Despite accumulating cell- or animal-based experiments providing the relationship between Gasdermin E (GSDME) and human diseases, especially in malignant cancers, no pan-cancer analysis about the function of GSMDE in cancer management can be available up to date. Our research, for the first time, explored the potential carcinogenic role of GSDME across 33 tumors from the public platform of TCGA (The cancer genome atlas) database. GSDME is highly expressed in most malignant cancers, and obvious relationship exists between GSDME level and survival prognosis of cancer patients. The expression of GSDME was statically associated with the cancer-associated fibroblast infiltration in diverse cancer types, such as BLCA, CHOL, GBM, KIRC, LIHC, MESO, STAD, and UCEC. Furthermore, pyroptosis, sensory perception of sound, and defense response to bacterium were involved in the functional mechanisms of GSDME expression from GO analysis. Last but not the least, in vitro experiments were also performed to identify GSDME-induced pyroptosis. Our first pan-cancer analysis of GSDME not only broadens the understanding of the carcinogenic roles of GSDME but also provides a promising therapeutic strategy for benefiting an increasing number of cancerous patients based on GSDME-induced pyroptosis.

PurposeTo investigate whether ablating the aspiration needle tract could improve the safety and efficacy of ultrasound-guided microwave ablation (MWA) for predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.Materials and MethodsThis retrospective study evaluated 41 predominantly cystic thyroid nodules that underwent MWA between June 2017 and August 2019. The nodules were stratified by different procedures into two groups: the aspiration needle tract was ablated before cyst fluid aspiration and MWA when treating 26 nodules in Group A, while the other 15 nodules in Group B underwent MWA directly after cyst fluid aspiration. Baseline characteristics, intervention time, hospital stays, nodules with intraoperative intracystic hemorrhage, and postoperative complications were compared between the two groups. Volume, volume reduction rate (VRR), compressive score (CS), and aesthetic score (AS) were evaluated during follow-up.ResultsBoth groups achieved decreases in volume, CS, and AS, as well as an increase in VRR. The volumes and VRRs in Group A at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months were significantly smaller and greater than those in Group B (p < 0.001). The incidence of intraoperative intracystic hemorrhage in Group A was significantly lower than that in Group B (p=0.035). Compared to Group B, hospital stays were much shorter in Group A (p=0.040). There were no significant differences in intervention time, cystic fluid volume or postoperative complications.ConclusionAspiration needle tract ablation dramatically reduces the incidence of intraoperative intracystic hemorrhage and markedly improves the efficacy of MWA for predominantly cystic thyroid nodules.

IntroductionThe objective of our study was to construct a preoperative prediction nomogram for the classical variant of papillary thyroid carcinoma (CVPTC) patients with a solitary lesion based on demographic and ultrasonographic parameters that can quantify the individual probability of high-volume (>5) lymph node metastasis (HVLNM).Materials and methodsIn this study, a total of 626 patients with CVPTC from December 2017 to November 2022 were reviewed. Their demographic and ultrasonographic features at baseline were collected and analyzed using univariate and multivariate analyses. Significant factors after the multivariate analysis were incorporated into a nomogram for predicting HVLNM. A validation set from the last 6 months of the study period was conducted to evaluate the model performance.ResultsMale sex, tumor size >10 mm, extrathyroidal extension (ETE), and capsular contact >50% were independent risk factors for HVLNM, whereas middle and old age were significant protective factors. The area under the curve (AUC) was 0.842 in the training and 0.875 in the validation set.ConclusionsThe preoperative nomogram can help tailor the management strategy to the individual patient. Additionally, more vigilant and aggressive measures may benefit patients at risk of HVLNM.