ObjectiveTo investigate the protective effect of liver-targeted fibroblast growth factor 21 （FGF21） overexpression against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury （ALI） and its association with silent information regulator 1/glutathione peroxidase 4 （SIRT1/GPX4） expression and ferroptosis-related markers. MethodsFemale ICR mice （8 weeks old） were randomly divided into Control， CCl₄， adeno-associated virus （AAV）-FGF21， and AAV-FGF21 + CCl₄ groups. Liver-targeted FGF21 overexpression was achieved via tail vein injection of AAV8-FGF21 virus with green fluorescent protein （GFP） labeling. ALI was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ （0.3 mL/kg）， with sample collection at 12 hours. Body weight and liver weight were recorded to calculate the liver weight/body weight. Alanine aminotransferase （ALT） and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） levels were measured using a biochemical analyzer. FGF21 expression in liver tissues was detected by immunofluorescence. Hepatic histopathology was evaluated by HE staining. RT-qPCR was performed to assess mRNA expression of ferroptosis and iron metabolism-related genes （ACSL4， PTGS2， HJV， FPN， GPX4）， FGF21， and SIRT1. Protein expression of FGF21， SIRT1， and GPX4 were determined by Western blot. Iron content， malondialdehyde （MDA）， glutathione （GSH）， and superoxide dismutase （SOD） activity in liver homogenate were quantified using assay kits. ResultsCompared with the Control group， the FGF21 mRNA and protein expression elevated in CCl₄ group； serum ALT/AST levels and liver weight/body weigh increased. The HE staining results showed that the liver cell membranes were ruptured. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2， the iron content and MDA levels all increased （P<0.01）. The mRNA levels of SIRT1， GPX4， HJV， and FPN， the GSH level and SOD activity all decreased （P<0.05）， and the protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both decreased （P<0.05）. Compared with the CCl₄ group， the serum levels of ALT and AST in the AAV-FGF21 + CCl4 group were decreased （P<0.01）， and the liver/body ratio of mice decreased （P<0.01）. The results of HE staining showed that the degree of liver injury was alleviated. The mRNA levels of ACSL4 and PTGS2， iron content and MDA level all decreased （P<0.01）， while the mRNA levels of SIRT1， GPX4， HJV， FPN， GSH level and SOD activity all increased （P<0.05）. The protein levels of SIRT1 and GPX4 both increased （P<0.05）. ConclusionFGF21 overexpression is associated with enhanced SIRT1/GPX4 expression and suppression of ferroptosis features， thereby contributing to the alleviation of CCl₄-induced ALI.

Objective:To evaluate serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D 3 [25(OH)D 3] as a potential biomarker for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) severity and to identify risk factors influencing ALS prognosis. Methods:This study included 217 ALS patients hospitalized at the Department of Neurology, First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, between October 2018 and October 2021, who met the revised El Escorial diagnostic criteria. A cross-sectional analysis assessed differences in clinical indicators-including the ALS Functional Rating Scale-Revised (ALSFRS-R) and forced vital capacity percentage (FVC%)-across different serum 25(OH)D 3 levels. The correlation between 25(OH)D 3 levels and individual ALSFRS-R components was also examined. Conduct a prospective cohort study to identify independent risk factors affecting the survival time of ALS patients. Results:Among three groups categorized by serum 25(OH)D 3 levels, there were significant differences in the proportion of males ( χ2=10.51, P<0.05). Serum 25(OH)D 3 levels correlated positively with lower limb function scores in the ALSFRS-R ( r=0.05, P<0.05), but they were not identified as an independent risk factor for survival ( HR=0.98, 95% CI 0.93-1.04, P>0.05). In contrast, delayed diagnosis( HR=0.94, 95% CI 0.89-0.99, P<0.05) and reduced FVC%( HR=0.94, 95% CI 0.97-0.99, P<0.05) were independent predictors of shorter survival. Conclusion:Serum 25(OH)D 3 levels differ by gender distribution and may be linked to better lower limb function in ALS patients. However, their role in prolonging survival remains uncertain.

Bone defect repair is an urgent problem in the field of orthopedics,and numerous researchers are working to develop more effective treatment plans.The accurate evaluation of bone repair after surgery is a crucial step.In line with the development of computed tomography(CT)imaging,dual-energy CT imaging has shown significant advantages in analyzing bone composition and reducing metal artifacts.This article reviews the application of dual-energy CT imaging for the evaluation of bone repair in animals.

The identification of constitutional types in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a crucial component in realizing the concept of"treatment before the onset of disease".In recent years,the"Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire"has been employed as a standardized tool and has achieved notable success in the field of TCM constitution identification.However,there remains scope for further enhancement of its validity and applicability.Techniques for identifying TCM constitutions based on multidimensional phenotypes continue to emerge,yet a universally applicable constitutional determination model has yet to be established.We propose three research and development directions:The self-assessment questionnaires,the non-invasive point-of-care testing models based on TCM constitution phenotype,and the multidimensional phenotype-based constitution identification platforms.By way of an example,we outline specific developmental ideas with a focus on TCM constitution identification technology based on the analysis of exhaled breath.

Objective:To compare bowel preparation quality between 2.0 L and 1.5 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimens with optimized dietary restrictions.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in three hospitals: the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University ( n=57), Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University ( n=30), and General Hospital of Northern Theater Command ( n=30) from May 5th to 30th, 2024. Participants consumed food for special medical purpose one day before examination or therapeutic colonoscopy and were randomized to receive either 2.0 L PEG (group A) or 1.5 L PEG (group B). Outcomes included the completion rate of bowel preparation, the adequate/excellent bowel preparation rate, Boston bowel preparation scale scores, the subject/endoscopist satisfaction, the willingness to repeat the preparation regimen, and incidence of adverse events. Results:A total of 60 subjects in group A and 57 in group B were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups ( P>0.05). The adequate bowel preparation rate [81.7% (49/60) VS 64.9% (37/57), χ2=4.21, P=0.040] and endoscopist satisfaction [88.3% (53/60) VS 70.2% (40/57), χ2=5.91, P=0.015] in group A were significantly higher than those in group B. There were no significant differences in bowel preparation completion rates, the excellent bowel preparation rate, the bowel preparation score, subject satisfaction, willingness to repeat the preparation regimen, or incidence of adverse events ( P>0.05). Conclusion:When combined with optimized dietary restrictions, 2.0 L PEG provides superior bowel preparation quality compared with 1.5 L PEG.

Objective:To explore the effects of childhood trauma on resting blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability in patients with depression.Methods:A cross-sectional study was designed to prospectively collect clinical data on a total of 163 patients with depression, including 47 males and 116 females, aged 18-50 years,with mean[ M( Q1, Q3)] [29.0, (21.0, 37.0)]years, who were either the outpatients or the inpatients in the Mental Health Center of the First Hospital of Hebei Medical University from September 2022 to June 2024. The Childhood Trauma Questionnaire-Short form (CTQ-SF) was used to assess the experience of abuse and neglect during childhood. According to the CTQ-SF score, the subjects were divided into a trauma group ( n=80) and a non-trauma group ( n=83). The 17-item Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD 17) and Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA) were used to assess depressive and anxiety symptoms in the participants, respectively. A digital blood pressure monitor and an autonomic nervous system response detector were employed to measure resting blood pressure, heart rate, and heart rate variability (HRV). Spearman correlation analysis was used to examine the relationships between childhood trauma and resting blood pressure, heart rate, and HRV. Multiple linear regression analysis was performed to analyze factors influencing these parameters. The Bootstrap method was employed to test the potential mediating role of parasympathetic nervous system activity in the relationships between childhood trauma and resting blood pressure, and heart rate. Results:No significant difference was observed in resting heart rate between the trauma and non-trauma groups ( P>0.05). However, the trauma group exhibited higher resting systolic and diastolic blood pressure [(123.3±9.1) mmHg (1 mmHg=0.133 kPa) vs(116.9±10.8) mmHg, (80.0±8.6) mmHg vs (77.0±8.0) mmHg; Z=4.08, 2.24, all P<0.05]. HRV indices, including the standard deviation of normal to normal interval (SDNN), root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD), total power (TP), low frequency (LF), and high frequency (HF), were significantly lower in the trauma group [25.3 (19.4, 30.4) me vs 36.3 (27.4, 49.0) ms, 18.3 (12.9, 27.2) me vs 26.2 (19.0, 38.5) ms, 6.0(5.4, 6.5)ms 2vs 7.0(6.3, 7.4)ms 2,4.4(3.7,5.3)ms 2vs 5.8(4.9,6.3)ms 2, 4.2(3.4, 5.2)ms 2vs 5.2(4.6, 6.1)ms 2, respectively; all P<0.001]. Spearman correlation analysis showed that childhood trauma experiences in patients with depression were positively correlated with resting systolic blood pressure and diastolic blood pressure ( r=0.309, 0.236; P<0.01), childhood trauma was negatively correlated with HRV (SDNN, RMSSD, TP, LF, HF) ( r=-0.264, -0.274, -0.271, -0.235, -0.279; all P<0.01). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that childhood trauma was positively correlated with resting-state systolic blood pressure and resting-state diastolic blood pressure ( β=0.305, 0.291; all P<0.001). Childhood trauma was negatively correlated with RMSSD, TP, LF, and HF( β=-0.244, -0.249, -0.233, -0.263; all P<0.01). Mediation effect analysis showed that parasympathetic activity partially mediated the relationship between childhood trauma and resting systolic blood pressure (effect size 0.04, standard error 0.02, 95% CI=0.01-0.09), accounting for 14.29% (0.04/0.28) of the total effect. Conclusion:Childhood trauma experiences are associated with elevated resting blood pressure and reduced HRV in patients with depression. Decreased parasympathetic activity partially mediates the relationship between childhood trauma and elevated resting systolic blood pressure in these patients.

Bone defect repair is an urgent problem in the field of orthopedics,and numerous researchers are working to develop more effective treatment plans.The accurate evaluation of bone repair after surgery is a crucial step.In line with the development of computed tomography(CT)imaging,dual-energy CT imaging has shown significant advantages in analyzing bone composition and reducing metal artifacts.This article reviews the application of dual-energy CT imaging for the evaluation of bone repair in animals.

Objective:To assess the effect of using different thicknesses of reconstruction layer and different thicknesses of region of interest (ROI) on the results of vertebral bone mineral density (BMD) values that were measured by quantitative computed tomography (QCT). Methods:A total of 100 patients who underwent QCT screening for opportunistic osteoporosis between May and September 2021 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University were retrospectively collected. Images that the thicknesses of QCT reconstruction layer were respectively 1 and 5 mm were transferred to the QCT Pro workstation,and ROI thicknesses were adjusted to 5,7,and 9 mm,respectively. The average BMD values of QCT measurements were recorded under different thicknesses of reconstruction layer and different ROI thicknesses. Then,the effects of the choose of different thicknesses of reconstruction layer and the different ROI thicknesses on BMD values that were measured by QCT were analyzed. Results:The average BMD values of 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses of reconstruction layer were respectively (117.41±45.97) mg/cm3 and (118.77±44.84) mg/cm3 when ROI thickness was 5 mm,with a statistically significant difference (t=-2.283,P<0.05). The average BMD values of 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses of reconstruction layer were respectively (116.38±46.06) mg/cm3 and (119.06±44.55) mg/cm3 when the ROI thickness was 7mm,and the difference was statistically significant (t=-3.280,P<0.05). The average BMD values of 1 mm and 5 mm thicknesses of reconstruction layer were respectively (116.25±45.36) mg/cm3 and (120.12±44.10) mg/cm3 when the ROI thickness was 9 mm,and the difference was statistically significant (t=-5.841,P<0.001). The differences in BMD measurement values among 5,7 and 9 mm ROI thicknesses were not statistically significant when the thicknesses of reconstruction layer were respectively 1 and 5 mm. Conclusion:There is an effect of the thickness of QCT reconstruction layer on average BMD measurement values,and 1 mm thickness of reconstruction layer is more suitable to clinical application,while there is not significant effect in ROI thickness on average BMD measurement value of QCT. In clinical application,it is feasible to adjust ROI thickness according to actual situation so as to avoid the effect caused by some factors such as fracture or vertebral implants.

The identification of constitutional types in traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)is a crucial component in realizing the concept of"treatment before the onset of disease".In recent years,the"Constitution in Chinese Medicine Questionnaire"has been employed as a standardized tool and has achieved notable success in the field of TCM constitution identification.However,there remains scope for further enhancement of its validity and applicability.Techniques for identifying TCM constitutions based on multidimensional phenotypes continue to emerge,yet a universally applicable constitutional determination model has yet to be established.We propose three research and development directions:The self-assessment questionnaires,the non-invasive point-of-care testing models based on TCM constitution phenotype,and the multidimensional phenotype-based constitution identification platforms.By way of an example,we outline specific developmental ideas with a focus on TCM constitution identification technology based on the analysis of exhaled breath.

Objective:To compare bowel preparation quality between 2.0 L and 1.5 L polyethylene glycol (PEG) regimens with optimized dietary restrictions.Methods:This study was a randomized controlled trial conducted in three hospitals: the First Affiliated Hospital of Naval Medical University ( n=57), Huadong Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University ( n=30), and General Hospital of Northern Theater Command ( n=30) from May 5th to 30th, 2024. Participants consumed food for special medical purpose one day before examination or therapeutic colonoscopy and were randomized to receive either 2.0 L PEG (group A) or 1.5 L PEG (group B). Outcomes included the completion rate of bowel preparation, the adequate/excellent bowel preparation rate, Boston bowel preparation scale scores, the subject/endoscopist satisfaction, the willingness to repeat the preparation regimen, and incidence of adverse events. Results:A total of 60 subjects in group A and 57 in group B were included. There was no significant difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups ( P>0.05). The adequate bowel preparation rate [81.7% (49/60) VS 64.9% (37/57), χ2=4.21, P=0.040] and endoscopist satisfaction [88.3% (53/60) VS 70.2% (40/57), χ2=5.91, P=0.015] in group A were significantly higher than those in group B. There were no significant differences in bowel preparation completion rates, the excellent bowel preparation rate, the bowel preparation score, subject satisfaction, willingness to repeat the preparation regimen, or incidence of adverse events ( P>0.05). Conclusion:When combined with optimized dietary restrictions, 2.0 L PEG provides superior bowel preparation quality compared with 1.5 L PEG.