Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a poor prognosis. Accurate risk stratification and early detection of HCC are critical unmet needs for improving outcomes. Several blood-based biomarkers and imaging tests are available for early detection, prediction, and monitoring of HCC. However, serum protein biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein have shown relatively low sensitivity, leading to inaccurate performance. Imaging studies also face limitations related to suboptimal accuracy, high cost, and limited implementation. Recently, liquid biopsy techniques have gained attention for addressing these unmet needs. Liquid biopsy is non-invasive and provides more objective readouts, requiring less reliance on healthcare professional’s skills compared to imaging. Circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles are targeted in liquid biopsies as novel biomarkers for HCC. Despite their potential, there are debates regarding the role of these novel biomarkers in the HCC care continuum. This review article aims to discuss the technical challenges, recent technical advancements, advantages and disadvantages of these liquid biopsies, as well as their current clinical application and future directions of liquid biopsy in HCC.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a poor prognosis. Accurate risk stratification and early detection of HCC are critical unmet needs for improving outcomes. Several blood-based biomarkers and imaging tests are available for early detection, prediction, and monitoring of HCC. However, serum protein biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein have shown relatively low sensitivity, leading to inaccurate performance. Imaging studies also face limitations related to suboptimal accuracy, high cost, and limited implementation. Recently, liquid biopsy techniques have gained attention for addressing these unmet needs. Liquid biopsy is non-invasive and provides more objective readouts, requiring less reliance on healthcare professional’s skills compared to imaging. Circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles are targeted in liquid biopsies as novel biomarkers for HCC. Despite their potential, there are debates regarding the role of these novel biomarkers in the HCC care continuum. This review article aims to discuss the technical challenges, recent technical advancements, advantages and disadvantages of these liquid biopsies, as well as their current clinical application and future directions of liquid biopsy in HCC.

Background Coal workers' pneumoconiosis is a serious occupational disease in China. Exhaled volatile organic compounds (VOCs) can serve as the "breath fingerprint" of internal pathological processes, which provides a theoretical basis for exhaled VOCs to be used as potential non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Objective To screen out the characteristic VOCs and important characteristic VOCs of exhaled air in patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and to explore the potential of these VOCs as biomarkers for early non-invasive diagnosis of the disease. Methods In this study, 27 VOCs in the exhaled breath of 22 patients with stage I coal workers' pneumoconiosis, 77 workers exposed to dust, and 92 healthy controls were quantitatively detected by thermal desorption gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS). Substances with P<0.05 in univariate analysis and variable importance projection (VIP) >1 in supervised orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) model were selected as the characteristic VOCs for early diagnosis of coal workers' pneumoconiosis. Age was included in the LASSO regression model as a covariate to screen out important characteristic VOCs, and the diagnostic performance was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve. Spearman correlation was further used to explore the correlation between important characteristic VOCs and clinical lung function indicators. Results Through univariate analysis and OPLS-DA modeling, 8 VOCs were selected, including 2-methylpentane, 3-methylpentane, n-hexane, methylcyclopentane, n-heptane, methylcyclohexane, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and 2-hexanone, in exhaled breath of patients with coal workers' pneumoconiosis. The concentrations of 4 VOCs, including 3-methylpentane, n-hexane, 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and 2-hexanone, showed a decreasing trend with the increase of dust exposure years. By LASSO regression, the important characteristic VOCs of the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group and the dust exposure group were n-hexane, methylcyclohexane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone, and the important characteristic VOCs of the coal workers' pneumoconiosis group and the healthy group were 2-methyl-pentane and 4-methyl-2-pentanone. The ROC analysis showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of n-hexane, methylcyclohexane, and 4-methyl-2-pentanone were 0.969, 0.909, and 0.956, respectively, and the AUC of combined diagnosis was 0.988 and its Youden index was 0.961, suggesting that these results can serve as a valuable reference for further research on early diagnosis. The Correlation analysis found that there was a positive correlation between n-hexane and lung function indicators in the important characteristic VOCs, indicating that it could indirectly reflect the obstruction of lung function ventilation, further proving that important characteristic VOCs have the potential to monitor lung function decline. Conclusion Three important characteristic VOCs selected in this study have the potential to be used as non-invasive biomarkers for early diagnosis and disease monitoring of coal workers' pneumoconiosis, and are worthy of further study and verification.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive primary liver malignancy often diagnosed at an advanced stage, resulting in a poor prognosis. Accurate risk stratification and early detection of HCC are critical unmet needs for improving outcomes. Several blood-based biomarkers and imaging tests are available for early detection, prediction, and monitoring of HCC. However, serum protein biomarkers such as alpha-fetoprotein have shown relatively low sensitivity, leading to inaccurate performance. Imaging studies also face limitations related to suboptimal accuracy, high cost, and limited implementation. Recently, liquid biopsy techniques have gained attention for addressing these unmet needs. Liquid biopsy is non-invasive and provides more objective readouts, requiring less reliance on healthcare professional’s skills compared to imaging. Circulating tumor cells, cell-free DNA, and extracellular vesicles are targeted in liquid biopsies as novel biomarkers for HCC. Despite their potential, there are debates regarding the role of these novel biomarkers in the HCC care continuum. This review article aims to discuss the technical challenges, recent technical advancements, advantages and disadvantages of these liquid biopsies, as well as their current clinical application and future directions of liquid biopsy in HCC.

Objective:To investigate the effect of hUCMSC-exos on the expression levels of HDAC in different isotypes of RA FLSs, and to elucidate the possible mechanism of hUCMSC-exos on the apoptosis of RA FLSs by regulating HDAC.Methods:hUCMSC and hUCMSC-Exos were isolated and identified. RT-qPCR was used to detect the changes in HDAC mRNA expression levels in FLSs after hUCMSC-Exos intervention, and the most affected HDAC types were identified. Western blot was used to detect the levels of FLS HDAC1 protein and the expression levels of NF-κB p65 and phospho-NF-κB p65 (Ser 536) in the blank control group, hUCMSC group, hUCMSC-Exos group, Trichostatin A (TSA) group and HDAC1 Inhibitor (Pyroxamide) group. To investigate the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on HDAC expression and NF-κB activity in FLSs. Flow cytometry was used to detect the effect of hUCMSC-Exos on the apoptosis of FLSs. ELISA was used to detect the effects of hUCMSC-Exos on the secretion of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and IL-8 by FLSs. Flow cytometry and ELISA were used to detect the apoptosis level and pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion level of RA FLSs in the blank control group, NF-κB Inhibitor (pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) group, hUCMSC-Exos group and PDTC+hUCMSC-Exos co-intervention group. Whether inhibition of NF-κB affects the regulatory effect of hUCMSC-Exos on RA FLSs was further explored. All experimental data conforming to the normal distribution were compared by one-way ANOVA. LSD- t test was used for pin-group comparison, and independent sample t test was used for two-sample comparison. Results:Cultured primary hUCMSC were adherently grown spindle-shaped cells, and hUCMSC-Exos were saucer-shaped membranous vesicles, both of which met the identification criteria. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of HDCA1 mRNA [(0.932±0.091), t=2.19, P<0.001] and protein [(0.204±0.012), t=8.28, P<0.001] in RA FLSs, and the inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC ( t=1.09, P=0.009) and HDAC1 ( t=11.29, P=0.013) Inhibitor. hUCMSC-Exos increased the apoptosis rate of RA FLSs [(48.68±0.84)%, t=12.33, P<0.001]. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the secretion levels of TNF-α [(29.6±1.0)pg/ml, t=10.78, P<0.001], IL-6 [(20.1±0.7)pg/ml, t=7.96, P<0.001], IL-1β [(9.28±0.23)pg/ml, t=6.14, P<0.001] and IL-8 [(108.0±3.8)pg/ml, t=1.21, P<0.001] in the supernatant of RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos reduced the expression level of p-NF-κB-p65/NF-κB-p65 in RA FLSs(0.351±0.024, t=17.67, P<0.001), and its inhibitory effect was stronger than that of hUCMSC (0.515±0.064, t=8.07, P=0.009) and HDAC1 inhibitor(0.411±0.033, t=2.44, P=0.04). After use of NF-κB inhibitors, hUCMSC-Exos weakened the promotion of apoptosis of RA FLSs [(29.0±0.5)%, t=10.63, P<0.001] and weakened the inhibitory effect of IL-8 secretion in the supernatant of RA FLSs [(125.5±3.2)pg/ml, t=2.63, P=0.002]. Conclusion:hUCMSC-Exos can mimic maternal cells to effectively inhibit the aberrant expression of HDAC1 in RA FLSs. hUCMSC-Exos may affect the apoptosis of RA FLSs and the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting the HDAC1/NF-κB pathway.

Background Volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in exhaled breath are closely associated with respiratory diseases and are linked to various metabolic reactions in the human body. A quantitative analytical method can provide technical support for studying VOCs related to various diseases. Objective To establish a thermal desorption-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (TD-GC-MS) method for the determination of 27 VOCs in exhaled breath. Methods VOCs in exhaled breath were collected using a Bio-VOC sampler and enriched with Tenax TA thermal desorption tubes before TD-GC-MS analysis. Standards were collected using thermal desorption tubes and optimized for thermal desorption conditions as well as chromatographic and mass spectrometric conditions: The separation of the 27 VOCs was achieved by an optimized temperature program, the improvement of sensitivity by optimizing quantitative ions, and the increase of VOCs desorption efficiency by optimizing thermal desorption time and temperature. Limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy, precision, and stability of the proposed method were investigated by spiking with a blank gas bag, and exhaled breath samples from 20 healthy individuals were collected for an application study of the proposed method. Results The thermal desorption temperature was 280 ℃, and desorption time was 6 min. A VF-624ms chromatographic column was selected for the separation of target substances. The initial temperature of heating program was 35 ℃, maintained for 1 min, and then increased to 100 ℃ at a heating rate of 3 ℃·min⁻¹ for 1 min, followed by increasing to 210 ℃ at a heating rate of 28 ℃·min⁻¹ for 5 min. A quantitative analysis was conducted with a single ion monitoring (SIM) mode. Under these conditions, the 27 VOCs showed good linear relationships in their respective concentration ranges and the correlation coefficients were higher than 0.9990. The limits of detection of the method were in the range of 0.01-0.13 nmol·mol⁻¹, the limits of quantification were in the range of 0.02-0.44 nmol·mol⁻¹, and the spiked recoveries were in the range of 80.1%-120.5%, with intra-batch and inter-batch precision ≤ 18.8% and 17.9% respectively. All substances can be stored at room temperature (23-28 °C) for 7 d and at 4 °C for 14 d. The proposed method was applied to exhaled breath samples from 20 subjects with detection rates≥ 80% (except for trans-2-pentene and decane) and a concentration range of 0.00-465.50 nmol·mol⁻¹. Conclusion The established TD-GC-MS method for quantification of VOCs in exhaled breath is characterized by high sensitivity and good accuracy, and is suitable for quantitative determination of VOCs in exhaled breath, which can provide technical support for the study of exhaled breath VOCs.

Background The threshold limit values (TLVs) established and regularly updated by the American Conference of Governmental Industrial Hygienists (ACGIH) are widely adopted and referenced globally, serving as a crucial reference for China's occupational exposure limits (OELs). It is necessary to track it regularly and compare it with China's OELs. Objective To compare the OELs stipulated in Occupational exposure limits for hazardous agents in the workplace—Part 1: Chemical hazardous agents (GBZ 2.1—2019) and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) and to provide references for subsequent formulation and revision of OELs in China. Methods The OELs specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 and the TLVs issued by ACGIH were used to establish a database using Microsoft Excel 2019 software. Cross verification was conducted through matching Chemical Abstracts Service Registry Numbers (CAS Rn) and both Chinese and English names to ensure accuracy. Then, comparisons and analyses were carried out based on the type of limit values, which were matched as follows: permissible concentration-time weighted average (PC-TWA) with threshold limit value-time weighted average (TLV-TWA), permissible concentration-short term exposure limit (PC-STEL) with threshold limit value-short term exposure limit (TLV-STEL), and maximum allowable concentration (MAC) with threshold limit value-ceiling (TLV-C). Comparisons included types, quantities, and sizes of limits. Results The GBZ 2.1—2019 OELs and the ACGIH TLVs (2024) were generally consistent in terms of types and definitions, but there were differences in the number and size of the limits. In terms of the number of limits, GBZ 2.1—2019 specified 365 OELs for 358 chemical hazardous agents, while ACGIH TLVs (2024) included 316 corresponding limits. Among these, 148 (46.9%) limits were consistent, 38 (12.0%) were basically consistent, and 130 (41.1%) were inconsistent. In terms of the size of the limits, out of the 130 inconsistent limits, 51 OELs were lower than the corresponding TLVs, 67 OELs were higher than the corresponding TLVs, and 12 were under different limit types. For some chemical hazardous agents, their OELs were significantly lower or higher than their TLVs. Conclusion Some of the OELs for chemical hazardous agents specified in GBZ 2.1—2019 are significantly lower or higher than the TLVs. For these chemical hazardous factors, it is recommended to prioritize their inclusion in research projects and to complete the revisions as soon as possible based on the latest scientific evidence.

Objective:To study the effects of modified citrus pectin (MCP) on the viability and gene expressions of synovial fibroblasts (SF) as well as SF treated by galectin-3 (Gal-3).Methods:Rabbit SF was isolated and cultured in vitro. Then SF was treated with different concentrations of MCP (0, 250, 500, and 750 mg/L). In addition, SF was further treated with the same different concentrations of MCP after treatment with 10 μg/ml Gal-3 for 24 h. The viability of SF was detected by CCK-8 on the first, third, and fifth day after treatment. The mRNA expression of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), type I collagen (COL1A2), and Gal-3 in SF was detected by real-time quantitative PCR. The synthesis of type I collagen in SF was investigated by immunofluorescence staining. Results:MCP, especially at a concentration of 500 mg/L can inhibit the proliferation of SF significantly (all P < 0.05) on the first, third, and fifth day after treatment. Compared with the control group, MCP at different concentrations induced different gene expression profiles. In particular, MCP at high concentrations can upregulate the expression of TGF-β1, COL1A2 and Gal-3 in SF. However, MCP shows no significant effect on the synthesis of type I collagen in SF. MCP can down-regulate the expression of TGF-β1, COL1A2, and significantly reduce the synthesis of type I collagen in SF after Gal-3 treatment. Particularly, the effect of MCP at a concentration of 500 mg/L on inhibiting the expression of TGF-β1, COL1A2, and Gal-3 in SF is significant. Conclusions:MCP can inhibit the excessive proliferation of SF and regulate gene expression in SF.

Objective:To investigate the prenatal ultrasonographic features and diagnosis of 16p12.2 copy number variation (CNV).Methods:This retrospective study recruited seven fetuses with 16p12.2 microdeletion/microduplication in the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2017 to December 2021. Data, including the prenatal diagnostic indications, ultrasound findings, karyotypes, genetic testing and mutation tracing results, pregnancy outcomes, and postnatal follow-up data, were summarized with descriptive statistical analysis.Results:Prenatal ultrasound indicated three fetuses with structural abnormalities, including one case each of multiple malformations, interventricular septal defect, and cleft lip and palate. The other four cases were positive for ultrasonic soft markers involving the heart and kidney. The chromosome karyotypes of the seven fetuses were normal. Single nucleotide polymorphism array (SNP array) results showed that four cases had a 381.7-542.4 kb microdeletion containing three genes ( OTOA, METTL9, and IGSF6) in Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) at 16p12.2 (distal region) and three cases had a 484.0-701.7 kb microdeletion/microduplication containing four OMIM genes ( UQCRC2, CDR2, EEF2K, and POLR3E) at 16p12.2 (proximal region). Five (cases 1, 2, 4, 5, and 6) out of the seven fetuses inherited the variants from their phenotypically normal mother/father, and among them, three (cases 2, 4, and 5) were delivered at term and healthy. Two cases (cases 3 and 7) refused to undergo pedigree verification. Case 3, a full-term infant, underwent ventricular septal defect repair three months after birth, and no abnormality was found at 18 months of age. Conclusions:No specific phenotype presents in fetuses with 16p12.2 microdeletion/microduplication in prenatal diagnosis. OTOA gene is the key gene associated with abnormality in the distal region of 16p12.2. Pedigree analysis is conducive to preventing unnecessary termination of pregnancy.

By reviewing the relevant literature of ancient herbal works and modern codices， this paper sorted out the historical evolution and developmental venation of processing of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma. On this basis， the modern research of processed products of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma was used as the breakthrough point to analyze the literature in terms of processing technology， chemical composition changes and changes in pharmacological effects before and after processing. According to the research status of processing of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma， some existing problems were analyzed in this paper， such as not many ancient processing methods used in modern time， lack of standardized research on processing technology. And saponins， polysaccharides， amino acids， flavonoids and other chemical components in Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma may change to different degrees before and after processing， which was the main reason for the difference of efficacy before and after processing. However， the current research on the pharmacological effects of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma mainly focuses on raw products， resulting in a lack of in-depth research on the transformation mechanism of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma in processing difference， and the scientific connotation of "Shengxiao Shubu" has not been clearly elaborated， which is not conducive to the standardized clinical use of drugs. Therefore， it is necessary to further analyze the material basis of Notoginseng Radix et Rhizoma and its processed products， and to explore the change rule of chemical components before and after processing and its correlation with pharmacodynamic activity， so as to clarify the processing mechanism for providing scientific basis for its standardized processing， quality control and clinical rational use.