Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.

Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.

Background: Epimedii Folium, first recorded in the Shennong’s Classic of Materia Medica (Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing), is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) known for its effects of “benefiting Qi and strengthening the heart.” Icariside II (ICS II) is one of the main active components of Epimedii Folium, possessing cardiovascular protective and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the potential mechanisms of ICS II on myocardial ischemia (MI) remain unclear. Objective: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II in treating isoproterenolinduced MI in rats. Methods: A rat model of MI was established by subcutaneous injection of isoproterenol. Electrocardiography, echocardiography, myocardial enzymes analysis, heart weight index, triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, histopathology, TUNEL staining, RT-qPCR, and Western blot were employed to evaluate the effects and preliminary molecular mechanisms of ICS II on MI rats. Results: Pharmacodynamic studies suggested that ICS II inhibited ST-segment elevation in electrocardiograms, improved cardiac function, reduced heart weight index and myocardial enzyme levels, decreased myocardial infarct size, alleviated cardiac histological damage, and inhibited apoptosis, thereby exerting cardioprotective effects in MI rats. Further studies revealed that ICS II may partially inhibit the expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis-related targets at both protein and mRNA levels. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that ICS II exerts anti-MI effects, and its preliminary molecular mechanisms may be related to inhibiting the activation of the NLRP3/Caspase-1 axis to alleviate inflammatory responses.

Objective To analyze the differences and connections between the current grading and classification methods for nuclear medicine workplaces, and to provide technical guidance for environmental impact assessments and technical reviews. Methods By comparing the objects, purposes, and computational approaches between the two methods, this article illustrates the usage of both methods through specific examples and analyzes the relationship between them. Results The two methods differed in objects, purposes, and computational approaches. The A, B, and C grading scheme was primarily used to establish the level of administrative supervision for an entire nuclear medicine workplace. In contrast, the I, II, and III classification system specifies the hardware facilities and engineering protection requirements of internal places or rooms. Conclusion These two methods are complementary and collectively provide a complete framework for the assessment of nuclear medicine workplaces.

AIM:This study aimed to investigate the mechanism by which celoside I enhances mitophagy in a model of optic nerve injury through regulation of reactive oxygen species(ROS)-mediated c-Jun N-terminal kinase(JNK)/c-Jun signaling pathway.METHODS:Twenty-four New Zealand white rabbits were randomly divided into four groups:sham surgery,model,mecobalamin,and experimental group.Optic nerve injury was induced in the model,mecobala-min,and experimental groups,while the sham surgery group underwent a sham procedure.The mecobalamin group re-ceived mecobalamin,the experimental group received celoside I,and the sham surgery and model groups received saline.Interventions were administered daily for 28 d.Various techniques including endoscopy,hematoxylin-eosin(HE)stain-ing,TUNEL method,immunofluorescence staining and Western blot were used to assess fundus condition,retinal mor-phology,apoptosis,ROS expression,and protein levels in the retina.RESULTS:Fundus examination revealed im-proved blood flow in the mecobalamin and experimental groups compared to the model group.Retinal morphology showed enhanced retinal ganglion cells(RGCs)in the mecobalamin and experimental groups.Apoptosis index was lower in the mecobalamin group compared to the experimental group.Immunofluorescence staining indicated reduced ROS and P62 ex-pression and increased parkin and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3(LC3)expression in the experimental group compared to the mecobalamin group.Protein analysis showed decreased JNK,c-Jun,and P62 levels,and increased parkin and LC3 levels in the mecobalamin and experimental groups compared to the model group.CONCLUSION:Celo-side I reduces ROS expression,inhibits the JNK/c-Jun pathway,enhances mitophagy,reduces apoptosis,and protects RGCs in optic nerve injury models.

Objective:To investigate the value of the virtual monoenergetic image (VMI) obtained by a new dual-layer detector spectral CT combined with metal artifact reduction algorithms(O-MAR) in reduction of different types of artifacts caused by 125I seeds implantation and in improvement of the post-operative CT image quality. Methods:This was a cross-sectional study. Thirty-five patients who underwent dual-layer detector spectral CT scanning of the chest and abdomen after 125I seeds implantation were retrospectively included at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from March to September 2022. The spectral data were collected and reconstructed into conventional CT image (CI), VMI image (50-150 keV, 20 keV/level), CI+O-MAR image, and VMI+O-MAR image (50-150 keV, 20 keV/level). The artifacts′ removal effects and image quality improvement in each group were evaluated. Two slices with the strongest artifacts were selected for analysis for each patient, resulting in a total of 70 slices. Objective indicators including artifact index (AI), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) of soft tissue regions affected by artifacts were measured and calculated. Subjective indicators including the overcorrected artifacts and new artifacts, the different forms of artifacts, the diagnosis of artifacts, and the image quality were assessed. One-way analysis of variance was used for comparisons among multiple groups. Paired t test was used to compare the quantitative indicators between the combined O-MAR group and the non-O-MAR group. Kappa statistics was used to evaluate the consistency between observers. Results:In high/low-density artifacts (ROI H/L), the AI values in all groups showed decrease with increasing VMI keV. In artifact-affected tissue (ROI T), SNR of the CI/VMI (70-150 keV)+O-MAR group were significantly higher than those of the CI/VMI group ( P<0.05), CNR of the CI/VMI(50-150 keV)+O-MAR group were significantly higher than those of the CI/VMI group ( P<0.05). Both overcorrection and new artifacts mainly presented in VMI 50 keV and VMI 70 keV groups; Compared with VMI (50-70 keV) group, significantly less numbers of overcorrection and new artifacts were found in VMI (50-70 keV)+O-MAR group ( P<0.05); regarding the comparison of artifact types, with the VMI keV increasing, the number of a-type banded artifacts gradually decreased on images with high-density artifacts, reaching a minimum of 3 in the VMI 150 keV+O-MAR group; while the number of e-type artifacts with little or no artifacts increased, with the highest number of 23 in the VMI 150 keV+O-MAR group. The total number of high-density artifacts in each type decreased with increasing VMI keV. As VMI keV increased, the diagnostic and image quality scores of high-density artifacts in each group were significantly higher than those of low-density artifacts in the VMI+O-MAR group ( P<0.05). Conclusions:VMI combined with O-MAR can significantly improve the objective and subjective image quality of follow-up CT imaging after 125I seed implantation, enhancing lesion visibility and diagnostic confidence. Additionally, VMI+O-MAR showed more pronounced correction effect on high-density artifacts.

OBJECTIVE To observe the auxiliary analgesic effect of electroacupuncture at Hegu and Neiguan combined with in-domethacin suppository in patients undergoing transvaginal ultrasound-guided oocyte retrieval(TUGOR and its effect on the outcome of in vitro fertilization(IVF.METHODS 64 IVF-ET patients undergoing TUGOR were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group,32 cases in each group.One case dropped out of the treatment group during the treatment.The control group was given indomethacin suppository rectal administration,and the treatment group was given electroacupuncture at Hegu and Neiguan in addition to the treatment of the control group.The patients'tenderness threshold,VAS score,pain grade score,respiratory rate,and pulse rate were evaluated before and after TUGOR operation.The number of oocytes obtained,the rate of two pronuclei(2PN,embryo utiliza-tion rate,and high-quality embryo rate were evaluated after TUGOR operation.The adverse reactions of the two groups were monitored during and after operation.RESULTS After TUGOR operation,the VAS score and pain grade of the treatment group were signifi-cantly lower than those of the control group(P<0.01;the tenderness threshold of the two groups was significantly reduced after opera-tion(P<0.05,P<0.01,and the treatment group was better than the control group(P<0.05;the incidence of nausea during opera-tion,abdominal distension and nausea 48 h after operation in the treatment group were better than those in the control group(P<0.05;the high-quality embryo rate in the treatment group was better than that in the control group(P<0.05.CONCLUSION Electroacupuncture at Hegu and Neiguan combined with indomethacin suppository can effectively assist in analgesia,and can reduce the incidence of adverse reactions during and after TUGOR to varying degrees,and may have certain advantages in improving the rate of high-quality embryos.

At present,there is a lack of basic theoretical framework in the naval physiological and psychological training in PLA,and relevant researches and practices have not been comprehensively carried out.Based on the instructional system design(ISD),the most classic model in the field of training,we reviewed the latest research results on training from five aspects:training needs assessment,training design,training development,training implementation and training evaluation,and put forward targeted suggestion for the research and practice of naval physiological and psychological training in PLA.The main purpose of this paper is to provide assistance for the construction of naval physiological and psychological training system in PLA.

The human gut is populated by a complex community of microbiota that coexists with the host to maintain homeostasis.Macrogenomic and metabonomics analysis shows that the imbalance in gut microbiota composition and diversity, some bacterial components, metabolites and the signaling pathways mediated by them are involved in the occurrence and development of a variety of diseases, especially in the elderly.Intestinal microorganisms are one of the important factors affecting age-related diseases and can provide insights on treatment strategies for the elderly.This review focuses on the composition of the intestinal microbiota, interaction between the microbiota and the host, features of the gut microbiota in common geriatric diseases and pathogenic mechanisms.

Objective:To analyze the sensitivity and specificity of SARS-CoV-2 nucleic acid testing in 20 348 close contacts of COVID-19 cases in different prevention and control stages in Guangzhou and to provide scientific evidence for optimizing epidemic response strategies.Methods:A total of 20 348 close contacts of COVID-19 cases in Guangzhou were traced between February 21 and September 22,2020. All the close contacts were tested for the nucleic acid of SARS-CoV-2. The sensitivity and specificity of nucleic acid testing and diagnosis in the different prevention and control stages were compared.Results:In 20 348 close contacts, 12 462 were males (61.24%), the median ( P 25, P 75) of age of them was 31.0 years (23.0,43.0), the median number ( P 25, P 75) of nucleic acid testing for them was 2.0 (1.0,3.0), and the median ( P 25, P 75) of their quarantine days was 12.0 (8.0,13.0) days, respectively. A total of 256 COVID-19 cases were confirmed in the close contacts after seven nucleic acid tests. In the 1 st, 2 nd, 3 rd and 7 th nucleic acid testing, the sensitivity and specificity were 69.14% and 99.99% (177 cases confirmed), 89.84% and 99.99% (230 cases confirmed), 97.27% and 99.99% (249 cases confirmed), and 100.00% and 99.98%, respectively. In the three stages of COVID-19 prevention and control in China: domestic case stage, imported case stage, and imported case associated local epidemic stage, the sensitivity of the 1 st nucleic acid testing was 70.68%, 68.00% and 67.35%, and the specificity was 99.98%, 100.00% and 100.00%, respectively. Conclusions:The sensitivity of nucleic acid testing in the close contacts at the different stages were consistent with slight decrease, which might be related to the increased proportion of asymptomatic infections in the late stage of epidemic prevention and control with COVID-19 in Guangzhou. It is suggested to give three nucleic acid tests to improve the sensitivity and reduce false negative risk.