With the widespread application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of various cancers. Especially gastric cancer, this strategy is gradually expanding from first-line treatment in advanced stages to perioperative management. Compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, the combined approach not only improves pathological regression but also leads to better downstaging, which is particularly significant in gastric cancer subsets that are HER2-positive, mismatch repair deficient, PD-L1 combined positive score ≥5, or EB virus-positive. This combined treatment has made it possible to reduce the extent of gastrectomy, perform function-preserving surgeries, or even consider non-surgical strategies. Currently, exploring the optimal protocols for combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy, identifying potential indications for function-preserving surgery, improving surgical methods, and developing non-surgical strategies represent key issues in the surgical management of gastric cancer in the era of immunotherapy.

Objective:To analyze the differences in paraspinal muscles between patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis (DLSS) with or without spondylolisthesis and to assess the correlation between these differences and lumbar facet joint degeneration.Methods:The data of 68 patients with DLSS who underwent surgical treatment in our hospital from January 2021 to April 2023 was retrospectively analyzed. Of these, 22 were male (32.4%) and 46 were female (67.6%), with an average age of 69.7±5.9 years (range: 56-80 years). The DLSS group included 35 patients without spondylolisthesis [13 males (37.1%) and 22 females (62.9%)], average age 68.5±5.9 years (range: 56-80 years), while the DLSS+degenerative spondylolisthesis (DS) group included 33 patients with spondylolisthesis [9 males (27.3%) and 24 females (72.7%)], average age 70.9±5.7 years (range: 58-80 years). Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the L 3-S 1 intervertebral disc levels were collected from all patients. Using ImageJ software, the cross-sectional area (CSA) and percentage of fat infiltration area (FIA%) of the erector spinae and multifidus muscles were measured. Additionally, the facet joint angle (FJA), facet overhang (FO), and facet effusion (FE) were evaluated using Surgimap software, and their correlation with CSA and FIA% of the paraspinal muscles was analyzed. Results:The FJA and FO in the DLSS+DS group (50.16°±11.08° and 7.67±2.25 mm) were significantly larger than those in the DLSS group (43.51°± 7.75° and 3.88±1.98 mm) ( P<0.05). However, differences in FE between the two groups were not statistically significant. The cross-sectional areas of the multifidus muscles at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and L 5S 1 in the DLSS+DS group (576.66±112.70 mm 2,, 782.72±141.49 mm 2, and 817.88±185.22 mm 2,, respectively) were significantly smaller than those in the DLSS group (647.37±165.44 mm 2,, 881.20±202.10 mm 2,, and 995.06±211.25 mm 2,, respectively) ( P<0.05). The FIA% of the erector spinae at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and L 5S 1 in the DLSS+DS group (11.47%±5.14%, 14.84%±6.15%, 20.82%±7.41%) were significantly higher than those in the DLSS group (6.27%±2.83%, 10.81%±4.84%, 16.17%±5.88%) ( P<0.05). Similarly, the FIA% of the multifidus muscles at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and L 5S 1 in the DLSS+DS group (18.04%±5.88%, 19.67%±5.78%, 19.31%±8.61%) were significantly higher than those in the DLSS group (9.85%±4.39%, 12.27%±3.70%, 14.65%±3.82%) ( P<0.05). No statistically significant differences were found in the CSA of the erector spinae at these levels between the two groups. The CSA of the multifidus muscles at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and L 5S 1 in both groups were negatively correlated with FJA and FO ( r=-0.318, P=0.008; r=-0.381, P=0.001; r=-0.439, P<0.001; r=-0.290, P=0.016; r=-0.315, P=0.009; r=-0.479, P<0.001). The FIA% of the erector spinae at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and the multifidus muscles at L 4, 5 and L 5S 1 were positively correlated with FJA ( r=0.352, P=0.003; r=0.344, P=0.004; r=0.300, P=0.013; r=0.359, P=0.003). Additionally, the FIA% of the erector spinae at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and L 5S 1, and the multifidus muscles at L 3, 4 and L 4, 5 were positively correlated with FO ( r=0.409, P=0.001; r=0.248, P=0.042; r=0.277, P=0.022; r=0.500, P<0.001; r=0.447, P<0.001). There was no correlation between FE and CSA or FIA% of the erector spinae and multifidus muscles at L 3, 4, L 4, 5, and L 5S 1 in either group. Furthermore, FJA was positively correlated with FO ( r=0.369, P=0.002), but no correlation was observed between FE and FJA or FO. Conclusion:Compared to patients with lumbar spinal stenosis, those with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis with spondylolisthesis exhibit more severe paraspinal muscle atrophy, a more sagittal orientation of the facet joints, and a higher degree of facet joint osteoarthritis. Patients with larger FJA and FO show more severe paraspinal muscle atrophy.

With the widespread application of immune checkpoint inhibitors, chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy has shown promising efficacy in the treatment of various cancers. Especially gastric cancer, this strategy is gradually expanding from first-line treatment in advanced stages to perioperative management. Compared to neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone, the combined approach not only improves pathological regression but also leads to better downstaging, which is particularly significant in gastric cancer subsets that are HER2-positive, mismatch repair deficient, PD-L1 combined positive score ≥5, or EB virus-positive. This combined treatment has made it possible to reduce the extent of gastrectomy, perform function-preserving surgeries, or even consider non-surgical strategies. Currently, exploring the optimal protocols for combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with chemotherapy, identifying potential indications for function-preserving surgery, improving surgical methods, and developing non-surgical strategies represent key issues in the surgical management of gastric cancer in the era of immunotherapy.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Background: Postherpetic neuralgia (PHN) is the most common complication of acute herpes zoster. The treatment of PHN remains a challenge for clinical pain management. Despite the effectiveness of anticonvulsants, antidepressants, and lidocaine patches in reducing PHN, many patients still face intractable pain disorders.In this randomized controlled study, we evaluated whether hydromorphone through intravenous patient-controlled analgesia (IV PCA) was effective in relieving PHN. Methods: Patients with PHN were randomly divided into two groups, one group received oral pregabalin with IV normal saline, another group received oral pregabalin with additional IV PCA hydromorphone for two weeks. Efficacy was evaluated at 1, 4, and 12 weeks after the end of the treatments. Results: Two hundred and one patients were followed up for 12 weeks. After treatment, numerical rating scale (NRS) score of patients in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that of the control group, and the difference of NRS scores between the two groups was statistically significant at 4 and 12 weeks after treatment. The frequency of breakthrough pain in the hydromorphone group was significantly lower than that in the control group 1 and 4 weeks after treatment.After treatment, the quality of sleep in the hydromorphone group was significantly improved compared with the control group. The most common adverse reactions in the hydromorphone group were dizziness and nausea, with no significant respiratory depression. Conclusions IV PCA hydromorphone combined with oral pregabalin provides superior pain relief in patients with PHN, which is worthy of clinical application and promotion.

Objective:To investigate the etiology of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) in children and the clinical characteristics of NP caused by different pathogens in China.Methods:A retrospective, case-control study was performed in children with NP who were admitted to 13 hospitals in China from January 2008 to December 2019. The demographic and clinical information, laboratory data, etiological and radiological findings were analyzed. The data were divided into three groups based on the following years: 2008-2011, 2012-2015 and 2016-2019, and the distribution characteristics of the pathogens in different period were compared. Meanwhile, the pathogens of pediatric NP in the southern and northern China were compared. And the clinical characteristics of the Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) NP and the bacterial NP were also compared. T-test or Mann-Whitney nonparametric test was used for comparison of numerical variables, and χ 2 test was used for categorical variables. Results:A total of 494 children with NP were enrolled, the median ages were 4.7 (0.1-15.3) years, including 272 boys and 222 girls. Among these patients, pathogens were identified in 347 cases and the pathogen was unclear in the remaining 147 cases. The main pathogens were MP (238 cases), Streptococcus pneumoniae (SP) (61 cases), Staphylococcus aureus (SA) (51 cases), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (13 cases), Haemophilus influenzae (10 cases), adenovirus (10 cases), and influenza virus A (7 cases), respectively. MP was the most common pathogen in all three periods and the proportion increased yearly. The proportion of MP in 2016-2019 was significantly higher than that in 2012-2015 (52.1% (197/378) vs. 36.8% (32/87), χ 2= 6.654, P=0.010), while there was no significant difference in the proportion of MP in 2012-2015 and that in 2008-2011 (36.8% (32/87) vs. 31.0% (9/29), χ2=0.314, P=0.575).Regarding the regional distribution, 342 cases were in the southern China and 152 in the northern China. Also, MP was the most common pathogen in both regions, but the proportion of MP was higher and the proportion of SP was lower in the north than those in the south (60.5% (92/152) vs. 42.7% (146/342), χ 2=13.409, P<0.010; 7.9% (12/152) vs. 14.3% (49/342), χ 2= 4.023, P=0.045). Comparing the clinical characteristics of different pathogens, we found that fever and cough were the common symptoms in both single MP and single bacterial groups, but chest pain was more common (17.0% (34/200) vs. 6.1% (6/98), χ 2=6.697, P=0.010) while shortness of breath and wheezing were less common in MP group (16.0% (32/200) vs. 60.2% (59/98), χ 2=60.688, P<0.01; 4.5% (9/200) vs. 21.4% (21/98), χ 2=20.819, P<0.01, respectively). The white blood cell count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in the bacterial group were significantly higher than those in the MP group (14.7 (1.0-67.1)×10 9/L vs. 10.5 (2.5-32.2)×10 9/L, 122.5 (0.5-277.3) mg/L vs. 51.4 (0.5-200.0) g/L, 2.13 (0.05-100.00) μg/L vs. 0.24 (0.01-18.85) μg/L, Z=-3.719, -5.901 and -7.765, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The prevalence of pediatric NP in China shows an increasing trend during the past years. MP, SP and SA are the main pathogens of NP, and the most common clinical symptoms are fever and cough. The WBC count, C-reactive protein and procalcitonin in bacterial NP are significantly higher than those caused by MP.

Objective: To investigate the effect of the Periplaneta Americana polypeptide on the angiogenesis. Method:Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and cell scratch assay were used to observe effect of different concentration (6.25,12.5,25,50,100 mg·L^-1) of the Periplaneta Americana polypeptide, CⅡ-3 and skimmed cream on the proliferation and migration of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and a normal group and a thalidomide group were also established in this study. The tubule formation assay was used to detect the effect of different concentration (25, 50, 100 mg·L^-1) of the Periplaneta Americana extracts on the formation of tubules in HUVECs cells. The adhesion between HepG2 cells and HUVECs cells was observed by cell adhesion assay. The expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) proteins in HUVECs was detected by immunocytochemical staining and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Result:MTT results showed that the Periplaneta Americana polypeptide could inhibit the proliferation of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05). The effect of different concentrations of PAP-2 was better than that of PAP-1 and PAP-3 at 24, 48 72 h (P<0.05). However, the survival rate of HUVECs was significantly increased after treatment with different concentrations of CⅡ-3 and skimmed cream in a time-dose dependent manner. Cell wound scratch assay indicated that migration of HUVECs could be inhibited by Periplaneta Americana polypeptide in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), and the effect of PAP-2 was better than that of PAP-1 and PAP-3 (P<0.05). CⅡ-3 could inhibit migration HUVECs to some extent, but the higher the dose was, the weaker the inhibition effect was. Skimmed cream promoted migration of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner. Tube formation assay revealed that Periplaneta Americana polypeptide could inhibit tube formation of HUVECs, and the inhibitory effect of PAP-2 was better than that of PAP-1 and PAP-3 (P<0.05). CⅡ-3 and skimmed cream promoted the tube formation of HUVECs to a certain extent. Intercellular adhesion assay stated clearly that Periplaneta Americana polypeptide could block the adhesion between HepG2 and HUVECs (P<0.05), and the effect of PAP-2 was better than that of PAP-1 and PAP-3 (P<0.05). However, CⅡ-3 and skimmed cream could promote the adhesion between HepG2 and HUVECs. Results of ELISA assay and immunocytochemical staining indicated that Periplaneta Americana polypeptide could down-regulate the expression of VEGF of HUVECs in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.05), in which effect of PAP-2 was better than that of PAP-1 and PAP-3 (P<0.05). However, CⅡ-3 and skimmed cream could up-regulate the expression of VEGF in HUVECs. Conclusion:The Periplaneta Americana polypeptide can inhibit the invasion, metastasis and tube formation of HUVECs, and down-regulate the expression of VEGF in HUVECs. The effect of Periplaneta Americana polypeptide is better than CⅡ-3 and skimmed cream, and the among the polypeptide, the effect of PAP-2 is superior to the other two.

Objective: To investigate the effects of abated microRNA-21 (miRNA-21) on phosphatase and tensin homologue on chromosome ten protein (PTEN) and PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, as well as their further influence on the autophagy in high glucose (HG, 25.0 mmol/L) induced rat glomerular mesangial cells. Methods: MiRNA-21 inhibitor and negative control were transfected by liposome 2000 into rat glomerular mesangial cells (HBZY-1). The cells were divided into normal glucose (5.5 mmol/L) group, normal glucose+negative control group, normal glucose+miRNA-21 inhibitor group, HG group, HG+negative control group and HG+miRNA-21 inhibitor group. Cell proliferation and hypertrophy were assayed by MTT and the ratio of total protein to cell number respectively. The miRNA-21 expression was detected using real time PCR. The expressions of PTEN/Akt/mTOR signaling signatures, autophagy-associated protein (p62 and LC3 Ⅱ) and collagen Ⅰ was detected by Western blotting and real time PCR. Autophagosomes were observed using electron microscopy. Results: Compared with those in normal glucose group, in HG group cells had hypertrophy and proliferation, up-regulated miRNA-21 expression, and down-regulated PTEN protein and mRNA expressions (all P<0.01). Also there were and up-regulated p-Akt, p-mTOR, p62 and collagen Ⅰ expression, and lower LC3 Ⅱ expression and autophagosomes (all P<0.01). Further, compared with those in HG group, cells hypertrophy and proliferation in HG+miRNA-21 inhibitor group were reduced, expressions of p-Akt, p-mTOR, p62 and collagen Ⅰ were down-regulated, while expressions of PTEN and LC3 Ⅱ and autophagosomes were up-regulated (all P<0.01). Conclusions MiRNA-21 inhibitor up-regulates PTEN expression, which inhibits the activation of Akt/mTOR signaling pathway, ameliorates cell hypertrophy, proliferation and enhances autophagy to reduce extracellular matrix accumulation.

Objective To investigate the expression of Notch signaling molecules, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and fibronectin (FN) in mesangial cell induced by high glucose, and the underlying mechanism of cordyceps sinensis.Methods Rat glomerular mesangial cells were divided into following groups: normal control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose), hypertonic control group (5.5 mmol/L glucose+ 19.5 mmol/L mannitol), high glucose group (25.0 mmol/L glucose), DAPT inhibitor group (25.0 mmol/L glucose + 1 μmol/L DAPT), cordyceps sinensis intervention group (25.0 mmol/L glucose+10 mg/L cordyceps sinensis).Cell proliferation was detected by MTT.The protein and mRNA expression of Notch signaling molecules (Notch1, Jagged1 and Hes1), TGF-β and FN was detected by Western blotting and real time PCR.Results Compared with normal control group, high glucose induced mesangial cell proliferation, as well as the mRNA and protein expression of Notch1, Jagged1, Hes1, TGF-β1 and FN was up-regulated in high glucose group (all P ＜ 0.05).Compared with that in high-glucose group, DAPT and cordyceps sinensis inhibited high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation and down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of Notch pathway, TGF-β1 and FN (all P ＜ 0.05).Conclusion By inhibiting the abnormal activation of Notch signaling pathway and TGF-β signaling pathway, cordyceps sinensis may alleviate high glucose-induced mesangial cell proliferation and reduce extracellular matrix accumulation, thus protecting kidney.

Objective To investigate the effect of microRNA (miRNA )‐548ah targeting histone deacetylase‐4 (HDAC4) on the replication and expression of hepatitis B virus (HBV) .Methods HepG2 , 2 ,15 cells were transfected by mimics and inhibitors . The expressions of miRNA‐548ah and HDAC4 before and after transfection were detected by fluorescent quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR) . The expression of HDAC4 protein in HepG2 ,2 ,15 cells was detected by Western blotting .The target gene of miRNA‐548ah was analyzed by bioinformatics methods .3′UTR dual‐luciferase expression vector containing candidate HDAC4 target genes was built to test the luciferase activity .The levels of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in the supernatant of cultured HepG2 ,2 ,15 cells were detected by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) .The level of HBV DNA in the supernatant of HepG2 ,2 ,15 cells was detected by fluorescent quantitative PCR .The t‐test was used for comparison between two groups ,SNK‐q tests were used for multiple groups comparisons .Results The expressions of miRNA‐548ah in HepG2 ,2 ,15 and HepG2 cells were 5 .74 ± 0 .02 and 2 .96 ± 0 .40 , respectively (t= 11 .89 ,P< 0 .01) ,and the expressions of HDAC4 mRNA were 9 .38 ± 0 .39 and 18 .13 ±0 .34 ,respectively (t = 29 .39 , P < 0 .01) . The expression of miRNA‐548ah in HepG2 ,2 ,15 cells was inhibited by transfection of miRNA‐548ah inhibitors (1 .01 ± 0 .13 ,t= 15 .48 , P< 0 .01) .Compared with control group ,the levels of HBsAg ([6 .45 ± 0 .46 ] IU/mL vs [2 .60 ± 0 .20 ] IU/mL , t = 7 .48 , P <0 .01) ,HBeAg ([5 .49 ± 0 .27] NCU/mL vs [4 .15 ± 0 .34 ] NCU/mL , t = 3 .10 , P < 0 .05 ) and HBV DNA ([3 .93 ± 0 .06] lg copy/mL vs[2 .04 ± 0 .07] lg copy/mL ,t = 18 .89 , P< 0 .01) in the supernatant of cultured HepG2 ,2 ,15 cells significantly decreased in inhibitor group . The expression of HDAC4 in HepG2 ,2 ,15 cells significantly decreased after transfection of miRNA‐548ah mimics (2 .98 ± 0 .94) ,but significantly increased after transfection of miRNA‐548ah inhibitors (23 .77 ± 6 .74 ) , with statistical significance (F= 9 .34 , P< 0 .01) .The expression of HDAC4 protein was also significantly inhibited after transfection of miRNA‐548ah mimics (0 .53 ± 0 .14 vs 0 .23 ± 0 .02 , t = 3 .58 , P = 0 .02) .The activity of luciferase was significantly inhibited by transfection of miRNA‐548ah mimics (7 .62 ± 0 .45 vs 6 .65 ±0 .27 ,t = 3 .18 , P = 0 .03 ) .Conclusion miRNA‐548ah may promote the replication and expression of HBV through the regulation of target gene HDAC4 .