Alzheimer's disease (AD), a progressive dementia, is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases. Clinical trial results of amyloid-β (Aβ) and tau regulators based on the pretext of straightforward amyloid and tau immunotherapy were disappointing. There are currently no effective strategies for slowing the progression of AD. Herein, we spotlight the dysregulation of lipid metabolism, particularly the elevation of ceramides (Cers), as a critical yet underexplored facet of AD pathogenesis. Our study delineates the role of Cers in promoting microglial pyroptosis, a form of programmed cell death distinct from apoptosis and necroptosis, characterized by cellular swelling, and membrane rupture mediated by the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. Utilizing both in vivo experiments with amyloid precursor protein (APP)/presenilin 1 (PS1) transgenic mice and in vitro assays with BV-2 microglial cells, we investigate the activation of microglial pyroptosis by Cers and its inhibition by icariin (ICA), a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Our findings reveal a significant increase in Cers levels and pyroptosis markers (NOD-like receptor family, pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, gasdermin D (gasdermin D (GSDMD)), and interleukin-18 (IL-18)) in the brains of AD model mice, indicating a direct involvement of Cers in AD pathology through the induction of microglial pyroptosis. Conversely, ICA treatment effectively reduces these pyroptotic markers and Cer levels, thereby attenuating microglial pyroptosis and suggesting a novel therapeutic mechanism of action against AD. This study not only advances our understanding of the pathogenic role of Cers in AD but also introduces ICA as a promising candidate for AD therapy, capable of mitigating neuroinflammation and pyroptosis through the cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)-NLRP3 inflammasome-gasdermin D (GSDMD) axis. Our results pave the way for further exploration of Cer metabolism disorders in neurodegenerative diseases and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting microglial pyroptosis in AD.

The key to the growth and metastasis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma(PDAC)is its complex stromal microenvironment and significant cellular and spatial heterogeneity.It can utilize the interac-tion between cellular and non cellular components in the microenvironment to induce immune escape and drug resistance,thereby reducing patient survival rates.In recent years,relevant studies have revealed the presence of non cellular components in the tumor microenvironment-matrix metalloproteinases(MMP),which can par-ticipate in inflammatory responses and cancer development by hydrolyzing the extracellular matrix.This arti-cle reviews the role of several MMP in the progression of pancreatic cancer,which have been confirmed by pre-vious studies.At the same time,MMP that may be associated with pancreatic cancer,but whose specific mech-anism has not yet been clarified are discussed in depth,providing a basic theoretical basis for further research on MMP as therapeutic targets for pancreatic cancer.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical methods for correcting pollybeak deformity in Chinese rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent pollybeak correction between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Individualized correction was tailored based on the etiology and severity of the nasal deformity of each patient, involving techniques such as resection of the anterior part of the nasal septum, reconstruction of nasal tip support, reconstruction of the middle part of the nasal vault, and excision of skin in the upper region of the nasal tip. A modified classification system for pollybeak deformity, the supratip fullness rating scale (SFRS), was developed to evaluate supratip fullness (0-3 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity). The patients aesthetic outcomes were assessed by surgeons using the visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity), and patient self-assessed using the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) questionnaire (0-100 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction). The measurement data of normal distribution was expressed as Mean±SD and analyzed by paired t-test; the measurement data of non-normal distribution was expressed as M( Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results:In a cohort study of 53 rhinoplasty patients (7 male, 46 female; age range 19-45 years, mean 29 years), comprising 15 primary and 38 secondary surgeries, nasal tip deformities were evaluated. Deformities were classified as mild (5 cases), moderate (25 cases), and severe (23 cases). Over a follow-up period of 6-17 months (mean 9.5 months), significant aesthetic improvements in the nasal tip region were observed. The SFRS scores decreased from 2(2, 3) preoperatively to 0(0, 0) postoperatively ( Z = -6.58, P < 0.001), and VAS scores decreased from 7.47±1.73 to 1.79±1.67 ( t = -25.61, P < 0.001). High patient satisfaction was indicated by a mean ROE score of 82.45±11.55. No significant complications, such as nasal tip ptosis, skin necrosis, or scar hyperplasia, were reported. Conclusion:Selecting an appropriate surgical method based on the severity and cause of pollybeak deformity can achieve satisfactory outcomes. Post-operative patients exhibit significant aesthetic improvement in the upper nasal tip area, resulting in high patient satisfaction.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of modified superomedial pedicle technique using an inverted T-shaped incision for reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of patients who underwent modified superomedial pedicle technique for breast reduction surgery with inverted T-shaped incision between March 2021 and March 2023 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Preoperatively, a handheld Doppler ultrasound blood flow detector was used to detect and mark the exit points of the 2nd to 4th perforating vessels of the internal thoracic artery, and a superomedial pedicle containing at least two perforators was designed based on the perforator locations, with a pedicle width generally about 6 cm. Intraoperatively, the pedicle was rotated superolaterally, moving the nipple-areola complex (NAC) upwards to construct a fuller upper pole of the breast and removing excess skin in the lower fold to form a inverted T-shaped incision. Postoperatively, the blood supply of the NAC, breast morphology, and incidence of complications were observed and followed up. Canfield Mirror 7.1.1 software was utilized to measure pre- and post-operative breast morphology data from lateral photographs at 6 months, including total breast area, maximum breast protrusion, upper pole protrusion, lower pole height, and nipple elevation height. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was used to survey patient satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical health before surgery and 6-12 months after surgery, with each dimension scoring 0-100 points, where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction and health. SPSS 28.0 software was used for data analysis, with normally distributed measurement data expressed as Mean±SD, and paired t-test was applied for comparisons of pre- and post-operative breast morphology data (the first 4 indicators) and BREAST-Q scores, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 56 female patients were included, with an age of (32.0±6.7) years and a body mass index of (29.1±5.7) kg/m 2. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound blood flow detection showed that none of the patients had missing or significantly variant perforators of the superomedial pedicle. The volume of breast tissue removed ranged from 890 to 1 800 ml, averaging 1 250 ml, with an average pedicle width of 5.4 cm (4.0-7.0 cm). The follow-up period was (13.3±2.5) months, during which all patients exhibited good blood supply to the NAC and favorable breast morphology, with universal high satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Postoperatively, one case developed incisional seroma, which resolved naturally within 3 months; two cases experienced minor incision dehiscence, which healed well after dressing changes; all other patients recovered well without any complications such as flap necrosis or hematoma. Comparison of breast morphology data showed significant reductions in postoperative left and right total breast area ( P<0.05 for both), and increases in maximum breast protrusion and lower pole height postoperatively ( P<0.05 for both), while the difference in upper pole protrusion was not statistically significant ( P>0.05 for both); postoperative left and right nipple elevation heights were (6.30±1.84) cm and (6.52±1.66) cm, respectively. Among the 44 patients who completed the BREAST-Q survey both before and after surgery, scores showed significant improvements in postoperative breast satisfaction [(50.30±10.30) points vs. (83.20±6.02) points] ( t=5.17, P=0.008) and psychosocial well-being [(56.20±17.20) points vs. (89.70±2.70) points] ( t=5.09, P=0.010), while sexual well-being and physical health scores did not differ significantly from preoperative scores ( P>0.05 for both). Conclusion:Preoperative identification of perforator locations using a handheld Doppler blood vessel detector, followed by the design of a modified superomedial pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with inverted T-shaped incision, can not only ensure NAC blood supply, avoiding ischemic necrosis due to vascular anomalies, but also maximally reduce pedicle width and increase pedicle rotation flexibility, achieving desirable breast shaping effects.

Objective:To investigate the surgical effect of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in repairing nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed from January 2016 to October 2022, the clinical data of patients with nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty were collected in the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The pedicled upper lip mucosal flap was utilized for repair based on the patient’s medical history and wound condition. The pedicle of the flap was designed 1 cm adjacent to the frenulum of the upper lip, and an appropriate flap was incised based on the size of the wound, with dissection performed up to the superficial layer of the orbicularis oris muscle. The dissection establishes an upper lip tunnel that connects the gingival-buccal groove to the nasal cavity. The pedicled upper lip mucosal flap was elevated and transposed into the nasal cavity via the upper lip tunnel. The position of the flap was adjusted to ensure complete coverage and fixation of the nasal septal defect wound using 5-0 absorbable suture. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale were utilized to facilitate patients’ satisfaction evaluation and assessment of nasal obstruction symptoms before surgery and at 6 months post-surgery. The VAS total score was 10 points, with higher scores indicating greater levels of patient satisfaction. The NOSE scale comprises of 5 items, each assigned a score ranging from 0 to 4, denoting absence of symptoms, very mild presence, moderate intensity, relatively severe manifestation, and highly severe indication respectively. The measurement data of VAS and NOSE scores before surgery and at 6 months post-surgery was expressed by Mean±SD, using paired t-test. The score distribution of the NOSE scale was represented by the number of cases, using Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The study included a total of 15 female patients, with an average age of (27.6±2.9) years (ranging from 23 to 33 years). Eleven cases presented with preoperative cartilage exposure, and the size of tissue defect ranged from 0.9 cm×0.5 cm to 1.5 cm×0.7 cm. Nine patients had a history of smoking. Skin grafting was performed in 9 patients, while nasal mucosal metastasis was observed in 8 patients. The dimensions of the flap varied from 4.0 cm×1.2 cm to 7.0 cm×1.5 cm. The postoperative recovery was satisfactory, with successful survival of the skin flaps and no occurrences of infection, hematoma, wound dehiscence, or flap necrosis. The average duration of follow-up was (8.2±2.1) months (ranging from 6 to 12 months). The postoperative VAS score (7.73±0.88) was significantly higher compared to the preoperative score (1.86±0.74) ( P<0.01). Additionally, the postoperative NOSE score (4.66±1.71) showed a significant decrease from the preoperative score (10.73±2.68), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.01). Among them, after surgery items of stuffy or unbreathable nose (2 cases vs. 15 cases), nasal obstruction (1 case vs. 14 cases), and feeling that the nose was not enough to breathe during exercise or exertion (4 cases vs. 14 cases) scored≥2 points were significantly less than those before operation (all P<0.01). Conclusion:The utilization of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in the reconstruction of severe nasal septal mucosal defects following rhinoplasty has proven to be highly effective. The postoperative satisfaction of patients is remarkably high, the ventilation function exhibits significant improvement, and no severe complications are observed.

OBJECTIVE To explore the detoxification mechanism of Terminalia chebula Retz(TCR)soup-processed Euphorbia fischeriana Steud.(EFS)based on LC-MS and simulation processing.METHODS The changes of chemical composition of TCR soup-processed EFS,and dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS after simulation processing with TCR soup were analyzed by LC-MS.Mice were orally administered with alcoholic extracts of crude EFS,alcoholic extracts of water-processed EFS,alcoholic extracts of TCR soup,alcoholic extracts of TCR soup-processed EFS,dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS,dichloromethane extracts of TCR soup-processed EFS,and dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS after simulation processing with TCR soup,respectively.Toxicity changes in TCR soup-processed EFS and dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS after simulation processing with TCR soup were evalu-ated by fecal water contents,release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β,and intestinal pathology.RESULTS A total of 115 and 53 com-pounds were identified in EFS and TCR soup,respectively.The contents of 58 and 12 compounds significantly decreased and signifi-cantly increased respectively in EFS after processing with TCR soup.Compared to the blank control group,the fecal water contents and the release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly increased in both the crude and water-processed EFS groups(P<0.01),and no-table intestinal injury was observed.Compared to the crude EFS group,the fecal water contents and the release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly decreased in both the TCR soup group and the TCR soup-processed EFS group(P<0.01),and repaired intestinal injury was observed.After simulation processing for the dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS with TCR soup,the ion intensity change rates for diterpenoids and tannin phenolic acid compounds ranged from-6.75%to 8.09%and 66.06%to 100.00%,respectively.The ion intensity change rates of diterpenoids in the dichloromethane extracts of TCR soup-processed EFS ranged from-9.92%to 54.72%with almost no tannin phenolic acid compounds.Compared to the blank control group,the fecal water contents and the release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly increased in both the dichloromethane extracts of crude and TCR soup-processed EFS groups(P<0.01),and severe intestinal injury was observed.Compared to the dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS group,the fecal water contents and the release levels of TNF-α and IL-1β significantly decreased in the group of the dichloromethane extracts of crude EFS after simulation processing with TCR soup(P<0.01),with no apparent intestinal injury.CONCLUSION TCR soup pro-cessing can alleviate the intestinal toxicity of EFS.The detoxification mechanism may involve the introduction of a large number of tan-nin phenolic acid compounds in TCR soup during the processing of EFS,which plays a pharmacological antagonistic role in the animal body.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness of surgical methods for correcting pollybeak deformity in Chinese rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective chart review was conducted for patients who underwent pollybeak correction between January 2021 and December 2022 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Individualized correction was tailored based on the etiology and severity of the nasal deformity of each patient, involving techniques such as resection of the anterior part of the nasal septum, reconstruction of nasal tip support, reconstruction of the middle part of the nasal vault, and excision of skin in the upper region of the nasal tip. A modified classification system for pollybeak deformity, the supratip fullness rating scale (SFRS), was developed to evaluate supratip fullness (0-3 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity). The patients aesthetic outcomes were assessed by surgeons using the visual analogue scale (VAS) (0-10 points, with higher scores indicating more apparent deformity), and patient self-assessed using the rhinoplasty outcome evaluation (ROE) questionnaire (0-100 points, with higher scores indicating higher satisfaction). The measurement data of normal distribution was expressed as Mean±SD and analyzed by paired t-test; the measurement data of non-normal distribution was expressed as M( Q1, Q3) and analyzed by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results:In a cohort study of 53 rhinoplasty patients (7 male, 46 female; age range 19-45 years, mean 29 years), comprising 15 primary and 38 secondary surgeries, nasal tip deformities were evaluated. Deformities were classified as mild (5 cases), moderate (25 cases), and severe (23 cases). Over a follow-up period of 6-17 months (mean 9.5 months), significant aesthetic improvements in the nasal tip region were observed. The SFRS scores decreased from 2(2, 3) preoperatively to 0(0, 0) postoperatively ( Z = -6.58, P < 0.001), and VAS scores decreased from 7.47±1.73 to 1.79±1.67 ( t = -25.61, P < 0.001). High patient satisfaction was indicated by a mean ROE score of 82.45±11.55. No significant complications, such as nasal tip ptosis, skin necrosis, or scar hyperplasia, were reported. Conclusion:Selecting an appropriate surgical method based on the severity and cause of pollybeak deformity can achieve satisfactory outcomes. Post-operative patients exhibit significant aesthetic improvement in the upper nasal tip area, resulting in high patient satisfaction.

Objective:To explore the clinical efficacy of modified superomedial pedicle technique using an inverted T-shaped incision for reduction mammaplasty and mastopexy.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of patients who underwent modified superomedial pedicle technique for breast reduction surgery with inverted T-shaped incision between March 2021 and March 2023 at the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. Preoperatively, a handheld Doppler ultrasound blood flow detector was used to detect and mark the exit points of the 2nd to 4th perforating vessels of the internal thoracic artery, and a superomedial pedicle containing at least two perforators was designed based on the perforator locations, with a pedicle width generally about 6 cm. Intraoperatively, the pedicle was rotated superolaterally, moving the nipple-areola complex (NAC) upwards to construct a fuller upper pole of the breast and removing excess skin in the lower fold to form a inverted T-shaped incision. Postoperatively, the blood supply of the NAC, breast morphology, and incidence of complications were observed and followed up. Canfield Mirror 7.1.1 software was utilized to measure pre- and post-operative breast morphology data from lateral photographs at 6 months, including total breast area, maximum breast protrusion, upper pole protrusion, lower pole height, and nipple elevation height. The BREAST-Q questionnaire was used to survey patient satisfaction with breast appearance, psychosocial well-being, sexual well-being, and physical health before surgery and 6-12 months after surgery, with each dimension scoring 0-100 points, where higher scores indicate greater satisfaction and health. SPSS 28.0 software was used for data analysis, with normally distributed measurement data expressed as Mean±SD, and paired t-test was applied for comparisons of pre- and post-operative breast morphology data (the first 4 indicators) and BREAST-Q scores, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 56 female patients were included, with an age of (32.0±6.7) years and a body mass index of (29.1±5.7) kg/m 2. Preoperative Doppler ultrasound blood flow detection showed that none of the patients had missing or significantly variant perforators of the superomedial pedicle. The volume of breast tissue removed ranged from 890 to 1 800 ml, averaging 1 250 ml, with an average pedicle width of 5.4 cm (4.0-7.0 cm). The follow-up period was (13.3±2.5) months, during which all patients exhibited good blood supply to the NAC and favorable breast morphology, with universal high satisfaction with surgical outcomes. Postoperatively, one case developed incisional seroma, which resolved naturally within 3 months; two cases experienced minor incision dehiscence, which healed well after dressing changes; all other patients recovered well without any complications such as flap necrosis or hematoma. Comparison of breast morphology data showed significant reductions in postoperative left and right total breast area ( P<0.05 for both), and increases in maximum breast protrusion and lower pole height postoperatively ( P<0.05 for both), while the difference in upper pole protrusion was not statistically significant ( P>0.05 for both); postoperative left and right nipple elevation heights were (6.30±1.84) cm and (6.52±1.66) cm, respectively. Among the 44 patients who completed the BREAST-Q survey both before and after surgery, scores showed significant improvements in postoperative breast satisfaction [(50.30±10.30) points vs. (83.20±6.02) points] ( t=5.17, P=0.008) and psychosocial well-being [(56.20±17.20) points vs. (89.70±2.70) points] ( t=5.09, P=0.010), while sexual well-being and physical health scores did not differ significantly from preoperative scores ( P>0.05 for both). Conclusion:Preoperative identification of perforator locations using a handheld Doppler blood vessel detector, followed by the design of a modified superomedial pedicle technique for reduction mammaplasty with inverted T-shaped incision, can not only ensure NAC blood supply, avoiding ischemic necrosis due to vascular anomalies, but also maximally reduce pedicle width and increase pedicle rotation flexibility, achieving desirable breast shaping effects.

Objective:To investigate the surgical effect of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in repairing nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty.Methods:A retrospective analysis was performed from January 2016 to October 2022, the clinical data of patients with nasal septal mucosal defects after rhinoplasty were collected in the Department of Plastic and Aesthetic (Burn) Surgery at the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University. The pedicled upper lip mucosal flap was utilized for repair based on the patient’s medical history and wound condition. The pedicle of the flap was designed 1 cm adjacent to the frenulum of the upper lip, and an appropriate flap was incised based on the size of the wound, with dissection performed up to the superficial layer of the orbicularis oris muscle. The dissection establishes an upper lip tunnel that connects the gingival-buccal groove to the nasal cavity. The pedicled upper lip mucosal flap was elevated and transposed into the nasal cavity via the upper lip tunnel. The position of the flap was adjusted to ensure complete coverage and fixation of the nasal septal defect wound using 5-0 absorbable suture. The visual analogue scale (VAS) and the nasal obstruction symptom evaluation (NOSE) scale were utilized to facilitate patients’ satisfaction evaluation and assessment of nasal obstruction symptoms before surgery and at 6 months post-surgery. The VAS total score was 10 points, with higher scores indicating greater levels of patient satisfaction. The NOSE scale comprises of 5 items, each assigned a score ranging from 0 to 4, denoting absence of symptoms, very mild presence, moderate intensity, relatively severe manifestation, and highly severe indication respectively. The measurement data of VAS and NOSE scores before surgery and at 6 months post-surgery was expressed by Mean±SD, using paired t-test. The score distribution of the NOSE scale was represented by the number of cases, using Mann-Whitney U test. Results:The study included a total of 15 female patients, with an average age of (27.6±2.9) years (ranging from 23 to 33 years). Eleven cases presented with preoperative cartilage exposure, and the size of tissue defect ranged from 0.9 cm×0.5 cm to 1.5 cm×0.7 cm. Nine patients had a history of smoking. Skin grafting was performed in 9 patients, while nasal mucosal metastasis was observed in 8 patients. The dimensions of the flap varied from 4.0 cm×1.2 cm to 7.0 cm×1.5 cm. The postoperative recovery was satisfactory, with successful survival of the skin flaps and no occurrences of infection, hematoma, wound dehiscence, or flap necrosis. The average duration of follow-up was (8.2±2.1) months (ranging from 6 to 12 months). The postoperative VAS score (7.73±0.88) was significantly higher compared to the preoperative score (1.86±0.74) ( P<0.01). Additionally, the postoperative NOSE score (4.66±1.71) showed a significant decrease from the preoperative score (10.73±2.68), with a statistically significant difference ( P<0.01). Among them, after surgery items of stuffy or unbreathable nose (2 cases vs. 15 cases), nasal obstruction (1 case vs. 14 cases), and feeling that the nose was not enough to breathe during exercise or exertion (4 cases vs. 14 cases) scored≥2 points were significantly less than those before operation (all P<0.01). Conclusion:The utilization of pedicled upper lip mucosal flap in the reconstruction of severe nasal septal mucosal defects following rhinoplasty has proven to be highly effective. The postoperative satisfaction of patients is remarkably high, the ventilation function exhibits significant improvement, and no severe complications are observed.

Objective: To explore the thermal damage to epithelial cell adhesion molecule(EpCAM)-positive tumor cells by novel aptamer-guided magnetic nanoparticles(AptNPs). Methods: EpCAM aptamer SYL3C was connected to NPs via biotin-streptavidin reaction. The diameter of AptNPs were characterized by Dynamic Light Scattering(DLS). The binding feature of the aptamer to EpCAM-positive tumor cells was evaluated by Prussian blue dyeing. Thermal damage under alternative magnetic field was measured bylactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The apoptosis of EpCAM-positive tumor cells was detected by acridine orange/ethidium bromide (AO/EB) double staining. Results: The average size of AptNPs was 282 nm. Flow cytometry and Prussian blue dyeing showed that AptNPs exhibited strong binding to the EpCAM-positive tumor cells but not to the EpCAM-negative tumor cells. Moreover, when incubated with 1.5×10⁸ AptNPs under alternative electromagnetic fieldfor 5 hours, the viability of EpCAM-positive HCT116 cells and A549 cells was 28.9% and 54.4%, respectively, significantly lower than 76.7% of EpCAM-negative HepG2 cells (P<0.05). Conclusions AptNPs can improve the thermal damage to EpCAM-positive tumor cells, and may have potential utility in the development of tumor targeted therapy.