Objective: To explore whether digital facial and tongue diagnostic technologies can support the assessment of coronary heart disease (CHD) patients for coronary artery stenosis severity, and examine potential associations between digital tongue diagnosis features and myocardial biomarkers. Methods: The TFDA-1 face and tongue diagnosis instrument and the TDAS analysis system were used to perform intelligent visual examination and analysis of the facial and tongue in CHD patients who attended the Department of Cardiology at Shanghai Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine between October 2, 2023 and July 31, 2024. Variables were screened using principal component analysis (PCA) and multicollinearity analysis to construct four machine learning models, including random forest, LightGBM, decision tree, and naive Bayes, for the early prediction of coronary artery stenosis severity. Model performance metrics, including sensitivity, specificity, precision, F1 score, accuracy, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC), were evaluated. Visual analyses were performed using the SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) interpreter and decision curve analysis. For patients after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), a conceptual model linking cardiac biomarkers and tongue diagnosis was constructed using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM), and its validity was assessed. Results: A total of 459 CHD patients were enrolled and assigned to a PCI group and a non-PCI group (which comprised two subgroups: mild stenosis or less group, moderate stenosis or greater group). For sublingual vein (SV) features, the PCI group had lower SV-a and SV-b than the other groups (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05, respectively). For tongue surface features, the PCI group had significantly higher tongue body (TB)-L, TB-a, and TB-b (P < 0.05, P < 0.01, and P < 0.001, respectively), as well as higher tongue coating (TC)-a and TC-b (P < 0.01 and P < 0.001, respectively). Age, SV-a, SV-b, creatine kinase-myocardial band (CK-MB), CK, TC-a, lip-L, and lip-b were incorporated in the machine learning models. The random forest model performed best, with an AUC of 0.924, an F1 score of 0.839, precision of 0.807, accuracy of 0.864, sensitivity of 0.873, and specificity of 0.839. Decision curve analysis indicated that both LightGBM and random forest had clinical utility. PLS-SEM confirmed the pathway relationships: myocardial biomarkers → TB and myocardial biomarkers → TC (coefficient = – 0.238, t = 2.239, P = 0.025, and coefficient = – 0.270, t = 2.522, P = 0.012, respectively). Conclusion This study developed a noninvasive early warning model for coronary artery stenosis in patients with CHD. It applied PLS-SEM to investigate the association between post-PCI cardiac biomarkers and tongue diagnosis, and validated the proposed association chain. These findings suggest that intelligent traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) visual diagnosis integrated with modern digital technology may support CHD risk assessment and comprehensive health management.

Neurodegenerative diseases constitute a group of chronic disorders characterized by the progressive loss of neurons. Major neurodegenerative conditions include Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, Huntington's disease, frontotemporal lobar degeneration, and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis. Pathologically, these diseases are marked by the accumulation of aggregates formed by pathological proteins such as amyloid-β, tau, α-synuclein, and TAR DNA-binding protein 43. These proteins assemble into amyloid fibrils that undergo prion-like propagation and dissemination, ultimately inducing neurodegeneration. Understanding the biology of these protein aggregates is fundamental to elucidating the pathophysiology of neurodegenerative disorders. In this review, we summarize the molecular mechanisms underlying the aggregation and transmission of pathological proteins, the processes through which these protein aggregates trigger neurodegeneration, and the interactions between different pathological proteins. We also provide an overview of the current diagnostic approaches and therapeutic strategies targeting pathological protein aggregates.
Humans ; Neurodegenerative Diseases/metabolism* ; alpha-Synuclein/metabolism* ; Amyloid beta-Peptides/metabolism* ; tau Proteins/metabolism* ; Protein Aggregation, Pathological/metabolism* ; DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism* ; Animals ; Protein Aggregates/physiology*

To investigate the effect of isthmin-1 (ISM1) on the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer and its underlying mechanism, this study analyzed the expression of ISM1 in pancreatic cancer patients and normal pancreatic tissues using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Western blot was employed to detect differences in ISM1 protein expression between pancreatic cancer cell lines (Aspc1, Bxpc3, PANC1, SW1990) and the pancreatic epithelial cell line (hPNE). Cell models with stable ISM1 overexpression and knockdown were constructed, and changes in cell migration and invasion capabilities were assessed via Transwell invasion assays and wound healing assays. Meanwhile, Western blot was used to detect the expression levels of key markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Furthermore, TCGA and the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were utilized to analyze pathways regulated downstream of ISM1 and the mechanisms promoting pancreatic cancer invasion and metastasis. Immunoprecipitation combined with mass spectrometry (IP-MS) was used to screen for vimentin as an ISM1-binding protein, and the interaction between ISM1 and vimentin was verified by immunofluorescence and co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Bxpc3 cells overexpressing ISM1 were treated with the protein synthesis inhibitor cycloheximide (CHX) to detect vimentin protein stability. The results indicate that ISM1 promotes the EMT process by inhibiting vimentin degradation, thereby enhancing the invasion and metastasis of pancreatic cancer. This study provides new experimental evidence for elucidating the mechanism of pancreatic cancer metastasis.

BACKGROUND:Ferroptosis is a programmed cell death caused by iron dependent lipid peroxidation,involving various processes such as iron overload,lipid peroxidation,and endoplasmic reticulum stress.Research has found that ferroptosis is closely related to the occurrence and development of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury,and has become a new target and perspective for MIRI treatment.Traditional Chinese medicine has advantages such as multi-target,multi-level,and fewer adverse reactions,and has significant effects in the treatment of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury,with a far-reaching impact.OBJECTIVE:Taking ferroptosis as the starting point,to systematically elaborate and summarize the research progress in the modulation of ferroptosis against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury by monomers of traditional Chinese medicines such as puerarin,resveratrol,ligustrazine,and astragaloside IV in recent years.METHODS:Using the search terms"iron death,myocardial injury,myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury,signaling pathways,traditional Chinese medicine monomers,flavonoids,polyphenols,alkaloids,terpenes,quinones"in Chinese and English from January 2013 to June 2024,literature retrieval was performed in the CNKI and PubMed respectively for literature related to ferroptosis,myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury,and the regulatory mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine monomers.Literature that is not highly correlated,repetitive,or outdated was excluded.A total of 1 524 relevant articles were retrieved,and 76 articles were ultimately included for review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Numerous animal and cell experiments have shown that ferroptosis plays an important role in the occurrence and progression of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.Traditional Chinese medicine monomers such as baicalin,resveratrol,and ligustrazine can regulate iron metabolism,reduce iron deposition,and inhibit ferroptosis in myocardial cells.Pectin,quercetin,and salidroside can improve mitochondrial function,enhance cellular antioxidant capacity,and alleviate myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury.Traditional Chinese medicine monomers can regulate ferroptosis-related signaling pathways,such as solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione peroxidase 4,dihydrolactate dehydrogenase/coenzyme Q10,cyclooxygenase 2/prostaglandin E2,and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase,resist myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury,and reduce ferroptosis in myocardial cells.

Objective:To investigate impacts of paeoniflorin on inflammation and nuclear transcription factor-κB(NF-κB)/nucleotide-binding oligomeric domain-like receptor protein 3(NLRP3)signal pathway in knee osteoarthritis(KOA)model rats.Meth-ods:SD rats were randomly grouped into model group,glucosamine group,paeoniflorin low-dose group,paeoniflorin high-dose group,paeoniflorin high-dose+phorbol ester(PMA)(NF-κB activator)group,with 10 rats in each group,another 10 rats were regarded as control group,and only knee joint capsule was cut,after treatment with glucosamine,paeoniflorin and PMA,joint pain symptoms of rats were detected by mechanical stimulation method and thermal radiation method;knee joint width,joint swelling and synovial thick-ness were measured;HE staining was applied to detect joint tissue structure and morphology of rats in each group;levels of inflamma-tory factors IL-1β,monocyte chemoattractant protein 1(MCP-1)and IL-9 in joint fluid and serum of rats were detected by ELISA;and Western blot was applied to detect expressions of NF-κB/NLRP3 signal pathway related proteins in rat joint tissue.Results:Com-pared with control group,joint tissue structure of model group was significantly damaged,mechanical pain threshold and thermal sen-sitivity pain threshold were significantly lower(P<0.05),knee joint width,joint swelling and synovial thickness,levels of IL-1β,MCP-1 and IL-9 in joint fluid and serum,and expression of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 proteins in joint tissue were higher(P<0.05).Compared with model group,joint tissue damage of rats in glucosamine group,paeoniflorin low-dose group and paeoniflorin high-dose group was reduced,mechanical pain threshold and thermal sensitivity pain threshold were higher(P<0.05),knee joint width,joint swelling and synovial thickness,levels of IL-1β,MCP-1 and IL-9 in joint fluid and serum,and expressions of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 proteins in joint tissue were lower(P<0.05);joint tissue injury of rats in paeoniflorin high-dose group was further reduced compared with paeoniflorin low-dose group,mechanical pain threshold and thermal sensitivity pain threshold were further higher(P<0.05),knee joint width,joint swelling and synovial thickness,levels of IL-1β,MCP-1 and IL-9 in joint fluid and serum,and expression of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 proteins in joint tissue were further lower(P<0.05).Compared with paeoniflorin high-dose group,joint tissue damage of rats in paeoniflorin high-dose+PMA group was increased,mechanical pain threshold and thermal sensitivity pain threshold were lower(P<0.05),knee joint width,joint swelling and synovial thickness,levels of IL-1β,MCP-1 and IL-9 in joint fluid and serum,and expression of p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and NLRP3 proteins in joint tissue were higher(P<0.05);there was no significant change in all indexes of rats in glucosamine group(P>0.05).Conclusion:Paeoniflorin can play an anti-inflammatory role by down-regulating the NF-κB/NLRP3 signal pathway,thus alleviating joint injury and joint pain symptoms of KOA rats.

Objective:To explore the effect of secreted frizzled-related protein 3 (sFRP3) on tau aggregation.Methods:(1) Twelve wild-type C57BL/6J mice and 12 P301S mutant tau transgenic (tau P301S) mice were selected; Western blotting was used to detect the sFRP3 protein expression in the brain tissues; co-immunoprecipitation experiment was conducted to verify endogenous sFRP3 binding to tau; and double immunofluorescent staining was performed to observe whether sFRP3 co-localized with phosphorylated tau. (2) Recombinant human tau (K18) and sFRP3 protein were purified, and pre-formed fibrils (PFFs) containing only K18 or mixed PFFs (containing both sFRP3 and K18) were prepared; His pull-down assay was adopted to verify exogenous purified sFRP3 binding to tau. Aggregation of these two types of PFFs was observed by thioflavin T (ThT) fluorescence,and anti-digestibility of these two types of PFFs was detected by proteinase K (PK) assay. Ultrastructure of two types of PFFs was observed under transmission electron microscope. (3) HEK293 cells stably expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP) and tau repeat domain (GFP-tau RD HEK293) were treated with the two tpyes of PFFs; intracellular tau aggregation was observed by immunofluorescence; intracellular soluble or insoluble component was evaluated by density gradient lysis. SH-SY5Y cells were treated with the two types of PFFs; cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell viability; Western blotting was used to detect the expressions of apoptosis-related proteins (Bcl-2-associated X protein [Bax] and cleaved caspase-3); double staining with propidium iodide (PI) and Hoechst 33342, and TUNEL were used to detect cell apoptosis. Primary neurons were treated with the two types of PFFs; density of dendritic spines was measured by 1,1'-dioctadecyl-3,3,3',3'-tetramethylindocarbocyanine perchlorate (DiI) staining; expressions of synaptic proteins, such as synapsin I and vesicle-associated membrane protein 2 (VAMP2), were detected by Western blotting and double immunofluorescent staining. Results:(1) sFRP3 expression in the brain tissues of tau P301S mice was significantly higher than that in wild-type mice (1.10±0.05 vs. 0.79±0.06, P<0.05). In the brain tissues of wild-type mice, endogenous sFRP3 could bind to tau, and in the brain tissues of tau P301S mice, sFRP3 and phosphorylated tau were co-localized. (2) Exogenous tau and sFRP3 could interact with each other. After constant temperature oscillation for approximately 180 minutes, the ThT fluorescent intensity in mixed PFFs was significantly higher than that in K18 PFFs. Remaining proteins of mixed PFFs were significantly increased compared with those of K18 PFFs after the same digestion time of 1 and 2 μg/mL PK (0.77±0.02 vs. 0.67±0.03; 0.52±0.04 vs. 0.33±0.02, P<0.05). The ultrastructure of mixed PFFs was longer and more compact than K18 PFFs. (3) Compared with K18 PFFs, mixed PFFs formed more intracellular tau aggregation points and had more insoluble components (insoluble protein and soluble protein ratio: 0.43±0.04 and 0.92±0.08), with significant differences ( P<0.05). Compared with K18 PFFs, mixed PFFs had significantly decreased SH-SY5Y cell viability (0.44±0.01 vs. 0.24±0.02), significantly up-regulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein expressions (0.71±0.04 vs. 0.87±0.04; 0.60±0.06 vs. 0.88±0.03), significantly increased percentage of apoptotic cells (PI/Hoechst staining: 8.00%±0.49% vs. 18.11%±1.13%; TUNEL staining: 6.62%±0.91% vs. 14.94%±1.32%, P<0.05). Compared with the K18 PFFs group, the mixed PFFs group had significantly decreased density of dendritic spines ([5.7±0.28]/10 μm vs. [2.7±0.29]/10 μm), synapsin I and VAMP2 expressions (0.95±0.02 vs. 0.48±0.04; 0.88±0.03 vs. 0.52±0.06), and average fluorescent intensity of synapsin I and VAMP2 in the primary neurons (7.73±0.70 vs. 2.74±0.34; 6.14±0.60 vs. 2.96±0.54, P<0.05). Conclusion:sFRP3 interacts with tau to promote tau aggregation, and enhance the cytotoxic effect of tau aggregation.

Objective To study the shielding effect of water body on γ spectrometer during underwater measurements.Methods A mathematical model of water immersion was constructed for the 3-inch(ф76.2 mm×76.2 mm)lanthanum bromide detector.The totipotent peak count rate of 10 typical γ characteristic energies under different radius water sphere conditions was calculated by MCNP software,and the relationship was established.Results The effective radii of γ photons of different energies based on the 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector was obtained.The relation of energy and effective radius was established,and the effective radius of Tl-208@2614keV was 102.99 cm.Conclusion The quantitative relationship between photons of different energies of a typical 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector and effective radius had been established theoretically,which provides a theoretical basis for measuring and analyzing radioactive water body by γ spectrometer.

Objective To study the shielding effect of water body on γ spectrometer during underwater measurements.Methods A mathematical model of water immersion was constructed for the 3-inch(ф76.2 mm×76.2 mm)lanthanum bromide detector.The totipotent peak count rate of 10 typical γ characteristic energies under different radius water sphere conditions was calculated by MCNP software,and the relationship was established.Results The effective radii of γ photons of different energies based on the 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector was obtained.The relation of energy and effective radius was established,and the effective radius of Tl-208@2614keV was 102.99 cm.Conclusion The quantitative relationship between photons of different energies of a typical 3-inch lanthanum bromide detector and effective radius had been established theoretically,which provides a theoretical basis for measuring and analyzing radioactive water body by γ spectrometer.

Objective:We aimed to analyze the spatio-temporal trend of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 and predict the development trend from 2024 to 2030.Methods:Data on the incidence and mortality of breast cancer in Shandong Province from 2012 to 2023 were obtained from the Shandong Cancer Registry. The incidence, age-specific incidence, mortality, and age-specific mortality in different years, as well as in urban and rural areas, were calculated, and the rates were standardized based on the age composition of the Chinese standard population in 2000. The average annual percent change (AAPC) rate was calculated using Joinpoint 4.8.0.1 software. The global and local spatial autocorrelation analysis were performed using GeoDa 1.12 software. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model was used to predict the trend of breast cancer incidence and mortality from 2024 to 2030.Results:From 2012 to 2023, the breast cancer age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) showed an increasing trend. The ASIR increased from 30.48/100 000 in 2012 to 39.94/100 000 in 2023 (AAPC=2.59%, P<0.001). The ASIR of urban and rural females also showed an upward trend. Additionally, the ASIR in rural areas (AAPC=3.33%, P<0.001) increased more than that in urban areas (AAPC=1.83%, P=0.002). The incidence peak of breast cancer mainly concentrated in population aged 45-64 years, and with the increase of years, the incidence peak gradually moved forward. The age-standardized mortality rate (ASMR) showed a downward trend. The ASMR decreased from 6.89/100 000 in 2012 to 4.93/100 000 in 2023 (AAPC=-3.12%, P<0.001). The ASMR of urban and rural females also showed a downward trend (urban: AAPC=-3.56%, P=0.007; rural: AAPC=-2.72%, P<0.001). The spatial analysis showed that from 2015 to 2023, the clustering areas of breast cancer incidence and mortality in Shandong had changed significantly. In 2015, the "High-high clusters" of ASIR mainly included Wendeng District in Weihai City, Dongying District, Kenli District, Lijin County, Guangrao County in Dongying City, Tianqiao District, Shizhong District in Jinan City; In 2023, the "High-high clusters" mainly included Jiaxiang County, Liangshan County, Jinxiang County, Wenshang County, Rencheng District in Jining City, Hedong District in Linyi City, Guangrao County in Dongying City. In 2015, the "High-high clusters" of ASMR only included Wenshang County in Jining City. In 2023, the "High-high clusters" mainly included Laizhou County in Yantai City, Junan County and Yishui County in Linyi City, Gaotang County in Liaocheng City, Dongping County and Ningyang County in Taian City. The Bayesian age-period-cohort model predicted that the ASIR trend of breast cancer in Shandong tended to be smooth (AAPC=0.33%, P=0.001). However, the ASMR remained decreasing (AAPC=-4.68%, P<0.001). Conclusions:The breast cancer incidence in Shandong showed an increasing trend, and it is expected to be smooth by 2030. However, the mortality showed a continuous downward trend. The incidence peak was mainly in the population aged 45-64 years, with obvious regional differences. Targeted prevention and control measures should be taken for high-risk groups and areas in Shandong Province.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of transurethral incision for the treatment of ureterocele in infants.Methods:A retrospective analysis of 28 cases of ureterocele admitted from March 2012 to May 2023 were reviewed, all of which were less than 1 year old, 16 male and 12 female, with an average age of(5.7±3.5)months. The ureterocele was located on the left side in 8 cases, on the right side in 15 cases, and bilaterally in 5 cases. There were 12 cases of single system ureterocele, of which 7 cases were unilateral and 5 cases were bilateral. Duplex system ureterocele was observed in 16 cases, all of which were unilateral. Clinical manifestations: urinary tract infection in 13 cases, 11 cases of ureterocele or hydronephrosis and ureteral dilation were found during antenatal examination, and 4 cases of ureterocele were found after birth. Urological ultrasound, intravenous pyelography(IVP) and voiding cystourethrography(VCUG) were performed in all children, and 17 cases underwent magnetic resonance urolography (MRU), and confirm the diagnosis of ureterocele preoperatively. All of the cases were performed the transurethral incision.The ureterocele was punctured and incised 1-2 mm at the base of the bulge, and 2-4 points were punctured according to the bulge atrophy. Bilateral ureteroceles were punctured and incised simultaneously. Postoperative urine routine test, urinary tract color ultrasound and VCUG were performed to determine if there is urinary tract infection, hydronephrosis, ureteral dilation and bulging, and whether a second surgery is needed.Results:All operations were conducted successfully. The intraoperative bleeding was less than 3 ml and no intraoperative complications. The operative time was (28.4±10.3) min. The median postoperative follow-up was 34 (32, 36) months. Six cases underwent postoperative VCUG examination. Eleven children were recovered well with single systemic ureterocele. One child developed grade Ⅳ vesicoureteral reflux(VUR)and combined with bladder diverticulum, and ureterocele underwent open diverticulotomy and ureteral reimplantation six months after surgery. Nine children were recovered well with duplex systemic ureterocele. Six cases of children developed infection, of which 2 cases had an infection once within one month after TUI, and the other four cases still had intermittent infections after six months and VCUG was performed, and one case showed grade Ⅲ VUR of the lower ureter, which was observed conservatively, while the other three cases had enlarged cysts but no VUR, and upper heminephrectomy was performed, and the patients recovered well after surgery. Except for these 6 exceptions, in another case, after ten years of follow-up, the ureterocele became larger but no VUR, and the results were good after a second transurethral incision. There was no significant difference in the postoperative infections, new VUR cases, and secondary surgeries between the two groups.Conclusions:Transurethral incision has good surgical effect on children with single system ureterocele and duplex system ureterocele, and has advantages of easy operation, less trauma, safety and effectiveness, and few complications. It deserves to be recommended as the treatment of choice, especially for infants and young children.