Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) is an acute infectious respiratory disease that has been prevalent since December 2019. Chinese medicine (CM) has demonstrated its unique advantages in the fight against COVID-19 in the areas of disease prevention, improvement of clinical symptoms, and control of disease progression. This review summarized the relevant material components of CM in the treatment of COVID-19 by searching the relevant literature and reports on CM in the treatment of COVID-19 and combining with the physiological and pathological characteristics of the novel coronavirus. On the basis of sorting out experimental methods in vivo and in vitro, the mechanism of herb action was further clarified in terms of inhibiting virus invasion and replication and improving related complications. The aim of the article is to explore the strengths and characteristics of CM in the treatment of COVID-19, and to provide a basis for the research and scientific, standardized treatment of COVID-19 with CM.
Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; COVID-19 Drug Treatment ; SARS-CoV-2/drug effects* ; COVID-19/therapy* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional/methods* ; Antiviral Agents/pharmacology* ; Animals

As a novel tumor treatment,photodynamic therapy(PDT)has been widely used in clinical treatment of a variety of tumors due to its advantages,such as fewer adverse reactions,precise targeting and repeatability of treatment.Unlike conventional treatments,such as surgery,chemotherapy and radiotherapy,PDT not only eliminates the primary tumor but also effectively inhibits metastatic tumors by activating the body's immune response.However,the PDT-activated immune response is influenced by multiple factors,including the localization and dose of photosensitizer in the cells,light parameters,oxygen concentration in the tumor,and the integrity of immune function.This review summarizes the mechanisms behind the PDT-activated anti-tumor immune response,systematically examines the key influencing factors on the immune effect of PDT,and discusses the future development direction of PDT in cancer treatment.

Objective To explore the impact of pH value of the reaction system on the properties of bovine hemoglobin modified with aldehydeated polyethylene glycol(PEG-bHb).Methods PEG-bHb conjugates were synthesized under varying pH conditions(6.0,6.5,7.4 and 8.0)of the reaction system while consistent molar ratios,temperature,and reaction time were maintained.The structural and functional attributes of PEG-bHb were characterized.Results The proportion of methemoglobin decreased with an increase in pH.In a weakly acidic reaction environment,the PEG-bHb was found to be relatively highly modified.At pH 6.5,the average number of PEG chains attached to the bHb surface was 6.86±0.38.Selective PEG modification of the N-terminal α-NH2 groups was more pronounced under weakly acidic conditions.Specifically,at pH 6.5,the modification efficiency of the N-terminal α-NH2 groups of bHb by aldehyde-activated PEG reached 95.4％for the α-chains and 99.3％for the β-chains.The PEG modification influenced the heme region microenvi-ronment of bHb,with minimal structural impact observed at pH 6.5.After modification,the oxygen affinity of PEG-bHb was enhanced,the Hill coefficient was reduced,and there were significant increases in colloid osmotic pressure,viscosity,and particle size,all of which differed markedly from the unmodified bHb group(P＜0.001).Conclusion The synthesis of PEG-bHb under weakly acidic conditions can result in a high degree of selective modification of the N-terminal α-NH2 groups and an overall high degree of modification.

Objective To design a new type of acupressure wrist-ankle strap and evaluate its clinical effect on the treatment of patients with mild anxiety insomnia.Methods The acupressure wrist-ankle strap was composed of a fixation band and an acupressure part.Totally 94 insomnia patients with mild anxiety at some hospital from October 2020 to January 2023 were selected as the subjects and divided into an observation group(n=48)and a control group(n=46)with the random number table method.The observation group was treated with the acupressure wrist-ankle strap,and the control group was given with placebos.The two groups were compared before and after treatment in terms of Pittsburgh sleep quality index(PSQI)and Hamilton anxiety scale(HAMA)with two-way repeated measures ANOVA.SPSS 21.0 software was used for data analysis.Results The PSQI and HAMA scores of the two groups were enhanced significantly after treatment(P＜0.05).The two groups had statistically significant difference in the effect of the time factor on PSQI and HAMA scores(P＜0.05),and also in the effect of the time x group interaction on PSQI and HAMA scores(P＜0.05).Condusion The acupressure wrist-ankle strap contributes to improving the sleep and anxiety of mild anxiety insomnia patients in a self-administered,non-invasive,painless,and non-adverse manner.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(4):78-82]

Biosensor analysis technology is a kind of technology with high specificity that can convert biological reactions into optical and electrical signals. In the development of drugs for Alzheimer's disease (AD), according to different disease hypotheses and targets, this technology plays an important role in confirming targets and screening active compounds. This paper briefly describes the pathogenesis of AD and the current situation of therapeutic drugs, introduces three biosensor analysis techniques commonly used in the discovery of AD drugs, such as surface plasmon resonance (SPR), biolayer interferometry (BLI) and fluorescence analysis technology, explains its basic principle and application progress, and summarizes their advantages and limitations respectively.

ObjectiveAngle-closure glaucoma (ACG) is one of the major eye-blinding diseases. To diagnose ACG, it is crucial to examine the anterior chamber angle. Current diagnostic tools include slit lamp gonioscopy, water gonioscopy, ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM), and anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT). Slit lamp and water gonioscopy allow convenient observation of the anterior chamber angle, but pose risks of invasive operation and eye infections. UBM can accurately measure the structure of the anterior chamber angle. However, it is complex to operate and unsuitable for patients, who have undergone trauma or ocular surgery. Although AS-OCT provides detailed images, it is costly. The aim of this study is to explore a non-invasive, non-destructive optical reflection tomography (ORT) technique. This technique can achieve low-cost three-dimensional imaging and full-field anterior chamber angle measurement of the porcine eye. MethodsThe experiment involved assembling an optical reflection tomography system, which included a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) camera, a telecentric system, a stepper motor, and a white light source, achieving a spatial resolution of approximately 8.5 μm. The process required positioning the porcine eye at the center of the field of the imaging system and rotating it around its central axis using a stepper motor. Reflection projection images were captured at each angle with an exposure time of 1.0 ms and an interval of 2°. The collected reflection-projection data were processed using a filtered reflection tomography algorithm, generating a series of two-dimensional slice data. These slices essentially represented cross-sectional views of the three-dimensional structural image, and were reconstructed into a complete three-dimensional structural image. Based on the reconstructed three-dimensional structural image of the porcine eye, the anterior chamber angles at different positions were measured, and a distribution map of these angles was drawn. Simultaneously, the ORT measurements were compared with the standard results obtained from optical coherence tomography (OCT) to assess the accuracy of ORT measurements. ResultsIn this study, we successfully obtained the reflection projection data of a porcine eye using ORT technology, reconstructed its three-dimensional structural image, and measured the anterior chamber angle, generating the corresponding distribution map. To better distinguish the different structural parts of porcine eye, the three-dimensional structural image was marked with blue, green, and yellow dashed lines from the outer to the inner layers. The area between the blue and green dashed lines corresponded to the sclera. The area between the green and yellow dashed lines corresponded to the iris. The area inside the yellow dashed line corresponded to the pupil. The three-dimensional structural image clearly revealed the key anatomical features of the porcine eye. It was able to measure the anterior chamber angle at different positions. Additionally, the anterior chamber angle measurements of the porcine eye using ORT were compared with the measurements obtained using a TEL320C1 type OCT system, showing an average deviation of 0.51° and a mean square error MSE of 0.317. ConclusionORT is a non-invasive, non-destructive, low-cost, and high-resolution imaging technique capable of achieving three-dimensional structural imaging and full-field anterior chamber angle measurement of a porcine eye. This technology offers a new perspective for the diagnosis of angle-closure glaucoma and is significant for the screening, diagnosis, and monitoring of eye diseases, potentially benefiting clinics and small hospitals in remote areas in the future.

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease associated with dysfunctions related to thinking, learning, and memory of the brain. AD has multiple pathological characteristics with complicated causes, constructing a suitable pathological model is crucial for the research of AD. Microfluidic chip technology integrates multiple functional units on a chip, which can realize microenvironmental control similar to the physiological environment. It is well applied in the construction of pathological model, early diagnosis as well as drug screening of AD. This paper focuses on the construction of AD microfluidic chips model from the perspective of cell type, culture formats and the chips structure as well as the research progress of microfluidic chips in AD application based on the pathological characteristics of AD, which will provide a reference for further elucidation of AD mechanism and drug development.