Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

As the population is aging rapidly,the incidence of Alzheimer's disease(AD)is increasing year by year.The World Health Organization stresses that early prevention plays a key role in reducing the incidence of AD.Subjective cognitive decline(SCD)is an early window of AD development,and timely intervention can effectively slow down the progression of the disease or prevent it from developing into dementia,thus reducing the burden on the society.White matter hyperintensity(WMH)can effectively reflect white matter changes and provide strong evidence to identify SCD.In this paper,we review the recent research progress in WMH and SCD,reveal the problems in the current research on WMH,explain the correlation between WMH and SCD in terms of physiopathology and cognitive function,and put forward several suggestions for the future research.
Humans ; White Matter/pathology* ; Cognitive Dysfunction/pathology* ; Alzheimer Disease/pathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging

OBJECTIVE: To explore the molecular mechanism of Shenmai Injection (SMI) against doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis. METHODS: A total of 40 specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague Dawley (SD) male rats were divided into 5 groups based on the random number table, including the control group, the model group, miR-30a agomir group, SMI low-dose (SMI-L) group, and SMI high-dose (SMI-H) group, with 8 rats in each group. Except for the control group, the rats were injected weekly with DOX (2 mg/kg) in the tail vein for 4 weeks to induce myocardial injury, and were given different regimens of continuous intervention for 2 weeks. Cardiac function was detected by echocardiography and myocardial pathological changes were observed by Van Gieson (VG) staining. Myocardial injury serum markers, including creatine kinase (CK), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin T (cTnT), N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP), soluble ST2 (sST2), and growth differentiation factor-15 (GDF-15) were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Cardiomyocyte apoptosis was observed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated biotinylated dUTP triphosphate nick end labeling (TUNEL) and transmission electron microscopy, and the expressions of target proteins and mRNA were detected by Western blot and quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-RCR), respectively. RESULTS: The treatment with different doses of SMI reduced rat heart mass index and left ventricular mass index (P<0.05), significantly improved the left ventricular ejection fraction (P<0.05), decreased the levels of serum CK, LDH, cTnT, and NT-proBNP (P<0.05 or P<0.01), reduced the levels of serum sST2 and GDF-15 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), decreased the collagen volume fraction, reduced the expressions of rat myocardial type I and type III collagen (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and effectively alleviated myocardial fibrosis. And the study found that SMI promoted the expression levels of miR-30a and Bcl-2 in myocardium, and down-regulated the expression of Bax, which inhibited the activation of Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 (P<0.05 or P<0.01), and improved myocardial cell apoptosis. CONCLUSIONS SMI can alleviate myocardial injury and apoptosis caused by DOX, and its mechanism possibly by promoting the targeted expression of myocardial Bcl-2 protein through miR-30a.
Animals ; Myocytes, Cardiac/metabolism* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Male ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/administration & dosage* ; Doxorubicin/pharmacology* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics* ; Drug Combinations ; Injections ; Rats

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the clinical effect and safety of acupuncture manipulation on treatment of intractable facial paralysis (IFP), and verify the practicality and precision of the Anzhong Facial Paralysis Precision Scale (Eyelid Closure Grading Scale, AFPPS-ECGS). METHODS: A multicentre, single-blind, randomized controlled trial was conducted from October 2022 to June 2024. Eighty-nine IFP participants were randomly assigned to an ordinary acupuncture group (OAG, 45 cases) and a characteristic acupuncture group (CAG, 44 cases) using a random number table method. The main acupoints selected included Yangbai (GB 14), Quanliao (SI 18), Yingxiang (LI 20), Shuigou (GV 26), Dicang (ST 4), Chengjiang (CV 24), Taiyang (EX-HN 5), Jiache (ST 6), Fengchi (GB 20), and Hegu (LI 4). The OAG patients received ordinary acupuncture manipulation, while the CAG received characteristic acupuncture manipulation. Both groups received acupuncture treatment 3 times a week, with 10 times per course, lasting for 10 weeks. Facial recovery was assessed at baseline and after the 1st, 2nd and 3rd treatment course by AFPPS-ECGS and the House-Brackmann (H-B) Grading Scale. Infrared thermography technology was used to observe the temperature difference between healthy and affected sides in various facial regions. Adverse events and laboratory test abnormalities were recorded. The correlation between the scores of the two scales was analyzed using Pearson correlation coefficient. RESULTS: After the 2nd treatment course, the two groups showed statistically significant differences in AFPPS-ECGS scores (P<0.05), with even greater significance after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Similarly, H-B Grading Scale scores demonstrated significant differences between groups following the 3rd treatment course (P<0.05). Regarding temperature measurements, significant differences in temperatures of frontal and ocular areas were observed after the 2nd course (P<0.05), becoming more pronounced after the 3rd course (P<0.01). Additionally, mouth corner temperature differences reached statistical significance by the 3rd course (P<0.05). No safety-related incidents were observed during the study. Correlation analysis revealed that the AFPPS-ECGS and the H-B Grading Scale were strongly correlated (r=0.86, 0.91, 0.93, and 0.91 at baseline, and after 1st, 2nd, and 3rd treatment course, respectively, all P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Acupuncture is an effective treatment for IFP, and the characteristic acupuncture manipulation enhances the therapeutic effect. The use of the AFPPS-ECGS can more accurately reflect the recovery status of patients with IFP. (Trial registration No. ChiCTR2200065442).
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy/methods* ; Facial Paralysis/therapy* ; Female ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Adult ; Treatment Outcome ; Acupuncture Points ; Aged

Mycophenolic acid (MPA), the active moiety of both mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) and enteric-coated mycophenolate sodium (EC-MPS), serves as a primary immunosuppressant for maintaining solid organ transplants. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) enhances treatment outcomes through tailored approaches. This study aimed to develop an evidence-based guideline for MPA TDM, facilitating its rational application in clinical settings. The guideline plan was drawn from the Institute of Medicine and World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines. Using the Delphi method, clinical questions and outcome indicators were generated. Systematic reviews, Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation (GRADE) evidence quality evaluations, expert opinions, and patient values guided evidence-based suggestions for the guideline. External reviews further refined the recommendations. The guideline for the TDM of MPA (IPGRP-2020CN099) consists of four sections and 16 recommendations encompassing target populations, monitoring strategies, dosage regimens, and influencing factors. High-risk populations, timing of TDM, area under the curve (AUC) versus trough concentration (C₀), target concentration ranges, monitoring frequency, and analytical methods are addressed. Formulation-specific recommendations, initial dosage regimens, populations with unique considerations, pharmacokinetic-informed dosing, body weight factors, pharmacogenetics, and drug‍-‍drug interactions are covered. The evidence-based guideline offers a comprehensive recommendation for solid organ transplant recipients undergoing MPA therapy, promoting standardization of MPA TDM, and enhancing treatment efficacy and safety.
Mycophenolic Acid/administration & dosage* ; Drug Monitoring/methods* ; Humans ; Organ Transplantation ; Immunosuppressive Agents/administration & dosage* ; Delphi Technique

Objective To explore the application effect of personalized osteotomy guide plate in high tibial osteotomy for patients with knee osteoarthritis(KOA).Methods A total of 99 patients with KOA who underwent open wedge high tibial osteotomy(OWHTO)in our hospital from January 2022 to January 2023 were selected and randomly divided into a study group(50 cases)and a control group(49 cases)using a random number table method.The control group received traditional medial OWHTO treatment,and the study group received a combination of medial OWHTO and personalized osteotomy guide plate treatment.The indexes of operation and postoperative rehabilitation,serum inflammatory stress factor[C-reactive protein(CRP),tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α),cortisol(Cor),adrenocorticotropin(ACTH)],anatomical structure of knee joint[tibial plateau posterior Angle(PTSA),proximal medial tibial Angle(MPT A),hip knee ankle Angle(HKA)],knee function,ACL shape and function,postoperative complications were compared between the two groups.Results The amount of bleeding,the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy,and the postoperative drainage volume in the study group were(138.69±24.03)ml,(4.83±1.07)times,and(228.95±38.72)ml,respectively,which were all less than those in the control group(154.28±27.16)ml,(7.15±1.14)times,and(271.61±42.19)ml.In the study group,the operation time,incision length,and hospitalization time were(40.96±7.28)min,(8.96±0.85)cm,and(10.73±2.05)d,respectively,which were all shorter than those in the control group[(52.31±10.12)min,(9.51±1.03)cm,and(12.16±2.37)d],with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05).The levels of serum CRP,TNF-α,Cor,and ACTH in the study group on the 3rd day after the operation were(31.36±4.68)mg/L,(26.71±3.84)ng/ml,(241.28±27.45)ng/ml,and(18.65±3.01)pmol/L,respectively,which were lower than those in the control group[(35.07±5.16)mg/L,(30.29±4.15)ng/ml,(279.65±30.12)ng/ml,and(21.73±3.28)pmol/L,respectively],and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05).The Hospital for Special Surgery(HSS)knee score and Knee Society Score(KSS)of the study group at 12 months after surgery were(81.24±6.85)points and(78.26±6.14)points,respectively,which were higher than those of the control group[(78.08±6.42)points and(75.53±5.82)points,respectively],with statistically significant differences(P＜0.05);at the 12th month after surgery,the width of the ACL body in the study group was(5.68±0.71)mm,which was greater than that in the control group[(5.12±0.64)mm].The amount of anterior tibial displacement was(5.81±0.43)mm,which was smaller than that in the control group(6.19±0.41)mm,and the differences were statistically significant(P＜0.05);the incidence of postoperative complications in the study group was 4.00％,which was lower than that in the control group(18.37％),and the difference was statistically significant(P＜0.05).Conclusion The combined treatment of medial OWHTO and personalized osteotomy guide plate can reduce surgical trauma in patients with KOA,lower the incidence of complications,facilitate patient recovery,while maintaining the morphology and function of the ACL,and improving prognosis.

Objective To propose a dynamic electrical impedance tomography imaging algorithm based on complementary information fusion network(CIFN)to enhance image quality of dynamic electrical impedance imaging.Methods There were three modules for initialization,multi-frame complementary information extraction and information fusion involved in the CIFN.Firstly,multi-frame dynamic conductivity distribution images were obtained by the initialization module;secondly,spatial complementary information was extracted from the images by using the multi-frame complementary information extraction module;finally,the fusion of lesion target distribution information and target re-reconstruction were realized by the information fusion module to aquire high-quality EIT images.With a 16-electrode multilayer cranial simulation model,the CIFN-based imaging method was compared with Tikhonov regularization algorithm,spectral constraint algorithm and U-Net algorithm in terms of imaging results of types of lesions to verify its performance.Results Compared with the Tikhonov regularization algorithm,spectral constraint algorithm and U-Net algorithm,the proposed CIFN-based algorithm exhibited the lowest mean absolute error(MAE)and the highest structural similarity(SSIM)when used to image different lesion targets,which accurately reconstructed the distribution of lesion targets and gained high imaging stability under common noise levels.Conclusion The proposed CIFN-based imaging algorithm obtains high imaging quality on a cranial simulation model and reconstruction results close to the real model distribution,which provides algorithmic support for subsequent clinical studies on electrical impedance imaging.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):1-6]

The scaphoid bone is one of the important bone of hand,which is frequently injured and difficult to treat in clinical practice.Therefore,it is very important to deeply study the microstructure and biomechanical characteristics of the scaphoid bone for understanding its injury mechanism and optimizing treatment scheme.Microcomputed tomography(micro-CT)provides high-resolution imaging of bone tissue,while finite element analysis can help to simulate the stress distribution and behavioral patterns of the scaphoid bone under various physiological and pathological states.The high-resolution three-dimensional image of the scaphoid bone obtained by micro-CT technology can be used to construct finite element models of real anatomical structure of the scaphoid bone,thus achieving accurate simulation of the mechanical properties of the scaphoid bone.The fusion of these two advanced technologies provides a new perspective for revealing the structural and functional relationships and injury mechanism of the scaphoid bone.Therefore,this paper reviews the anatomical characteristics of the scaphoid bone and its biomechanical behavior in different states,emphasizing the specific applications and advantages of micro-CT and finite element analysis techniques in the study of the scaphoid bone.By summarizing the research findings in recent years,this paper provides novel scientific basis and methods for the diagnosis,treatment,and prevention of scaphoid bone-related disorders.

Objective To analyze the risk factors for increased drainage volume after open transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion(TLIF),and to establish a predictive model and then validate it.Methods The clinical data of 680 patients who underwent open TLIF at the General Hospital of Northern Theater Command from January 2016 to December 2019 were collected and the patients were randomly divided into the training group(n=476)and the validation group(n=204).Taking the predictive factors screened out by LASSO regression analysis as independent variables,a multivariate Logistic regression predictive model was constructed.The model was internally validated through the receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test,and calibration curve,and its clinical utility was assessed via decision curve analysis(DCA).Results LASSO regression analysis screened out four predictive variables:age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The multivariate Logistic regression predictive model demonstrated that age≥60 years,number of surgical segments≥4,operative duration≥2 hours,and intraoperative blood loss≥200 mL were independent influencing factors for the increased postoperative drainage volume in patients undergoing TLIF(P<0.05).ROC curve analysis revealed an area under the curve(AUC)of 0.816(95%CI:0.798 to 0.867)in the training group and 0.783(95%CI:0.685 to 0.823)in the validation group,indicating that the predictive model had good discriminatory ability.Additionally,the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and calibration curve indicated that the predictive model had a good degree of fit,and the predicted probability was basically consistent with the actual probability,demonstrating a good calibration.The DCA results confirmed that this predictive model could be applied in clinical practice.Conclusion The risk factors for increased drainage volume after open TLIF include age,number of surgical segments,operative duration,and intraoperative blood loss.The predictive model established based on these factors demonstrates good performance,and it can be applied in clinical guidance for the selection of drainage tube removal time after TLIF.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value and safety of an intraperitoneal chemotherapy port technique in patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases undergoing intraperitoneal chemotherapy.Methods:This was a retrospective, descriptive case analysis. From November 2022 to October 2024, patients diagnosed with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases at Wuxi Branch of Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine with an expected survival >3 months, underwent laparoscopic exploration combined with implantation of an intraperitoneal chemotherapy port [PORT-A-CATH II system (Model 21-4055-24)] implantation. The procedure was as follows: (1) after laparoscopic exploration, a 4-cm skin incision was made at a predetermined site and a subcutaneous pocket created by dissecting to the muscle fascia and removing subcutaneous fat as needed to position the port septum 0.5-1.0 cm from the skin surface; (2) under direct laparoscopic visualization, the abdominal cavity was punctured and a guidewire inserted, followed by an 8.5 Fr sheath, through which a catheter with three trimmed side holes was placed after removal of the sheath; (3) the catheter length in the abdominal cavity was adjusted to 25–30 cm and the catheter trimmed, and connected to the port base, ensuring it extended beyond the connector's visible hole; (4) the whole port was placed within the subcutaneous pocket, and non-absorbable sutures used to create a double purse-string suture at the catheter's abdominal entry, forming an anti-reflux ring; (5) non-absorbable sutures were used to securely fix the port to the fascia through its four base holes and the exposed catheter segments on the fascia sutured and buried; (6) patency was confirmed by injecting saline and followed by intermittent skin closure provided there was no bleeding; and (7) the catheter tip was positioned in the pelvic cavity under laparoscopic guidance. Postoperatively, the patients underwent normothermic intraperitoneal and systemic treatment. The port infusion protocol involved disinfecting the skin (>10 cm diameter) around the port, confirming the puncture site, inserting a Huber needle vertically at 90° to the port base, infusing 100 mL saline to ensure patency, followed by continuous infusion of 1000 mL paclitaxel solution, and sealing with 20 mL saline before removing the needle. No saline flushing was required between chemotherapy infusions. The primary outcomes were the incidence and management of complications post-port implantation.Results:The study cohort comprised 225 patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases. Using standardized port implantation and postoperative puncture procedures, the complication rate during follow-up was 14.2% (32/225), including effusion in 14 patients (6.2%), port infection in 10 (4.4%), incision dehiscence in four (1.8%), port inversion in two (0.9%), hematoma in one (0.4%), and catheter rupture in one (0.4%). Seventy-five percent (24/32) of patients with complications recovered and continued using the port after conservative treatments (e. g., aspiration of effusions, antibiotic therapy, incision management), whereas the remaining 25.0% (8/32) with complications required surgical removal of the port because the treatment was ineffective. The presence of preoperative ascites ( P=0.019) and peritoneal cancer index score>15 ( P=0.038) were significantly associated with development of complications. Conclusions:Our standardized procedure for intraperitoneal chemotherapy port implantation is safe and feasible for patients with gastric cancer and peritoneal metastases, having a low overall complication rate. Most complications can be successfully managed with conservative treatment, the device thus providing reliable support for intraperitoneal chemotherapy.