[Comparison of the Prognostic Value of C-Reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio and Glasgow Prognostic Score in Patients with Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To compare the prognostic value of two predictive models based on C-reactive protein (CRP) and albumin (ALB), namely the CRP to ALB ratio (CAR) and the Glasgow prognostic score (GPS), in newly diagnosed patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: The data of newly diagnosed DLBCL patients admitted to our center from May 2014 to January 2022 were reviewed. A total of 111 patients who completed at least 4 cycles of R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like chemotherapy with detailed clinical, laboratory data and follow-up information were included. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was performed to evaluate the predictive value of pre-treatment CAR on disease progression and survival. Furthermore, the association between CAR and baseline clinical, laboratory characteristics of patients was evaluated, and progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were compared between different CAR and GPS subgroups. Finally, the univariate and multivariate COX propor-tional hazard regression models were used to analyze the factors affecting disease outcomes. RESULTS: ROC curve showed that the area under the curve (AUC) of CAR predicting PFS and OS in DLBCL patients was 0.687 (P =0.002) and 0.695 (P =0.005), respectively, with the optimal cut-off value of 0.11 for both predicting PFS and OS. Compared with the lower CAR (<0.11) group, the higher CAR (≥0.11) group had more clinical risk factors, including age >60 years (P =0.025), ECOG score ≥2 (P =0.004), Lugano stage III-IV (P < 0.001), non-germinal center B-cell-like (non-GCB) subtype (P =0.035), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) ( P < 0.001), extranodal involved site >1 (P =0.004) and IPI score >2 (P < 0.001). The interim response evaluation of patients showed that the overall response rate (ORR) and complete response rate (CRR) in the lower CAR group were both significantly better than those in the higher CAR group (ORR: 96.9% vs 80.0%, P =0.035; CRR: 63.6% vs 32.5%, P =0.008). With a median follow-up of 24 months, patients with lower CAR had significantly longer median PFS and OS than those with higher CAR (median PFS: not reached vs 67 months, P =0.0026; median OS: not reached vs 67 months, P =0.002), while there was no statistical difference in PFS (P =0.11) and OS (P =0.11) in patients with GPS of 0, 1, and 2. Multivariate Cox regression analysis indicated that only sex (male) and IPI score >2 were independent risk factors for both PFS and OS. CONCLUSION: CAR is significantly correlated with disease progression and survival in DLBCL patients; And compared with GPS, CAR has more advantages in predicting disease outcomes in DLBCL patients.

Establishment and comparison of different procedures for modeling intrauterine adhesion in rats: A preliminary study.

The establishment of a stable animal model for intrauterine adhesion (IUA) can significantly enhance research on the pathogenesis and pathological changes of this disease, as well as on the development of innovative therapeutic approaches. In this study, three different modeling methods, including phenol mucilage combined mechanical scraping, ethanol combined mechanical scraping and ethanol modeling alone were designed. The morphological characteristics of the models were evaluated. The underlying mechanisms and fertility capacity of the ethanol modeling group were analyzed and compared to those of the sham surgery group. All three methods resulted in severe intrauterine adhesions, with ethanol being identified as a reliable modeling agent and was subsequently subjected to further evaluation. Immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR results indicated that the ethanol modeling group exhibited an increase in the degree of fibrosis and inflammation, as well as a significant reduction in endometrial thickness, gland number, vascularization, and endometrial receptivity, ultimately resulting in the loss of fertility capacity. The aforementioned findings indicate that the intrauterine perfusion of 95 % ethanol is efficacious in inducing the development of intrauterine adhesions in rats. Given its cost-effectiveness, efficacy, and stability in IUA formation, the use of 95 % ethanol intrauterine perfusion may serve as a novel platform for evaluating innovative anti-adhesion materials and bioengineered therapies.

YAP/TAZ Signaling Enhances Angiogenesis of Retinal Microvascular Endothelial Cells in a High-Glucose Environment.

PURPOSE: Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is a major cause of irreversible blindness in the working-age population. Neovascularization is an important hallmark of advanced DR. There is evidence that Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ binding domain (TAZ) plays an important role in angiogenesis and that its activity is regulated by vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of YAP/TAZ-VEGF crosstalk on the angiogenic capacity of human retinal microvascular endothelial cells (hRECs) in a high-glucose environment. METHODS: The expression of YAP and TAZ of hRECs under normal conditions, hypertonic conditions and high glucose were observed. YAP overexpression (OE-YAP), YAP silencing (sh-YAP), VEGF overexpression (OE-VEGF) and VEGF silencing (sh-VEGF) plasmids were constructed. Cell counting kit-8 assay was performed to detect cells proliferation ability, transwell assay to detect cells migration ability, and tube formation assay to detect tube formation ability. The protein expression of YAP, TAZ, VEGF, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-8, MMP-13, vessel endothelium (VE)-cadherin and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was measured by western blot. RESULTS: The proliferation of hRECs was significantly higher in the high glucose group compared with the normal group, as well as the protein expression of YAP and TAZ (p < 0.01). YAP and VEGF promoted the proliferation, migration and tube formation of hRECs in the high glucose environment (p < 0.01), and increased the expression of TAZ, VEGF, MMP-8, MMP-13 and α-SMA while reducing the expression of VE-cadherin (p < 0.01). Knockdown of YAP effectively reversed the above promoting effects of OE-VEGF (p < 0.01) and overexpression of YAP significantly reversed the inhibition effects of sh-VEGF on above cell function (p < 0.01). CONCLUSION: In a high-glucose environment, YAP/TAZ can significantly promote the proliferation, migration and tube formation ability of hRECs, and the mechanism may be related to the regulation of VEGF expression.

Bioinformatics Analysis and Experimental Validation of Differential Genes and Pathways in Bone Nonunions.

Non-union fractures pose a significant clinical challenge, often leading to prolonged pain and disability. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying non-union fractures is crucial for developing effective therapeutic interventions. This study integrates bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation to unravel key genes and pathways associated with non-union fractures. We identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between non-union and fracture healing tissues using bioinformatics techniques. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses were employed to elucidate the biological processes and pathways involved. Common DEGs were identified, and a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed. Fibronectin-1 (FN1), Thrombospondin-1 (THBS1), and Biglycan (BGN) were pinpointed as critical target genes for non-union fracture treatment. Experimental validation involved alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and Alizarin Red staining to confirm osteogenic differentiation. Our analysis revealed significant alterations in pathways related to cell behavior, tissue regeneration, wound healing, infection, and immune responses in non-union fracture tissues. FN1, THBS1, and BGN were identified as key genes, with their upregulation indicating potential disruptions in the bone remodeling process. Experimental validation confirmed the induction of osteogenic differentiation. The study provides comprehensive insights into the molecular mechanisms of non-union fractures, emphasizing the pivotal roles of FN1, THBS1, and BGN in extracellular matrix dynamics and bone regeneration. The findings highlight potential therapeutic targets and pathways for further investigation. Future research should explore interactions between these genes, validate results using in vivo fracture models, and develop tailored treatment strategies for non-union fractures, promising significant advances in clinical management.

Photo-induced C(sp2)-H difluoroalkylation of anilines.

A photoinduced protocol for the direct difluoroalkylation of C(sp2)-H bonds in anilines under catalyst-free reaction conditions is presented. This transformation is characterized by a wide substrate scope, mild reaction conditions, and operational simplicity, and could serve as an alternative tool to established methods for the synthesis of difluoroalkylated anilines. Mechanistic studies suggest the formation of an electron-donor-acceptor (EDA) complex between anilines and difluoroalkyl bromides in this reaction.

Central blockage of sympathetic nerves inhibits the abnormal vital signs and disturbance of the gut microbiota caused by continuous light exposure.

Background: Continuous light exposure increases sympathetic excitation in rats, leading to hypertension, left ventricular hypertrophy, and fibrosis. This study was aimed to investigate whether continuous light exposure causes destabilization of vital signs and gut microbiota (GM) in Sprague Dawley (SD) rats and whether clonidine hydrochloride (CH), a central sympathetic depressant drug, could prevent these changes. Methods: Eight-week-old male SD rats were divided into three groups with different interventions for 14 weeks: control group (CG), 2-mL pure water gavaged daily while on a normal 12-h light/dark cycle; continuous illumination group (CI), 2-mL pure water gavaged daily while receiving continuous exposure to light (300 lx); and drug administration group (DA), CH (10 µg/kg) gavaged daily while receiving continuous exposure to light (300 lx). Results: The results showed that blood pressure, heart rate, and body weight were significantly higher in the CI group than in the CG and DA groups (P < 0.05). Moreover, the Shannon index was higher in the DA group than in the CI group (P = 0.012). The beta diversity index in the CG group was significantly higher in the CI group (P = 0.039). The pairwise comparison results of the linear discriminant analysis effect size showed that Oscillospirales were enriched in the DA group, whereas the Prevotellaceae lineage (family level) > Prevotella (genus level) > Prevotellaceae_bacterium (species level) were enriched in the CI group. The Muribaculaceae family was more abundant in the CG group than in the CI group. Conclusion: Sympathetic nerve inhibition restored the abnormal vital signs and GM changes under continuous light exposure.

Scrutiny of genome-wide somatic mutation profiles in centenarians identifies the key genomic regions for human longevity.

Somatic mutations accumulate with age and are associated closely with human health, their characterization in longevity cohorts remains largely unknown. Here, by analyzing whole genome somatic mutation profiles in 73 centenarians and 51 younger controls in China, we found that centenarian genomes are characterized by a markedly skewed distribution of somatic mutations, with many genomic regions being specifically conserved but displaying a high function potential. This, together with the observed more efficient DNA repair ability in the long-lived individuals, supports the existence of key genomic regions for human survival during aging, with their integrity being of essential to human longevity.

Numerical methods for hemolysis and thrombus evaluation in the percutaneous ventricular assist device.

BACKGROUND: A percutaneous ventricular assist device (pVAD) is an effective method to treat heart failure, but its complications, mainly hemolysis and thrombus formation, cannot be ignored. Accurate evaluation of hemolysis and thrombus formation in pVAD is essential to guide the development of pVAD and reduce the incidence of complications. METHODS: This study optimized the numerical model to predict hemolysis and thrombus formation in pVAD. The hemolysis model is based on the power law function, and the multi-component thrombus prediction model is improved by introducing the von Willebrand factor. RESULTS: The error between the numerical simulation and the hydraulic performance experiment is within 5%. The numerical results of hemolysis are in good agreement with those of in vitro experiments. Meanwhile, the thrombus location predicted by the numerical model is the same as that found in the in vivo experiment. CONCLUSION: The numerical model suggested in this study may therefore accurately assess the possible hemolytic and thrombotic dangers in pVAD, making it an effective tool to support the development of pVAD.

A risk model for the early diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction in patients with chronic kidney disease.

Introduction: Acute myocardial infarction (AMI) remains a critical disease, characterized by a high fatality rate in several countries. In clinical practice, the incidence of AMI is increased in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, the early diagnosis of AMI in the above group of patients is still poor. Methods: In the present study, a total of 829 patients with CKD, defined by an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) of <60 ml/min/1.73 m2 or 60-90 ml/min/1.73 m2 for patients with mildly reduced kidney function, who attended the Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital (SPPH) between January 2018 and November 2022 were enrolled. All patients underwent coronary angiography due to the presence of typical or atypical symptoms of AMI. Patients were divided into the following two groups: The training cohort, including 255 participants with AMI and 242 without AMI; and the testing cohort, including 165 and 167 subjects with and without AMI, respectively. Furthermore, a forward stepwise regression model and a multivariable logistic regression model, named SPPH-AMI-model, were constructed to select significant predictors and assist the diagnosis of AMI in patients with CKD, respectively. Results: The following factors were evaluated in the model: Smoking status, high sensitivity cardiac troponin I, serum creatinine and uric acid levels, history of percutaneous coronary intervention and electrocardiogram. Additionally, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve were determined in the risk model in the training set [AUC, 0.78; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.74-0.82] vs. the testing set (AUC, 0.74; 95% CI, 0.69-0.79) vs. the combined set (AUC, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.73-0.80). Finally, the sensitivity and specificity rates were 71.12 and 71.21%, respectively, the percentage of cases correctly classified was 71.14%, while positive and negative predictive values of 71.63 and 70.70%, respectively, were also recorded. Discussion: The results of the current study suggested that the SPPH-AMI-model could be currently considered as the only risk scoring system for the early diagnosis of AMI in patients with CKD. This method could help clinicians and emergency physicians to quickly and accurately diagnose AMI in patients with CKD to promote the immediate and effective treatment of these patients.

Photoinduced Borylation of the Inert C(sp3)-O Bond of Alkyl Heteroaryl Ethers.

A photoinduced reductive Calkyl-O borylation of alkyl heteroaryl ethers with very negative reduction potential in the presence of 4-dimethylaminopyridine (DMAP) and bis(catecholato)diborane(B2cat2) was developed. Despite the high reducing power, various substrates with liable functional groups were well-tolerated as well as ethers derived from natural products and medicinal-relevant compounds. Mechanistic investigation implied that an intra-single electron transfer process in an electron donor-acceptor complex formed from ethers with the adduct of B2cat2 and DMAP should be involved.

Imaging characterization of myocardial function, fibrosis, and perfusion in a nonhuman primate model with heart failure-like features.

Introduction: The availability of a human-like chronic heart failure (HF) animal model was critical for affiliating development of novel therapeutic drug treatments. With the close physiology relatedness to humans, the non-human primate (NHP) HF model would be valuable to better understand the pathophysiology and pharmacology of HF. The purpose of this work was to present preliminary cardiac image findings using echocardiography and cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) in a HF-like cynomolgus macaque model. Methods: The NHP diet-induced model developed cardiac phenotypes that exhibited diastolic dysfunction with reduced left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) or preserved LVEF. Twenty cynomolgus monkeys with cardiac dysfunction were selected by echocardiography and subsequently separated into two groups, LVEF < 65% (termed as HFrEF, n = 10) and LVEF ≥ 65% with diastolic dysfunction (termed as HFpEF, n = 10). Another group of ten healthy monkeys was used as the healthy control. All monkeys underwent a CMR study to measure global longitudinal strain (GLS), myocardial extracellular volume (ECV), and late gadolinium enhancement (LGE). In healthy controls and HFpEF group, quantitative perfusion imaging scans at rest and under dobutamine stress were performed and myocardial perfusion reserve (MPR) was subsequently obtained. Results: No LGE was observed in any monkey. Monkeys with HF-like features were significantly older, compared to the healthy control group. There were significant differences among the three groups in ECV (20.79 ± 3.65% in healthy controls; 27.06 ± 3.37% in HFpEF group, and 31.11 ± 4.50% in HFrEFgroup, p < 0.001), as well as for stress perfusion (2.40 ± 0.34 ml/min/g in healthy controls vs. 1.28 ± 0.24 ml/min/g in HFpEF group, p < 0.01) and corresponding MPR (1.83 ± 0.3 vs. 1.35 ± 0.29, p < 0.01). After adjusting for age, ECV (p = 0.01) and MPR (p = 0.048) still showed significant differences among the three groups. Conclusion: Our preliminary imaging findings demonstrated cardiac dysfunction, elevated ECV, and/or reduced MPR in this HF-like NHP model. This pilot study laid the foundation for further mechanistic research and the development of a drug testing platform for distinct HF pathophysiology.

AGR2 and FOXA1 as prognostic markers in ER-positive breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The prognostic role of either forkhead box A1 (FOXA1) or anterior gradient 2 (AGR2) in breast cancer has been found separately. Considering that there were interplays between them depending on ER status, we aimed to assess the statistical interaction between AGR2 and FOXA1 on breast cancer prognosis and examine the prognostic role of the combination of them by ER status. METHODS: AGR2 and FOXA1 expression in tumor tissues were evaluated with tissue microarrays by immunohistochemistry in 915 breast cancer patients with follow up data. The expression levels of these two markers were treated as binary variables, and many different cutoff values were tried for each marker. Survival and Cox proportional hazard analyses were used to evaluate the relationship between AGR2, FOXA1 and prognosis, and the statistical interaction between them on the prognosis was assessed on multiplicative scale. RESULTS: Statistical interaction between AGR2 and FOXA1 on the PFS was significant with all the cutoff points in ER-positive breast cancer patients but not ER-negative ones. Among ER-positive patients, the poor prognostic role of the high level of FOXA1 was significant only in patients with the low level of AGR2, and vice versa. When AGR2 and FOXA1 were considered together, patients with low levels of both markers had significantly longer PFS compared with all other groups. CONCLUSIONS: There was a statistical interaction between AGR2 and FOXA1 on the prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer. The combination of AGR2 and FOXA1 was a more useful marker for the prognosis of ER-positive breast cancer patients.

Combined low levels of H4K16ac and H4K20me3 predicts poor prognosis in breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: Results of previous studies about the prognostic roles of histone H4 lysine 16 acetylation (H4K16ac) and histone H4 lysine 20 trimethylation (H4K20me3) in breast cancer were inconsistent. Cellular experiments revealed the interplays between H4K16ac and H4K20me3, but no population study explored the interaction between them on the prognosis. METHODS: H4K16ac and H4K20me3 levels in tumors were evaluated by immunohistochemistry for 958 breast cancer patients. Hazard ratios for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were estimated using Cox regression models. Interaction was assessed on multiplicative scale. Concordance index (C-index) was calculated to verify the predictive performance. RESULTS: The prognostic roles of the low level of H4K16ac or H4K20me3 were significant only in patients with the low level of another marker and their interactions were significant. Moreover, compared with joint high levels of both them, only the combined low levels of both them was associated with a poor prognosis but not the low level of single one. The C-index of the clinicopathological model combined the joint expression of H4K16ac and H4K20me3 [0.739 for OS; 0.672 for PFS] was significantly larger than that of the single clinicopathological model [0.699 for OS, P < 0.001; 0.642 for PFS, P = 0.003] or the model combined with the single H4K16ac [0.712 for OS, P < 0.001; 0.646 for PFS, P < 0.001] or H4K20me3 [0.724 for OS, P = 0.031; 0.662 for PFS, P = 0.006]. CONCLUSIONS: There was an interaction between H4K16ac and H4K20me3 on the prognosis of breast cancer and the combination of them was a superior prognostic marker compared to the single one.

[Prognostic Value of Pre-treatment Albumin/Fibrinogen Ratio in Patients with Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the value of pre-treatment albumin/fibrinogen ratio (AFR) on the prognosis of patients with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS: The data of DLBCL patients in the Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College from April 2014 to March 2021 were retrieved, and 111 newly diagnosed patients who completed at least 4 cycles of R-CHOP or R-CHOP-like chemotherapy with complete data were included in the study. The clinical, laboratory examination and follow-up data of the patients were collected, and the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn according to patients' AFR before treatment and the survival status at the end of the follow-up, which could be used to preliminarily evaluate the predictive value of AFR for disease progression and patients' survival outcome. Furthermore, the correlation of AFR with the clinical and laboratory characteristics, progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was analyzed, and finally, univariate and multivariate Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to analyze factors affecting PFS and OS of DLBCL patients. RESULTS: The ROC curve indicated that AFR level had a moderate predictive value for PFS and OS in DLBCL patients, with the area under the curve (AUC) of 0.616 (P =0.039) and 0.666 (P =0.004), respectively, and the optimal cut-off values were both 9.06 for PFS and OS. Compared with high-AFR (≥9.06) group, the low-AFR (<9.06) group had a higher proportion of patients with Lugano III-IV stage ( P <0.001), elevated lactate dehydrogenase (P =0.007) and B symptoms (P =0.038). The interim analysis of response showed that the overall response rate (ORR) in the high-AFR group was 89.7%, which was significantly higher than 62.8% in the low-AFR group (P =0.001). With a median follow-up of 18.5 (3-77) months, the median PFS of the high-AFR group was not reached, which was significantly superior to 17 months of the low-AFR group (P =0.009). Similarly, the median OS of high-AFR group was not reached, either, which was significantly superior to 48 months of the low-AFR group (P < 0.001). In multivariate Cox regression analysis, AFR <9.06 was an independent risk factor both for PFS and OS (HR PFS=2.047, P =0.039; HR OS=4.854, P =0.001). CONCLUSION: Pre-treatment AFR has a significant value for the prognosis evaluation in newly diagnosed DLBCL patients.

[The fenrou zhijian theory in The Inner Canon of Huangdi and the stratified treatment of painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons].

The fenrou zhijian is defined as potential gap between different layers in the three-dimensional network structure formed by the twelve meridian tendons. Various pathological changes of the meridian tendons lead to the adhesion and closure of fenrou zhijian, causing abnormal mechanical conduction of the meridian tendon system, which in turn leads to painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. As such, restarting the fenrou zhijian is the key to acupuncture treatment for painful bi syndrome of meridian tendons. Under the guidance of musculoskeletal ultrasound, the level and the angle of needle insertion of acupuncture at fenrou zhijian could be accurately controlled, the efficacy of acupuncture is improved.

Effect of preoperative pulmonary artery pressure on the prognosis of end-stage heart failure patients after heart transplantation.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of preoperative pulmonary artery pressure on perioperative outcome of end-stage heart failure patients undergoing heart transplantation. METHODS: Retrospective analysis was undertaken on the clinical data of patients receiving heart transplantation in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery of our hospital from March 2017 to March 2022. A ROC curve analysis was developed between mean pulmonary artery pressure (mPAP) and postoperative mortality using mPAP as diagnostic criteria. Patients were divided into groups based on this threshold to determine the best mPAP threshold value for predicting postoperative nosocomial mortality, and the differences in preoperative and intraoperative data, postoperative complications, and clinical prognosis of patients in the two groups were compared. Patients were followed up to draw the survival curve of patients in the two groups. RESULTS: The study enlisted the participation of 105 patients. ROC curve research revealed that preoperative pulmonary artery pressure was substantially linked with death following heart transplantation, with mPAP = 30.5mmHg being the best threshold. The group with mPAP ≥ 30.5mmHg had a greater incidence of postoperative ECMO support (28.2% vs. 10.6%, P = 0.021) and a higher incidence of in-hospital mortality (15.4% vs. 1.5%, P = 0.019) than the group with mPAP < 30.5mmHg. The postoperative survival rates of 105 patients were 91.3%, 88.7%, 81.6%, and 77.5% at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years, respectively, however, there was no significant difference between the two groups of patients in the postoperative intermediate-far survival rate (P = 0.431). CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative pulmonary artery pressure in patients with end-stage heart failure is intimately correlated with perioperative prognosis of heart transplant recipients. The optimal cut-off mPAP value in predicting perioperative prognosis of heart transplant recipients is 30.5mmHg. In the high mPAP group, perioperative ECMO support rate and perioperative mortality rate are high, which do not affect the medium and long-term prognosis of the recipients undergoing heart transplantation.

A study on the rapid diagnosis of chronic heart failure by measuring the difference in pulse oxygen saturation before and after arm compression.

BACKGROUND: Clinically, the pulse oxygen saturation of patients with chronic heart failure does not decrease significantly, and the clinical manifestations of labor-related dyspnea are not typical. As such, it is difficult to make a rapid diagnosis. OBJECTIVE: To investigate changes in pulse oxygen saturation in patients with chronic heart failure and examine the relationship between B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) and normal pulse oxygen saturation. METHODS: A total of 80 hospitalized patients with chronic heart failure and increased BNP were randomly selected as the study group; the family members of 60 patients without dyspnea were randomly selected as the control group. The researchers measured the value of pulse oxygen saturation before and after upper arm compression, calculating the difference and analyzing the correlation between this difference and BNP values. The data were statistically analyzed using the SPSS Statistics 17.0 program. RESULTS: The decrease in pulse oxygen saturation in the study group was greater than in the control group; the decrease in pulse oxygen saturation of patients with chronic heart failure positively correlated with BNP. CONCLUSION: The value of pulse oxygen saturation in patients with chronic heart failure decreased more than in the control group, and this difference positively correlated with BNP. The measurement of pulse oxygen saturation before and after upper arm compression is a simple and effective method for diagnosing and evaluating chronic heart failure.

Thyroid dysfunction in Chinese nasopharyngeal carcinoma after anti-PD-1 therapy and its association with treatment response.

BACKGROUND: Programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) blockade therapies have demonstrated efficacy in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). Thyroid dysfunction is among the most common immune-related adverse events. This study aimed to explore the clinical pattern of thyroid dysfunction and its relationship with survival marker in nonmetastatic NPC after immunotherapy. METHODS: From January 1, 2019, to December 31, 2021, 165 pairs of nonmetastatic NPC patients (165 with and 165 without anti-PD-1 immunotherapy) matched by the propensity score matching method were included in this study. Thyroid function was assessed retrospectively before the first treatment and during each immunotherapy cycle. RESULTS: The spectrum of thyroid dysfunction was different between the immunotherapy and control groups (P < 0.001). Compared with the control group, patients in the immunotherapy group developed more hypothyroidism (14.545% vs. 7.273%), less hyperthyroidism (10.909% vs. 23.636%), and a distinct pattern, biphasic thyroid dysfunction (3.030% vs. 0%). Immunotherapy also accelerates the onset of hypothyroidism, which was earlier with a median onset time difference of 32 days (P < 0.001). Patients who acquired thyroid dysfunction during immunotherapy had better complete biological response to treatment (OR, 10.980; P = 0.042). CONCLUSIONS: For nonmetastatic NPC, thyroid dysfunction was associated with better response to treatment in immunotherapy but not in routine treatment. Thyroid function could be used as a predictor for survival and should be under regular and intensive surveillance in clinical practice of anti-PD-1 immunotherapy for nonmetastatic NPC.

Targeting critical pathways in ferroptosis and enhancing antitumor therapy of Platinum drugs for colorectal cancer.

Colorectal cancer (CRC) can be resistant to platinum drugs, possibly through ferroptosis suppression, albeit the need for further work to completely understand this mechanism. This work aimed to sum up current findings pertaining to oxaliplatin resistance (OR) or resistance to ascertain the potential of ferroptosis to regulate oxaliplatin effects. In this review, tumor development relating to iron homeostasis, which includes levels of iron that ascertain cells' sensitivity to ferroptosis, oxidative stress, or lipid peroxidation in colorectal tumor cells that are connected with ferroptosis initiation, especially the role of c-Myc/NRF2 signaling in regulating iron homeostasis, coupled with NRF2/GPX4-mediated ferroptosis are discussed. Importantly, ferroptosis plays a key role in OR and ferroptotic induction may substantially reverse OR in CRC cells, which in turn could inhibit the imbalance of intracellular redox induced by oxaliplatin and ferroptosis, as well as cause chemotherapeutic resistance in CRC. Furthermore, fundamental research of small molecules, ferroptosis inducers, GPX4 inhibitors, or natural products for OR coupled with their clinical applications in CRC have also been summarized. Also, potential molecular targets and mechanisms of small molecules or drugs are discussed as well. Suggestively, OR of CRC cells could significantly be reversed by ferroptosis induction, wherein this result is discussed in the current review. Prospectively, the existing literature discussed in this review will provide a solid foundation for scientists to research the potential use of combined anticancer drugs which can overcome OR via targeting various mechanisms of ferroptosis. Especially, promising therapeutic strategies, challenges ,and opportunities for CRC therapy will be discussed.