American journal of translational research最新文献

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of percutaneous kyphoplasty (PKP) for Kümmell's disease with vertebral posterior wall defects but no neurological symptoms.

Methods: This retrospective study analyzed 79 patients with Kümmell disease, who were divided into an experimental group (with vertebral posterior wall rupture, n = 46) and a control group (with vertebral posterior wall intact, n = 33) based on imaging findings. Their vertebral height recovery, kyphosis correction, cement leakage rate, VAS scores, and postoperative changes were compared.

Results: After 10-26 months (avg. 18.9 months) of follow-up, both groups improved in vertebral height and Cobb angle post-operation. The control group had better postoperative vertebral height and Cobb angle recovery. At the last follow-up, the experimental group had more height and Cobb angle loss. VAS scores improved in both groups with no difference between them. There were 5 cement leakage cases in the experimental group and 3 in the control group, with no neurological symptoms (all P < 0.05).

Conclusion: PKP is safe and effective for stage III Kümmell's disease with or without posterior wall integrity. However, having intact posterior walls is better for maintaining vertebral height in long-term.

Objective: To investigate the correlation of glial-lymphatic (glymphatic) system function with cognitive deficits in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Methods: Data (demographic, clinical, and magnetic resonance imaging [MRI] information) from 83 NSCLC cases and 96 healthy controls were retrospectively analyzed. We evaluated glymphatic activity by using the diffusion tensor imaging analysis along the perivascular space (DTI-ALPS) index and cognitive function with the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Medial Temporal Atrophy (MTA) and Fazekas scores were also rated. Statistical analyses included inter-group comparisons, partial correlation assessments, mediation modeling, and regression to identify predictors of cognitive impairment.

Results: NSCLC patients had higher MTA and Fazekas scores but lower MoCA and ALPS index scores than controls (all P < 0.05). The ALPS index was symmetrically reduced in both hemispheres, correlating positively with MoCA (r = 0.276, P = 0.012). In the mediation model, the ALPS index exhibited a partial mediating role (4.6%) in the NSCLC-MoCA association. Older age was an independent predictor of cognitive impairment (odds ratio [OR]: 1.229; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.111-1.360).

Conclusion: In NSCLC patients, glymphatic dysfunction was associated with cognitive impairment, and the DTI-ALPS index may facilitate early detection of these deficits. Advanced age remains a major contributing risk factor.

Objective: To investigate the clinical benefits of the combination therapy involving lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone in treating multiple myeloma (MM).

Methods: This retrospective analysis included 182 patients with MM treated between January 2022 and June 2025. The patients were divided into a Lenalidomide group (n=93) and a control group (n=89). Before and after treatment, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), β₂-microglobulin, monoclonal protein, myeloma cells, serum calcium (CA), hemoglobin (Hb), free light chain (FLC), serum creatinine (Scr), Blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) were compared between the groups. Adverse reactions were also recorded and compared. A nomogram model was established and evaluated using RStudio.

Results: The Lenalidomide group showed a significantly better therapeutic response than the control group (P<0.05). The β₂-microglobulin, monoclonal protein, myeloma cells, CA, FLC-κ, FLC-λ, Scr and BUN in the nalidomide group were lower than those in the control group (all P<0.05). Conversely, Hb and LDH levels were higher among patients receiving lenalidomide (both P<0.05). After treatment, the VAS score in the lenalidomide group was lower than that in the control group (P<0.05). The results of the receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the area under curve was 0.942 [95% CI (0.907-0.977)]. The actual curve predicted by the nomogram model is similar to the ideal curve.

Conclusion: Lenalidomide, bortezomib, and dexamethasone, demonstrate significant clinical efficacy in treating multiple myeloma.

Objective: To clarify the involvement of miR-183-5p, tristetraprolin (TTP), and inflammatory cytokines in Diabetic nephropathy (DN).

Methods: This retrospective study included 10 patients with DN, 10 patients with type 2 diabetes (T2DM) and 10 controls. Expression levels of miR-183-5p and TTP in T2DM patients and DN patients were detected, and the correlation between miR-183-5p, TTP, and inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. Renal tubular epithelial cells (HK-2) served as the cell model. The expression of TTP and cytokines in the cell cultures was detected using qRT-PCR or ELISA.

Results: miR-183-5p promoted inflammation and apoptosis in the context of hyperglycemia. TTP was identified as the direct target of miR-183-5p. Elevated miR-183-5p expression in HK-2 cells resulted in increased inflammatory cytokine release and enhanced apoptosis. miR-183-5p inhibitors significantly reduced the levels of inflammatory cytokines in HK-2 cells.

Conclusions: MiR-183-5p accelerates DN development through its action on TTP, thereby presenting a new therapeutic avenue for DN.

Objective: To identify factors influencing the efficacy of Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (YAG) laser vitreolysis for symptomatic vitreous opacities and to establish a risk prediction model for postoperative complications.

Methods: This retrospective study included 130 patients with symptomatic vitreous opacities who underwent YAG laser vitreolysis from January 2022 to December 2024. The relationships between patient demographics, clinical characteristics, surgical parameters, and treatment efficacy were analyzed. Multivariate logistic regression was applied to identify independent predictive factors for treatment efficacy. A risk prediction model for complications was constructed and evaluated using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis.

Results: At 3 months postoperatively, 78 (60.0%), 32 (24.6%), and 20 (15.4%) patients experienced marked, partial, and no improvement, respectively. Multivariate analysis identified age (OR=1.052, 95% CI: 1.012-1.093), disease duration (OR=1.105, 95% CI: 1.032-1.183), degree of vitreous opacity (OR=2.356, 95% CI: 1.325-4.187), and laser energy (OR=1.872, 95% CI: 1.235-2.841) as independent factors influencing efficacy (all P<0.05). Postoperative complications occurred in 70 (53.8%) patients. The prediction model demonstrated good performance, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.792, sensitivity of 0.714, and specificity of 0.667.

Conclusions: The efficacy of YAG laser vitreolysis is influenced by multiple factors. The established complication risk prediction model shows good predictive ability and may aid clinical decision-making.

Objective: To investigate peri-implant hard tissue regeneration by developing a novel titanium (Ti) implant coated with a composite nanocoating of bioglass (BG) and cerium dioxide (CeO₂).

Methods: The BG/CeO₂ composite coating was fabricated on Ti implants using liquid-feed flame spray pyrolysis. The coating's morphology and composition were characterized by scanning electron microscopy and X-ray diffraction. Its antibacterial efficacy was assessed against Porphyromonas gingivalis (P. gingivalis). The cytocompatibility, osteogenic differentiation, and mineralization potential were evaluated using human dental pulp stem cells (DPSCs). Additionally, rabbit mandibular defect models were established to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and osteogenic properties of the implants in vivo.

Results: The CeO₂ nanocoatings exhibited significant antibacterial activity against P. gingivalis while demonstrating excellent biocompatibility and a marked stimulation of DPSC proliferation. The CeO₂/BG-Ti implants were more effective in enhancing DPSC activity and upregulating the expression of osteogenesis-related proteins than control groups. In rabbit models, the CeO₂/BG-Ti implants effectively mitigated oxidative stress and reduced the secretion of inflammatory factors, thereby alleviating the post-operative inflammatory response. Furthermore, improved bone healing and enhanced new bone formation were observed around the CeO₂/BG-Ti implants, leading to superior implant stability and osseointegration.

Conclusions: The CeO₂/BG-Ti composite implants demonstrate considerable potential for clinical use in oral implantology, offering enhanced antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and osteogenic benefits.

Objective: This study aimed to compare the clinical efficacy and safety of a modified pubic superior ramus (PSS) approach for pericapsular nerve group block against the conventional distal technique in obturator nerve blockade during transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TURBT), with a focus on preventing intraoperative obturator nerve reflex.

Methods: We conducted a prospective, randomized, single-blind trial involving 70 patients scheduled for TURBT under general anesthesia. Participants were randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group P (n = 34) received ultrasound-guided obturator nerve block via the pubic superior ramus approach, while Group O (n = 34) underwent blockade via the distal approach. The primary outcome measures were the incidence and severity of obturator nerve reflex. Secondary outcomes encompassed block performance time and success rate, postoperative pain profiles (assessed by VAS scores), recovery quality, perioperative inflammatory biomarker levels, hemodynamic fluctuations, functional recovery metrics, as well as long-term bladder function and oncological outcomes evaluated at 6 and 12 months postoperatively.

Results: Group P demonstrated significantly faster onset and greater reduction in adductor muscle strength at all measured time points (P < 0.05), with shorter block performance times (175.5 ± 34.2 vs. 223.7 ± 39.6 seconds, P < 0.001) and fewer needle passes (P < 0.001). While the incidence of the obturator reflex was similar between the groups, Group P had superior postoperative analgesia with lower pain scores, reduced morphine consumption (15.2 ± 4.8 vs. 24.5 ± 6.1 mg, P < 0.001), and a longer time to first analgesia. The quality of recovery scores was significantly greater in Group P at 24 and 48 hours (P < 0.001), along with an attenuated systemic inflammatory and neurochemical stress response (e.g., IL-6, Substance P, and c-Fos), improved hemodynamic stability, faster quadriceps recovery, and better short- and long-term bladder function. At the 12-month follow-up, Group P exhibited superior urodynamic parameters (Qmax and PVR, P < 0.01) and a trend towards lower tumor recurrence (94.1% vs. 85.3% recurrence-free survival, P = 0.218).

Conclusion: Compared with the distal approach, the pubic superior ramus approach for obturator nerve block provides more efficient blockade and superior multidimensional perioperative benefits, making it an optimal technique for TURBT within enhanced recovery protocols.

Objectives: To explore risk factors for new-onset gastrointestinal bleeding (GIB) in critically ill patients and construct a predictive model.

Methods: A retrospective study of 241 intensive care unit patients was conducted. Clinical data, laboratory indicators, treatments, and outcomes were collected. Risk factors were analyzed via univariate and multivariate logistic regression. A nomogram was established, and its performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curves, concordance index (C-index), calibration plots, Hosmer-Lemeshow test, bootstrap resampling, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Internal and external validation were performed.

Results: Age ≥ 65, shock, sepsis, renal dysfunction, hepatic failure, mechanical ventilation > 48 h, and hemoglobin < 8 g/dL were independent risk factors for new-onset GIB, while albumin < 30 g/L emerged as a predictive factor. The nomogram demonstrated strong discrimination (C-index 0.825 in the training cohort, 0.804 in the validation cohort), good calibration, and favorable clinical utility. DCA confirmed its benefit in guiding clinical decisions.

Conclusion: Multiple comorbidities and treatment-related factors contribute to new-onset GIB in critically ill patients. The developed nomogram provides an effective tool for individualized risk assessment, supporting early intervention and improved outcomes.

Objective: To investigate the genetic relationship between irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Methods: Mendelian randomization (MR) was used to assess causality between IBS and NAFLD in a genome-wide association study (GWAS) data. Genetic correlation was evaluated by linkage disequilibrium score regression (LDSC). Shared loci were identified using PLACO, coloc, and MAGMA for pleiotropic gene mapping. Functional enrichment (Gene Ontology [GO]/Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes [KEGG]) was performed. Single-cell RNA-sequencing of NAFLD liver samples was used to assess gene dysregulation and calculate activation scores. Mouse models were used to validate gene expression. The identified pleiotropic gene set and their dysregulation signatures provide a foundational resource for future development of predictive multi-omics biomarkers.

Results: MR revealed a significant causal effect of IBS on NAFLD risk (Inverse-variance weighted: OR = 1.118, 95% CI = 1.03-1.21, P = 0.006; Steiger P < 0.05). Significant genetic correlation was observed (LDSC P < 0.05). Analyses identified 194 pleiotropic SNPs, mapping to 12 genes (e.g., GCKR, ARHGAP25, SNX17). These genes were enriched in nucleotide, carbohydrate, and lipid metabolism pathways. Tissue-specific analysis indicated a decreased activation pattern of pleiotropic genes in the liver tissues. Single-cell analysis showed dysregulation in NAFLD hepatocytes/immune cells. In addition, activation scores negatively correlated with disease severity (P < 0.001). Mouse models confirmed overall downregulation of these genes, significant for GCKR, GPN1, and SLC4A1AP at both mRNA and protein levels.

Conclusions: IBS exhibits a unidirectional causal effect on NAFLD, and there is a significant genetic association between them. The collective downregulation of shared pleiotropic genes (ADCY2, ARHGAP25, C2orf16, CCDC121, GCKR, GPN1, LINC01460, SLC4A1AP, SNX17, ZNF512, ZNF513, and EIF2B4) may mediate increased susceptibility to NAFLD in the IBS population.

Objective: To investigate the therapeutic effects of intravitreal conbercept injection on neovascular glaucoma (NVG).

Methods: Sixty-seven patients with NVG were retrospectively selected and divided into a study group (n=34), which received intravitreal conbercept injection combined with trabeculectomy and panretinal photocoagulation; compared to a control group (n=33), which received trabeculectomy and panretinal photocoagulation only. The therapeutic effects, visual acuity, intraocular pressure, grade of iris neovascularization (NVI), pain score, complication rate, and anterior chamber angle were compared between the two groups.

Results: The total effective rate in the study group was significantly higher than in the control group (97.06% vs. 81.82%, P<0.05). After 1 month of treatment, the study group showed significantly better visual acuity improvement and intraocular pressure control compared to the control group (both P<0.05). At 6 months of treatment, the proportion of patients with NVI grade 0-1 in the study group was significantly higher (94.11% vs. 48.48%, P<0.05). The proportion of patients with an anterior chamber angle ≥ grade 2 was also higher in the study group (70.59% vs. 39.39%, P<0.05). Additionally, the incidence of complications in the study group was lower (14.71% vs. 39.39%, P<0.05).

Conclusion: Preoperative intravitreal conbercept injection significantly improves NVI, visual acuity, and intraocular pressure control in patients with NVG, reduces the incidence of complications, and demonstrates both significant efficacy and good safety.