Objective To explore the construction of heart preservation model of empty beating donor based on extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO). Methods From January 2022 to August 2023, 20 Guangxi Bama miniature pigs weighing 25-30 kg were selected, half male and half female. Under general anesthesia and heparinization, a midline thoracotomy was performed. The pericardium was cut after freeing the anterior and posterior vena cavae, and a perfusion needle was inserted near the brachiocephalic artery in the ascending aorta, connected to a blood collection bag to collect 500-600 mL of blood. The anterior and posterior vena cavae were ligated, the aorta was blocked and perfused with HTK solution to stop the heart beating. The superior and inferior vena cavae were cut off, the right pulmonary vein was decompressed, the aorta and left and right pulmonary arteries and veins were cut off, and the whole heart was removed. An ECMO device was used to continuously perfuse a cardioprotective solution mainly composed of oxygenated warm blood, maintaining the isolated pig heart beating for 8 hours, monitoring (once/hour) ECMO perfusion parameters, blood gas indicators, perfusate electrolytes, inflammatory factors, myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, and troponin levels. Myocardial tissue was taken for hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining to observe myocardial cell damage and evaluate the quality of heart preservation. Results Among the 20 isolated beating pig hearts, 17 successfully resumed beating, 3 experienced ventricular fibrillation, resuscitated after intracardiac electrical defibrillation, and all 20 pig hearts successfully beat for 8 hours. There was no statistical difference in ECMO perfusion parameters, blood gas indicators, perfusate electrolytes, and inflammatory factors at each time point (P>0.05). There were statistical increases in myocardial enzymes, myoglobin, and troponin levels (P<0.05). HE staining results suggested that there was no severe myocardial damage. Conclusion ECMO technology can be used for pig heart preservation with good results, and this study provides experimental evidence for improving heart preservation research in clinical heart transplantation.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the distribution characteristics of mirtazapine steady-state trough concentration and concentration-to-dose ratio （ C / D ）， and to investigate the influence of clinical and genetic factors on C / D . METHODS A retrospective study was conducted on hospitalized patients with depression who received mirtazapine treatment and underwent therapeutic drug monitoring at the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from May 2022 to May 2025. The collected data included patients’ gender， age， body mass index， daily dose， steady-state trough concentration， smoking status， history of liver disease， drug type， concomitant medications， and CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype. The C / D was calculated. Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the relationship between mirtazapine steady-state trough concentration and daily dose. Univariate analysis and multiple linear regression model were employed to screen the factors potentially influencing the C / D of mirtazapine. RESULTS A total of 226 patients were included. The daily dose of mirtazapine was 25.00 （24.82， 30.00） mg/d， the steady-state trough concentration was 44.46 （20.00， 70.00） ng/mL， and the C / D was 1.83 （1.00， 2.00） （ng·d）/（mL·mg）. Steady-state trough concentrations were within the reference range （30-80 ng/mL） in 121 patients （53.54%）， below the lower limit in 80 patients （35.40%）， and above the upper limit in 25 patients （11.06%）. A positive correlation was observed between mirtazapine steady-state trough concentration and daily dose （coefficient of determination was 0.320 8， P ＜0.001）. Gender， smoking status， and CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype were significantly associated with the mirtazapine C / D （ P ＜0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Significant interindividual variability exists in mirtazapine steady-state trough concentrations. Gender， smoking status， and CYP2D6 metabolic phenotype are identified as independent influencing factors for the mirtazapine C / D ， with higher C / D ratios observed in females， non-smokers， and intermediate metabolizers.

γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation， and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism， showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells， and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines， regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells， the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy， and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.

AIM:To investigate the application value of contrast-enhanced ultrasound(CEUS)time parameters in the classification diagnosis of choroidal space-occupying lesions.METHODS: Patients with choroidal space-occupying lesions who underwent CEUS at Xi'an People's Hospital(Xi'an Fourth Hospital)between June 2020 and January 2024 were enrolled. According to the final clinical diagnosis and pathological findings, the patients were divided into a benign group(choroidal hemangioma), a malignant group(choroidal melanoma), and a hemorrhage group(subchoroidal hemorrhage). CEUS characteristics and contrast parameters, including rise time(RT), time to peak(TP), and washout time(WT), as well as the incidence of adverse reactions, were analyzed to evaluate the diagnostic value of CEUS.RESULTS:A total of 120 patients(120 eyes)with choroidal space-occupying lesions were included, with 40 patients(40 eyes)in each group. The patients in the benign group were aged 45-70(mean age 57.5±12.4 )y, including 19 males and 21 females; those in the malignant group were aged 43-72(mean age 56.9±13.1 )y, including 23 males and 17 females; and those in the hemorrhage group were aged 40-61(mean age 54.4±9.7 )y, including 22 males and 18 females. The benign group predominantly exhibited homogeneous hyperenhancement with a “fast-in, slow-out”perfusion pattern, whereas the malignant group mainly showed heterogeneous hyperenhancement with a “fast-in, fast-out”perfusion pattern. No obvious enhancement was observed in the hemorrhage group, exhibiting a “no-in, no-out” perfusion pattern. Significant differences were found among the three groups in CEUS characteristics and quantitative parameters, whereas no significant difference was observed in the incidence of adverse reactions.CONCLUSION: CEUS can significantly improve the diagnostic accuracy of choroidal space-occupying lesions and may serve as a useful reference for clinical decision-making, with a favorable safety profile.

γδ T cells possess both innate and adaptive immune characteristics. Their antigen recognition is independent of major histocompatibility complex presentation， and they can directly recognize abnormal tumor metabolism， showing unique application potential in tumors with low immune infiltration. This paper systematically sorts out the biological characteristics and antitumor immune functions of γδ T cells， and mainly reviews the relevant mechanisms by which active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine regulate γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions. Glycyrrhiza polysaccharide and Astragalus polysaccharide can enhance the antitumor immune function of γδ T cells by promoting the expression of various cytokines， regulating intestinal flora and alleviating immunosuppressive state. Quercetin and puerarin can strengthen γδ T cell-mediated tumor cell killing by regulating the proliferation of γδ T cells， the expression of cytotoxic effector molecules and related signaling pathways. Toosendanin can potentiate γδ T cell-induced tumor cell killing by down-regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein in tumor cells. Artesunate can boost γδ T cell-mediated antitumor immune responses by enhancing the effector function of γδ T cells and weakening tumor immune escape. Future research shall focus on exploring the synergistic effects and molecular mechanisms of the combined application of active ingredients of traditional Chinese medicine and γδ T cell immunotherapy， and identifying the key targets for γδ T cells to exert antitumor immune functions.

Purpose To investigate the application value of cardiac magnetic resonance tissue tracking imaging in assessing early heart failure(HF)in plateau environment.Materials and Methods Thirty male SD rats were randomly divided into 10 in the control group and 20 in the experimental group.The rats in the experimental group were transported to the Qinghai Plateau laboratory(average altitude 4 250 metre)for eight weeks of exposure,and then divided into the plateau hypoxia group and the plateau HF group,and the HF group was treated with 5 mg/ml Isoprenaline 10 mg/(kg·d)subcutaneously for 14 consecutive days to establish a HF rat model.The rats were then transported back to the plains(average elevation 500 metre)for 7T cardiac magnetic resonance movie sequence scanning.Cardiac function parameters and myocardial strain parameters were obtained using CVI 42 software.Myocardial pathological changes were detected using HE staining and Masson trichrome staining.Serum levels of malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay.Western blot and PCR were used to detect the expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2(NRF2)and heme oxygenase 1(HO-1)in myocardial tissues.Results Left ventricular ejection fraction was reduced in the HF group compared with the control group[(67.06±4.66)%vs.(61.91±2.11)%;F=4.149,P=0.037],and overall left ventricular circumferential strain was significantly reduced in the HF group compared with the control group[(-24.60±0.81)%vs.(-20.16±1.86)%;F=12.241,P=0.001],and pathologic staining showed necrosis as well as interstitial fibrosis in cardiomyocytes.Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay results showed decreased glutathione peroxidase levels in the HF group[(1 079.94±70.58)U vs.(311.99±39.47)U;F=209.294,P=0.001]and increased malondialdehyde in the HF group compared with those in the control group[(7.24±2.48)μmol/L vs.(53.28±4.51)μmol/L;F=156.39,P=0.010).Western blot results showed significantly lower NRF2 and HO-1 expression in myocardial tissues of the HF group compared with those in the control group(1.00±0.00 vs.0.52±0.13;F=26.607,P=0.001).PCR results showed significantly lower NRF2 and HO-1 mRNA expression in myocardial tissues of the HF group compared with those in the control group(1.19±0.16 vs.0.31±0.07;F=84.784,P=0.010).Conclusion Magnetic resonance tissue tracking imaging can be used for early assessment of HF caused by plateau environment.

Purpose To quantitatively evaluate myocardial three-dimensional strains using cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking,investigate whether ferroptosis contributes to myocardial injury in experimental autoimmune myocarditis(EAM),and explore the relationship between strains and ferroptosis biomarkers.Materials and Methods EAM was induced in Lewis rats via subcutaneous injections with porcine cardiac myosin emulsified in same amount of complete Freund's adjuvant.Both EAM(n=15)and control(n=15)rats underwent 7T cardiac magnetic resonance and were euthanatized at day 21.Cardiac magnetic resonance assessments included left ventricular function and strains.The cardiac damage and ferroptosis-related markers were measured with histopathology,serology,Western blot and polymerase chain reaction.Results The left ventricular ejection fraction declined in the rats post-immunization with porcine cardiac myosin at day 21(t=7.86,P<0.001).Global,basal,middle and apical strains encompassing radial strain,circumferential strain and longitudinal strain were significantly lower in the EAM group compared to the control group(t=2.61-10.45,P<0.05).Cardiac and inflammatory biomarkers,including lactate dehydrogenase,cardiac troponin I and interferon γ indicated myocardial injury in EAM group compared to the control group(t=16.54,21.20,16.06,all P<0.001).Prussian blue staining revealed iron overload in EAM group.Compared to the control group,malondialdehyde and reactive oxygen significantly increased in EAM group(t=15.75,3.47,both P<0.01),and superoxide dismutase were significantly decreased(t=14.21,P<0.001).Western blot and histopathology showed that the protein expression of ferritin heavy chain was significantly higher in the EAM group compared to the control group(t=5.15,P<0.01).The solute carrier family 7 member 11/glutathione/glutathione peroxidase 4 axis was down regulated at serum,mRNA and protein expression levels in EAM group(t=7.73-30.14,all P<0.001).Global circumferential and longitudinal strains were significantly associated with ferroptosis biomarkers(r=-0.854-0.829,all P<0.05).Conclusion Cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking has the potential to quantitatively evaluate myocardial damage of EAM which involves ferroptosis.The strains are related with ferroptosis biomarkers.

The neuropsychiatric disorder course is among the most challenging subjects in medical education, currently facing the "three difficulties" of teaching, learning, and transition from theory to practice. This study attempts to carry out clinical thinking informatization technology-based teaching reform guided by clinical competence. A cognitive map for neuropsychiatric disorders was developed using a symptom-based framework. Leveraging this cognitive map and integrating artificial intelligence, a clinical thinking teaching application for neuropsychiatric disorders was designed and continuously refined. Reform initiatives were explored and summarized in areas such as theoretical teaching, practical teaching, standardized training for resident physicians, teaching assessment, and textbook reform. The reform improved the clinical thinking and clinical competence of students for neuropsychiatric disorders.

This article reported a pregnant woman admitted to the hospital due to "25 +2 weeks of amenorrhea and a 1-day history of shortened cervical canal accompanied by vaginal bleeding". The patient with pregestational diabetes mellitus and suboptimal glycemic control required prolonged hospitalization for tocolytic therapy due to shortened cervical length. She developed a cough at 31 weeks and 4 days of gestation, followed by right-sided intercostal pain and hypotension after coughing at 31 weeks and 6 days of gestation. Bedside chest ultrasound showed a small anechoic fluid collection (approximately 1.1 cm in width) in the right pleural cavity. The emergency cesarean section was performed at 31 weeks and 4 days of gestation. However, the intraoperative bleeding and other conditions were inconsistent with the obstetric clinical presentations of blood loss. Subsequent repeated ultrasound and CT examinations confirmed the diagnosis of pulmonary sequestration and right-sided progressive hemopneumothorax. On the same day, an emergency right lower lobectomy was performed, achieving stable postoperative recovery. Both mother and infant had favorable outcomes. Hemopneumothorax complicated by pulmonary sequestration is uncommon, and its occurrence during pregnancy is exceedingly rare. Multidisciplinary consultations, aggressive, rapid, and accurate diagnosis, and combined treatment are critical to ensuring maternal-fetal survival. Hemopneumothorax caused by the rupture of pulmonary sequestration during pregnancy represents a life-threatening condition. Emergency thoracotomy can timely clarify the cause, arrest bleeding, relieve compression, and resect the lesion, thereby reducing mortality and the complications risk.

Esophageal cancer is one of the most prevalent malignant tumors globally.Its clinical management is challenged by difficulties in early diagnosis,significant inter-individual variability in therapeutic efficacy,and high rates of tumor residuals and recurrence.Circulating tumor DNA(ctDNA),a novel liquid biopsy biomarker,reflects tumor burden and genetic characteristics.It offers advantages such as non-invasiveness,repeatability,and real-time dynamic monitoring,pro-viding a promising approach for precision diagnosis and treatment of esophageal cancer.In recent years,ctDNA has shown remarkable progress in the early detection,efficacy prediction,prognos-tic assessment,and monitoring of tumor residuals and recurrence in esophageal cancer,emerging as an essential tool in the clinical management of the disease.This review summarizes the latest advancements in ctDNA research in esophageal cancer,providing valuable insights and inspiration for future studies and clinical applications.