ABSTRACT
This editorial provides insights from a case report by Sun et al published in the World Journal of Clinical Cases. The case report focuses on a case where a multilocular thymic cyst (MTC) was misdiagnosed as a thymic tumor, resulting in an unnecessary surgical procedure. Both MTCs and thymic tumors are rare conditions that heavily rely on radiological imaging for accurate diagnosis. However, the similarity in their imaging presentations can lead to misinterpretation, resulting in unnecessary surgical procedures. Due to the ongoing lack of comprehensive knowledge about MTCs and thymic tumors, we offer a summary of diagnostic techniques documented in recent literature and examine potential causes of misdiagnosis. When computer tomography (CT) values surpass 20 Hounsfield units and display comparable morphology, there is a risk of misdiagnosing MTCs as thymic tumors. Employing various differential diagnostic methods like biopsy, molecular biology, multi-slice CT, CT functional imaging, positron emission tomography/CT molecular functional imaging, magnetic resonance imaging and radiomics, proves advantageous in reducing clinical misdiagnosis. A deeper understanding of these conditions requires increased attention and exploration by healthcare providers. Moreover, the continued advancement and utilization of various diagnostic methods are expected to enhance precise diagnoses, provide appropriate treatment options, and improve the quality of life for patients with thymic tumors and MTCs in the future.
ABSTRACT
The global spread of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 has resulted in a significant number of individuals developing pulmonary fibrosis (PF), an irreversible lung injury. This condition can manifest within a short interval following the onset of pneumonia symptoms, sometimes even within a few days. While lung transplantation is a potentially lifesaving procedure, its limited availability, high costs, intricate surgeries, and risk of immunological rejection present significant drawbacks. The optimal timing of medication administration for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)-induced PF remains controversial. Despite this, it is crucial to explore pharmacotherapy interventions, involving early and preventative treatment as well as pharmacotherapy options for advanced-stage PF. Additionally, studies have demonstrated disparities in anti-fibrotic treatment based on race and gender factors. Genetic mutations may also impact therapeutic efficacy. Enhancing research efforts on pharmacotherapy interventions, while considering relevant pharmacological factors and optimizing the timing and dosage of medication administration, will lead to enhanced, personalized, and fair treatment for individuals impacted by COVID-19-related PF. These measures are crucial in lessening the burden of the disease on healthcare systems and improving patients' quality of life.
ABSTRACT
The aim of this study will provide a self-assembling peptide (RADA16-I) -derived hydrogel as a tool for investigation the malignant phenotype of human hepatocellular carcinoma cell. Characteristic analysis indicated that the peptide consists of a well-defined secondary structure and self-assembly property. Our results showed that these cells cultured in RADA16-I hydrogels showed a spindle-shaped phenotype with irregular and radial nuclei. Immunohistochemical results showed that the expression of fibronectin in hepatocellular carcinoma cells is positive cultured in RADA16-I hydrogels, and the expression levels of laminin are weakly positive. DNA contents cultured in RADA16-I hydrogel gradually increased up to Day 9. The expression levels of VEGFA, EGF and FGF2 in three hydrogels showed no statistically significant differences (P > 0.05), and the expression levels of IGF-1 in RADA16-I and collagen-I were significantly lower than those of in the Matrigel hydrogel (P ≤ 0.05). These findings suggested that the RADA16-I will help to provide a better physiological substrate for hepatocellular carcinoma cell culture, may serve as an ideal model for cancer biology research of tumorigenesis, growth, local invasion, and metastasis.
