OBJECTIVES: A ventricular assist device (VAD) is an electromechanical device used to assist cardiac blood circulation, which can be employed for the treatment of end-stage heart failure and is most commonly placed in the left ventricle. Despite enhancing perfusion performance, the implantation of left ventricular assist device (LVAD) transforms the local intraventricular flow and thus may increase the risk of thrombogenesis. This study aims to investigate fluid-particle interactions and thromboembolic risk under different LVAD configurations using three-dimensional (3D) reconstruction models, focusing on the effects of outflow tract orientation and blood flow rates. METHODS: A patient-specific end-diastolic 3D reconstruction model was initially constructed in stereo lithography (STL) format using Mimics software based on CT images. Transient numerical simulations were performed to analyze fluid-particle interactions and thromboembolic risks for LVAD with varying outflow tract orientations under 2 flow rates (4 L/min and 5 L/min), using particles of uniform size (2 mm), and a blood flow rate optimization protocol was implemented for this patient. RESULTS: When the LVAD flow rate was 5 L/min, helicity and flow stagnation of the blood flow increased the particle residence time (RT) and the risk of thrombogenesis of the aortic root. The percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk was up to 20.33%. When the LVAD flow rate was 4 L/min, blood turbulence in the aorta was reduced, the RT of blood particles was shortened, and then the percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk decreased to 10.54%. When the LVAD blood flow rate was 5 L/min and the direction of the outflow pipe was optimal, the RT of blood particles was shortened, and then the percentage of particles traveling toward the brachiocephalic trunk decreased to 11.22%. A 18-month follow-up observation of the patient revealed that the LVAD was in good working order and the patient had no complications related to the implantation of LVAD. CONCLUSIONS Implantation of LVAD results in a higher risk of cerebral infarction; When implanting LVAD with the same outflow tract direction, optimizing flow velocity and outflow tract can reduce the risk of cerebral infarction occurrence.
Heart-Assist Devices/adverse effects* ; Humans ; Heart Failure/physiopathology* ; Blood Flow Velocity ; Thromboembolism/prevention & control* ; Models, Cardiovascular ; Heart Ventricles/physiopathology* ; Imaging, Three-Dimensional

This study explored how the human cortical folding pattern composed of convex gyri and concave sulci affected single-subject morphological brain networks, which are becoming an important method for studying the human brain connectome. We found that gyri-gyri networks exhibited higher morphological similarity, lower small-world parameters, and lower long-term test-retest reliability than sulci-sulci networks for cortical thickness- and gyrification index-based networks, while opposite patterns were observed for fractal dimension-based networks. Further behavioral association analysis revealed that gyri-gyri networks and connections between gyral and sulcal regions significantly explained inter-individual variance in Cognition and Motor domains for fractal dimension- and sulcal depth-based networks. Finally, the clinical application showed that only sulci-sulci networks exhibited morphological similarity reductions in major depressive disorder for cortical thickness-, fractal dimension-, and gyrification index-based networks. Taken together, these findings provide novel insights into the constraint of the cortical folding pattern to the network organization of the human brain.
Humans ; Cerebral Cortex/anatomy & histology* ; Male ; Female ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Adult ; Connectome/methods* ; Young Adult ; Nerve Net/anatomy & histology* ; Neural Pathways ; Depressive Disorder, Major/diagnostic imaging*

Objective:To investigate the application of the conjugate gradient (CG) algorithm to treatment plan optimization for intensity-modulated brachytherapy (IMBT).Methods:The general Monte Carlo software TOPAS was utilized to simulate the 192Ir source of IMBT, and the unit dose contribution matrix was calculated. An objective function was established using the weighted least squares method and was solved using the CG algorithm to achieve optimized IMBT treatment plans. The optimization was validated using five clinical cervical cancer cases under modulation width 60°. The dose distributions of IMBT treatment plans under 45°, 60°, 90°, 120°, and 180° modulation widths were compared using the Wilcoxon test to determine the optimal IMBT treatment plan for cervical cancer treatment. Results:The CG algorithm successfully optimized IMBT treatment plans under modulation width 60° for five cases within 22.2 s on average. On the premise of sufficient target dose coverage, the average D2 cm 3 values of the bladder and rectum in IMBT treatment plans were 3.66 and 1.97 Gy, respectively, representing reductions of 0.54 and 0.69 Gy compared to traditional brachytherapy plans. For the five modulation widths, the D90% values of all IMBT treatment plans reached 6 Gy, without statistically significant differences ( P > 0.05). The average D2 cm 3 values of the bladder in IMBT treatment plans were significantly lower than those in the traditional brachytherapy plans( P<0.05), with modulation width 60° associated with the greatest reduction of 0.61 Gy. In contrast, the average D2 cm 3 values of the rectum under 45°, 60°, and 90° modulation widths decreased by 0.63, 0.54, and 0.45 Gy, respectively, compared to traditional plans, with statistically significant differences( P<0.05). Conclusions:The CG method enables rapid achievement of optimized IMBT treatment plans that meet clinical requirements, and modulation width 60° contributes to valid dosimetric optimization. This study can serve as a guide for the clinical implementation of IMBT.

Paraplegia caused by spinal cord injury is a serious neurological complication, for which surgery is currently the main treatment method. Due to different surgical approaches, patients are usually expected to maintain a passive prone position for a long time or switch between the supine and prone positions. Affected by multiple factors such as neurogenic sensory disorders, pathological changes in muscle tone and operative duration, the risk of intraoperative acquired pressure injury (IAPI) is significantly increased. Current clinical prevention strategies for IAPI in these patients predominantly focus on localized pressure relief during positioning, lacking systematic, standardized comprehensive prevention protocols or evidence-based guidelines. To address it, Department of Nursing, Orthopedics Branch, China International Exchange and Promotive Association for Medical and Health Care, Spinal Trauma Professional Committee, Orthopedics Branch, Chinese Medical Doctor Association, Nursing Group of Spine and Spinal Cord Professional Committee of Chinese Association of Rehabilitation Medicine organized experts in relevant fields to formulate Guideline for the prevention of intraoperative acquired pressure injury in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury ( version 2025), based on evidence-based medical evidence and latest research results and clinical practice at home and abroad. Eleven recommendations were put forward from the aspects of preoperative risk assessment, intraoperative prevention strategies, postoperative handover and monitoring, and supportive mechanisms for IAPI prevention, aiming to standardize the prevention measures and management strategies of IAPI in paraplegic patients with spinal cord injury and accelerate the recovery of patients and improve the therapeutic effect.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors and their predictive efficacy for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 286 elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture admitted to Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital between August 2021 and August 2024, including 154 males and 132 females, aged 60-80 years [(72.5±5.8)years]. Fracture involved the left side in 148 patients and the right side in 138 patients. Internal fixation was performed on 214 patients and joint replacement on 72. Based on the occurrence of infection within two weeks postoperatively, the patients were divided into infection group ( n=25) and non-infection group ( n=261). Data were collected from the two groups, including basic information [gender, age, body mass index (BMI), cause of injury, fracture side], admission data (fasting blood glucose, diastolic blood pressure, systolic blood pressure), preoperative data [American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, AO classification, serum C-reactive protein (CRP), serum albumin (Alb), serum CRP/Alb ratio, time from injury to surgery], and treatment-related information (surgical type, duration of surgery, intraoperative blood loss, quality of intraoperative reduction, postoperative antibiotic use). Univariate analysis and multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis were used to identify independent risk factors for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the predictive efficacy of each factor. Results:Univariate analysis showed significant differences between the two groups in fasting blood glucose on admission, preoperative serum CRP, preoperative serum Alb, preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio, and duration of surgery ( P<0.01). There were no significant differences between the two groups in the remaining variables ( P>0.05). Multivariate Logistic stepwise regression analysis indicated that fasting blood glucose on admission ( OR=2.65, 95% CI 1.32, 5.32, P<0.01), preoperative serum CRP ( OR=1.10, 95% CI 1.04, 1.18, P<0.01), preoperative serum Alb ( OR=0.79, 95% CI 0.70, 0.90, P<0.01), preoperative serum CRP/Alb ( OR=143.78, 95% CI 4.46, 46.77, P<0.01), and duration of surgery ( OR=1.07, 95% CI 1.02, 1.11, P<0.01) were significantly associated with early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. ROC curve analysis showed that the sensitivity and specificity of preoperative serum CRP/Alb in predicting early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture were 88.00% and 88.10%, and that the AUC of preoperative serum CRP/Alb prediction was 0.92, significantly greater than the AUC predicted separately by fasting blood glucose at admission, preoperative serum CRP, preoperative serum Alb and duration of surgery (0.76, 0.75, 0.77, 0.76, respectively). The optimal cut-off value for the preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio was 1.78. Conclusions:Fasting blood glucose on admission, preoperative serum CRP, Alb, CRP/Alb ratio, and duration of surgery are independent risk factors for early postoperative infection in elderly patients with intertrochanteric femur fracture. These factors all possess certain predictive value for early postoperative infection, but the preoperative serum CRP/Alb ratio demonstrates the best predictive efficacy.

By systematically combing ancient and modern literature， this paper examined Tribuli Fructus and Astragali Complanati Semen（ACS） used in the famous classical formulas from the aspects of name， origin， production area， harvesting and processing， clinical efficacy， so as to provide a basis for the development of famous classical formulas containing such medicinal materials. The results showed that the names of Tribuli Fructus in the past dynasties were mostly derived from its morphology， and there were nicknames such as Baijili， Cijili and Dujili. The name of ACS in the past dynasties were mostly originated from its production areas， and there were nicknames such as Baijili， Shayuan Jili and Tongjili. Because both of them had the name of Baijili， confusion began to appear in the Song dynasty. In ancient and modern times， the main origin of Tribuli Fructus were Tribulus terrestris， and ancient literature recorded the genuine producing areas of Tribuli Fructus was Dali in Shaanxi and Tianshui in Gansu， but today it is mainly cultivated in Anhui and Shandong. The fruit is the medicinal part， harvested in autumn throughout history. There is no description of the quality of Tribuli Fructus in ancient times， and the plump， firm texture， grayish-white color is the best in modern times. Traditional processing methods for Tribuli Fructus included stir-frying and wine processing， while modern commonly used is purified， fried and salt-processed. The ancient records of Tribuli Fructus were spicy， bitter， and warm in nature， with modern research adding that it is slightly toxic. The main effects of ancient and modern times include treating wind disorders， improving vision， promoting muscle growth， and treating vitiligo. The mainstream base of ACS used throughout history is Astragalus complanatus. Ancient texts indicated ACS primarily originated from Shaanxi province. Today， the finest varieties come from Tongguan and Dali in Shaanxi. The medicinal part is the seed， traditionally harvested in autumn. Modern harvesting occurs in late autumn or early winter， followed by sun-drying. Ancient texts valued seeds with a fragrant aroma as superior， while modern standards prioritize plump， uniform and free of impurities. Traditional processing methods for ACS included frying until blackened and wine-frying， while modern practice commonly employs purification methods. In terms of medicinal properties， the ancient and modern records are sweet and warm in nature. Due to originally classified under Tribuli Fructus， its effects were thus regarded as equivalent to those of Tribuli Fructus， serving as the medicine for treating wind disorders， additional functions included tonifying the kidneys and treating vitiligo. The present record of its efficacy is to tonify the kidney and promote Yang， solidify sperm and reduce urine， nourish the liver and brighten the eye， etc. Based on the textual research results， it is suggested that when developing the famous classical formulas of Tribuli Fructus medicinal materials， we should pay attention to the specific reference object of Baijili， T. terrestris and A. complanatus should be identified and selected， and the processing method should be in accordance with the requirements of the formulas.

Objective:To explore the efficacy of a new classification system proposed by us applied to the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of the 225 patients with irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fracture who had been treated between January 2023 and November 2024 at Zhengzhou Orthopedic Hospital (78 cases), The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (61 cases), Zhengzhou Central Hospital Affiliated to Zhengzhou University (28 cases), Zhengzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (34 cases), and Puyang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (24 cases). There were 86 males and 139 females, with an age of (74.8±7.9) years. Satisfactory reduction had failed in all patients even after 3 attempts at closed reduction. The patients were divided into 2 groups based on whether the new classification system proposed by our research team in our previous study was used to guide the treatment. The observation group of 116 cases were treated through an extended incision at the head of the intramedullary nail for reduction and fixation under the guidance of the new classification system while the control group of 109 cases were treated by reduction and fixation through a direct anterolateral incision. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, Harris hip scores at 3 months after operation and the last follow-up, and incidence of complications were compared between the 2 groups.Results:No statistically significant differences were observed in the baseline characteristics between the 2 groups, indicating comparability ( P>0.05). All patients were followed up for (12.6±2.5) months after operation. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, and fracture healing time [(39.5±9.7) minutes, (106.6±54.8) mL, and (3.1±0.7) months] in the observation group were significantly less than those in the control group [(70.2±11.1) minutes, (322.8±55.5) mL, and (4.5±0.7) months] ( P<0.05). The Harris hip scores at 3 months after operation and the last follow-up in the observation group [(90.3±3.4) points and (93.7±3.2) points] were significantly higher than those in the control group [(75.1±3.8) points and (78.7±3.6) points] ( P<0.05). The incidence of complications in the observation group was 6.0% (7/116), significantly lower than that in the control group [14.7% (16/109)] ( P<0.05). Conclusion:In the treatment of irreducible intertrochanteric femoral fractures, compared with the conventional anterolateral approach for intramedullary nailing, the extended intramedullary head nail approach guided by our new classification system can reduce operation time, intraoperative blood loss, fracture healing time, and incidence of postoperative complications, and improve postoperative hip joint function.

Objective:To analyze the causal relationship between circulating inflammatory proteins and the risk of liver cirrhosis by the two-sample Mendelian randomization (MR) method.Methods:Single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) strongly associated with 91 plasma inflammatory proteins in genome-wide association studies (GWAS) were used as instrumental variables, and liver cirrhosis was used as the outcome variable. Random-effects inverse variance-weighted (IVW), MR Egger regression, odds ratio ( OR) and its 95% confidence interval were used to evaluate the causal relationship. Simultaneously, sensitivity analysis was performed using MR pleiotropy residuals and outliers (MR-PRESSO) and the Q-test. Results:The causal relationship between the expression of seven specific circulating inflammatory proteins and liver cirrhosis was confirmed by the inverse variance-weighted (IVW) method. The results showed that five plasma inflammatory proteins, including leukemia inhibitory factor [ OR( CI)=0.66, P=9.73×10 -5], interleukin-18 [ OR( CI)=0.76, P=0.013], tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12[ OR( CI)=0.75, P=0.024], monocyte chemoattractant protein 2 [ OR( CI)=0.89, P=0.036], and C-C motif chemokine 25 [ OR( CI)=0.84, P=0.039], were negatively correlated with cirrhosis and were protective factors for cirrhosis. T cell surface glycoprotein CD5 [ OR ( CI)=1.29, P=0.035] and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 [ OR( CI)=1.32, P=0.043] were positively correlated with cirrhosis and were risk factors for cirrhosis. The results of the MR-PRESSO, Q-test, MR-Egger intercept test, and leave-one-out method all showed the stability. Conclusion:The research results indicated that the increased levels of leukemia inhibitory factor, interleukin-18, tumor necrosis factor ligand superfamily member 12, monocyte chemoattractant protein-2, and C-C motif chemokine 25 were protective factors in the development of cirrhosis, while the increased levels of T cell surface glycoprotein CD5 and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 were risk factors for the development of cirrhosis based on genetic data.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the leading neurodegenerative disorder in the nervous system, and there is still a lack of effective therapeutic drugs. Protecting neurons and synapses is crucial in reversing AD progression. Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosome (MSC-Exo) is rich in various stem cell components such as proteins, RNAs, and DNAs; due to its strong ability in promoting nerve repair and inhibiting neuroinflammation, MSC-Exo is expected to become a potential choice for AD treatment. This article elaborates on the biological characteristics of MSC-Exo and its application and progress in AD treatment, aiming to provide reference for translational medicine research and clinical application of MSC-Exo in AD.

Objective:To investigate cerebral blood flow (CBF) changes in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and its relationship with cognitive function by arterial spin labeling (ASL).Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical data (age, sex, years of education, body mass index) and imaging data of 46 patients with T2DM (T2DM group) and 57 healthy controls (HC group), who visited the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine from September 2017 to March 2019 were analyzed retrospectively. All subjects underwent clinical cognitive function assessments, including the auditory verbal learning test (AVLT), trail making test (TMT), and montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA) scale. All subjects underwent routine axial 3D-ASL imaging, and CBF pseudocolor images were automatically generated from the 3D-ASL raw images. CBF values in the differential brain regions were extracted. The differences in clinical data, cognitive function scores, and CBF values between T2DM group and HC group were evaluated using independent sample t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, and χ 2 tests. The correlation between the differential brain region CBF values and cognitive function scores was analyzed using partial correlation analysis, controlling for age, gender, and years of education. Results:There were no significant differences in age, gender, years of education, AVLT scores, and TMT scores between T2DM group and HC group ( P>0.05). But there were significant differences in body mass index and MoCA scores ( Z=-2.16, P=0.031; Z=-3.18, P=0.001). Compared with HC group, T2DM group showed significantly increased CBF in the left insula ( P<0.001), but significantly decreased CBF in the right fusiform gyrus, right cuneus, and right prefrontal gyrus ( P<0.001). The partial correlation analysis showed that the CBF value in the right prefrontal gyrus of T2DM group was positively correlated with MoCA scores ( r=0.330, P=0.001), while the CBF value in the right fusiform gyrus was positively correlated with MoCA scores ( r=0.210, P=0.034). Conclusions:Patients with T2DM show changes in CBF in the left insula, right fusiform gyrus, right cingulate anterior, and right prefrontal cortex. Reduced CBF in the right prefrontal cortex and right fusiform gyrus is associated with cognitive function decline.