In recent years, growing evidence indicates that the nervous system plays an indispensable role in tumor development and metastasis. Elucidating crosstalk between the nervous system and tumor progression has thrived as a hot topic and a new direction for understanding cancer pathogenesis. Notably, many novel discoveries have suggested that neurotransmitter receptors (NRs) are not only widely expressed in cancer cells, but also play key roles in regulating cancer initiation and progression by diverse approaches. In this review, we summarized the latest advance in cancer neuroscience, especially emphasizing the important roles of different NRs in cancer development and prevention. The exemplary studies presented herein illustrate the emerging view that NRs are profoundly influential, manifested in tumor growth, apoptosis, angiogenesis, metastasis, resistance to drugs, and participate in the formation of neural-cancer interactions. In addition, NRs also regulate cellular metabolic processes and tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling. More importantly, numerous basic and clinical studies have suggested that NRs may be potential targets for cancer treatments, and corresponding agonists or antagonists have been identified effectively in controlling tumor growth and metastasis. In conclusion, NRs are emerging as novel targets for anti-cancer drug exploration and clinical cancer treatments, while trying to uncover deeper mechanisms and connections between NRs and cancer is of high clinical significance and translational value.
Humans ; Neoplasms/metabolism* ; Receptors, Neurotransmitter/physiology* ; Animals ; Tumor Microenvironment/physiology*

OBJECTIVES: To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application. Methods and. RESULTS: Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion, and consensus was reached following expert consultation. The consensus recommendations are comprehensive, covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation, surgical operation process, postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning. The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain, reduced the use of opioid drugs, and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients. Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications. CONCLUSIONS The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy. The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.
Humans ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Cancer Pain/therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Drug Delivery Systems ; Pain Management/methods* ; China

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative sliding CT assisted deep brain stimulation of subthalaminal nucleus (STN-DBS) in short-term motor improvement and its influencing factors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) under general anesthesia.Methods:The cohort consisted of 48 PD patients accepted STN-DBS in Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2021 to June 2023, including 21 patients accepted STN-DBS under general anesthesia and 27 patients accepted STN-DBS under local anesthesia. STN-DBS was performed in the CT operating room and intraoperative CT was used to confirm the electrode position. Regular program-controlled follow-up for over one year in Out-patient Clinic was applied after discharge. Operation time, complications, stimulus-related adverse events, unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS)-Ⅲ score and UPDRS-Ⅲ improvement rate at medicine-off (Med-off) stage/DBS-on stage 1 year after operation, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score and UPDRS-Ⅲ improvement rate at medicine-on (Med-on) stage/DBS-on stage 1 year after operation, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) and LEDD reduction were compared between the two groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis or Pearson correlation analysis were used to investigate the correlation between short-term motor improvement ([UPDRS-Ⅲ score at Med-off stage before operation-UPDRS-Ⅲ score at Med-off stage/DBS-on stage 1 year after operation]/UPDRS-Ⅲ score at Med-off stage before operation×100%) and clinical data in PD after STN-DBS under general anesthesia.Results:The operation time of general anesthesia group was (1.9±0.5) h, and that of local anesthesia group was (2.6±0.8) h, with significant difference ( P<0.05). During the 1-year follow-up, no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions, UPDRS-Ⅲ score improvement rate at Med-on and Med-off stages, LEDD and LEDD reduction was noted between the two groups ( P>0.05). In the general anesthesia group, the short-term motor improvement after STN-DBS was negatively correlated with age or gender ( P>0.05), but positively correlated with maximum improvement rate of preoperative UPDRS-Ⅲ score ( r=0.840, P<0.001). Conclusion:For patients who cannot tolerate local anesthesia, DBS under general anesthesia is also safe and effective.

Objective To explore the efficacy of DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy for management of cancer pain and provide reference for its standardized clinical application.Methods and Results Recommendations were formulated based on literature review and expert group discussion,and consensus was reached following expert consultation.The consensus recommendations are comprehensive,covering the entire treatment procedures from preoperative assessment and preparation,surgical operation process,postoperative management and traditional Chinese medicine treatment to individualized treatment planning.The study results showed that the treatment plans combining traditional Chinese with Western medicine effectively alleviated cancer pain,reduced the use of opioid drugs,and significantly improved the quality of life and enhanced immune function of the patients.Postoperative follow-up suggested good treatment tolerance among the patients without serious complications.Conclusion The formulated consensus is comprehensive and can provide reference for clinicians to use DSA-guided intrathecal drug delivery system combined with Zi Wu Liu Zhu Acupoint Therapy.The combined treatment has a high clinical value with a good safety profile for management of cancer pain.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of intraoperative sliding CT assisted deep brain stimulation of subthalaminal nucleus (STN-DBS) in short-term motor improvement and its influencing factors in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD) under general anesthesia.Methods:The cohort consisted of 48 PD patients accepted STN-DBS in Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from June 2021 to June 2023, including 21 patients accepted STN-DBS under general anesthesia and 27 patients accepted STN-DBS under local anesthesia. STN-DBS was performed in the CT operating room and intraoperative CT was used to confirm the electrode position. Regular program-controlled follow-up for over one year in Out-patient Clinic was applied after discharge. Operation time, complications, stimulus-related adverse events, unified Parkinson's disease rating scale (UPDRS)-Ⅲ score and UPDRS-Ⅲ improvement rate at medicine-off (Med-off) stage/DBS-on stage 1 year after operation, and UPDRS-Ⅲ score and UPDRS-Ⅲ improvement rate at medicine-on (Med-on) stage/DBS-on stage 1 year after operation, and levodopa equivalent daily dose (LEDD) and LEDD reduction were compared between the two groups. Spearman rank correlation analysis or Pearson correlation analysis were used to investigate the correlation between short-term motor improvement ([UPDRS-Ⅲ score at Med-off stage before operation-UPDRS-Ⅲ score at Med-off stage/DBS-on stage 1 year after operation]/UPDRS-Ⅲ score at Med-off stage before operation×100%) and clinical data in PD after STN-DBS under general anesthesia.Results:The operation time of general anesthesia group was (1.9±0.5) h, and that of local anesthesia group was (2.6±0.8) h, with significant difference ( P<0.05). During the 1-year follow-up, no significant difference in incidence of adverse reactions, UPDRS-Ⅲ score improvement rate at Med-on and Med-off stages, LEDD and LEDD reduction was noted between the two groups ( P>0.05). In the general anesthesia group, the short-term motor improvement after STN-DBS was negatively correlated with age or gender ( P>0.05), but positively correlated with maximum improvement rate of preoperative UPDRS-Ⅲ score ( r=0.840, P<0.001). Conclusion:For patients who cannot tolerate local anesthesia, DBS under general anesthesia is also safe and effective.

Objective To analyze the interventional effect of high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (HFNC) therapy in patients with stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) combined with hypercapnia. Methods A total of 45 patients with stable COPD complicating with hypercapnia who require long-term oxygen therapy were selected as study subjects. They were divided into three groups based on different respiratory support modes: long-term home oxygen therapy (LTOT) group, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) group, and HFNC group, with 15 patients in each group. The general condition, blood gas index, lung function index, respiratory status, quality of life, and walking test results of the three groups were compared after discharge. Results During the follow-up period, the number of admission and acute exacerbation in the HFNC group and NIV group was lower than that in the LTOT group (P < 0.05). At 6 and 12 months after discharge, the arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide [p_a(CO₂)] in the three groups was lower than before discharge, while the arterial partial pressure of oxygen[p_a(O₂)], pulse oxygen saturation (SpO₂), forced vital capacity (FVC), and forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV₁) were higher than before discharge. Moreover, the changes in the above indicators in the HFNC group were greater than those in the NIV group and LTOT group (P < 0.05). At 1-, 3-, 6-, and 12-month after discharge, the scores of dyspnea scale of the modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) and the St. George′s Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ) in the three groups gradually decreased, and the 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) gradually increased. Additionally, the changesin the above indicators in the HFNC group were greater than those in the NIV group and LTOT group (P < 0.05). Conclusion HFNC can effectively alleviate dyspnea symptoms, improve lung function, promote the recovery of blood gas indicators, enhance quality of life and exercise tolerance, and reduce re-hospitalization rates in patients with stable COPD combined with hypercapnia.

BACKGROUND:Although traditional screw fixation has been successful in treating ankle fractures,rigid fixation solutions tend to restrict ankle movement and delay fracture healing,whereas elastic fixation is more compatible with human mechanics and has unique advantages in patients with ankle fractures. OBJECTIVE:To compare the clinical effectiveness of elastic fixation and absolute fixation in repairing ankle fractures in the elderly with lower tibiofibular instability. METHODS:The clinical data of 108 elderly ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in Hengshui People's Hospital from August 2019 to August 2021 were retrospectively collected.They were divided into screw group and elastic fixation group(n=54 per group)according to the surgical protocol,and traditional screw internal fixation and elastic internal fixation were performed respectively.The perioperative indicators,surgical results,economic benefits,and American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores were collected and compared between the two groups.Serum tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-8 levels,ankle cavity width,depth,and lower tibiofibular space were compared before and after surgery. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The full weight-bearing time was shorter in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group;the operating angle was greater in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group,and the complication rate was lower in the elastic fixation group than that in the screw group(P<0.05).(2)Serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-8 levels in the elastic fixation group were lower than those in the screw group 3 days after surgery(P<0.05).(3)American orthopedic foot and ankle society scores in the two groups were higher than those before surgery at 6 and 12 months after surgery,and the depth and width of the inferior tibiofibular space and ankle cavity were lower than those before surgery(P<0.05);but no significant difference was detected between the two groups(P>0.05).(4)There was no significant difference in the excellent and good rate between the two groups at 12 months after surgery(P>0.05).(5)There was no significant difference in the comparison of direct non-medical costs,direct medical costs,and total costs between the two groups(P>0.05).(6)It is indicated that elastic fixation for the repair of ankle fractures with lower tibiofibular instability in the elderly can obtain effective outcomes,which can shorten the time of complete weight-bearing,diminish complications,and alleviate inflammatory stress.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical value of intraoperative sliding CT in deep brain stimulation (DBS) for Parkinson's disease (PD).Methods:A total of 117 PD patients accepted DBS in Department of Neurosurgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from May 2019 to May 2023 were chosen; 46 patients had local anesthesia and 71 had general anesthesia. Bilateral subthalamic nucleus (STN) DBS was performed in 73 patients, bilateral medial globus pallidus (GPi) DBS was performed in 43 patients, and right GPi and left STN DBS was performed in 1 patient. Preoperative/intraoperative sliding CT images and preoperative MRI images were fused to calculate the spatial distance between the preoperative planned target and actual target (adjusting electrode position timely in case of spatial distance greater than 2 mm [electrode displacement]). Differences of spatial distance between preoperative planned target and actual target in patients accepted different types of anesthesia and surgical modalities were compared.Results:All 117 patients were successfully operated and 234 electrodes were implanted. No patients needed a second operation for misalignment of electrodes or poor efficacy. During CT scan, neither anesthesia extubation or mechanical collision nor intracranial hemorrhage complications occurred. Spatial distance between the preoperative planned target and actual target was (1.35±0.50) mm in 117 patients. Displacement was noted in 4 electrodes and immediately adjusted during the operation; and CT re-examination confirmed good electrode position. No statistical significance in spatial distance between the preoperative planned target and actual target was noted between the general anesthesia group and local anesthesia group, and between the STN group and GPi group ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Intraoperative sliding CT is simple, safe and effective, which helps to timely adjust the electrode position during operation, avoids second operation and complications, and improves the safety and efficacy of DBS.

Objective:To investigate the safety and clinical effect of single-stage separation of 4-finger with contiguous gull wing flaps and preserving the dorsal metacarpal vein in Poland syndrome.Methods:From June 2013 to January 2018, 17 children with Poland syndrome were treated by contiguous gull wing flaps. Postoperative follow-up was conducted to observe the incidence of skin flap necrosis and finger vascular crisis. Morphology of the fingers web was evaluated by modified Withey score and Swanson hand function score. Paired t-test was used for intra group comparison. Results:The operation was successfully completed and there were no early complications such as vascular crisis and skin necrosis. All patients were followed up for 12-41 months, with an average of 23.1 months. All patients had a reconstruction depth of digital webbed at nearly 1/3 of the proximal phalanx. Both the appearance and function were satisfactory without conspicuous scar. The depth, width and slope of the webbed are normal without conspicuous scar. Withey score was 0-1, with an average score of 0.17. There was significant differences of Swanson hand function score between preoperative(16.3±1.4)% and postoperative(3.6±1.3)%( t=16.469, P<0.01). Conclusions:It is safe to treat the syndactyly deformity of Poland syndrome with single-stage separation of 4-finger with contiguous gull wing flaps and preserving the dorsal metacarpal vein. The clinical efficacy is reliable.

Objective:To investigate the safety and clinical effect of single-stage separation of 4-finger with contiguous gull wing flaps and preserving the dorsal metacarpal vein in Poland syndrome.Methods:From June 2013 to January 2018, 17 children with Poland syndrome were treated by contiguous gull wing flaps. Postoperative follow-up was conducted to observe the incidence of skin flap necrosis and finger vascular crisis. Morphology of the fingers web was evaluated by modified Withey score and Swanson hand function score. Paired t-test was used for intra group comparison. Results:The operation was successfully completed and there were no early complications such as vascular crisis and skin necrosis. All patients were followed up for 12-41 months, with an average of 23.1 months. All patients had a reconstruction depth of digital webbed at nearly 1/3 of the proximal phalanx. Both the appearance and function were satisfactory without conspicuous scar. The depth, width and slope of the webbed are normal without conspicuous scar. Withey score was 0-1, with an average score of 0.17. There was significant differences of Swanson hand function score between preoperative(16.3±1.4)% and postoperative(3.6±1.3)%( t=16.469, P<0.01). Conclusions:It is safe to treat the syndactyly deformity of Poland syndrome with single-stage separation of 4-finger with contiguous gull wing flaps and preserving the dorsal metacarpal vein. The clinical efficacy is reliable.