Objective:To investigate microstructural alterations in the optic chiasm and optic radiations of multiple sclerosis (MS) and neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) based on diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI).Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Retrospective analyses were conducted on the clinical and imaging data of 63 patients with relapsing-remitting MS (RRMS) and 62 patients with NMOSD diagnosed at First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2019 to December 2023. According to the occurrence of optic neuritis (ON), they were categorized into ON-positive MS (ON+MS) group (40 cases), ON-negative MS (ON-MS) group (23 cases), ON-positive NMOSD (ON+NMOSD) group (40 cases) and ON-negative NMOSD (ON-NMOSD) group (22 cases). In addition, 40 healthy controls were enrolled during the same period. DKI data of all subjects were collected, and DKI post-processing was performed to obtain fractional anisotropy (FA), mean kurtosis (MK), axial kurtosis (AK), and radial kurtosis (RK) values of the optic chiasm and bilateral optic radiations. The scores of the mini-mental state examination (MMSE), montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), and expanded disability status scale (EDSS) were obtained. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to analyze the differences in DKI parameters of the optic chiasm and bilateral optic radiation among the 5 groups, and the Holm-Bonferroni method was employed for multiple comparison correction in pairwise comparisons.Results:There were statistically significant overall differences in the DKI parameters of the optic chiasm and bilateral optic radiations among healthy control group, ON+MS group, ON-MS group, ON+NMOSD group, and ON-NMOSD group (all P0.05). The FA value of the optic chiasm in ON+NMOSD group was significantly lower than that of healthy control group and ON-MS group, as well as ON-NMOSD group ( P0.05). The FA value of the left optic radiation in ON+NMOSD group was lower than that in healthy control group and the ON-MS group. The RK value of the optic chiasm in ON+MS group was lower than that in the healthy control group and ON-NMOSD group ( P0.05). The MK and RK values of the left optic radiation in ON-MS group were significantly lower than those in the ON+NMOSD group and ON-NMOSD group ( P0.05). Conclusions:NMOSD and RRMS patients demonstrate varying degrees of microstructural damage in the optic chiasm and optic radiations. Differences of DKI parameters suggest different pathological mechanisms of visual pathway damage between NMOSD and MS, which may be helpful for early detection of occult visual pathway lesions.

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of lenvatinib combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and xindilimumab in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to divide 140 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma admitted to the First Hospital of Putian City from January 2020 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups by random number table method, with 70 cases in each group. The control group was treated with lenvatinib after TACE, and the observation group was treated with lenvatinib + xindilimumab after TACE. The patients were followed up for 6 months, and the number of TACE treatment in the two groups was recorded. The clinical efficacy, serum nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, tumor blood supply diameter and drug side effects during treatment were compared between the two groups at 4 weeks and 6 months after TACE treatment.Results:There was no statistical significant difference in the number of TACE treatments between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 4 weeks of treatment, compared with the control group, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the observation group were significantly increased: 74.29% (52/70) vs. 57.14% (40/70), 92.87% (65/70) vs. 81.43% (57/70) ( P<0.05). After 6 months of treatment, compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant increase in DCR: 85.71% (60/70) vs. 95.71% (67/70) ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum NF-κ B, HIF-1α and AFP in the observation group were significantly reduced after 4 weeks and 6 months of treatment: (165.34 ± 40.11) ng/L vs. (187.61 ± 40.62) ng/L, (151.67 ± 36.25) ng/L vs. (165.01 ± 37.12) ng/L; (123.69 ± 20.36) μg/L vs. (148.32 ± 20.38) μg/L, (108.84 ± 20.28) μg/L vs. (121.67 ± 19.29) μg/L; (2 117.02 ± 903.36) μg/L vs. (2 469.79 ± 916.27) μg/L, (1 010.32 ± 422.34) μg/L vs. (1 159. 36 ± 412.01) μg/L ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant reduction in tumor blood supply diameter after 4 weeks and 6 months of treatment: 3.00 (2.00, 4.00) mm vs. 3.00 (3.00, 4.00) mm, 2.00 (1.00, 3.00) mm vs. 3.00 (2.00, 3.00) mm ( P<0.05) There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of drug toxicity and side effects between the two treatment groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The concurrent administration of lenvatinib and xindilimab has been demonstrated to enhance the short-term therapeutic efficacy of TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This combination therapy was associated with a significant reduction in serum levels of NF-κB, HIF-1α, and AFP. Additionally, it led to a notable decrease in the diameter of the tumor-feeding arteries. Preliminary safety analysis indicates that this regimen is well-tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile.

Background and Aims:Oncoplastic breast-conserving surgery(OBCS)integrates oncologic and plastic surgical techniques and includes two primary approaches:volume displacement and volume replacement.The pedicled lateral thoracic artery perforator(LTAP)flap is a commonly used technique for volume replacement.Although recent studies in China have confirmed its safety in OBCS,its patient-reported outcomes have not been systematically evaluated,and comparative data with volume displacement techniques remain lacking.Therefore,this study was performed to compare the clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction of LTAP flap versus mammoplasty(volume displacement)in OBCS,to inform surgical decision-making.Methods:A retrospective case-control study was conducted,including 106 patients with unilateral stage 0-Ⅲ breast cancer who underwent OBCS at the Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University from January 2023 to June 2024.Patients were divided into the LTAP flap group(27 cases)and the mammoplasty group(79 cases)based on the surgical technique.Intraoperative variables,cosmetic outcomes,postoperative complications,and Breast-Q scores before and after surgery were compared between the two groups.Results:There were no significant differences between the two groups in clinicopathological characteristics or preoperative Breast-Q scores(all P>0.05).The LTAP group had longer operative times,larger excised tissue volumes,and greater postoperative drainage volumes(all P<0.001).Postoperative cosmetic outcomes were significantly better in the LTAP group,with a higher rate of excellent-to-good cosmetic results(88.9%vs.57.3%)and higher Breast-Q scores in breast satisfaction,psychosocial well-being,and physical well-being(all P<0.05).There were no significant differences in complication rates or local recurrence between the two groups(all P>0.05).Conclusion:In OBCS,the LTAP flap demonstrates comparable safety to mammoplasty while achieving superior cosmetic outcomes and patient satisfaction.It is particularly suitable for patients with small breast volumes requiring large tissue excision and holds promise for broader clinical application.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Background: In acute and chronic renal inflammatory diseases, the activation of inflammatory cells is involved in the defect of erythropoietin (EPO) production. Ras guanine nucleotide-releasing protein-4 (RasGRP4) promotes renal inflammatory injury in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Our study aimed to investigate the role and mechanism of RasGRP4 in the production of renal EPO in diabetes. Methods: The degree of tissue injury was observed by pathological staining. Inflammatory cell infiltration was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining. Serum EPO levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and EPO production and renal interstitial fibrosis were analyzed by immunofluorescence. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were used to detect the expression of key inflammatory factors and the activation of signaling pathways. In vitro, the interaction between peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and C3H10T1/2 cells was investigated via cell coculture experiments. Results: RasGRP4 decreased the expression of hypoxia-inducible factor 2-alpha (HIF2A) via the ubiquitination–proteasome degradation pathway and promoted myofibroblastic transformation by activating critical inflammatory pathways, consequently reducing the production of EPO in T2DM mice. Conclusion RasGRP4 participates in the production of renal EPO in diabetic mice by affecting the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines in PBMCs, degrading HIF2A, and promoting the myofibroblastic transformation of C3H10T1/2 cells.

Objective:Based on the analysis of the challenges faced by universities in establishing off-site scientific research institutions, this study draws on the practical experience of Peking University Health Science Center to provide insights for standardizing the development of such institutions, enhancing university-local government collaboration, and facilitating the transformation of scientific and technological achievements.Methods:The institutional framework, development progress and practical experience of off-site scientific research institutions affiliated with Peking University Health Science Center were systematically summarized.Results:These institutions had made initial success in establishing research platforms, developing teams of talent, promoting technology transfer, and contributing to local industrial development.Conclusions:It is recommended that universities continue to focus on standardizing establishment procedures, enhancing university-local government collaboration, strengthening interdepartmental support, and building teams of talent, to advance the high-quality development of off-site scientific research institutions.

As a new manner of cell death,cuproptosis depends on the accumulation of copper ions in cells.Copper ion is an essential trace element in normal physiological state of organisms.The excess of free copper in cells not only has toxic effect on normal cells,but also plays its specific killing function on tumor cells.Copper transporter 1(CTR1)is a key transporter of transmembrane uptake of copper ions by cells.As a regulator of cuproptosis,its mutation and expression changes in tumors have an impact on the distribution of copper ions inside and outside the cells.It may participate in multiple biological processes such as proliferation,invasion and migration of tumor cells by regulating the pathway of cuproptosis.This article reviews the cuproptosis pathway mediated by CTR1 and the potential value of CTR1 in tumor treatment,elaborates the importance of copper ion homeostasis regulation for normal life activities and the mechanism of CTR1 in regulating cuproptosis,and discusses the potential value of CTR1 as a new target for tumor therapy,so as to provide a theoretical basis for the treatment of tumor patients.

Objective:To investigate the short-term efficacy of lenvatinib combined with transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) and xindilimumab in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.Methods:A prospective, randomized, controlled study was conducted to divide 140 patients with hepatocellular carcinoma admitted to the First Hospital of Putian City from January 2020 to December 2023. The patients were divided into two groups by random number table method, with 70 cases in each group. The control group was treated with lenvatinib after TACE, and the observation group was treated with lenvatinib + xindilimumab after TACE. The patients were followed up for 6 months, and the number of TACE treatment in the two groups was recorded. The clinical efficacy, serum nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), hypoxia-inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels, tumor blood supply diameter and drug side effects during treatment were compared between the two groups at 4 weeks and 6 months after TACE treatment.Results:There was no statistical significant difference in the number of TACE treatments between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 4 weeks of treatment, compared with the control group, the objective response rate (ORR) and disease control rate (DCR) of the observation group were significantly increased: 74.29% (52/70) vs. 57.14% (40/70), 92.87% (65/70) vs. 81.43% (57/70) ( P<0.05). After 6 months of treatment, compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant increase in DCR: 85.71% (60/70) vs. 95.71% (67/70) ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of serum NF-κ B, HIF-1α and AFP in the observation group were significantly reduced after 4 weeks and 6 months of treatment: (165.34 ± 40.11) ng/L vs. (187.61 ± 40.62) ng/L, (151.67 ± 36.25) ng/L vs. (165.01 ± 37.12) ng/L; (123.69 ± 20.36) μg/L vs. (148.32 ± 20.38) μg/L, (108.84 ± 20.28) μg/L vs. (121.67 ± 19.29) μg/L; (2 117.02 ± 903.36) μg/L vs. (2 469.79 ± 916.27) μg/L, (1 010.32 ± 422.34) μg/L vs. (1 159. 36 ± 412.01) μg/L ( P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed a significant reduction in tumor blood supply diameter after 4 weeks and 6 months of treatment: 3.00 (2.00, 4.00) mm vs. 3.00 (3.00, 4.00) mm, 2.00 (1.00, 3.00) mm vs. 3.00 (2.00, 3.00) mm ( P<0.05) There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of drug toxicity and side effects between the two treatment groups ( P>0.05). Conclusions:The concurrent administration of lenvatinib and xindilimab has been demonstrated to enhance the short-term therapeutic efficacy of TACE in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma. This combination therapy was associated with a significant reduction in serum levels of NF-κB, HIF-1α, and AFP. Additionally, it led to a notable decrease in the diameter of the tumor-feeding arteries. Preliminary safety analysis indicates that this regimen is well-tolerated, with an acceptable safety profile.