Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Background: s/Aims: Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a rare histological subtype of HCC characterized by extremely poor prognosis; however, its molecular characterization has not been elucidated. Methods: In this study, we conducted an integrated multiomics study of whole-exome sequencing, RNA-seq, spatial transcriptome, and immunohistochemical analyses of 28 paired sarcomatoid tumor components and conventional HCC components from 10 patients with sarcomatoid HCC, in order to identify frequently altered genes, infer the tumor subclonal architectures, track the genomic evolution, and delineate the transcriptional characteristics of sarcomatoid HCCs. Results: Our results showed that the sarcomatoid HCCs had poor prognosis. The sarcomatoid tumor components and the conventional HCC components were derived from common ancestors, mostly accessing similar mutational processes. Clonal phylogenies demonstrated branched tumor evolution during sarcomatoid HCC development and progression. TP53 mutation commonly occurred at tumor initiation, whereas ARID2 mutation often occurred later. Transcriptome analyses revealed the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and hypoxic phenotype in sarcomatoid tumor components, which were confirmed by immunohistochemical staining. Moreover, we identified ARID2 mutations in 70% (7/10) of patients with sarcomatoid HCC but only 1–5% of patients with non-sarcomatoid HCC. Biofunctional investigations revealed that inactivating mutation of ARID2 contributes to HCC growth and metastasis and induces EMT in a hypoxic microenvironment. Conclusions We offer a comprehensive description of the molecular basis for sarcomatoid HCC, and identify genomic alteration (ARID2 mutation) together with the tumor microenvironment (hypoxic microenvironment), that may contribute to the formation of the sarcomatoid tumor component through EMT, leading to sarcomatoid HCC development and progression.

Based on the interaction between supramolecule of traditional Chinese medicine and enterobacteria, the material basis of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma was explored. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) were used to characterize the morphological differences of Rhubarb single decoction, Coptis single decoction and Rhubarb and Coptis co-decoction. An in vitro antibacterial model (E. coli, E. faecium and B. subtilis) was established to evaluate the damage effect of the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma on enterobacteria. Ultra high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) was used to analyze the changes of chemical components of single decoctions and co-decoctions. The co-decoction of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma was turbid after decocting. The spherical particles of 300-400 nm were observed under SEM, and the co-decoction was more uniform and stable than that of single decoction. The interaction between supramolecules formed after the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma and enterobacteria was significantly different from that of single decoction. In the process of interaction between supramolecules and enterobacteria, the spherical state was maintained, and the medicinal ingredients in Coptidis Rhizoma or Rhei Radix et Rhizoma were blocked, which could effectively alleviate the damage to enterobacteria. This study provided a reference for subsequent studies on the regulation of intestinal flora homeostasis by the combination of Rhei Radix et Rhizoma and Coptidis Rhizoma.

Objective: To understand characteristics of men who have sex with men (MSM) who applied for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" column of a WeChat official account named "Dark Blue Public Health Center" in Tianjin City, so as to provide insights into exploring online modes of HIV antibody self-testing for MSM. Methods: Data of MSM who were 18 years old or above, currently lived in Tianjin City, had sex with men in the past six months and applied for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" column from May 2018 to December 2022 were collected. Demographic characteristics, results return and positive findings were descriptively analyzed. Results: Data of 2 064 MSM were collected, including 1 052 MSM aged 20 to 29 years (50.97%), 1 522 unmarried MSM (73.74%), 545 workers (26.41%), 1 385 MSM with college education or above (67.10%), and 315 MSM without testing for HIV antibody in the past (15.26%). A total of 6 470 self-testing reagents were applied, and 5 942 testing results were returned, with a return rate of 91.84%. There were 33.28% (687/2 064) of the applicants applying for 66.32% (4 291/6 470) reagents multiple times. There were 73 MSM with positive results, accounting for 1.23%. Conclusions The MSM applying for HIV antibody self-testing reagents through "AIDS self-testing" are mainly young and highly educated, including some who have never tested for HIV. However, attention should be paid to duplicate applications and the return rate should be increased.

Objective To investigate the molecular mechanism of sulforaphane(Sul)promoting bone marrow stem cells(BMSCs)differentiating into osteoblasts.Methods BMSCs were divided into the control group(without any treatment),induction group(induction of osteogenic differentiation),and induction+Sul group(induction of osteogenic differentiation with the addition of 40 μmol/L of Sul).The adenovirus-shRNA-Mock,-shRNA-TET1,-shRNA-TET2,and-shRNA-TET3 were transfected into BMSCs as the shRNA-Mock group,shRNA-TET1 group,shRNA-TET2 group,and shRNA-TET3 group.BMSCs were cultured in cell culture medium containing osteogenic differentiation induction medium and 40 μmol/L of Sul,and then transfected with adenovirus-shRNA-TET1,-shRNA-TET2,-shRNA-TET3,and-shRNA-Mock as the induction+Sul+shRNA-TET1 group,induction+Sul+shRNA-TET2 group,induction+Sul+shRNA-TET3 group,and induction +Sul+shRNA-Mock group.The mRNA and protein expression levels of Runx2 after BMSCs differentiated into osteoblasts were determined by qPCR and Western blot.The DNA content of Runx2 promoter region bound to Histone H3 after BMSCs differentiated into osteoblasts was determined by chromatin immunocoprecipitation(ChIP).The methylation level of Runx2 promoter region of BMSCs differentiated into osteoblasts was determined by HpaⅡenzyme and MspⅠenzyme digestion combined with qPCR.The degree of BMSCs differentiated into osteoblasts was determined by alizarin red staining.Results Compared with the induction group,the mRNA and protein expression levels of Runx2 in the induction+Sul group were significantly increased(P<0.05);the content of DNA in the Runx2 promoter region bound to Histone H3 was increased(P<0.05),the methylation level of Runx2 promoter region was reduced(P<0.05),and the alizarin red staining score was elevated(P<0.05).Compared with the induction+Sul group,the content of DNA in the Runx2 promoter region bound to Histone H3 in the induction+Sul+shRNA-TET1 group was decreased(P<0.05),the methylation level of Runx2 promoter region was increased(P<0.05),and the alizarin red staining score was decreased(P<0.05).While there was no significant change among the induction+Sul+shRNA-TET2 group,induction+Sul+shRNA-TET3 group,induction+Sul+shRNA-Mock group(P>0.05).Conclusion Sul can promote the differentiation of BMSCs into osteoblasts through promoting DNA demethylation of Runx2 promoter region by TET1.

Ritlecitinib is an inhibitor that acts on Janus kinase 3 and the hepatocellular carcinoma kinase family.In June 2023,the FDA approved Ritlecitinib for the treatment of severe alopecia areata in patients aged 12 years and above.Multiple clinical studies have observed hair regeneration in patients after using Ritlecitinib,which is generally safe and well tolerated during use.This article introduces its pharmacological effects,pharmacokinetics,clinical research,safety,and usage and dosage.

Objective To explore the clinical application value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)-based technique for radiation dose reduction with different noise index(NI)in CT-guided percutaneous transthoracic needle biopsy(PTNB).Methods Thirty-two patients undergoing PTNB were selected,and three sets of CT images with NI of 15,30,and 45 sequentially were obtained after adjusting the puncture needle using the scanning parameters of a small range(40 mm),tube voltage 100 kV,and automatic tube cur-rent modulation(ATCM).Group A was 50％weight of adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(ASIR-V)scanned with NI 15,and group B and C were the DLIR-high reconstructed images with NI 30 and NI 45 respectively.The CT value and standard devia-tion(SD)value of paraspinal muscles,subcutaneous fat,and arterial vessels were measured at the puncture center point and its upper and lower 10 mm sclices,respectively,and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and the contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were also calculated.Then the images were subjectively scored by two physicians,meanwhile the effective dose(ED)among the three groups was com-pared.Results According to the subjective evaluation,the image quality of group A,B,and C all met the clinical requirement for puncture.The SD and SNR of the images in group B were better than those in groups A and C.The SD and SNR of paraspinal mus-cles and sudcutaneous fat were significantly different between groups A and B,and between groups B and C(P＜0.05),however those of paraspinal muscles and subcutaneous fat between groups A and C were not significant.The differences in ED among the three groups were all statistically significant(P＜0.05).Compared with group A,the ED in groups B and C were reduced by 82.86％and 93.90％respectively,and the ED in group C was reduced by 64.44％compared with group B.Conclusion Increasing the NI combined with the DLIR technique can significantly reduce the radi-ation dose during CT-guided PTNB.

Purpose: This study evaluated the value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography (CEUS) in the ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) treatment of symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis. Methods: This retrospective study was conducted between March 2020 and January 2023, enrolling 52 patients with symptomatic focal uterine adenomyosis who had undergone MWA. All patients were examined with CEUS before and after MWA. The non-perfused volume (NPV) was compared between CEUS and dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCEMRI) following ablation. Therapeutic efficacy and safety were evaluated at 3-, 6-, and 12-month follow-ups. Additionally, this study explored the correlations between pre-treatment CEUS features and a volume reduction ratio indicating sufficient ablation, defined as 50% or more at the 3-month follow-up. Results: No significant differences in NPV were noted between CEUS and DCE-MRI immediately after MWA and during follow-up (all P>0.05). At the 3-month follow-up, the median VRRs for the uterus and adenomyosis were 33.2% and 63.9%, respectively. Sufficient ablation was achieved in 69.2% (36/52) of adenomyosis cases, while partial ablation was observed in the remaining 30.8% (16/52). The identification of non-enhancing areas on pre-treatment CEUS was associated with sufficient ablation (P=0.016). At the 12-month follow-up, significant decreases were observed in both the uterine and adenomyosis volumes (all P<0.001). Dysmenorrhea and menorrhagia were significantly alleviated at 12 months, and no major complications were encountered. Conclusion CEUS can be used to evaluate the ablation zone of focal adenomyosis that has been treated with MWA, similarly to DCE-MRI. The identification of non-enhancing areas on pretreatment CEUS indicates satisfactory treatment outcomes.

Objective:To explore the effects of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) antagonist CID16020046 on renal fibrosis in mice, and provide a new method and idea for the treatment of renal fibrosis.Methods:(1) GPR55 overexpression and GPR55 antagonist CID16020046 were used in renal fibroblasts (NRK-49F) of rats, respectively. Meanwhile,transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) was applied in the NRK-49F cells to observe the expression of fibrosis-related factors and inflammatory factors. (2) A mouse model of renal fibrosis with unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) was established in vivo. Eight-week-old male C57BL/6J mice (20-25 g) were randomly divided into three groups according to the random number table method: sham group ( n=6), model group (UUO group, n=7), model + CID16020046 drug (UUO+CID group, n=8). The drug CID16020046 (10 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected 1 day before modeling, on the day of modeling and every day after surgery in UUO+CID group, and the corresponding dose of 0.9% normal saline was injected intraperitoneally in sham and UUO groups.The mice were sacrificed for sampling 7 days after UUO surgery, and their renal function indicators, liver transaminase, and cardiac markers were examined. Western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR were used to detect the expression of renal fibrosis-related factors and inflammatory factors. Immunohistochemistry staining, Sirius red staining and Masson trichrome staining were used to detect the pathological changes of renal tissues. Results:(1) After NRK-49F cells were stimulated by TGF-β1, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR55 were significantly increased (both P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the mRNA expression of fibrosis-related factors fibronectin and collagen Ⅰ, and inflammatory factors interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α between TGF-β1 group and TGF-β1 + GPR55 overexpression group (all P>0.05). Compared with the TGF-β1 group, the protein expression levels of fibrosis-related factors alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and vimentin, and the mRNA expression levels of collagen Ⅰ and α-SMA were lower in the TGF-β1 + CID group (all P<0.05). (2) Compared with sham group, the mRNA and protein expression levels of GPR55 in UUO group were higher (both P<0.05). The serum creatinine in the UUO+CID group was lower compared to the UUO group ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in blood urea nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase and creatine kinase isoenzyme between UUO group and UUO+CID group (all P>0.05). Compared with the UUO group, the protein expression levels of renal fibrosis-related factors fibronectin, collagen Ⅰ and vimentin, and the mRNA expression levels of fibronectin, collagen Ⅰ, collagen Ⅲ and α-SMA were lower in the UUO+CID group (all P<0.05). The degree of renal tubular dilation and interstitial collagen fiber deposition in the UUO+CID group was significantly reduced compared to the UUO group (all P<0.05). Conclusions:CID16020046 can reduce serum creatinine in UUO mice, protect renal function, and simultaneously decrease the expression of fibrosis-related factors in renal fibroblasts and mouse kidney tissues, thereby alleviating renal fibrosis.