Objective:To investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory network in a rat model of Tourette syndrome(TS)using transcriptomic technology and to screen key signaling pathways and potential traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)candidates for intervention.Methods:A TS rat model was established using iminodipropionitrile(IDPN).RNA sequencing was performed to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs in the brain tissues of TS rats.Bioinformatics analysis was applied to construct interaction networks,and network pharmacology was further employed to screen potential TCM compounds.Results:After 7 days of IDPN modeling,the model group exhibited motor and stereotypical behavioral changes,with behavioral scores greater than 3 points.Hema toxylin-eosin(HE)staining revealed irregular neuronal nuclear morphology,uneven chromatin distribution,nuclear pyknosis,and increased glial cell density.KEGG enrichment analysis identified key pathways:calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,p53 signaling pathway,ECM-receptor interaction,and TGF-β signaling pathway.miR-125a-3p,miR-106-3p,and miR-760-3p were identified as pivotal miRNAs.Potential TCM candidates included Ajuga decumbens,Acanthopanax bark,Codonopsis pilosula,Stephania japonica,Os Draconis,Notopterygium root,Siraitia grosvenorii,Zanthoxylum nitidum root,Morinda officinalis,and Corydalis yanhusuo.Conclusion:The miRNAs miR-106-3p,miR-125a-3p,and miR-760-3p may mediate TS pathogenesis by altering critical signaling networks,including the calcium signaling pathway,neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction,and ECM-receptor interaction pathways,leading to neuroimmune inflammation and dopaminergic system dysregulation.TCM compounds such as Corydalis yanhusuo and Ajuga decumbens may exert therapeutic effects through multi-component synergistic regulation of these miRNAs and downstream pathways.

BACKGROUND:Some research has suggested that regulation of gut microbiota may influence the course of intervertebral disc degeneration.However,the causal relationship of gut microbiota on intervertebral disc degeneration is unknown.OBJECTIVE:To assess the potential causal relationship between gut microbiota and intervertebral disc degeneration using a Mendelian randomization method.METHODS:Genome-wide association analysis summary statistics for 473 gut microbiota and genome-wide association analysis summary data for intervertebral disc degeneration from the R11 of the FinnGen database(46 205 cases of intervertebral disc degeneration and 322 314 controls)from the most recent publicly available publication were applied.Inverse variance weighting,MR-Egger regression,weighted median,weighted modeling,and simple modeling were used to investigate the causal relationship between gut microbiota and intervertebral disc degeneration.Sensitivity analyses were used to test whether the results of Mendelian randomization analyses were reliable.Reverse Mendelian randomization was performed with all gut microbiota as the outcomes for effect analysis and sensitivity analysis.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The results of the inverse variance weighting method of the forward Mendelian randomization method showed that the order Trichosporonaceae,the family UBA-6960,the family Anaerobes thermophilus,the family Salmonellaceae,the genus Pseudomonas tufts,the species Gordonella and the species Euclidia showed a positive correlation with intervertebral disc degeneration.The order Spirochaetes,the order Pseudomonas,the family Spirochaetaceae,the genus CAG-776,the genus Helicobacter,the species CAG-448 sp003150135,the species CAG-776 sp000438195,the species Brautella-A sp000285855 and the species Hanson's Brautella showed a negative correlation with intervertebral disc degeneration.(2)The results of reverse Mendelian randomization showed that intervertebral disc degeneration was positively correlated with the genus Bartonella rosea,the genus Geobacillus C,the species Escherichia fumigatus,the species Propionibacterium fumigatus,the species UBA-1777 sp900319835,the species Pseudomonas aeruginosa and the species Bacillus subtilis,while negatively correlated with the species Streptomyces mingoldii,the species Prevotella sp000434975,the species Brault's A sp000285855,the species CAG-194 sp002441865 and the species CAG-590 sp000431135.(3)No heterogeneity or horizontal pleiotropy was found in the two-way sensitivity analysis.(4)The results described above indicate that the causal relationship between gut microbiota and intervertebral disc degeneration based on the Finnish database contributes to the exploration on new biomarkers for the early prediction and treatment of intervertebral disc degeneration in clinical practice.In addition,the establishment of a large database and the integration of medical data from multiple centers can be drawn upon in biomedical research in China to provide a solid foundation for studying the relationship between gut microbiota and intervertebral disc degeneration.We will strengthen communication and cooperation with research teams in other countries to jointly promote the research on the relationship between gut microbiota and diseases and contribute to the development of global medicine.

Objective To investigate the correlation between serum TNF super family 15(TNFSF15),growth differentiation factor 11(GDF11)and in-stent restenosis(ISR)in patients with unstable angina pectoris(UAP)undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention(PCI).Methods A total of 350 UAP patients who underwent PCI treatment in the Second Hospital of Qinhuangdao from January 1,2020 to January 1,2021 were collected as observation subjects,and they were separated into non-ISR group(n=246)and ISR group(n=104)based on whether they had experienced ISR.ELISA was applied to determine the levels of serum TNFSF15 and GDF11,ROC curve was applied to analyze the predictive value of serum TNFSF15 and GDF11 levels for postoperative ISR in UAP patients after PCI,and multivariate Logistic regression was used to analyze the factors affecting the occurrence of ISR in UAP patients after PCI.Results Compared with the non-ISR group,the ISR group showed an increase in blood glucose,smoking history and LDL-C levels(t/χ2=22.908,18.869,47.337),as well as elevated serum TNFSF15 levels(16.97±1.51 pg/ml vs 18.35±1.62pg/ml)and GDF11 levels(157.72±16.13pg/ml vs 174.11±18.65 pg/ml)decreased(t=7.429,7.811),and the differences were statistically significant(all P<0.001).The AUC(95%CI)of serum TNFSF15 and GDF11 in dependently and jointly predicting ISR after PCI in UAP patients were 0.764(0.716～0.808),0.781(0.734～0.823)and 0.849(0.807～0.885),respectively,and the joint prediction of the two was higher than the individual prediction(Z=4.365,3.257,all P<0.001).Multivariate Logistic regression analysis of serum TNFSF15,the level of GDF11 was a protective factor for ISR in UAP patients after PCI(Wald χ2=11.000,36.321,all P<0.05).Conclusion The serum levels of TNFSF15 and GDF11 decreased in UAP patients with postoperative ISR after PCI,which have good predictive value for the occurrence of ISR in UAP patients after PCI.

Objective To evaluate the effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)on left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)and outcomes in patients with mixed aortic valve disease(MAVD)and predominant aortic stenosis(AS).Methods Patients undergoing TAVR at our center between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled consecutively.Propensity score matching(PSM)(1∶1 ratio)was used to reduce selection bias.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)was used to monitor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and other structural parameters over time.The study outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes.Linear mixed-effects models and logistic regression were utilized for comparing echocardiographic changes across groups and identifying independent risk factors for no-LVRR,respectively.Results After PSM,126 patients were included.MAVD group exhibited larger structural parameters(left ventricular end-systolic/end-diastolic diameter and volume,left ventricular mass index)and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(all P＜0.05).However,more pronounced improvements in left ventricular structure and hemodynamics were observed during follow-up.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was an independent predictor of left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)after TAVR,whereas persistent moderate or greater mitral regurgitation(MR)and paravalvular leak(PVL)significantly reduced the incidence of LVRR.During a median follow-up period of 23 months,a total of 31 endpoint events occurred,and there was no statistically significant difference in long-term prognosis between the two groups(Log-rank P=0.330).Conclusions Compared to patients in the AS group,those in the MAVD group exhibited more severe left ventricular remodeling before TAVR.However,more significant LVRR was observed during postoperative follow-up.Additionally,the long-term prognosis was comparable between the two groups.

Objective:To analyze the learning curve of TiRobot-assisted lumbar pedicle screw fixation (LPSF) by cumulative sum (CUSUM) test method.Methods:The clinical data of 50 patients who underwent TiRobot-assisted LPSF from January 2020 to December 2022 in Beijing Friendship Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. CUSUM analysis and learning curve fitting were performed with robot usage time as the main indicator with the time for each step refined (robot registration time, path planning time and guide wire placement time), to select the best learning curve fitting model with the R2 value closest to 1. Using the turning point of the learning curve as the boundary, the learning curve was divided into two stages as learning stage and maturity stage, and then the observation indexes were compared between the two stages. Results:All 50 patients successfully completed the surgery without perioperative complications, with a total of 244 pedicle screws implanted. The total robot usage time and robot registration time showed a gradually decreasing trend with the increase of case number, and the learning curves were successfully fitted and reached their peaks at the seventeenth and thirteenth cases respectively. The entire learning process was divided into learning stage (17 cases) and maturity stage (33 cases) based on the turning point of the learning curve of total robot usage time. The path planning time and guide wire placement time did not show significant changes with the increase in the case number. The total robot usage time, robot registration time and the intraoperative blood loss in the learning stage were significantly higher than those in the maturity stage: (35.35 ± 1.58) min vs. (30.61 ± 0.43) min, (20.83 ± 1.56) min vs. (14.94 ± 0.29) min and 400 (150, 500) ml vs. 200 (110, 300) ml, the guide wire placement time of per screw was significantly lower than that in the maturity stage: 2.00 (1.83, 2.34) min/screw vs. 2.33 (2.13, 2.69) min/screw, and there were statistical differences ( P<0.05 or <0.01). There were no statistical difference in the path planning time, path planning time of per screw, guide wire placement time and the accuracy of screw placement between two stages ( P>0.05). Conclusions:TiRobot-assisted LPSF is a new technology with safety and effectiveness, and it has a relatively short learning curve. To achieve technological maturity, at least 17 surgeries are required with accumulated experience, and the robot registration is the main step of the learning process. After reaching maturity stage, the robot usage time is significantly shortened and intraoperative trauma is significantly reduced while the relatively high screw placement accuracy is ensured.

Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.

Objective To comparatively analyze the quantitative parameters of culprit and non-culprit plaques in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)with a noninvasive technique of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA),and to explore the correlation between the quantitative parameters of plaques and culprit plaques.Methods Data were restrospectively collected from 51 ACS patients admitted in some hospital from January to December 2021.The coronary atherosclerotic plaques shown by invasive catheter angiography(ICA)that caused hemodynamic abnormalities and were treated with stenting were defined as offender plaques and enrolled into a culprit plaque group(56 culprit plaques),and other plaques were regarded as non-culprit plaques and divied into a non-culprit plaque group(164 non-culprit plaques).The relationship between culprit plaque and luminal stenosis was analyzed using the chi-square test,and quantitative plaque metrics were compared between the groups.The corelation between quantitative indicators and culprit plaque was analyzed using univariate Logistic regression,and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis was carried out.Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 23.0 software.Results Analysis of plaque imaging data showed that culprit plaque was significantly associated with the degree of luminal stenosis(P<0.05).Statistically significant differences were found beween the two groups and between the culprit plaques resulting in moderate or greater luminal stenosis and non-culprit plaques in total plaque length,total plaque load,calcification load,fibrolipid volume,fibrolipid load,necrotic core volume and necrotic core load(all P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed total plaque length,total plaque load,fibrolipid volume,fibrolipid load,necrotic core volume and necrotic core load were all significantly correlated with culprit plaques(all P<0.05);multifactorial Logistic regress indicated total plaque length and fibrous lipid load were independent risk factors for culprit plaques,and the probability of culprit plaques increased to 1.093 and 1.101 times for every one unit increase in total plaque length and fibrolipid load,respectively.Conclusion Such quantitative parameters of plaques as total plaque length,total plaque load,fibrolipid volume,fibrolipid load,necrotic core volume and necrotic core load reflects the characteristics of culprit plaques effectively.Quantitative plaque parameter analysis based on CCTA facilitates clinicians for early assessment of patients with coronary atherosclerosis,which enables early intervention and prevention of acute coronary syndromes.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):65-71]

Objective To evaluate the effects of transcatheter aortic valve replacement(TAVR)on left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)and outcomes in patients with mixed aortic valve disease(MAVD)and predominant aortic stenosis(AS).Methods Patients undergoing TAVR at our center between January 2020 and December 2022 were enrolled consecutively.Propensity score matching(PSM)(1∶1 ratio)was used to reduce selection bias.Transthoracic echocardiography(TTE)was used to monitor left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)and other structural parameters over time.The study outcome was a composite of cardiovascular death and rehospitalization due to cardiovascular causes.Linear mixed-effects models and logistic regression were utilized for comparing echocardiographic changes across groups and identifying independent risk factors for no-LVRR,respectively.Results After PSM,126 patients were included.MAVD group exhibited larger structural parameters(left ventricular end-systolic/end-diastolic diameter and volume,left ventricular mass index)and a lower left ventricular ejection fraction(LVEF)(all P＜0.05).However,more pronounced improvements in left ventricular structure and hemodynamics were observed during follow-up.Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that the left ventricular mass index(LVMI)was an independent predictor of left ventricular reverse remodeling(LVRR)after TAVR,whereas persistent moderate or greater mitral regurgitation(MR)and paravalvular leak(PVL)significantly reduced the incidence of LVRR.During a median follow-up period of 23 months,a total of 31 endpoint events occurred,and there was no statistically significant difference in long-term prognosis between the two groups(Log-rank P=0.330).Conclusions Compared to patients in the AS group,those in the MAVD group exhibited more severe left ventricular remodeling before TAVR.However,more significant LVRR was observed during postoperative follow-up.Additionally,the long-term prognosis was comparable between the two groups.

Objective:To assess the relationship between basophil levels and mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Methods:Information on patients with intraperitoneal infection admitted to the intensive care unit were extracted from the MIMIC database.A time-dependent Cox regression model was used to adjust for confounders associated with 28-day mortality.Propensity score matching(PSM)was used to balance the baseline differences be-tween groups with different basophil levels,and a restricted cube chart(RCS)was used to show the relationship between basophil count and 28-day mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection.Results:A total of 4403 patients with intra-abdominal infection were enrolled in the MIMIC database.Patients with high basophil levels have lower mortality than those with low basophil levels.There was an L-shaped curve between basophil level and 28-day mortality,with a cut-off value of 0.47×109/L.Cox regression analysis showed that basophil levels were an independent protective factor for mortal-ity in patients with intra-abdominal infection after adjusting for potential confounders(HR=0.586,95%CI:0.443-0.769).Protective factors for death at basophil levels remained after PSM adjusted for potential confounders(HR=0.628,95%CI:0.470-0.832).Conclusion:Basophil level is an independent protective factor for mortality in patients with intra-abdominal infection,and basophil levels should be dynamically monitored to better evaluate the prognosis of patients.

Objective To comparatively analyze the quantitative parameters of culprit and non-culprit plaques in patients with acute coronary syndromes(ACS)with a noninvasive technique of coronary computed tomography angiography(CCTA),and to explore the correlation between the quantitative parameters of plaques and culprit plaques.Methods Data were restrospectively collected from 51 ACS patients admitted in some hospital from January to December 2021.The coronary atherosclerotic plaques shown by invasive catheter angiography(ICA)that caused hemodynamic abnormalities and were treated with stenting were defined as offender plaques and enrolled into a culprit plaque group(56 culprit plaques),and other plaques were regarded as non-culprit plaques and divied into a non-culprit plaque group(164 non-culprit plaques).The relationship between culprit plaque and luminal stenosis was analyzed using the chi-square test,and quantitative plaque metrics were compared between the groups.The corelation between quantitative indicators and culprit plaque was analyzed using univariate Logistic regression,and multifactorial Logistic regression analysis was carried out.Statistical analysis was performed with SPSS 23.0 software.Results Analysis of plaque imaging data showed that culprit plaque was significantly associated with the degree of luminal stenosis(P<0.05).Statistically significant differences were found beween the two groups and between the culprit plaques resulting in moderate or greater luminal stenosis and non-culprit plaques in total plaque length,total plaque load,calcification load,fibrolipid volume,fibrolipid load,necrotic core volume and necrotic core load(all P<0.05).Univariate Logistic regression analysis showed total plaque length,total plaque load,fibrolipid volume,fibrolipid load,necrotic core volume and necrotic core load were all significantly correlated with culprit plaques(all P<0.05);multifactorial Logistic regress indicated total plaque length and fibrous lipid load were independent risk factors for culprit plaques,and the probability of culprit plaques increased to 1.093 and 1.101 times for every one unit increase in total plaque length and fibrolipid load,respectively.Conclusion Such quantitative parameters of plaques as total plaque length,total plaque load,fibrolipid volume,fibrolipid load,necrotic core volume and necrotic core load reflects the characteristics of culprit plaques effectively.Quantitative plaque parameter analysis based on CCTA facilitates clinicians for early assessment of patients with coronary atherosclerosis,which enables early intervention and prevention of acute coronary syndromes.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2025,46(6):65-71]