Objective:To observe the effect of combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (taVNS) with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-one hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a taVNS group of 24, an mCIMT group of 23 and a combined group of 24. In addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy, the taVNS group received taVNS therapy, the mCIMT group received mCIMT, while the combined group received both for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Action Research arm test (ARAT). Ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). The latency and amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also measured.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI scores. MEP latency and amplitude had also improved. The averages in the mCIMT group were then significantly better than among the taVNS group.Conclusions:taVNS combined with mCIMT can significantly improve the upper limb function and ADL functioning of stroke survivors with hemiplegia. It can also promote the recovery of central nervous system function.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)-related hepatotoxicity(ICIH)in cancer patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of cancer patients with ICIH from January 2019 to December 2024.Patients with Grade 1-2 liver injury were defined as the mild group,and those with Grade 3-4 liver injury were defined as the severe group.Results Among 13 patients with ICIH,10(76.92%)were males and 3(23.08%)were females,with a mean age of 67.8±5.2 years.Twelve patients(92.3%)were aged 60 years or above.ICIH first occurred between cycle 1 and cycle 14 after initial treatment,with the highest incidence observed within cycles 1-5.Combination therapy(combination chemotherapy or targeted agents)was used in 10 patients(76.92%).Among the 13 patients,the distribution of liver injury grades was as follows:1 case of Grade 1(7.69%),2 cases of Grade 2(15.38%),5 cases of Grade 3(38.46%),and 5 cases of Grade 4(38.46%).Liver injury types included hepatocellular(38.46%),cholestatic(38.46%),and mixed(23.08%).After drug discontinuation and supportive care,9 patients(69.23%)fully recovered,2(15.38%)improved,and 2(15.38%)showed no improvement.No significant differences were observed between the mild and severe groups in terms of age,body mass index,baseline lymphocyte count,platelet count,neutrophil count,monocyte count,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,alkaline phosphatase,lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio,neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(P>0.05).Conclusion ICIH typically occurs within 1 to 5 cycles after ICI administration,with non-specific clinical manifestations,which lead to a diagnosis of exclusion.Despite a generally favorable prognosis,severe ICIH can be fatal,particularly in patients with primary liver cancer.Prompt discontinuation of ICIs and initiation of Corticosteroid therapy can lead to timely improvement of patient's condition.

AIM:To explore the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen)-derived exosome-like nanoparti-cles(DDN)in attenuating oxidative damage in endothelial cells through the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(PKB/Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)signaling pathway.METHODS:The DDN were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering.Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the uptake of DDN by human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).The viability,migration and invasion of HUVECs were assessed using CCK8 assay,wound-healing assay and Transwell assay,respec-tively.The HUVECs were induced by angiotensin II(Ang II)for oxidative stress and intervened with DDN or LY294002(a PI3K inhibitor).The levels of reactive oxygen species were determined by flow cytometry,and intracellular nitric oxide(NO)content was measured using a biochemical assay kit.Additionally,the protein levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),NOX2,endothelial nitric oxide syntnase(eNOS),p-eNOS,Akt and p-Akt were examined by Western blot.RESULTS:(1)Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that DDN had good bio-compatibility and stability.(2)According to fluorescence images and flow cytometry results,DDN were strongly taken up by HUVECs.(3)Compared with control group,DDN significantly promoted the viability,migration and invasion of HUVECs,showing a dose-dependent effect.(4)Compared with control group,DDN remarkably increased intracellular NO levels,thereby enhancing endothelial cell vasodilation via activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.(5)The PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway played a critical role in mitigating oxidative stress and improving cellular function in response to DDN treat-ment.CONCLUSION:The DDN mediate PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway activation to significantly alleviate Ang II-induced oxidative damage in endothelial cells,suggesting a potential vascular protective effect of DDN.

Objective:To investigate the relationship between work fit, work stress, and occupational fatigue among medical staff, and to analyze the independent and interactive effects of work fit and work stress on occupational fatigue.Methods:A stratified random sampling method was employed to select 1162 employees from two top-tier hospitals as the research subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect information on basic demographics, work stress, work fit, and occupational fatigue. Chi-square test, analysis of variance, and logistic regression equations were used to evaluate the interactive effects of work fit and work stress on occupational fatigue.Results:This study included 1162 medical Homo sapiens personnel, among whom 884 were job-adapted and 362 were in a stressful state. Univariate logistic regression analysis showed that the risk of occupational fatigue significantly increased in the 40-49 age group ( OR=1.89) and the bachelor's degree group ( OR=2.52, P<0.01). Smoking and alcohol consumption were also associated with a significantly higher risk of occupational fatigue ( P<0.01). In terms of occupational characteristics, compared to clinical doctors, nurses and pharmaceutical/technical Homo sapiens personnel had lower risks ( OR=0.57, 0.43, P<0.05). Compared to high-ranking Homo sapiens personnel, those with no title or junior titles exhibited lower risks ( OR=0.51, 0.43, P<0.05). Working hours exceeding 55 hours per week and night shifts 3-4 times per week significantly increased fatigue risk ( OR=1.94, 1.90, P<0.05). Occupational stress and job discomfort were identified as risk factors for occupational fatigue ( OR=11.94, 3.26, P<0.05). Job adaptation and occupational stress exhibited a multiplicative interaction on physical fatigue after adjusting for confounders[ OR (95% CI) =0.43 (0.22, 0.84) ]. Additionally, job adaptation and occupational stress demonstrated an additive interaction on mental fatigue, with RERI (95% CI) =2.64 (0.11, 5.59), API (95% CI) =0.38 (0.08, 0.67), and SI (95% CI) =1.78 (1.01, 3.14). Medical Homo sapiens personnel in a stressful state had a 7.25-fold higher risk of fatigue compared to those not in a stressful state, while those with job discomfort had a 2.01-fold higher risk compared to those in an adapted state. Conclusion:Occupational stress and job fit have interactive effects on physical fatigue and mental fatigue in medical Homo sapiens personnel. A stressful state combined with job discomfort increases the risk of fatigue occurrence, providing a basis for developing intervention strategies for occupational fatigue among medical Homo sapiens personnel.

Objective:To observe the effect of combining transcutaneous stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve (taVNS) with modified constraint-induced movement therapy (mCIMT) on the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke survivors.Methods:Seventy-one hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into a taVNS group of 24, an mCIMT group of 23 and a combined group of 24. In addition to conventional rehabilitation therapy, the taVNS group received taVNS therapy, the mCIMT group received mCIMT, while the combined group received both for 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Before and after the treatment, everyone′s upper limb function was evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer upper extremity assessment (FMA-UE) and the Action Research arm test (ARAT). Ability in the activities of daily living (ADL) was quantified using the modified Barthel index (MBI). The latency and amplitude of motor evoked potentials (MEPs) were also measured.Results:After the treatment, significant improvement was observed in the average FMA-UE, ARAT and MBI scores. MEP latency and amplitude had also improved. The averages in the mCIMT group were then significantly better than among the taVNS group.Conclusions:taVNS combined with mCIMT can significantly improve the upper limb function and ADL functioning of stroke survivors with hemiplegia. It can also promote the recovery of central nervous system function.

AIM:To explore the mechanism of Salvia miltiorrhiza(Danshen)-derived exosome-like nanoparti-cles(DDN)in attenuating oxidative damage in endothelial cells through the activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase(PI3K)/protein kinase B(PKB/Akt)/endothelial nitric oxide synthase(eNOS)signaling pathway.METHODS:The DDN were characterized by transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering.Fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry were used to evaluate the uptake of DDN by human umbilical vein endothelial cells(HUVECs).The viability,migration and invasion of HUVECs were assessed using CCK8 assay,wound-healing assay and Transwell assay,respec-tively.The HUVECs were induced by angiotensin II(Ang II)for oxidative stress and intervened with DDN or LY294002(a PI3K inhibitor).The levels of reactive oxygen species were determined by flow cytometry,and intracellular nitric oxide(NO)content was measured using a biochemical assay kit.Additionally,the protein levels of NADPH oxidase 4(NOX4),NOX2,endothelial nitric oxide syntnase(eNOS),p-eNOS,Akt and p-Akt were examined by Western blot.RESULTS:(1)Transmission electron microscopy and dynamic light scattering analysis revealed that DDN had good bio-compatibility and stability.(2)According to fluorescence images and flow cytometry results,DDN were strongly taken up by HUVECs.(3)Compared with control group,DDN significantly promoted the viability,migration and invasion of HUVECs,showing a dose-dependent effect.(4)Compared with control group,DDN remarkably increased intracellular NO levels,thereby enhancing endothelial cell vasodilation via activating the PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway.(5)The PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway played a critical role in mitigating oxidative stress and improving cellular function in response to DDN treat-ment.CONCLUSION:The DDN mediate PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling pathway activation to significantly alleviate Ang II-induced oxidative damage in endothelial cells,suggesting a potential vascular protective effect of DDN.

Objective To analyze the clinical characteristics of immune checkpoint inhibitor(ICI)-related hepatotoxicity(ICIH)in cancer patients.Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data of cancer patients with ICIH from January 2019 to December 2024.Patients with Grade 1-2 liver injury were defined as the mild group,and those with Grade 3-4 liver injury were defined as the severe group.Results Among 13 patients with ICIH,10(76.92%)were males and 3(23.08%)were females,with a mean age of 67.8±5.2 years.Twelve patients(92.3%)were aged 60 years or above.ICIH first occurred between cycle 1 and cycle 14 after initial treatment,with the highest incidence observed within cycles 1-5.Combination therapy(combination chemotherapy or targeted agents)was used in 10 patients(76.92%).Among the 13 patients,the distribution of liver injury grades was as follows:1 case of Grade 1(7.69%),2 cases of Grade 2(15.38%),5 cases of Grade 3(38.46%),and 5 cases of Grade 4(38.46%).Liver injury types included hepatocellular(38.46%),cholestatic(38.46%),and mixed(23.08%).After drug discontinuation and supportive care,9 patients(69.23%)fully recovered,2(15.38%)improved,and 2(15.38%)showed no improvement.No significant differences were observed between the mild and severe groups in terms of age,body mass index,baseline lymphocyte count,platelet count,neutrophil count,monocyte count,alanine aminotransferase,aspartate aminotransferase,lactate dehydrogenase,alkaline phosphatase,lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio,neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio,and platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio(P>0.05).Conclusion ICIH typically occurs within 1 to 5 cycles after ICI administration,with non-specific clinical manifestations,which lead to a diagnosis of exclusion.Despite a generally favorable prognosis,severe ICIH can be fatal,particularly in patients with primary liver cancer.Prompt discontinuation of ICIs and initiation of Corticosteroid therapy can lead to timely improvement of patient's condition.

Objective To explore the relationship between triglyceride-glucose index(TyG)and acute ischemic stroke with large vessel occlusion(AIS-LVO)of anterior circulation.Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with anterior circulation AIS-LVO who underwent emergency endovascular thrombectomy at Neurovascular Center of The First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University from Jan.2018 to Dec.2019.According to modified Rankin scale(mRS)score 90 d after operation,the patients were assigned to favorable outcome group(mRS score 0-2)or unfavorable outcome group(mRS score 3-6),and the TyG was compared.According to the median of TyG,the patients were assigned to low-TyG group(TyG＜8.57)or high-TyG group(TyG ≥8.57),and the clinical data,laboratory indexes,and imaging characteristics were compared.Receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the predictive value of TyG for poor prognosis.Results A total of 135 patients were enrolled,with 72 in the favorable outcome group and 63 in the unfavorable outcome group.The TyG of the unfavorable outcome group was significantly higher than that of the favorable outcome group(8.82+0.63 vs 8.43+0.60,P＜0.001).There were 67 patients in the low-TyG group and 68 in the high-TyG group.Compared with the low-TyG group,the proportion of patients with hyperlipidemia history(P=0.003),systolic blood pressure at admission(P=0.018),fasting blood glucose level(P＜0.001),and triglyceride level(P＜0.001)were significantly higher in the high-TyG group,the infarct core volume was significantly larger(P=0.025),the high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level was significantly lower(P=0.013),and the mRS score 90 d after operation was significantly higher(3[1,5]vs 1[0,5],P=0.049).The TyG had certain predictive value for poor prognosis in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients(area under curve value=0.662,95％confidence interval 0.571-0.753).Conclusion TyG is elevated in anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients with poor prognosis,and may be a potential prognostic indicator for anterior circulation AIS-LVO patients.

Objective:To analyze the impact of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) on the prognosis of patients with combined hepatocellular-cholangiocarcinoma (CHC) after radical surgery.Methods:Clinical data of 100 patients diagnosed with CHC by postoperative pathology in Hunan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2009 to January 2019 were retrospectively analyzed, including 73 males and 27 females, aged (52.0±10.9) years. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis were conducted to try to find out the effects of AFP and CA19-9 on postoperative disease-free survival (DFS) of patients with CHC. Subgroup analysis was also performed to analyze the DFS among patients with different levels of AFP and CA19-9. Kaplan-Meier method and log-rank test were used to plot and compare the survival curves between groups.Results:Univariate analysis showed that levels of AFP, CA19-9, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM staging, portal vein invasion, tumor number are associated with postoperative DFS in CHC patients (all P<0.05). The multivariate Cox analysis showed that AFP≥20.6 μg/L ( HR=6.686, 95% CI: 1.985-9.582), CA19-9≥35.2 U/L ( HR=5.790, 95% CI: 1.197-8.855), AJCC tumor TNM staging stage Ⅱ( HR=6.384, 95% CI: 2.069-11.532), and portal vein invasion ( HR=2.384, 95% CI: 1.100-10.125) were risk factors for a shortened DFS in CHC patients after surgery (all P<0.05). Subgroup analysis showed that patients with AFP≥20.6 μg/L and CA19-9≥35.2 U/L ( n=14) had a lower DFS compared to patients with AFP<20.6 μg/L and CA19-9≥35.2 U/L ( n=32), and patients with AFP≥20.6 μg/L and CA19-9<35.2 U/L ( n=20) ( χ2=6.23, 4.98, P=0.014, 0.043). Conclusion:AFP and CA19-9 are risk factors for DFS in CHC patients. Patients with AFP≥20.6 μg/L and CA19-9≥35.2 U/L showed a worse prognosis.

Objective To explore the feasibility and safety of ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer.Methods Totally 84 patients who underwent ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation for unresectable pancreatic cancer were enrolled,and the technical success rate,complete ablation rate,complication rate,pain relief rate and survival time,etc.were observed.Results The median age of 84 cases was 61.5 years.Totally 86 tumors,including 44.19％(38/86)at the head/neck and 55.81％(48/86)at the body/tail of pancreas were detected,and a total of 85 ablation sessions were performed with the median ablation energy applied per tumor of 9.90(1.08,21.60)kJ and the complete ablation rate of 42.86％(36/84).The technical success rate was 100％(85/85).Thirty-nine complication events occurred in 25 cases,no ablation-related death.Among 34 patients underwent ablation mainly for pain symptoms,the pain score decreased from(6.22±1.12)points before treatment to(1.94±1.64)points after treatment(P＜0.001).During 6.8(3.3,12.9)months' follow-up,the mean survival time was(8.5±6.7)months,and all 47 patients died due to tumor progression.Conclusion Ultrasound-guided percutaneous microwave ablation was safe and feasible for unresectable pancreatic cancer.