Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of doxorubicin-loaded drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) with CalliSpheres microspheres (CSM) in treating unresectable intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Methods: 88 unresectable ICC patients who received DEB-TACE treatment with CSM were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Information about treatment response, survival and adverse events were collected. The Kaplan-Meier curve was used to evaluate progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), and factors affecting OS were determined by Cox's proportional hazards regression model. Results: Tumor response of the whole sample of 88 patients was partial response (PR) in 58 (65.9%) patients, stable disease (SD) in 19 (21.6%) and progressive disease (PD) in 11 (12.5%) at one month after therapy, with no complete responses (CR). The median PFS and OS were 3.0 months and 9.0 months respectively. Cox's proportional hazards regression analysis disclosed that subsequent treatment was an independent favorable prognostic factor, while cholangiectasis, extensive intrahepatic tumor burden and extrahepatic metastasis were the three prognostic factors associated with poor survival in ICC patients. Besides, common adverse events included nausea/vomiting, abdominal pain and transient elevation of liver transaminase in patients treated by DEB-TACE with CSM. Conclusion: DEB-TACE with CSM is safe and well-tolerated for unresectable ICC patients, with a low complication rate and a relative benefit in terms of survival. Subsequent treatments including systemic/loco-regional treatments is an independent favorable prognostic factor, but cholangiectasis, extensive intrahepatic tumor burden and extrahepatic metastases are the three prognostic factors associated with poor survival.

Aim Abnormally high levels of homocysteine (Hcy) are associated with autism spectrum disorder. Betaine is a methyl group donor in Hcy metabolism, and is known to prevent noxious Hcy accumulation. This study explored whether betaine could influence Hcy metabolism in a mouse model of autism and ameliorate behavioral abnormalities. Methods Pregnant ICR mice were administered valproic acid (VPA) intraperitoneally on Embryonic Day 12.5. Serum Hcy concentrations in the offspring were measured by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay. Expressions of Hcy‐metabolism‐related enzymes, betaine‐Hcy methyltransferase, cystathionine β‐synthase, and methionine synthase, were measured by quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting. Offspring were treated by either betaine or saline at the age of 8 weeks and serum Hcy concentrations were measured. Social behaviors were assessed by sniff‐duration test and three‐chamber test. Repetitive behavior was evaluated by marble‐burying test. Tail‐flick test was performed to measure nociceptive sensitivity. Results Prenatal VPA‐exposed mice showed significantly elevated Hcy concentrations and decreased betaine‐Hcy methyltransferase expression. Treatment with betaine could reduce Hcy level in VPA‐exposed mice, attenuate social impairment and repetitive behavior, and normalize nociceptive sensitivity in this model. Conclusion Betaine could ameliorate autism‐like features and play a beneficial role in a mouse autism model induced by prenatal VPA exposure.

AIm: Supraorbital keyhole approach provides access to the major part of the anterior circulation aneurysms. Herein, our surgical experience of supraorbital keyhole approach and its some modification have been proposed. mAterIAl and methOds: Out of a series of 76 patients harboring 80 aneurysms operated on via a supraorbital keyhole approach with a superciliar or front wrinkle skin incision, there are 70 patients with subarachnoidal bleeding, others are nonruptured aneurysms, Intraoperative rupture occurred in 8 cases, and 4 had multiple aneurysms.results: There was a good cosmetic results with less approach-related complications .Of 80 aneurysms, 75 aneurysms were clipped successfully by the supraorbital route. Good Glasgow Outcome Scale scores of 4 or 5 were achieved in 95% of the patients at the time of discharge. 2 patients of Grade IV died in the postoperative period due vasospasm. COnClusIOn:The supraorbital route is recommended for selected anterior circulation aneurysms based on the improved surgical instruments and microsurgical skills.

This study established a reproducible large animal model of proximal descending TAA. This model has the same biochemical characteristics as human aneurysms in the aspects of aortic expansion, aortic middle-level degeneration, and changes in the levels of matrix metalloproteinases and provides a platform for further study.

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Background: Proteinase-activated receptor 2 (PAR2) may be implicated in skin disorders. Intracellular calcium mobilization is a key step in PAR2-induced signaling. Aims: In this study, we investigated the effects of nifedipine, verapamil, and low-molecular-weight heparin (LMWH) on SLIGRL-NH₂-induced PAR2-mediated calcium mobilization within cells. Methods: The intracellular calcium concentration was measured with fluo-8, a fluorescence indicator for free Ca²⁺. Results: Our results showed that SLIGRL-NH₂ induced a dose-dependent calcium influx. This calcium influx was completely blocked in HaCaT cells and significantly blocked by LMWH in HEK293/PAR2 cells. However, both nifedipine and verapamil failed to inhibit the SLIGRL-NH₂-induced calcium influx in either cell line. Conclusion: These results indicate that the PAR2 activation-induced calcium mobilization was mediated by intracellular calcium stores but not by extracellular calcium present in the media.

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