Objective To explore the effect of remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) on preoperative heart rate variability in patients with heart valves. Methods Patients scheduled to undergo on-pump cardiac valve surgery in the Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, General Hospital of Northern Theater Command, between January and July 2022 were initially enrolled. Eligible patients were randomly assigned at a 1 : 1 ratio to either the RIPC group or the control group. Relevant indicators of heart rate variability [standard deviation of NN interval (SDNN), standard deviation of mean value of NN interval in every five minutes (SDANN), mean square root of difference between consecutive NN intervals (RMSSD), percentage of adjacent RR interval>50 ms (PNN50), low frequency (LF) component, high frequency (HF) component and LF/HF] at 8 hours in the morning on the surgical day between two groups were compared. Results A total of 118 patients were initially assessed. After screening, 58 patients were excluded, and 60 patients provided written informed consent and were enrolled in the trial, with 30 allocated to the RIPC group and 30 to the control group. Seven patients in the control group and 5 patients in the RIPC group were subsequently excluded due to missing heart rate variability data resulting from cancelled operations. Finally, 23 patients in the control group and 25 patients in the RIPC group were included in the analysis. There was no statistical difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups, and there was no significant difference in heart rate variability 24 hours before intervention (P>0.05). After the intervention measures were taken, the comparison of the results of heart rate variability at 8 hours on the day of operation showed that SDNN and SDANN of patients in the RIPC group were higher than those in the control group, with statistical differences (P<0.05). Conclusion RIPC can stabilize the preoperative heart rate variability of patients undergoing cardiac valve surgery.

AIM: To investigate the effect of interleukin-8(IL-8)on the regulation of monocyte chemotactic protein-1(MCP-1)secreted by lens epithelial cells(LEC)during cell migration in the development of posterior capsule opacification(PCO).METHODS: A rat lens capsule model was established and cultured in medium supplemented with 10% fetal bovine serum. Upon migration of LEC to 30%-50% of the posterior capsule, serum was removed. The capsule was subsequently divided into two groups: a control group and an IL-8(15 ng/mL)treatment group. LEC migration was captured at multiple time points. The secretion and mRNA expression of MCP-1 were quantified using ELISA and RT-qPCR, respectively. Immunofluorescence was used to assess MCP-1 expression in the different experimental groups. SRA01/04 cells were divided into three groups: control, IL-8(15 ng/mL), and IL-8(15 ng/mL)+200 μmol/L Bindarit(BND)groups, with migration measured by the Transwell assay. Additionally, SRA01/04 cells were divided into negative control(NC), NC+15 ng/mL IL-8, and 15 ng/mL IL-8+p65 siRNA groups, and MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression were further analyzed by ELISA and RT-qPCR.RESULTS:LEC migration in the rat lens capsule cultured in vitro showed that the cells migration of the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group significantly increased at 48, 72 and 96 h(all P<0.05). ELISA results revealed that MCP-1 levels in SRA01/04 cells from the 15 ng/mL IL-8-treated group were markedly higher than those in the control group at both 12 and 24 h(all P<0.05). RT-qPCR analysis also demonstrated a significant increase in MCP-1 mRNA expression in the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both time points(all P<0.05). Immunofluorescence staining indicated greater MCP-1 expression in capsular epithelial cells of the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group at 24 h(P=0.007). Transwell assays further confirmed increased cell migration in the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group compared to the control group(P=0.001), while the migration reduced in the 15 ng/mL IL-8+200 μmol/L BND group compared to the 15 ng/mL IL-8 group(P=0.003). Moreover, ELISA and RT-qPCR results demonstrated a significant increase in MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression in the NC+15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both 12 and 24 h compared to the NC group(all P<0.01). In contrast, MCP-1 secretion and mRNA expression were reduced in the 15 ng/mL IL-8+p65 siRNA group compared to the NC+15 ng/mL IL-8 group at both time points(all P<0.01).CONCLUSION: IL-8 promotes the migration of residual epithelial cells and regulates the secretion and expression of MCP-1 in LEC. The mechanism underlying IL-8's effects appears to be mediated through the activation of the NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway.

AIM: To explore the effects of preoperative anterior segment parameters on the rotational stability of Toric intraocular lens(Toric IOL).METHODS:Prospective study. A total of 41 cataract patients(54 eyes)with combined corneal regular astigmatism from March to December 2023 were included and treated with cataract phacoemulsification combined with plate loop Toric IOL implantation in the Department of Ophthalmology of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University. The rotation degree of Toric IOL and uncorrected distance visual acuity(UCDVA)were evaluated at 1 d, 2 wk, and 1 mo postoperatively, the corrected distance visual acuity(CDVA)was evaluated at 2 wk and 1 mo after surgery, and the decentration and tilt of the Toric IOL were assessed at 2 wk postoperatively.RESULTS:A total of 33 patients(40 eyes)were included in this study. The UCDVA(LogMAR)of 1 d, 2 wk and 1 mo postoperatively were 0.10(0.10, 0.30), 0.05(0, 0.10)and 0(0, 0.10), respectively, which was improved compared with the preoperative levels of [0.80(0.49, 1.00)](P<0.001). The CDVA(LogMAR)of 2 wk and 1 mo postoperatively were 0.05(0, 0.15)and 0(0, 0.138), respectively, which was improved compared with preoperative levels of [0.52(0.40, 0.80)](P<0.001). The residual astigmatism of 2 wk and 1 mo postoperatively were 0.625(0.25, 0.75)D and 0.50(0.25, 0.75)D, respectively, which was significantly reduced compared with preoperative astigmatism of [1.82(1.31, 2.59)D](P<0.001). The preoperative anterior segment length(ASL), and lens thickness(LT)were positively correlated with Toric IOL rotation degree at 1 d(rs=0.463, P=0.003; rs=0.340, P=0.032)and 2 wk(rs=0.520, P=0.001; rs=0.409, P=0.009)postoperatively. At 1 mo postoperatively, only ASL was positively correlated with Toric IOL rotation degree(rs=0.463, P=0.003). The results of linear regression analysis showed that preoperative ASL was a predictor of rotation degree at 1 d, 2 wk and 1 mo after surgery(F1 d=10.098, P1 d=0.003; F2 wk=16.915, P2 wk<0.001; F1 mo=10.957, P1 mo=0.002). The rotation degree of Toric IOL was positively correlated with lens decentration(rs=0.360, P=0.043).CONCLUSION:The early postoperative rotation of Toric IOL is positively correlated with ASL, and the rotation is also positively correlated with lens decentration.

This paper summarizes clinical experience in treating acne based on the staged therapeutic principles of "eruption in warm diseases". It is considered that acne results from wind-heat retained in the lungs， invading the ying level and obstructing the blood collaterals， and is primarily a disorder involving both the wei and ying systems. In clinical practice， the treatment emphasizes the use of acrid-cool and sweet-cold methods. The core prescription is namely Yinqiaosan Qu Douchi Jia Xishengdi Danpi Daqingye Bei Xuanshen Fang （from Epidemic Warm Diseases ［《温病条辨》］）， and is adjusted according to the stage of disease. In the non-inflammatory stage， when the pathogen initially attacks the wei level， treatment focuses on acrid-cool herbs to release the exterior， with supplementary bitter-sweet ingredients such as Yejuhua （Chrysanthemum Indicum）. In the inflammatory stage， with pronounced heat toxin in the qi level affecting the ying and blood， and local stagnation of qi and blood， the approach is to clear heat and resolve toxin， using blood-cooling and stasis-resolving herbs early to prevent progression. Herbs such as Pugongying （Taraxacum Mongolicum）， Zihuadiding （Viola Yedoensis）， Tiankuizi （Semiaquilegia Adoxoides）， Chonglou （Paris Polyphylla）， Machixian （Portulaca Oleracea）， Zaojiaoci （Gleditsia Sinensis）， Chuanshanjia （Manis Pentadactyla） may be added. In the post-inflammatory erythema stage， when yin of the ying level is depleted and internal deficiency-heat arises， sweet-cold herbs are recommended to nourish the stomach and generate fluids， with the possible addition of Yiwei Decoction （益胃汤）.

AIM: To analyze the reasons and clinical outcomes of intraocular lens(IOL)exchange.METHODS:This retrospective case series study included 47 patients(53 eyes)who underwent IOL exchange surgery at the Department of Ophthalmology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, between April 2020 and May 2024, aged from 5 to 87(44.8±3.6)years old. Patients' demographics, surgical indications, surgical techniques, preoperative and postoperative uncorrected visual acuity(UCVA)and best-corrected visual acuity(BCVA), as well as postoperative complications were recorded.RESULTS:The reasons for IOL exchange included refractive error(18 cases, 23 eyes, 43%), IOL dislocation(12 cases, 13 eyes, 25%), IOL opacification(12 cases, 12 eyes, 23%), neuroadaptation failure(3 cases, 3 eyes, 6%), and patient dissatisfaction with visual quality(2 cases, 2 eyes, 4%). The surgical techniques for IOL exchange included in-the-bag IOL fixation(16 eyes, 30%), ciliary sulcus fixation(27 eyes, 51%), and scleral suture fixation(10 eyes, 19%). There was statistical significant difference between preoperative UCVA(LogMAR)and UCVA(LogMAR)at 1 d postoperatively(1.03±0.64 vs 0.50±0.46, P<0.05), and there was statistical significant difference between preoperative BCVA(LogMAR)and BCVA(LogMAR)at 1 mo postoperatively(0.41±0.37 vs 0.17±0.21, P<0.05). Postoperative complications included posterior capsule opacification in 2 eyes and IOL dislocation in 1 eye.CONCLUSION:Refractive error, IOL dislocation, and IOL opacification were the three most common reasons for IOL exchange. Although less frequent, factors such as neuroadaptation issues associated with multifocal IOLs and patient-reported visual quality dissatisfaction reflect growing expectations for improved visual outcomes. IOL exchange surgery, though technically challenging, demonstrates favorable clinical efficacy and a low complication rate, representing an effective intervention for managing postoperative IOL-related issues following cataract surgery.

Objective To investigate short-term clinical efficacy of autologous leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma(LP-PRP)treatment of knee osteoarthritis(KO A).Methods 85 cases of patients with Keligren Lawrence grade Ⅰ-Ⅲ knee os-teoarthritis in Peking University First Hospital Taiyuan Hospital(Taiyuan Central Hospital)from 2022 to 2023 were collect-ed for autologous LP-PRP collection and quality assessment using a blood component separator,and all patients were treated with autologous LP-PRP.The degree and function of knee pain were assessed by visual analog scale(VAS)and knee arthri-tis index scale(WOMAC)at 1,3 and 6 months after injection.Knee MRI was performed after 6 months of treatment,and the MRI imaging changes before and after treatment were compared.Different influencing factors in the treatment results were grouped and analyzed,mainly including platelet concentration in LP-PRP and K-L grading of knee joint.According to the platelet concentration in LP-PRP,it was divided into three grades,which are low concentration[(＜800)×109/L],medium concentration[(800-1 000)×109/L],and high concentration[(＞1 000)× 109/L];According to the K-L grade of the knee joint,the severity of knee osteoarthritis was divided into three grades:Ⅰ、Ⅱ、Ⅲ.Results The VAS and WOMAC scores at 1,3 and 6 months after LP-PRP treatment were significantly lower than those before treatment,and the difference was sta-tistically significant(P＜0.05).There was a statistically significant difference in the therapeutic effect of different levels of platelet concentration,and when the platelet concentration was more than 1 000×109/L,the significant effect was the most obvious(P＜0.05).The therapeutic effect of different levels of platelet concentration was statistically significant(P＜0.05).MRI showed that the articular cartilage signal was significantly improved after treatment.Conclusion Autologous LP-PRP injection into knee cavity for the treatment of KO A has a good short-term clinical effect in relieving knee pain.

Objective:To summarize the clinical features and prognosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome with hepatopulmonary syndrome (HPS) in children.Methods:The clinical data of a child who had Budd-Chiari syndrome with HPS treated at the Department of Pediatrics of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University in December 2016 was analyzed retrospectively. Taking "Budd-Chiari syndrome" and "hepatopulmonary syndrome" in Chinese or English as the keywords, literature was searched at CNKI, Wanfang, China Biomedical Literature Database and PubMed up to July 2023. Combined with this case, the clinical characteristics, diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome with HPS in children under the age of 18 were summarized.Results:A 13-year-old boy, presented with cyanosis and chest tightness after activities for 6 months, and yellow staining of the skin for 1 week. Physical examination at admission not only found mild yellow staining of the skin and sclera, but also found cyanosis of the lips, periocular skin, and extremities. Laboratory examination showed abnormal liver function with total bilirubin 53 μmol/L, direct bilirubin 14 μmol/L, and indirect bilirubin 39 μmol/L, and abnormal blood gas analysis with the partial pressure of oxygen of 54 mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa), the partial pressure of carbon dioxide of 31 mmHg, and the alveolar-arterial oxygen gradient of 57 mmHg. Hepatic vein-type Budd-Chiari syndrome, cirrhosis, and portal hypertension were indicated by abdominal CT venography. Contrast-enhanced transthoracic echocardiography (CE-TTE) was positive. After symptomatic and supportive treatment, this patient was discharged and received oxygen therapy outside the hospital. At follow-up until March 2023, there was no significant improvement in hypoxemia, accompanied by limited daily activities. Based on the literature, there were 3 reports in English while none in Chinese, 3 cases were reported. Among a total of 4 children, the chief complaints were dyspnea, cyanosis, or hypoxemia in 3 cases, and unknown in 1 case. There were 2 cases diagnosed with Budd-Chiari syndrome with HPS at the same time due to respiratory symptoms, and 2 cases developed HPS 1.5 years and 8.0 years after the diagnosis of Budd-Chiari syndrome respectively. CE-TTE was positive in 2 cases and pulmonary perfusion imaging was positive in 2 cases. Liver transplantation was performed in 2 cases and their respiratory function recovered well; 1 case received oxygen therapy, with no improvement in hypoxemia; 1 case was waiting for liver transplantation.Conclusions:The onset of Budd-Chiari syndrome with HPS is insidious. The most common clinical manifestations are dyspnea and cyanosis. It can reduce misdiagnosis to confirm intrapulmonary vascular dilatations with CE-TTE at an early stage. Liver transplantation is helpful in improving the prognosis.

Objective:To observe the correlation between retinal capillary density and retinal thickness in the macula and spherical equivalent (SE) in school-age children.Methods:A cross-sectional study. From May to December 2022, 182 school-age children who visited the ophthalmology department of the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were included. There were 95 males and 87 females. The age ranged from 6 to 12 years, and the spherical equivalent (SE) was +0.50 to -6.00 D. They were divided into three groups based on the SE of the right eyes: 54 eyes in emmetropia group (+0.50≤SE<-0.50 D), 71 eyes in low myopia group (-0.50≤SE<-3.00 D), and 57 eyes in moderate myopia group (-3.00≤SE≤-6.00 D). The macular area of 6 mm×6 mm was scanned using swept-source optical coherence tomography angiography and was divided into three concentric rings centered on the fovea, including the macular central fovea (0-1 mm diameter), inner ring (1-3 mm diameter) and outer ring (3-6 mm diameter). The retinal thickness and blood flow density of superficial vascular plexus (SVP) and deep vascular plexus (DVP) in different zones within 6 mm of the macular area were measured. The relationships between SE and SVP, DVP and retinal thickness in each ring region were investigated by univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, smooth curve fitting, and threshold effects.Results:There were significant differences in the SVP ( F=6.64, 26.06, 22.69) and DVP ( F=7.97, 25.01, 5.09) of macular central fovea, inner ring and outer ring among the emmetropia, low myopia and moderate myopia groups ( P<0.05). Univariate linear regression analysis showed that the SVP ( β=-0.56,-1.17, -0.79) and DVP ( β=-1.03, -0.93, -0.45) of the three regions were positively correlated with SE ( P<0.05). After smooth curve fitting, threshold effect analysis and multivariate linear regression analysis, the SVP and DVP in the macular central fovea were linearly positively correlated with SE ( β=-0.91, -1.40; P<0.05), and SVP and DVP in the inner ring and outer ring showed an inverted U-shaped curve relationship with SE with the inflection (<3.00 D). When the SE was less than <3.00 D, the SVP and DVP in the inner ring and outer ring were positively correlated with SE ( P<0.05). When the SE was higher than -3.00 D, except for the DVP in the inner ring region, the other parameters were negatively correlated with SE ( P<0.05). There were significant differences in retinal thickness of the inner ring and outer ring ( F=5.47, 16.36; P<0.05), and no significant difference in the macular central fovea among the emmetropia, low and moderate myopia groups ( F=2.16, P>0.05). By using univariate and multivariate linear regression analyses, the retinal thickness in the inner ring and outer ring were negatively correlated with SE ( β =1.99, 3.05; P<0.05). However, no correlation was found between retinal thickness and SE in the macular central fovea ( β=-1.65, P>0.05). Conclusions:In school-age children with SE between +0.50 D and -6.00 D, the retinal capillaries density of the macular central fovea gradually increase, and increase first and then decrease in the inner ring and outer ring with increasing SE. The retinal thickness of inner ring and outer ring gradually decrease and not change significantly in the macular central fovea.

AIM: To determine the patient-related risk factors for pain during phacoemulsification.METHODS: Retrospective case-control study. A total of 62 patients(62 eyes)diagnosed as cataract in the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from December 2023 to January 2024 were included. The numeric rating scale was used to assess the pain level within 5 min postoperatively. The highest pain value was used as the primary outcome during the procedure. Based on pain values, patients were divided into pain group(n=25)and pain-free group(n=37). Subsequently, patients in the pain group were further divided into mild(n=16), moderate(n=7), and severe groups(n=2). Spearman correlation and Logistic regression analysis were conducted to determine risk factors for pain during the phacoemulsification.RESULTS: Binary Logistic regression showed preoperative sleep durations and times of operations were important risk factors for intraoperative pain(all P<0.05). Spearman analysis showed that intraoperative pain was negatively correlated with sleep duration(rs=-0.386, P=0.002), and positively correlated with times of operations(rs=0.421, P<0.001). The results of the ordinal Logistic regression analysis showed that for every additional hour of sleep, the likelihood of experiencing one higher level of intraoperative pain decreased by 37.60%(OR=0.376, P=0.014). In contrast, the times of operations did not show a statistically significant difference(P=0.083). Receiver operating characteristic curve showed a joint prediction model of sleep duration and operative times with an area under the curve of 0.809, 84% sensitivity, and 73% specificity.CONCLUSION: The intraoperative pain during phacoemulsification is negatively correlated with sleep duration and positively correlated with times of operations.

Objective To investigate the effect of the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase(PERK)/eukaryotic initiation factor 2α(eIF2α)pathway in endoplasmic reticulum stress on the activation of hepatic stellate cells(HSC).Methods Pathological sections of normal liver tissue after surgery were collected from 11 patients with hepatic fibrosis(S1-S4)and 9 patients with hepatic hemangioma and hepatic adenoma confirmed by liver biopsy,and immunohistochemistry was used to measure the protein expression levels of PERK,eIF2α,and C/EBP homologous protein(CHOP).Human HSC-LX2 cells were treated with different concentrations of the endoplasmic reticulum stress inducer thapsigargin(0,125,250,500,and 1 000 nmol/L),and qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression level of PERK,while Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of PERK,inositol requiring protein 1(IRE1),activating transcription factor 6(ATF6),CHOP,and α-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA).The method of lentivirus transfection was used to construct a PERK stable overexpression LX-2 group and a control group;qRT-PCR was used to measure the mRNA expression levels of PERK,eIF2α,and α-SMA,Western blot was used to measure the protein expression levels of PERK,phosphorylated eIF2α(p-eIF2α),and α-SMA,and immunofluorescence assay was used to measure the expression of collagen type Ⅰ alpha 1(COL1A1).The independent samples t-test was used for comparison of normally distributed continuous data between two groups;a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups,and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups.The Mann-Whitney U test was used for comparison of non-normally distributed continuous data between two groups.Results Compared with normal liver tissue,the liver tissue of patients with hepatic fibrosis had significantly higher expression levels of PERK,eIF2α,and CHOP(Z=-3.56,t=-5.75,Z=-3.52,all P<0.001).Compared with the solvent group,the groups treated with different concentrations of thapsigargin had significant increases in the expression levels of the endoplasmic reticulum-associated proteins PERK,CHOP,IRE1,ATF6,and α-SMA(all P<0.05).Compared with the control group,the PERK stable overexpression group had significant increases in the mRNA expression levels of PERK,eIF2α,and α-SMA and the protein expression levels of PERK,p-eIF2α,and α-SMA(all P<0.05),and immunofluorescence assay showed a significant increase in the expression level of COL1A1 in the PERK stable overexpression group(P<0.05).Conclusion PERK overexpression can induce the expression of α-SMA and COL1A1 in LX-2 cells,suggesting that the PERK signaling pathway might be one of the important mechanisms of HSC activation.