BACKGROUND: The clinical impact of post-percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) quantitative flow ratio (QFR) in patients treated with PCI for chronic total occlusion (CTO) was still undetermined. METHODS: All CTO vessels treated with successful anatomical PCI in patients from PANDA III trial were retrospectively measured for post-PCI QFR. The primary outcome was 2-year vessel-oriented composite endpoints (VOCEs, composite of target vessel-related cardiac death, target vessel-related myocardial infarction, and ischemia-driven target vessel revascularization). Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis was conducted to identify optimal cutoff value of post-PCI QFR for predicting the 2-year VOCEs, and all vessels were stratified by this optimal cutoff value. Cox proportional hazards models were employed to calculate the hazard ratio (HR) with 95% CI. RESULTS: Among 428 CTO vessels treated with PCI, 353 vessels (82.5%) were analyzable for post-PCI QFR. 31 VOCEs (8.7%) occurred at 2 years. Mean value of post-PCI QFR was 0.92 ± 0.13. Receiver operator characteristic curve analysis shown the optimal cutoff value of post-PCI QFR for predicting 2-year VOCEs was 0.91. The incidence of 2-year VOCEs in the vessel with post-PCI QFR < 0.91 (n = 91) was significantly higher compared with the vessels with post-PCI QFR ≥ 0.91 (n = 262) (22.0% vs. 4.2%, HR = 4.98, 95% CI: 2.32-10.70). CONCLUSIONS Higher post-PCI QFR values were associated with improved prognosis in the PCI practice for coronary CTO. Achieving functionally optimal PCI results (post-PCI QFR value ≥ 0.91) tends to get better prognosis for patients with CTO lesions.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between upper limb grip strength and total body bone mineral density(BMD)us-ing public data.Methods:During the 2011-2012 and 2013-2014 cycles of National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys,a total of 5148 participants with grip strength,BMD,and multiple potential confounding factors were identified,and baseline levels were cal-culated after weighting.R language survey package was used for the multiple linear regression analysis to investigate the correlation be-tween grip strength and BMD,and then stratified analysis was performed based on sex and age.The rcssci package was used for curve fitting to analyze the curve relationship between the two indicators.Results:A total of 5 148 participants(2 493 male participants and 2 655 female participants)were included in this study.The overall grip strength was(77.48±0.40)kg,with a value of(93.98±0.45)kg for male participants and(59.71±0.24)kg for female participants;overall left upper limb grip strength was(37.75±0.21)kg,with a value of(28.89±0.12)kg for female participants and(45.98±0.24)kg for male participants;overall right upper limb grip strength was(39.73±0.20)kg,with a value of(30.83±0.13)kg for female participants and(48.00±0.23)kg in male par-ticipants.Overall left grip strength values of body mass index was 46.87±0.33,with a value of 53.65±0.46 for male participants and 39.56±0.26 for female participants(P<0.000 1);overall right grip strength values of body mass index was 49.37±0.33,with a value of 56.01±0.47 for male participants and 42.21±0.26 for female participants;overall mean grip strength index was 48.12±0.33,with a value of 54.83±0.46 for male participants and 40.89±0.26 for female participants;overall BMD was(1.11±0.00)g/cm2,with a value of(1.15±0.00)g/cm2 in male participants and(1.08±0.00)g/cm2 in female participants.After exclusion of confounding factors,grip strength showed a significant positive correlation with total BMD(P<0.000 1),and in addition,age was negatively correlated with BMD.Black race(with Mexican descent as reference),college graduation or above(with the participants not graduated from high school as reference),body height,and body mass index(BMI)were positively correlated with BMD.Stratified analysis showed that age,sex,and BMI had interaction with BMD.The curve fitting results showed that there was only a linear relationship between grip strength and BMD(P<0.001),but there was an L-shaped curve relationship between grip strength index(mainly of the left side)and BMD.With the increases in grip strength and grip strength index,BMD increased in a linear and L-shaped curve(BMD increased slowly with the increase in grip strength index),with a variation range of 0.1 g/cm2.Conclusion:Grip strength of both upper limbs and grip strength index(mainly of the left side)are positively correlated with BMD,and BMD shows a linear relationship with grip strength and an L-shaped curve relationship with grip strength index.The results of this study further support the correlation between grip strength and BMD and provide important empirical data for understanding the impact of grip strength on BMD,which has important significance for further research on the regulatory mechanism of BMD and the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis.

Objective:To explore the effects of combining APR-246 with irradiation for enhancing anti-tumor immune response against 4T1 breast cancer cells, and to develop multiple tumor treatment strategies.Methods:The control group, APR-246 group, irradiation group and irradiation combined APR-246 group were used both in the cell experiment and tumor-bearing mice experiment. The inhibitory effect of APR-246 on the proliferation of 4T1 cells was assessed by using Cell Counting Kit-8. The effect of APR-246 with irradiation on the survival rate of 4T1 cells using clone formation assay was measured. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in tumor cells using a 2’, 7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe and a lipid peroxidation sensor, the tumor inhibition rates of different groups of tumor bearing mice were compared, and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages were determined in the tumor microenvironment by flow cytometry.Results:Compared with irradiation group, 2, 4, 6 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group significantly reduced the survival rates of 4T1 cells ( t = 2.89, 4.15, 2.62, P < 0.05), the 6 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group significantly increased the levels of ROS ( t = 16.95, P < 0.05) and LPO ( t = 6.09, P < 0.05) in 4T1 cells, and significantly increased the apoptosis rate of 4T1 cells ( t = 10.99, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, from the 16 th day of tumor inoculation, the 10 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group showed significantly inhibited tumor growth ( t = 2.38-2.91, P < 0.05) and significantly increased proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells ( t = 9.96, 6.28, P < 0.05) and M1/M2 ratio ( t = 15.30, P < 0.05) in tumor tissues. Conclusions:APR-246 combined with irradiation can effectively increase ROS and LPO levels in 4T1 cells, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and induce anti-tumor immune response, thus potentially inhibiting the growth of 4T1 cells.

Objective:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of an indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A)-loaded inulin-based hydrogel against radiation-induced intestinal injury.Methods:The gelation properties and injectability of the I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel were detected using a rheometer, and its biocompatibility was assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice (aged: 6-8 weeks) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned into three groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control, irradiation-only, and irradiation+ hydrogel protection. Abdominal irradiation was administered using 137Cs γ-rays at 17 Gy. The irradiation+ hydrogel protection group received 200 μl/day of I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for two days before and 2-3 days after irradiation. Meanwhile, the irradiation-only group was treated with an equivalent volume of sterile water via gavage. The mice were euthanized four days post-irradiation, and their intestinal tissues were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL immunofluorescence were performed to assess histopathological damage, epithelial cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The test results of the rheometer confirmed successful hydrogel formation. CCK-8 assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the irradiation-only group, the irradiation+ hydrogel protection group exhibited preserved intestinal histoarchitecture, a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal cell proliferation ( t = 8.35, P < 0.05), and a 2-fold reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis ( t = 7.94, P < 0.05). Moreover, the hydrogel group showed significantly elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antioxidant factors NRF-2 and HO-1 ( t = 3.16, 24.83, 5.92, P < 0.05), alongside reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( t = 5.15, 3.82, 3.83, P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant modulation in microbial composition and abundance in the hydrogel group. Conclusions:The I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel can significantly promote intestinal cell proliferation, reduce radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhance both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In addition, it regulates gut microbiota composition and abundance, protecting against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Coronary atherosclerotic heart disease is a major cardiovascular condition driven by atherosclerosis, distinguished by chronic inflammation and dysregulated lipid metabolism. The gut microbiota plays an essential role in human health and disease, with research indicating a strong association between gut microbial metabolism and the development and progression of coronary heart disease. This article provides a review of the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary heart disease, as well as the mechanisms by which traditional Chinese medicine regulates digestive tract microbiota to treat coronary heart disease, which systematically explains how the gut microbiota, through metabolic products and immune regulation, contributes to the occurrence and progression of coronary heart disease, and summarizes recent advances in research on traditional Chinese medicine's regulation of gut microbiota for treating coronary heart disease. It aims to provide further reference and insights for exploring the relationship between gut microbiota and coronary heart disease, as well as traditional Chinese medicine approaches for treating coronary heart disease.

OBJECTIVE: Recent studies have overturned the traditional concept of the lung as a "sterile organ" revealing that pulmonary microbiota dysbiosis and abnormal surfactant proteins (SPs) expression are involved in the progression of silicosis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between abnormal SPs expression and dysbiosis of lung microbiota in silica-induced lung fibrosis, providing insights into mechanisms of silicosis. METHODS: Lung pathology, SPs expression, and microbiota composition were evaluated in silica-exposed mice. A mouse model of antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion was established, and alveolar structure and SPs expression were assessed. The roles of the lung microbiota and SPs in silicosis progression were further evaluated in mice with antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion, both with and without silica exposure. RESULTS: Silica exposure induced lung inflammation and fibrosis, along with increased expression of SP-A expression. Antibiotics (Abx)-induced microbiota depletion elevated SP-A and SP-D expression. Furthermore, silica exposure altered lung microbiota composition, enriching potentially pathogenic taxa. However, antibiotic-induced microbiota depletion prior to silica exposure reduced silica-mediated lung fibrosis and inflammation. CONCLUSION Lung microbiota is associated with silica-induced lung injury. Overproduction of SP-A and SP-D, induced by Abx-induced microbiota depletion, may enhance the resistance of mouse lung tissue to silica-induced injury.
Animals ; Silicosis/prevention & control* ; Lung/metabolism* ; Mice ; Anti-Bacterial Agents/pharmacology* ; Microbiota/drug effects* ; Silicon Dioxide/toxicity* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Pulmonary Surfactant-Associated Proteins/genetics*

Body weight abnormalities, including overweight, obesity, and underweight, have become a dual public health challenge in Chinese adults: overweight and obesity lead to a variety of chronic complications, while underweight increases the risks of malnutrition, sarcopenia, and organ dysfunction. To systematically address these issues, multidisciplinary experts in endocrinology, sports science, nutrition, and psychiatry from various regions have held multiple weight management seminars. Based on the latest epidemiological data and clinical evidence, they expanded the guideline to include assessment and intervention strategies for underweight, in addition to the core content of obesity management. This guideline outlines the etiological mechanisms, evaluation methods, and multidimensional management strategies for overweight and obesity, covering key areas such as diagnosis and assessment, medical nutrition therapy, exercise prescription, pharmacological intervention, and psychological support. It is intended to provide a scientific and standardized approach to weight management across the adult population, aiming to curb the rising prevalence of obesity, mitigate complications associated with abnormal body weight, and improve nutritional status and overall quality of life.

Objective:To explore the effects of combining APR-246 with irradiation for enhancing anti-tumor immune response against 4T1 breast cancer cells, and to develop multiple tumor treatment strategies.Methods:The control group, APR-246 group, irradiation group and irradiation combined APR-246 group were used both in the cell experiment and tumor-bearing mice experiment. The inhibitory effect of APR-246 on the proliferation of 4T1 cells was assessed by using Cell Counting Kit-8. The effect of APR-246 with irradiation on the survival rate of 4T1 cells using clone formation assay was measured. The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) in tumor cells using a 2’, 7’-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate (DCFH-DA) fluorescent probe and a lipid peroxidation sensor, the tumor inhibition rates of different groups of tumor bearing mice were compared, and the proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells and the ratio of M1/M2 macrophages were determined in the tumor microenvironment by flow cytometry.Results:Compared with irradiation group, 2, 4, 6 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group significantly reduced the survival rates of 4T1 cells ( t = 2.89, 4.15, 2.62, P < 0.05), the 6 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group significantly increased the levels of ROS ( t = 16.95, P < 0.05) and LPO ( t = 6.09, P < 0.05) in 4T1 cells, and significantly increased the apoptosis rate of 4T1 cells ( t = 10.99, P < 0.05). Meanwhile, from the 16 th day of tumor inoculation, the 10 Gy irradiation combined APR-246 group showed significantly inhibited tumor growth ( t = 2.38-2.91, P < 0.05) and significantly increased proportions of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells ( t = 9.96, 6.28, P < 0.05) and M1/M2 ratio ( t = 15.30, P < 0.05) in tumor tissues. Conclusions:APR-246 combined with irradiation can effectively increase ROS and LPO levels in 4T1 cells, promote tumor cell apoptosis, and induce anti-tumor immune response, thus potentially inhibiting the growth of 4T1 cells.

Objective:To explore the protective effects and mechanisms of an indole-3-acetaldehyde (I3A)-loaded inulin-based hydrogel against radiation-induced intestinal injury.Methods:The gelation properties and injectability of the I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel were detected using a rheometer, and its biocompatibility was assessed via a CCK-8 assay. Eighteen C57BL/6 mice (aged: 6-8 weeks) were stratified by body weight and randomly assigned into three groups with 6 mice in each group: blank control, irradiation-only, and irradiation+ hydrogel protection. Abdominal irradiation was administered using 137Cs γ-rays at 17 Gy. The irradiation+ hydrogel protection group received 200 μl/day of I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel for two days before and 2-3 days after irradiation. Meanwhile, the irradiation-only group was treated with an equivalent volume of sterile water via gavage. The mice were euthanized four days post-irradiation, and their intestinal tissues were harvested. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining, Ki67 immunohistochemistry, and TUNEL immunofluorescence were performed to assess histopathological damage, epithelial cell proliferation, and apoptosis, respectively. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to measure mRNA levels of inflammatory and antioxidant factors. Gut microbiota composition was analyzed via 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:The test results of the rheometer confirmed successful hydrogel formation. CCK-8 assays demonstrated excellent biocompatibility. Compared with the irradiation-only group, the irradiation+ hydrogel protection group exhibited preserved intestinal histoarchitecture, a 1.5-fold increase in intestinal cell proliferation ( t = 8.35, P < 0.05), and a 2-fold reduction in radiation-induced apoptosis ( t = 7.94, P < 0.05). Moreover, the hydrogel group showed significantly elevated expression of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and antioxidant factors NRF-2 and HO-1 ( t = 3.16, 24.83, 5.92, P < 0.05), alongside reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α ( t = 5.15, 3.82, 3.83, P < 0.05). Gut microbiota analysis revealed significant modulation in microbial composition and abundance in the hydrogel group. Conclusions:The I3A-loaded inulin-based hydrogel can significantly promote intestinal cell proliferation, reduce radiation-induced apoptosis, and enhance both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant responses. In addition, it regulates gut microbiota composition and abundance, protecting against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Objective To propose a low-dose CT image denoising method based on an improved Corediff model to recover the detailed features of the image and enhance the image quality.Methods An RS-Corediff model was established by modifying the key component U-Net network of the Corediff model.Firstly,the residual module was introduced in the network input stage for feature extraction;secondly,a new downsampling module was designed in the U-Net network encoder,which learned the semantic information of the feature map by convolution and maintained the learning state during the downsampling process so as to fully extract the image features;thirdly,the feature splicing processing was used to further enhance the learning effect during the upsampling process of the U-Net network decoder;finally,the convolutional kernel size was modified to adjust the sensory field during the convolutional process of the whole U-Net network structure so as to obtain rich features.The RS-Corediff model was compared with the residual encoder-decoder convolutional neural network(RED-CNN)model and the Corediff model on the public dataset AAPM 2016 in order to verify its effectiveness for low-dose CT image denoising.Results The RS-Corediff model gained advantages over the RED-CNN and Corediff models with a peak signal-to-noise ratio(PSNR)of 41.269 8,structural similarity(SSIM)of 0.953 4 and root mean square error(RMSE)of 17.568 7.Conclusion The proposed method effectively preserves the texture and details of low-dose CT images during the denoising process to improve the overall quality of the images.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(5):9-13]