Objective To investigate the 30-day mortality risk factors in elderly patients with heart failure with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF) after isolated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) and to construct a nomogram for predicting mortality risk. Methods A retrospective analysis of elderly (≥70 years) HFrEF patients undergoing isolated CABG at Tianjin Chest Hospital from 2010 to 2024 was performed. Simple random sampling in R software was used to divide the dataset into training and validation sets in a 7 : 3 ratio. The training set was further divided into survivors and non-survivors. Univariate logistic regression was performed to identify differences between groups, followed by multivariate logistic regression to select independent risk factors for death and to establish a death-risk nomogram, which underwent internal validation. The predictive value of the nomogram was assessed by plotting receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision-curve analyses for both the training and validation sets. Results A total of 656 patients were included. The training set consisted of 458 patients (survivors 418, deaths 40); the validation set consisted of 198 patients (survivors 180, deaths 18). In the training set, univariate analysis showed significant differences between survivors and deaths for creatinine (Cr) level, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), maximum Cr, intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP) use, assisted ventilation, reintubation, hyperlactatemia, low cardiac output syndrome, and renal failure (P<0.05). After multivariable logistic regression, five independent risk factors were identified: IABP use (OR=3.391, 95%CI 1.065-11.044, P=0.038), reintubation (OR=15.991, 95%CI 4.269-67.394, P<0.001), hyperlactatemia (OR=8.171, 95%CI 2.057-46.089, P=0.007), Cr (OR=4.330, 95%CI 0.997-6.022, P=0.024), and BNP (OR=1.603, 95%CI 1.000-2.000, P=0.010). Accordingly, a nomogram predicting mortality risk was constructed. The ROC and calibration analyses indicated good predictive value: area under the curve (AUC) in the training set was 0.898 (95%CI 0.831-0.966) and in the validation set was 0.912 (95%CI 0.805-1.000). Calibration and decision-curve analyses showed good agreement and clinical utility. Conclusion The nomogram incorporating IABP use, reintubation, hyperlactatemia, creatinine, and BNP provides good predictive value for 30-day mortality after CABG in elderly patients with HFrEF and demonstrates potential clinical utility.

ObjectiveTo investigate the application of central auditory testing combined with electroencephalographic features in the early screening of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease. MethodsA convenience sampling method was used to conduct a field survey in the Qixia District of Nanjing City, Jiangsu Province, from July to September, 2025. A total of 40 older adults diagnosed as mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease and 23 cognitively normal older adults were recruited. Auditory N-back and dichotic listening paradigms were employed for assessment, while the scores of Montreal Cognitive Assessment Beijing Version (MoCA-BJ) and 32-channel electroencephalogram (EEG) data were simultaneously collected. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to identify predictive indicators, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were plotted, and the area under the curve (AUC) was calculated. ResultsThe total score of dichotic listening was positively correlated with overall cognitive function (r = 0.475, P < 0.01), while right-ear advantage showed negative correlations with overall cognition, visuospatial ability, abstract reasoning, and delayed recall (r < -0.276, P < 0.05). Task performance across all conditions of the N-back task was positively correlated with overall cognitive function (r > 0.249, P < 0.05). Regarding EEG features, δ and θ band power and power peaks were positively correlated with delayed recall (r > 0.258, P < 0.05), whereas (α+θ)/(α+β) and θ/(α+β) were positively correlated with naming ability and visuospatial executive function, respectively (r > 0.261, P < 0.05). The results of the binary logistic regression analysis showed that the total score of binaural dichotic listening, the accuracy of 1-back task, the average power of δ waves, and the ratio of θ/(α+β) were independent influencing factors for mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease (P < 0.05). The ROC analysis indicated that the AUC for auditory task performance and EEG features were 0.845 and 0.735 respectively, and when combined, the AUC increased to 0.862. ConclusionThe screening model based on the integration of auditory task performance and EEG features can be used in the early identification of mild cognitive impairment due to Alzheimer's disease.

Clinically， the occurrence of the breaking bad news is inevitable. For patients， they not only need to accept and cope with bad news， but also need to inform the bad news to their families with clear thinking and appropriate language， seeking their support and cooperation. This paper analysed the connotation and informing dilemma of bad news， investigated patients’ informing tendencies， as well as evaluated the advantages and disadvantages of three disclosure methods， including concealment， immediate informing， and staged informing. On these bases， a detailed response strategy for patients to inform their families was proposed in three parts， including pre-preparation， mid-articulation， and post-summary. In the initial phase， thorough preparation is essential. During the middle stage， when delivering bad news， use plain language and help family members adjust their emotions. In the final phase， ensure that all information and viewpoints have been fully communicated. In addition， the roles and analysis steps that doctors should play were analysed from their perspective and combined with the degree of doctor-patient trust. Effective informing of bad news is not only about communication skills， but also involves a deep understanding and respect for the psychological needs of patients and their families. Through meticulous preparation， appropriate expression， emotional support， and clear confirmation， communication and trust are promoted to face and overcome difficulties together.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protective effects of stir-fried Semen Armeniacae Amarum (SAA) against aristolochic acid I (AAI)-induced nephrotoxicity and DNA adducts and elucidate the underlying mechanism involved for ensuring the safe use of Asari Radix et Rhizoma. METHODS: In vitro, HEK293T cells overexpressing Flag-tagged multidrug resistance-associated protein 3 (MRP3) were constructed by Lentiviral transduction, and inhibitory effect of top 10 common pairs of medicinal herbs with Asari Radix et Rhizoma in clinic on MRP3 activity was verified using a self-constructed fluorescence screening system. The mRNA, protein expressions, and enzyme activity levels of NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1) and cytochrome P450 1A2 (CYP1A2) were measured in differentiated HepaRG cells. Hepatocyte toxicity after inhibition of AAI metabolite transport was detected using cell counting kit-8 assay. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into 5 groups according to a random number table, including: control (1% sodium bicarbonate), AAI (10 mg/kg), stir-fried SAA (1.75 g/kg) and AAI + stir-fried SAA (1.75 and 8.75 g/kg) groups, 6 mice in each group. After 7 days of continuous gavage administration, liver and kidney damages were assessed, and the protein expressions and enzyme activity of liver metabolic enzymes NQO1 and CYP1A2 were determined simultaneously. RESULTS: In vivo, combination of 1.75 g/kg SAA and 10 mg/kg AAI suppressed AAI-induced nephrotoxicity and reduced dA-ALI formation by 26.7%, and these detoxification effects in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). Mechanistically, SAA inhibited MRP3 transport in vitro, downregulated NQO1 expression in vivo, increased CYP1A2 expression and enzymatic activity in vitro and in vivo, respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Notably, SAA also reduced AAI-induced hepatotoxicity throughout the detoxification process, as indicated by a 41.3% reduction in the number of liver adducts (P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Stir-fried SAA is a novel drug candidate for the suppression of AAI-induced liver and kidney damages. The protective mechanism may be closely related to the regulation of transporters and metabolic enzymes.
Aristolochic Acids/toxicity* ; Animals ; Humans ; NAD(P)H Dehydrogenase (Quinone)/genetics* ; HEK293 Cells ; Kidney/pathology* ; Cytochrome P-450 CYP1A2/genetics* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; DNA Adducts/drug effects* ; Male ; Kidney Diseases/drug therapy* ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Mice ; Prunus armeniaca ; Plant Extracts

Objective To investigate the effect of midazolam on neuronal damage in ischemic stroke （IS） rats and its regulatory effect on PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 （PINK1）/E3 ubiquitin ligase （PARKIN） signaling pathway. Methods An IS rat model was established using arterial occlusion method. The rats with successful model were randomly divided into IS group, drug-low, medium, high-dose （drug-L, M, H, 30, 60, 90 mg/kg midazolam） groups, drug-H+autophagy inhibitor 3-MA group （90 mg/kg midazolam+30 mg/kg 3-MA）, and rats with only isolated blood vessels were used as sham surgery groups. Each group received corresponding doses of drugs or physiological saline intervention, and the neurological function scoring, brain histopathology, neuronal apoptosis, ultrastructure, and expression of PINK1, PARKIN, microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3 （LC3）, and P62 protein in mitochondria were detected. Results Compared with the IS group, the pathological damage of the drug-L group, drug-M group, and drug-H group was improved, and autophagosomes showed an increasing trend, the expression of PINK1, PARKIN, and LC3 proteins increased, the neurological function score, neuronal apoptosis rate, and P62 protein obviously decreased in a dose-dependent manner （P<0.01 or P<0.001）; compared with the drug-H group, the pathological damage in the drug-H+3-MA group increased and autophagosomes decreased, the expression of PINK1, PARKIN, and LC3 proteins decreased, the neurological function score, neuronal apoptosis rate, and P62 protein obviously increased （P<0.001）. Conclusion Midazolam induced mitochondrial autophagy in IS rats by activating the PINK1/PARKIN signaling pathway, neuronal apoptosis was reduced and neuronal damage were improved in IS rats.

OBJECTIVE To compare the short-term efficacy of autologous frozen tragus perichondrium and fresh perichondrium in repairing tympanic membrane perforations,and to explore the clinical application value of autologous frozen tragus perichondrium.METHODS Twenty-five patients with bilateral tympanic membrane perforations from March 2021 to October 2023 were selected,including 7 males and 18 females.Bilateral tympanoplasty was completed in stages.The initial operation was set as the control group,in which the ventral perichondrium of the tragus was used for tympanoplasty,and the dorsal perichondrium of the tragus was reserved and stored at-80℃ultra-low temperature in a sterile container.The second operation was set as the observation group,in which the thawed frozen perichondrium was used for contralateral tympanoplasty.The differences in the healing rate of tympanic membrane,postoperative hearing,operation time and surgical bleeding volume were compared between the two groups.RESULTS All patients were followed up for three months.The success rate of tympanic membrane healing in the observation group was 96%(24/25),and that in the control group was 92%(23/25).There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups(χ2=0.36,P>0.05).The operation time and surgical bleeding volume of patients in the observation group were lower than those in the control group[(48.64±4.64)min vs.(67.92±5.69)min,(5.32±1.54)ml vs.(9.65±1.73)ml],and the differences were statistically significant(t=13.93,t=12.09,P all<0.05).The postoperative air conduction hearing thresholds and air-bone conduction gap of the two groups of patients were lower than those before operation(all P<0.05).There was no difference in air conduction hearing threshold,bone conduction hearing threshold and air-bone conduction difference between the groups(all P>0.05).CONCLUSION The application of autologous frozen tragus perichondrium has effectively shortened the operation time of the contralateral ear,avoided the trauma caused by taking materials again,and has the characteristics of minimally invasive and high efficiency.The method is feasible and the curative effect is accurate.

Biothiols are a kind of bioactive substances which play an important role in maintaining normal metabolism and intracellular redox homeostasis of living system.The detection of biothiols has important guiding significance in study of physiological process and disease diagnosis.Among many biothiols detection methods,fluorescence probe method has become one of the widely used methods for detection of biothiols because of its advantages such as high sensitivity,good selectivity,non-invasiveness and convenience.The fluorescence probe method can realize single identification of one kind of biothiols and multi-channel identification of many kinds of biothiols.Meanwhile,fluorescence probe method can also cooperate with naked-eye visual detection,photoacoustic detection,ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy detection and other modes to achieve multi-mode recognition of biothiols.In this paper,the recent research progress on fluorescent probes in the field of multi-channel and multi-mode recognition of biothiols was reviewed,and its design strategy,detection mode,detection signal and application in biological detection were summarized.The development of multi-channel and multi-mode detection of biothiols was also prospected.

Background The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is a vast area with a wide array of ecological environments, resulting in considerable regional variations in air pollution characteristics. Current research is limited by a scarcity of systematic, region-wide studies and risk assessments. Objective To assess the health risks associated with inhalation exposure to nine heavy metal and metalloid elements in atmospheric fine particulate matter (PM_2.5) for the population of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. Methods From the 10th to the 16th of each month throughout 2023, atmospheric PM_2.5 samples were collected at designated monitoring sites in 12 leagues (cities) across the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region to analyze the characteristics and trends in concentration. The health risk assessment model developed by the United States Environmental Protection Agency was employed to evaluate both the non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic risks associated with the heavy metal elements beryllium (Be), cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), hydrargyrum (Hg), plumbum (Pb), manganese (Mn), and nickel (Ni) and the metalloid elements stibium (Sb) and arsenic (As). Results In 2023, a total of 1206 valid PM_2.5 samples were analyzed from the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. The annual average PM_2.5 concentrations in Inner Mongolia, as well as in the cities of Ordos, Wuhai, and the Alxa League, all exceeded the national limit of 35 μg·m⁻³. The PM_2.5 concentrations across the leagues (cities) exhibited a clear seasonal variation, peaking in winter, followed by spring, and reaching a minimum in summer and autumn. The median PM_2.5 concentration in Ordos throughout the year was higher than that in the other leagues (cities) of the region. Concerning health risks, the non-carcinogenic risks associated with the 9 elements detected in each league (city) were all below 1, indicating acceptable levels. However, the non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn, Cr, and As were relatively high; specifically, Ordos City displayed the highest non-carcinogenic risk values for Mn (7.74×10⁻¹) and Cr (2.97×10⁻²), while Chifeng City recorded the highest value for As (2.34×10⁻³). The carcinogenic risk values for As, Cd, Cr, and Ni fell within the range of 1×10⁻⁹ to 1×10⁻⁵, representing an acceptable level. The health risks varied with age, and the elderly residents faced the highest non-carcinogenic and carcinogenic health risks. Conclusion While the carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic risks from heavy metals and metalloids within atmospheric PM_2.5 in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region are generally within acceptable limits, the potential risks that Mn, As, and Cr pose to the health of elderly people warrants particular attention, and Ordos and Chifeng cities exhibit notably higher health risks among other areas. It is recommended that regular, long-term monitoring be conducted, taking into account the specific conditions at monitoring sites across each league (city), and that targeted air quality management strategies be implemented to protect public health.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is indicated as a broad-spectrum medicine for a variety of diseases, including cancer and cardiac disease. While the role of ATO in hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI) has not been reported. Thus, the purpose of this study was to identify the effects of ATO on HIRI. METHODS: In the present study, we established a 70% hepatic warm I/R injury and partial hepatectomy (30% resection) animal models in vivo and hepatocytes anoxia/reoxygenation (A/R) models in vitro with ATO pretreatment and further assessed liver function by histopathologic changes, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, cell counting kit-8, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay. Small interfering RNA (siRNA) for extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2 was transfected to evaluate the role of ERK1/2 pathway during HIRI, followed by ATO pretreatment. The dynamic process of autophagic flux and numbers of autophagosomes were detected by green fluorescent protein-monomeric red fluorescent protein-LC3 (GFP-mRFP-LC3) staining and transmission electron microscopy. RESULTS: A low dose of ATO (0.75 μmol/L in vitro and 1 mg/kg in vivo ) significantly reduced tissue necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatocyte apoptosis during the process of hepatic I/R. Meanwhile, ATO obviously promoted the ability of cell proliferation and liver regeneration. Mechanistically, in vitro  studies have shown that nontoxic concentrations of ATO can activate both ERK and phosphoinositide 3-kinase-serine/threonine kinase (PI3K-AKT) pathways and further induce autophagy. The hepatoprotective mechanism of ATO, at least in part, relies on the effects of ATO on the activation of autophagy, which is ERK-dependent. CONCLUSION Low, non-toxic doses of ATO can activate ERK/PI3K-AKT pathways and induce ERK-dependent autophagy in hepatocytes, protecting liver against I/R injury and accelerating hepatocyte regeneration after partial hepatectomy.
Animals ; Arsenic Trioxide ; Autophagy/physiology* ; Reperfusion Injury/prevention & control* ; Mice ; Male ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/physiology* ; Arsenicals/therapeutic use* ; Oxides/therapeutic use* ; Liver/metabolism* ; Extracellular Signal-Regulated MAP Kinases/metabolism* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL

Objective:To analyze the echocardiographic features of different subtypes of Takayasu arteritis（TA）complicated with heart failure（HF），and to explore the clinical application value of echocardiography in the assessment of TA-HF.Methods:Comprehensive clinical and echocardiographic data were collected from 328 consecutive patients with TA who were admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University between January 2010 and December 2023. HF was diagnosed and classified according to the criteria outlined in the China guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of heart failure 2024. A total of 38 TA-HF patients was selected and enrolled. Based on left ventricular ejection fraction（LVEF），they were grouped into preserved LVEF（HFpEF）group（LVEF≥50%， n=22）and the reduced LVEF（HFmr/rEF）group（LVEF<50%， n=16）. Clinical and echocardiographic data were compared between the HFpEF group and the HFmr/rEF group. Multivariate analysis was performed to evaluate the risk factors for the occurrence of heart failure. Results:① The incidence of HF was 11.6% in patients with TA（38/328）. In the patients with TA-HF，Numano Type Ⅴ accounted for 52.6%（20/38）. According to HF classification standard，TA-HF most commonly manifested as HFpEF at 57.9%（22/38），HFmrEF and HFrEF each accounted for 21.05%（8/38）respectively. ②Echocardiographic analysis revealed the following findings in TA-HF patients：34（89.5%）patients exhibited left heart dilation，4（10.5%）patients demonstrated right heart dilation，23（60.5%）patients presented with left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy，18（47.4%）patients had moderate/severe aortic valve regurgitation，9（23.7%）patients showed diffuse left ventricular myocardial wall motion abnormalities，8（21.1%）patients displayed segmental left ventricular myocardial wall motion abnormalities，and 11（28.9%）patients were diagnosed with pulmonary hypertension. ③Intergroup comparisons demonstrated significantly lower levels of erythrocyte sedimentation rate，reduced proportions of patients in clinical active phase，and lower incidence of moderate/severe aortic regurgitation in HFmr/rEF group versus HFpEF group（all P<0.05）. Conversely，HFmr/rEF group exhibited significantly higher rates of myocardial motion abnormalities，left atrial anteroposterior diameter，left ventricular end-systolic anteroposterior diameter，and left ventricular end-systolic volume compared to HFpEF group（all P<0.05）. ④Multivariate regression analysis identified left ventricular wall motion abnormality，pulmonary hypertension，moderate/severe aortic regurgitation and left ventricular myocardial hypertrophy as independent risk factors for TA-HF development. Conclusions:TA-HF exhibits diverse echocardiographic manifestations，with distinct echocardiographic features observed among different subtypes. Echocardiography plays a crucial role in the diagnosis，classification，and risk stratification of TA-HF.