Objective To clarify the effect and mechanisms of astaxanthin on the calcification of aortic valve interstitial cells （VICs） induced by osteogenic medium （OM）. Methods The CCK-8 assay was used to analyze the effects of different concentrations of astaxanthin on the proliferation of VICs. After treating VICs with astaxanthin in OM, Alizarin Red staining was performed to detect calcified nodules, and Western blotting was used to measure the expression levels of osteogenic differentiation markers ALP and Runx2. Additionally, Western blotting and immunofluorescence detection were utilized to assess the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 proteins. The levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species （ROS） were measured by DCFH-DA fluorescence staining. Results The CCK-8 results indicated that the optimal concentration of astaxanthin for intervention was 25 μmol/L. Astaxanthin treatment reduced the formation of calcified nodules induced by OM in VICs, and inhibited the expression of osteogenic differentiation markers ALP and Runx2 （P<0.01）. Furthermore, Astaxanthin treatment decreased the expression levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 （P<0.01）, and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species levels （P<0.01）. Conclusion Astaxanthin may mitigate oxidative stress and calcification in VICs by enhancing the Nrf2/HO-1 antioxidant signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the relationship between the location of puncture points and the occurrence of complications in X-ray assisted percutaneous fluoroscopic gastrostomy (PFG).Methods:The retrospective and descriptive study was conducted. The clinical data of a total of 67 patients, including the gender, age, etiology, nutritional status. All data of 67 patients who received with X-ray assisted PFG surgery during the period from January 2021 to January 2023 in Xuanwu Hospital of Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. There were 42 males and 25 females, aged (57.3±12.6) years, ranging from 22 to 90 years old. The technical success rate, distribution of puncture points, and incidence of complications were described. The relationship between different gastric types and puncture sites and complications was analyzed. Measurement data with normal distribution were represented as mean±standard deviation ( ± s). Count data were represented as numbes and Pearson chi-square test was used between groups. Results:A total of 67 patients with dysphagia were included in our study, all of whom underwent X-ray assisted PFG in our institution. The technical success rate was 100%. In the empty state, the puncture point of 30 patients was located at the midpoint of the gastric cavity, 28 cases were leaned towards to the greater curvature, and 9 cases were leaned towards to the lesser curvature. No operation-related severe complications occurred, such as acute gastrointestinal bleeding and perforation. A total of 7 patients experienced varied degree of pain complication during follow-up period, including 5 cases of waterfall type stomach, which showed significant differences with other gastric types ( χ2=3.889, P=0.049). Pain complication of 6 patients was related to the location of the puncture point, with 5 cases leaning towards to the greater curvature and 1 case leaning towards to the lesser curvature. Conclusions:PFG surgery is safe and reliable, the gastric wall puncture point is not completely consistent between the empty and dilated gastric state. The occurrence of postoperative pain may be related to the patient′s gastric type pearson and changes in the position of the puncture point at the empty gastric state.

Objective:To investigate the utility of 68Ga-fibroblast activation protein (FAP) inhibitor (FAPI)-04 PET imaging in assessing the therapeutic response in pressure overload-induced heart failure. Methods:Rat models of pressure overload-induced heart failure were established by abdominal aortic constriction (AAC). Thirty rats were categorized into AAC group, 7 days reverse AAC (rAAC) group, and sham operation (sham) group ( n=10 per group) using completely random grouping method. All rats underwent 68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging at 4 and 8 weeks after the ACC operation, while echocardiography, pathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis were performed at 8 weeks postoperation. One-way analysis of variance, independent-sample t test and Pearson correlation analysis were used for data analysis. Results:68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT imaging showed that the target-to-background ratios of the heart and liver had significant differences among three groups both at 4 and 8 weeks postoperation ( F values: 2 547.12, 2 041.71, 462.65, 1 210.97, all P<0.001). Echocardiography revealed left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), left ventricular internal diameter at end-diastole (LVIDd), and left ventricular internal diameter at end-systole (LVIDs) in three groups at 8 weeks postoperation were significantly different ( F values: 118.92, 9.11, 10.63, all P<0.01). Rats were sacrificed at 8 weeks postoperation, and Masson staining showed that the fibrosis in the heart and liver of the rAAC group was significantly improved compared with that of the AAC group, and immunohistochemical analysis revealed significantly lower FAP levels in the heart and liver of the rAAC group compared with those of the AAC group ( t values: from -11.27 to -4.16, all P<0.01). FAPI uptake in the heart of the AAC group and rAAC group at 8 weeks postoperation were significantly positively correlated with FAPI uptake in the liver, LVIDd and LVIDs, FAPI uptake in the heart was significantly negatively correlated with LVEF, and FAPI uptake in the heart and liver were significantly positively correlated with fibrosis degree and FAP levels of corresponding organs ( r values: -0.89, -0.88, 0.72-0.97, all P<0.05). Conclusions:68Ga-FAPI-04 PET/CT can show the improvement process of cardio-liver fibrosis following the unloading of excessive pressure in heart failure. Myocardial FAPI uptake is closely related to the extent of heart failure improvement.

Objective:To explore the application effect of continuous nursing based on hybrid electronic platform and fragmentation time in the out-of-hospital rehabilitation of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.Methods:This was a randomized controlled study. From April 2020 to October 2021, a total of 90 patients undergoing anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in Weifang People′s Hospital were selected as the research objects by convenience sampling. Forty patients from April to December 2020 were selected as control group, and 45 patients from January to October 2021 were selected as intervention group. The control group implemented routine discharge guidance and follow-up, while the intervention group was given continuous nursing plan based on the concept of hybrid electronic platform and fragmented time. Before operation and 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, the knee range of motion and Lysholm score of patients in the two groups were analyzed. At 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, the rehabilitation exercise compliance score, self-efficacy score and knee stability examination of the two groups were analyzed.Results:A total of 41 patients in each group completed the study. At 1 month after operation, the knee range of motion, Lysholm score, rehabilitation exercise compliance score and self-efficacy score of intervention group were (96.46 ±3.58) ° and (53.54 ± 6.57), (69.17 ± 6.27), (4.01 ± 0.38) points, respectively. In the control group, they were (89.02 ± 4.22)° and (45.02 ± 7.61), (56.78 ± 8.45), (3.61 ± 0.42) points. At 3 months after operation, they were (136.83 ± 4.30)° and (72.76 ± 4.96), (60.71 ± 5.87), (4.97 ± 0.32) points in the intervention group, (133.54 ± 3.58)° and (69.83 ± 6.65), (56.73 ± 8.57), (4.83 ± 0.45) points in the control group, respectively. At 6 months after operation, they were (139.39 ± 1.99)° and (85.61 ± 6.11), (57.71 ± 7.41), (6.58 ± 0.96) points in the intervention group, (138.29 ± 2.65)° and (81.80 ± 6.38), (47.90 ± 6.02), (6.35 ± 1.23) points in the control group, respectively. The knee range of motion, Lysholm score and rehabilitation exercise compliance score of the intervention group were better than those of the control group at 1, 3 and 6 months after operation, and the differences were statistically significant ( t values were 2.12-8.61, all P<0.05). The self-efficacy score of the intervention group was higher than that of the control group at 1 month after operation, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=4.57, P<0.05). Conclusions:The continuous nursing program based on hybrid electronic platform and fragmented time can improve the knee function of patients with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction in the early postoperative period, improve the compliance of rehabilitation exercise and the level of early self-efficacy.

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are expressed in different species and different tissues, and perform different functions, but little is known about their involvement in the synthesis or secretion of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). In general, we have revealed lncRNA‍‒‍microRNA (miRNA)‍‒‍‍messenger RNA (mRNA) interactions that may play important roles in rat primary pituitary cells. In this study, a new lncRNA was identified for the first time. First, we analyzed the gene expression of lncRNA-m18as1 in different tissues and different stages by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) and observed the localization of lncRNA-m18as1 with fluorescence in situ hybridization, which indicated that this lncRNA was distributed mainly in the cytoplasm. Next, we used RT-qPCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) to analyze the regulation of FSH synthesis and secretion after overexpression or knockdown of lncRNA-m18as1 and found that lncRNA-m18as1 was positively correlated with FSH synthesis and secretion. In addition, mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 2 (Smad2) was highly expressed in our sequencing results. We also screened miR-18a-5p from our sequencing results as a miRNA that may bind to lncRNA-m18as1 and Smad2. We used RNA immunoprecipitation-qPCR (RIP-qPCR) and/or dual luciferase assays to confirm that lncRNA-m18as1 interacted with miR-18a-5p and miR-18a-5p interacted with Smad2. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed that lncRNA-m18as1 and miR-18a-5p were localized mainly in the cytoplasm. Finally, we determined the relationship among lncRNA-m18as1, miR-18a-5p, and the Smad2/3 pathway. Overall, we found that lncRNA-m18as1 acts as a molecular sponge of miR-18a-5p to regulate the synthesis and secretion of FSH through the Smad2/3 pathway.
Animals ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Cell Proliferation ; Follicle Stimulating Hormone/metabolism* ; Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic ; In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence ; MicroRNAs/metabolism* ; RNA, Long Noncoding/metabolism* ; Rats

Objective:To fundamentally solve the problems of valve dysfunction caused by limited size of artificial valve, high requirements for implantation technology, destruction of subvalvular structure and proliferation of fibrous endothelial tissue. We have developed a prosthetic valve with zero left ventricular occupancy. The valve frame is appropriately higher than the existing products, slightly chimney shaped, fully accommodates the movement of the valve leaves in the valve frame, and completely supraannular surgical implantation. This study uses this valve for preclinical animal test.Methods:Seven sheep underwent the replacement of the artificial valve under the direct vision of cardiopulmonary bypass. Warfarin was used for anticoagulation for 6 months 24 hours after operation. The blood biochemistry, anticoagulation and cardiac color Doppler ultrasound were detected after operation. The sheep were killed 180 days later for autopsy to observe whether the artificial valve caused thromboembolism. The efficacy and safety of valve were observed.Results:Two of the seven sheep died within 24 hours after operation, and five survived for a long time. Later, they were killed at 180 days. The mechanical properties of the artificial valve were good, and there was no thromboembolism around the artificial valve and important organs. The tissue layer of suture ring has been completely organized and endothelial cells, and the thickness of tissue layer is about 0.6-1.0 mm. The mitral valve of experimental animals can be opened and closed freely, with smooth surface and no abnormal echo. The follow-up of color Doppler ultrasound showed that the left ventricular ejection fraction was normal (0.60-0.70) before and 6 months after operation. The results of cross valve pressure difference and blood flow velocity of artificial valve were good (vmean was far lower than 5 mmHg(1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) and pmean was lower than 1 m/s) , suggesting that the hemodynamic performance of artificial valve was good. Left ventricular retrograde angiography showed that the artificial valve was completely located in the left atrium with good position and normal opening and closing. There was no obvious perivalvular leakage and other abnormalities. Within 7 days of blood test, the indexes of surgical stress were more abnormal than those before operation. At 12 and 24 weeks, there were no obvious abnormalities in blood routine test, liver and kidney function and other blood test indexes of animals in each group.Conclusion:The new chimney shaped mechanical valve implanted completely above the mitral annulus has good wear resistance, histocompatibility, antithrombotic and hemodynamic performance.

In order to stimulate the patients' active participation in the process of robot-assisted rehabilitation training of stroke patients, the rehabilitation robots should provide assistant torque to patients according to their rehabilitation needs. This paper proposed an assist-as-needed control strategy for wrist rehabilitation robots. Firstly, the ability evaluation rules were formulated and the patient's ability was evaluated according to the rules. Then the controller was designed. Based on the evaluation results, the controller can calculate the assistant torque needed by the patient to complete the rehabilitation training task and send commands to motor. Finally, the motor is controlled to output the commanded value, which assists the patient to complete the rehabilitation training task. The control strategy was implemented to the wrist function rehabilitation robot, which could achieve the training effect of assist-as-needed and could avoid the surge of assistance torque. In addition, therapists can adjust multiple parameters in the ability evaluation rules online to customize the difficulty of tasks for patients with different rehabilitation status. The method proposed in this paper does not rely on the information from force sensor, which reduces development costs and is easy to implement.

Objective Toinvestigatethevalueof3.0T MRreducedfield-of-view (rFOV)IVIM-DWIondistinguishingprostate cancerandprostatehypertrophy.Methods 30patientswithpathologicallyprovenprostatecancerand38patientswithprostatehypertrophy accordingtotheresultsofbiopsywereanalyzedretrospectively,whounderwent3.0T MRrFOV multipleb-valueDWIscanpreoperatively.The DWIscanwasperformedusing11b-valuesof0,30,50,100,150,200,400,800,1000,1500and2000s/mm2.ADC,slowdiffusion coefficient(D),fastdiffusioncoefficient(D?)andperfusionfraction(f)weremeasuredoncancerousfociandprostatehyperplasiafoci.Allofthe datawereanalyzed.Results TheADC,D,D?andfvaluesoftheprostatecancerwere(0.61±0.12)×10-3 mm2/s,(0.41±0.08)×10-3 mm2/s, (88.0±40.3)×10-3mm2/s,289.3%±29.4%,respectively,and(09.0±01.7)×10-3mm2/s,(05.4±01.3)×10-3mm2/s,(46.1±15.3)×10-3 mm2/s, 474.3%±10.85%,respectively,forprostatehypertrophy.Thedifferencesamongthefourparameterswerestatisticallysignificant(P<0.05).The areasofADC,D,D?andfvaluesunderROCcurvestodistinguishbetweenprostatecancerandprostatehypertrophywere09.32,08.27,01.58,0.976, respectively.Conclusion 3.0T MRrFOVIVIM-DWIcanreflectthetruewaterdiffusion motionandperfusionintheprostate,and maycontributetothedifferentialdiagnosisofprostatecancerandbenignprostatehyperplasia.

Assembling an adapted smoothing method and a classifier of wavelet transform combined support vector machine ( SVM) , a Raman spectrum recognition approach was built for low signal noise ratio situation. Firstly, spectra data were denoised by the adapted smoothing method. The smoothing window was adapted to the signal noise ratio, which would effectively remove noise with the intensity of the signal well remained. Secondly, the wavelet transform was used for dimension reduction of the data. The decomposition level of wavelet transform was optimized according to the best classification result of the training set. Lastly, SVM was used for classification. Cross Validation ( CV ) was applied to obtain the optimized parameters of SVM. Conditions for the effective parameters were searched considering the relation between the cross_validation result and the classification accuracy. Combined with the surface enhanced Raman scattering ( SERS ) technology , the developed spectrum recognition approach was used for qualitative analysis of methamphetamine ( MAMP ) and 3, 4_methylenedioxymethamphetamine ( MDMA ) in peopleˊs urine, where the detecting accuracy is above 95. 0%. The uniform Au nanorods (NRs) SERS substrate synthetized by the Hefei Institute of Intelligent Machines of Chinese Academy of Sciences was used for the experiment. Raman spectra were acquired using an Inspector Raman ( DeltaNu) spectrometer, with the excitation wavelength of 785 nm and the integrate time of 5 seconds.

Objective To investigate the role of dual-source parallel radio frequence (RF) and single-source excitation in liver imaging at 3.0 T MR.Methods This study was a retrospective analysis.One hundred and seven subjects underwent a 3.0 T TX MR scanning including axial spectrally selective attenuated inversion recovery (SPAIR) T2WI,axial DWI and coronal balanced-fast field echo( Balanced FFE).Each sequence was carried out with both single-source and dual-source RF excitation.Student＇s t test was used to compare the differences between single-source and dual-source RF excitation in the image uniformity,signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR).Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to determine whether there was difference between conventional and parallel transmission in the score of image quality.Reader agreement was assessed using the Cohen＇s Kappa test.Results For the image uniformity,there was significant difference between single-source and dual-source excitation (418.40 ± 66.75 for single-source vs.416.26 ± 50.61 for dual-source,t =2.524,P ＜ 0.05 ).There also existed significant difference between single-source and dual-source excitation in SNR and CNR,respectively.The SNR and CNR of parallel transmission (22.03 + 12.16 and 18.33 ± 10.01,respectively) were both higher than those of single transmission (20.36 ± 11.21 and 15.22 ± 8.95,respectively) ( t =- 2.630,P ＜ 0.05 for SNR and t =- 4.238,P ＜ 0.05 for CNR).Image quality comparisons revealed significantly better results with dual-source than single-source RF excitation at SPAIR T2 WI ( 1.40 + 0.42 vs.1.81 ± 0.27 ),DWI ( 1.08 ± 0.40 vs.1.63 ± 0.36 ) and Balanced FFE sequence ( 0.95 ± 0.45 vs.1.65 ± 0.37,Z =- 5.894,- 5.801 and - 6.985,respectively,P ＜ 0.01 ).In the comparison of image quality,the agreement between the two readers was very good ( Kappa ＞ 0.8,P ＜ 0.05 ).Conclusion Dual-source parallel RF excitation MR imaging in liver enables reducing dielectric shading,improving homogeneity of the RF magnetic induction field,and increasing SNR and CNR at 3.0 T.