Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Objective To explore the risk factors of depression and anxiety in adult patients with epilepsy and their relationship with quality of life.Methods From May 2022 to January 2023,patients diagnosed with epilepsy(aged≥18 years)in the department of neurology of our hospital were collected.General demographic data and disease-related information were recorded.Quality of life,depression and anxiety scales were measured in all patients.SPSS26.0 software was used for multiple linear regression analysis,multiple ordered Logistic regression analysis,rank sum test,Pearson correlation analysis,etc.Results Among the 111 patients,49.5%had depression and 43.2%had anxiety.Depression score and anxiety score were correlated with attack type,attack frequency,quality of life and right temporal lobe,and there was a significant negative correlation between life quality score and anxiety and depression score(P<0.01).Seizure frequency,seizure type and right temporal lobe were common risk factors for depression and anxiety in patients with epilepsy(P<0.05).Conclusion Epileptic depression and anxiety were affected by seizure frequency and seizure type,and this bad mood further affected the quality of life of patients.No clear link has been found between the lateralization of seizures and the presence of depression and anxiety states,and further research is needed.

By gene sequencing methods, such as targeted sequencing, whole exome sequencing (WES) and whole genome sequencing (WGS), about 1,000 epilepsy-related genes have been identified recently; and ion channel related genes are the most common genes being studied; about 25% single-gene inherited epilepsy is associated with ion channel gene variants. This article reviews the value of ion channel genes in epilepsy treatment so as to improve the understanding of epilepsy related ion channel genes and further optimize the treatment strategy of epilepsy.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 in filling and treating midface depression.Methods:A prospective, randomized, multicenter, "no treatment" controlled study was conducted. Patients with midface depression who were treated from March 2019 to February 2021 at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, and Jining First People’s Hospital were enrolled. Patients were randomized using a stratified block randomization method with a random function list. The experimental group received injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 to treat midface depression. The concentration of sodium hyaluronate in DX23 was 23 mg/ml. The syringe was inserted perpendicularly to the skin at a 90-degree angle, and the injection layers were the superficial periosteum or the subcutaneous layer. The injection volume ranged from 1 to 6 ml. The control group received no treatment. The upper boundary of the midface extended outward from the zygomatic arch to the upper margin of the helix and inward to the line connecting the outer canthus. The lower boundary was the line connecting the corner of the mouth to the earlobe. Researchers used the midface aesthetic scales (MAS) response rate at 6 months post-injection as the primary indicator to evaluate the efficacy in improving the severity of midface depression. A reduction of 1 point in the MAS score compared to pre-treatment was considered a response, i. e., effective. Secondary indicators included the MAS response rates at 6 and 12 months after the last treatment (MAS response rate=number of MAS responders/total cases × 100%), the average change in three-dimensional midface volume images, the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) response rate, patient satisfaction regarding the degree of improvement in midface volume, and monitoring of adverse reactions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, SAS 9.04, and StataIC 15.0 software. The full analysis set (FAS) and the per-protocol set (PPS) were selected for analysis. Inferential analysis used t-tests and chi-square tests, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 164 patients were enrolled. The experimental group included 134 patients (7 males and 127 females) with an average age of 43.0±9.7 years (ranging from 21.6 to 66.6 years). The control group included 30 patients (5 males and 25 females) with an average age of 39.3±11.1 years (ranging from 25.6 to 43.5 years). The experimental group received bilateral midface depression filling, with an initial use of injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 at a volume of (4.07±1.28) ml. In the experimental group, 3 cases were lost to follow-up at 30 days, 2 cases at 60 days, and 10 cases were excluded due to protocol violations. Fifteen patients entered FAS but not PPS. Ultimately, 119 patients completed the trial. The MAS response rates in the experimental group at 6 and 12 months post-treatment were 94.96% (113/119) and 56.30% (67/119), respectively. The control group’s MAS response rate at 6 months was 3.33% (1/30). At the 6-month follow-up post-treatment, the GAIS response rates evaluated by researchers and patients in the experimental group were 97.48% (116/119) (PPS) and 97.69% (27/30) (FAS), respectively. In the control group, the GAIS response rate evaluated by researchers was 3.33% (1/30) (FAS, PPS), and the patient GAIS response rate was 0% (0/30) (FAS, PPS). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in both researcher and patient GAIS response rates (both P<0.01). At 6 months post-injection, comparisons of midface volume changes from baseline between the experimental and control groups showed statistically significant differences [(1.65±1.40) ml (PPS) vs. (0.12±0.85) ml; (1.55±1.44) ml (FAS) vs. (0.12±0.85) ml; both P<0.001]. At the 6-month follow-up in the experimental group, 1 case was lost to follow-up. In the PPS, 81 patients were "satisfied, " 34 were "very satisfied, " and 3 were "neutral." In the control group, 29 patients were "neutral, " and 1 was "dissatisfied." A total of 128 patients in the experimental group experienced injection site reactions, including swelling, hardness, tenderness, pain, lumps (protrusions), and bruising. Over 75% of patients resolved spontaneously within 8 days. Three cases received hot compress treatment and resolved within 28 days. One case experienced swelling of the left lower eyelid 1 day after injection, which resolved after local compression for 3 months. In the control group, 1 case developed circulatory ischemia and carotid atherosclerosis 12 months after the trial began. Conclusion:Injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 corrects midface depression through local volume augmentation and is characterized by safety and durability.

Objective To investigate the clinical and imaging characteristics of myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody-associated disease(MOGAD).Methods The clinical symptoms,MRI features,results of laboratory tests and clinical prognosis of 14 MOGAD patients who were hospitalized in our hospital from June 2016 to June 2022 were collected and retrospectively analyzed.Their clinical and imaging characteristics were summarized and discussed.Results Among the 14 enrolled patients,there were 10 males and 4 females,with a male to female ratio of 2.5∶1.Their age of first onset was＜18 years in 3 cases,18～45 years in 8 cases,and＞45 years in 3 cases.Optic neuritis(10/14,71.43％)was the most common clinical type,followed by encephalitis or meningoencephalitis(9/14,64.29％),brainstem encephalitis(5/14,35.71％)and myelitis(5/14,35.71％).Visual impairment(10/14,71.43％)was the most common clinical symptom,followed by headache in 8 cases(8/14,57.14％),fever in 6 cases(6/14,42.86％),dizziness in 6 cases(6/14,42.86％),parethesia in 5 cases(5/14,35.71％),and seizures,limb paralysis,sphincter dysfunction,ataxia,and vomit were all in 4 cases(4/14,28.57％).Four patients(4/14,28.57％)had a history of upper respiratory tract infection before MOGAD onset.There were 10 patients undergoing cerebrospinal fluid(CSF)test,and 8 of them had abnormal results,including 2 patients(2/10,20％)of increased pressure,8 patients(8/10,80％)of larger WBC count in CSF,and 5 patients(5/10,50％)of elevated total protein in CSF.MRI displayed multiple lesion involvement,and there were 7 cases(7/14,50.00％)in cortical/subcortical white matter,6 cases in brainstem(6/14,42.86％),5 cases in optic nerve(5/14,35.71％),4 cases in spinal cord(4/14,28.57％).The hippocampus,thalamus,basal ganglia,and paraventricular white matter were involved in 3 cases(3/14,21.43％),respectively,and the cerebellum and corpus callosum were in 2 cases(2/14,14.29％),respectively.MRI lesions demonstrated patchy hyperintensity on T2 WI and T2 FLAIR,with patchy,nodular and linear enhancement.Among the 10 patients undergoing visual evoked potential(VEP)test,abnormalities were detected in 9 cases(9/10,90％),and 8(8/10,80％)had bilateral visual pathway abnormalities.Eight patients(8/14,57.14％)experienced relapse and remission course.Both methylprednisolone pulse therapy and immunoglobulin modulation therapy were effective in the acute phase.Five patients with relapsed remission presented a significant reduction in recurrence after immunosuppressants.Conclusion MOGAD is manifested with various clinical features,with vision loss,headache,fever and dizziness more common.MRI lesions of MOGAD involve cerebral cortex,subcortical white matter,brainstem,and optic nerve,etc.Patchy hyperintesive signals are observed on T2WI and T2 FLAIR,and some lesions can be enhanced.Corticosteroid pulse therapy and immunoglobulin therapy show effective treatment in the acute phase,and immunosuppressants in the remission phase can reduce relapse.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 in filling and treating midface depression.Methods:A prospective, randomized, multicenter, "no treatment" controlled study was conducted. Patients with midface depression who were treated from March 2019 to February 2021 at Beijing Anzhen Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, and Jining First People’s Hospital were enrolled. Patients were randomized using a stratified block randomization method with a random function list. The experimental group received injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 to treat midface depression. The concentration of sodium hyaluronate in DX23 was 23 mg/ml. The syringe was inserted perpendicularly to the skin at a 90-degree angle, and the injection layers were the superficial periosteum or the subcutaneous layer. The injection volume ranged from 1 to 6 ml. The control group received no treatment. The upper boundary of the midface extended outward from the zygomatic arch to the upper margin of the helix and inward to the line connecting the outer canthus. The lower boundary was the line connecting the corner of the mouth to the earlobe. Researchers used the midface aesthetic scales (MAS) response rate at 6 months post-injection as the primary indicator to evaluate the efficacy in improving the severity of midface depression. A reduction of 1 point in the MAS score compared to pre-treatment was considered a response, i. e., effective. Secondary indicators included the MAS response rates at 6 and 12 months after the last treatment (MAS response rate=number of MAS responders/total cases × 100%), the average change in three-dimensional midface volume images, the global aesthetic improvement scale (GAIS) response rate, patient satisfaction regarding the degree of improvement in midface volume, and monitoring of adverse reactions. Data analysis was performed using SPSS 25.0, SAS 9.04, and StataIC 15.0 software. The full analysis set (FAS) and the per-protocol set (PPS) were selected for analysis. Inferential analysis used t-tests and chi-square tests, with P<0.05 considered statistically significant. Results:A total of 164 patients were enrolled. The experimental group included 134 patients (7 males and 127 females) with an average age of 43.0±9.7 years (ranging from 21.6 to 66.6 years). The control group included 30 patients (5 males and 25 females) with an average age of 39.3±11.1 years (ranging from 25.6 to 43.5 years). The experimental group received bilateral midface depression filling, with an initial use of injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 at a volume of (4.07±1.28) ml. In the experimental group, 3 cases were lost to follow-up at 30 days, 2 cases at 60 days, and 10 cases were excluded due to protocol violations. Fifteen patients entered FAS but not PPS. Ultimately, 119 patients completed the trial. The MAS response rates in the experimental group at 6 and 12 months post-treatment were 94.96% (113/119) and 56.30% (67/119), respectively. The control group’s MAS response rate at 6 months was 3.33% (1/30). At the 6-month follow-up post-treatment, the GAIS response rates evaluated by researchers and patients in the experimental group were 97.48% (116/119) (PPS) and 97.69% (27/30) (FAS), respectively. In the control group, the GAIS response rate evaluated by researchers was 3.33% (1/30) (FAS, PPS), and the patient GAIS response rate was 0% (0/30) (FAS, PPS). There were statistically significant differences between the two groups in both researcher and patient GAIS response rates (both P<0.01). At 6 months post-injection, comparisons of midface volume changes from baseline between the experimental and control groups showed statistically significant differences [(1.65±1.40) ml (PPS) vs. (0.12±0.85) ml; (1.55±1.44) ml (FAS) vs. (0.12±0.85) ml; both P<0.001]. At the 6-month follow-up in the experimental group, 1 case was lost to follow-up. In the PPS, 81 patients were "satisfied, " 34 were "very satisfied, " and 3 were "neutral." In the control group, 29 patients were "neutral, " and 1 was "dissatisfied." A total of 128 patients in the experimental group experienced injection site reactions, including swelling, hardness, tenderness, pain, lumps (protrusions), and bruising. Over 75% of patients resolved spontaneously within 8 days. Three cases received hot compress treatment and resolved within 28 days. One case experienced swelling of the left lower eyelid 1 day after injection, which resolved after local compression for 3 months. In the control group, 1 case developed circulatory ischemia and carotid atherosclerosis 12 months after the trial began. Conclusion:Injectable modified sodium hyaluronate gel DX23 corrects midface depression through local volume augmentation and is characterized by safety and durability.

Tacrolimus (TAC), also called FK506, is one of the classical immunosuppressants to prevent allograft rejection after liver transplantation. However, it has been proved to be associated with post-transplant hyperlipemia. The mechanism behind this is unknown, and it is urgent to explore preventive strategies for hyperlipemia after transplantation. Therefore, we established a hyperlipemia mouse model to investigate the mechanism, by injecting TAC intraperitoneally for eight weeks. After TAC treatment, the mice developed hyperlipemia (manifested as elevated triglyceride (TG) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-c), as well as decreased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-c)). Accumulation of lipid droplets was observed in the liver. In addition to lipid accumulation, TAC induced inhibition of the autophagy-lysosome pathway (microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3β (LC3B) II/I and LC3B II/actin ratios, transcription factor EB (TFEB), protein 62 (P62), and lysosomal-associated membrane protein 1 (LAMP1)) and downregulation of fibroblast growth factor 21 (FGF21) in vivo. Overexpression of FGF21 may reverse TAC-induced TG accumulation. In this mouse model, the recombinant FGF21 protein ameliorated hepatic lipid accumulation and hyperlipemia through repair of the autophagy-lysosome pathway. We conclude that TAC downregulates FGF21 and thus exacerbates lipid accumulation by impairing the autophagy-lysosome pathway. Recombinant FGF21 protein treatment could therefore reverse TAC-caused lipid accumulation and hypertriglyceridemia by enhancing autophagy.
Animals ; Mice ; Tacrolimus ; Liver ; Cholesterol, LDL ; Autophagy ; Disease Models, Animal

Objective:To analyze the prognosis and influencing factors of different radiotherapy modes in patients with brain metastases from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and to explore the best benefit population with radiotherapy boost under different prognostic scores.Methods:634 patients with brain metastasis from NSCLC admitted to the Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University from 2013 to 2015 were analyzed retrospectively. According to different radiotherapy modes, they were divided into three groups: no radiotherapy group ( n=330), whole-brain radiotherapy group (WBRT)( n=127) and whole-brain radiotherapy combined with boost group (WBRT+ boost)( n=177). The intracranial progression-free survival (iPFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier method. The multivariate prognostic factors were analyzed by the Cox models. Results:The median iPFS and OS of all patients were 6.9 months and 9.0 months, respectively. In the no radiotherapy, WBRT and WBRT+ boost groups, the 1-year iPFS was 15.1%, 16.3% and 40.2%( P=0.002), and the 1-year OS was 33.7%, 38.2% and 48.1%( P<0.001), respectively. Multivariate survival analysis demonstrated that different radiotherapy modes were the independent factors affecting iPFS and OS. Subgroup analysis revealed that for patients with 1-3 brain metastases, the 1-year OS and iPFS in the WBRT+ boost group were better than those of WBRT alone ( P=0.026, P=0.044) when GPA score was 2.5-4.0; the 1-year OS and iPFSin the WBRT+ boost group were better than those of WBRT alone ( P=0.036, P=0.049) when there was no targeted therapy; for patients with ≥4 brain metastases, the 1-year iPFS in the WBRT+ boost group was better than that of WBRT alone ( P=0.019, P=0.012) when GPA score was 2.5-4.0 and there was no targeted therapy. When the GPA score was 0-2 or there was targeted therapy, the 1-year OS and iPFS in the WBRT+ boost group were better than those of WBRT alone, but the difference was not statistically significant (all P>0.05). Conclusions:Radiotherapy can significantly improve the iPFS and OS of NSCLC patients with brain metastases. When the number of brain metastases is 1-3, GPA score is 2.5-4.0 or no targeted therapy, boost may improve the iPFS and OS; when the number of brain metastases is more than 4, GPA score is 2.5-4.0 or no targeted therapy, boost may only bring iPFS benefit; when GPA score is 0-2 or targeted therapy, boost may not benefit significantly.