Development of a TMErisk model based on immune infiltration in tumour microenvironment to predict prognosis of immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) treatment has created the opportunity of improved outcome for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, only a minority of HCC patients benefit from ICI treatment owing to poor treatment efficacy and safety concerns. There are few predictive factors that precisely stratify HCC responders to immunotherapy.

To be or not to be: The double-edged sword roles of liver progenitor cells.

Given the liver's remarkable and unique regenerative capacity, researchers have long focused on liver progenitor cells (LPCs) and liver cancer stem cells (LCSCs). LPCs can differentiate into both hepatocytes and cholangiocytes. However, the mechanism underlying cell conversion and its distinct contribution to liver homeostasis and tumorigenesis remain unclear.

The Pharmacological Mechanism of Xiyanping Injection for the Treatment of Novel Coronavirus Pneumonia (COVID-19): Based on Network Pharmacology Strategy.

Purpose: The possible mechanism of Xiyanping injection treatment COVID-19 is discussed through the network pharmacology.

Methods: Obtaining the chemical structure of Xiyanping injection through the patent application and obtaining control compounds I, II, III, IV, V, Yanhuning injection (VI, VII), Chuanhuning injection (VIII, IX), 10 compounds were analyzed by D3Targets-2019-nCoV. The human anti-COVID-19 gene in COVID-19 DisGeNET was intersected with the CTD Andrographolide target gene and then combined with D3Targets-2019-nCoV, resulting in 93 genes, using the Venny 2.

Androgens drive sexual dimorphism in liver metastasis by promoting hepatic accumulation of neutrophils.

The liver is one of the most-favored distant metastatic sites for solid tumors, and interactions between cancer cells and components of the hepatic microenvironment are essential for liver metastasis (LM). Although sex is one of the determinants for primary liver cancer, sexual dimorphism in LM (SDLM) and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. We herein demonstrate a significant male-biased SDLM, which is attributed to host androgen/androgen receptor (Ar) signaling that promotes hepatic seeding of tumor cells and subsequent outgrowth in a neutrophil-dependent manner.

Factors associated with prior acute pancreatitis episodes among patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Background: The relationship between chronic pancreatitis (CP) and acute pancreatitis (AP) is complex and not well understood. CP could be preceded by antecedent episodes of AP.

Aims: The aim of this study was to explore both genetic and environmental factors associated with AP episodes before the diagnosis of CP.

Risk factors for sinistral portal hypertension and related variceal bleeding in patients with chronic pancreatitis.

Objectives: Sinistral portal hypertension (SPH) is an uncommon complication of chronic pancreatitis (CP) and can result in severe gastrointestinal bleeding. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and the potential risk factors for SPH and related gastrointestinal variceal bleeding in patients with CP.

Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all patients with SPH due to CP admitted to our hospital from July 2014 to June 2019 in this case-control study.

[Pharmacokinetics and Bioequiavailability of Asparaginase in Asparaginase Nanospheres].

Objective: To determine the pharmacokinetics and bioequivalence of self-assembled hyaluronic acid-graft-poly (ethylene glycol)/hydroxypropyl-beta-cyclodextrin hollow nanospheres loaded with asparaginase (AHHPs) in SD rats.

Methods: AHHPs were prepared and observed under transmission electron microscopy. Its size, Zeta potential and entrapment efficiency were detected.

[Pharmacokinetics study of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles by intravenous injection in rats].

Objective: To study the intravenous pharmacokinetics of curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles in SD rats.

Methods: Rats were administrated with (iv) curcumin solid lipid nanoparticles and curcumin solution (8.0 mg/kg), respectively.

Comparison of microwave-assisted and conventional hydrodistillation in the extraction of essential oils from mango (Mangifera indica L.) flowers.

Microwave-assisted hydrodistillation (MAHD) is an advanced hydrodistillation (HD) technique, in which a microwave oven is used in the extraction process. MAHD and HD methods have been compared and evaluated for their effectiveness in the isolation of essential oils from fresh mango (Mangifera indica L.) flowers.

Validation of the central blood pressure estimation by the SphygmoCor system in Chinese.

Background: Pulse wave analysis using the SphygmoCor system allows the estimation of central blood pressures (BP). However, there is controversy over its accuracy for clinical use.

Methods: In 45 patients undergoing coronary angiography, we compared the ascending aorta BPs measured by the invasive catheter with the estimations by the SphygmoCor system, using paired t-tests, simple correlation analysis, and Bland-Altman plots.