While cranial radiotherapy effectively kills tumor cells and significantly prolongs patient survival, it often leads to progressive cognitive decline. To date, the specific mechanisms underlying radiation-induced cognitive decline have not been fully elucidated, which greatly limits the development of related therapeutic strategies. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive analysis of post-radiation changes in neurogenesis, neuronal synaptic plasticity, myelin injury plasticity, and parenchymal cells such as microglia in the brain, systematically elucidates the potential mechanisms of radiation-induced cognitive decline, and summarizes feasible therapeutic approaches. These findings provide a solid foundation for developing novel strategies to mitigate radiation-induced cognitive decline.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the improvement effect and mechanism of processed Oxytropis falcata on renal fibrosis （RF） in rats. METHODS RF model was induced by adenine. After modeling， the rats were divided into the model group， positive control group （colchicine， 0.45 mg/kg）， and processed O. falcata low-， medium- and high-dose groups （0.5， 1， 2 g/kg）， respectively. Additionally， a blank group without modeling was set up， with 8 rats in each group. The positive control group and the various dosage groups of processed O. falcata were given the corresponding medicinal solutions intragastrically， while the blank group and model group were given equal volume of normal saline intragastrically， once daily for 28 consecutive days. The appearance and histopathological morphology of the rats’ kidneys were observed. Serum levels of renal function indexes [bl ood urea nitrogen （BUN）， creatinine （Cr） ] and inflammatory factors [interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） ] in rats were detected. Protein expressions of fibronectin （FN）， α -smooth muscle actin （ α -SMA） and collagen type Ⅰ （Col-Ⅰ） in renal tissue of rats were determined. mRNA expressions of transforming growth factor-β 1 （TGF-β 1 ）， Smad3 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 （ERK1/2） in renal tissues were measured. Protein expression of TGF-β 1 and phosphorylation levels of Smad3 and ERK1/2 in renal tissues were detected. RESULTS Compared with the blank group， the rats in the model group exhibited enlarged kidneys with pale color， rough and uneven surface. There was a significant infiltration of inflammatory cells and vacuolated cells in the renal tubules， along with marked proliferation of collagen fibers. Serum levels of BUN， Cr， IL-6 and TNF-α， protein expressions of α -SMA， Col-Ⅰ and FN in renal tissues， mRNA expressions of TGF-β 1 ， Smad3， ERK1 and ERK2 and protein expression of TGF-β 1 as well as phosphorylation levels of Smad3 and ERK1/2 in renal tissues were increased significantly （ P ＜0.05）. Compared with the model group， renal pathological changes of rats were alleviated in processed O. falcata groups， with reduced infiltration of inflammatory cells and proliferation of collagen fibers. The levels of the aforementioned quantitative indicators were all significantly reversed （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Processed O. falcata can improve renal function in RF rats， alleviate inflammatory responses， and reduce abnormal collagen fiber deposition. Its mechanism of action may be related to the inhibition of the activity of the TGF-β 1 /Smad signaling pathway.

Objective: To explore the longitudinal relationship between bullying victimization and sleep quality among rural boarding junior high school students in Hebei Province, and to investigate the chain mediated role of loneliness and rumination, so as to provide evidence for promoting sleep health in the population. Methods: A baseline survey was conducted in May, 2023 (T1) by convenient sampling method, and two rounds of longitudinal surveys were conducted in November, 2023 (T2) and May, 2024 (T3) among students in two rural boarding junior high schools in Hebei Province, and a sample of 601 students who completed all the surveys was finally obtained. Students completed questionnaires, including the Delaware Bullying Victimization Scale Student (DBVS-S), the University of California at Los Angeles Loneliness Scale (UCLA), the Ruminative Responses Scale, and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Group differences were examined by using t-test or ANOVA, correlations between variables were analyzed by using Pearson correlation coefficients, and a serial mediation structural equation model was constructed, with mediation effects tested via the Bootstrap method. Results: Female students scored higher on sleep quality than male students (7.47±2.70, 6.47 ±2.46, t =4.74, P <0.01). Pearson correlation analysis indicated that bullying victimization was positively correlated with loneliness, rumination, and sleep quality; loneliness was positively correlated with rumination and sleep quality; and rumination was positively correlated with sleep quality ( r =0.26, 0.33, 0.23; 0.39, 0.38; 0.54, all P <0.01). Mediation analysis showed that T2 loneliness had an independent mediating effect of 0.70 (95% CI =0.36-1.35) between T1 bullying victimization and T3 sleep quality, T2 rumination had an independent mediating effect of 1.34 (95% CI =0.71-2.45), and the serial mediation effect of T2 loneliness and T2 rumination was 0.64 (95% CI =0.37-1.13), accounting for 22.11% of the total effect (all P <0.01). Conclusions Bullying victimization adversely affects sleep quality among rural boarding junior high school students through a longitudinal chain mediating pathway involving loneliness and rumination. Psychological interventions should be strengthened for students who experience bullying to alleviate their loneliness and reduce rumination, thereby improving sleep quality.

This paper summarizes the clinical experience in the syndrome differentiation and treatment of rosacea using the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation. It is considered that the key pathogenesis of rosacea is the accumulation of heat with stagnation. Accordingly， the method of venting heat and resolving stagnation is proposed， which vents and disperses constraint heat by applying approaches such as dredging defensive qi， clearing qi， venting ying （营） level， and cooling blood， while eliminating stagnation and masses through regulating qi， resolving dampness， dispelling phlegm and removing stasis. In clinical practice， a core prescription for venting heat and resolving stagnation is formulated， with flexible modifications made according to the clinical characteristics of different rosacea subtypes， including erythematotelangiectatic， papulopustular， phymatous， and ocular types， thereby providing therapeutic insights for the treatment of rosacea with traditional Chinese medicine.

Cancer ranks as the second leading cause of death globally and has surpassed cardiovascular diseases to become the primary cause of mortality in developed countries. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which play crucial roles in cancer recurrence, metastasis, and drug resistance, have attracted significant attention in targeted therapeutic strategies. Aptamers, with unique three-dimensional structures capable of specifically recognizing the surface markers of CSCs, show promising potential in targeted drug delivery systems. Compared with conventional antibodies, aptamers are praised for small molecular weights, low production costs, and easy chemical modification. This review systematically summarizes recent advances in aptamer research targeting the surface markers of CSCs, with particular emphasis on aptamer-drug conjugate systems targeting the markers including EpCAM, CD133, CD44, and ABCG2. Both in vitro cellular studies and in vivo animal models have demonstrated the definite anti-cancer efficacy of aptamer-based drug delivery systems, which are of great significance to develop novel therapeutic strategies and improving the therapeutic effects of CSC-targeted treatment. Thus, aptamer-based drug delivery system has broad application prospects in the field of precise cancer treatment.
Humans ; Neoplastic Stem Cells/metabolism* ; Aptamers, Nucleotide/therapeutic use* ; Drug Delivery Systems/methods* ; Neoplasms/drug therapy* ; Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism* ; Animals ; Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule ; AC133 Antigen ; Hyaluronan Receptors

Objective : To investigate the effect of laminarin(LAM) on nonproliferative diabetes retinopathy by high throughput sequencing(RNA-seq). Methods : The diabetes model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin(STZ), and the effect of LAM on diabetic mice was observed.C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into three groups: Control group, Model group, and LAM group, with 8 mice in each group. After 8 weeks of modeling, the LAM group received a 4-week intraperitoneal injection of LAM treatment. Changes in blood glucose and body weight of the three groups of mice were recorded, HE staining was performed to examine retinal lesions, and RNA-seq was used to identify differentially expressed genes(DEGs) in diabetic retinopathy(DR) under the action of STZ and LAM. Results : STZ successfully established the model of DR, and LAM reduced the blood sugar in diabetic mice to a certain extent and improved the pathological morphology of retinal structural looseness in diabetic mice. After RNA-seq analysis of DEGs, it was found that there were a total of 214 DEGs in the retina of the Model group mice compared to the Control group. Enrichment analysis revealed that DR could exacerbate the lesions through the PI3K Akt signaling pathway. There were a total of 42 DEGs in the retina of the Model group and LAM group mice, and enrichment showed that LAM improved the lesions through the neutrophil extracellular trap pathway. Early growth response factor 1(Egr1), FBJ osteosarcoma oncogene(Fos), nuclear receptor subfamily 4A member 1(Nr4a1), and salt-induced kinase 1(Sik1) were regulated by STZ, and LAM significantly regulated their expression, which might be closely related to LAM′s treatment of diabetic retinopathy. Conclusion DEGs can exacerbate the severity of diabetic retinopathyviathe PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. LAM can mitigate diabetic retinopathyviathe neutrophil extracellular trap pathway. Egr1, Fos, Nr4a1, and Sik1 are key genes involved in LAM treatment of STZ-induced DR.

BACKGROUND:Electroacupuncture can treat oligoasthenospermia by stimulating hormone synthesis and release in the hypothalamus,pituitary gland and testis,but its mechanism is complex,and the efficacy of electroacupuncture is closely related to the idea of acupoint compatibility.OBJECTIVE:To explore whether electroacupuncture therapy can improve the function status of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis by adjusting the level of serum related sex hormones in rats,so as to treat adenine-induced oligoasthenospermia in rats.METHODS:Fifty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into blank,model,electroacupuncture,L-carnitine,and non-meridian and non-acupuncture point groups,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,the rats in the other four groups were given 200 mg/(kg·d)adenine via intragastric administration for 28 days to establish oligoasthenospermia models.After modeling,the rats in the electroacupuncture group were given electroacupuncture treatment at Zhongji,Guanyuan,Zusanli and Sanyinjiao acupoints,the non-acupoint group was selected for electroacupuncture treatment at three non-acupoint points,and the rats in the L-carnitine group were given oral infusion of L-carnitine,once daily,for 28 continuous days.After treatment,the kidney and testicular organ coefficients were calculated.Sperm count,survival rate and motility rate were determined.Pathological morphological changes of kidney and testicular tissues were observed.Serum sex hormones testosterone,gonadotropin releasing hormone,follicle stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,statin B and prolactin levels were detected in rats of each group.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The renal organ coefficient in the model group was higher than that in the blank,electroacupuncture and L-carnitine groups(P＜0.05),the renal organ coefficient in the non-acupoint group was higher than that in the electroacupuncture group(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in the testicular organ coefficient among all groups(P＞0.05).(2)Compared with the blank group,sperm count,survival rate and motility rate were decreased in the model group(P＜0.05);compared with the model group,sperm count,survival rate and motility rate were increased in the electroacupuncture group and L-carnitine group(P＜0.05);compared with the non-acupoint group,sperm count,survival rate and motility rate were higher in the electroacupuncture group(P＜0.05).(3)Hematoxylin-eosin staining results indicated that the kidney and testicular tissues of rats in the model group were severely damaged,while damage to kidney and testicular tissues was less in the electroacupuncture group and L-carnitine group compared with the model group,but severer in the non-acupoint group than the electroacupuncture group.(4)Compared with the blank group,the levels of testosterone,gonadotropin releasing hormone,and inhibin B in the serum of rats in the model group were decreased(P＜0.05),and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,and prolactin were increased(P＜0.05).Compared with the model group,the levels of testosterone,gonadotropin-releasing hormone,and inhibin B in the serum of rats in the electroacupuncture group and L-carnitine group were increased(P＜0.05),and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,and prolactin were decreased(P＜0.05).Compared with the non-acupoint group,the levels of testosterone,gonadotropin-releasing hormone,and inhibin Bin the serum of the rats in electroacupuncture group were increased(P＜0.05),and the levels of follicle-stimulating hormone,luteinizing hormone,estradiol,and prolactin were decreased(P＜0.05).To conclude,electroacupuncture at Zhongji,Guanyuan,Zusanli,and Sanyinjiao acupoints can effectively treat oligoasthenospermia by regulating the functional state of the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis in rats.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of an etoposide (Vp16) -intensified conditioning regimen in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) for the treatment of relapsed/refractory acute myeloid leukemia (AML).Method:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 recipients with relapsed/refractory AML who underwent allo-HSCT using a Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen at Aerospace Center Hospital from January 2019 to January 2022. Transplantation-related complications and treatment outcomes were observed. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to assess the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) rates.Result:Among the 27 recipients, there were 14 males and 13 females, with a median age of 41 years (range: 12~55 years). Except for one recipient who experienced primary graft failure, the remaining 26 recipients achieved hematopoietic reconstitution. The median neutrophil and platelet engraftment times were 13 days (range: 9~20 days) and 13.5 days (range: 11~33 days), respectively. Regimen-related toxicity (RRT) was mainly gastrointestinal toxicity and oral mucositis, and no deaths were attributed to RRT. A total of 12 recipients (44.44%) developed acute graft-versus-host disease (aGVHD), of whom 3 cases (11.11%) had grade III~IV aGVHD. Chronic GVHD (cGVHD) occurred in 13 recipients (48.15%), including 8 cases (29.63%) of extensive cGVHD. The median follow-up time after transplantation was 17 months (range: 1~48 months). Fifteen recipients (55.56%) survived without disease, while 12 recipients (44.44%) died— 9 due to relapse and 3 due to transplant-related complications. The 1-year overall survival and DFS rates were 74.07% and 59.26%, respectively; the 2-year overall survival and DFS rates were 59.26% and 55.56%, respectively. The 2-year relapse rate and transplant-related mortality (TRM) were 33.33% and 11.11%, respectively.Conclusion:The Vp16-intensified conditioning regimen in allo-HSCT appears to be a viable treatment option for patients with relapsed/refractory AML, offering favorable efficacy and manageable safety.

Objective:To investigate the risk factors for recurrence after modified Chevron osteotomy for hallux valgus.Methods:A total of 86 patients (102 feet) with hallux valgus who underwent modified Chevron operation in Beijing Jishuitan Hospital from December 2018 to February 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. There were 12 males (14 feet) and 74 females (88 feet), aged 50±15 years (range, 18-74 years). There were 36 cases on the right side, 34 on the left side, and 16 on the bilateral side. 4 feet were treated with Chevron osteotomy, 74 feet with modified McBride's osteotomy, 61 feet with Weil osteotomy, 24 feet with Akin osteotomy, and 23 feet with gastrocnemius aponeurotic release. At the last follow-up, hallux valgus angle (HVA) ≤15° was defined as the non-recurrence group after hallux valgus operation, and HVA>15° was defined as the recurrence group after hallux valgus operation. Compare the age, gender, preoperative HVA, the first and second intermetatarsal angles (IMA) before and after operation, the metatarsus adductus angles (MAA) before and after operation, the Meary angles before and after operation, the distal metatarsal articular angles (DMAA) before and after operation, the American Orthopaedic Foot and Ankle Society (AOFAS) forefoot scores before and after operation, and the rotation of the first metatarsal head between the two groups of patients. Include the indicators with statistically significant differences in the binary variable logistic regression analysis to screen for the risk factors of recurrence after modified Chevron operation for hallux valgus.Results:All patients successfully completed the operation and were followed up for 30.3±16.4 months (range, 12-52 months). Postoperative recurrence occurred in 21 feet, and the recurrence rate was 20.6% (21/102). The HVA at the last follow-up was 8.48°±4.52° in the non-recurrence group and 20.68°±3.61° in the recurrence group. In the non-recurrence group, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 60.31±16.62 points preoperatively to 86.89±12.79 points postoperatively ( t=-13.644, P<0.001). In the recurrent group, the AOFAS ankle-hindfoot score increased from 61.71±15.68 points preoperatively to 84.33±18.84 points postoperatively ( t=-6.082, P<0.001). The proportion of patients with preoperative Meary angle> 4° in the non-recurrence group was 52% (10/21), which was lower than 79% (64/81) in the recurrence group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=6.077, P=0.014). The proportion of patients with square type of metatarsal rotation (type A) in the recurrence group was 58%(47/81), which was higher than 33%(7/21) in the non-recurrence group, and the difference was statistically significant (χ 2=4.081, P=0.043). There was no significant difference in gender, age, preoperative HVA, pre- and post-operative IMA, pre- and post-operative DMAA, pre- and post-operative MAA, or preoperative metatarsal rotation type between the two groups ( P>0.05). The results of the logistic regression analysis showed that a preoperative Meary angle ≤ 4° ( OR=3.299, P=0.024) and a non-type A metatarsal rotation pattern after operation ( OR=4.183, P=0.041) were independent risk factors for recurrence after modified Chevron operation for hallux valgus. Conclusion:Hallux valgus patients with a preoperative Meary angle ≤4° and non-type A metatarsal rotation after operation have an increased risk of recurrence following modified Chevron operation.

Objective:To introduce a new technique of precise exposure and preservation of membranous semicircular canal under endoscope, and to evaluate the protective effect of this method on hearing preservation of semicircular canal occlusion.Methods:The study included three patients with unilateral refractory Meniere′s disease, including 1 male and 2 females, with hearing stage 4 in 2 cases and stage 3 in 1 case, the average hearing thresholds were 72.5, 82.5 and 48.8 dBHL, respectively. All of them were treated with triple semicircular canal occlusion under continuous irrigating mode of endoscopic ear surgery (CIM-EES) in RenMin Hospital of WuHan University. The surgical procedure involved the following key steps: the bony walls of the three semicircular canals near the ampullae were gradually thinned to expose the blue line. The endoscope was positioned as close as possible to the operating area to obtain a clear, magnified view. A micro hook needle was used to create a window on the bony semicircular canals. The hook needle progressively removed the bony material while preserving the membranous canals, which were clearly visible during the procedure. The bone dust was removed out of the surgical area by the continuous exchanged insuline without the help of suction that can avoid the damage of the membranous semicircular canals caused by aspiration and the open bony canals were precisely filled with bone wax and covered with bone powder to ensure complete occlusion of the three semicircular canals. Postoperative follow-up included regular assessments of vertigo control and hearing preservation.Results:All the 3 patients obtained complete hearing preservation at 6 months after surgery, and the hearing preservation rate was 100%. The average hearing thresholds at 6 months postoperatively were 66.3, 81.3, and 50.0 dBHL, respectively. Postoperatively, all patients experienced horizontal spontaneous nystagmus toward the healthy side on the day of surgery and the first day after surgery. One patient reported complete disappearance of tinnitus, while the other two patients showed no change in tinnitus severity. Postoperative MRI revealed complete occlusion of the three semicircular canals with normal vestibular imaging. At 6 months postoperatively, none of the patients experienced any vertigo attacks, suggesting effective control of vertigo symptoms.Conclusions:Precise Semicircular canal occlusion under CIM-EES is a promising technique for the treatment of intractable vertigo in patients with refractory Meniere′s disease. This method provides clear visualization of the membranous canals, reducing the risk of inner ear damage and preserving hearing function of the patients.