated every day.After the experiment,the gross morphology and length of colon were observed and evaluated.HE staining was used to observe the pathologi-cal changes of colon tissue and evaluate the tissue injury index(TDI).ELISA was employed for detecting the contents of TNF-α and IL-1β in colon tissue,and Western blot was employed for detecting NLRP3,ASC,GSDMD-N,Cleaved-caspase 1 and IL-1β expres-sions.Results:BBR could effectively improve the UC-induced weight loss,colon tissue integrity and cell pyroptosis,reduce the expression levels of inflammatory factors such as TNF-ɑ and IL-1β,the proportion of pyroptosis,and the levels of proteins NLRP3,IL-1β,GSDMD-N,and Cleaved-caspase 1 which play crucial roles in pyroptosis pathway.The therapeutic effect and the regulated pro-tein expression through BBR were reversed by NLRP3 activation.Conclusion:BBR exerts a therapeutic effect by reducing the proteins levels of mature NLRP3,IL-1β,GSDMD-N,Cleaved-caspase 1,which are responsible for pyroptosis pathway.This result provides a molecular basis for BBR in treatment of UC.

Objective To study the predictive value of features of the hepatopancreatic ampulla on the success of endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography(ERCP)cannulation and complication rates.Methods Clinical data of 400 patients who underwent ERCP from June 2023 to October 2023 at two hospitals in Eastern China were retrospectively analyzed,patients were divided into non-protruding group(n=184),protruding group(n=76),diverticulum,mucosal folds group(n=101)and twisted,tumour involved group(n=39)according to hepatopancreatic ampulla features.The frequency of nipple contact during intubation,time to successful intubation,and procedure-related complications were recorded separately.Results The highest mean number of contacts in the nipple contact frequency was found in the twisted,tumour-involved group(8.95±6.30)times,and the lowest number of contacts was found in the non-protruding group(4.01±2.42)times,the difference was statistically significant in four groups(F=31.06,P=0.000).Hepatopancreatic ampulla features were a significant factor influencing cannulation time,with prolonged cannulation time observed in the twisted,tumour-involved group(353.96±263.42)s and fastest cannulation in the non-protruding group(161.03±118.06)s,the difference was statistically significant in four groups(F=17.73,P=0.000).A total of 31 patients(7.75%)experienced complications,with the highest number of post-ERCP pancreatitis and no cases of perforation or death.Conclusion Hepatopancreatic ampulla features are a simple and feasible way to predict the success of ERCP cannulation and the incidence of complications.In the future,it could be used as a biological predictor of the difficulty of bile duct cannulation.

Objective To study the core behavioral symptoms,biological indicators,and pathological changes of a mouse model of breast cancer complicated with depression induced using 4T1 breast cancer cell inoculation combined with chronic restraint stress(CRS).Methods BABL/c mice were randomly divided into Control,Stress,Tumor,and stress combined with tumor(S+T)groups.Mice in the tumor and S+T groups were inoculated under the front legs with breast cancer 4T1 cells.After tumor formation,mice in the stress and S+T groups were subjected to CRS for 21 days.The body weight and food intake of each group were monitored during modeling.After the experiment,the occurrence of depression-like behavior of mice in each group was evaluated by sucrose preference test,open field test,elevated plus-maze test,and forced swimming test.After the mice were decapitated,the weights and volumes of the tumors were measured.Concentrations of serum tumor markers,including carbohydrate antigen(CA199),carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),and vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF),and related neurotransmitters,including 5-hydroxytryptamine(5-HT),norepinephrine(NE),and corticosterone(CORT),were determined using ELISA.HE staining was used to observe histopathological changes to the hippocampus and tumor.Results In S+T group mice,body weight and food intake were significantly decreased,tumor weight and volume were significantly increased,serum tumor marker(CA199,CEA,VEGF)levels were significantly increased,enthusiasm and desire to explore a new environment were reduced,stress and despair behaviors were significantly increased,and levels of the serum neurotransmitters 5-HT and NE and levels of CORT were significantly increased.In addition,the cell arrangement in the tumor tissue was loose,the amount of intercellular substance decreased,the pathological nuclear classification phase was increased,the arrangement and morphology of neurons in the CA3 region of the hippocampus were disordered,and there were obvious nuclear vacuolation-like changes.Conclusions A mouse model of breast cancer complicated with depression induced by 4T1 breast cancer cell inoculation combined with CRS showed the typical dual symptoms and biological indicators of breast cancer and depression and can be used as a good reference model for experimental studies of breast cancer complicated with depression.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of oral-nasal oxygen supply mouth guard in painless gastroscopy for snoring patients.Methods:The snoring patients who underwent painless gastroscopy at two Endoscopy Centers of Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University in July 2022 were randomly divided into the observation group (using oral-nasal oxygen supply mouth guard) and the control group (using ordinary nasal oxygen tube and mouth guard). Parameters such as the wearing time and the removal time of the mouth guard, lowest pulse oxygen saturation (SpO 2), incidence of hypoxemia, and the satisfaction of medical staff were compared between the two groups. Results:The wearing time of mouth guard was 11.63±0.84 seconds and the removal time was 5.33±0.76 seconds in the observation group ( n=40), which were lower than those in the control group ( n=47) (14.91±1.21 seconds, t=-14.463, P<0.001; 10.38±0.80 seconds, t=-30.095, P<0.001). The wearing satisfaction score was 9.80±0.61, the lowest SpO 2 was (96.70±3.42)%, the removal satisfaction score was 9.75±0.67, and the anesthesiologists' satisfaction score was 9.20±1.42 in the observation group, which were higher than those in the control group [7.70±0.93, t=12.209, P<0.001; (94.06±3.72)%, t=3.417, P=0.001; 7.96±0.98, t=9.803, P<0.001; 8.13±1.35, t=3.615, P=0.001] with significant difference. There was no significant difference in the incidence of hypoxemia [10.00% (4/40) VS 14.89% (7/47), χ2=0.130, P=0.718] and endoscopic physician satisfaction score (9.30±0.97 VS 9.02±1.31, t=1.112, P=0.269) between the two groups. Conclusion:The oral-nasal oxygen supply mouth guard is easy to wear and remove, effectively reducing SpO 2 fluctuations during painless gastroscopy for snoring patients. It can enhance medical staff satisfaction with high clinical value.

Objective:To investigate the changing trends in cardiac function following xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation of multi-gene edited pig hearts and assess the impact of recipient immune responses on donor heart, laying experimental groundwork for the clinical application of gene editing technology.Methods:On December 16, 2023, xenogeneic heterotopic heart transplantation was performed between pigs and rhesus monkeys. Functional status of the graft under post-transplantation load conditions and recipient immune indicators were observed.Results:The recipient monkeys survived for 40 days with satisfactory functionality of both donor and recipient hearts, and no hyperacute or acute immune rejection reactions were observed.Conclusion:Multi-gene editing technology provides potential for xenotransplantation, yet further exploration is needed for its clinical application.