Objectives:To investigate the factors affecting the formation of coronary collateral circulation(CCC)in patients with chronic total occlusion(CTO)lesion of coronary artery.Methods:A total of 305 consecutive patients who were hospitalized in the department of cardiology of the First Hospital of Lanzhou University from December 2022 to December 2023 and CTO lesions were confirmed by coronary angiography in at least one major coronary artery were included.The clinical data were collected,and the patients were divided into poor CCC group(Rentrop grade 0-1,n=109)and good CCC group(Rentrop grade 2-3,n=196)according to Rentrop criteria.Univariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the risk factors of poor CCC formation in CTO lesion patients.Results:There were 109 patients with poor CCC formation and 196 patients with good CCC formation in this cohort.The levels of white blood cell count,neutrophil count,platelet count,platelet to lymphocyte ratio,neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio,systemic immunoinflammatory index(SII),lipoprotein a and fibringen(Fib)were significantly higher,lymphocyte count and mean platelet volume were significantly lower in patients with poor CCC formation than in patients with good CCC formation(all P<0.05).Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that higher SII(OR=1.004,95%CI:1.003-1.006,P<0.001),Fib(OR=1.546,95%CI:1.038-2.301,P=0.032)levels were independent predictors of poor CCC formation in CTO lesion patients.Conclusions:Higher levels of SII and Fib are independently correlated with poor CCC formation,which may be used as clinical predictor of poor CCC formation in CTO lesion patients.

Objective To observe CT and MRI manifestations of polymorphous low-grade neuroepithelial tumor of the young(PLNTY).Methods Totally 21 cases of PLNTY confirmed by pathology were retrospectively enrolled,and CT and MRI manifestations of the lesions were observed.Results Single supratentorial tumor was found in all 21 cases,including 13 cases of isolated brain parenchymal type,6 cases of diffuse brain parenchymal type and 2 cases of extra parenchymal type PLNTY.Diffusion weighted imaging(DWI)showed no diffusion limitation in all 21 cases,and a few cases with mild peritumoral edema.Among 13 cases of isolated brain parenchymal PLNTY,7 cases presented as calcified nodules,5 cases presented as cystic lesions and 1 case as solid nodule.After administration of contrast agents,no enhancement was found in 11 cases,while mild local enhancement was observed in 2 cases.Six cases of diffuse brain parenchymal PLNTY presented as diffuse thickening of the cortex in lesion area,with abnormal signals in the subcortical white matter in 4 cases.After administration of contrast agents,no enhancement was found in 4 cases,while mild local enhancement was noticed in 2 cases.Two cases of extra parenchymal PLNTY presented as solid mass with calcification,with equal density on CT and mild local enhancement on enhanced MRI.Conclusion CT and MRI manifestations of PLNTY had certain characteristics.

Objective To evaluate the correlation between MRI burden of cerebral small vessel disease and cognitive impairment in elderly hypertensive people.Methods Data of elderly hypertensive people with CSVD at Xingtai People's Hospital Affiliated to Hebei Medical University from January 2018 to September 2024 were analyzed.According to the total MRI burden score,patients were divided into mild to moderate(0-2)and severe(3-4)burden groups.The baseline data and cognitive impairment were compared between groups.The correlation between risk factors of MRI burden and cognitive impairment was analyzed.Results The severe burden group had higher systolic blood pressure[178(155,180)mmHg vs.159.50(147.75,170)mmHg,higher fasting blood glucose[5.70(5.37,5.92)mmHg vs.5.38(4.83,5.70)mmHg,P<0.05]and higher the proportion of cognitive impairment[8(28.1%)vs.3(6.8%),P<0.05]than the mild to moderate group.Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that systolic blood pressure(OR=1.033,95%CI:1.001-1.067,P<0.05)was the independent risk factor for total MRI burden.Spearman correlation analysis revealed that MRI total burden was negatively correlated with MMSE score(r=-0.315,P=0.011)and MoCA score(r=-0.662,P<0.001).Compared with the mild to moderate burden group,the severe group performed worse in the areas of orientation,attention and computation,language ability on the MMSE,and worse in visual space and executive ability,attention,language,delayed recall,and orientation on the MoCA(P<0.05).Conclusion Systolic blood pressure is the independent risk factor of MRI total burden in elderly hypertensive people.The higher the total MRI burden,the more severe the cognitive impairment,the worse performance in orientation,visual space and executive ability,attention and computation,language,and delayed recall.

AIM: To prepare a novel functionalized upconversion nanomaterial UCNPs-PEG-Tf through an improved method and observe its specific imaging phenomenon to choroidal melanoma cells(OCM-1).METHODS: NaYF4:Yb/Er(Up-conversion nanoparticles, UCNPs)was Prepared and plasma was treated to carboxylate the surface; then amino polyethylene glycol and transferrin(Tf)were respectively loaded to prepare UCNPs-PEG-Tf. Characterized them accordingly, its biocompatibility was tested accordingly, and the specific fluorescence phenomenon of OCM-1 was detected by fluorescence spectrophotometer and inverted fluorescence microscopy.RESULTS: Characterization confirmed successful synthesis of UCNPs, UCNPs-PEG, and further loading of Tf to form UCNPs-PEG-Tf. UCNPs-PEG-Tf showed excellent biocompatibility and emitted significant green fluorescence. Under the same conditions, fluorescence intensity measurement and observations from the inverted fluorescence microscope both demonstrated its significant specificity in imaging to OCM-1 cells.CONCLUSION: The synthesized novel functionalized UCNPs-PEG-Tf nanocomposite showed good biocompatibility and achieve specific imaging to OCM-1 cells.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture with the method of soothing the liver and regulating the mind in improving depressive disorder. MethodsEighteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， and acupuncture group， with 6 mice in each group. The model group and the acupuncture group were subjected to depression induction by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， while the blank group received an equal volume of normal saline once daily for seven consecutive days. Concurrently， the acupuncture group received "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" acupuncture intervention starting from the first day of modeling， once daily for 14 days； whereas the blank group and the model group were only restrained without acupuncture. The sucrose preference test was used to assess sucrose preference rate， the open-field test to measure center stay time and total travel distance， and the forced swim test to evaluate immobility time. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe hippocampal morphological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in hippocampal tissue. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed a significant reduction in sucrose preference rate， center stay time， and total travel distance， along with a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swim test， hippocampal IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， as well as TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression （P＜0.01）， and the histological examination revealed blurred hippocampal neuronal boundaries， loose arrangement， and some neurons exhibiting nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. Compared to the model group， the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant increase in sucrose preference rate， center stay time， and total travel distance， along with a significant reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test， hippocampal IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， and TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression （P＜0.01）， and the histological analysis showed that hippocampal neurons in the acupuncture group were more tightly arranged， with reduced nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. ConclusionAcupuncture with the "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" method can significantly improve depression-like behavior， potentially by inhibiting the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and alleviating inflammatory responses.

The liver performs multiple life-sustaining functions. Hepatic diseases, including hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatoma, pose significant health and economic burdens globally. Along with the advances in nanotechnology, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) exhibiting diversiform size and shape, distinct morphological properties, and favorable physico-chemical features have become an ideal choice for drug delivery systems and inspire alternative thinking for the management of hepatic diseases. Initially, we introduce the physiological structure of the liver and highlight its intrinsic cell types and correlative functions. Next, we detail the synthesis methods and physicochemical properties of MSNs and their capacity for controlled drug loading and release. Particularly, we discuss the interactions between liver and MSNs with respect to the passive targeting mechanisms of MSNs within the liver by adjusting their particle size, pore diameter, surface charge, hydrophobicity/hydrophilicity, and surface functionalization. Subsequently, we emphasize the role of MSNs in regulating liver pathophysiology, exploring their value in addressing liver pathological states, such as tumors and inflammation, combined with multi-functional designs and intelligent modes to enhance drug targeting and minimize side effects. Lastly, we put forward the problems, challenges, opportunities, as well as clinical translational issues faced by MSNs in the management of liver diseases.

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides (LBP) against cisplatin-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury and investigate its possible mechanisms. METHODS: Human granulosa-like tumor cell line (KGN) were treated with 2.5 µg/mL cisplatin for 24 h, followed by treatment with 100, 500, and 1000 mg/L LBP, and the changes in cell viability, apoptosis, level of anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH), and cell ultrastructure were detected with CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, ELISA and transmission electron microscopy. The cellular expressions of Bax, caspase-3, Bcl-2, and the PI3K/AKT pathway proteins were analyzed using Western blotting, and the expression of miR-23a was detected with RT-qPCR. KGN cell models with lentivirus-mediated miR-23a overexpression or knockdown were used to verify the therapeutic mechanism of LBP. RESULTS: Cisplatin treatment significantly inhibited cell viability, induced apoptosis, decreased AMH level, caused ultrastructural abnormalities, increased Bax and caspase-3 expression, and lowered Bcl-2 expression in KGN cells. Cisplatin also suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and upregulated miR-23a expression in the cells. LBP intervention obviously alleviated cisplatin-induced injuries in KGN cells, and in particular, LBP treatment at the medium dose for 24 h significantly improved KGN cell viability, reduced apoptosis, enhanced their endocrine function, and ameliorated ultrastructural abnormalities. Mechanistically, medium-dose LBP obviously activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by downregulating miR-23a in cisplatin-treated cells, subsequently inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 while upregulating Bcl-2. Overexpression of miR-23a weakened while knockdown of miR-23a significantly enhanced the protective effects of LBP. CONCLUSIONS LBP alleviates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in KGN cells by inhibiting miR-23a expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway, suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian function preservation.
Humans ; Cisplatin/adverse effects* ; MicroRNAs/genetics* ; Female ; Granulosa Cells/cytology* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Down-Regulation ; Signal Transduction/drug effects* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Survival/drug effects*

In recent years, the prevalence of obstructive coronary artery disease has continued to rise. Despite the widespread application of strategies such as intensive pharmacotherapy, coronary artery bypass grafting, or percutaneous coronary intervention, a subset of patients still experience recurrent angina symptoms, which severely impacts their quality of life. For such cases of refractory angina (RA), researchers domestically and internationally have explored therapeutic approaches such as spinal cord stimulation, transmyocardial laser revascularization, and sympathectomy. However, existing studies are largely limited to small-scale clinical trials, and their clinical translation still faces challenges due to insufficient validation of safety and efficacy. Injectable hydrogels, as functional materials with hydrophilic three-dimensional network structures, demonstrate unique advantages in the treatment of RA. They can not only provide mechanical support but also serve as controlled-release carriers for drugs and proteins, and synergize with gene therapy and stem cell therapy to promotemyocardial tissue repair. This article systematically reviews the application prospects of injectable hydrogels in the treatment of RA, aiming to provide insights for future therapeutic strategies.

Objective To analyze the epidemiological characteristics and spatiotemporal clustering of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023, and to provide a scientific basis for optimizing varicella prevention and control strategies. Methods Data on varicella cases were collected through the Chinese Center for Disease Control and Prevention Information System. Descriptive epidemiology, temporal trend analysis, seasonal analysis, spatiotemporal clustering analysis, and spatial autocorrelation analysis were conducted using QGIS, JoinPoint, SaTScan and GeoDa software. Results The average annual reported incidence rate of varicella in Lu'an City from 2005 to 2023 was 34.55/100,000, showing a trend of initial increase followed by a decrease. The peak incidence occurred from October to January of the following year (RR=1.97, LLR=1743.95, P=0.001). Students aged 0 to 19 was the primary affected group. Spatiotemporal scan analysis revealed four types of spatiotemporal clusters, with the cluster in Jin'an District from October 2017 to December 2023 being particularly prominent (RR=2.87，LLR=1734.15，P<0.001). Spatial autocorrelation analysis indicated significant clustering of varicella cases in the main urban area (Moran's I=0.216，Z=4.786，P=0.003). Conclusion The incidence of varicella in Lu'an City exhibits distinct seasonal and spatial clustering, and schools and kindergartens in the main urban area are the key to varicella prevention and control. It is necessary to enhance the monitoring of disease outbreaks during peak periods and in key areas, and to increase the two-dose vaccination rate for varicella in areas with case aggregation and among key populations.

Objective To evaluate the protective effect of Lycium barbarum polysaccharides(LBP)against cisplatin-induced ovarian granulosa cell injury and investigate its possible mechanisms.Methods Human granulosa-like tumor cell line(KGN)were treated with 2.5 μg/mL cisplatin for 24 h,followed by treatment with 100,500,and 1000 mg/L LBP,and the changes in cell viability,apoptosis,level of anti-Müllerian hormone(AMH),and cell ultrastructure were detected with CCK-8 assay,flow cytometry,ELISA and transmission electron microscopy.The cellular expressions of Bax,caspase-3,Bcl-2,and the PI3K/AKT pathway proteins were analyzed using Western blotting,and the expression of miR-23a was detected with RT-qPCR.KGN cell models with lentivirus-mediated miR-23a overexpression or knockdown were used to verify the therapeutic mechanism of LBP.Results Cisplatin treatment significantly inhibited cell viability,induced apoptosis,decreased AMH level,caused ultrastructural abnormalities,increased Bax and caspase-3 expression,and lowered Bcl-2 expression in KGN cells.Cisplatin also suppressed the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and upregulated miR-23a expression in the cells.LBP intervention obviously alleviated cisplatin-induced injuries in KGN cells,and in particular,LBP treatment at the medium dose for 24 h significantly improved KGN cell viability,reduced apoptosis,enhanced their endocrine function,and ameliorated ultrastructural abnormalities.Mechanistically,medium-dose LBP obviously activated the PI3K/AKT pathway by downregulating miR-23a in cisplatin-treated cells,subsequently inhibiting Bax and caspase-3 while upregulating Bcl-2.Overexpression of miR-23a weakened while knockdown of miR-23a significantly enhanced the protective effects of LBP.Conclusion LBP alleviates cisplatin-induced apoptosis in KGN cells by inhibiting miR-23a expression and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway,suggesting a potential therapeutic strategy for ovarian function preservation.