[Abstract ] Objective The pathogenesis underlying cognitive dysfunction has yet to be fully elucidated.The article was to investigate the effects of memantine on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced spatial learning and memory impairment in C57BL/6J mice. Methods 36 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 3 groups:control group (C group), lipopolysaccharide group (L group) and memantine group (M group) (n=12).Mice in C, L and M groups were intraperitoneally injected with the same volume of saline, LPS and LPS plus memantine re-spectively for 7 consecutive days.On the 8th day, mice were tested in the Morris water maze, in which the latency to the platform and the propor-tion of time spent in the target quadrant were recorded .Then the mice were sacrificed and the hippocampi were harvested for the determination of expression levels of Amyloid-β(Aβ), glycogen synthase kinase-3β(GSK-3β) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Results Com-pared with C group, L group significantly prolongated the latency to the platform (71.01 ±13.21 vs 50.56 ±9.89, P<0.05), decreased the propor-tion of time spent in the target quadrant (42.58 ±7.85 vs 63.74 ±12.43, P<0.05) and increased the levels of hippocampal Aβand GSK-3β(1.75 ±0.43 vs 1.27 ±0.23, 184.0 ±18.6 vs 100.0 ±12.1, P<0.05), (75.0 ±13.5 vs 100.0 ±10.3, P<0.05), while mTOR levels decreased significantly (97.0 ±14.3 vs 75.0 ±13.5, P<0.05).Compared with L group, M group significantly prolongated the latency to the platform (61.45 ±7.65 vs 71.01 ±13.21, P<0.05), decreased the proportion of time spent in the target quadrant shortened (58.25 ±9.02 vs 42.58 ±7.85, P<0.05) and increased the expression of hippocampal Aβ(1.35 ±0.28 vs 1.75 ±0.43,92.4 ±10.8 vs 184.0 ±18.6, P <0.05). Conclusion Memantine contributes to the improvement of LPS-induced spatial learning and memory impairment, which is probably related to the changes of the expression of GSK-3βand mTOR in hippocampus.

Objective To investigate the relationship between the expression of ITGAV and the radiosensitivity of NSCLC cells. Methods The expression of ITGAV in NSCLC and its relationship to the prognosis of patients who received radiotherapy were analyzed using bioinformatics methods. Differences in radiosensitivity between radio-resistant cells and parent cells were verified by clone formation experiment, and the protein expression of ITGAV was detected by Western blot. The transfection efficiency of si-ITGAV was determined by Western blot and qRT-PCR analyses. The best ITGAV interference sequence was selected to transfect A549R and H1299R cells. Clone formation experiment and flow cytometry were used to detect clone formation, apoptosis and cell cycle of A549R and H1299R cells. Results The expression of ITGAV in NSCLC tissues was significantly higher than that in normal tissues (P<0.05), and NSCLC patients with high ITGAV expression had poor prognosis. The clonogenic ability of the si-ITGAV group was significantly lower than that of the negative control group at 4, 6, 8Gy irradiation (all P<0.05). After 6 Gy irradiation, the apoptosis of the si-ITGAV group was increased (P_H1299R<0.0001, P_A549R=0.0002), the proportion of G₂/M phase cells to A549-siITGAV and H1299R-siITGAV cells was higher than that in the negative control group (P_H1299R<0.0001, P_A549R=0.0007). Conclusion Interfering with ITGAV expression can increase the radiosensitivity of NSCLC.

Objective To explore the specific plasma exosomal protein expression in Coronary Heart Disease(CHD)with phlegm-turbidity syndrome(PTS),so as to provide biological reference for the diagnosis of CHD with PTS.Methods A total of 20 CHD patients with PTS and 20 healthy subjects at the same period were included.Plasma exosomes were extracted from all subjects using the qEV size exclusion method.First,10 CHD cases with PTS and 10 healthy subjects were randomly selected,and differentially expressed proteins between the two groups were screened using label free non-targeted protein quantification analysis.Then,MRM targeting protein labeling technique was applied to verify the differentially expressed proteins in the remaining subjects.Results Compared with healthy controls,214 differentially expressed plasma exosomal proteins(61 up-regulated and 153 down-regulated)were found in CHD patients with PTS,mainly related to cholesterol metabolism,complement and coagulation cascade,and immune effects.ANXA6,C4BPB,F8,CFB,APOE,C9,and CLU proteins were further validated by MRM targeting protein.Conclusion CHD patients with PTS had differences in plasma exosomal protein expression from healthy controls,and the differential proteins are mainly related to cholesterol metabolism,complement,and the coagulation cascade.

Objective:To explore the correlation between serum levels of interleukin-9 (IL-9), platelet activating factor (PAF), total immunoglobulin E (IgE), interferon γ (IFN-γ), and interleukin-4 (IL-4) in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU).Methods:Sixty CSU active phase patients admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from March 2018 to March 2019 were selected and included in the CSU active phase group. Based on the 7-day Urticaria Activity Score (UAS7), they were divided into three groups: 15 mild group, 25 moderate group, and 20 severe group; And 19 patients who entered the quiescent phase of the disease after 28 days of standardized antihistamine treatment were included in the CSU quiescent phase group. Another 30 healthy subjects who participated in the physical examination at the same time at our hospital′s physical examination center were selected to be included in the healthy control group. 5 ml of fasting elbow vein blood was collected from CSU active and stationary patients, as well as healthy subjects. The serum levels of IL-9, PAF, total IgE, IFN-γ, and IL-4 were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Pearson correlation test was used to analyze the correlation between serum IL-9, PAF levels and total IgE, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels in CSU active patients.Results:The serum levels of IL-9, PAF, total IgE, and IL-4 in the CSU active phase group were higher than those in the CSU stationary phase group and healthy control group (all P<0.05), and the serum IFN-γ levels were lower than those in the CSU stationary phase group and healthy control group (all P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the levels of the above indicators between the healthy control group and the CSU stationary group (all P>0.05). The serum levels of IL-9, PAF, total IgE, and IL-4 in the severe group were significantly higher than those in the mild and moderate groups (all P<0.05), and the serum IFN-γ levels were significantly lower than those in the mild and moderate groups (all P<0.05); The serum levels of IL-9, PAF, total IgE, and IL-4 in the moderate group were significantly higher than those in the mild group (all P<0.05), and the serum IFN-γ levels were significantly lower than those in the mild group ( P<0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that serum IL-9 and PAF levels were positively correlated with serum total IgE and IL-4 levels in CSU active phase patients (IL-9: r=0.726, 0.870, PAF: r=0.788, 0.795, all P<0.01), and negatively correlated with serum IFN-γ levels (IL-9: r=-0.831, PAF: r=-0.816, all P<0.01). Conclusions:The serum levels of IL-9 and PAF in patients with active CSU are elevated and correlated with total IgE, IFN-γ, and IL-4 levels, suggesting that IL-9 and PAF may be related to the occurrence and development of CSU.

Objective:To explore the relationship of serum interleukin (IL) -9 and platelet-activating factor (PAF) levels with serum total immunoglobulin E (IgE) levels, disease severity and disease course in patients with chronic spontaneous urticaria (CSU) .Methods:A total of 60 patients with active CSU were collected from Department of Dermatology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Hebei North University from March 2018 to March 2019 (active CSU group), and divided into mild group, moderate group and severe group according to 7-day urticaria activity score (UAS7). After 28-day standard antihistamine therapy, the patients whose condition became stable were included in the stable CSU group. During the same period, 30 health examinees were included in the healthy control group. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected from the subjects in each group, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect serum levels of IL-9 and PAF, and immunoturbidimetric assay to detect the serum total IgE level. Correlations of serum IL-9 and PAF levels with serum total IgE levels, UAS7 scores and disease courses were analyzed in patients with CSU. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups, least significant difference- t test for multiple comparisons, and Pearson correlation analysis for correlation analysis. Results:Totally, 28 males and 32 females were included in the active CSU group, their age ranged from 11 to 68 years (34.68 ± 8.62 years), and the disease duration ranged from 2 months to 7 years (1.42 ± 0.41 years). In the healthy control group, 14 were males and 16 were females, and their age ranged from 10 to 70 years (35.06 ± 7.89 years). According to UAS7, 12, 26, and 22 patients were diagnosed with mild, moderate and severe CSU respectively, and 22 were included in the stable CSU group after standard treatment. The levels of serum IL-9, PAF and total IgE significantly differed among the active CSU group, stable CSU group and healthy control group (IL-9: 144.34 ± 23.19 vs. 109.25 ± 20.77 vs. 107.23 ± 19.23 pg/ml; PAF: 362.45 ± 51.45 vs. 223.18 ± 32.46 vs. 221.23 ± 28.38 pg/ml; total IgE: 168.12 ± 32.48 vs. 24.04 ± 7.04 vs. 21.76 ± 5.95 IU/ml; F = 38.80, 148.38, 499.12, respectively, all P < 0.001), and were significantly higher in the active CSU group than in the stable CSU group and healthy control group (all P < 0.05), while there was no significant difference between the stable CSU group and healthy control group (all P > 0.05). Pearson correlation analysis showed that the serum IL-9 and PAF levels were positively correlated with serum total IgE levels and UAS7 scores (all P < 0.05), but not correlated with the disease course (both P > 0.05) . Conclusion:Serum IL-9 and PAF levels in patients with active CSU were markedly elevated along with the increase in disease severity, and closely correlated with serum total IgE levels.

Objective:To construct an prediction model based on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) machine learning algorithm and radiomics and investigate its application value in predicting lymphovascular invasion (LVI) status of rectal cancer without lymph node metastasis.Methods:The retrospective cohort study was conducted. The clinicopathological data of 204 rectal cancer patients without lymph node metastasis who were admitted to Gansu Provincial Hospital from February 2016 to January 2024 were collected. There were 123 males and 81 females, aged (61±7)years. All 204 patients were randomly divided into the training dataset of 163 cases and the testing dataset of 41 cases by a ratio of 8∶2 using the electronic computer randomization method. The training dataset was used to construct the prediction model, and the testing dataset was used to validate the prediction model. The clinical prediction model, radiomics model and joint prediction model were constructed based on the selected clinical and/or imaging features. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as Mean± SD. Count data were described as absolute numbers, and the chi-square test or Fisher exact probability were used for comparison between the groups. Comparison of ordinal data was conducted using the nonparameter rank sum test. The inter-class correlation coefficient (ICC) was used to evaluate the consistency of the radiomics features of the two doctors, and ICC >0.80 was good consistency. Univariate analysis was conducted by corres-ponding statistic methods. Multivariate analysis was conducted by Logistic stepwise regression model. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was drawn, and the area under the curve (AUC), Delong test, decision curve and clinical impact curve were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency and clinical utility of the model. Result:(1) Analysis of factors affecting LVI status of patients. Of the 204 rectal cancer patients without lymph node metastasis, there were 71 cases with positive of LVI and 133 cases with negative of LVI. Results of multivariate analysis showed that gender, platelet (PLT) count and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) were independent factors affecting LVI status of rectal cancer without lymph node metastasis in training dataset [ odds ratio=2.405, 25.062, 2.528, 95% confidence interval ( CI) as 1.093-5.291, 2.748-228.604, 1.181-5.410, P<0.05]. (2) Construction of clinical prediction model. The clinical prediction model was conducted based on the results of multivariate analysis including gender, PLT count and CEA. Results of ROC curve showed that the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of clinical prediction model were 0.721 (95% CI as 0.637-0.805), 0.675, 0.632 and 0.698 for the training dataset, and 0.795 (95% CI as 0.644-0.946), 0.805, 1.000 and 0.429 for the testing dataset. Results of Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in the AUC of clinical prediction model between the training dataset and the testing dataset ( Z=-0.836, P>0.05). (3) Construction of radiomics model. A total of 851 radiomics features were extracted from 204 patients, and seven machine learning algorithms, including logistic regression, support vector machine, Gaussian process, logistic regression-lasso algorithm, linear discriminant analysis, naive Bayes and automatic encoder, were used to construct the prediction model. Eight radiomics features were finally selected from the optimal Gaussian process learning algorithm to construct a radiomics prediction model. Results of ROC curve showed that the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of radiomics prediction model were 0.857 (95% CI as 0.800-0.914), 0.748, 0.947 and 0.642 for the training dataset, and 0.725 (95% CI as 0.571-0.878), 0.634, 1.000 and 0.444 for the testing dataset. Results of Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in the AUC of radiomics prediction model between the training dataset and the testing dataset ( Z=1.578, P>0.05). (4) Construction of joint prediction model. The joint prediction model was constructed based on the results of multivariate analysis and the radiomics features. Results of ROC curve showed that the AUC, accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of radiomics prediction model were 0.885 (95% CI as 0.832-0.938), 0.791, 0.912 and 0.726 for the training dataset, and 0.857 (95% CI as 0.731-0.984), 0.854, 0.714 and 0.926 for the testing dataset. Results of Delong test showed that there was no significant difference in the AUC of joint prediction model between the training dataset and the testing dataset ( Z=0.395, P>0.05). (5) Performance comparison of three prediction models. Results of the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test showed that all of the clinical prediction model, radiomics prodiction model and joint prediction model having good fitting degree ( χ2=1.464, 12.763, 10.828, P>0.05). Results of Delong test showed that there was no signifi-cant difference in the AUC between the clinical prediction model and the joint prediction model or the radiomics model ( Z=1.146, 0.658, P>0.05), and there was a significant difference in the AUC between the joint prediction model and the radiomics model ( Z=2.001, P<0.05). Results of calibra-tion curve showed a good performance in the joint prediction model. Results of decision curve and clinical impact curve showed that the performance of joint prediction model in predicting LVI status of rectal cancer without lymph node metastasis was superior to the clinical prediction model and the radiomics model. Conclusions:The clinical prediction model is constructed based on gender, PLT count and CEA. The radiomics predictive model is constructed based on 8 selected radiomics features. The joint prediction model is constructed based on the clinical prediction model and the radiomics predictive model. All of the three models can predict the LVI status of rectal cancer with-out lymph node metastasis, and the joint prediction model has a superior predictive performance.

Hepatic venous pressure gradient measurement via jugular vein catheterization is still currently the gold standard for evaluating portal hypertension. However, how to accurately and reproducibly assess whether there is portal hypertension has always been a concern in patients with liver cirrhosis. In recent years, imaging methods have made significant progress in the non-invasive diagnosis of portal hypertension. This paper reviews the current different diagnostic value of imaging methods and related research progress in an attempt to evaluate patients with cirrhotic portal hypertension.

Based on the holistic view of "spleen-vessels-heart-spirit" system， this article explores the pathogenesis and progression of atrial fibrillation. It is proposed that the onset of atrial fibrillation is due to failure of the spleen to transport and disharmony of blood vessels； phlegm and blood stasis obstructing the collaterals and damage to the heart structure are the basis of its pathogenesis； the unclear mind and disorder of body and spirit are the causes of its progression. Based on the characteristics of pathological changes in different stages of the disease， it is proposed that early treatment should focus on restoring the middle jiao， clearing and promoting blood vessels， using modified Yigong Powder （异功散）； during the progression of the disease， treatment should remove blood stasis and phlegm， nourish heart and protect the pulse， using self-prescribed modified Mengshi Tongmai Decoction （礞石通脉汤）； meanwhile， calming mind and stabilizing palpitations， and regulating spirit should be sequentially incorporated， with self-prescribed Jiazao Ningmai Decoction （甲枣宁脉汤） or Shenying Dingji Decoction （参英定悸汤） and modified as appropriate. Clinical treatment should focus on the whole disease course of atrial fibrillation， implementing stage-based treatments to enable early intervention and holistic regulation.

Paroxysmal atrial fibrillation can be attributed to the category of xinji （palpitations） and zhangchong （severe palpitations） in traditional Chinese medicine， and its onset has the characteristics of urgency， change， and movement， which is similar to the characteristics of diseases induced by wind pathogen. It is believed that the internal movement of wind pathogen runs through the whole course of this disease， and palpitations due to wind as the direct pathogenesis. Palpitations caused by wind pathogen showed different characteristics of deficiency and excess pattern. In the acute exacerbation period， excess wind is the main cause of disease. For excessive heat generating wind， the treatment is to clear the liver and extinguish wind by self-modified Lingxia Qinggan Decoction （羚夏清肝汤）； for blood stasis generating wind， the treatment is to remove blood stasis and stop wind by self-modified Yandan Limai Decoction （延丹理脉汤）； for phlegm-heat accumulation with wind， the treatment is to dissolve phlegm and eliminate wind by self-modified Lianlou Danxing Decoction （连蒌胆星汤）. In the prolonged recovery period， deficiency wind is more common. For stirring of wind due to yin deficiency， the treatment is to nourish yin and extinguish wind by self-modified Zaoshao Zhenzhu Deoction （枣芍珍珠汤）； for spleen deficiency generating wind， the treatment is to strengthen spleen and nourish wind by self-modified Shenying Dingji Deoction （参英定悸汤）. Clinical prescriptions closely follow the characteristics of wind， weigh the changes of deficiency and excess， tailor with the patterns， and regulate qi and blood of the zang-fu organs， in order to extinguish wind and arrest convulsion.