Based on the pathogenesis of erectile dysfunction (ED) from the meridian-zangfu relationship and the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis, it proposes that dysfunction of the "brain-heart-kidney-essence chamber" axis is closely related to the occurrence of ED. Among these, brain-heart disharmony is the key pathogenic factor, kidney deficiency and essence depletion constitute an important basis, and essence chamber stasis is a critical mechanism. The treatment approach emphasizes harmonizing the brain and heart, regulating the mind, tonifying the kidney and replenishing qi, unblocking qi and blood to harmonize the essence chamber. The primary acupoints include Baihui (GV20)-Neiguan (PC6)-Shenmen (HT7), Taixi (KI3)-Guanyuan (CV4)-Sanyinjiao (SP6), and Zhongji (CV3)-Dahe (KI12)-Gongsun (SP4), with additional acupoints selected based on syndrome differentiation. This approach aims to restore the clarity of the brain and heart, replenish kidney qi, and unblock the essence chamber, thereby facilitating the restoration of normal functions of the brain, heart, kidney, and essence chamber, and alleviating ED symptoms and improving overall clinical efficacy.
Humans ; Male ; Meridians ; Erectile Dysfunction/physiopathology* ; Kidney/physiopathology* ; Brain/physiopathology* ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Acupuncture Points ; Heart/physiopathology*

OBJECTIVES: To analyze the efficacy and safety of concomitant left atrial appendage clipping during heart valve surgery for valvular heart disease patients with atrial fibrillation. METHODS: Fifty-eight patients who underwent concomitant left atrial appendage clipping during cardiac valve surgery in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University from January 2017 to June 2023 were included in the analysis, including 1 case who underwent aortic valve replacement, 49 cases who underwent mitral valve replace-ment (or valvuloplasty)+tricuspid valvuloplasty, and 8 cases who underwent double valve replacement+tricuspid valvuloplasty (3 cases combined with coronary artery bypass grafting). The patients were followed up for 3-36 months [(16.69±6.61) months] after operation, and the changes of cardiac function and the occurrence of serious adverse complications were evaluated. RESULTS: The cardiopulmonary bypass time ranged from 75 to 145 min [(102.50±21.03) min], and the aortic cross-clamp time ranged from 35 to 80 min [(58.02±14.63) min]. The length of postoperative intensive care unit stay was 1 to 5 days [(2.47±0.82) d], and the length of postoperative hospital stay was 7 to 22 days [(10.84±2.69) d]. Cardiac ultrasound indicated complete closure of the left atrial appendage in all cases. During the follow-up, New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classifications were improved in 54 patients. No left atrial appendage-related bleeding events or other perioperative complications were observed; and no cerebral infarction, limb embolism events, or mortality cases occurred during the follow-up. CONCLUSIONS For valvular heart disease patients with atrial fibrillation, concomitant left atrial appendage clipping during cardiac valve surgery demonstrates efficacy and safety, with no severe adverse events during a medium-term follow-up.
Humans ; Atrial Appendage/surgery* ; Atrial Fibrillation/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Heart Valve Diseases/complications* ; Aged ; Middle Aged ; Heart Valve Prosthesis Implantation/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Cardiac Surgical Procedures/methods* ; Mitral Valve/surgery*

Metastasis remains the primary cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent critical targets for metastasis prevention and treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine may prevent lung cancer metastasis through long-term intervention in CTC activity. Tiao-Shen-Zhi-Ai Formular (TSZAF) represents a Chinese medicine compound prescription utilized clinically for lung cancer treatment. This study combined three principal active ingredients from TSZAF into a novel TSZAF monomer combination (TSZAF mc) to investigate its anti-metastatic effects and mechanisms. TSZAF mc demonstrated significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion in CTC-TJH-01 and LLC cells, while inducing cellular apoptosis in vitro. Moreover, TSZAF mc substantially inhibited LLC cell growth and metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, TAZSF mc significantly suppressed the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and CXCL5 expression in lung cancer cells and tissues. Additionally, TAZSF mc notably reduced neutrophil infiltration in metastatic lesions. These findings indicate that TSZAF mc inhibits lung cancer growth and metastasis by suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and reducing CXCL5 secretion, thereby decreasing neutrophil recruitment and infiltration. TSZAF mc demonstrates potential as an effective therapeutic agent for lung cancer metastasis.
Lung Neoplasms/genetics* ; Wnt Signaling Pathway/drug effects* ; Animals ; Humans ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology* ; Mice ; Neoplasm Metastasis/prevention & control* ; Cell Proliferation/drug effects* ; Cell Line, Tumor ; Neutrophil Infiltration/drug effects* ; Down-Regulation/drug effects* ; Cell Movement/drug effects* ; beta Catenin/genetics* ; Apoptosis/drug effects* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Neoplastic Cells, Circulating/drug effects*

Background and objective Lung cancer is a common malignant tumor of the lung.To explore the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of lung cancer is a hot topic in current research.Cyclic RNA D1(CircCCND1)is highly expressed in lung cancer and may be a potential target for the treatment of lung cancer.The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of CircCCND1 on the malignant biological behaviors of lung cancer cells by regulat-ing the miR-340-5p/transforming growth factor β-induced factor homeobox 1(TGIF1)axis.Methods The expression of CircCCND1,miR-340-5p,and TGIF1 mRNA in human normal lung epithelial cells BEAS-2B and human lung cancer H446 cells were detected.H446 cells cultured in vitro were randomly divided into control group,CircCCND1 siRNA group,miR-340-5p mimics group,negative control group,and CircCCND1 siRNA+miR-340-5p inhibitor group.Cell proliferation,mito-chondrial membrane potential,apoptosis,migration,and invasion were detected,and the expressions of CircCCND1,miR-340-5p,TGIF1 mRNA,BCL2-associated X protein(Bax),cleaved Caspase-3,N-cadherin,E-cadherin,and TGIF1 proteins in each group were detected.The targeting relationship of miR-340-5p with CircCCND1 and TGIF1 was verified.Results Compared with BEAS-2B cells,CircCCND1 and TGIF1 mRNA were increased in H446 cells,and miR-340-5p expression was decreased(P＜0.05).Knocking down CircCCND1 or up-regulating the expression of miR-340-5p inhibited the proliferation,migration and invasion of H446 cells,decreased the expression of TGIF1 mRNA and TGIF 1 protein,and promoted cell apop-tosis.Down-regulation of miR-340-5p could antagonize the inhibitory effect of CircCCND1 knockdown on the malignant bio-logical behavior of H446 lung cancer cells.CircCCND1 may target the down-regulation of miR-340-5p,and miR-340-5p may target the down-regulation of TGIF 1.Conclusion Knocking down CircCCND1 can inhibit the malignant behaviors of lung cancer H446 cells,which may be achieved through the regulation of miR-340-5p/TGIF1 axis.

Objective To explore the difference in gut microbiota composition between patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)and healthy individuals and the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of OSA.Methods Thirty-nine patients with OSA admitted to our hospital between May and December,2022 and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study.Stool samples were collected from all the participants for analysis of microbiome composition using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis.The alpha diversity,beta diversity,and species difference were determined between the two groups and marker species analysis and metabolic pathway function prediction analysis were performed.Results The species diversity(Shannon and Simpson)indexes,richness(observed species)and evenness(Pielou)of gut microbiota were significantly lower in OSA patients than in the healthy individuals(P<0.05).The OSA patients had also a significantly lowered community diversity(P<0.05)with different gut microbial communities from those of the healthy individuals shown by increased relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Monocytogenes(P<0.05).LEfSe analysis showed that the abundance of 23 species of gut microbiota differed significantly between the two groups and the OSA patients had significant increases in the abundance of Pseudomonas,Meganomonas,and Fusobacterium(P<0.05).The differential marker flora affected host homeostasis.Random Forest and ROC curve analyses confirmed that Pseudomonas could be used as important biomarkers for a differential diagnosis.Metabolic pathway function prediction analysis showed that biosynthesis function had the greatest contribution to maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis,and Pseudomonas affected the occurrence and progression of OSA by participating in aromatic bioamine degradation and ketogluconic acid metabolic pathway.Conclusion OSA patients have obvious gut microbiota disturbances,and Pseudomonas may affect the development of OSA by participating in substance metabolism to serve as the potential target gut bacteria for OSA treatment.

Objective To explore the difference in gut microbiota composition between patients with obstructive sleep apnea(OSA)and healthy individuals and the role of gut microbiota in the pathogenesis of OSA.Methods Thirty-nine patients with OSA admitted to our hospital between May and December,2022 and 20 healthy individuals were enrolled in this study.Stool samples were collected from all the participants for analysis of microbiome composition using 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing analysis.The alpha diversity,beta diversity,and species difference were determined between the two groups and marker species analysis and metabolic pathway function prediction analysis were performed.Results The species diversity(Shannon and Simpson)indexes,richness(observed species)and evenness(Pielou)of gut microbiota were significantly lower in OSA patients than in the healthy individuals(P<0.05).The OSA patients had also a significantly lowered community diversity(P<0.05)with different gut microbial communities from those of the healthy individuals shown by increased relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria such as Pseudomonas and Monocytogenes(P<0.05).LEfSe analysis showed that the abundance of 23 species of gut microbiota differed significantly between the two groups and the OSA patients had significant increases in the abundance of Pseudomonas,Meganomonas,and Fusobacterium(P<0.05).The differential marker flora affected host homeostasis.Random Forest and ROC curve analyses confirmed that Pseudomonas could be used as important biomarkers for a differential diagnosis.Metabolic pathway function prediction analysis showed that biosynthesis function had the greatest contribution to maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis,and Pseudomonas affected the occurrence and progression of OSA by participating in aromatic bioamine degradation and ketogluconic acid metabolic pathway.Conclusion OSA patients have obvious gut microbiota disturbances,and Pseudomonas may affect the development of OSA by participating in substance metabolism to serve as the potential target gut bacteria for OSA treatment.

Objective To observe value of thin slice CT multiple signs combined with multiplanar reformation(MPR)for diagnosing tracheobronchial tuberculosis(TBTB).Methods Data of 234 TBTB patients who underwent chest thin slice CT scanning were retrospectively analyzed.MPR was performed,the direct signs and indirect signs of TBTB were observed.The diagnostic efficacy of axial plain CT images(direct observation)and of MPR combined with the former(combined observation)were compared.Results The sensitivity,specificity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value and accuracy of direct observation was 38.88％(201/517),98.13％(1 789/1 823),85.53％(201/235),84.99％(1 789/2 105)and 85.04％(1 990/2 340),respectively,of combined observation was 91.10％(471/517),98.85％(1 802/1 823),95.54％(471/493),97.51％(1 802/1 848)and 97.14％(2 273/2 340),respectively.Significant differences of sensitivity,positive predictive value,negative predictive value and accuracy were found(all P＜0.001),whereas no significant difference of specificity was found between 2 methods(P＞0.05).Conclusion Thin slice CT multiple signs combined with MPR could be used to effectively diagnose TBTB.

Background::Few evidence is available in the early prediction models of behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). This study aimed to develop and validate a novel genetic-clinical-radiological nomogram for evaluating BPSD in patients with AD and explore its underlying nutritional mechanism.Methods::This retrospective study included 165 patients with AD from the Chinese Imaging, Biomarkers, and Lifestyle (CIBL) cohort between June 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. Data on demographics, neuropsychological assessments, single-nucleotide polymorphisms of AD risk genes, and regional brain volumes were collected. A multivariate logistic regression model identified BPSD-associated factors, for subsequently constructing a diagnostic nomogram. This nomogram was internally validated through 1000-bootstrap resampling and externally validated using a time-series split based on the CIBL cohort data between June 1, 2022, and February 1, 2023. Area under receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves, calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to assess the discrimination, calibration, and clinical applicability of the nomogram.Results::Factors independently associated with BPSD were: CETP rs1800775 (odds ratio [OR] = 4.137, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.276-13.415, P = 0.018), decreased Mini Nutritional Assessment score (OR = 0.187, 95% CI: 0.086-0.405, P <0.001), increased caregiver burden inventory score (OR = 8.993, 95% CI: 3.830-21.119, P <0.001), and decreased brain stem volume (OR = 0.006, 95% CI: 0.001-0.191, P = 0.004). These variables were incorporated into the nomogram. The area under the ROC curve was 0.925 (95% CI: 0.884-0.967, P <0.001) in the internal validation and 0.791 (95% CI: 0.686-0.895, P <0.001) in the external validation. The calibration plots showed favorable consistency between the prediction of nomogram and actual observations, and the DCA showed that the model was clinically useful in both validations. Conclusion::A novel nomogram was established and validated based on lipid metabolism-related genes, nutritional status, and brain stem volumes, which may allow patients with AD to benefit from early triage and more intensive monitoring of BPSD.Registration::Chictr.org.cn, ChiCTR2100049131.

Humans ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins p21(ras)/genetics* ; Prognosis ; Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics* ; Mutation/genetics* ; Colorectal Neoplasms/genetics* ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins B-raf/metabolism*

ObjectiveTo investigate the current situation of health communication carried out by medical institutions in Shanghai through new media platforms such as WeChat， Weibo， Toutiao， Douyin， Kuaishou， Bilibili and WeChat Videos， and to propose targeted measures. MethodsBased on the systematic collection of new media accounts of medical institutions in Shanghai， and through the combination of keyword screening and manual audit， health communication data of medical institutions on new media platforms were determined. ResultsData from 1 117 new media accounts of 162 medical institutions in Shanghai were collected， including 610 WeChat official accounts， 105 WeChat video accounts， 89 Weibo accounts， 18 Bilibili accounts， 198 Douyin accounts， 37 Toutiao accounts， and 60 Kuaishou accounts， totaling 111 853 posts. After keyword sorting and manual screening， a total of 66 761 health science posts were collected， with WeChat Official Accounts， Douyin， and Weibo having the top three highest number of posts. Video-based new media such as Douyin， WeChat Videos， Kuaishou， and Bilibili had a better communication impact than text and image-based new media like WeChat Official Accounts， Weibo， and Toutiao. Among them， Douyin and Toutiao were the best platforms for video and text-image-based new media， respectively. ConclusionMedical institutions in Shanghai recognize the importance of new media in health communication and have made full use of various media platforms to carry out health communication，having a certain impact on health education. In the future， medical institutions should choose appropriate platforms based on target audiences and content characteristics， fully leverage the advantages of various platforms， explore innovative communication strategies， promote the dissemination of health knowledge， and enhance the health literacy of the public.