AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

AIM: To investigate the potential inhibitory effect of pterostilbene on the endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition(EndMT)induced by high glucose conditions in human retinal microvascular endothelial cells(HRMECs).METHODS: The optimal concentration of pterostilbene for treating HRMECs was determined using the CCK-8 assay, with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L concentrations selected for subsequent experiments. Four experimental groups were established: control group, high glucose group, high glucose combined with 12.5 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group, and high glucose combined with 25 μmol/L pterostilbene treatment group. The expression levels of HDAC7 and EndMT-associated markers were detected via Western blot analysis. Cell migration ability was assessed using Transwell migration assays and scratch wound healing tests, while vasculogenic capability was evaluated through tube formation assays.RESULTS: The CCK-8 assay revealed that pterostilbene at a concentration of 22.07 μmol/L inhibited 50% of cell viability in HRMECs. Western blot analysis demonstrated that compared with the control group, the expression levels of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail were significantly upregulated in HRMECs cultured in high glucose(all P<0.01), while the expressions of VE-cadherin and CD31 were significantly reduced(all P<0.01). Compared to the high glucose group, the treatment with 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly reduced the expression of HDAC7, ZEB1, Vimentin, and Snail under high glucose conditions(all P<0.01). Notably, 25 μmol/L pterostilbene enhanced the expression of VE-cadherin and CD31(all P<0.01). Scratch wound healing tests revealed that HRMECs treated with high glucose exhibited a significantly increased cell migration rate compared to the control group(P<0.05), while the application of 25 μmol/L pterostilbene significantly suppressed HRMECs migration under high glucose conditions(P<0.01). Transwell migration assays demonstrated that the cell migration rate in the high glucose group was significantly higher than that in the control group(P<0.01), with cell migration rate markedly reduced following treatment with both of 12.5 and 25 μmol/L pterostilbene(all P<0.01). The tube formation assay revealed that the ability of HRMECs to form tubular structures was significantly enhanced under high glucose conditions(P<0.01), and both 12.5 and 25 μmol/L of pterostilbene effectively inhibited this effect(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: Pterostilbene can inhibit HDAC7 expression, suppress EndMT-mediated migration of HRMECs, and impair tube formation under high-glucose conditions.

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Methods: The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%. Conclusions The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Methods: The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%. Conclusions The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Methods: The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%. Conclusions The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Methods: The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%. Conclusions The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.

Background/Aims: The purpose of this study was to develop a diagnostic model utilizing multimodal ultrasound parameters to aid in the detection of cervical lymph node metastasis in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) patients. Methods: The study included 84 suspicious lymph nodes from 69 PTC patients, all of whom underwent fine needle aspiration with pathological results. Data from conventional grayscale ultrasound, shear wave elastography (SWE), and superb microvascular imaging were analyzed. Key ultrasound features were compared between benign and metastatic groups to create a diagnostic model using Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis. The model’s effectiveness was assessed with self-testing, cross-validation, and receiver operating characteristic curve analysis. Results: Four features, namely lymphatic hilum (X1), cortical hyperechogenicity (X2), vascular pattern (X4), and SWEmean (X7), were integral to the discriminant analysis, resulting in the equation: Y1 = -3.461 + 2.423X1 + 0.321X2 + 1.620X4 + 0.109X7, Y2 = -8.053 + 0.414X1 + 2.600X2 + 2.504X4 + 0.192X7. If Y1 < Y2, the LN would be diagnosed as metastatic lymph nodes. The model demonstrated an area under the curve of 0.833, with a sensitivity of 83.33% and specificity of 83.33%. Conclusions The multimodal ultrasound diagnostic model, established through Fisher’s stepwise discriminant analysis, proved effective in identifying metastatic lymph nodes in PTC patients.

Objective: To investigate characteristics of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality in registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020, so as to provide a basis for optimizing regional prevention and control strategies. Methods: Data on incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020 were collected from the Cancer Follow-up Registration System and the All-Cause Mortality Registration Reporting System of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude incidence, crude mortality, truncated rate for 35 to 64 years, and cumulative rate for 0 to 64 years were calculated, and standardized using the Segi's world standard population. Descriptive epidemiological methods were applied to analyze the characteristics of colorectal cancer incidence and mortality by different genders, urban/rural areas and ages. Results: A total of 14 771 cases of colorectal cancer were reported in Guangdong Province in 2020. The crude incidence, world population-standardized incidence, truncated incidence for 35 to 64 years and cumulative incidence for 0 to 64 years were 35.18/100 000, 24.84/100 000, 38.87/100 000 and 1.37%, respectively. A total of 5 384 deaths of colorectal cancer were reported, with crude incidence, world population-standardized incidence, truncated incidence for 35 to 64 years and cumulative incidence for 0 to 64 years were 14.55/100 000, 8.83/100 000, 10.39/100 000 and 0.37%, respectively. The crude incidence and mortality were higher in males than in females (40.35/100 000 vs. 29.88/100 000, 16.51/100 000 vs. 12.54/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and mortality were higher in urban areas than in rural areas (38.94/100 000 vs. 26.10/100 000, 16.60/100 000 vs. 10.42/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence of colorectal cancer initially increased with advancing age (P<0.05), reaching a peak of 239.36/105 in the 80-<85 age group, followed by a marked decline after 85 years. The crude mortality of colorectal cancer increased with advancing age (P<0.05), reaching a peak of 174.25/100 000 in the ≥85 years age group. Conclusions In 2020, the incidence and mortality of colorectal cancer in registration areas of Guangdong Province were higher than the national averages. There were differences in the characteristics of incidence and mortality among genders, urban/areas and age. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen the comprehensive prevention and control efforts for colorectal cancer in males, urban areas, and the elderly population.

Objective: To investigate the epidemiological characteristics of lung cancer in cancer registration areas of Guangdong Province in 2020, so as to provide the evidence for improving prevention and control strategies of lung cancer. Methods: Data of incidence and mortality in 2020 from 30 cancer registries in Guangdong Province were collected from the Cancer Follow-up Registration System and the All-Cause Mortality Registration Reporting System of the Guangdong Provincial Center for Disease Control and Prevention. The crude incidence, crude mortality, and cumulative rate for 0 to 74 years were calculated. The Chinese population-standardized rate and world population-standardized rate were calculated using the age structure of the standard population from the Fifth National Population Census in 2000 and Segi's world standard population. The incidence and mortality characteristics of lung cancer in different genders, urban/rural areas and ages were described. Results: In 2020, there were 25 357 new cases of lung cancer in Guangdong Province. The crude incidence, Chinese population-standardized incidence, world population-standardized incidence, and cumulative incidence for 0 to 74 years were 60.40/100 000, 43.75/100 000, 43.26/100 000, and 5.30%, respectively. There were 14 366 lung cancer deaths. The crude mortality, Chinese population-standardized mortality, world population-standardized mortality, and cumulative mortality for 0 to 74 years were 38.82/100 000, 24.49/100 000, 24.36/100 000, and 2.88%, respectively. The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer in males were higher than those in females (71.19/100 000 vs. 49.42/100 000, 52.94/100 000 vs. 24.36/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer in urban areas were higher than those in rural areas (66.37/100 000 vs. 45.95/100 000, 40.68/100 000 vs. 35.07/100 000, both P<0.05). The crude incidence and crude mortality of lung cancer exhibited upward trends with increasing age (both P<0.05), peaking in the age of 80-<85 years (347.97/100 000 and 342.14/100 000). Conclusions Comparing to the national data, the incidence of lung cancer in registration areas of Guangdong Province remained relatively high, while mortality remained relatively low. Males, urban residents and the elderly constitute the key populations for lung cancer prevention and control. It is recommend to optimize the allocation of medical resources between urban and rural areas and strengthen lung cancer screening among high-risk groups.

OBJECTIVE: To discuss the development status of meridian diagnosis technology through the patent analysis, so as to obtain the hot spots of patents and provide the ideas for the research and development of new equipment. METHODS: The patent data of meridian diagnosis technology were searched from Chinese Think Tank of Traditional Chinese Medicine. The patent analysis and SWOT method were used to deeply explore the patent application of meridian diagnosis technology. RESULTS: Among 100 patents included, the inventions were mainly in Chinese mainland, and the invention institution was from Chengdu University of TCM. Since 2015, the number of patent application for meridian diagnosis technology was increasing, and up to a peak from 2020 to 2021. The main technological programs cover electrical, temperature and optical detection; and the application functions focus on the precise positioning of acupoints, and the diagnosis of zangfu diseases. CONCLUSION From the perspective of patents, it is suggested that the development of meridian diagnosis technology in China should pay attention to reducing the cost, improving the function, driving the standard formulation, strengthening safety measure, deepening human-machine interaction, exploring biological effect and optimizing the experimental platform. Through continuous innovation and breakthrough, the meridian diagnosis technology can be further matured and widely applied, so as to realize its comprehensive upgrade.
Meridians ; Humans ; Patents as Topic ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/instrumentation* ; China ; Acupuncture Points