Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)balloon—Vesscrack shockwave balloon—for vascular preparation before stent implantation in patients with severe coronary artery calcification(CAC).Methods This was a prospective,single-arm,multicenter study conducted in China from June 2022 to October 2022.Patients with severe CAC were treated with the Vesscrack shockwave balloon for lesion preparation,followed by drug-eluting stent(DES)implantation.Of these,33 patients underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT).The primary endpoint was procedural success,defined as successful stent implantation with residual stenosis≤30％and the absence of in-hospital major adverse events,including cardiac death,target vessel-related myocardial infarction,or target lesion revascularization.Results A total of 170 patients[mean age:(65.9±7.9)years,116 males]were enrolled.After treatment with IVL and DES,the minimum lumen diameter increased significantly compared to baseline[(2.34±0.40)mm vs.(0.95±0.33)mm,P＜0.001],the degree of stenosis was significantly reduced[(13.24±6.60)％vs.(65.18±10.59)％,P＜0.001].Procedural success was achieved in 100％of cases,and device success was 98.8％.The 30-day patient-related cardiovascular clinical composite endpoint(POCE)rate was 0.0,with no target lesion failure,no confirmed or potential thrombotic events were observed.The shockwave energy generator demonstrated excellent stability and ease of use.Among the 33 patients assessed with OCT,after IVL intervention,the maximum calcified area of the lumen[(3.51±1.51)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P＜0.001],and the minimum lumen area within the target lesion[(3.08±1.04)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P＜0.001],and after DES intervention,the luminal area of the largest calcified site[(6.59±1.64)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P＜0.001]and the minimum luminal area within the target lesion[(6.19±1.45)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P＜0.001]were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions The Vesscrack shockwave balloon is effective and safe for vascular preparation in patients with severe CAC prior to stent implantation.It achieves significant calcified plaque modification,high procedural success rates,and minimal complications.

Objective:To explore the prognostic factors of seroma after endoscopic thyroidectomy by breast ap-proach,and construct a nomogram to predict the possibility of cervical seroma.Methods:Data of patients undergoing endoscopic thyroid surgery in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital from January 2022 to May 2024 and Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital from May 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed,and 1493 patients meeting the in-clusion criteria were selected.Among them,there were 1048 patients in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital as the training co-hort,1015 patients without seroma group and 33 patients with seroma group.There were 445 patients in Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital as the verification cohort,including 424 patients without seroma and 21 patients with seroma.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain relevant independent prognostic factors,and R soft-ware established a nomogram model.Calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit,ROC curves were used to evaluate the calibrability of the nomogram model,and clinical utility was assessed by clinical decision curves.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that central lymph node dissection,diabetes,hyperthyroidism,and nod-ule size were independent prognostic factors related to seroma.Based on the prognostic factors,the nomogram of se-roma after ETBA was constructed.The calibration curves of the training and the verification group were in good agree-ment with the observed results,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was good,with the training cohort P=0.244 and the verification cohort P=0.803.The ROC curve of the training cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.810(95%CI:0.740～0.879),and the ROC curve of the verification cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.815(95%CI:0.722～0.909).Conclusion:The nomogram model based on the relevant prognostic factors ob-tained by multivariate logistic regression analysis has a good prediction effect on the seroma after ETBA,and can provide reasonable and individualized treatment plan for patients.

Objective To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a novel intravascular lithotripsy(IVL)balloon—Vesscrack shockwave balloon—for vascular preparation before stent implantation in patients with severe coronary artery calcification(CAC).Methods This was a prospective,single-arm,multicenter study conducted in China from June 2022 to October 2022.Patients with severe CAC were treated with the Vesscrack shockwave balloon for lesion preparation,followed by drug-eluting stent(DES)implantation.Of these,33 patients underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT).The primary endpoint was procedural success,defined as successful stent implantation with residual stenosis≤30％and the absence of in-hospital major adverse events,including cardiac death,target vessel-related myocardial infarction,or target lesion revascularization.Results A total of 170 patients[mean age:(65.9±7.9)years,116 males]were enrolled.After treatment with IVL and DES,the minimum lumen diameter increased significantly compared to baseline[(2.34±0.40)mm vs.(0.95±0.33)mm,P＜0.001],the degree of stenosis was significantly reduced[(13.24±6.60)％vs.(65.18±10.59)％,P＜0.001].Procedural success was achieved in 100％of cases,and device success was 98.8％.The 30-day patient-related cardiovascular clinical composite endpoint(POCE)rate was 0.0,with no target lesion failure,no confirmed or potential thrombotic events were observed.The shockwave energy generator demonstrated excellent stability and ease of use.Among the 33 patients assessed with OCT,after IVL intervention,the maximum calcified area of the lumen[(3.51±1.51)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P＜0.001],and the minimum lumen area within the target lesion[(3.08±1.04)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P＜0.001],and after DES intervention,the luminal area of the largest calcified site[(6.59±1.64)mm2 vs.(2.85±1.80)mm2,P＜0.001]and the minimum luminal area within the target lesion[(6.19±1.45)mm2 vs.(2.02±0.75)mm2,P＜0.001]were significantly increased,and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusions The Vesscrack shockwave balloon is effective and safe for vascular preparation in patients with severe CAC prior to stent implantation.It achieves significant calcified plaque modification,high procedural success rates,and minimal complications.

Objective:To explore the prognostic factors of seroma after endoscopic thyroidectomy by breast ap-proach,and construct a nomogram to predict the possibility of cervical seroma.Methods:Data of patients undergoing endoscopic thyroid surgery in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital from January 2022 to May 2024 and Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital from May 2023 to August 2024 were retrospectively analyzed,and 1493 patients meeting the in-clusion criteria were selected.Among them,there were 1048 patients in Dongguan Tungwah Hospital as the training co-hort,1015 patients without seroma group and 33 patients with seroma group.There were 445 patients in Dongguan Songshan Lake Tungwah Hospital as the verification cohort,including 424 patients without seroma and 21 patients with seroma.Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to obtain relevant independent prognostic factors,and R soft-ware established a nomogram model.Calibration curves,Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit,ROC curves were used to evaluate the calibrability of the nomogram model,and clinical utility was assessed by clinical decision curves.Results:Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that central lymph node dissection,diabetes,hyperthyroidism,and nod-ule size were independent prognostic factors related to seroma.Based on the prognostic factors,the nomogram of se-roma after ETBA was constructed.The calibration curves of the training and the verification group were in good agree-ment with the observed results,and the Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness of fit test was good,with the training cohort P=0.244 and the verification cohort P=0.803.The ROC curve of the training cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.810(95%CI:0.740～0.879),and the ROC curve of the verification cohort showed that the area under the curve was 0.815(95%CI:0.722～0.909).Conclusion:The nomogram model based on the relevant prognostic factors ob-tained by multivariate logistic regression analysis has a good prediction effect on the seroma after ETBA,and can provide reasonable and individualized treatment plan for patients.

ObjectiveProtein arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) play pivotal roles in numerous cellular biological processes. However, the precise regulatory effects of PRMTs on the fate determination of mesenchymal stromal/stem cells (MSCs) remain elusive. Our previous studies have shed light on the regulatory role and molecular mechanism of PRMT5 in MSC osteogenic differentiation. This study aims to clarify the role and corresponding regulatory mechanism of PRMT7 during the adipogenic differentiation of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs). Methods(1) Human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) were cultured in a medium that induces adipogenesis. We used qRT-PCR and Western blot to monitor changes in PRMT7 expression during adipogenic differentiation. (2) We created a cell line with PRMT7 knocked down and assessed changes in PRMT7 expression and adipogenic capacity using Oil Red O staining, qRT-PCR and Western blot. (3) We implanted hBMSCs cell lines mixed with a collagen membrane subcutaneously into nude mice and performed Oil Red O staining to observe ectopic lipogenesis in vivo. (4) A cell line overexpressing PRMT7 was generated, and we examined changes in PRMT7 expression using qRT-PCR and Western blot. We also performed Oil Red O staining and quantitative analysis after inducing the cells in lipogenic medium. Additionally, we assessed changes in PPARγ expression. (5) We investigated changes in insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) expression in both PRMT7 knockdown and overexpressing cell lines using qRT-PCR and Western blot, to understand PRMT7’s regulatory effect on IGF-1 expression. siIGF-1 was transfected into the PRMT7 knockdown cell line to inhibit IGF-1 expression, and knockdown efficiency was confirmed. Then, we induced cells from the control and knockdown groups transfected with siIGF-1 in lipogenic medium and performed Oil Red O staining and quantitative analysis. Finally, we assessed PPARγ expression to explore IGF-1’s involvement in PRMT7’s regulation of adipogenic differentiation in hBMSCs. Results(1) During the adipogenesis process of hBMSCs, the expression level of PRMT7 was significantly reduced (P<0.01). (2) The adipogenic differentiation ability of PRMT7 knockdown group was significantly stronger than that of control group (P<0.001). (3) The ectopic adipogenic differentiation ability of PRMT7 knockdown group was significantly stronger than that of control group. (4) The adipogenic differentiation ability of the PRMT7 overexpression group was significantly weaker than that of the control group (P<0.01). (5) The expression level of IGF-1 increased after PRMT7 knockdown (P<0.000 1). The expression level of IGF-1 decreased after PRMT7 overexpression (P<0.000 1), indicating that PRMT7 regulates the expression of IGF-1. After siIGF-1 transfection, the expression level of IGF-1 in all cell lines decreased significantly (P<0.001). The ability of adipogenic differentiation of knockdown group transfected with siIGF-1 was significantly reduced (P<0.01), indicating that IGF-1 affects the regulation of PRMT7 on adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs. ConclusionIn this investigation, our findings elucidate the inhibitory role of PRMT7 in the adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs, as demonstrated through both in vitro cell-level experiments and in vivo subcutaneous transplantation experiments conducted in nude mice. Mechanistic exploration revealed that PRMT7’s regulatory effect on the adipogenic differentiation of hBMSCs operates via modulation of IGF-1 signaling pathway. These collective findings underscore PRMT7 as a potential therapeutic target for fatty metabolic disorders, thereby offering a novel avenue for leveraging PRMT7 and hBMSCs in the therapeutic landscape of relevant diseases.

Aim To investigate the effects of Ginkgo biloba extract(GBE)on vascular endothelial dysfunc-tion induced by chronic intermittent hypoxia(CIH)in rats and its related mechanisms.Methods The CIH rat model was established,and 50 and 100 mg·kg-1 GBE was administered by intragastric administration.The systolic blood pressure(SBP)of the tail artery was detected in each group.HE staining was used to detect the morphology of aorta tissue.DAF-FM DA staining and nitric reductase assay were used to detect NO levels.ELISA was used to detect serum ET-1,TNF-α and IL-6 levels.DHE staining was used to de-tect reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels of aortic tis-sue.Kits were used to detect the serum levels of MDA,SOD and GSH-Px.Western blot was used to detect the levels of VCAM-1,ICAM-1,nucleus Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 of aortic tissue.Results GBE sig-nificantly decreased the levels of SBP,ET-1,ROS,MDA,VCAM-1,ICAM-1,TNF-α and IL-6,and sig-nificantly increased the levels of NO,SOD,GSH-Px,nuclear Nrf2,HO-1 and NQO1 in CIH rats.GBE sig-nificantly improved the histomorphology of aorta in CIH rats.Conclusions GBE can improve vascular endo-thelial dysfunction and reduce blood pressure in CIH model rats.The mechanism may be related to the acti-vation of Nrf2/ARE pathway and the inhibition of oxi-dative stress and inflammation by GBE.

Objective:To investigate the efficacy and safety of Guihuang Formula(GHF)in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis with the syndrome of damp-heat stasis in the essence chamber.Methods:This study included 120 cases of type Ⅲ prostatitis with damp-heat stasis syndrome in the essence chamber,which were randomly and equally divided into a GHF and a control group,the for-mer treated with GHF and the latter with Tamsulosin Hydrochloride Sustained-Release Capsules,both for 6 successive weeks.We fol-lowed up the patients for 4 weeks,recorded the NIH-CPSI,TCM symptom scores,and results of prostatic fluid routine,blood and u-rine routine,liver and kidney function and electrocardiogram examinations,and compared them between the two groups of patients be-fore and after treatment.Results:Compared with the baseline,the total NIH-CPSI scores were significantly decreased in both the GHF and control groups after 6 weeks of treatment,even more significantly in the former group(28.34±9.23 vs 6.78±3.53,P＜0.05)than in the latter(27.81±8.28 vs 14.48±4.27,P＜0.05),so were the scores on pain,voiding symptoms,quality of life(QOL)impact,TCM symptoms and WBC count(all P＜0.05),while the number of lecithin bodies remarkably increased(P＜0.05).There were statically significant differences in the above parameters at 4,6 and 10 weeks of medication(P＜0.05),but not at 2 weeks(P＞0.05).No obvious abnormalities or adverse reactions were observed in either of the two groups during the treatment.Conclusion:Guihuang Formula is safe and effective in the treatment of type Ⅲ prostatitis with the syndrome of damp-heat stasis in the essence chamber.

The concept of'harmony'is the soul of traditional Chinese culture,which has a profound impact on the formation and development of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM).TCM is rooted in traditional Chinese culture,and the mode of thinking in TCM is in line with traditional Chinese culture.Based on the harmony culture,TCM has developed a unique view of health,disease and therapeutics.From the view of the harmony culture and by combining with years of clinical experience in treating dermatosis,Chinese medical master XUAN Guo-Wei has applied the concept of'harmony'in the TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment system in clinic,and has developed the academic thoughts of harmonizing therapy for removing toxins for the diagnosis and treatment of dermatosis.The thoughts of harmonizing therapy for removing toxins includes four aspects,namely harmonizing yin and yang,harmonizing healthy qi and pathogenic qi,harmonizing water and fire(i.e.,clod and hot),and harmonizing the administration of formula and drugs,aiming to remove toxins and expel pathogens and value the harmony.The thoughts of harmonizing therapy for removing toxins will beneficial to the comprehensive understanding of the unique health-disease-therapeutics concept in TCM,and will be helpful for managing the doctor-patient relationship,which is of enlightening significance to the modern clinical practice with TCM.

Objective To study the bioequivalence of generic and original dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets in Chinese healthy subjects after single dose under fasting and fed conditions.Methods A single-center,random,open,single-dose,two-preparations,double-period,crossover study was adopted.Fasting and fed tests were performed on 36 subjects each.Single oral dose 60 mg of test and reference pre parations were taken under fasting and fed conditions,respectively.Plasma concentration of dapoxetine was determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The main pharmacokinetic(PK)parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin 8.0 software.Results The main PK parameters of the test and reference preparations of dapoxetine tablets in the fasting group were as follows:Cmax were(449.36±203.01)and(432.85±199.75)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(2 400.96±1 392.58)and(2 251.82±1 225.84)ng·mL-1·h;AUC0-∞ were(2 529.94±1 498.05)and(2 371.06±1 305.22)ng·mL-1·h.The main PK parameters of the test and reference preparations of dapoxetine tablets in the fed group were as follows:Cmax were(651.29±179.38)and(672.83±249.42)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(3 391.27±1 358.73)and(3 314.56±1 360.39)ng·mL-1·h;AUC0-∞ were(3 630.79±1 605.89)and(3 549.22±1 526.61)ng·mL-1·h.Under the fasting and fed conditions,the 90％confidence intervals of the main PK parameters of the test and reference preparations of dapoxetine tablets are 80.00％-125.00％.Conclusion Under the fasting and fed conditions,a single oral dose of generic and original dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets in Chinese healthy adult volunteers showed bioequivalence.

Objective To study the bioequivalence of generic and original dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets in Chinese healthy subjects after single dose under fasting and fed conditions.Methods A single-center,random,open,single-dose,two-preparations,double-period,crossover study was adopted.Fasting and fed tests were performed on 36 subjects each.Single oral dose 60 mg of test and reference pre parations were taken under fasting and fed conditions,respectively.Plasma concentration of dapoxetine was determined by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry.The main pharmacokinetic(PK)parameters were calculated by Phoenix WinNonlin 8.0 software.Results The main PK parameters of the test and reference preparations of dapoxetine tablets in the fasting group were as follows:Cmax were(449.36±203.01)and(432.85±199.75)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(2 400.96±1 392.58)and(2 251.82±1 225.84)ng·mL-1·h;AUC0-∞ were(2 529.94±1 498.05)and(2 371.06±1 305.22)ng·mL-1·h.The main PK parameters of the test and reference preparations of dapoxetine tablets in the fed group were as follows:Cmax were(651.29±179.38)and(672.83±249.42)ng·mL-1;AUC0-t were(3 391.27±1 358.73)and(3 314.56±1 360.39)ng·mL-1·h;AUC0-∞ were(3 630.79±1 605.89)and(3 549.22±1 526.61)ng·mL-1·h.Under the fasting and fed conditions,the 90％confidence intervals of the main PK parameters of the test and reference preparations of dapoxetine tablets are 80.00％-125.00％.Conclusion Under the fasting and fed conditions,a single oral dose of generic and original dapoxetine hydrochloride tablets in Chinese healthy adult volunteers showed bioequivalence.