OBJECTIVE To compare the clinical efficacy and safety of remimazolam and propofol in general anesthesia induction and maintenance for elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. METHODS A total of 86 elderly lung cancer patients who underwent thoracoscopic lobectomy at Chongqing University Three Gorges Hospital from February to July 2024 were selected and divided into the propofol group and the remimazolam group according to the randomized numerical table method， with 43 cases in each group. During anesthesia induction， patients in the propofol group and the remimazolam group were intravenously administered 2 mg/kg of Propofol medium- and long-chain fat emulsion injection or 0.25 mg/kg of Remimazolam tosilate for injection， respectively； during anesthesia maintenance， the two groups received intravenous infusion of 6-10 mg/（kg·h） of Propofol medium- and long- chain fat emulsion injection or 1-3 mg/（kg·h） of Remimazolam tosilate for injection， respectively. The anesthesia effects， anesthesia-related indicators， intraoperative opioid and muscle relaxant dosages， Ramsay sedation score， numerical rating scale （NRS） score， and hemodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups， and the occurrence of adverse drug reactions was recorded. RESULTS A total of 41 patients in the propofol group and 43 patients in the remimazolam group completed the trial. The proportion of patients with grade Ⅰ anesthesia effect in the remimazolam group was significantly higher than that in the propofol group， while the proportion of patients with grade Ⅱ anesthesia effect was significantly lower than that in the propofol group （P＜0.05）. In this group， the disappearance time of eyelash reflex， the time taken for the bispectral index to drop to 60， and the Ramsay sedation scores （2 and 6 hours after operation） were all significantly prolonged or increased， while the recovery time， NRS scores （2 and 6 hours after operation）， and the incidence of intraoperative hypotension were all significantly shortened or reduced； moreover， the improvements of the above sedation/NRS scores exhibited a time-dependent pattern within 2 to 24 hours after operation （P＜0.05）. Compared with before anesthesia induction （T0）， the heart rate [except at 2 min after medication （T1）， 60 min after anesthesia （T4）， and at the end of surgery （T5） in the remimazolam group] and mean arterial pressure [except at T1 in the remimazolam group] of patients in both groups significantly decreased at T1， 5 min after medication （T2）， at the start of surgery （T3）， T4， and T5 （P＜0.05）. Meanwhile， regional cerebral oxygen saturation significantly increased in both groups. Furthermore， the heart rate and mean arterial pressure of patients in the remimazolam group were significantly higher than those in the propofol group at T1， T2 and T4 （P＜0.05）. No statistically significant differences were observed between the two groups in terms of postanesthesia care unit stay time， dosage of opioids and muscle relaxants， regional cerebral oxygen saturation， or peripheral oxygen saturation at various time points （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS Compared to propofol， remimazolam demonstrates superior anesthesia effects when used for the induction and maintenance of general anesthesia in elderly patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy. It not only provides more stable intraoperative hemodynamics and shortens the postoperative recovery time but also effectively reduces the incidence of intraoperative hypotension.

Objective:To compare gamma pass rates for ultra-long target volumes of cervical cancer between individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and segmented measurements combined with merging and to assess the influence of scattering blocks on verification result during segmented measurements.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 24 cervical cancer patients with ultra-long target volumes (lengths: 23.5–36.0 cm) treated using helical tomotherapy. Two measurement methods were used to verify the gamma pass rates: individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and segmented measurements combined with merging. For the first measurement method, the patients′ treatment plans were transferred to the ArcCheck phantom. After the dose distribution was calculated and exported, the gamma pass rates measured and calculated were compared. For the segmented measurements, a 50-cm-long virtual phantom was imported, and the treatment plans of patients were then transferred to the virtual phantom. Afterward, the dose distribution of the virtual phantom was calculated and exported. Then, two dose measurements were conducted under upward and downward setup of the ArcCheck phantom. Two dose measurement files were obtained and then fused to produce a merged file. Then, the γ pass rates were calculated. Repeated measurements were conducted after scattering blocks were installed. The γ-pass rates were assessed using varying dose criteria.Results:Under various evaluation criteria, no statistically significant differences in γ pass rates were observed between the individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and the segmented measurement in the presence of scattering blocks ( P > 0.05). In contrast, there existed statistically significant differences in γ pass rates between the individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and the segmented measurement in the absence of scattering blocks according to the (global) criterion of 3%/2 mm absolute dose ( Z = -2.31, P = 0.02). Additionally, the segmented measurement in the presence of scattering blocks enhanced pass rates, with statistical significant difference under the criterion of 3%/2 mm relative dose ( Z = -2.11, P = 0.04). Conclusions:In the case where ArcCheck is used to measure the dose distribution of ultra-long target volumes in cervical cancer, it is advisable to preferentially use individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter. When segmented measurements combined with merging are required, it is necessary to install scattering blocks during measurements. This will improve γ-pass rates during verification and ensure the accuracy of dose verification.

Objective::This study aimed to elucidate the effect of the lipopolysaccharides/toll-like receptor 4 (LPS/TLR4) pathway on early atherosclerosis (AS) development and its associated changes in fecal metabolites, thereby providing an experimental foundation for strategies to prevent and treat early AS.Methods::Twelve Tibetan miniature pigs aged 4-5 months were divided into normal control (NC) group and AS group (6 pigs in each). The group assignment was primarily based on body weight; Secondary criteria, including glucose, lipid profiles, and inflammatory indices, were considered to ensure balanced baseline characteristics between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). AS group received a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to establish an AS model, while the NC group received a normal diet. Subsequently, serum levels of lipids and various inflammation and oxidative stress markers were measured. Pathological changes in the aorta and colon tissue, LPS/TLR4 pathway-associated protein expressions in the aorta, as well as occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the colon were also assessed. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra technology was employed for the metabolomic analysis of fecal extracts. Results::The lipid metabolism was disrupted in AS group, with significantly higher total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ((12.24 ± 5.24) mmol/L vs. (1.86 ± 0.27) mmol/L, P = 0.004,6; (2.39 ± 0.50) mmol/L vs. (0.83 ± 0.07) mmol/L, P = 0.000,5; (6.94 ± 2.87) mmol/L vs. (0.77 ± 0.18) mmol/L, P = 0.003,3), as compared to that in NC group. Serum factors, including LPS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde levels of AS group were significantly higher than that of NC group ((1,230.00 ± 192.70) EU/L vs. (695.70 ± 213.70) EU/L), P = 0.001,1; (424.20 ± 176.90) ng/L vs. (51.20 ± 26.61) ng/L, P = 0.023,5; (3.60 ± 0.77) nmol/mL vs. (2.62 ± 0.21) nmol/mL, P = 0.025,4). Pathological evaluations revealed prominent lipid deposition area in the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta of the AS group compared with that of the NC group (4.17% ± 2.30% vs. 0, P = 0.006,7; 6.23% ± 2.95% vs. 0, P = 0.003,6; 3.78% ± 2.18% vs. 0, P = 0.008,1). TLR4, nuclear factor kappa-B p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression in the aorta tissue of the AS group were upregulated, whereas occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression in colon tissues was downregulated. Additionally, metabolomics identified significant differences in 21 metabolites in the feces of the AS group compared to the NC group, with further analysis linking these differences to amino acid metabolism. Conclusions::The Tibetan miniature pig model of early AS induced by high-fat intake displayed pronounced chronic inflammation. Preliminary findings suggest that the underlying mechanisms may be associated with the LPS/TLR4 pathway and intestinal metabolic disorders.

Objective::This study aimed to elucidate the effect of the lipopolysaccharides/toll-like receptor 4 (LPS/TLR4) pathway on early atherosclerosis (AS) development and its associated changes in fecal metabolites, thereby providing an experimental foundation for strategies to prevent and treat early AS.Methods::Twelve Tibetan miniature pigs aged 4-5 months were divided into normal control (NC) group and AS group (6 pigs in each). The group assignment was primarily based on body weight; Secondary criteria, including glucose, lipid profiles, and inflammatory indices, were considered to ensure balanced baseline characteristics between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). AS group received a high-fat diet for 16 weeks to establish an AS model, while the NC group received a normal diet. Subsequently, serum levels of lipids and various inflammation and oxidative stress markers were measured. Pathological changes in the aorta and colon tissue, LPS/TLR4 pathway-associated protein expressions in the aorta, as well as occludin and zonula occludens-1 in the colon were also assessed. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra technology was employed for the metabolomic analysis of fecal extracts. Results::The lipid metabolism was disrupted in AS group, with significantly higher total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels ((12.24 ± 5.24) mmol/L vs. (1.86 ± 0.27) mmol/L, P = 0.004,6; (2.39 ± 0.50) mmol/L vs. (0.83 ± 0.07) mmol/L, P = 0.000,5; (6.94 ± 2.87) mmol/L vs. (0.77 ± 0.18) mmol/L, P = 0.003,3), as compared to that in NC group. Serum factors, including LPS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and malondialdehyde levels of AS group were significantly higher than that of NC group ((1,230.00 ± 192.70) EU/L vs. (695.70 ± 213.70) EU/L), P = 0.001,1; (424.20 ± 176.90) ng/L vs. (51.20 ± 26.61) ng/L, P = 0.023,5; (3.60 ± 0.77) nmol/mL vs. (2.62 ± 0.21) nmol/mL, P = 0.025,4). Pathological evaluations revealed prominent lipid deposition area in the aortic arch, thoracic aorta, and abdominal aorta of the AS group compared with that of the NC group (4.17% ± 2.30% vs. 0, P = 0.006,7; 6.23% ± 2.95% vs. 0, P = 0.003,6; 3.78% ± 2.18% vs. 0, P = 0.008,1). TLR4, nuclear factor kappa-B p65, and tumor necrosis factor-α expression in the aorta tissue of the AS group were upregulated, whereas occludin and zonula occludens-1 expression in colon tissues was downregulated. Additionally, metabolomics identified significant differences in 21 metabolites in the feces of the AS group compared to the NC group, with further analysis linking these differences to amino acid metabolism. Conclusions::The Tibetan miniature pig model of early AS induced by high-fat intake displayed pronounced chronic inflammation. Preliminary findings suggest that the underlying mechanisms may be associated with the LPS/TLR4 pathway and intestinal metabolic disorders.

Objective:To compare gamma pass rates for ultra-long target volumes of cervical cancer between individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and segmented measurements combined with merging and to assess the influence of scattering blocks on verification result during segmented measurements.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted on 24 cervical cancer patients with ultra-long target volumes (lengths: 23.5–36.0 cm) treated using helical tomotherapy. Two measurement methods were used to verify the gamma pass rates: individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and segmented measurements combined with merging. For the first measurement method, the patients′ treatment plans were transferred to the ArcCheck phantom. After the dose distribution was calculated and exported, the gamma pass rates measured and calculated were compared. For the segmented measurements, a 50-cm-long virtual phantom was imported, and the treatment plans of patients were then transferred to the virtual phantom. Afterward, the dose distribution of the virtual phantom was calculated and exported. Then, two dose measurements were conducted under upward and downward setup of the ArcCheck phantom. Two dose measurement files were obtained and then fused to produce a merged file. Then, the γ pass rates were calculated. Repeated measurements were conducted after scattering blocks were installed. The γ-pass rates were assessed using varying dose criteria.Results:Under various evaluation criteria, no statistically significant differences in γ pass rates were observed between the individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and the segmented measurement in the presence of scattering blocks ( P > 0.05). In contrast, there existed statistically significant differences in γ pass rates between the individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter and the segmented measurement in the absence of scattering blocks according to the (global) criterion of 3%/2 mm absolute dose ( Z = -2.31, P = 0.02). Additionally, the segmented measurement in the presence of scattering blocks enhanced pass rates, with statistical significant difference under the criterion of 3%/2 mm relative dose ( Z = -2.11, P = 0.04). Conclusions:In the case where ArcCheck is used to measure the dose distribution of ultra-long target volumes in cervical cancer, it is advisable to preferentially use individual measurements by moving the phantom isocenter. When segmented measurements combined with merging are required, it is necessary to install scattering blocks during measurements. This will improve γ-pass rates during verification and ensure the accuracy of dose verification.

OBJECTIVE To establish an ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry(UHPLC-MS/MS) method for determination and comparison of 26 components in different parts of two base plants of Shiliang tea(Chimonanthus salicifolius S.Y.Hu and Chimonanthus zhejiangensis M.C.Liu), and screen quality markers of different parts. METHODS The UHPLC method was performed on an Agilent RRHD Eclipse Plus C18 (2.1 mm×50 mm, 1.8 μm) column with a gradient elution of methanol and 0.1% formic acid in water at a flow rate of 0.3 mL·min−1, the column temperature was 35 ℃, and the injection volume was 0.5 μL; the multiple reaction monitoring mode was employed for the quantification of 26 components with electrospray ionization(ESI) source polarity in negative and positive mode. RESULTS Good linear relationship(r >0.999) were observed in the test ranges for 26 compounds, and the average recovery was 88.5%−111.7% with RSD was 3.4%−9.8%. There was no significant difference between the two base plants of Shiliang tea, and all of these samples were divided into two categories by hierarchical cluster analysis. The main components in leaves was flavonoids, among them, the content of kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside was the highest, reaching 12.902 mg.g−1; the main components in stems and roots was coumarins, and the content of alkaloids in roots was higher, relatively; 7 quality markers of difference were screened by OPLS-DA, which were kaempferol 3-O-rutinoside, chimonanthine, rutin, fraxetin, calycanthoside, scopolin, neochlorogenic acid. CONCLUSION These study elucidates the differences of chemical components in the different parts of two base plants of Shiliang tea, which providing basis for the research of pharmacodynamic substances and references for the comprehensive utilization of Chimonanthus salicifolius S.Y. Hu and Chimonanthus zhejiangensis M.C.Liu resources.

Objectives:To compare the efficacy of the combination of excimer laser coronary angioplasty(ELCA)and drug-coated balloon(DCB)for in-stent restenosis(ISR)and to evaluate the impact of neointimal tissue characteristics on treatment outcomes. Methods:A total of 96 ISR lesions from 86 patients who underwent optical coherence tomography(OCT)evaluation and DCB with or without ELCA treatment at The First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital from January 2019 to May 2023 were retrospectively analyzed.ISR lesions were divided into ELCA+DCB group(n=30)and DCB group(n=66).Additionally,ISR lesions were classified as homogeneous and non-heterogeneous patterns based on the OCT characteristics of the neointimal tissue,and the impact on acute lumen gains was compared between different ISR patterns.Acute lumen gain(ΔMLA)was defined as the changes in minimum lumen area before and after the intervention. Results:The ELCA+DCB group had a significantly greater ΔMLA than the DCB group([3.2±0.8]mm2 vs.[2.6±1.4]mm2,P=0.015).Among the ISR with a homogeneous pattern,the ΔMLA of the ELCA+DCB group was significantly greater than that of the DCB group([3.0±0.9]mm2 vs.[2.2±1.1]mm2,P=0.030).There was no significant difference in ΔMLA between the two ISR groups with the non-homogeneous pattern([3.4±0.7]mm2 vs.[3.2±1.5]mm2,P=0.533).There was no death,the rate of target lesion revascularization was similar between the patients with lesions receiving DCB treatment and patients receiving ELCA +DCB treatment(7.4%vs.4.2%,P＞0.05). Conclusions:The combination of ELCA and DCB is an effective strategy for treating ISR,which can achieve greater acute lumen gain compared to DCB treatment alone,especially for the treatment of homogenous ISR pattern characterized by OCT.

OBJECTIVE To analyze the accumulation law of saponins during growth in Paris polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara, determine the content of the main saponins in different cultivation years, age groups, cultivation modes and provenances. METHODS The content of 5 kinds saponins(I, II, VI, VII, H) was simultaneous determined by HPLC. RESULTS The total saponins in P. polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara were mainly composed of saponin VII and H, supplemented by saponin VI, I and II. The content of saponins(I, II, VII) was significantly different among different cultivation years rhizome, while it reached the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition after 6 years old, 8-year-old rhizome was the highest. The saponins(I, II, VII) content in 4a rhizome and 5a rhizome was significant higher than others, and it ranged from 0.354% to 0.765% in different cultivation modes, from high to low as follows: coniferous forest>bamboo forest>broadleaf forest>greenhouse. In different provenances, it ranged from 0.592% to 0.741%, reached the highest level in Qingyuan Baikan, and was slightly lower than the standard of Chinese Pharmacopoeia 2020 Edition in Sanming Fujian. CONCLUSION There are remarkable correlations among saponins accumulation amounts and cultivation years, age groups, cultivation modes and provenances, which can provide reference for the artificial culvication of P. polyphylla Smith var. chinensis (Franch.) Hara.

Objective To observe the effects of a 1 470 nm semiconductor laser on vaporization cutting,coagulation,and thermal injury of ex vivo animal tissues,aiming to explore the feasibility of its application in the treatment of benign prostatic hyperplasia.Methods The experimental group and control group were treated with HANS-D1 and ML-DD01FI 1 470 nm semiconductor laser therapy equipment,respectively.Fresh ex vivo pig bladder tissue was exposed to lasers with the optical fiber placed at distances of 0.5 cm and 1 cm from the tissue for 5 s.The effects of layers at powers of 60,90,120,150,and 160 W on tissue injury were observed.Ex vivo dog prostate and pig kidney tissues were used for vaporization ablation and cutting to observe the effects of lasers at the same power levels on tissue vaporization and cutting thermal injury.Additionally,in coagulation mode,the effects of 30,40,and 50 W semiconductor lasers on tissue coagulation were observed after irradiating ex vivo pig kidney tissue for 5,10,and 15 seconds.Results When the optical fiber was placed 1 cm away from the tissue,the 1 470 nm semiconductor lasers did not cause accidental damage to adjacent normal bladder tissue.However,at a distance of 0.5 cm,the 120 W,150 W,or 160 W lasers caused slight damage to the bladder tissue.In addition,with the increase in output power,the vaporization ablation efficiency of 60-160 W lasers on dog prostate tissue gradually increased,showing a good linear correlation between vaporization volume and total energy consumption(P＜0.001).Histopathological HE staining results indicated that the coagulation layer thickness in the experimental group was 292.20-309.98 μm,and the vaporization layer depth was 1.49-4.52 mm.In the control group,the coagulation layer thickness was 289.91-303.53 μm,and the vaporization layer depth was 1.88-4.43 mm.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Moreover,when performing vaporization cutting on ex vivo pig kidney tissue with a cross-sectional area of 1 cm2,the efficiency of vaporization cutting by the 60-160 W 1 470 nm semiconductor lasers increased with the increase in output power(P＜0.05).The coagulated layer thickness in the experimental group was 496.04-514.47 μm,while that in the control group was 489.39-518.53 μm.Additionally,in coagulation mode,when ex vivo pig kidney tissue was irradiated for 5,10,and 15 s with 30,40,and 50 W semiconductor lasers,the coagulation diameter,groove depth,and coagulation efficiency gradually increased with the increase in laser output power(P＜0.05).The coagulation layer thickness in the experimental group and control group was 399.10-449.98 μm and 392.97-447.65 μm,respectively,and the vaporization layer depth was 3.05-7.09 mm and 2.70-7.14 mm,respectively.There was no significant difference between the two groups(P＞0.05).Conclusion The 1 470 nm semiconductor laser shows good vaporization ablation,cutting,and coagulation effect on ex vivo tissues,with a good linear correlation between the effect and the output energy.

Objective To investigate the mechanism of cartilage injury and inflammation in the WHBE rabbit KOA model and the effect of platelet-rich fibrin releasates(PRFr)treatment on the KOA process,we established a WHBE rabbit KOA model by excision of medial collateral and partial patellar ligaments and administered a PRFr solution.Methods Twenty-four WHBE rabbits were randomly divided into three groups:normal control(NC)group(n=6),model(KOA)group(n=12),and cure(PRFr)group(n=6).KOA and PRFr groups were injected with 0.5 mL saline and PRFr into both joint cavities on 7 and 14 postoperative days,respectively.At 4 and 8 weeks of modeling,the knee joint grade scoring,X-ray imaging,and gross scoring were performed.Serum levels of IL-1β,TNF-α,and MMP-13 were measured by ELISA.At 4 weeks,6 animals in the KOA group were euthanized,and at 8 weeks,the remaining animals in each group were euthanized.Pathological sections were prepared after decalcification,and then HE,toluidine blue,and safranin O-fast green staining and immunohistochemical analysis of TGF-β,BMP3,and NF-κB were conducted.Results The Lequesne MG behavioral score,Mankin's score,and Pelletier score of WHBE rabbits after the operation were significantly increased compared with the NC group(P＜0.01).Pathological observations revealed surface defects of the cartilage and partial loss of chondrocytes.These result indicated that the KOA model was established successfully.In KOA rabbits,knee joint swelling,joint pain stimulation,and movement limitation were obvious.X-rays showed a high-density soft tissue shadow,indicating more joint effusion and a rough articular surface in general.After PRFr treatment,the serum levels of proinflammatory factors IL-1β,TNF-α,and MMP-13 in KOA model rabbits were significantly reversed(P＜0.05,P＜0.01).Additionally,the cartilage surface became smooth,and most chondrocytes were neatly distributed.Expression levels of TGF-β,BMP3,and NF-κB induced by KOA were also significantly decreased(P＜0.01).Conclusions We successfully established a KOA model in WHBE rabbits,and PRFr improved the cartilage injury and inflammation of the WHBE rabbit KOA model through TGF-β/BMP and NF-κB pathways.