Undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma of the prostate is clinically rare. This article reports a case of a 29-year-old male who presented on February 7，2022，with a two-week history of localized pain in the perineal area and spermatic cord. The diagnosis of prostatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma was confirmed by imaging studies and prostate needle biopsy pathology. After consultation by the urologic oncology multidisciplinary team and considering the patient's preference，a treatment plan of radical radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy，immunotherapy，and targeted therapy was adopted，Partial stereotactic body radiotherapy（P-SBRT）was delivered to the tumor center with a total dose of 74.4 Gy，combined with cisplatin and pembrolizumab. Lung metastasis progression occurred 1.5 months after radiotherapy，and treatment was switched to a combination of pirarubicin，ifosfamide，pembrolizumab，and bevacizumab. After 39 months of follow-up，the disease remained well-controlled with preserved organ function and long-term survival. This case，utilizing a multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment model，provides a reference for organ-preserving non-surgical management in patients with prostate soft tissue sarcoma.

BACKGROUND: The main cause of restenosis after percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) is the excessive proliferation and migration of vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Lin28a has been reported to play critical regulatory roles in this process. However, whether CCAAT/enhancer-binding proteins β (C/EBPβ) binds to the Lin28a promoter and drives the progression of restenosis has not been clarified. Therefore, in the present study, we aim to clarify the role of C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis in restenosis. METHODS: Restenosis and atherosclerosis rat models of type 2 diabetes ( n   =  20, for each group) were established by subjecting to PTA. Subsequently, the difference in DNA methylation status and expression of C/EBPβ between the two groups were assessed. EdU, Transwell, and rescue assays were performed to assess the effect of C/EBPβ on the proliferation and migration of VSMCs. DNA methylation status was further assessed using Methyltarget sequencing. The interaction between Lin28a and ten-eleven translocation 1 (TET1) was analysed using co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assay. Student's t -test and one-way analysis of variance were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: C/EBPβ expression was upregulated and accompanied by hypomethylation of its promoter in restenosis when compared with atherosclerosis. In vitroC/EBPβ overexpression facilitated the proliferation and migration of VSMCs and was associated with increased Lin28a expression. Conversely, C/EBPβ knockdown resulted in the opposite effects. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated that C/EBPβ could directly bind to Lin28a promoter. Increased C/EBPβ expression and enhanced proliferation and migration of VSMCs were observed after decitabine treatment. Further, mechanical stretch promoted C/EBPβ and Lin28a expression accompanied by C/EBPβ hypomethylation. Additionally, Lin28a overexpression reduced C/EBPβ methylation via recruiting TET1 and enhanced C/EBPβ-mediated proliferation and migration of VSMCs. The opposite was noted in Lin28a knockdown cells. CONCLUSION Our findings suggest that the C/EBPβ-Lin28a axis is a driver of restenosis progression, and presents a promising therapeutic target for restenosis.
Animals ; Cell Proliferation/genetics* ; Cell Movement/genetics* ; Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism* ; Rats ; DNA Methylation/physiology* ; CCAAT-Enhancer-Binding Protein-beta/genetics* ; Male ; Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/cytology* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; RNA-Binding Proteins/genetics* ; Cells, Cultured ; Coronary Restenosis/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of phloroglucinol combined with ballon dilation in promoting cervical ripening and shortening labor duration in full-term primiparas and its effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 full-term primiparas who delivered at the First People's Hospital of Longnan from January 2022 to December 2023. The subjects were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 30/group) using the random number table method. The control group underwent ballon dilation for cervical ripening, while the observation group received intravenous injection of 80 mg phloroglucinol in addition to ballon dilation. Cervical ripening effect, labor duration, delivery mode, and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in both groups. Results:The score of cervical ripening in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(8.31 ± 0.93) vs. (7.83 ± 0.85), t = 2.09, P = 0.041]. The duration of the first stage of labor, the duration of the second stage of labor, and the total duration of labor were (482.7 ± 18.2) minutes, (38.3 ± 10.7) minutes, and (526.6 ± 21.2) minutes, respectively. All these durations were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(521.3 ± 16.4) minutes, (45.7 ± 8.3) minutes, (573.4 ± 18.5) minutes, t = 2.62, 4.32, 12.80, all P<0.05]. The amount of postpartum bleeding in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(322.5 ± 21.2) mL vs. (341.9 ± 32.5) mL, t = -3.87, P<0.001]. There were no statistically significant differences in the Apgar scores and neonatal behavioral neurological assessment scores between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusions:The use of phloroglucinol combined with ballon dilation can effectively promote cervical ripening in full-term primiparas, shorten labor duration, improve induction success rates, and reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, this combined treatment significantly enhances maternal and neonatal outcomes while demonstrating high safety.

Objective:To study the relationship between serum levels of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), immune factors, and prognosis in patients with uterine fibroids.Methods:A case-control study was conducted involving 93 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy at The First People's Hospital of Longnan City between June 2021 and June 2023. These patients constituted the study group. Additionally, 104 healthy women undergoing routine health check-ups during the same period were selected as the control group. Based on the prognosis of the patients in the study group, they were further divided into two subgroups: a good prognosis group ( n = 42) and a poor prognosis group ( n = 46). The correlations among serum levels of Ang-2, IGF-1, immune factors, and prognosis were analyzed in the study group compared to the control group, as well as between the good prognosis and poor prognosis groups. Results:Four cases from the control group and five cases from the study group were excluded from the analysis. In the study group, serum levels of Ang-2 and IGF-1 were found to be (303.18 ± 42.39) mg/L and (1377.11 ± 84.78) mg/L, respectively. Both levels were significantly higher than those in the control group [(231.25 ± 34.18) mg/L, (438.09 ± 52.15) mg/L, t = 12.87, 19.63, both P < 0.001]. Additionally, CD 8+ levels in the study group were higher than those in the control group ( t = -15.79, P < 0.001). Conversely, CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels were lower in the study group compared to the control group ( t = 7.92, 8.41, 5.21, all P < 0.001). In the poor prognosis group, the levels of Ang-2 and IGF-1 were (335.16 ± 42.67) mg/L and (1406.18 ± 83.77) mg/L, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those in the good prognosis group [(284.63 ± 36.19) mg/L, (434.91 ± 53.28) mg/L, t = 5.96, 64.1, both P < 0.001]. The CD 8+ levels in the poor prognosis group were also higher than those in the good prognosis group ( t = -10.27, P < 0.001), while CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels were lower in the poor prognosis group ( t = 5.31, 7.03, 3.15, all P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that Ang-2 was negatively correlated with CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels ( r = -0.623, -0.578, -0.662). In contrast, Ang-2 was positively correlated with CD 8+ levels, a history of uterine fibroids, the number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the duration of breastfeeding ( r = 0.593, 0.452, 0.446, 0.419, 0.422). IGF-1 levels were also negatively correlated with CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels ( r = -0.720, -0.751, -0.712), while positively correlated with CD 8+, a history of uterine fibroids, the number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the duration of breastfeeding ( r = 0.631, 0.503, 0.444, 0.501, 0.451). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a family history of uterine fibroids, the number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the duration of breastfeeding were all significant risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with uterine fibroids (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Patients with uterine fibroids have higher levels of Ang-2, IGF-1 and CD 8+, while the levels of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ are lower. Additionally, the expression levels of Ang-2 and IGF-1 are associated with the patients' immune factors and prognosis.

Objective:This article introduces a novel technique for totally laparoscopic, right thoracic approach, esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who successfully underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic approach at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between February 2022 and March 2022.The surgical procedure was performed as follows:(1)Following total laparoscopic resection of the gastric tumor and lymph node dissection, the specimen was transected distal to the tumor margin. The specimen was then placed into a retrieval bag and extracted through the umbilical observation port.(2)Dissection was continued through the esophageal hiatus to mobilize the esophagus. The tumor-bearing tissue, along with the esophagus, was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus.(3)The jejunum was transected 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The distal Jejunum was mobilized for 15-20 cm and subsequently delivered into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus.(4)A Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was constructed 45-50 cm distal to the cut end of the distal jejunal limb; the mesenteric defect was closed, and the duodenal stump was reinforced.(5)The patient was repositioned into the left lateral decubitus position. Port placement was established as follows: the observation port at the 7th intercostal space (ICS) in the right midaxillary line, the main operating port at the 4th ICS in the anterior axillary line, and the assistant operating port at the 9th ICS in the scapular line.(6)The main operating port incision was enlarged. Using a purse-string instrument, the esophagus was clamped and transected at least 5 cm proximal to the upper tumor margin, and the specimen was removed. (7)The distal jejunum was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus. Under total laparoscopic visualization, esophagojejunostomy was completed.Results:Both patients who underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic cavity successfully completed the procedure without conversion to laparotomy, unplanned reoperation, or any intraoperative/postoperative complications. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no evidence of abdominal or thoracic hemorrhage. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen confirmed the absence of anastomotic leakage or other related complications.Conclusions:The esophagojejunostomy was performed totally laparoscopically via the right thoracic cavity. This approach overcomes the drawback of significant trauma associated with open surgery while ensuring safe esophageal resection margins and thorough lymph node dissection. This technique offers advantages including minimal invasiveness, accelerated postoperative recovery, and a reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis. To our knowledge, no similar method of digestive tract reconstruction has been reported in the literature. Its novelty and clinical potential may offer new therapeutic options for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

Objective:This article introduces a novel technique for totally laparoscopic, right thoracic approach, esophagojejunostomy for digestive tract reconstruction.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of patients with adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction who successfully underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic approach at Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, between February 2022 and March 2022.The surgical procedure was performed as follows:(1)Following total laparoscopic resection of the gastric tumor and lymph node dissection, the specimen was transected distal to the tumor margin. The specimen was then placed into a retrieval bag and extracted through the umbilical observation port.(2)Dissection was continued through the esophageal hiatus to mobilize the esophagus. The tumor-bearing tissue, along with the esophagus, was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus.(3)The jejunum was transected 20 cm distal to the ligament of Treitz. The distal Jejunum was mobilized for 15-20 cm and subsequently delivered into the thoracic cavity through the esophageal hiatus.(4)A Roux-en-Y jejunojejunostomy was constructed 45-50 cm distal to the cut end of the distal jejunal limb; the mesenteric defect was closed, and the duodenal stump was reinforced.(5)The patient was repositioned into the left lateral decubitus position. Port placement was established as follows: the observation port at the 7th intercostal space (ICS) in the right midaxillary line, the main operating port at the 4th ICS in the anterior axillary line, and the assistant operating port at the 9th ICS in the scapular line.(6)The main operating port incision was enlarged. Using a purse-string instrument, the esophagus was clamped and transected at least 5 cm proximal to the upper tumor margin, and the specimen was removed. (7)The distal jejunum was delivered into the thoracic cavity via the esophageal hiatus. Under total laparoscopic visualization, esophagojejunostomy was completed.Results:Both patients who underwent totally laparoscopic esophagojejunostomy via the right thoracic cavity successfully completed the procedure without conversion to laparotomy, unplanned reoperation, or any intraoperative/postoperative complications. The patients recovered well postoperatively, with no evidence of abdominal or thoracic hemorrhage. Postoperative computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest and abdomen confirmed the absence of anastomotic leakage or other related complications.Conclusions:The esophagojejunostomy was performed totally laparoscopically via the right thoracic cavity. This approach overcomes the drawback of significant trauma associated with open surgery while ensuring safe esophageal resection margins and thorough lymph node dissection. This technique offers advantages including minimal invasiveness, accelerated postoperative recovery, and a reduced incidence of reflux esophagitis. To our knowledge, no similar method of digestive tract reconstruction has been reported in the literature. Its novelty and clinical potential may offer new therapeutic options for patients with Siewert type II adenocarcinoma of the esophagogastric junction (AEG).

Undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma of the prostate is clinically rare. This article reports a case of a 29-year-old male who presented on February 7，2022，with a two-week history of localized pain in the perineal area and spermatic cord. The diagnosis of prostatic undifferentiated spindle cell sarcoma was confirmed by imaging studies and prostate needle biopsy pathology. After consultation by the urologic oncology multidisciplinary team and considering the patient's preference，a treatment plan of radical radiotherapy combined with chemotherapy，immunotherapy，and targeted therapy was adopted，Partial stereotactic body radiotherapy（P-SBRT）was delivered to the tumor center with a total dose of 74.4 Gy，combined with cisplatin and pembrolizumab. Lung metastasis progression occurred 1.5 months after radiotherapy，and treatment was switched to a combination of pirarubicin，ifosfamide，pembrolizumab，and bevacizumab. After 39 months of follow-up，the disease remained well-controlled with preserved organ function and long-term survival. This case，utilizing a multidisciplinary comprehensive diagnosis and treatment model，provides a reference for organ-preserving non-surgical management in patients with prostate soft tissue sarcoma.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy of phloroglucinol combined with ballon dilation in promoting cervical ripening and shortening labor duration in full-term primiparas and its effects on maternal and neonatal outcomes.Methods:A randomized controlled study was conducted on 60 full-term primiparas who delivered at the First People's Hospital of Longnan from January 2022 to December 2023. The subjects were randomly divided into a control group and an observation group ( n = 30/group) using the random number table method. The control group underwent ballon dilation for cervical ripening, while the observation group received intravenous injection of 80 mg phloroglucinol in addition to ballon dilation. Cervical ripening effect, labor duration, delivery mode, and the incidence of adverse pregnancy outcomes were observed in both groups. Results:The score of cervical ripening in the observation group was significantly higher than that in the control group [(8.31 ± 0.93) vs. (7.83 ± 0.85), t = 2.09, P = 0.041]. The duration of the first stage of labor, the duration of the second stage of labor, and the total duration of labor were (482.7 ± 18.2) minutes, (38.3 ± 10.7) minutes, and (526.6 ± 21.2) minutes, respectively. All these durations were significantly shorter than those in the control group [(521.3 ± 16.4) minutes, (45.7 ± 8.3) minutes, (573.4 ± 18.5) minutes, t = 2.62, 4.32, 12.80, all P<0.05]. The amount of postpartum bleeding in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group [(322.5 ± 21.2) mL vs. (341.9 ± 32.5) mL, t = -3.87, P<0.001]. There were no statistically significant differences in the Apgar scores and neonatal behavioral neurological assessment scores between the two groups (both P>0.05). Conclusions:The use of phloroglucinol combined with ballon dilation can effectively promote cervical ripening in full-term primiparas, shorten labor duration, improve induction success rates, and reduce postpartum hemorrhage. Therefore, this combined treatment significantly enhances maternal and neonatal outcomes while demonstrating high safety.

Objective:To study the relationship between serum levels of angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), immune factors, and prognosis in patients with uterine fibroids.Methods:A case-control study was conducted involving 93 patients with uterine fibroids who underwent laparoscopic myomectomy at The First People's Hospital of Longnan City between June 2021 and June 2023. These patients constituted the study group. Additionally, 104 healthy women undergoing routine health check-ups during the same period were selected as the control group. Based on the prognosis of the patients in the study group, they were further divided into two subgroups: a good prognosis group ( n = 42) and a poor prognosis group ( n = 46). The correlations among serum levels of Ang-2, IGF-1, immune factors, and prognosis were analyzed in the study group compared to the control group, as well as between the good prognosis and poor prognosis groups. Results:Four cases from the control group and five cases from the study group were excluded from the analysis. In the study group, serum levels of Ang-2 and IGF-1 were found to be (303.18 ± 42.39) mg/L and (1377.11 ± 84.78) mg/L, respectively. Both levels were significantly higher than those in the control group [(231.25 ± 34.18) mg/L, (438.09 ± 52.15) mg/L, t = 12.87, 19.63, both P < 0.001]. Additionally, CD 8+ levels in the study group were higher than those in the control group ( t = -15.79, P < 0.001). Conversely, CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels were lower in the study group compared to the control group ( t = 7.92, 8.41, 5.21, all P < 0.001). In the poor prognosis group, the levels of Ang-2 and IGF-1 were (335.16 ± 42.67) mg/L and (1406.18 ± 83.77) mg/L, respectively, both of which were significantly higher than those in the good prognosis group [(284.63 ± 36.19) mg/L, (434.91 ± 53.28) mg/L, t = 5.96, 64.1, both P < 0.001]. The CD 8+ levels in the poor prognosis group were also higher than those in the good prognosis group ( t = -10.27, P < 0.001), while CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels were lower in the poor prognosis group ( t = 5.31, 7.03, 3.15, all P < 0.001). Correlation analysis revealed that Ang-2 was negatively correlated with CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels ( r = -0.623, -0.578, -0.662). In contrast, Ang-2 was positively correlated with CD 8+ levels, a history of uterine fibroids, the number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the duration of breastfeeding ( r = 0.593, 0.452, 0.446, 0.419, 0.422). IGF-1 levels were also negatively correlated with CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ levels ( r = -0.720, -0.751, -0.712), while positively correlated with CD 8+, a history of uterine fibroids, the number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the duration of breastfeeding ( r = 0.631, 0.503, 0.444, 0.501, 0.451). Furthermore, multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that a family history of uterine fibroids, the number of fibroids, a history of miscarriage, and the duration of breastfeeding were all significant risk factors affecting the prognosis of patients with uterine fibroids (all P < 0.05). Conclusions:Patients with uterine fibroids have higher levels of Ang-2, IGF-1 and CD 8+, while the levels of CD 3+, CD 4+, and CD 4+/CD 8+ are lower. Additionally, the expression levels of Ang-2 and IGF-1 are associated with the patients' immune factors and prognosis.

OBJECTIVES: Digital subtraction angiography (DSA) is the current gold standard for diagnosing spinal dural arteriovenous fistulas (SDAVF). However, DSA is invasive and associated with risks such as ionizing radiation and iodine contrast allergy. Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (CE-MRA) with high temporal/high spatial resolution allows dynamic multiphase contrast-enhanced imaging with excellent detail. This study aims to evaluate the diagnostic value of spinal CE-MRA with high temporal/high spatial resolution for SDAVF. METHODS: Clinical data were retrospectively collected from patients who underwent both conventional spinal MRI and high temporal/high spatial resolution CE-MRA at Xiangya Hospital between January 1, 2021, and January 1, 2024, and who subsequently underwent DSA or surgery within 90 days. Two experienced radiologists independently reviewed all conventional MRI and CE-MRA images. The sensitivity and specificity of conventional MRI and CE-MRA for diagnosing SDAVF were calculated against the gold standard DSA findings. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate the consistency of MRI and CE-MRA compared to DSA. The diagnostic value was further assessed by calculating the area under curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC). RESULTS: A total of 60 patients were included, of whom 47 were diagnosed with SDAVF and 13 were not. Conventional MRI had 3 false negatives and 1 false positive; CE-MRA had 2 false positives and 0 false negative. The sensitivity and specificity of conventional MRI were 93.62% and 92.31%, respectively. CE-MRA demonstrated 100% sensitivity and 84.62% specificity. The main cause of false positives was the misidentification of posterior spinal arteries as feeding arteries. CE-MRA clearly displayed most feeding arteries, and the accuracy of fistula localization was 74.47% (35/47). Kappa values for conventional MRI and CE-MRA were 0.814 and 0.896, respectively (both P<0.001), indicating good agreement, with CE-MRA outperforming conventional MRI. The AUCs for diagnosing SDAVF were 0.930 for conventional MRI and 0.923 for CE-MRA (both P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Spinal CE-MRA with high temporal/high spatial resolution is a reliable, non-invasive imaging technique with high sensitivity for diagnosing SDAVF. It can clearly visualize feeding arteries and provides valuable preoperative diagnostic and localization information to support DSA or surgical planning.
Humans ; Central Nervous System Vascular Malformations/diagnosis* ; Male ; Female ; Retrospective Studies ; Middle Aged ; Magnetic Resonance Angiography/methods* ; Angiography, Digital Subtraction/methods* ; Aged ; Adult ; Sensitivity and Specificity ; Contrast Media ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods*