ObjectiveTo reveal the molecular mechanism by which the traditional Chinese medicine compound prescription Qiangjing tablets regulate the aging of the testicular tissue and Leydig cells in rats through the cyclin-dependent kinase 4 （CDK4）-early 2 factor （E2F） signaling pathway. MethodsFor the cell experiment， 2-month-old SPF-grade SD male rats were selected and randomly assigned into a blank control group （administrated with an equal volume of 0.9% sodium chloride injection） and a Qiangjing tablets group （20 rats in each group） according to body weight. The Leydig cell model of aging was established by treatment of TM3 cells with 100 μmol·L^-1 H₂O₂， and the modeling performance was evaluated based on the levels of p16 and p21 determined by Western blot. The antioxidant NAC （1 mmol·L^-1） was used as the positive control for eliminating reactive oxygen species （ROS）. Cells were intervened with Qiangjing tablets-containing serum at low （2.5%）， medium （5%）， and high （10%） concentrations. The testosterone level in the cell supernatant was determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA）， and the protein levels of CDK4， E2F1， and E2F2 were analyzed by Western blot. In the animal experiment， 19-month-old naturally aging rats were used as the model group， and 2-month-old rats as the young control group. The positive control group was subcutaneously injected with 5.21 mg·kg^-1·d^-1 testosterone propionate. Qiangjing tablets were administered by gavage at low， medium， and high doses of 0.72， 1.44， 2.88 g·kg^-1·d^-1， respectively. The general conditions of rats were observed， and the protein levels of CDK4， E2F1， and E2F2 in the testicular tissue were determined by Western blot. ResultsIn the cell experiment， compared with the blank control group， the model group showed upregulated expression of CDK4 and E2F1 （P<0.05） and slightly downregulated expression of E2F2. Compared with that in the model group， the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the NAC group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group （P<0.05）， slightly upregulated in the medium-dose Qiangjing tablets group， and downregulated in the high-dose Qiangjing tablets group （P<0.05）. The NAC group showed downregulated expression of E2F1 （P<0.05） and E2F2， and the low-， medium-， and high-dose Qiangjing tablets groups showed downregulated expression of both E2F1 and E2F2 （P<0.05）. Compared with that in the NAC group， the expression of CDK4 was upregulated in the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group and downregulated in the medium-dose and high dose （P<0.05） groups. The expression of E2F1 was down-regulated in all the three dose groups， with statistically significance in the high dose group （P<0.05）， and that of E2F2 were downregulated in all the three dose groups （P<0.05）. In the animal experiment， compared with the young control group， the model group exhibited downregulated expression of CDK4 （P<0.05） and slightly upregulated expression of E2F1 and E2F2. Compared with that in the model group， the expression of CDK4 decreased in the testosterone propionate group and the low-dose Qiangjing tablets group （P<0.05） but increased in the medium-dose （P<0.05） and high-dose groups. In addition， the expression of E2F1 decreased （P<0.05）， and that of E2F2 was slightly elevated. Compared with that in the NAC group， CDK4 expression was elevated in the Qiangjing tablets groups， with statistical significance in the medium- and high-dose groups （P<0.05）. Similarly， the E2F1 expression was also upregulated in the Qiangjing tablets groups， with statistical significance in the medium-dose group （P<0.05）. The expression of E2F2 was downregulated in all the Qiangjing tablets groups. ConclusionQiangjing tablets delay the aging process of Leydig cells and testicular tissue by up-regulating the expression of CDK4 and lowering the levels of E2F1 and E2F2.

Objective To describe the significance of the pretreatment inflammatory indicators in predicting the prognosis of patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) after undergoing radical radiotherapy. Methods The data of 246 ESCC patients who underwent radical radiotherapy were retrospectively collected. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were drawn to determine the optimal cutoff values for platelet-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), neutrophil-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII). The Kaplan-Meier method was used for survival analysis. We conducted univariate and multivariate analyses by using the Cox proportional risk regression model. Software R (version 4.2.0) was used to create the nomogram of prognostic factors. Results The results of the ROC curve analysis showed that the optimal cutoff values of PLR, NLR, and SII were 146.06, 2.67, and 493.97, respectively. The overall response rates were 77.6% and 64.5% in the low and high NLR groups, respectively (P<0.05). The results of the Kaplan-Meier survival analysis revealed that the prognosis of patients in the low PLR, NLR, and SII group was better than that of patients in the high PLR, NLR, and SII group (all P<0.05). The results of the multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that gender, treatment modalities, T stage, and NLR were independent factors affecting the overall survival (OS). In addition, T stage and NLR were independent factors affecting the progression-free survival (PFS) (all P<0.05). The nomogram models of OS and PFS prediction were established based on multivariate analysis. The C-index values were 0.703 and 0.668. The calibration curves showed excellent consistency between the predicted and observed OS and PFS. Conclusion The pretreatment values of PLR, NLR, and SII are correlated with the prognosis of patients with ESCC who underwent radical radiotherapy. Moreover, NLR is an independent factor affecting the OS and PFS of ESCC patients. The NLR-based nomogram model has a good predictive ability.

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.01.013.].

Lung cancer is the cancer with the highest incidence of morbidity and mortality in the world, and the number of lung cancer cases in China is also increasing year by year, which seriously threatens the life and health of human beings. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) refer to the tumor cell that falls off from primary tumor tissue or metastatic focus into the peripheral blood, which is the key to tumor metastasis. Currently, there are various methods for CTCs testing, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. In recent years, there have been numerous studies on the application of CTCs in lung cancer around the world. Further exploration of the progress of clinical application of CTCs in lung cancer can provide a new basis for the role of CTCs in early diagnosis, efficacy assessment and prognostic monitoring of lung cancer.

Objective: To explore the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality among college students, providing empirical evidence for improving their sleep quality. Methods: From December 2024 to January 2025, a convenience sampling method was used to conduct a questionnaire survey among 3 974 college students from four universities in Anhui Province. The Beverage Addiction Scale for College Students (BASCS) was used to assess beverage dependence, and the Self rating Scale of Sleep(SRSS) was used to evaluate sleep quality. A multivariate Logistic regression model was employed to analyze the relationship between beverage dependence and sleep quality, and a restricted cubic spline model was used to examine the dose response relationship between the two. Results: The positive rate of beverage dependence symptoms among college students was 7.6%, with positive rates of 9.6%, 13.8%, and 7.4% for the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions, respectively. The detection rate of sleep disorders was 23.6%. Multivariate Logistic regression analysis showed that after adjusting for covariates such as grade, gender, and body mass index, compared with the no beverage dependence group, students with positive beverage dependence symptoms had a higher risk of sleep disorders( OR =3.71, 95% CI =2.87-4.80, P <0.01). The OR (95% CI ) for sleep disorders among students with positive symptoms in the withdrawal symptoms, health effects, and dependence symptoms dimensions were 2.80(2.22-3.53), 2.38(1.95-2.91), and 2.45(1.89-3.18)(all P <0.01). Further analysis using a restricted cubic spline model revealed that the overall beverage dependence score and its three dimensional scores were approximately linearly related to the risk of sleep disorders among college students (all nonlinear P >0.05). Conclusions Beverage dependence is associated with sleep quality among college students. Schools should take multiple approaches, such as health education on beverage awareness, to improve students sleep quality.

Objective To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of a spray prepared from exosomes derived from M2 macrophages induced by interleukin-4 （IL-4） and tantalum particles （Ta） on the healing of pressure ulcers. Methods Bone marrow-derived macrophages were polarized into M2 macrophages using IL-4 or Ta, and exosomes （Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta） were extracted. The regulatory effects of Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta on M1 macrophage phenotypes and fibroblast matrix secretion were evaluated in vitro. Proteomic analysis was conducted to explore the biological processes and regulatory networks associated with Exo-Ta. A rat pressure ulcer model was used to assess the effects of Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta spray on wound healing rate, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen deposition. Results In vitro, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta induced the polarization of M1 macrophages to M2 macrophages, reduced the secretion of pro-inflammatory factors, and promoted the expression of anti-inflammatory substances. Additionally, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta enhanced the production of collagen and fibronectin in fibroblasts. Proteomic analysis revealed that Exo-Ta primarily participated in biological processes such as energy metabolism and macromolecule biosynthesis. In vivo, Exo-IL-4/Exo-Ta spray accelerated wound healing, reduced inflammatory infiltration, and improved tissue remodeling in the rat pressure ulcer model. Conclusion Exosome sprays derived from M2 macrophages could accelerate pressure ulcer healing by modulating inflammation and promoting tissue regeneration, which demonstrated excellent clinical application potential.

Objective:To explore the clinical effectiveness of Masquelet technique combined with improved bone grafting in the treatment of open tibial fractures of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects.Methods:A retrospective study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 13 patients with open tibial fracture of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects who had been admitted to Department of Orthopeadics, Xijing Hospital, Air Force Medical University from January 2021 to May 2023. There were 9 males and 4 females with an age of (36.9±9.3) years. The length of tibial defects after debridement was (8.1±2.8) cm, and the area of soft-tissue defects 95.0 (53.6, 202.0) cm 2. At the first stage, Masquelet technique was used, soft-tissue defects were covered simultaneously or step by step, skin grafting was conducted on the donor site surface simultaneously, and survival of the tissue and skin grafts was observed. At the second stage, intramedullary space occupation with bone cement rods was conducted using improved bone grafting for which iliac bone, artificial bone, platelet rich plasma (PRP), and recombinant human bone morphogenetic protein-2 (rhBMP-2) were mixed; internal fixation was replaced. The interval between 2 stages of surgery was 4 to 7 weeks. The occurrence of infection, bone defect healing time, knee Lysholm score, ankle Mazur score, and knee and ankle ranges of motion at the last follow-up were recorded. The knee and ankle function scores before the second stage bone grafting and at the last follow-up were compared. Results:After the first-stage surgery, all the 13 patients did not need any revision with fine wound healing. After the second-stage surgery, all patients were followed up for (14.9±4.4) months with no infection at all. The healing time for bone defects was 8.0 (6.0, 12.0) months. At the last follow-up, the knee Lysholm score and the ankle Mazur score were (77.2±5.2) points and (76.1±10.9) points respectively, significantly different from those before the second-stage bone grafting [(41.3±7.5) points and (37.4±5.2) points] ( P<0.05). In the 13 patients at the last follow-up, ankle dorsiflexion limitation was 5.0° (0, 10.0°), knee flexion 105.0°±9.6°, and knee extension limitation 5.0° (5.0°, 5.0°). Conclusion:In the treatment of open tibial fractures of Gustilo-Anderson ⅢB with segmental bone defects, Masquelet technique combined with improved bone grafting can effectively prevent infection, repair bone defects, and restore the function of lower extremities, leading to definite curative efficacy.

Objective:To compare the differences in repair of rabbit bone defects between allogeneic platelet rich plasma (PRP) gel and autologous PRP gel.Methods:Thirty-six healthy New Zealand white rabbits were selected and randomly divided into an autologous group, an allogeneic group, and a control group ( n=12). A model of bilateral forelimb bone defects was established in each group. The autologous group was repaired with self-made deproteinized bone scaffold materials + autologous bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) + autologous PRP gel, the allogeneic group with self-made deproteinized bone scaffold materials + autologous BMSCs + allogeneic PRP gel, and the control group with only self-made deproteinized bone scaffold materials + autologous BMSCs. At postoperative 1, 2, and 3 months, 4 animals were euthanized in each group, respectively, for gross observation, X-ray examination, Micro-CT examination, biomechanical testing and histological analysis (HE staining for tissue morphology) to compare the differences in repair of bone defects. Results:The formation of trabecular bone, cortical reconstruction, and medullary recanalization occurred earlier in the autologous and allogeneic groups than in the control group. Micro-CT analysis at postoperative 2 months showed that bone mineral density [(281.51±33.69) mg/mL and (266.13±37.13) mg/mL], bone volume fraction (23.52%±2.81% and 21.91%±1.94%), and trabecular number [(1.68±0.29) mm -1 and (1.63±0.22) mm -1] in the autologous and allogeneic groups were significantly higher than those in the control group [(197.47±18.61) mg/mL, 16.54%±3.06%, and (1.06±0.11) mm -1] ( P<0.05). No significant differences were found among the 3 groups in trabecular thickness [(0.33±0.09) mm, (0.42±0.16) mm, and (0.28±0.13) mm] or in the maximum compressive load ( P>0.05). HE staining revealed a significantly greater number and earlier formation of chondrocytes and osteoblasts in the autologous and allogeneic groups than in the control group. Conclusion:Since allogeneic PRP exhibits similar efficacy in promoting new bone formation compared with autologous PRP in a rabbit bone defect model, it may serve as a viable substitute for autologous PRP.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between whether the left colonic artery(LCA) is preserved intraoperatively and the incidence of severe low anterior resection syndrome(LARS) in patients with rectal cancer.Methods:Clinical data of 255 rectal cancer patients undergoing low anterior resection from Jan 2020 to Jan 2022 at the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University were retrospectively analysed, and the occurrence of LARS in patients with or without preserving the LCA was compared.Results:The LARS scores and severity in patients with intact LCA were better than those without preserved LCA at 12 months postoperatively ( P=0.017, 0.002). Bowel function at 6 months versus 12 months postoperatively in both groups was mainly reflected in a reduction in the number of bowel movements per day ( P=0.003, 0.001) as well as a reduction in re-voiding of the bowel within 1 hour after defecation ( P<0.001, P=0.001). Univariate and multivariate analyses showed that the distance of the lower edge of the tumour from the anal verge was ≤6 cm ( OR=2.530, 95% CI:1.307-4.900, P=0.006), preoperative neoadjuvant therapy ( OR=13.968, 95% CI: 4.969-39.260, P<0.001), prophylactic stoma ( OR=4.051, 95% CI: 2.042-8.040, P<0.001) were also independent risk factors for severe LARS after anterior resection of rectal cancer, and preservation of the left colonic artery ( OR=0.283, 95% CI: 0.142-0.563, P<0.001) was a protective factor against severe LARS after low anterior resection in rectal cancer patients. Conclusions:Intraoperative preservation of the LCA reduces the incidence and severity of postoperative LARS in patients with rectal cancer undergoing anterior resection. The distance of the lower edge of thetumour from the anal verge and prophylactic stoma are independent risk factors affecting the occurrence of severe LARS after anterior resection of rectal cancer.