Objective To optimize the extraction, separation and purification process of Actinoside E. Methods Single factor experiment combined with orthogonal test was used to determine the optimal extraction process of Actinoside E using its content as an index. The extracts were separated and purified by optimizing the chromatographic conditions of macroporous resin, silica gel and ODS column. Results 25 times amount of 55% ethanol with heating reflux at 95℃ for one hour were used as the optimal extraction process of Actinoside E. The optimum separation and purification process was as follows: D101 macroporous resin column was eluted with 7 BV of 50% ethanol, silica gel column was eluted with 5 BV of ethyl acetate-ethanol（10∶1）and 50% methanol eluted fraction was purified repeatedly by ODS column to obtain Actinoside E. The transfer rate of Actinoside E in the whole process was 53.70%, the yield was 0.35%, and the purity was 99.9%. Conclusion The process is stable and viable, which can provide material foundation for the development and utilization of Actinoside E.

Background/Aims: Liver transplantation (LT) following total hepatectomy is a life-saving treatment for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The HCC recurrence after LT hinders the effectiveness of the procedure. The objective of this study is to develop a pre-operative risk stratification model based on a liquid biopsy. Methods: We conducted a comprehensive multi-omics study of 260 HCC patients from three centers, including clinical data, low-coverage whole-genome sequencing of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma, as well as whole-exome, single-nucleus RNA, and spatial transcriptomics from matched tumor and non-tumor tissues. Results: We identified cfDNA-derived copy number alteration (CNA) signatures associated with post-transplant recurrence. By integrating cfDNA-derived CNA profiles with single-cell transcriptomic data, we traced recurrence-associated cfDNA to a distinct subpopulation of malignant cells within the primary tumor. These cells were embedded in a pro-metastatic microenvironment of specialized endothelial subtypes and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Notably, most recurrence-associated lesions were detectable in cfDNA prior to liver transplantation (LT). Building on these insights, we developed the ZJU Criteria based on CNA fragments and tumor markers, a pre-LT risk prediction tool that integrates conventional clinical factors with cfDNA-derived CNA signatures, and validated it using internal and independent external cohorts. Conclusion Our findings suggest that post-transplant recurrence commonly originates from advanced subclones that emerge late during tumor evolution. The ZJU Criteria provides an accurate, non-invasive strategy that significantly improves pre-LT risk stratification and clinical decision-making for patients with HCC.

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a central neurodegenerative disease characterized by progressive cognitive decline and memory impairment in clinical. Currently, there are no effective treatments for AD. In recent years, a variety of therapeutic approaches from different perspectives have been explored to treat AD. Although the drug therapies targeted at the clearance of amyloid β-protein (Aβ) had made a breakthrough in clinical trials, there were associated with adverse events. Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the onset and progression of AD. Continuous neuroinflammatory was considered to be the third major pathological feature of AD, which could promote the formation of extracellular amyloid plaques and intracellular neurofibrillary tangles. At the same time, these toxic substances could accelerate the development of neuroinflammation, form a vicious cycle, and exacerbate disease progression. Reducing neuroinflammation could break the feedback loop pattern between neuroinflammation, Aβ plaque deposition and Tau tangles, which might be an effective therapeutic strategy for treating AD. Traditional Chinese herbs such as Polygonum multiflorum and Curcuma were utilized in the treatment of AD due to their ability to mitigate neuroinflammation. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen and indomethacin had been shown to reduce the level of inflammasomes in the body, and taking these drugs was associated with a low incidence of AD. Biosynthetic nanomaterials loaded with oxytocin were demonstrated to have the capability to anti-inflammatory and penetrate the blood-brain barrier effectively, and they played an anti-inflammatory role via sustained-releasing oxytocin in the brain. Transplantation of mesenchymal stem cells could reduce neuroinflammation and inhibit the activation of microglia. The secretion of mesenchymal stem cells could not only improve neuroinflammation, but also exert a multi-target comprehensive therapeutic effect, making it potentially more suitable for the treatment of AD. Enhancing the level of TREM2 in microglial cells using gene editing technologies, or application of TREM2 antibodies such as Ab-T1, hT2AB could improve microglial cell function and reduce the level of neuroinflammation, which might be a potential treatment for AD. Probiotic therapy, fecal flora transplantation, antibiotic therapy, and dietary intervention could reshape the composition of the gut microbiota and alleviate neuroinflammation through the gut-brain axis. However, the drugs of sodium oligomannose remain controversial. Both exercise intervention and electromagnetic intervention had the potential to attenuate neuroinflammation, thereby delaying AD process. This article focuses on the role of drug therapy, gene therapy, stem cell therapy, gut microbiota therapy, exercise intervention, and brain stimulation in improving neuroinflammation in recent years, aiming to provide a novel insight for the treatment of AD by intervening neuroinflammation in the future.

ObjectiveTo investigate the characteristics of mitochondrial translational initiation factor 2 （MTIF2） gene methylation and its association with the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma （HCC）. MethodsMethSurv and EWAS Data Hub were used to perform the standardized analysis and the cluster analysis of MTIF2 methylation samples， including survival curve analysis， methylation signature analysis， the association of tumor signaling pathways， and a comparative analysis based on pan-cancer database. The independent-samples t test was used for comparison between two groups； a one-way analysis of variance was used for comparison between multiple groups， and the least significant difference t-test was used for further comparison between two groups. The Cox proportional hazards model was used to perform the univariate and multivariate survival analyses of methylation level at the CpG site. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to investigate the survival differences between the patients with low methylation level and those with high methylation level， and the Log-likelihood ratio method was used for survival difference analysis. ResultsGlobal clustering of MTIF2 methylation showed that there was no significant difference in MTIF2 gene methylation level between different races， ethnicities， BMI levels， and ages. The Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis showed that the patients with N-Shore hypermethylation of the MTIF2 gene had a significantly better prognosis than those with hypomethylation （hazard ratio ［HR］=0.492， P<0.001）， while there was no significant difference in survival rate between the patients with different CpG island and S-Shore methylation levels （P>0.05）. The methylation profile of the MTIF2 gene based on different ages， sexes， BMI levels， races， ethnicities， and clinical stages showed that the N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene decreased with the increase in age， and the Caucasian population had significantly lower N-Shore methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than the Asian population （P<0.05）； the patients with clinical stage Ⅳ had significantly lower N-Shore and CpG island methylation levels of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ （P<0.05）. Clinical validation showed that the patients with stage Ⅲ/Ⅳ HCC had a significantly lower methylation level of the MTIF2 gene than those with stage Ⅰ/Ⅱ HCC and the normal population （P<0.05）. ConclusionN-Shore hypomethylation of the MTIF2 gene is a risk factor for the development and progression of HCC.

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy and safety of percutaneous nephrolithotomy (PCNL) in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis (SAP) with infected pancreatic necrosis (IPN).Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 113 patients with SAP and IPN admitted to Qingdao Municipal Hospital between January 2018 and June 2023. The cohort included 66 males and 47 females, aged (46.2±13.6) years. Based on the treatment approach, patients were divided into two groups: those who underwent percutaneous catheter drainage (PCD) alone were assigned to the PCD group ( n=60), and those who received PCNL were assigned to the PCNL group ( n=53). Clinical parameters such as age, sex, number of debridement procedures, and postoperative complications were recorded. Results:Compared with the PCD group, the PCNL group had a higher CT severity index [8(6, 9) vs. 7(6, 8)], a greater proportion of patients with multiloculated abscesses [71.7%(38/53) vs. 41.7%(25/60)], and a higher percentage of patients with IPN involving >50% necrosis [56.6%(30/53) vs. 33.3%(20/60)]. These differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). The PCNL group also showed a higher proportion of patients with post-treatment IPN necrosis involving <30% [91.4%(49/53) vs. 70.8%(42/60)], a lower rate of requiring step-up laparoscopic or open surgery [3.8%(2/53) vs. 10.0%(6/60)], fewer debridement sessions [2(1, 4) vs. 4(2, 6)], and a shorter total hospital stay [45(35, 58) d vs. 54(23, 72) d]. These differences were statistically significant (all P<0.05). Additionally, the PCNL group had lower rates of postoperative complications, including enteric fistula [3.8%(2/53) vs. 11.7%(7/60)], intra-abdominal bleeding [5.7%(3/53) vs. 13.3%(8/60)], and pancreatic fistula [15.1%(8/53) vs. 20.0% (12/60)]. These differences were also statistically significant (all P<0.05). The recurrence rate of abscesses was significantly lower in the PCNL group [11.3%(6/53) vs. 16.7%(10/60), χ2=4.14, P=0.042]. Conclusion:PCNL is an effective treatment for SAP complicated by IPN. Compared with PCD, it improves the clearance of necrotic tissue, reduces the number of debridement procedures, shortens the total hospital stay, and lowers the risk of postoperative complications.

Objective To explore the potential profile of body image and its influencing factors among head and neck cancer patients.Methods Convenience sampling was employed to investigate 335 head and neck cancer patients in a tertiary hospital in Shandong Province from October 2023 to May 2024.Data was collected using the patient's general information questionnaire,Body Image Scale,Medical Coping Modes Questionnaire,Perceived Social Support Scale,Comprehensive Score for Financial Toxicity based on the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures.Latent profile analysis and multivariate Logistic regression analysis were used to explore distinct profiles and influencing factor of body image in head and neck patients.Results A total of 335 valid questionnaires were collected in this study,and 95.4％of the valid questionnaires were included.Body image of patients with head and neck cancer could be divided into 3 latent profiles:body emotional stability(41.5％),body cognitive dissatisfaction(33.7％)and social behavior avoidance(24.8％).Age,location of cancer onset,stage of cancer,surgical treatment,medical coping style(facing coping,yielding coping),social support and economic toxicity were the factors influencing the latent profiles of body image in patients with head and neck cancer(P＜0.05).Conclusion There is heterogeneity in body image of patients with head and neck cancer.Medical staff should implement targeted management strategies based on the influencing factors of different profiles to reduce the body image disorders in patients with head and neck cancer,and to promote patients to better return to society.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the regulatory effect of electroacupuncture (EA) at "Neiguan" (PC6) on mitochondrial autophagy in rats with myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI) at different phases (ischemia and reperfusion phases), and to explore the bidirectional regulatory effects of EA at "Neiguan" (PC6) and its potential mechanism. METHODS: Forty-five male SD rats were randomly divided into 6 groups according to the random number table method, namely, sham-operation group (n=9), model-A group (n=6), model-B group (n=9), EA-A1 group (n=6), EA-B1 group (n=6), and EA-B2 group (n=9). Except the rats in the sham-operation group, the MIRI model was established in the other groups with the physical ligation and tube pushing method. In the model-A group, the samples were collected directly after ligation, and in the model-B group, the samples were collected after ligation and reperfusion. In the EA-A1 group, EA was delivered while the ligation was performed, and afterwards, the samples were collected. In the EA-B1 group, while the ligation was performed, EA was operated at the same time, and after reperfusion, the samples were collected. In the EA-B2 group, during ligation and the opening of the left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery, EA was delivered, and after reperfusion, the samples were collected. EA was performed at bilateral "Neiguan" (PC6), with a disperse-dense wave, a frequency of 2 Hz/100 Hz, a current of 1 mA, and a duration of 30 min. HE staining was employed to observe the morphology of cardiomyocytes, TUNEL was adopted to detect the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes, transcriptome sequencing was to detect the differentially expressed genes in the left ventricle, JC-1 flow cytometry was to detect the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) of cardiomyocytes, Western blot was to detect the protein expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog-induced kinase 1 (Pink1), Parkin and p62 in the left ventricle of rats, and ELISA was to detect the levels of serum creatine kinase isoenzyme (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) in the rats. RESULTS: Compared with the sham-operation group, the cardiomyocytes of rats in the model-B group were severely damaged, with disordered arrangement, unclear boundaries, broken muscle fibers, edema and loose distribution; and the cardiomyocytes in the EA-B2 group were slightly damaged, the cell structure was partially unclear, the cells were arranged more regularly, and the intact cardiomyocytes were visible. Compared with the sham-operation group, the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes increased in the model-B group (P<0.001); and when compared with the model-B group, the apoptosis alleviated in the EA-B2 group (P<0.001). The differentially expressed genes among the EA-B2 group, the sham-operation group and the model-B group were closely related to cell autophagy and mitochondrial autophagy. Compared with the sham-operation group, MMP of cardiomyocytes was reduced (P<0.001), the protein expression of Pink1, Parkin, and p62 of the left ventricle and the levels of serum CK-MB and cTn-I were elevated in the model B group (P<0.001). In comparison with model-A group, the MMP of cardiomyocytes and the levels of serum CK-MB and cTn-I were reduced (P<0.001, P<0.05), and the protein expression of Pink1 in the left ventricle rose in the EA-A1 group (P<0.01). Compared with the model-B group, MMP of cardiomyocytes increased (P<0.001), the protein expression of Pink1, Parkin, and p62 of the left ventricle, and the levels of serum CK-MB and cTn-I decreased (P<0.001) in the EA-B1 group and the EA-B2 group. When compared with the EA-A1 group, MMP of cardiomyocytes increased (P<0.001), and the protein expression of Pink1, Parkin, and p62 of the left ventricle, and the levels of serum CK-MB and cTn-I decreased in the EA-B1 group (P<0.01). CONCLUSION EA at "Neiguan" (PC6) can ameliorate MIRI in rats, which may be achieved through the Pink1/Parkin-mediated mitochondrial autophagy pathway. EA can alleviate myocardial injury by enhancing mitochondrial autophagy at the ischemia phase, and it can reduce reperfusion injury by weakening mitochondrial autophagy at the reperfusion phase.
Animals ; Electroacupuncture ; Male ; Myocardial Reperfusion Injury/metabolism* ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Rats ; Acupuncture Points ; Autophagy ; Humans ; Mitochondria/genetics*

Objective To evaluate the value of an optimized three-dimensional inversion-recovery with real reconstruction (3D-real IR) sequence with a longer repetition time (TR, 16 000 ms) based on modulated flip angle technique in refocused imaging with extended echo train (MATRIX) in the endolymphatic hydrops (EH) imaging after intratympanic gadolinium (Gd) administration, and to compare it with a conventional 3D-real IR based on the turbo spin echo (TSE) sequence. Methods From July 2021 to November 2022, twenty-seven patients received both the conventional and optimized 3D-real IR sequences after bilateral intratympanic Gd administration. Images of the two sequences were qualitativly evaluated and compared. Contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR), signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), and area ratio of endolymph against the total lymphatic space from the two sequences were measured and compared. Results 14(25.9%) ears with insufficient contrast for the EH diagnosis on the conventional sequence were clearly displayed on the optimized sequence. Image score, CNR and SNR of the optimized sequence were significantly higher than those of the conventional sequence (P ＜ 0.001). The scanning time of two sequences was similar. The area ratio of endolymph against the total lymphatic space in the cochlear was significantly higher on the conventional 3D-real IR than that on the optimized 3D-real IR (P ＜ 0.001); there was no statistical difference in the vestibule between the two sequences. Conclusions Compared with conventional sequence, optimized 3D-real IR sequence with a longer TR may be better for evaluation of EH after intratympanic Gd administration.

Objective To investigate the value of artificial intelligence-assisted compressed sensing (ACS) technology for intravenous gadolinium contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear using three-dimensional fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (3D-FLAIR) sequence. Methods The patients received gadolinium contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging using ACS and united compressed sensing (uCS) 3D-FLAIR at Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from January to November 2024 were prospectively enrolled. The repetition time was 16 000 ms, and acquisition time was 6 min 40 s and 10 min 24 s in ACS 3D-FLAIR and uCS 3D-FLAIR, respectively. The images on the two sequences were evaluated independently by two radiologists. The image quality of the two sequences was subjectively evaluated and compared. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were compared between the two sequences. The grading consistencies using two sequences and between the two doctors were analyzed. Results There was no statistically difference in subjective score of image quality between the two sequences. SNR and CNR of the ACS 3D-FLAIR sequence were significantly higher than those of the uCS 3D-FLAIR sequence (P＜0.001). The kappa values of grades of cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops were 0.942 and 0.888 using two sequences (P＜0.001). The kappa values of grades of cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops using the ACS 3D-FLAIR sequence between the two doctors were 0.784 and 0.831, respectively (P＜0.001); the kappa values of grades of cochlear and vestibular endolymphatic hydrops using uCS 3D-FLAIR sequence between the two doctors were 0.725 and 0.756, respectively (P＜0.001). Conclusions ACS 3D-FLAIR could provide higher SNR and CNR than uCS 3D-FLAIR, and is more suitable for intravenous gadolinium contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging of the inner ear; the endolymphatic hydrops grades using ACS 3D-FLAIR is similar to use uCS 3D-FLAIR.

AIM:To study the mechanism of ac-tion of radix angelica sinensis and astragalus mong-holicus extract(RAS-AM)in inhibiting fibroblast transdifferentiation(CMT)and preventing radiation-induced myocardial fibrosis(RIMF)via the Jagged1/Notch1 pathway.METHODS:Sixty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into blank group,model group,benazepril hydrochloride group,low dose RAS-AM group,medium dose RAS-AM group,and high dose RAS-AM group,with 10 rats in each group.Except for the blank group,all other groups were induced with high-energy radiation at a dose of 38 Gy to establish RIMF models.The blank group and the model group received sterile distilled water by gavage,and the other groups received medica-tion for 4 weeks of intervention:benazepril hydro-chloride group(1.0 mg·kg-1·d-1),low dose RAS-AM group(150 mg·kg-1·d-1),medium dose RAS-AM group(300 mg·kg-1·d-1),and high dose RAS-AM group(600 mg·kg-1·d-1).The general condition of rats,the ultrastructure of myocardial tissue were observed using electron microscopy,changes in myocardial tissue fibers using Masson staining,and CMT related protein Vimentin and α-SMA expres-sion using immunohistochemical staining tech-niques.ELISA was used to detect serum inflammato-ry factors IL-6 and TNF-α in rats.The levels of cTnI and ST2,and the expression of Jagged1 and Notch1 were detected by Western blot.RESULTS:Com-pared with the blank group,the model group rats exhibited symptoms such as mental fatiguem an-orexiam and loose stools;The arrangement of some myofibrils in the myocardium is disordered,with dis-solution and breakage of myofibrilsm abnormal Z-line structure in some partsm disordered mitochon-drial arrangement,rupture of mitochondrial mem-branem,and rupture or disappearance of mitochon-drial ridge structure in some parts.A large amount of collagen fibers proliferate and deposit in the myo-cardium,and the fibrotic area significantly increases(P<0.01);The expression of myocardial tissue Vi-mentin α-SMA protein increased(P<0.05),while the expression of Jagged1 and Notch1 proteins de-creased(P<0.05);serum IL-6 and TNF-α,the expres-sion of inflammatory factors such as cTnI and ST2 in-creased(P<0.05).compared with the model group,the RAS-AM and benazepril hydrochloride groups showed varying degrees of improvement in general conditions;the pathological changes of myocardial ultrastructure have been improved,and myocardial fibrosis has been alleviated;The area of collagen fi-bers significantly decreased(P<0.01);Myocardial tis-sue Vimentin α-SMA protein expression decreased(P<0.05),while Jagged1 and Notch1 expression in-creased(P<0.05);Serum IL-6 and TNF-α,The expres-sion of inflammatory factors such as cTnI and ST2 decreased(P<0.05).CONCLUSION:RAS-AM may al-leviate RIMF by intervening in the Jagged1/Notch1 pathway to inhibit CMT.The specific mechanism still needs further investigation