ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of Dingchuan Granule （定喘颗粒， DG） in the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus （RSV） pneumonia. MethodsA total of 60 male Sprague Dawley （SD） rats were randomly divided into control group， model group， ribavirin group， DG low-dose group， DG middle-dose group， and DG high-dose group， with 10 rats in each group. Except for the control group， rats were administrated with RSV via intranasal drip. After model establishment， the DG low-， middle-， and high-dose groups were administrated via oral gavage with DG at 3.47， 6.93， and 13.86 g/（kg·d） respectively， while the ribavirin group was administrated via oral gavage with ribavirin at 15.75 mg/（kg·d）. The drug was given once daily for one week. The rats in the control group and the model group were not given any drug， only subjected to the grasping action. Twenty-four hours after the last administration， the pathological changes of lung tissues were observed and scored using HE staining. The levels of serum inflammatory factors， including tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α）， interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， and interleukin-6 （IL-6）， were detected by colorimetry. The protein levels of nuclear factor （erythroid derived 2）-like 2 （Nrf2）， Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1）， heme oxygenase 1 （HO-1）， and NAD（P）H quinone dehydrogenase 1 （NQO1） in lung tissues were measured by Western Blot. The RSV load as well as the gene expression levels of Nrf2， Keap1， HO-1， and NQO1 in lung tissues were determined by qRT-PCR. The level of reactive oxygen species （ROS） in rat lung tissues was detected using chemiluminescence. The levels of glutathione （GSH） and malondialdehyde （MDA） in rat lung tissues were measured by a microassay. ResultsCompared with the control group， other groups had significant increases in pathological score of lung tissue， RSV load， levels of ROS， MDA， serum TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6； decrease in GSH level， increases in expression level of Keap1 protein and its mRNA in lung tissue， and significant decrease in levels of Nrf2， HO-1， expression level of NQO1 protein and its mRNA （P＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， all the above-mentioned indicators in the DG low-， middle-， and high-dose groups and the ribavirin group were improved to varying degree （P＜0.05）. The levels of serum TNF-α， IL-1β， and IL-6 in rats of DG dose groups showed a dose-dependent pattern， the DG high-dose group exhibiting the best effect （P＜0.05）. The DG high-dose group was superior to the DG low- and middle-dose groups in reducing the levels of ROS and MDA， and increasing the level of GSH in lung tissues （P＜0.05）. The DG high-dose group and the ribavirin group had better effect than the DG middle-dose group in reducing the RSV load （P＜0.05）. The DG high-dose group was superior to the ribavirin group in improving the protein levels of Nrf2， Keap1， HO-1， and NQO1 （P＜0.05）. ConclusionDG could inhibit oxidative stress by regulating the Nrf2/Keap1/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway to improve pulmonary inflammation and treat RSV pneumonia， with the DG high-dose group showing the best effect.

Objective To investigate the role and possible mechanism of celastrol(Cel)in sodium oxalate(NaOx)-induced acute kidney injury(AKI)and crystal deposition in the kidney tissues in mice.Methods Male C57BL/6 mice(aged 8～12 weeks,weighing 22～24 g)were randomly divided into 3 groups.Saline group(control group,intraperitoneal injection with normal saline and drinking water freely),NaOx group(injured group,intraperitoneal injection of 75 mg/kg NaOx,and drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx),and NaOx+Cel group(treatment group,intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg Cel firstly and then 75 mg/kg NaOx in 24 h later,drinking water containing 50 μmol/L NaOx).All specimens were collected in 24 h after NaOx injection.HK-2 cells were randomly divided into 4 groups:Medium group(no treatment),NaOx group(500 μmol/L NaOx),NaOx+Cel group(400 nmol/L Cel pre-treatment for 2 h followed by 500 μmol/L NaOx treatment),and NaOx+Cel+BA group[8 μmol/L betulinic acid(BA,NF-κB agonist)after the interventions as the NaOx+Cel group].Cells of each group were collected in 24 h after corresponding treatments.Von Koosa and cell adhesion assays were used to observe crystal deposition.HE staining was employed to observe renal histopathology and score the damage.CCK-8 assay was utilized to detect cell viability to obtain the optimal concentrations of NaOx and Cel.Serum urea and creatinine levels were detected.Immunohisotochemical assay was conducted to detect the expression of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,NGAL,p65,IL-1β,BAX,and Caspase-3,and Western blotting was performed for protein levels of OPN,CD44,KIM-1,p65,P-p65 and IL-1β.Results The mice in the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal deposition(P<0.0001),attenuated renal tubular damage(P<0.01),decreased serum urea and creatinine levels(P<0.05),and declined expression levels of the renal adhesion molecules OPN and CD44,the kidney injury molecules KIM-1 and NGAL,the inflammation-associated molecules p65 and IL-1β,and the apoptosis related molecules BAX and Caspase-3 when compared with the NaOx group(P<0.05).In in vitro study,the NaOx+Cel group showed reduced crystal adhesion(P<0.0001),decreased expression of the adhesion molecules OPN and CD44(P<0.05),down-regulation of the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and P-p65/p65 ratio(P<0.05),and down-regulation of the renal injury molecule KIM-1(P<0.05)when compared with the NaOx group.In the NaOx+Cel+BA group,crystal adhesion was significantly increased(P<0.0001),the inflammatory molecule IL-1β and the ratio of P-p65/p65 were increased(P<0.05),and the kidney injury molecule KIM-1 was increased when compared with the NaOx+Cel group(P<0.05).Conclusion Cel may reduce NaOx-induced crystal deposition and AKI by inhibiting NF-κB activation.

Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and mid-term efficacy of minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting(MICS CABG) in the treatment of multi-vessel coronary artery disease.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 440 patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease at the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2022. Among these patients, 145 who underwent MICS CABG were designated as the experimental group(MICS group). And 295 patients who underwent conventional sternotomy off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCABG) were collected during the same period. Propensity score matching was employed at a 1∶1 ratio to match patients in the OPCABG group, serving as the control group.The clinical data during hospitalization and the results of midterm follow-up were analyzed and compared using rank- sum test, Fisher' s exact test, Kaplan- Meier survival curve, and other methods. Results:After propensity matching, the baseline features were well balanced between the two groups( P>0.05), with 111 patients in each group. Patients who received MICS CABG had significantly reduce blood loss[MICS: 600 ml(500 ml, 900 ml) vs. OPCABG: 800 ml(600 ml, 1 000 ml), P<0.001], transfusion rate(MICS: 1.8% vs. OPCABG: 17.1%, P<0.001), and IABP implantation rate(MICS: 3.1% vs. OPCABG: 17.1%, P=0.001). In addition, patients who received MICS CABG had significantly better postoperative LVEF(MICS: 0.59±0.06 vs. OPCABG: 0.56±0.09, P<0.001) than the control group. The average follow-up time was 2.42 years, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACCEs in the mid-term( P=0.748). Conclusion:MICS CABG demonstrates rapid recovery and fewer postoperative complications. For patients with multiple coronary artery lesions, MICS CABG has a similar efficacy in the mid-term as conventional coronary artery bypass surgery.

Colorectal cancer(CRC),a highly prevalent malignant tumor worldwide,has shown a continuously increasing incidence,particularly with the rise of early-onset CRC in young populations.Neoadjuvant therapy,as an important strategy for locally advanced CRC,shows significant potential to downstage tumors,improve radical surgical cure rates,and enhance prognosis.In this paper,a 39-year-old male patient with sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma at clinical stage cT4aN2aM0(stage ⅢC)is reported.Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the oncogene KRAS(G13D)and microsatellite stability(MSS).The patient also had significantly elevated carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),lymph node metastasis,and suspected pelvic implant nodules,with a high risk of invasiveness and potential peritoneal metastasis.Because he had a refractory subtype of CRC with poor response to traditional immunotherapy,the patient was treated with neoadjuvant therapy,comprising CapeOx regimen(capecitabine+oxaliplatin),followed sequentially by sluzumab;after 6 treatment cycles,the tumor shrank significantly,and laparoscopic radical sigmoid colon resection was successfully performed,with no residual(ypT0N0)confirmed by postoperative pathology.This case suggests that for patients with KRAS-mutated MSS CRC resistant to traditional immunotherapy,a combination of CapeOx chemotherapy followed by programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitors may induce a deep pathological response and provide translational treatment opportunities for locally advanced patients.However,the universality and long-term benefits of this treatment regimen still require further longitudinal studies and clinical follow-up.

Colorectal cancer(CRC),a highly prevalent malignant tumor worldwide,has shown a continuously increasing incidence,particularly with the rise of early-onset CRC in young populations.Neoadjuvant therapy,as an important strategy for locally advanced CRC,shows significant potential to downstage tumors,improve radical surgical cure rates,and enhance prognosis.In this paper,a 39-year-old male patient with sigmoid colon adenocarcinoma at clinical stage cT4aN2aM0(stage ⅢC)is reported.Genetic testing revealed a mutation in the oncogene KRAS(G13D)and microsatellite stability(MSS).The patient also had significantly elevated carcinoembryonic antigen(CEA),lymph node metastasis,and suspected pelvic implant nodules,with a high risk of invasiveness and potential peritoneal metastasis.Because he had a refractory subtype of CRC with poor response to traditional immunotherapy,the patient was treated with neoadjuvant therapy,comprising CapeOx regimen(capecitabine+oxaliplatin),followed sequentially by sluzumab;after 6 treatment cycles,the tumor shrank significantly,and laparoscopic radical sigmoid colon resection was successfully performed,with no residual(ypT0N0)confirmed by postoperative pathology.This case suggests that for patients with KRAS-mutated MSS CRC resistant to traditional immunotherapy,a combination of CapeOx chemotherapy followed by programmed death-1(PD-1)inhibitors may induce a deep pathological response and provide translational treatment opportunities for locally advanced patients.However,the universality and long-term benefits of this treatment regimen still require further longitudinal studies and clinical follow-up.

Objective:To explore the feasibility and mid-term efficacy of minimally invasive cardiac surgery coronary artery bypass grafting(MICS CABG) in the treatment of multi-vessel coronary artery disease.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 440 patients with multi-vessel coronary artery disease at the Minimally Invasive Cardiac Surgery Center of Beijing Anzhen Hospital, Capital Medical University, from January 2018 to December 2022. Among these patients, 145 who underwent MICS CABG were designated as the experimental group(MICS group). And 295 patients who underwent conventional sternotomy off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting(OPCABG) were collected during the same period. Propensity score matching was employed at a 1∶1 ratio to match patients in the OPCABG group, serving as the control group.The clinical data during hospitalization and the results of midterm follow-up were analyzed and compared using rank- sum test, Fisher' s exact test, Kaplan- Meier survival curve, and other methods. Results:After propensity matching, the baseline features were well balanced between the two groups( P>0.05), with 111 patients in each group. Patients who received MICS CABG had significantly reduce blood loss[MICS: 600 ml(500 ml, 900 ml) vs. OPCABG: 800 ml(600 ml, 1 000 ml), P<0.001], transfusion rate(MICS: 1.8% vs. OPCABG: 17.1%, P<0.001), and IABP implantation rate(MICS: 3.1% vs. OPCABG: 17.1%, P=0.001). In addition, patients who received MICS CABG had significantly better postoperative LVEF(MICS: 0.59±0.06 vs. OPCABG: 0.56±0.09, P<0.001) than the control group. The average follow-up time was 2.42 years, and there was no significant difference in the incidence of MACCEs in the mid-term( P=0.748). Conclusion:MICS CABG demonstrates rapid recovery and fewer postoperative complications. For patients with multiple coronary artery lesions, MICS CABG has a similar efficacy in the mid-term as conventional coronary artery bypass surgery.

Objective:To explore the short-term clinical effects of deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis in the treatment of Alzheimer’s disease (AD).Methods:A prospective exploratory study was conducted on the treatment of AD patients using the cervical deep lymph node-venous anastomosis technique in Scar and Wound Treatment Department, Plastic Surgery Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, from September to October 2024. The patients underwent high-frequency ultrasound to locate deep cervical lymph nodes and the external jugular vein. Under general anesthesia, bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses were performed. Indocyanine green (ICG) lymphography was conducted via subcutaneous injection behind the ear to visualize lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. After making a skin incision along the posterior margin of the sternocleidomastoid muscle, the external jugular vein, internal jugular veins, and associated lymph nodes were exposed. Adjacent veins were selected for anastomosis of lymph node. Using microsurgical techniques, end-to-side or end-to-end anastomosis was completed for lymph nodes in levels Ⅱ and Ⅲ. Preoperative assessments included the mini-mental state examination (MMSE, a higher score indicates better cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-Cog, a higher score indicates greater impairment of cognitive function), Alzheimer’s disease cooperative study scale for activities of daily living (ADCS-ADL, a higher score indicates better ability to perform daily activity), and neuropsychiatric inventory (NPI, a higher score indicates more severe behavioral and emotional symptom). Postoperative follow-up included the same scales to observe changes in cognitive function, activities of daily living, and emotional communication.Results:Four patients (1 male, 3 females, aged 58-79 years) with AD were included. All were diagnosed based on cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers. All patients successfully underwent bilateral deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomoses. On average, 4.3 (2-7 per person) anastomoses were performed per patient. Surgical procedures lasted an average of 6.5 h (5.5-8.5 h) with minimal blood loss (less than 50 ml). Patients resumed normal activity within 6 hours postoperatively and were discharged after an average of 4.1 d (3.5-5.0 d). Postoperative complications included one case each of aspiration pneumonia, lower limb venous thrombosis, and transient delirium, all of whom resolved without long-term effects. Clinical symptoms, including memory decline, mood swings, and anxiety, showed varying degrees of improvement. Patients reported enhanced quality of life, emotional stability, and social engagement, confirming the procedure’s safety and potential cognitive benefits. At one month postoperatively, the MMSE scores of the four patients increased by an average of 0.8 points compared to preoperative levels. Additionally, the two patients who completed the ADAS-Cog assessments showed a decrease in their scores (reduced by 1.0 points and 11.3 points, respectively, compared to preoperative scores), indicating a certain degree of improvement in cognitive function during this period. The ADCS-ADL and NPI scores of four patients varied significantly, without showing any clear pattern.Conclusion:Lymphovenous anastomosis of the deep cervical lymph node-venous anastomosis may provide a new surgical intervention approach for AD, but further large-scale studies and long-term follow-up are needed to validate its safety and effectiveness.

Purpose: This study assessed the effects of cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) voxel size and exposure settings on the accuracy of alveolar bone thickness (BT) measurements. Materials and Methods: Seven pig mandibles were scanned using 6 CBCT settings: 200, 400, and 600 μm voxels,each with an ultra-low dose (ULD) and a standard dose (SD) setting. BT was measured at 3 locations on 1 anterior and 1 posterior tooth. These teeth were then scanned using micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), and BT was measured at the same locations. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) and paired t-test were used to evaluate agreement between CBCT and micro-CT measurements. The discrepancy between CBCT and micro-CT measurements was calculated, and repeated-measures analysis of variance (RMANOVA) was used to evaluate the effects of the 6 CBCT settings on BT measurement accuracy. Results: The lowest discrepancy between micro-CT and CBCT was observed with the 600 μm ULD (0.29±0.39 mm), followed by the 200 μm SD (0.41±0.72 mm). When BT was less than 2 mm, the lowest discrepancy occurred with the 200 μm SD (0.29±0.33 mm), followed by the 600 μm ULD (0.32±0.25 mm). The ICC between CBCT and micro-CTdecreased as BT decreased. RMANOVA indicated no significant effect of CBCT settings on measurement accuracy. Conclusion BT measured with the 600 μm ULD was comparable to that obtained with the 200 μm SD. Thediscrepancy between CBCT and micro-CT was notable, especially when BT was less than 2 mm.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of action of Dingchuan granules in intervening respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia based on network pharmacology and animal experiments.Methods The potential active ingredients and targets of each traditional Chinese medicine in Dingchuan granules were obtained from TCMSP and TCMID databases,and the active ingredients of the drugs in Dingchuan granules were screened according to ADME pharmacokinetic parameters;the potential disease targets of respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia were obtained from Genecards,OMIM,and DisGeNet databases;the protein-interaction networks of intersecting targets were visualized by using String platform;the key core targets were visualized by using David database;and the intersection targets were visualized by using David database.Interaction networks were constructed using the String platform to visualize the intersecting targets;GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses of the key core targets were performed using the David database;and then the relevant networks for the intervention of Respiratory Syncytial Virus Pneumonia in the Dingchuan particles were constructed using the Cytoscape software(3.9.1).Respiratory syncytial virus(RSV)-induced respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia in young rats was selected for experimental validation.Results The results of the network pharmacology showed that the 177 potential active ingredients of Dingchuan granules acted on 144 targets,and there were 1075 targets related to respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia,and 55 drug-disease intersecting targets were obtained,of which 25 core targets were ALB,IL6,CASP3,EGFR,VEGFA,etc.The GO function of Dingchuan granules was also investigated,and the GO function of Dingchuan was investigated.The results of GO function enrichment analysis showed that the biological processes involved mainly include positive regulation of transcription,positive regulation of RNA polymerase II promoter transcription,positive regulation of gene expression,negative regulation of apoptosis,etc.The KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involves the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,the cancer pathway,the tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,the IL-17 signaling pathway and so on.The KEGG pathway enrichment mainly involves PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,tumor necrosis factor signaling pathway,IL-17 signaling pathway,etc.Animal experiments initially showed that the fixed wheezing granules can play a role in inflammation and immune response by regulating the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,thus participating in the inflammatory and immune response.Compared with the normal group,the ratios of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt in the lung tissues of young rats in the model group were significantly higher(P<0.05),the viral load was significantly higher(P<0.05),the pathological score of lung tissue damage was significantly higher(P<0.05),and the content of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in alveolar lavage fluid(BALF)was significantly higher(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the expression of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-Akt/Akt proteins in the lung tissues of young rats in each dose group and the positive control group was reduced(P<0.05),the viral load was significantly reduced(P<0.05),the pathological scores of lung tissue injury were significantly reduced(P<0.05),and the contents of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α in BALF were significantly reduced(P<0.05).Conclusion The study revealed the synergistic mechanism of multi-component,multi-target,and multi-pathway action of Dingchuan granules for the treatment of respiratory syncytial virus pneumonia.It was verified by animal experiments that RSV infection in young rats probably activated the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,which caused the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α.Dingchuan granules could effectively down-regulate the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway,inhibit the release of inflammatory factors IL-6 and TNF-α,and thus achieve the anti-inflammatory effect.