Objective     To construct a radiomics model for identifying clinical high-risk carotid plaques. Methods     A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients with carotid artery stenosis in China-Japan Friendship Hospital from December 2016 to June 2022. The patients were classified as a clinical high-risk carotid plaque group and a clinical low-risk carotid plaque group according to the occurrence of stroke, transient ischemic attack and other cerebrovascular clinical symptoms within six months. Six machine learning models including eXtreme Gradient Boosting, support vector machine, Gaussian Naive Bayesian, logical regression, K-nearest neighbors and artificial neural network were established. We also constructed a joint predictive model combined with logistic regression analysis of clinical risk factors. Results    Finally 652 patients were collected, including 427 males and 225 females, with an average age of 68.2 years. The results showed that the prediction ability of eXtreme Gradient Boosting was the best among the six machine learning models, and the area under the curve (AUC) in validation dataset was 0.751. At the same time, the AUC of eXtreme Gradient Boosting joint prediction model established by clinical data and carotid artery imaging data validation dataset was 0.823. Conclusion     Radiomics features combined with clinical feature model can effectively identify clinical high-risk carotid plaques.

Objective: To investigate the molecular mechanism and identify potential drugs for subthreshold depression (SD), and elucidate the detalied mechanism of Danzhi Xiaoyao powder (DZXY) in SD. Methods: Using RNA-sequencing, we identified differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in leukocytes of SD compared to healthy controls, deciphered their functions and pathways, and identified the hub genes of SD. We also assessed changes in leukocyte transcription factor activity in patients with SD using the TELiS platform. The Connectivity Map database was retrieved to screen candidate drugs for SD. Based on network pharmacology, we elucidated the “multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway” mechanism of DZXY in the treatment of SD. Results: We identified 1080 DEGs (padj <0.05 and |log2 (fold change)| ≥ 1 & protein coding) in the leukocytes of patients with SD. These DEGs, including hub genes, were primarily involved in immune and inflammatory response-related processes. Transcription factor activity analysis revealed similarities between the leukocyte transcriptome profile in SD and the conserved transcriptional response to adversities in immune cells. Connectivity Map analysis identified 28 potential drugs for SD treatment, particularly SB-202190 and TWS-119. Constructing the “Direct Compounds-Direct Targets-Pathways” network for DZXY and SD revealed the curative mechanisms of DZXY in SD, primarily including inflammatory response, lipid metabolism, immune response, and other processes. Conclusion These results provide new insights into the characteristics and functional changes of leukocytes in SD, partially illustrate the pathogenesis of SD, and suggest potential drugs for SD. The curative mechanisms of DZXY in SD are also partially elucidated.

Objective To explore the effects of electroacupuncture on motor function in Parkinson's disease(PD)model mice and NLRP3 inflammasome-related proteins in the midbrain substantia nigra(SN).Methods C57BL/6 mice were assigned to three groups according to the random number table method:control group,model group,and electroacupuncture(EA)group,12 mice per group.The PD model was reproduced by intragastric administration of rotenone solution 10 mg/(kg·d).EA group was administered at the three selected points,"Fengfu"(GV16),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36),with a treatment cycle of 2 weeks.The control and model groups took the same time synchronous fixation operation for the control variable.Behavioral scores and open field tests were used to detect the exercise ability of mice in each group.Tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and α-synuclein(α-syn)in the midbrain SN of mice in all groups were measured with an immunohistochemistry test.NLRP3 and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase-1(Caspase-1)protein expression levels in the midbrain SN of mice in the three groups were measured using Western blotting,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β)content was determined with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Results Compared to the control group,the behavioral scores of the mice in the model group were higher(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the behavioral scores of the mice in the EA group were lower(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the time ratio of the relative rest state of the mice in the model group(<100 mm/s)increased significantly(P<0.01),while the time ratio of the slow motion(100～200 mm/s)and time ratio of the fast motion(>200 mm/s)state decreased significantly(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the time ratio spent in the relative rest state of mice in the EA group decreased significantly(P<0.01),while the time ratio of the slow motion state and time ratio of the fast motion state and movement rate increased significantly(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,the TH expression level decreased in the SN in the model group(P<0.01),while α-syn increased(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,the TH expression level in the EA group increased(P<0.05),while α-syn decreased(P<0.05).Compared to the control group,the protein expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the SN of the model group increased(P<0.01);compared to the model group,the expressions of NLRP3 and Caspase-1 in the SN of the midbrain of mice decreased after EA treatment(P<0.01).Compared to the control group,IL-1β in the SN of the mouse midbrain increased in the model group(P<0.01).Compared to the model group,IL-1β decreased in the EA group(P<0.05).Conclusion This experiment shows that stimulation of EA in"Fengfu","Taichong",and"Zusanli"can effectively reduce abnormal aggregation of the PD marker α-syn,increase TH expression,and enhance the motor dysfunction of PD model mice.The molecular mechanism is related to the regulation of the expression of NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of inflammasome-related pathways.

Purpose To observe the right ventricle and left ventricle blood pool T2 map in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension(CTEPH)and healthy controls,and to analyze the value of T2 mapping technique in evaluating CTEPH.Materials and Methods A total of 42 patients with CTEPH and 42 healthy volunteers had been prospectively recruited from January 2020 to January 2022 in China-Japan Friendship Hospital.All CTEPH patients underwent cardiac magnetic resonance with T2 mapping and right heart catheterization.Cardiac magnetic resonance was performed on healthy controls.Diastolic T2 mapping was performed in cardiac magnetic resonance,and then the ratio of right ventricular to left ventricular T2 values(RVT2/LVT2)between the CTEPH group and the healthy group was calculated and compared.Meanwhile,the correlation between RVT2/LVT2 and hemodynamic parameters in the CTEPH group was analyzed.Results RVT2/LVT2 in the CTEPH group was significantly lower than that in the healthy group(0.74±0.16 vs.0.86±0.12;t=3.673,P<0.001).RVT2/LVT2 in CTEPH group was negatively correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance(r=-0.534,P<0.001);while it was positively correlated with cardiac index,right atrium oxygen saturation,right ventricle oxygen saturation and pulmonary arteries oxygen saturation(r=0.600,0.603,0.648,0.582,P<0.001).Conclusion RVT2/LVT2 in the CTEPH group is positively correlated with right cardiac oxygen saturation and negatively correlated with pulmonary vascular resistance.T2 mapping may be a noninvasive evaluation of hemodynamics in CTEPH.

Objective:To develop and validate a postoperative infection nomogram of hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after hepatectomy.Methods:Clinical data of 229 patients with HCC undergoing hepatectomy at the Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery of Tianjin Third Central Hospital from January 2014 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed, including 174 males and 55 females, aged (58.2±11.4) years. LASSO regression analysis screened the factors associated with hepatitis B-associated HCC infection after hepatectomy, which were further incorporated into multivariate logistic regression analysis. A nomographic prediction model was established based on the results of multivariate logistic regression analysis. Concordance index (C-index), calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the model, and decision curve analysis (DCA) was used to analyze the clinical applicability of the model. Internal validation of the model was performed using bootstrap method.Results:A total of nine variables were screened as factors associated with the postoperative infections using LASSO regression, including gender, smoking history, body mass index (BMI), serum level of alpha fetoprotein, resection fashion (anatomical or non-anatomical), intraoperative blood loss, surgical method (laparoscopy or open), serum level of creatinine, and postoperative biliary fistula. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that BMI, resection fashion, intraoperative blood loss >500 ml, and postoperative biliary fistula were risk factors for postoperative infection (all P<0.05). Based on the above risk factors, a postoperative infection nomogram of hepatitis B-associated HCC after hepatectomy was established. The C-index was 0.839 (95% CI: 0.768-0.910), and the area under ROC curve was 0.853 (95% CI: 0.795-0.912), indicating that the model had a good predictive ability. The calibration curve was basically consistent with the ideal curve. The DCA showed that the model had a good clinical applicability. Internal validation C-index was 0.829 (95% CI: 0.766-0.892). Conclusion:The nomogram based on BMI, surgical resection fashion, intraoperative blood loss >500 ml, and postoperative biliary fistula has a high predictive accuracy and can be used to predict postoperative infections after hepatectomy for HCC.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.

Objective To investigate the effects of electroacupuncture on the intestinal NIMA-related kinase 7(NEK7)/NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3(NLRP3)signaling pathway in mice with Parkinson's disease.Methods According to the randomized number table method,36 C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the control group,the model group,and the electroacupuncture group,with 12 mice per group.The Parkinson's disease mouse model was established by gavage of rotenone solution(10 mg/kg)for 28 d.After molding,the electroacupuncture group was stimulated with"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)for 14 d,while the control group and the model group were only treated with immobilization.The motor ability of mice was detected by pole climbing test and hindlimb rating score,the positive expressions of nigral tyrosine hydroxylase(TH)and colon occludin were detected by immunohistochemistry,the histological morphology of colon was observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining,and Western blotting was used to detect the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and interleukin-1β(IL-1β).Results Compared with the control group,mice in the model group had lower score on the pole climbing test and a higher hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were decreased(P＜0.01);significant inflammatory infiltration was observed in the colonic tissue,and the muscularis propria was thinned;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β in the colonic tissue were elevated(P＜0.01).Compared with the model group,mice in the electroacupuncture group had higher score on the pole climbing test and a lower hindlimb rating score(P＜0.01);the average optical densities of nigral TH and colon occludin were increased(P＜0.01);the degree of inflammatory infiltration of colonic tissues decreased,and the muscularis propria was thickened;and the protein expressions of NEK7,NLRP3,Caspase-1,and IL-1β of colonic tissues were decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusion Electroacupuncture at"Fengfu"(DU17),"Taichong"(LR3),and"Zusanli"(ST36)can improve motor functional impairments in mice with Parkinson's disease,and the mechanism may be through the inhibition of intestinal NEK7/NLRP3 pathway,improving the intestinal barrier damage,relieving the intestinal inflammation,and improving the dopaminergic neuron injury.