Objective To discuss the clinical value of preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio(NLR)and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(PLR)in predicting the prognosis of patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)after receiving transcatheter arterial chemoembolization(TACE)combined with micro wave ablation(MWA).Methods The clinical data of 110 patients with unresectable HCC,who received TACE with sequential MWA at the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University of China from March 2018 to March 2022,were retrospectively analyzed.The median NLR and PLR values were used as the cut-off values.Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the differences in the baseline characteristics between the high NLR/PLR group and low NLR/PLR group.Overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)curves were plotted by using Kaplan-Meier method,which were compared by using log-rank test.Univariate Cox proportional hazards regression model was adopted to determine the factors associated with OS and PFS.Multivariate analysis of the variables,which had a P＜0.05 in the univariate analysis,was performed.Results The median NLR and PLR were 2.05 and 90 respectively.Compared with the high NLR/PLR group,in the low NLR/PLR group the OS was obviously better[1 100 days(95％CI=1 047.7-1 153.7)vs 683 days(95％CI=552.5-814.8);1 076 days(95％CI=996.4-1 156.2)vs 721 days(95％CI=583.0-859.8)](all P＜0.01),and the PFS was longer[720 days(95％CI=361.6-1 078.4)vs 298 days(95％CI=47.0-205.8);545 days(95％CI=292.3-797.7)vs 270 days(95％CI=213.5-326.5)](all P＜0.05).High NLR(HR=2.193,95％CI=1.358-3.541,P=0.001;HR=37.883,95％CI=4.83-296.760,P=0.001)and high PLR(HR=2.117,95％CI=1.306-3.434,P=0.002;HR=6.547,95％CI=2.367-18.113,P＜0.01)were the predictors of poor PFS and OS.Conclusion The preoperative NLR and PLR have a good predictive value for the therapeutic effect of TACE with sequential MWA for HCC.

Objective To evaluate the clinical safety and effectiveness of intravascular stent combined with 125I seed strip implantation in the treatment of superior vena cava syndrome(SVCS)caused by malignant tumors.Methods The clinical data of 43 patients with SVCS,who were admitted to the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University of China from May 2017 to October 2022,were retrospective analyzed.Of the 43 patients,27 received intravascular stent combined with l25I seed strip implantation(observation group),and 16 received simple intravascular stent implantation(control group).The stent patency rate,clinical symptom relief rate,and survival time were compared between the two groups.Results Successful operation was accomplished in all the 43 patients.In the observation group,the postoperative 3-month stent patency rate and average survival time were 88.7％and 39.1 weeks respectively,which were significantly higher than 62.5％and 21.8 weeks respectively in the control group,the differences between the two groups were statistically significant(P=0.033 and P=0.035 respectively).After treatment,all the clinical symptoms were relieved.Conclusion For the treatment of SVCS,intravascular stent combined with 125I seed strip implantation is clinically safe and effective,it can be used as the preferred treatment option.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,33:632-635)

Objective To comparatively observe the incidence of complications and patency rate within 1 year after implantation of totally implantable venous access port(TIVAP)through internal jugular vein(IJV)between different locations of catheter tip.Methods Data of 2 104 patients with tumors who received TIVAP implantation through IJV were retrospectively analyzed.Patients who underwent TIVAP implantation through the right IJV(group R,n=1 903)were divided into R1(n=376,with catheter tip located at the upper right atrium,i.e.0.5 to 1.0 cm below the cavoatrial junction[CAJ])and R2 subgroups(n=1 527,with catheter tips located between the lower 1/3 of superior vena cava[SVC]and CAJ),while those who underwent TIVAP implantation through the left IJV(group L,n=201)were divided into L1(n=64)and L2 subgroups(n=137),respectively.Patients'basic information,incidence of complication and patency rate of catheter 1 year after TIVAP implantation were collected and compared between subgroups.Results No significant difference of gender,age,clinical diagnosis,tumor stage,nor of incidence of complication including pneumothorax/hemopneumothorax,local skin injury,TIVAP infection,catheter-associated thrombosis,drug extravasation,catheter displacement and arrhythmia was found between subgroups within group R nor L(all P＞0.05).One year after TIVAP implantation,no significant difference of catheter patency rates was found between subgroup R1(94.15%)and R2(93.78%)(χ2=0.069,P=0.793),nor between subgroup L1(98.44%)and L2(89.78%)(Yates'continuity correction χ2=3.563,P=0.059).Conclusion No significant difference of incidence of complications nor catheter patency rate within 1 year after implantation of TIVAP was found between catheter tip location at the upper right atrium or between the lower 1/3 of SVC and CAJ through the right or left IJC.

Objective To investigate the correlation between fatty infiltration(FI),relative cross-sectional area(rCSA)of the multifidus(MF),erector spinae(ES)and postoperative new symptomatic vertebral compression fractures(NSVCF)for osteoporotic lumbar vertebral compression fractures(OLVCF).Methods The clinical and imaging data of 157 patients with OLVCF treated by surgery were collected.They were divided into postoperative re-fracture group(24 cases)and postoperative non-fracture group(133 cases)according to the presence or absence of NSVCF during the follow-up period.The FI,rCSA of lumbar paravertebral muscles(MF and ES)in the two groups were measured and calculated using Image J software.Univariate difference analysis was performed to compare whether there were differences in gender,age,T value of bone mineral density(BMD),body mass index(BMI),FI and rCSA between the two groups.Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was used to determine the risk factors for NSVCF after surgery for OLVCF.Results Univariate difference analysis showed there were significant statistical differences in age(t=-2.596,P=0.010),T value of BMD(t=2.415,P=0.017)and FI(t=-5.006,P＜0.001)between the two groups.There were no significant statistical differences in gender(x2=0.528,P=0.468),BMI(t=1.354,P=0.178)and rCSA(t=-0.057,P=0.955).Multivariate binary logistic regression analysis showed there were significant statistical differences in FI(x2=15.560,P＜0.001),T value of BMD(x2-4.193,P=0.041)between the two groups.Conclusion The higher FI of lumbar paravertebral muscle and the lower T value of BMD of lumbar spine are the risk factors for postoperative NSVCF in patients with OLVCF.It is recommended that clinicians should pay attention to the functional exercise of lumbar dorsal muscles and the anti-osteoporosis therapy in the relevant patients.

Objective:To investigate the role of serum hepatitis B virus RNA (HBV RNA) in predicting HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B.Methods:175 children aged 1~17 years with chronic hepatitis B who received interferon α (IFNα) for 48 weeks were selected. Patients were divided into HBeAg seroconversion and non-conversion based on whether HBeAg seroconversion occurred at 48 weeks of treatment.T-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to compare between groups; chisquare test or Fisher exact probability method was used to compare the frequency between groups of classified variables; and Pearson correlation was used to analyze the correlation between indicators. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to identify influencing factors associated with HBeAg serological conversion. The predictive effect of HBV RNA, HBV DNA, and HBsAg on HBeAg serological conversion was compared and analyzed by the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC).Results:The seroconversion rate of HBeAg at 48 weeks was 36.0% (63/175). The reduction in HBVRNA levels from baseline to the 12th, 24th, 36th, and 48th weeks of antiviral therapy was significantly greater in the HBeAg serological conversion group than that in the non-conversion group, and the difference was statistically significant between the two groups (P < 0.05). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses showed that age and a decline in HBV RNA levels at week 12 were independent predictors of HBeAg serological conversion. The area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of HBV RNA decline at week 12 was 0.677(95% CI∶0.549-0.806, P = 0.012), which was significantly better than the same period of AUROC of HBV DNA (0.657, 95% CI∶0.527-0.788, P = 0.025) and HBsAg (0.660, 95% CI∶0.526-0.795, P = 0.023) decline. HBV RNA levels decreased (>1.385 log10 copies/ml) at week 12, with a positive predictive value of 53.2%, a negative predictive value of 72.2%, a sensitivity of 77.4%, and a specificity of 57.9% for HBeAg seroconversion. Conclusion:HBV RNA level lowering during the 12th week of antiviral therapy can serve as an early predictor marker for HBeAg serological conversion in children with chronic hepatitis B.

Objective: To evaluate the immunity and influencing factors of diphtheria among preschool children in Shenzhen,to provide reference for effective monitoring of diphtheria IgG antibody level in preschool children. Methods: Serum samples were collected from 296 preschool children aged 4-6 who were recruited in Shenzhen. The diphtheria antibody titer in serum was determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, and the effect of different immumuzation schedule including types of vaccine and vaccination timing, on the geometric mean concentration (GMC) of diphtheria IgG antibody and antibody positive rate were analyzed. Results: The GMC of diphtheria IgG antibody was 0.71 IU/mL, and the positive conversion rate was 33.1%. There were significant differences in antibody GMC and antibody positive conversion rate of diphtheria in different age groups( F/χ 2=11.77, 27.45, P < 0.01 ). The GMC and antibody positive conversion rate showed significant differences by diphtheria antibodies, vaccine types and end dose vaccination intervals( F=49.53, 12.95，11.61, P <0.01). There were statistically significant differences in the positive conversion rate of diphtheria antibodies in children with different types of diphtheria antibodies, vaccine types of diphtheria antibodies, and diphtheria antibodies at the time interval of final vaccination (Fisher exact probability method, P <0.01). Conclusion The overall positive conversion rate of diphtheria antibody in preschool children in Shenzhen is high. Timely completion of full diphtheria vaccination can improve the antibody level and plays a better role in protecting preschool children.

Epidemiological and animal studies indicate that pre-existing diabetes increases the risk of Parkinson's disease(PD).However,the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear.In the present study,we found that high glucose(HG)levels in the cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)of diabetic rats might enhance the effect of a subthreshold dose of the neurotoxin 6-hydroxydopamine(6-OHDA)on the development of motor disorders,and the damage to the nigrostriatal dopaminergic neuronal pathway.In vitro,HG promoted the 6-OHDA-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells differentiated to neurons with nerve growth factor(NGF)(NGF-PC12).Metabolomics showed that HG promoted hyperglycolysis in neurons and impaired tricarboxylic acid cycle(TCA cycle)activity,which was closely related to abnormal mito-chondrial fusion,thus resulting in mitochondrial loss.Interestingly,HG-induced upregulation of pyruvate kinase M2(PKM2)combined with 6-OHDA exposure not only mediated glycolysis but also promoted abnormal mitochondrial fusion by upregulating the expression of MFN2 in NGF-PC12 cells.In addition,we found that PKM2 knockdown rescued the abnormal mitochondrial fusion and cell apoptosis induced by HG+6-OHDA.Furthermore,we found that shikonin(SK),an inhibitor of PKM2,restored the mito-chondrial number,promoted TCA cycle activity,reversed hyperglycolysis,enhanced the tolerance of cultured neurons to 6-OHDA,and reduced the risk of PD in diabetic rats.Overall,our results indicate that diabetes promotes hyperglycolysis and abnormal mitochondrial fusion in neurons through the upre-gulation of PKM2,leading to an increase in the vulnerability of dopaminergic neurons to 6-OHDA.Thus,the inhibition of PKM2 and restoration of mitochondrial metabolic homeostasis/pathways may prevent the occurrence and development of diabetic PD.

Objective:To compare the clinical efficacy between radiofrequency ablation(RFA)and pulmonary metastasectomy in the colorectal cancer(CRC)patients with lung metastases after radical resection. Methods:The clinical data of 80 CRC patients with lung metastases after radical resection were analyzed retrospectively,and were divided into the surgery group(33 cases)and the RFA group(47 cases)according to the local treatment.The overall survival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)of the two groups were compared,as well as the prognostic factors of patients were analyzed. Results:The 3-year PFS and OS rates were 42.4％vs 31.9％and 75.8％vs 72.3％in the surgery group and the RFA group,respectively.There was no significant difference in PFS and OS between the two groups(P＞0.05).In multivariate analysis,maximum lung metastasis diameter,preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)level and history of extrapulmonary metastasis were independent factors influencing OS in the CRC patients with lung metastases after radical resection(P＜0.05).In addition,preoperative serum carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA)level and history of extrapulmonary metastasis were also independent factors influencing PFS in the CRC patients with lung metastases after radical resection(P＜0.05). Conclusion:The short-term efficacy of RFA is comparable to that of pulmonary metastasectomy in the CRC patients with lung metastases after radical resection,and long-term follow-up studies are needed.

Although widely applied in treating hematopoietic malignancies, transplantation of hematopoietic stem/progenitor cells (HSPCs) is impeded by HSPC shortage. Whether circulating HSPCs (cHSPCs) in steady-state blood could be used as an alternative source remains largely elusive. Here we develop a three-dimensional culture system (3DCS) including arginine, glycine, aspartate, and a series of factors. Fourteen-day culture of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMNCs) in 3DCS led to 125- and 70-fold increase of the frequency and number of CD34⁺ cells. Further, 3DCS-expanded cHSPCs exhibited the similar reconstitution rate compared to CD34⁺ HSPCs in bone marrow. Mechanistically, 3DCS fabricated an immunomodulatory niche, secreting cytokines as TNF to support cHSPC survival and proliferation. Finally, 3DCS could also promote the expansion of cHSPCs in patients who failed in HSPC mobilization. Our 3DCS successfully expands rare cHSPCs, providing an alternative source for the HSPC therapy, particularly for the patients/donors who have failed in HSPC mobilization.
Antigens, CD34/metabolism* ; Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation ; Hematopoietic Stem Cells ; Humans ; Leukocytes, Mononuclear/metabolism* ; Peptides/metabolism*

Objective:To investigate the clinical application value of argon-helium knife cryoablation combined with radioactive seed implantation in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer(NSCLC).Methods:A total of 117 patients with NSCLC admitted to Oncology Department of Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2015 to January 2017 were included in our study.And they were divided into the combination group(n=63)treated with CT guided argon-helium knife cryoablation combined with radioactive 125I seeds implantation and the control group(n=54)treated only with argon-helium knife ablation.The changes of blood routine indexes, tumor markers, tumor ablation target volume and CT value were observed before and 1, 3, 6 months after treatment.Adverse reactions during treatment and the evaluation results of efficacy were compared between the two groups.Patients were followed up for 24 months to observe the recurrence and survival rates between the two groups. Results:In the combination group, seeds of(12.49±4.91)were implanted, and the X-ray exposure was(123.16±42.75)Gy.There was no significant difference in general clinical data between the two groups before treatment( P>0.05). At 1, 3 and 6 months after treatment, as compared with control group the combination group showed the significantly decreased platelet count( t=3.154, 3.586, 2.233, P=0.027、0.019、0.034), while, there was no significant difference in white blood cell count, red blood cell count and hemoglobin level between the two groups(all P>0.05). The levels of carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA), neuron-specific enolase(NSE)and tumor volume were significantly lower in combination group than in control group at 3 and 6 months after treatment( t3=3.142, 2.926 and 4.281, t6=4.094, 5.382 and 4.535, all P<0.05), showing significant improvements of illness.While, the above levels showed no significant differences at 1 month after treatment between two groups( t=1.065, 1.037, P=0.197, 0.255). At each monitoring time, the CT value of tumor target area showed a steady downward trend( P<0.05). During the treatment, the incidence of thrombocytopenia was higher in the combination group than in the control group(47.6% or 30/63 vs.24.1% or 13/54, χ2=6.935, P=0.008), while there were no significant differences in the incidence of postoperative fever, pneumothorax, myoglobinuria, pain, bleeding and nausea and vomiting between the two groups(all P>0.05). After 6 months of treatment, the remission rate was higher in the combination group(73.0% or 46/63)than in the control group(48.1% or 26/54). The survival time and relapse-free time of the combination group were longer than those of the control group[(21.81±4.31)months vs.(18.93±5.94)months, (20.48±5.76)months vs.(16.93±7.14)months, Log Rank χ2=8.229 and 9.656, P=0.004 and 0.002)]. Conclusions:Argon-helium knife Cryoablation combined with radioactive seed implantation can effectively control the local progression of NSCLC, reduce the risk of tumor recurrence, and has high safety.