ObjectiveTo investigate the expression of family with sequence similarity 162 member A （Fam162a）， a mitochondrial inner membrane protein， in the fibrosis of cardiac fibroblasts and its regulatory role in modulating the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts. MethodsFam162a protein expression was detected in myocardial samples from patients with heart failure （HF） and mice with transverse aortic constriction （TAC）-induced myocardial remodeling. Primary neonatal mouse cardiac fibroblasts （mCFs） were isolated and cultured， and a cell model of angiotensin Ⅱ （Ang Ⅱ）-induced myocardial fibrosis was established to determine Fam162a protein expression. Recombinant adenovirus was used to mediate Fam162a overexpression， while small interfering RNA （si-RNA） was employed for Fam162a knockdown. Western blot was performed to detect the expression of fibrosis-related proteins， including COL1A1， COL3A1， and α-SMA. EdU staining assay was used to evaluate cell proliferation capacity， and scratch assay combined with Transwell assay was conducted to assess cell migration ability. Immunofluorescence assay was applied to measure mitochondrial membrane potential for reflecting mitochondrial dysfunction； reactive oxygen species （ROS） detection was performed to evaluate cellular oxidative stress status； MitoSox assay was used to reflect the degree of mitochondrial oxidative damage； and ATP detection was conducted to assess the overall cellular energy metabolism. ResultsFam162a expression was significantly downregulated in the myocardium of HF patients and TAC mice， and Ang Ⅱ-treated mCFs， accompanied by increased expression of COL1A1， COL3A1， and α-SMA （all P＜0.05）. Adenovirus-mediated overexpression of Fam162a significantly inhibited Ang Ⅱ-induced upregulation of fibrosis-related genes， as well as cell proliferation and migration. Accordingly， silencing Fam162a aggravated the fibrotic phenotypes of mCFs treated with Ang II. Further studies revealed that the inhibitory effect of Fam162a overexpression on Ang Ⅱ-induced fibrotic phenotype was suppressed following the addition of rotenone （a mitochondrial oxidative respiratory chain inhibitor）， which was accompanied by mitochondrial membrane potential depolarization， excessive ROS production， and insufficient ATP generation. ConclusionFam162a exerts its inhibitory effect on the fibrotic phenotype of cardiac fibroblasts by maintaining mitochondrial membrane potential， promoting ATP production， reducing reactive oxygen species （ROS） generation， and suppressing Smad3 signaling activation.

Objective To study the expression of N6-methyladenosine(m6A)methyltransferase-like protein 16(METTL16),Ankyrin repeat and SOCS box containing protein 4(ASB13)in elderly breast cancer tissues and their relationship with clinicopathological features and prognosis.Methods 124 elderly patients with breast cancer diagnosed and treated in the Zibo 148 Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were selected.Immunohistochemistry(IHC)was used to detect the expression of METTL16 and ASB13 proteins in tissues.Real time fluorescence quantitative PCR(RT-qPCR)was used to detect the expression of METTL16 mRNA and ASB13 mRNA in tissues.Pearson correlation was used for correlation analysis.Survival analysis used Kaplan-Meier curves and Log Rank tests to compare the prognostic differences among patients with different METTL16 and ASB13 expression levels.COX regression analysis was used to analyze the prognostic factors of elderly patients with breast cancer.Results The positive rate of METTL16 in cancer tissue(70.97%)was higher than that in adjacent tissues(8.06%),while the positive rate of ASB13(22.58%)was lower than that in adjacent tissues(72.58%),the differences were statistically significant(χ2=102.642,62.146,all P<0.001).METTL16 mRNA,Snail mRNA and N-cadherin(N-cd)mRNA were higher in cancer tissues than in adjacent tissues,while ASB13 mRNA was lower in adjacent tissues,the differences were statistically significant(t=40.498～48.624,all P<0.001).METTL16 mRNA was positively correlated with Snail mRNA and N-cd mRNA in cancer tissue(r=0.712,0.669,all P<0.001),while ASB13 mRNA was negatively correlated with Snail mRNA and N-cd mRNA(r=-0.734,-0.759,all P<0.001).Compared with TNM stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ and patients with high to medium differentiation,patients with TNM stage Ⅲ and low differentiation had higher positive rate of METTL16 in cancer tissue and lower positive rate of ASB13,the differences were statistically significant(χ2=5.340～10.370,all P<0.05).The 3-year progression free survival rate(73.86%)of the METTL16 positive group was lower than that of the METTL16 negative group(88.89%),the 3-year progression free survival rate(92.86%)of the ASB13 positive group was higher than that of the ASB13 negative group(73.96%),and the differences were statistically significant(Log Rank χ2=4.483,4.882,all P<0.005).METTL16 positive,TNM stage Ⅲ,poor differentiation were risk factors affecting the prognosis of elderly breast cancer,and ASB13 positive was protective factors(Wald χ2=5.056～9.267,all P<0.001).Conclusion METTL16 expression is up-regulated and ASB13 expression is down-regulated in elderly breast cancer,both of which are related to the expression of invasion and metastasis genes,and are new prognostic markers for elderly breast cancer.

Objective:To observe any influence of combining proprioceptive training with core stability training in rehabilitation motor functioning and balance after extensive burns.Methods:Sixty patients with lower limb motor and balance disorders after extensive burns were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups underwent skin grafting on the lower limbs. After the wounds had healed, both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment, including joint stretching and muscle strength training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with proprioception and core stability training. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, both groups′ lower limb motor function and walking ability were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (L-FMA), and static and dynamic balance were quantified using Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The duration of standing on one leg with the eyes closed was recorded, along with Timed " Up & Go" Test (TUGT) times. After the treatment, each patient′s satisfaction was assessed using a self-designed questionnaire.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average L- FMA and FAC scores after the treatment, as well as in the ability to stand on one leg with the eyes closed. The average TUGT time in both groups was shorter, but there had been significantly greater improvement of the treatment group than among the controls. Reported satisfaction was significantly higher among the treated group than among the controls.Conclusions:Supplementing basic rehabilitation with proprioception training and core stability training can further improve the motor functioning, balance and walking of persons who have suffered extensive burns.

Objective:To explore the effect of exercise on the memory of rats modeling vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and also its effects on the hippocampal Sema3G/neuropilin-2 (Nrp2)/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.Methods:Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, a model group, and an exercise group, each of 6. The model and exercise groups underwent VCI modeling via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, while the sham-operated group received the same surgical procedure without vessel ligation or transection. Beginning forty-eight hours after the surgery, the exercise group carried out daily 30-minute treadmill training sessions, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks, while the other two groups were placed on the same treadmill with it not in operation. After the intervention, cognitive functioning was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) test and a Y-maze test. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the expression of Sema3G, Nrp2, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the distribution of Nrp2 and PlexinA4 in the hippocampus.Results:Compared with the model group, the exercise group exhibited significantly higher NOR indices during both the short-term and long-term memory testing phases after the intervention. Those rats also tended to have significantly longer total exploration times in the novel arm of the Y-maze test. The western blotting revealed that the expression levels of Sema3G, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the model group, on average. Immunofluorescence showed significantly increased PlexinA4 fluorescence intensity in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus, and significantly elevated Nrp2 fluorescence intensity in the CA3 region in the exercise group compared to the model group. The Pearson correlation coefficients for Nrp2/PlexinA4 co-localization in the CA1, CA3 and DG regions were significantly higher in the exercise group than in the model group.Conclusions:Exercise training significantly improves memory function in rats with VCI, and this effect may be associated with activation of the hippocampal Sema3G/Nrp2/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.

Objective:To investigate the clinical characteristics, prognosis, and the impact of different secondary prevention strategies on stroke recurrence in patients with carotid web (CaW)-associated acute anterior circulation large vessel occlusion (LVO).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on 401 patients with acute anterior circulation LVO who underwent mechanical thrombectomy at 2 advanced stroke centers, Xingtai Central Hospital and Xingtai People′s Hospital, from January 2018 to June 2024. CaW was identified using digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and other imaging modalities. Based on the presence of CaW, patients were divided into CaW group and non-CaW group. Differences between the 2 groups in baseline characteristics, clinical features, and clinical outcomes were compared, and long-term follow-up was conducted for the CaW group.Results:Among the 401 patients, the CaW group consisted of 16 patients (4.0%), while the non-CaW group included 385 patients (96.0%). Compared to the non-CaW group, patients in the CaW group were younger [53 (46, 58) years vs 65 (56, 76) years, Z=-3.811, P<0.001], had a higher proportion of M1 segment middle cerebral artery occlusion [13/16 vs 54.0% (208/385), χ2=4.602, P=0.032] and a lower proportion of internal carotid artery terminus occlusion [1/16 vs 40.0% (154/385), χ2=6.024, P=0.014]; the 90-day modified Rankin Scale (mRS) score was significantly lower in the CaW group [1.00 (0, 1.75) vs 3.00 (1.00, 4.00), Z=14.210, P<0.001], and the proportion of patients with favorable functional independence (mRS score 0-2) was significantly higher [15/16 vs 45.7% (176/385), χ2=12.350, P<0.001] in the CaW group; the incidence of pneumonia in the CaW group was significantly lower [2/16 vs 42.6% (164/385), χ2=4.562, P=0.033]. Among the 16 CaW patients, 10 received antiplatelet therapy, 4 underwent carotid artery stenting (CAS), and 2 underwent carotid endarterectomy (CEA). During a median follow-up of 29 months, patients who underwent CAS and CEA had no stroke recurrence, while 2 patients who received antiplatelet therapy had stroke recurrence and subsequently underwent CAS and CEA. Conclusions:The proportion of CaW among patients with acute anterior circulation LVO was 4.0%. The patients with CaW were younger and had a higher proportion of M1 segment middle cerebral artery occlusion. Following mechanical thrombectomy, patients in the CaW group had good functional outcomes. Simple drug therapy may be insufficient to prevent stroke recurrence in CaW patients, and CAS and CEA may be effective therapeutic options.

Objective:To explore the effect of self-made static progressive braces in the stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury.Methods:This study was a retrospective observational study. From January 2022 to March 2024, the First Affiliated Hospital of Air Force Medical University admitted twenty-nine patients who met the inclusion criteria and used the self-made static progressive braces for stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture, including 23 males and 6 females, aged 16 to 55 years. The depth of burn on the back of the hand was deep partial-thickness to full-thickness. The self-made static progressive brace referred to the self-made static progressive joint distractor and the self-made static progressive hand flexion distractor. The stepwise treatment was adopted. In the first stage, in-hospital treatment for 2 to 4 weeks was selected. The treatment contents included conventional rehabilitation training and training on the application of the self-made joint distractors. When the active flexion range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint was ≥60°, the second stage of treatment was carried out, that is, two weeks of home remote rehabilitation treatment. The treatment contents included individualized exercise training such as training with self-made static progressive joint distractors and training with self-made static progressive hand flexion distractors. Adverse events such as blister, brace compression, and tissue strain during the stepwise treatment were recorded. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion of the affected hand was observed. During follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was measured, and the extensibility of the scar and skin and soft tissue on the back of the affected hand and the patient's satisfaction with the therapeutic effect were evaluated. At the last follow-up, the function of the affected hand was evaluated according to the trial standards for evaluation of partial function of upper extremity by the Hand Surgery Society of Chinese Medical Association.Results:During the stepwise treatment, a small amount of blisters developed on the skin at the wrist joint in 2 patients, which was cured after symptomatic treatment; the other patients had no adverse events such as brace compression and tissue strain. After the end of the stepwise treatment, the active flexion function of the hand was better, and the fist could be basically clenched. After 1-3 months of follow-up, the total active range of motion of the affected hand was 200-245°; the scar on the back of the hand was soft and light-colored, and the skin and soft tissue was malleable. Twenty-two patients were very satisfied with the curative effect, 6 patients were satisfied, and 1 patient was dissatisfied. At the last follow-up, there were 20 cases with excellent hand function and 9 cases with good hand function.Conclusions:The stepwise treatment of hand flexion dysfunction caused by scar contracture after burn injury with self-made static progressive braces has a good effect and few complications. Moreover, the two self-made static progressive distractors are convenient in material acquisition, simple to make, cost-effective, and highly practical, which is worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To explore the relationship between systemic immune-inflammation index(SⅡ)at admission and occurrence of early neurological deterioration(END)in patients with branch atheromatous disease(BAD).Methods A retrospective analysis was performed on 326 BAD patients admitted in Department of Neurology of Handan Central Hospital from October 2021 to February 2024.Based on occurrence of END or not,they were divided into END group(97 cases)and non-END group(229 cases).Clinical data of the patients were collected,and multivari-ate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the END risk variables in BAD patients.ROC curve was plotted to evaluate the value of NIHSS score,hs-CRP and SⅡ in predicting the inci-dence of END in the patients.Results Significantly advanced age,higher NIHSS score at admis-sion,and elevated hs-CRP level,neutrophil count and SⅡ,but lower platelet and lymphocyte counts were observed in the END group than the non-END group(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Multi vari-ate logistic regression analysis indicated that NIHSS score at admission(OR=1.134,95％CI:1.050-1.226,P=0.001),hs-CRP(OR=1.131,95％CI:1.024-1.249,P=0.015),and SⅡ(OR=1.001,95％CI:1.001-1.002,P=0.003)were independent risk factors for END in BAD patients.The AUC value of SⅡ in the prediction of END was 0.660,which was significantly higher than that of NIHSS score and hs-CRP in BAD patients(P＜0.05).Conclusion SⅡ is an independent risk factor for END in BAD patients,and SⅡ at admission has a certain predictive value for the oc-currence of END in these patients.

Objective:To observe any influence of combining proprioceptive training with core stability training in rehabilitation motor functioning and balance after extensive burns.Methods:Sixty patients with lower limb motor and balance disorders after extensive burns were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group, each of 30. Both groups underwent skin grafting on the lower limbs. After the wounds had healed, both groups were given routine rehabilitation treatment, including joint stretching and muscle strength training, but the treatment group was additionally provided with proprioception and core stability training. Before and after 12 weeks of treatment, both groups′ lower limb motor function and walking ability were evaluated using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (L-FMA), and static and dynamic balance were quantified using Holden Functional Ambulation Classification (FAC). The duration of standing on one leg with the eyes closed was recorded, along with Timed " Up & Go" Test (TUGT) times. After the treatment, each patient′s satisfaction was assessed using a self-designed questionnaire.Results:Significant improvement was observed in the average L- FMA and FAC scores after the treatment, as well as in the ability to stand on one leg with the eyes closed. The average TUGT time in both groups was shorter, but there had been significantly greater improvement of the treatment group than among the controls. Reported satisfaction was significantly higher among the treated group than among the controls.Conclusions:Supplementing basic rehabilitation with proprioception training and core stability training can further improve the motor functioning, balance and walking of persons who have suffered extensive burns.

Objective:To explore the effect of exercise on the memory of rats modeling vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) and also its effects on the hippocampal Sema3G/neuropilin-2 (Nrp2)/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.Methods:Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a sham-operated group, a model group, and an exercise group, each of 6. The model and exercise groups underwent VCI modeling via bilateral common carotid artery occlusion, while the sham-operated group received the same surgical procedure without vessel ligation or transection. Beginning forty-eight hours after the surgery, the exercise group carried out daily 30-minute treadmill training sessions, 5 days a week, for a total of 4 weeks, while the other two groups were placed on the same treadmill with it not in operation. After the intervention, cognitive functioning was assessed using the novel object recognition (NOR) test and a Y-maze test. Western blotting was employed to evaluate the expression of Sema3G, Nrp2, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus. Immunofluorescence staining was used to observe the distribution of Nrp2 and PlexinA4 in the hippocampus.Results:Compared with the model group, the exercise group exhibited significantly higher NOR indices during both the short-term and long-term memory testing phases after the intervention. Those rats also tended to have significantly longer total exploration times in the novel arm of the Y-maze test. The western blotting revealed that the expression levels of Sema3G, PlexinA4, and Rac1 in the hippocampus were significantly higher in the exercise group compared to the model group, on average. Immunofluorescence showed significantly increased PlexinA4 fluorescence intensity in the CA1, CA3, and dentate gyrus (DG) regions of the hippocampus, and significantly elevated Nrp2 fluorescence intensity in the CA3 region in the exercise group compared to the model group. The Pearson correlation coefficients for Nrp2/PlexinA4 co-localization in the CA1, CA3 and DG regions were significantly higher in the exercise group than in the model group.Conclusions:Exercise training significantly improves memory function in rats with VCI, and this effect may be associated with activation of the hippocampal Sema3G/Nrp2/PlexinA4 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the relationships of serum procalcitonin(PCT),α1-acid glycoprotein(α1-AGP)and cluster of differentiation 64(CD64)index with the severity of illness and prognosis in patients with pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer surgery.Methods A pro-spective study was conducted in 120 patients with pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer sur-gery as infection group,and 60 patients without infection after lung cancer surgery in the same period were selected as control group.Baseline characteristics and laboratory indicators were compared be-tween the two groups.Differences in serum PCT,α1-AGP,CD64 index in peripheral blood,and plasma 1,3-β-D glucan test(BG)were compared among patients with different severities of illness and prognoses in the infection group.The relationship between serum indicators and prognosis as well as their predictive efficiencies were analyzed,and external validation was performed.Results The levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,CD64 index in peripheral blood,and plasma BG in the infection group were significantly higher than those in the control group(P＜0.05).In the infection group,the levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 gradually decreased significantly in patients with severe,moderate,and mild illness,and the levels of these indicators in dead patients were significantly higher than those in surviving patients(P＜0.05).Survival curve analysis showed that patients with low levels of serum PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index before treatment had higher survival rates than those with high levels of these indicators.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve analysis revealed that the combined prediction of PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index for mortality was superior to individual indicators or their pairwise combinations,and external validation confirmed the good predictive efficacy of the combined prediction.Conclusion PCT,α1-AGP,and CD64 index are closely related to pulmonary Candida infection after lung cancer surgery,and the combined detection of these indicators has certain predictive value for 28-day prognosis.