Exploring Causal Relationships between Circulating Inflammatory Proteins and Thromboangiitis Obliterans: A Mendelian Randomization Study.

BACKGROUND: Thromboangiitis obliterans (TAO) is a vascular condition characterized by poor prognosis and an unclear etiology. This study employs Mendelian randomization (MR) to investigate the causal impact of circulating inflammatory proteins on TAO. METHODS: In this MR analysis, summary statistics from a genome-wide association study meta-analysis of 91 inflammation-related proteins were integrated with independently sourced TAO data from the FinnGen consortium's R10 release. Methods such as inverse variance weighting, MR-Egger regression, weighted median approaches, MR-PRESSO, and multivariable MR (MVMR) analysis were utilized. RESULTS: The analysis indicated an association between higher levels of C-C motif chemokine 4 and a reduced risk of TAO, with an odds ratio (OR) of 0.44 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.29-0.67; p = 1.4 × 10-4; adjusted p = 0.013). Similarly, glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor exhibited a suggestively protective effect against TAO (OR: 0.43, 95% CI: 0.22-0.81; p = 0.010; adjusted p = 0.218). Conversely, higher levels of C-C motif chemokine 23 were suggestively linked to an increased risk of TAO (OR: 1.88, 95% CI: 1.21-2.93; p = 0.005; adjusted p = 0.218). The sensitivity analysis and MVMR revealed no evidence of heterogeneity or pleiotropy. CONCLUSION: This study identifies C-C motif chemokine 4 and glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor as potential protective biomarkers for TAO, whereas C-C motif chemokine 23 emerges as a suggestive risk marker. These findings elucidate potential causal relationships and highlight the significance of these proteins in the pathogenesis and prospective therapeutic strategies for TAO.

Radiofrequency ablation with or without transarterial chemoembolization for hepatocellular carcinoma meeting Milan criteria: a focus on tumor progression and recurrence patterns.

Background/objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate tumor progression and recurrence patterns of radiofrequency ablation (RFA) with or without transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) for treating hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that meets Milan criteria. Methods: This retrospective study included consecutive HCC patients meeting Milan criteria who underwent percutaneous RFA with or without TACE as initial treatment at a tertiary academic center between December 2017 and 2022. Technical success rate, local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), progression-free survival (PFS) and recurrence patterns were recorded. Results: A total of 135 HCC patients (109 male [80.7%]) with a mean age of 62 years and 147 target lesions were retrospectively enrolled. The technical success rate was 99.3%. The median LRFS was 60 months, and the cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year LRFS were 88.9%, 70.1%, and 30.0%, respectively. Additionally, the median PFS was 23 months, with cumulative 1-, 3-, and 5-year PFS of 74%, 30%, and 0%, respectively. Multivariate analysis confirmed that age > 60, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) (> 10), and albumin were associated with PFS (2.34, p = 0.004; 1.96, p = 0.021; 0.94, p = 0.007, respectively). Six recurrence patterns were identified: local tumor progression (LTP) alone (n = 15, 25.0%), intrahepatic distant recurrence (IDR) alone (n = 34, 56.7%), extrahepatic recurrence (ER) alone (n = 2, 3.3%), IDR + ER (n = 2, 3.3%), LTP + IDR (n = 5, 8.8%), and LTP + IDR + ER (n = 2, 3.3%). IDR occurred most frequently as a sign of good local treatment. Conclusions: RFA in combination with TACE does not appear to provide an advantage over RFA alone in improving tumor progression in patients with HCC meeting the Milan criteria. However, further prospective studies are needed to confirm these findings and to determine the optimal treatment approach for this patient population.

TACE-assisted multi-image guided radiofrequency ablation for the treatment of single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤ 5 cm: a retrospective study.

Background/Objective: Treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with ablation alone often results in high rates of recurrence and metastasis, reaching up to 25.9% within two years. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of transarterial chemoembolization (TACE)-assisted multi-image guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for the treatment of stage Ia HCC according to the China liver cancer staging (CNLC). Methods: This study enrolled and analyzed a total of 118 patients diagnosed with HCC, each with a single nodular lesion no larger than 5 cm, who received TACE-RFA as first-line therapy between February 1, 2014, and December 31, 2021. The median/mean follow-up period was 29.0 months [95% confidence interval (CI): 21.8-36.2 months] and 31.8 months (95% CI: 27.5-36.0 months), respectively. We assessed the treatment's effectiveness, potential complications, and survival rate. Results: The technical success rate was 100% (118/118) after the initial treatment. Out of the total, 3 out of 118 patients (2.5%) developed local tumor progression (LTP) during the follow-up period. The median time for LTP was 29.0 months (95%CI: 21.9-36.1 months; mean: 31.5 months; range 1-92 months). At 1, 3, 5, and 7 years after treatment, the cumulative LTP rates were 0%, 4.6%, 4.6%, and 4.6%, respectively. The overall survival rates at 1, 3, 5, and 7 years were 100%, 95.2%, 95.2%, and 95.2%, respectively. In total, 28 patients experienced minor Grade B complications, and no major complications or treatment-related mortality occurred. Conclusion: The treatment of CNLC stage Ia HCC using TACE-assisted multi-image-guided RFA was found to be both safe and feasible.

Application of percutaneous biliary drainage in the treatment of post-operative bile leakage after liver rupture: A case report.

ABSTRACT: Post-operative bile leakage (POBL) is a serious complication following hepatobiliary surgery, with potentially life-threatening consequences if left untreated. This article presents a successful case of POBL management without surgical intervention. A 31-year-old male, diagnosed with bile leakage before hospitalisation, underwent percutaneous biliary drainage (PTBD) to address bilomas. Follow-up after 3 months indicated biloma atrophy and POBL healing but revealed bile duct stenosis. The patient received a larger biliary drainage tube, and after 1 month, the biloma and tube were removed. A 1-year follow-up confirmed the patient's excellent health. This case underscores the safety and efficacy of PTBD for managing POBL, offering a non-invasive alternative for patients with this complication. PTBD presents a viable treatment option for POBL cases, minimising the need for surgical interventions and their associated risks.

Transjugular Intrahepatic Portosystemic Shunt for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Main Portal Vein Tumor Thrombus-Related Symptomatic Portal Hypertension.

Background and aims: The safety and efficacy of transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS) in the treatment of symptomatic portal hypertension (SPH) caused by hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT) of main trunk remains unclear. The purpose of this study was to initially explore the safety and efficacy of TIPS for SPH caused by HCC with PVTT of main trunk. Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 16 patients who underwent TIPS for SPH caused by HCC with PVTT of main trunk. The evaluated outcomes were technical success rate, SPH control rate, stent patency rate, overall survival (OS), and complications. Results: From July 2018 to February 2023, sixteen consecutive HCC patients with PVTT of main trunk and SPH were retrospectively identified. Technical success was 93.75 %. All patients had complete or partial remission of clinical symptoms, and there were no incidents of acute variceal rebleeding and re-exacerbation of ascites during follow-up. There had no intraoperative TIPS-related complications occurred. One patient developed mild hepatic encephalopathy after TIPS placement during the follow-up period. During follow-up, 13 of 16 patients died of advanced HCC progression, the median OS was 10.0 months, and the cumulative OS of 0.5-, 1-, and 2 years were 66.67 %, 45.00 %, and 11.25 %, respectively. Conclusions: TIPS for SPH caused by HCC with PVTT of main trunk may be safe and effective.

Efficacy and safety of CalliSpheres® Microsphere transcatheter-arterial chemoembolization versus conventional TACE in treating renal angiomyolipoma patients.

Objective: Transcatheter-arterial chemoembolization (TACE) is a well-established interventional technique for various tumor treatments, whereas its application in renal angiomyolipoma (RAML) is seldom reported. Conventional TACE (cTACE) with bleomycin-lipiodol emulsion is effective and tolerable for RAML treatment. In this study, we aimed to further explore the efficacy and safety between bleomycin-loaded CalliSpheres® microsphere TACE (CSM-TACE) and cTACE in treating RAML patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 54 RAML patients treated by CSM-TACE (n = 17) or cTACE (n = 37). Data on tumor size, tumor volume reduction ratio, patient percentage with tumor size reduction, white blood cells (WBCs), creatinine (Cre) after treatment, complications, and adverse events were retrieved. Results: Tumor size (88.66 vs. 81.19 cm3, P = 0.970), patient percentage with tumor size reduction (12 [70.59%] vs. 30 [81.08%], P = 0.486) after treatment, WBCs (P = 0.114), Cre (P = 0.659), and change in Cre after treatment (P = 0.947) were not significantly different between groups, whereas tumor volume reduction ratio was slightly lower in the CSM-TACE group than in the cTACE group (12 ± 34% vs. 32 ± 31%, P = 0.047). The most common postoperative complication was a post-embolization syndrome, including fever, nausea, and abdominal pain, which occurred in 9 (52.94%) and 14 (37.84%) patients from the CSM-TACE and cTACE groups, respectively (P = 0.347). Conclusion: CSM-TACE is effective in and well tolerated by RAML patients, implying its potential as an alternative therapy.

Revealing the Combined Effect of Active Sites and Intra-Particle Diffusion on Adsorption Mechanism of Methylene Blue on Activated Red-Pulp Pomelo Peel Biochar.

Phosphoric acid-activated biochar has been proven to be a promising adsorbent for pollutant removal in an aqueous solution. It is urgent to understand how surface adsorption and intra-particle diffusion synergistically contribute to the adsorption kinetic process of dyes. In this work, we prepared a series of PPC adsorbents (PPCs) from red-pulp pomelo peel under different pyrolysis temperatures (150-350 °C), which have a broad specific surface area range from 3.065 m2/g to 1274.577 m2/g. The active sites on the surface of PPCs have shown specific change laws of decreasing hydroxyl groups and increasing phosphate ester groups occurring as the pyrolysis temperature rises. Both reaction models (PFO and PSO models) and diffusion models (intra-particle diffusion models) have been applied to simulate the adsorption experimental data to verify the hypothesis deduced from the Elovich model. PPC-300 exhibits the highest adsorption capacity of MB (423 mg/g) under given conditions. Due to its large quantities of active sites on the external and internal surfaces (1274.577 m2/g), a fast adsorption equilibrium can be achieved within 60 min (with an initial MB concentration of 100 ppm). PPC-300 and PPC-350 also exhibit an intra-particle-diffusion-controlled adsorption kinetic process with a low initial MB concentration (100 ppm) or at the very beginning and final stage of adsorption with a high initial MB concentration (300 ppm) at 40 °C, considering that the diffusion is likely hindered by adsorbate molecules through internal pore channels at the middle stage of adsorption in these cases.

Role of the Global Limb Anatomic Staging System in predicting outcomes of chronic limb-threatening ischemia in patients treated by drug-coated balloons.

Background: The Global Limb Anatomic Staging System (GLASS) was proposed to assess the procedural complexity and technical failure rate and stratify the anatomic pattern of chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI). However, more evidence is needed to validate the GLASS in staging outcomes after endovascular therapy in patients with CLTI treated with drug-coated balloons (DCBs). This study aims to evaluate the role of the GLASS in predicting outcomes of CLTI patients treated with DCBs. Methods: This multicenter, retrospective cohort study enrolled patients with CLTI treated with DCBs from July 2016 to June 2019. GLASS stages were assigned for every limb. The limb-based patency (LBP) rate, clinically driven target lesion revascularization (CD-TLR) rate, clinical improvement, and safety endpoints were analyzed and compared across the GLASS stages over 12 months of follow-up. Risk factors for the loss of LBP were identified using Cox regression analysis. Results: A total of 90 limbs were enrolled, with 55 (61.1%) having isolated femoropopliteal lesions and 35 (38.9%) having femoropopliteal and infrapopliteal lesions. Of the limbs, 17 (18.9%), 12 (13.3%), and 61 (67.8%) were assigned to GLASS stages I, II, and III, respectively. The Kaplan-Meier estimate of the 12-month LBP was 65.4%, and no difference was found among the different stages (stage I 81.1%; stage II 85.2%; stage III 54.4%; P=0.080). The LBP was lower in stage III than in stages I and II combined (stage I and II 83.5%; stage III 54.4%; P=0.027). Similar results were found for the freedom from CD-TLR rates among the different stages. The ankle-brachial index values improved from 0.42±0.29 to 0.78±0.35 at follow-up (P<0.001). The rates of mortality, any amputation, and major amputation were similar among the groups. GLASS stage III and coronary heart disease were identified as independent risk factors for the loss of LBP at 12 months. Conclusions: The 1-year LBP and freedom from CD-TLR rates were lower in GLASS stage III than in stages I and II. The GLASS classification could predict the outcomes of CLTI patients with femoropopliteal lesions treated with DCB.

Loadability and Releasing Profiles In Vitro and Pharmacokinetics In Vivo of Vinorelbine and Raltitrexed by CalliSpheres Beads.

Background: This study investigated the loadability and releasing profiles of vinorelbine and raltitrexed from CalliSpheres® Beads (CB) in vitro, and further explored the pharmacokinetic features of vinorelbine and raltitrexed eluting CB in vivo. Materials and Methods: Ten milligrams vinorelbine and 0.2 mg raltitrexed were mixed with 0.15 g CB at two sizes (100-300 and 300-500 µm) for 24 h, respectively, to measure the loadability. Then vinorelbine/raltitrexed loading CBs were placed in 20% phosphate-buffered saline for 24 h to measure the release profiles. Transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) with 1 mg vinorelbine eluting CBs (two sizes respectively) and transcatheter arterial hepatic infusion (TAI) with 1 mg vinorelbine were performed in 9 rabbits (3 rabbits in each group). The above experiments were repeated with 0.2 mg raltitrexed. Results: Vinorelbine loading efficiency quickly reached 90% within 10 min with maximum loadability >90% by CB with both two sizes, and vinorelbine release rate gradually increased to ∼100% within 1 h. Raltitrexed loading efficiency gradually increased to >40% within 15 min, then slowly increased to >60% within 24 h, with maximum loadability <70% by CB with both sizes, and raltitrexed release rate gradually increased to >90% within 1 h. Besides, vinorelbine/raltitrexed eluting CB showed greatly decreased maximum serum concentration (Cmax) of the drug compared with TAI in rabbits with similar area under the curve (0-t), mean residence time (0-t), and half-time (T1/2). Conclusion: CB exhibits good loadability and an acceptable releasing profile for eluting vinorelbine and raltitrexed, and shows lower Cmax and numerically stable concentration than TAI.

Neutrophil Infiltration Characterized by Upregulation of S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and CXCR2 Is Associated With the Co-Occurrence of Crohn's Disease and Peripheral Artery Disease.

Background: Crohn's disease (CD) and peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are closely related. The pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the coexistence of CD and PAD are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the key molecules and pathways mediating the co-occurrence of CD and PAD through quantitative bioinformatic analysis of a public RNA sequencing database. Methods: Datasets of CD (GSE111889) and PAD (GSE120642) were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analyzed using the 'edgeR' and 'limma' packages of R. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia analyses of common DEGs were performed to explore the functions of DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and visualized by Cytoscape. Hub genes were selected using the plugin cytoHubba. Hub gene validation was performed in GSE95095 for CD and GSE134431 for PAD. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive values of the hub genes. Gene set enrichment analysis and immune infiltration of the hub genes were performed. Results: A total of 54 common DEGs (2 downregulated and 52 upregulated) were identified. Pathways of neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil migration and cytokine and cytokine receptors were enriched in CD and PAD. S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and CXCR2 were identified as hub genes after validation, with all area under the curve > 0.7 for both CD and PAD. Neutrophil infiltration was associated with upregulation of the hub genes. Pathways of immune processes, including neutrophil activation, neutrophil chemotaxis, neutrophil migration were significantly correlated with high expression of S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and CXCR2 in both CD and PAD. Conclusions: This bioinformatic study elucidates S100A8, S100A9, S100A12 and CXCR2 as hub genes for the co-occurrence of Crohn's disease and peripheral artery disease. Inflammation and immune regulation modulated by neutrophil infiltration play a central role in the development of CD and PAD and may be potential targets for diagnosis and treatment.

Subunits of C1Q Are Associated With the Progression of Intermittent Claudication to Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia.

Background: The pathophysiological mechanisms of intermittent claudication (IC) progression to chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) are still vague and which of patients with IC will become CLTI are unknown. This study aimed to investigate the key molecules and pathways mediating IC progression to CLTI by a quantitative bioinformatic analysis of a public RNA-sequencing database of patients with peripheral artery disease (PAD) to screen biomarkers discriminating IC and CLTI. Methods: The GSE120642 dataset was downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between IC and CLTI tissues were analyzed using the "edgeR" packages of R. The Gene Ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were performed to explore the functions of DEGs. Protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks were established by the Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes (STRING) database and visualized by Cytoscape software. Hub genes were selected by plugin cytoHubba. Gene set enrichment analysis was performed and the receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the predictive values of hub genes. Results: A total of 137 upregulated and 21 downregulated DEGs were identified. Functional enrichment clustering analysis revealed a significant association between DEGs and the complement and coagulation cascade pathways. The PPI network was constructed with 155 nodes and 105 interactions. The most significantly enriched pathway was complement activation. C1QB, C1QA, C1QC, C4A, and C1R were identified and validated as hub genes due to the high degree of connectivity. The area under the curve values for the five hub genes were greater than 0.95, indicating high accuracy for discriminating IC and CLTI. Conclusion: The complement activation pathway is associated with IC progression to CLTI. C1QB, C1QA, C1QC, C4A, and C1R might serve as potential early biomarkers of CLTI.

Prediction of Split Renal Function Improvement After Renal Artery Stenting by Blood Oxygen Level-Dependent Magnetic Resonance Imaging.

Background: The discrepancy between the high technical success rate and the relatively low clinical response rate of renal artery stenting (RAS) raises the importance to identify atherosclerotic renal artery stenosis (ARAS) patients who are most likely to benefit from RAS. This study aimed to investigate the feasibility and accuracy of blood oxygen level-dependent magnetic resonance imaging (BOLD-MRI) in predicting split renal function (SRF) improvement after RAS in patients with ARAS. Methods: Thirty patients with severe ARAS who were treated with RAS were enrolled. Baseline cortical and medullary R2* values of each kidney were measured by BOLD-MRI, and each patient's SRF was evaluated by nuclear renal dynamic imaging at baseline and 1-month follow-up. Results: In total, 35 severe stenotic renal arteries of the 30 patients were analyzed. At 1-month follow-up, 34 kidneys (97.1%) of severe ARAS had acquired SRF. SRF improved in 12 kidneys of 10 patients. The cortical R2* and medullary R2* values in the SRF improvement kidneys were higher than those in the non-improvement kidneys (P ≤ 0.001). The area under the curve of medullary R2* was 0.879 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.736-1.000). A medullary R2* value ≥29.1 s-1 was noted to provide good sensitivity (0.833, 95% CI 0.552-0.970) and specificity (0.864, 95% CI 0.667-0.953) in predicting SRF improvement. Medullary R2* value was the only independent predictor of SRF improvement in multivariable analysis (P = 0.034, OR 3.017, 95%CI 1.089-8.358). Conclusion: This study showed that a BOLD-MRI medullary R2* value ≥29.1 s-1 was an excellent predictor of SRF improvement in patients with severe ARAS who underwent renal artery stenting.

Long-term outcome of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation for periportal hepatocellular carcinoma: tumor recurrence or progression, survival and clinical significance.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Recent studies have suggested that periportal location of percutaneous radiofrequency ablation (RFA) for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is considered as one of the independent risk factors for local tumor progression (LTP). However, the long-term therapeutic outcomes of percutaneous RFA as the first-line therapy for single periportal HCCand corresponding impacts on tumor recurrence or progression are still unclear. MATERIALS AND METHODS: From February 2011 to October 2020, a total of 233 patients with single nodular HCC ≤ 5 cm who underwent RFA ± transarterial chemoembolization (TACE) as first-line therapy was enrolled and analyzed, including 56 patients in the periportal group and 177 patients in the nonperiportal group. The long-term therapeutic outcomes between the two groups were compared, risk factors of tumor recurrence or progression were evaluated. RESULTS: The LTP rates at 1, 3, and 5 years were significantly higher in the periportal group than those in the nonperiportal group (15.7, 33.7, and 46.9% vs 6.0, 15.7, and 28.7%, respectively, P = 0.0067). The 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS) rates in the periportal group were significantly worse than those in the nonperiportal group (81.3, 65.1 and 42.9% vs 99.3, 90.4 and 78.1%, respectively, P<0.0001). In the subgroup of single HCC ≤ 3 cm, patients with periportal HCC showed significantly worse LTP P = 0.0006) and OS (P<0.0001) after RFA than patients with single nonperiportal HCC; The univariate and multivariate analyses revealed that tumor size, periportal HCC and AFP ≥ 400ug/ml were independent prognostic factors for tumor progression after RFA. Furthermore, patients with single periportal HCC had significantly higher risk for IDR(P = 0.0012), PVTT(P<0.0001) and extrahepatic recurrence(P = 0.0010) after RFA than those patients with single nonperiportal HCC. . CONCLUSION: The long-term therapeutic outcomes of RFA as the first-line therapy for single periportal HCC were worse than those for single nonperiportal HCC, an increased higher risk of tumor recurrence or progression after RFA was significantly associated with periportal HCC.

Treatment response, survival and safety profile of transarterial chemoembolization using different sizes of drug-eluting beads in hepatocellular carcinoma patients with portal vein tumor thrombus.

BACKGROUND: Different sized microspheres may affect the efficacy and safety of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients with portal vein tumor thrombus (PVTT), but related data are lacking. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the treatment response, survival and safety of DEB-TACE using different sized microspheres in HCC patients with or without PVTT. METHODS: Totally 90 HCC patients underwent DEB-TACE treatment were retrospectively enrolled (30 cases with PVTT and 60 cases without PVTT). According to the sizes of microspheres, patients were divided into 100-300 µm, 300-500 µm and 500-700 µm groups, respectively. RESULTS: Disease control rate (DCR) was highest in 300-500 µm group (81.3%), followed by 500-700 µm group (50.0%), then the lowest in 100-300 µm group (12.5%) (P = 0.004); while objective response rate (ORR) was similar among three groups (P = 0.177) in patients with PVTT. Furthermore, overall survival (OS) (P = 0.513) and adverse events (all P>0.05) were similar among three groups in patients with PVTT. Besides, in patients without PVTT: ORR (P = 0.694), DCR (P = 0.591), OS (P = 0.816) were of no difference among three groups; but the fever incidence was highest in 300-500 µm group (65.0%), second high in 500-700 µm group (50.0%), then lowest in 100-300 µm group (25.0%) (P = 0.008), except for this, no difference of other adverse events among three groups was found (all P>0.05). CONCLUSION: DEB-TACE using 300-500 µm microspheres (versus 100-300 µm or 500-700 µm microspheres) exhibits best treatment response without additional adverse events, indicating it might be the optimal choice for HCC patients with PVTT.

Long-term outcomes of combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation versus RFA monotherapy for single hepatocellular carcinoma ≤3 cm: emphasis on local tumor progression.

PURPOSE: To compare the long-term outcomes of combined transarterial chemoembolization and radiofrequency ablation (TACE-RFA) with radiofrequency ablation (RFA) monotherapy for small (≤3 cm) hepatocellular carcinomas (HCCs). METHODS: A total of 248 patients with 329 HCC nodules who underwent TACE-RFA or RFA monotherapy as the only first-line treatment between January 2009 and December 2020 were included in this study. The technical success, complications, survival rate, and local tumor progression (LTP) rate were compared between the two treatments. RESULTS: The 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rates were similar between the two groups (98.7%, 93.0% and 75.9% vs 97.4%, 88.0% and 77.4%; p = 0.444). The 1-, 3-, and 5-year cumulative LTP rates were significantly lower in the TACE-RFA group than in the RFA monotherapy group (2.9%, 9.2%, and 13.8% vs. 5.2%, 17.0%, and 21.0%; p = 0.043). Subgroup analyses suggested that TACE-RFA showed significantly lower LTP rates than RFA monotherapy for small HCC with tumor size>2cm (p = 0.008), subphrenic location (p = 0.021), and perivessel (p = 0.030). Furthermore, HCC with well-defined lipiodol deposition in the TACE-RFA group showed better local tumor control than the small HCC in the RFA monotherapy group (p = 0.013). There was no significant difference in the technical success rates (p = 0.064) and complication rates (p = 0.952) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: TACE-RFA is superior to RFA monotherapy in providing local tumor control for small HCC with tumor size 2-3 cm in diameter, subphrenic location, perivessel and HCCs with well-defined lipiodol deposition by TACE before RFA.

Safety and Efficacy of Stent Graft Implantation for Malignant Superior Vena Cava Syndrome.

BACKGROUND: Patients with malignant superior vena cava syndrome (SVCS) usually require urgent treatments due to a high potential risk of early mortality. Stent implantation can rapidly improve the symptoms of SVCS, which may be beneficial to subsequent anti-tumor therapy. The aim of the study was to evaluate the clinical outcomes of stent graft implantation for the treatment of superior vena cava (SVC) obstruction caused by non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) with acute post-stenting occlusion. METHODS: Between October 2014 and December 2019, 16 patients were selected for stent graft implantation. Technical success and clinical efficacy were assessed. Stent patency and patient survival rates, as well as the complications were analyzed. RESULTS: There were 17 stent grafts implanted in 16 patients. The technical success was 100%. The residual stenosis after initial implantation was 64.0 ± 9.0%. The stent expanded to an optimal size in 5.5 ± 2.2 days after the initial deployment. Migration occurred when deploying of the stent graft in one patient; this stent graft was successfully stabilized by a second one. No other complications related to the procedure were found except one migration. At 1, 3, 6, 9 and 12 months, the cumulative survival rates were 100%, 75%, 56%, 19% and 0%, respectively. The mean OS was 173 days. The median survival was 166 days. CONCLUSIONS: Stent graft can be safely used in patients with SVC obstruction with a good long-term patency rate.

Fe3O4-NPs/orange peel composite as magnetic heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst towards high-efficiency degradation of methyl orange.

Magnetite nanoparticles (Fe3O4-NPs)/orange peel (MOP) composite was prepared via one-step in-situ co-precipitation method as magnetic heterogeneous Fenton-like catalyst. The properties of MOP were characterized by scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopes, Brunauer-Emmett-Teller, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform infrared, thermogravimetric analysis and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy technologies. Its Fenton-like catalytic responses towards removal of methyl orange (MO) were investigated, in which the effects of initial dye concentration, pH, temperature and hydrogen peroxide dosage were studied. The MO degradation ratio up to 98.0% was obtained within 20 min in optimized conditions. The catalyst showed excellent catalytic stability exhibiting nearly 90% degradation ratio in the 10th cycle within 20 min, whereas pure Fe3O4-NPs showed only 62.5% in this stage. Due to the stabilization of complexing orange peel hydroxyl to iron oxide in the composite and its magnetic separation property, MOP composite exhibits excellent Fenton-like catalytic performance, which offers great prospects for low-cost and high-efficiency organic dye wastewater treatment.

Spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage in systemic lupus erythematosus: a rare case report and literature review.

BACKGROUND: Spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage is relatively uncommon but may be life-threatening. There are some challenges in early diagnosis due to the lack of specific presentations. CASE PRESENTATION: We report a case of spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage in a newly diagnosed systemic lupus erythematosus patient who initially presented with non-specific flank pain. Weakness and unstable vital signs were noted on admission. Abdominal ultrasonography and computed tomography revealed a sizable perirenal hematoma over the left retroperitoneal cavity. Renal arteriography identified active extravasation of contrast media from a distant branch of the left renal artery, and selective embolization effectively obliterated the bleeding spot. After cessation of bleeding, the patient received intensive immunosuppressive therapy for acute kidney injury and encephalopathy due to lupus. Her mental status recovered successfully, and she was withdrawn from short-term hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS: Spontaneous perirenal hemorrhage in the condition of systemic lupus erythematosus was a rare clinical entity with life-threatening potential. Early accurate diagnosis of spontaneous renal hemorrhage requires both detailed clinical examination and radiologic studies. Interventional embolization is essential and effective for both diagnosis and treatment. A high index of suspicion is necessary to avoid missing this potentially fatal syndrome, especially in patients with an increased risk of bleeding.