With the continuous development of China's aging society and the prevalence of unhealthy lifestyles, the incidence of cardiovascular disease in China has been increasing in recent years. Among them, atrial fibrillation (AF) is the most common arrhythmia disease. In recent years, pulsed field ablation (PFA) has been continuously applied to AF treatment as a novel treatment. This paper first introduces the principle of PFA applied to AF treatment, and introduces the research progress of PFA in different directions, such as the comparison of different ablation methods, the study of physical parameters, the study of ablation area, the study of tissue specificity and clinical research. Then, the clinical prior research of PFA is discussed, including the use of simulation software to obtain the simulation effect of different parameters, the evaluation of ablation effect during animal research, and finally the current AF treatment. Various prior studies and clinical studies are summarized, and suggestions are made for the shortcomings found in the study of AF treatment and the future research direction is prospected.

ObjectiveTo explore effect of Xianlian Jiedu prescription on the recurrence of colorectal cancer （CRC） and investigate the related mechanisms. MethodsA postoperative recurrence model was established in 25 Balb/c mice by injecting CT26 cells subcutaneously into the armpit， followed by surgical removal of 99% of the subcutaneous tumor. The mice were randomly divided into model group， low-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP-L） group （6.45 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， medium-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP-M） group （12.9 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， high-dose Xianlian Jiedu prescription （XLJDP-H） group （25.8 g·kg^-1·d^-1）， and 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） group （1×10^-3 g·kg^-1·d^-1）. The mice were euthanized after 14 days of continuous intervention， and recurrent tumor tissue was harvested. Hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining was used to observe pathological and morphological changes in the recurrent tumor tissue. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was employed to assess the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （Ki67）， vascular endothelial growth factor （VEGF）， and platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule （CD31） in recurrent tumor tissue. The Western blot was used to detect the protein expression levels of angiopoietin-2 （ANG-2）， VEGF， phosphorylated-protein kinase B （p-Akt）， protein kinase B （Akt）， phosphorylated-phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （p-PI3K）， and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase （PI3K） in recurrent tumor tissue. ResultsBefore treatment， there were no statistical differences in tumor volume， tumor weight， and body mass among the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group， indicating model stability. After treatment， compared with those in the model group， the tumor volume and tumor weight in the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced （P<0.01）， showing dose dependency. Meanwhile， there were no significant differences in body weight among the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group compared to the model group. HE staining showed that compared with that in the model group， tumor tissue in the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group had loosely arranged cells， increased intercellular spaces， small and shriveled nuclei， light staining， fewer mitotic figures and atypical nuclei， and increased necrotic areas. IHC showed that compared with those of the model group， the positive rates of Ki67， VEGF， and CD31 in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly reduced （P<0.01） in a dose-dependent manner. Western blot results showed that compared with those of the model group， the protein expression levels of ANG-2 and VEGF in the recurrent tumor tissue of the XLJDP-L， XLJDP-M， and XLJDP-H groups and the 5-FU group were significantly downregulated （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and the p-Akt/Akt and p-PI3K/PI3K ratios were significantly decreased in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionXianlian Jiedu prescription significantly inhibits the recurrence of CRC in mice after subcutaneous tumor surgery. The mechanism may involve regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and downregulating key angiogenic proteins such as ANG-2， VEGF， and CD31.

Objective To assess the potential role of disulfidptosis-related genes (DRGs) in pan-cancer on prognosis and immunity on the basis of bioinformatics approaches. Methods Pan-cancer RNA-seq data, mutation profiles, clinical information, TMB, MSI, stemness scores, and tumor and immune microenvironment data contained in TCGA and various open-source online databases, and multi-group R-language algorithms were used for comprehensive analysis. The expression levels of DRGs at the cellular level were experimentally validated using qPCR. Results LRPPRC, NCKAP1, NDUFS1, and NUBPL had a better prognosis in renal clear cell carcinoma (P<0.001), whereas SLC7A11, NCKAP1, and SLC3A2 had a worse prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (P<0.001). TME analysis showed that LRPPRC was negatively correlated with immune cells, stromal cells, and estimated scores in all tumor types. TMB analysis revealed the potential research value of DRGs for PD-1/PD-L1 therapy in pan-cancer. Drug sensitivity analysis showed that SLC7A11 (r=0.454), SLC3A2 (r=0.366), and NCKAP1 (r=0.455) were significantly associated with Kahalide F (P<0.01). Experimental validation demonstrated the overall higher expression levels of GYS1 and NCKAP1 than normal cells in lung adenocarcinoma, colon adenocarcinoma, esophageal squamous carcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma (P<0.05). Conclusion Pan-cancer analysis of DRGs indicates that DRGs may serve as important biomarkers for the diagnosis and prognosis of renal clear-cell carcinoma, lung adenocarcinoma, and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women worldwide, with its incidence rate continuously increasing. As a result, treatment strategies for this disease have received considerable attention. Research has highlighted the crucial role of the Hedgehog (Hh) signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of BC, particularly in promoting tumor growth and metastasis. Therefore, molecular targets within this pathway represent promising opportunities for the development of novel BC therapies. This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which natural compounds modulate the Hh signaling pathway in BC. By conducting a comprehensive review of various natural compounds, including polyphenols, terpenes, and alkaloids, we reveal both common and unique regulatory mechanisms that influence this pathway. This investigation represents the first comprehensive analysis of five distinct mechanisms through which natural compounds modulate key molecules within the Hh pathway and their impact on the aggressive behaviors of BC. Furthermore, by exploring the structure-activity relationships between these compounds and their molecular targets, we shed light on the specific structural features that enable natural compounds to interact with various components of the Hh pathway. These novel insights contribute to advancing the development and clinical application of natural compound-based therapeutics. Our thorough review not only lays the groundwork for exploring innovative BC treatments but also opens new avenues for leveraging natural compounds in cancer therapy.

Breast cancer(BC)is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors affecting women worldwide,with its incidence rate continuously increasing.As a result,treatment strategies for this disease have received considerable attention.Research has highlighted the crucial role of the Hedgehog(Hh)signaling pathway in the initiation and progression of BC,particularly in promoting tumor growth and metastasis.There-fore,molecular targets within this pathway represent promising opportunities for the development of novel BC therapies.This study aims to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms by which natural com-pounds modulate the Hh signaling pathway in BC.By conducting a comprehensive review of various natural compounds,including polyphenols,terpenes,and alkaloids,we reveal both common and unique regulatory mechanisms that influence this pathway.This investigation represents the first comprehen-sive analysis of five distinct mechanisms through which natural compounds modulate key molecules within the Hh pathway and their impact on the aggressive behaviors of BC.Furthermore,by exploring the structure-activity relationships between these compounds and their molecular targets,we shed light on the specific structural features that enable natural compounds to interact with various components of the Hh pathway.These novel insights contribute to advancing the development and clinical application of natural compound-based therapeutics.Our thorough review not only lays the groundwork for exploring innovative BC treatments but also opens new avenues for leveraging natural compounds in cancer therapy.

Objective To evaluate the application of three deep learning algorithms in automatic segmentation of clinical target volumes (CTVs) in high-dose-rate brachytherapy after surgery for endometrial carcinoma. Methods A dataset comprising computed tomography scans from 306 post-surgery patients with endometrial carcinoma was divided into three subsets: 246 cases for training, 30 cases for validation, and 30 cases for testing. Three deep convolutional neural network models, 3D U-Net, 3D Res U-Net, and V-Net, were compared for CTV segmentation. Several commonly used quantitative metrics were employed, i.e., Dice similarity coefficient, Hausdorff distance, 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance, and Intersection over Union. Results During the testing phase, CTV segmentation with 3D U-Net, 3D Res U-Net, and V-Net showed a mean Dice similarity coefficient of 0.90 ± 0.07, 0.95 ± 0.06, and 0.95 ± 0.06, a mean Hausdorff distance of 2.51 ± 1.70, 0.96 ± 1.01, and 0.98 ± 0.95 mm, a mean 95th percentile of Hausdorff distance of 1.33 ± 1.02, 0.65 ± 0.91, and 0.40 ± 0.72 mm, and a mean Intersection over Union of 0.85 ± 0.11, 0.91 ± 0.09, and 0.92 ± 0.09, respectively. Segmentation based on V-Net was similarly to that performed by experienced radiation oncologists. The CTV segmentation time was < 3.2 s, which could save the work time of clinicians. Conclusion V-Net is better than other models in CTV segmentation as indicated by quantitative metrics and clinician assessment. Additionally, the method is highly consistent with the ground truth, reducing inter-doctor variability and treatment time.

Objective To systematically evaluate the efficacy and safety of single and bilateral lung transplantation in the treatment of end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods Chinese and English databases were searched by computer, including PubMed, Web of Science, The Cochrane Library, EMbase, CNKI, Wanfang database, VIP database and CBM. Case-control studies on single lung transplantation or bilateral lung transplantation for COPD were collected from the inception to July 31, 2022. We evaluated the quality of the literature via Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS). All results were analyzed using Review Manager V5.3 and STATA 17.0. Results A total of 8 studies were included covering 14076 patients, including 8326 patients in the single lung transplantation group and 5750 patients in the bilateral lung transplantation group. NOS scores were≥6 points. The results of meta-analysis showed that there was no statistical difference in the postoperative 1-year survival between the two groups (P=0.070). The 2-year survival rate (P=0.002), 3-year survival rate (P<0.001), 5-year survival rate (P<0.001), overall survival rate (P＜0.001), postoperative forced expiratory volume in one second/predicted value (P<0.001), postoperative forced vital capacity (P<0.001), and postoperative 6-minute walking distance (P=0.002) were lower or shorter than those in the bilateral lung transplantation group, the postoperative intubation time (P=0.030) was longer than that in the bilateral lung transplantation group. Bilateral lung transplantation group showed better surgical results. There was no statistical difference in the mortality, obliterative bronchiolitis, length of hospitalization, primary graft dysfunction, or postoperative adverse events (P>0.05). Conclusion Bilateral lung transplantation is associated with better long-term survival and postoperative lung function compared with single lung transplantation. In-hospital mortality and postoperative complications are similar between them.

Objective To investigate the involvement of calmodulin(CaM)in the pathogenesis of Alzheimer disease(AD)and the mechanism by which CaM binds to amyloid-β(Aβ).Methods The hub genes expressed in AD and predicted to be the target proteins for AD prevention and treatment were obtained using bioinformatics methods.The GST-Aβ1-42 recombinant plasmid was constructed through genetic recombination and was then sequenced.The recombinant plasmids were identified using agarose gel electrophoresis,while the extracted and purified GST-Aβ1-42 fusion protein was confirmed using SDS-PAGE gel electrophoresis.GST pull-down assay was used to detect the interaction between GST-Aβ1-42 protein and CaM,expressed in the plasmid.Results The top 20 hub genes in degree ranking were obtained.The DNA sequencing results of the plasmid proved that the recombinant plasmid was successfully constructed.The agarose gel electrophoresis results indicated that the fragment digested by the enzyme was similar to the molecular weight of the Aβ1-42 gene seg-ments,further proving the successful construction of the recombinant plasmid.Binding of GST-Aβ1-42 protein to CaM in a concentration dependent manner was revealed through the GST pull down experiment.Conclusion The GST-Aβ1-42 recombinant plasmid is success-fully constructed and is shown to bind to CaM.

BACKGROUND: Low-density computed tomography (LDCT) improved early lung cancer diagnosis but introduces an excess of false-positive pulmonary nodules data. Hence, accurate diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer remains challenging. The purpose of the study was to assess the feasibility of using circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to differentiate malignant from benign pulmonary nodules. METHODS: 122 patients with suspected malignant pulmonary nodules detected on chest CT in preparation for surgery were prospectively recruited. Peripheral blood samples were collected before surgery, and CTCs were identified upon isolation by size of epithelial tumour cells and morphological analysis. Laser capture microdissection, MALBAC amplification, and whole-exome sequencing were performed on 8 samples. The diagnostic efficacy of CTCs counting, and the genomic variation profile of benign and malignant CTCs samples were analysed. RESULTS: Using 2.5 cells/5 mL as the cut-off value, the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was of 0.651 (95% confidence interval: 0.538-0.764), with a sensitivity and specificity of 0.526 and 0.800, respectively, and positive and negative predictive values of 91.1% and 30.3%, respectively. Distinct sequence variations differences in DNA damage repair-related and driver genes were observed in benign and malignant samples. TP53 mutations were identified in CTCs of four malignant cases; in particular, g.7578115T>C, g.7578645C>T, and g.7579472G>C were exclusively detected in all four malignant samples. CONCLUSIONS CTCs play an ancillary role in the diagnosis of pulmonary nodules. TP53 mutations in CTCs might be used to identify benign and malignant pulmonary nodules.
Humans ; Lung Neoplasms ; Exome Sequencing ; Multiple Pulmonary Nodules ; Carcinoma ; DNA Repair

Objective:To compare the difference of LLD (leg length discrepancy) between robot-assisted and conventional methods of total hip arthroplasty (THA).Methods:Data of 38 patients who had THA performed by robot-assisted or conventional methods from January 2019 to May 2020 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 38 cases (54 hips) in robot-assisted THA group (robot group) with 18 males and 20 females (age 53.5±13.6 years, BMI 26.2±3.4 kg/m 2), and there were 21 cases (32 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, 17 cases (22 hips) with Crown typeⅠandⅡdevelopmental dysplasia of the hip. There were 38 cases (54 hips) in conventional THA group (conventional group), with 19 males and 19 females, (age 52.3±14.7 years old, BMI 25.7±2.9 kg/m 2), and there were 19 cases (30 hips) with developmental dysplasia of the hip, and 19 cases (24 hips) with osteonecrosis of the femoral head. The operative time, postoperative LLD, Harris score, forgotten joint score-12 (FJS-12) and the difference between preoperative and postoperative LLD between the two groups were compared, and the correlation between surgical methods and the change of hip length was also evaluated. Results:The operation time of the robot group was 73.3±14.1 min and which was 59.3±12.6 min in conventional THA group ( t=2.732, P=0.003). In the robot group, the postoperative LLD was 2.3±3.4 mm, which was less than that of the conventional group 6.7±5.4 mm ( t=3.521, P < 0.001). When the absolute value of LLD was larger than 5 mm as an abnormal value, it was 2.6% (1/38) in the robot group and 47.3% (18/38) in the conventional group. The difference of hip length (HL) in planning and post-operation in the robot group was 2.8±2.2 mm, which was smaller than that in the conventional THA group 7.9±5.3 mm ( t=2.357, P < 0.001). In addition, there was a correlation between the change of hip length results and the postoperative measurement of hip length in the robot group ( r=0.983, P < 0.001). At the last follow-up, Harris score and FJS-12 were recorded in the robot group and coventional group. The scores were 83.1±5.3 and 32.5±4.9 respectively in the robot group, 82.9±7.2 and 31.9±6.7 in the conventional group, respectively. There was no significant difference between the two groups ( t=0.221, 0.356; P=0.819, 0.731). Postoperative bleeding occurred in 1 case in the robot group with postoperative suture healed well. The fracture of the posterior wall of the acetabulum was found in the conventional group and the patient avoids weight bearing 4 weeks after operation. The postoperative recovery was good and no other related complications were found. Conclusion:Robot-assisted THA can accurately restore the length of both legs and reduce LLD compared with conventional THA. The real-time monitoring of LLD during robot operation can give the operator an accurate reference.