ObjectiveTo observe the clinical effectiveness and potential mechanism of combined tongue three-needle acupuncture and acupoint application on Lianquan （CV 23） for patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke. MethodsA prospective study was conducted on 160 patients with post-stroke dysphagia， who were randomly divided into a treatment group and a control group， with 80 cases in each group. The control group received conventional rehabilitation training， while the treatment group received tongue three-needle acupuncture combined with acupoint application on Lianquan （CV 23） on the basis of conventional rehabilitation training， for 4 weeks in both groups. We compared the clinical effectivenss of both groups after treatment， and assessed the swallowing function including videofluoroscopic swallowing study （VFSS）， standardized swallowing assessment （SSA） and functional oral intake scale （FIOS）， swallowing contrast test including hyoid maximum displacement （HmaxD）， pharyngeal transit time （PTT）， and upper esophageal sphincter （UES） opening， surface electromyography （sEMG） test including maximum amplitude and swallowing duration as well as swallowing quality of life questionnaire （SWAL-QOL） score of the patients in both groups before treatment， after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment， respectively. ResultsThe total effective rate in treatment group was 82.50% （66/80）， significantly higher than 66.25% （53/80） in control group （P＜0.05）. The VFSS， and FOIS scores， UES opening rate and HmaxD， sEMG maximal amplitude values， and SWAL-QOL scores were increased in both groups after 2 weeks and 4 weeks of treatment compared with the values before treatment （P＜0.05）， while SSA scores， PTT， and swallowing duration were decreased compared within group before treatment （P＜0.05）. VFSS and FOIS scores， UES opening rate and HmaxD， sEMG maximal amplitude values， and SWAL-QOL scores after 2 and 4 weeks of treatment in the treatment group were higher （P＜0.05）， while SSA scores， PTT， and swallowing duration were lower （P＜0.05） than those in the control group at the same time. ConclusionCombined tongue three-needle acupuncture and acupoint application on Lianquan （CV 23） for patients with dysphagia after ischemic stroke can significantly improve swallowing activities， and its mechanism of action may be related to the improvement of the contraction ability and coordination of swallowing-related muscle groups.

AIM: To investigate the expression of serum growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)and thrombospondin 1(TSP1)in patients with diabetic retinopathy(DR), and discuss their relationship with microvascular injury.METHODS: Totally 102 DR patients were served as DR group and assigned into non proliferative DR group(NPDR group)and proliferative DR group(PDR group)based on the severity of DR lesions. Meantime, 100 patients with simple diabetes were served as control group. Serum indicators of microvascular injury including vascular endothelial growth factor(VEGF), endothelial cells(ECs), endothelial progenitor cells(EPCs), and levels of GDF11 and TSP1 were measured in each group. Pearson method was used to discuss the correlation between GDF11, TSP1 and microvascular injury indicators. Logistic regression was used to discuss the factors that affected the occurrence of DR. Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve was applied to analyze the evaluation value of serum GDF11 and TSP1 for the DR conditions.RESULTS: For the control group, DR group had lower EPCs and GDF11, and higher VEGF, ECs, and TSP1 levels(all P<0.05). The PDR group had lower GDF11 and higher TSP1 than the NPDR group(all P<0.05). Serum GDF11 was negatively related to VEGF and ECs(r=-0.486, -0.511, all P<0.001), and positively related to EPCs(r=0.475, P<0.001). TSP1 was positively related to VEGF and ECs(r=0.579, 0.594, all P<0.001), and negatively related to EPCs(r=-0.505, P<0.001). Moreover, GDF11 and TSP1 were negatively correlated(r=-0.443, P<0.001). The course of T2DM, VEGF, and TSP1 were risk factors for DR, while GDF11 was a protective factor(all P<0.05). The AUC of GDF11, TSP1, and combined diagnosis for PDR conditions was 0.819, 0.822, and 0.915, respectively. The combined diagnosis was better than single diagnosis(Zcombination-GDF11=2.070, P=0.039, Zcombination-TSP1=2.274, P=0.023).CONCLUSION: GDF11 and TSP1 are closely associated with microvascular injury in DR patients and are related to the progression of DR disease, and the combined detection of their serum levels is of clinical value in the assessment of DR disease.

AIM: To explore the clinical application effect of visual training equipment combined with conventional corrective treatment on children with ametropic amblyopia(AMA).METHODS: Prospective randomized control study. A total of 188 children(376 eyes)with AMA treated in our hospital from June 2021 to December 2022 were selected, and they were divided into two groups using a random number table. The conventional correction group(94 cases, 188 eyes)received conventional correction treatment, while the visual training group(94 cases, 188 eyes)received visual training equipment combined with conventional correction treatment, both lasted for 12 mo. The best corrected visual acuity, diopter, eye accommodation function, adverse reactions, amblyopia recurrence rates, and clinical efficacy were compared between the two groups at 6 and 12 mo after treatment.RESULTS:The two groups each had 8 cases(16 eyes)detached, the rate of loss to follow-up was 8.5%, and 86 cases(172 eyes)were included in each group. There were statistically significant differences in the best corrected visual acuity, diopter, amplitude of accommodation, accommodation facility and accommodative lag between the two groups of children before and after treatment(all P<0.05). The total effective rate of the visual training group(98.8%)was higher than that of the conventional correction group(91.9%; P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the total effective rate of clinical efficacy between the two groups in different age groups and different degrees of amblyopia(all P>0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of redness and swelling between the two groups(P>0.05). The recurrence rate of amblyopia in the visual training group(1.2%)was lower than that in the conventional correction group(8.1%; P<0.05).CONCLUSION: The combination of visual training equipment and conventional correction therapy has a significant clinical effect on children with AMA, which can effectively correct visual acuity, adjusting diopter and improve eye accommodation function, and recurrence rate of amblyopia is low and safety is high.

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a naturally occurring, low-toxicity, and hydrophilic bile acid (BA) in the human body that is converted by intestinal flora using primary BA. Solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11) functions to uptake extracellular cystine in exchange for glutamate, and is highly expressed in a variety of human cancers. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma (RLPS) refers to liposarcoma originating from the retroperitoneal area. Lipidomics analysis revealed that UDCA was one of the most significantly downregulated metabolites in sera of RLPS patients compared with healthy subjects. The augmentation of UDCA concentration (≥25 μg/mL) demonstrated a suppressive effect on the proliferation of liposarcoma cells. [¹⁵N₂]-cystine and [¹³C₅]-glutamine isotope tracing revealed that UDCA impairs cystine uptake and glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Mechanistically, UDCA binds to the cystine transporter SLC7A11 to inhibit cystine uptake and impair GSH de novo synthesis, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative damage. Furthermore, UDCA can promote the anti-cancer effects of ferroptosis inducers (Erastin, RSL3), the murine double minute 2 (MDM2) inhibitors (Nutlin 3a, RG7112), cyclin dependent kinase 4 (CDK4) inhibitor (Abemaciclib), and glutaminase inhibitor (CB839). Together, UDCA functions as a cystine exchange factor that binds to SLC7A11 for antitumor activity, and SLC7A11 is not only a new transporter for BA but also a clinically applicable target for UDCA. More importantly, in combination with other antitumor chemotherapy or physiotherapy treatments, UDCA may provide effective and promising treatment strategies for RLPS or other types of tumors in a ROS-dependent manner.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the feasibility and prognostic implications of assessing volume status during early fluid resuscitation in septic patients based on estimated plasma volume status (ePVS). METHODS: A prospective study was conducted. Patients with sepsis admitted to intensive care unit (ICU) of the First Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University from March to December in 2023 were enrolled. The general information and laboratory indicators at ICU admission were recorded, and ePVS, sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, acute physiology and chronic health status evaluation II (APACHE II) score were calculated. The vital signs, arterial blood gas analysis and volume status related indicators before liquid resuscitation (T0h) and 3 hours (T3h) and 6 hours (T6h) of fluid resuscitation were recorded. The diameter and variability of the inferior vena cava (IVC) were measured by ultrasound, and ePVS, percentage change value of estimated plasma volume status (ΔePVS%), difference in central venous-to-arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (Pcv-aCO₂), and lactate clearance rate (LCR) were calculated. Patients were divided into sepsis group and septic shock group based on the diagnosis at ICU admission, and septic patients were subdivided into survival group and death group based on their 28-day survival status. The differences in clinical data between the groups were compared. The correlation between ePVS or ΔePVS% and volume status related indicators during early liquid resuscitation was analyzed by Spearman rank sum correlation test. The predictive value of each variable for 28-day survival in patients with sepsis was analyzed by receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC curve), and 28-day death risk factors were analyzed by Logistic regression method. RESULTS: Fifty-four septic patients were enrolled in the final analysis, including 17 with sepsis and 37 with septic shock; 34 survived at 28 days and 20 died, with a 28-day survival rate of 63.0%. Compared with the sepsis group, the septic shock group had a lower venous ePVS at ICU admission [dL/g: 4.96 (3.67, 7.15) vs. 7.55 (4.36, 10.07), P < 0.05]. Compared with the death group, the survival group had higher T6h arterial and venous ΔePVS%, and albumin [Alb; T6h arterial ΔePVS% (%): 11.57% (-1.82%, 31.35%) vs. 0.48% (-5.67%, 6.02%), T6h venous ΔePVS%: 9.62% (3.59%, 25.75%) vs. 1.52% (-9.65%, 7.72%), Alb (g/L): 27.57±4.15 vs. 23.77±6.97, all P < 0.05], lower SOFA score, APACHE II score, AST, T0h Lac, and T3h and T6h norepinephrine dosage [SOFA score: 9.00 (8.00, 10.00) vs. 11.50 (9.25, 14.50), APACHE II score: 18.00 (14.75, 21.25) vs. 25.50 (21.00, 30.00), AST (U/L): 34.09 (23.20, 56.64) vs. 79.24 (25.34, 196.59), T0h Lac (mmol/L): 1.75 (1.40, 2.93) vs. 3.25 (2.33, 5.30), norepinephrine dosage (mg): 0.98 (< 0.01, 3.10) vs. 4.60 (1.05, 8.55) at T3h, 1.82 (0.38, 5.30) vs. 8.20 (2.80, 17.73) at T6h, all P < 0.05]. While there were no significantly differences in other basic data and ePVS at all of the time points before and after resuscitation between the two groups. Correlation analysis showed that T6h venous ePVS was significantly positively correlated with T6h IVC variability in septic patients (r = 0.360, P < 0.05), T0h arterial ePVS was significantly negatively correlated with T3h and T6h liquid intake volume (r₁ = -0.367, r₂ = -0.280, both P < 0.05), and venous ePVS at ICU admission was significantly positively correlated with NT-proBNP at ICU admission (r = 0.409, P < 0.05). T6h venous ΔePVS% was significantly positively correlated with T3h liquid intake volume and T6h LCR (r₁ = 0.286, r₂ = 0.286, both P < 0.05), and significantly negatively correlated with T6h urine volume and T6h change value of Pcv-aCO₂ (ΔPcv-aCO₂; r₁ = -0.321, r₂ = -0.371, both P < 0.05). ROC curve analysis showed that the area under the ROC curve (AUC) of T6h venous ΔePVS% for predicting 28-day survival in septic patients was 0.726 [95% confidence interval (95%CI) was 0.578-0.875, P = 0.006], with a sensitivity of 82.4%, a specificity of 60.0%, and an optimal cut-off value of 3.09%. Binary multifactorial Logistic regression analysis showed that an increase in T6h venous ΔePVS% was a protective factor for 28-day death in patients with sepsis on early fluid resuscitation [odds ratio (OR) = 0.900, 95%CI was 0.834-0.972, P = 0.007]. CONCLUSIONS ePVS may have potential for assessing the volume status of septic patients during early fluid resuscitation. The ΔePVS% during early fluid resuscitation may help to identify septic patients with a poor prognosis.
Humans ; Prognosis ; Fluid Therapy ; Sepsis/physiopathology* ; Prospective Studies ; Plasma Volume ; Intensive Care Units ; Resuscitation ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Shock, Septic/therapy*

(+)-Strebloside, a significant bioactive compound isolated from the roots of Streblus asper Lour., demonstrates inhibitory effects against multiple malignancies. However, its specific function and underlying mechanistic pathways in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) remain unexplored. This investigation sought to elucidate the role and potential mechanisms of (+)-strebloside-induced NHL cell death. The results demonstrated that (+)-strebloside significantly induced apoptosis and ferroptosis in NHL cells, including those from Raji cell-derived xenograft models. Mechanistic analyses revealed that (+)-strebloside enhanced six-transmembrane epithelial antigen of prostate 3 (STEAP3)-induced ferroptosis in NHL, and STEAP3 inhibition reduced the proliferation-inhibitory effects of (+)-strebloside. Furthermore, (+)-strebloside suppressed NHL proliferation through the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) inhibition diminished the proliferation-inhibitory activity induced by (+)-strebloside. These findings indicate that (+)-strebloside presents promising therapeutic potential for NHL treatment.
Humans ; Ferroptosis/drug effects* ; Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin/physiopathology* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; MAP Kinase Signaling System/drug effects* ; Animals ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Mice ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Membrane Proteins/genetics* ; Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays ; Male ; Mice, Nude

Objective: To review the current development of artificial intelligence (AI) technology in the field of transfusion medicine. Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the Clarivate Web of Science Database from inception to December 2024 for literature related to AI and transfusion. A total of 4 775 publications were identified. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, 133 original studies were ultimately included and analyzed using a narrative synthesis approach. Results: Research on AI in transfusion has surged since 2020 (accounting for 77% of all publications), with China ranking second globally in publication volume. Among the included studies, 69.2% focused on predicting individual transfusion needs, followed by inventory management (8.3%), diagnosis and prediction of adverse transfusion reactions (6.0%), factors influencing transfusion outcomes (5.3%), blood group identification (5.3%), blood quality testing (4.5%), and precise blood volume measurement (1.5%). Additionally, 4.5% of the studies were published in journals with an impact factor greater than 10; 19.5% developed software or applications; 31.5% were multi-center studies; 48.1% utilized decision tree methods, while 31.5% employed neural network approaches; and 14.2% conducted external validation of the algorithms. Conclusion: AI demonstrates significant potential in transfusion risk prediction, decision support, and blood management. However, challenges remain, including limited model generalizability, insufficient algorithm interpretability, and barriers to clinical translation. The deep integration of AI with transfusion medicine will accelerate the advent of precision transfusion era, maximizing blood resource utilization, reducing waste, and ensuring transfusion safety.

Objective:To describe the current status and trends in the outcomes and care practices of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation age from the Chinese Neonatal Network (CHNN) from 2019 to 2021.Methods:This cross-sectional study used data from the CHNN cohort of very preterm infants. All 963 extremely preterm infants with gestational age between 22-25 weeks who were admitted to neonatal intensive care units (NICU) of the CHNN from 2019 to 2021 were included. Infants admitted after 24 hours of life or transferred to non-CHNN hospitals were excluded. Perinatal care practices, survival rates, incidences of major morbidities, and NICU treatments were described according to different gestational age groups and admission years. Comparison among gestational age groups was conducted using χ2 and Kruskal-Wallis tests. Trends by year were evaluated by Cochran-Armitage and Jonckheere-Terpstra tests for trend. Results:Of the 963 extremely preterm infants enrolled, 588 extremely preterm infants (61.1%) were male. The gestational age was 25.0 (24.4, 25.6) weeks, with 29 extremely preterm infants (3.0%), 88 extremely preterm infants (9.1%), 264 extremely preterm infants (27.4%), and 582 extremely preterm infants (60.4%) at 22, 23, 24, and 25 weeks of gestation age, respectively. The birth weight was 770 (680, 840) g. From 2019 to 2021, the number of extremely preterm infants increased each year (285, 312, and 366 extremely preterm infants, respectively). Antenatal steroids and magnesium sulfate were administered to 67.7% (615/908) and 51.1% (453/886) mothers of extremely preterm infants. In the delivery room, 20.8% (200/963) and 69.5% (669/963) extremely preterm infants received noninvasive positive end-expiratory pressure support and endotracheal intubation. Delayed cord clamping and cord milking were performed in 19.0% (149/784) and 30.4% (241/794) extremely preterm infants. From 2019 to 2021, there were significant increases in the usage of antenatal steroids, antenatal magnesium sulfate, and delivery room noninvasive positive-end expiratory pressure support (all P<0.05). Overall, 349 extremely preterm infants (36.2%) did not receive complete care, 392 extremely preterm infants (40.7%) received complete care and survived to discharge, and 222 extremely preterm infants (23.1%) received complete care but died in hospital. The survival rates for extremely preterm infants at 22, 23, 24 and 25 weeks of gestation age were 10.3% (3/29), 23.9% (21/88), 33.0% (87/264) and 48.3% (281/582), respectively. From 2019 to 2021, there were no statistically significant trends in complete care, survival, and mortality rates (all P>0.05). Only 11.5% (45/392) extremely preterm infants survived without major morbidities. Moderate to severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (67.3% (264/392)) and severe retinopathy of prematurity (61.5% (241/392)) were the most common morbidities among survivors. The incidences of severe intraventricular hemorrhage or periventricular leukomalacia, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sepsis were 15.3% (60/392), 5.9% (23/392) and 19.1% (75/392), respectively. Overall, 83.7% (328/392) survivors received invasive ventilation during hospitalization, with a duration of 22 (10, 42) days. The hospital stay for survivors was 97 (86, 116) days. Conclusions:With the increasing number of extremely preterm infants at 22-25 weeks′ gestation admitted to CHNN NICU, the survival rate remained low, especially the rate of survival without major morbidities. Further quality improvement initiatives are needed to facilitate the implementation of evidence-based care practices.

OBJECTIVE: To identify phytochemical constituents present in the extract of flowers of Xanthoceras sorbifolia and evaluate their anti-oxidant and anti-hyperglycemic capacities. METHODS: The AlCl₃ colorimetric method and Prussian Blue assay were used to determine the contents of total flavonoids and total phenolic acids in extraction layers, and the bioactive layers was screened through anti - oxidative activity in vitro. The Waters ACQUITY UPLC system and a Waters ACQUITY UPLC BEH C₁₈ column (2.0 mm × 150 mm, 5 μm) were used to identify the ingredients. And anti-oxidative ingredients were screened by off-line UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-free radical scavenging. The ameliorative role of it was further evaluated in a high-fat, streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rat model and the study was carried out on NADPH oxidase (PDB ID: 2CDU) by molecular docking. RESULTS: Combined with the results of activity screening in vitro, the anti - oxidative part was identified as the ethyl acetate layer. A total of 24 chemical constituents were identified by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry in the ethyl acetate layer and 13 main anti-oxidative active constituents were preliminarily screened out through off-line UPLC-QTOF-MS/MS-free radical scavenging. In vivo experiments showed that flowers of X. sorbifolia could significantly reduce the blood glucose level of diabetic mice and alleviate liver cell damage. Based on the results of docking analysis related to the identified phytocompounds and oxidase which involved in type 2 diabetes, quercetin 3-O-rutinoside, kaempferol-3-O-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3-O-glucoside, and isoquercitrin showed a better inhibitory profile. CONCLUSION The ethyl acetate layer was rich in flavonoids and phenolic acids and had significant anti-oxidant activity, which could prevent hyperglycemia. This observed activity profile suggested X. sorbifolia flowers as a promising new source of tea to develop alternative natural anti-diabetic products with a high safety margin.

Bioactive compounds derived from herbal medicinal plants modulate various therapeutic targets and signaling pathways associated with cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), the world's primary cause of death. Ginkgo biloba, a well-known traditional Chinese medicine with notable cardiovascular actions, has been used as a cardio- and cerebrovascular therapeutic drug and nutraceutical in Asian countries for centuries. Preclinical studies have shown that ginkgolide B, a bioactive component in Ginkgo biloba, can ameliorate atherosclerosis in cultured vascular cells and disease models. Of clinical relevance, several clinical trials are ongoing or being completed to examine the efficacy and safety of ginkgolide B-related drug preparations in the prevention of cerebrovascular diseases, such as ischemia stroke. Here, we present a comprehensive review of the pharmacological activities, pharmacokinetic characteristics, and mechanisms of action of ginkgolide B in atherosclerosis prevention and therapy. We highlight new molecular targets of ginkgolide B, including nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidases (NADPH oxidase), lectin-like oxidized LDL receptor-1 (LOX-1), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), platelet-activating factor (PAF), proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) and others. Finally, we provide an overview and discussion of the therapeutic potential of ginkgolide B and highlight the future perspective of developing ginkgolide B as an effective therapeutic agent for treating atherosclerosis.