Objective To explore the safety and effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) in patients with ischemic heart failure (IHF). Methods A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was designed (ClinicalTrial.gov registration number NCT03491969). From January 2019 to January 2023, 300 patients with IHF were enrolled in four medical centers in China, and were randomly assigned at a 1∶1 ratio to receive ALA (600 mg daily) or placebo on top of standard care for 24 months. The primary outcome was the composite outcome of hospitalization for heart failure (HF) or all-cause mortality events. The second outcome included non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non-fatal stroke, changes of left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) and 6-minute walking distance (6MWD) from baseline to 24 months after randomization. Results Finally, 138 patients of the ALA group and 139 patients of the placebo group attained the primary outcome. Hospitalization for HF or all-cause mortality events occurred in 32 patients (23.2%) of the ALA group and in 40 patients (28.8%) of the placebo group (HR＝0.753, 95%CI 0.473-1.198, P＝0.231; Figure 1A-1C). The absolute risk reduction (ARR) was 5.6%, the relative risk reduction (RRR) associated with ALA therapy was approximately 19.4% compared to placebo, corresponding to a number needed to treat (NNT) of 18 patients to prevent one event. In the secondary outcome analysis, the composite outcome of the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) including the hospitalization for HF, all-cause mortality events, non-fatal MI or non-fatal stroke occurred in 35 patients (25.4%) in the ALA group and 47 patients (33.8%) in the placebo group (HR＝0.685, 95%CI 0.442-1.062, P＝0.091; Figure 1D). Moreover, greater improvement in LVEF (β＝3.20, 95%CI 1.14-5.23, P＝0.002) and 6MWD (β＝31.7, 95%CI 8.3-54.7, P＝0.008) from baseline to 24 months after randomization were observed in the ALA group as compared to the placebo group. There were no differences in adverse events between the study groups. Conclusions These results show potential long-term beneficial effects of adding ALA to IHF patients. ALA could significantly improve LVEF and 6MWD compared to the placebo group in IHF patients.

Gene therapy, harnessing the power of CRISPR-Cas9 and/or DNAzyme systems, stands as a pivotal approach in cancer therapy, enabling the meticulous manipulation of genes pivotal to tumorigenesis and immunity. However, the pursuit of precise gene therapy encounters formidable hurdles. Herein, a near-infrared upconversion theranostic nanomachine is devised and tailors for CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme systems mediate precise gene therapy. An ingenious logic DNAzyme system consists of Chain 1 (C1)/Chain 2 (C2) and endogenous lncRNA is designed. We employ manganese modified upconversion nanoparticles for carrying ultraviolet-responsive C1-PC linker-C2 (C₂P) chain and Cas9 ribonucleoprotein (RNP), with outermost coats with hyaluronic acid. Upon reaching tumor microenvironment (TME), the released Mn²⁺ ions orchestrate a trifecta: facilitating endosomal escape, activating cGAS-STING signaling, and enabling T1-magnetic resonance imaging. Under near-infrared irradiation, Cas9 RNP/C₂P complex dissociates, releasing Cas9 RNP into the nucleus to perform gene editing of Ptpn2, while C1/C2 chains self-assemble with endogenous lncRNA to form a functional DNAzyme system, targeting PD-L1 mRNA for gene silencing. This strategy remodels the TME by activating cGAS-STING signaling and dual immune checkpoints blockade, thus realizing tumor elimination. Our theranostic nanomachine armed with the CRISPR-Cas9/DNAzyme logic systems, represents a resourceful and promising strategy for advancing cancer systemic immunotherapy and precise gene therapy.

Objective To construct a nomogram risk prediction model for symptomatic cerebrovas-cular ischaemia based on intra-plaque neovascularisation in carotid arteries in patients with ische-mic cerebrovascular disease(ICVD).Methods A retrospective study was conducted on 320 ICVD patients who were consecutively admitted to Wuhan Fourth Hospital from April 2020 to April 2024.In a ratio of 3∶1,240 cases were assigned into a training set and 80 cases into a validation set.The patients in the training set were further divided into 147 cases in the symptomatic sub-group and 93 cases in the asymptomatic subgroup according to the presence or absence of relevant symptoms or signs.Multifactorial logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors for symptomatic ischemia in ICVD patients,and a nomogram risk prediction model was construc-ted and the prediction efficacy of the model was evaluated.Results The proportions of plaque multiplicity,ulcerated plaque,stenosis ≥70％,and intra-plaque neovascularization were signifi-cantly higher in the symptomatic subgroup than the asymptomatic subgroup(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multifactorial logistic regression analysis showed that plaque multiplicity(OR=1.261,95％CI:1.088-1.539,P=0.003),ulcerated plaque(OR=1.458,95％CI:1.132-1.661,P=0.001),and stenosis ≥70％(OR=2.023,95％CI:1.458-2.561,P=0.001),and intra-plaque neovasculariza-tion(OR=1.206,95％CI:1.057-1.489,P=0.002)were independent risk factors for the occur-rence of symptomatic cerebral ischemia in ICVD patients.H-L deviation test showed that the con-structed nomogram risk prediction model had a good fit(x2=9.362,P=0.295).Internal and ex-ternal validation showed that the calibration curves for both the training and validation sets were consistent with the original curves,and the AUC value was were 0.871 and 0.864,respectively.De-cision curve analysis showed that the model had a significant standardized clinical net benefit when the predicted risk threshold exceeded 0.01.Conclusion Ultrasonography is instructive in as-sessment of the presence or absence of intra-plaque neovascularization in carotid atherosclerotic plaques.And our constructed nomogram risk prediction model has good predictive value for the development of symptomatic cerebral ischemia.

Objective To explore the effect of controlled low central venous pressure(CLCVP)on venous congestion and postoperative acute kidney injury(AKI)in cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass(CPB).Methods A total of 137 patients scheduled for elective cardiac surgery under general anes-thesia with CPB were selected,including 73 males and 64 females,aged 18 to 70 years,with a BMI of 20 to 28 kg/m2,and ASA physical status Ⅱ or Ⅲ.The patients were randomly assigned into two groups:the controlled low central venous pressure group(group CL,n=68)and the control group(group C,n=69).In group CL,CLCVP was applied by pumping nitroglycerin to reduce CVP to below 10 mmHg after 20 minutes of CPB cessation until the end of surgery.If necessary,norepinephrine was applied to maintain MAP≥65 mmHg.Patients in group C received standardized anesthesia management.Urine samples were collected before anesthesia induction and 12 hours postoperatively to detect the concentration of kidney injury molecule-1(KIM-1).Urine samples were also collected before anesthesia induction and 2 hours postopera-tively to detect the concentration of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin(NGAL).Cumulative time a-bove 10,12,16,and 20 mmHg and time-weighted average CVP were used to assess venous congestion.The occurrence of postoperative AKI,stage 2 or above AKI,renal replacement therapy(CRRT),postoperative low cardiac output syndrome(LCOS),acute kidney injury following cardiac surgery(AKICS)score when arriving in ICU,in-hospital mortality,ICU stay,and postoperative hospital stay were recorded.Results Compared with group C,the cumulative time of CVP above 10,12,16,and 20 mmHg after CPB in group CL was significantly shorter,and the time-weighted average CVP was significantly lower(P＜0.05).AKI occurred in 9 patients(13.2%)in group CL and 15 patients(21.7%)in group C postoperatively,and there was no significant difference between the two groups.One case(1.5%)of stage 2 or above AKI oc-curred in group CL and 2 patients(2.9%)in group C,with one patient in group C requiring CRRT.Com-pared with group C,the concentrations of KIM-1 at 12 hours postoperatively and NGAL at 2 hours postoper-atively were significantly lower in group CL(P＜0.05).There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups in LCOS,AKICS score,in-hospital mortality,ICU stay,and postoperative hospital stay.Conclusion Controlled low central venous pressure in cardiac surgery under cardiopulmonary bypass can reduce venous congestion and decrease the occurrence of postoperative renal injury,thereby exerting a certain renal protective effect.

Objective To analyze the real experiences of patients with inflammatory bowel disease(IBD)during dietary restrictions,providing references for healthcare personnel to guide patients in standardizing dietary restriction behaviors.Methods Purposeful sampling was employed to select 14 patients with IBD who were treated at a tertiary A hospital in Shanghai between October 2022 and February 2023 for semi-structured in-depth interviews.Data were analyzed using the Colaizzi's 7-step method in phenomenological research.Results 4 themes and 13 sub-themes were extracted.Theme 1:facing multiple physiological challenges(hunger,nutritional imbalance,fatigue and muscle atrophy).Theme 2:experiencing negative psychological disturbances(craving and struggle for gourmet food,diminished zest for life and increased anxiety,feeling embarrassed during social activities).Theme 3:adopting various coping strategies(self-adjustment and adaptation to dietary restrictions,satisfying oral desires through various avenues,seeking knowledge and guidance on nutrition).Theme 4:gaining more growth and support(improved symptom and quality of life,enhanced awareness of dietary health,improved ability to manage diet,receiving support from peers and family).Conclusion The experience of dietary restrictions in IBD patients is complex and varied.Nursing staff should prioritize nutritional risk screening for IBD patients,pay attention to their mental health,provide patients with scientific and personalized dietary guidance,and strengthen social and family support to assist patients in better self-management of their diet.

Objective To construct a key nursing technology system for the treatment of patients exposed to nuclear radiation in hospitals,and provide technical guidance and support for emergency nursing rescue in hospitals of nuclear radiation accidents.Methods A research group was composed of a team with rich experience in nuclear radiation accidents.Based on 4 scenarios of nuclear radiation accidents(including external irradiation,internal irradiation,external contamination,internal contamination),the literature search was conducted to form the first draft of the system.Delphi method was used to complete 2 rounds of expert letter consultation,and the final draft of the key nursing technology system for hospital treatment of patients with nuclear radiation exposure was constructed according to the revised opinions of experts.Results A total of 16 experts completed 2 rounds of correspondence.The effective recovery rates were 100％and 80％;the recommendation rates were 65％and 50％;the authority coefficients(Cr)were 0.778 and 0.797;the coefficient of variation(CV)of the 2 rounds of expert letter consultation was ≤0.25.Finally,a key nursing technology system for in-hospital treatment of patients with nuclear radiation exposure was formed,including 5 first-level indicators,26 second-level indicators and 74 third-level indicators.Conclusion The constructed key nursing technology system for hospital treatment of patients with nuclear radiation exposure is highly practical and scientific,and it is conducive to the formation of standardized nuclear radiation exposure treatment procedures,and provides a theoretical basis for the training and evaluation of nursing staff related to nuclear radiation exposure.

Preliminary exploration of using ultrasound to quantitatively evaluate the development of epiphyseal cartilage and analyze its correlation with bone age, based on the ultrasound findings of the long bone joint end.

Objective : To examine the causal relationship between ulcerative colitis (UC) and pancreatitis, to provide basis for early screening of pancreatitis among UC patients. Methods: Genomic data of UC were obtained from 47 745 European individuals pooled by the International Inflammatory Bowel Disease Genetics Consortium, including 156 116 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP), and genomic data of pancreatitis were obtained from 198 166 European individuals pooled from FinnGen, including 16 380 428 SNPs. Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis was performed using the inverse variance weighted (IVW) method with 72 UC-associated SNPs as instrumental variables and pancreatitis as the study outcome. The heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran Q test, the horizontal pleiotropy was assessed using MR-Egger regression, MR-PRESSO was performed with the exclusion of outliers, and effect of individual SNP on the results was tested with the leave-one-out method. Results: MR analysis results showed that patients with genetically predicted UC had an increased risk of pancreatitis relative to those without UC (OR=1.076, 95%CI: 1.019-1.136, P<0.05). Cochran Q test showed no heterogeneity (P>0.05), and MR-Egger regression did not reveal horizontal pleiotropy of instrumental variables (P>0.05). The MR analysis results were robust after removing SNP one by one. Conclusions Genetically predicted UC is associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis. The screening for pancreatitis risk should be enhanced in patients with UC.

To research on area ossification ratio (AOR), a novel parameter for quantitatively assessing adolescent bone age by conventional ultrasonography, and evaluate the correlation between AOR and radiographic bone age.

To evaluate the correlation between ultrasound ossification ratio(OR) and exercise intensity among adolescents.