Objective Objective To analyze the potential spatial factors affecting the genetic differentiation of Oncomelania hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province. Methods A total of 13 administrative villages were selected from schistosomiasis-endemic areas of Yunnan Province as O. hupensis snail sampling sites. At least 200 snails were collected in each site, and the spatial variable data of each site were recorded, including longitude, latitude and altitude. Thirty active and Schistosoma japonicum uninfected O. hupensis snails were selected from each sampling site by means of the crawling method and the cercarial shedding method. Genomic DNA was extracted from O. hupensis snails. Following PCR amplification, purification of PCR amplification products and sequencing, the gene sequences of O. hupensis snail samples were spliced and edited using the DNAstar software and the NCBI database to yield the complete mitochondrial sequences of O. hupensis snails at each sampling site, and the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni was calculated at each sampling site. The geographical coordinates of each sampling site were marked using the software ArcGIS 10.2, and the straight-line geographical distance between each sampling site was calculated. The altitude difference, longitude difference and latitude difference between each sampling site were calculated using the Excel software, and the correlation between the mitochondrial genetic distance matrix of O. hupensis robertsoni and each spatial variable matrix was examined by using the Mantel test at 13 sampling sites in Yunnan Province. Results Among the 13 O. hupensis snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province, the largest mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Caizhuang Village, Midu County (26.244 2), and the largest geographical distance was seen between Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (272.64 km). The highest altitude difference was seen between Anding Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1 086.10 m), and the largest longitude difference was found between Qiandian Village, Eryuan County and Cangling Village, Chuxiong County (1.86°), while the largest latitude difference was measured between Leqiu Village, Nanjian Yi Autonomous County and Dongyuan Village, Gucheng District (1.81°). In addition, the mitochondrial genetic distance of O. hupensis robertsoni snail populations was positively correlated with altitude at 13 snail sampling sites in Yunnan Province (r = 0.542 8, P < 0.001), and showed no significant correlations with geographical distance (r = 0.093 4, P > 0.05), longitude (r = −0.199 5, P > 0.05) or latitude (r = 0.205 7, P > 0.05). Conclusion Altitude may be a potential spatial factor affecting the genetic differentiation of O. hupensis robertsoni in Yunnan Province.

The tumor microenvironment is a crucial factor in tumor occurrence and progression. The hypoxic microenvironment is widely present in tumor tissue and is a key endogenous factor accelerating tumor deterioration. The "blood stasis toxin" theory, as an emerging perspective in tumor research, is regarded as the unique "soil" in tumor progression from the perspective of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) due to its dynamic evolution mechanism, which closely resembles the formation of the hypoxic microenvironment. Scientifically integrating TCM theories with the biological characteristics of tumors and exploring precise syndrome differentiation and treatment strategies are key to achieving comprehensive tumor prevention and control. This article focused on the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor, elucidating its formation mechanisms and evolutionary processes and carefully analyzing the internal relationship between the "blood stasis toxin" theory and the hypoxic microenvironment. Additionally, it explored the interaction among blood stasis, toxic pathogens, and hypoxic environment and proposed micro-level prevention and treatment strategies targeting the hypoxic microenvironment based on the "blood stasis toxin" theory, aiming to provide TCM-based theoretical support and therapeutic approaches for precise regulation of the hypoxic microenvironment.
Humans ; Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects* ; Neoplasms/therapy* ; Animals ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Disease Progression ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory response caused by severe infection or trauma, and is one of the common causes of acute lung injury(ALI) and acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Sepsis-acute lung injury(SALI) is a critical clinical condition with high morbidity and mortality. Its pathogenesis is complex and not yet fully understood, and there is currently a lack of targeted and effective treatment options. Pyroptosis, a novel form of programmed cell death, plays a key role in the pathological process of SALI by activating inflammasomes and releasing inflammatory factors, making it a potential therapeutic target. In recent years, the role of traditional Chinese medicine(TCM) in regulating signaling pathways related to pyroptosis through multi-components and multi-targets has attracted increasing attention. TCM may intervene in pyroptosis by inhibiting the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and regulating the expression of Caspase family proteins, thus alleviating inflammatory damage in lung tissues. This paper systematically reviews the molecular regulatory network of pyroptosis in SALI and explores the potential mechanisms and research progress on TCM intervention in cellular pyroptosis. The aim is to provide new ideas and theoretical support for basic research and clinical treatment strategies of TCM in SALI.
Pyroptosis/drug effects* ; Humans ; Sepsis/genetics* ; Acute Lung Injury/physiopathology* ; Animals ; Drugs, Chinese Herbal/therapeutic use* ; Medicine, Chinese Traditional ; Inflammasomes/metabolism* ; NLR Family, Pyrin Domain-Containing 3 Protein/genetics*

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a most common sexual dysfunction caused by various factors. Phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitors (PDE5i) are commonly used for the treatment of ED, but often with a poor effect for patients with moderate to severe ED and those with underlying diseases such as diabetes mellitus. Low-intensity extracorporeal shock wave therapy (Li-ESWT), as a novel non-invasive physical therapy, has the advantages of mild tissue damage, high safety and short treatment cycle. The effectiveness and safety of Li-ESWT in the treatment of ED has been preliminarily demonstrated by more than a decade of research and development, and its therapeutic effect evidently exhibited by significantly improving the symptoms of the ED patients with poor response to PDE5i. Researches on Li-ESWT are increasing at home and abroad, and its application in the treatment of ED has become a hot spot of attention. This review elaborates the action mechanisms and application of Li-ESWT in the treatment of ED, aiming to provide some new ideas for the clinical diagnosis and treatment of the condition.
Humans ; Male ; Erectile Dysfunction/therapy* ; Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy

BACKGROUND: Our understanding of the correlation between postdischarge cancer and mortality in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) remains incomplete. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationships between postdischarge cancers and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. METHODS: In this retrospective cohort study, 25% of CAD patients without prior cancer history who underwent coronary artery angiography between January 1, 2011 and December 31, 2015, were randomly enrolled using SPSS 26.0. Patients were monitored for the incidence of postdischarge cancer, which was defined as cancer diagnosed after the index hospitalization, survival status and cause of death. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the association between postdischarge cancer and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. RESULTS: A total of 4085 patients were included in the final analysis. During a median follow-up period of 8 years, 174 patients (4.3%) developed postdischarge cancer, and 343 patients (8.4%) died. A total of 173 patients died from cardiovascular diseases. Postdischarge cancer was associated with increased all-cause mortality risk (HR = 2.653, 95% CI: 1.727-4.076, P < 0.001) and cardiovascular mortality risk (HR = 2.756, 95% CI: 1.470-5.167, P = 0.002). Postdischarge lung cancer (HR = 5.497, 95% CI: 2.922-10.343, P < 0.001) and gastrointestinal cancer (HR = 1.984, 95% CI: 1.049-3.750, P = 0.035) were associated with all-cause mortality in CAD patients. Postdischarge lung cancer was significantly associated with cardiovascular death in CAD patients (HR = 4.979, 95% CI: 2.114-11.728, P < 0.001), and cardiovascular death was not significantly correlated with gastrointestinal cancer or other types of cancer. CONCLUSIONS Postdischarge cancer was associated with all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients. Compared with other cancers, postdischarge lung cancer had a more significant effect on all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality in CAD patients.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a bioactive polyphenol abundant in green tea, has garnered significant attention for its diverse therapeutic applications, ranging from antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects to potential anticancer properties. Despite its immense promise, the practical utilization of EGCG in therapeutic settings as a medication has been hampered by inherent limitations of this drug, including poor bioavailability, instability, and rapid degradation. This review comprehensively explores the current challenges associated with the application of EGCG and evaluates the potential of nanoparticle-based formulations in addressing these limitations. Nanoparticles, with their unique physicochemical properties, offer a platform for the enhanced stability, bioavailability, and targeted delivery of EGCG. Various nanoparticle strategies, including polymeric nanoparticle, micelle, lipid-based nanocarrier, metal nanoparticle, and silica nanoparticle, are currently employed to enhance EGCG stability and pharmacological activity. This review concludes that the particle sizes of most of these formulated nanocarriers fall within 300 nm and their encapsulation efficiency ranges from 51% to 97%. Notably, the pharmacological activities of EGCG-loaded nanoparticles, such as antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antimicrobial effects, are significantly enhanced compared to those of free EGCG. By critically analyzing the existing literature and highlighting recent advancements, this article provides valuable insights into the promising prospects of nanoparticle-mediated EGCG formulations, paving the way for the development of more effective and clinically viable therapeutic strategies.
Animals ; Humans ; Anti-Inflammatory Agents/administration & dosage* ; Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage* ; Antioxidants/administration & dosage* ; Biological Availability ; Catechin/analogs & derivatives* ; Micelles ; Particle Size ; Nanoparticle Drug Delivery System/chemistry*

Objective:To explore the safety and efficacy of shunt reduction using the Interlock-35 fibered interlocking detachable coil (IDC) occlusion system in the treatment of refractory hepatic encephalopathy (HE) after transjugular intrahepatic portosystemic shunt (TIPS).Methods:From August 2022 to December 2023, at the Department of Gastroenterology of the Air Force Medical Center, the clinical data of patients with refractory HE after TIPS who were treated with shunt reduction using the Interlock-35 fibered IDC occlusion system were retrospectively collected, which included portal vein pressure gradient (PVPG), HE grades, blood ammonia levels, prothrombin time (PT), liver function parameters, and other related indicators. The primary indicators related to the efficacy of the shunt reduction included symptom improvement, and changes in PVPG, blood ammonia levels, and Child-Pugh score. The safety of shunt reduction was analyzed based on the incidence of complications such as gastrointestinal bleeding and ascites during the follow-up period. Paired t-test was used for statistical analysis. Results:A total of 21 patients were enrolled. Prior to shunt reduction, there were 5 cases with HE of grade 3 and 16 cases with HE of grade 2. Before operation, the blood ammonia was (103.14±27.69) mol/L; and the liver function Child-Pugh grade of 1 case was classified as grade A, 16 cases as grade B, and 4 cases as grade C. Shunt reduction was performed between 7 and 1 879 d, with a median time of 99 (54, 806) d after TIPS. The procedure was technically successful in all patients, with a total of 25 coils implanted. Before shunt reduction, the PVPG was (14.02±5.28) cmH 2O (1 cmH 2O=0.098 kPa), after shunt reduction procedure, the PVPG increased to (25.05±6.04) cmH 2O, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=-11.26, P<0.001). After operation, 16 patients returned to the hospital for follow-up examinations, with a median follow-up time of 114 (46, 195) d, the blood ammonia levels, PT, and Child-Pugh scores during the follow-up were all lower than those before operation ((78.19±27.85) μmol/L vs. (105.00±30.53) μmol/L, (14.09±1.65) s vs. (15.41±2.35) s, and 6.88±1.59 vs. 8.13±1.75, respectively), and the differences were statistically significant ( t=2.23, 3.23, and 2.61; P=0.040, <0.001, =0.020). There was no statistically significant in PVPG between during follow-up and immediately post-procedure ((28.91±6.20) cmH 2O vs. (25.22±5.92) cmH 2O, P>0.05). During the follow-up period, HE symptoms disappeared in 12 patients among the 16 patients who returned to hospital for follow-up, however gastrointestinal bleeding occurred in 5 patients and ascites occurred in 3 patients; additionally, 4 patients experienced intermittent HE symptoms (grade 1 in 3 cases, grade 2 in 1 case). After operation, 5 patients were followed up via telephone, among them, 3 patients died, and 2 patients experienced intermittent HE (grade 1) which could be spontaneously restored with dietary adjustments and(or) medication. Conclusions:Interlock-35 fibered IDC occlusion system for shunt reduction is a feasible and effective treatment for refractory HE after TIPS. It can effectively improve symptoms and decrease liver function score. After shunt reduction, early follow-up and adjustment of flow reduction can help reduce the occurrence of severe complications.

Objective:To apply data mining and bibliometric methods to collect and analyze literatures related to the uPMR 790 integrated positron emission tomography/magnetic resonance imaging(PET/MRI)of the United Imaging Healthcare(UIH)and assess its output effects in clinical research and application,continued research and development,performance improvement,technology assessment,healthcare technology management,and other aspects.Methods:To conduct literature searches on data platforms such as China National Knowledge Infrastructure(CNKI),WanFang Data Knowledge Service Platform(WANFANG DATA),Wanfang Medical Network(WANFANG MED ONLINE),Chinese Medical Association Journal Database(Yiigle),NIH/PubMed,etc.Based on literature review,to implement bibliometric analysis and evaluate from several technological output dimensions.Results:134 sample literatures were obtained.Among them,there are 121 journal articles,10 dissertations(1 doctoral dissertation and 9 master's theses),3 case reports from the Chinese Medical Case Repository,59 of foreign language journals,and 101 articles sourced from uPMR 790 users as the first author affiliation.Engineering and technical personnel from UIH participated in 58 journal articles;89 clinical research articles,accounting for 66.42%of the sample literatures,15 engineering research and artificial intelligence(AI)research articles,accounting for 11.19%,15 technology assessment articles,accounting for 11.19%,4 healthcare technology management articles,1 experimental research article,and 10 reviews.In addition,33 related patent technologies were retrieved from UIH and its cooperative institutions,as well as UIH PET/MRI equipment users,including 20 invention patents,13 utility model patents.Conclusion:The research results show that the innovative medical equipment,the uPMR 790 PET/MRI,has definite technological outputs in clinical research and application,providing important and widely data of evidence-based medicine for clinical application promotion.It also map out the effective support of this innovative medical equipment for multidisciplinary clinical research such as medical imaging,neurology,cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases,geriatrics,pediatrics,etc.Driven by the model of medical-engineering integration and synergy mechanism,display multidimensional output effects such as continuous research and development,quality improvement,technology assessment,configuration management,and healthcare technology management.UIH actively participates in researchs and follows up on innovative practices in medical-engineering integration,demonstrating a positive attitude as a leading medical equipment enterprise.Real world research will provide evidence support for the application demonstration and promotion for equipment manufactured by Chinese medical equipment enterprises.

With the rapid development of competitive sports, the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is on the rise. Such injuries may shorten athletes′ career and lead to other long-term adverse consequences. Although athletes generally recover well after ACL reconstruction, many still struggle to return to their pre-injury performance levels. Advances in the understanding of ACL anatomy and injury mechanisms, along with the evolution of surgical techniques and rehabilitation methods, have provided more individualized and tailored options for athletes following ACL injuries. However, there is currently no consensus in China regarding surgical and rehabilitation strategies for competitive athletes aiming to return to sports after ACL injuries. To this end, the Sports Medicine Committee of the Chinese Research Hospital Association and the Editorial Board of the Chinese Journal of Trauma jointly formulated the Expert consensus on surgical treatment and rehabilitation for competitive sports athletes returning to sports after anterior cruciate ligament injury ( version 2025), and presented 14 recommendations covering surgical indications, preoperative rehabilitation, surgical timing, surgical strategies and postoperative rehabilitation strategies, aiming to improve the surgical treatment and rehabilitation system for ACL injuries in competitive athletes and facilitate their return to high-level sports performance after injury.

Objective:To assess the feasibility of first polar body transfer (PB1T) combined with preimplantation mitochondrial genetic testing for blocking the transmission of a pathogenic mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation.Methods:A Chinese family affected with Leigh syndrome which had attended the Reproductive Medicine Centre of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University in September 2021 was selected as the study subject. Controlled ovarian hyperstimulation was carried out for the proband after completing the detection of the mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation load among the pedigree members. Mature MII oocytes were inseminated by intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI), cultured in vitro for 5 to 6 days to the blastocyst stage, and trophoblastocytes were obtained by microbiopsy. Mitochondrial DNA testing (PGT-MT) and chromosomal aneuploidy (PGT-A) analyses were carried out after whole-genome amplification, and the embryos with zero mutation load were selected for transfer. Amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood samples were collected during middle pregnancy and after birth respectively for mitochondrial DNA testing to verify the reliability of embryo screening. As an attempt, PB1 with good morphology of MⅡ oocytes was selected for transfer into the enucleated oocytoplasm from healthy donors, followed by ICSI fertilization, blastocyst culture and PGT of embryos using the same procedure. This study has been approved by the Ethics Committee of the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University (No. 2021zhyx-B12). Results:An antagonist protocol was used for ovarian stimulation, and a total of 19 oocytes were obtained, of which 14 MⅡ were fertilized by ICSI, and 2 had developed into blastocysts. PGT-MT was carried out on biopsied trophoblastocytes, in which the mitochondrial DNA 8993T>G mutation load was not detected in one embryo, the other was 100% mutated, and the mutation loads of the remaining unfertilized eggs and developmentally arrested embryos ranged from 0% ~ 100%, presenting a clear biased distribution. With fully informed consent, one PGT-MT zero mutation load blastocyst was transferred and clinical pregnancy was achieved. Mitochondrial DNA and chromosomal testing of amniotic fluid cells during middle pregnancy had revealed no abnormalities. The proband had delivered a healthy boy through Caesarean section at 39+ 5 weeks of gestation, and no mutation was detected in the cord blood sample. Five well-formed PBs from 14 eggs were selected for PB1 transfer, followed by ICSI and culture, and two of the reconstituted embryos had formed blastocysts, with none of the above mutations detected in the biopsied samples.Conclusion:The PGT-MT technology can help families affected with mitochondrial diseases to have healthy offspring. PB1 transfer in combination with ICSI and PGT-MT holds the promise of turning waste into treasure and providing an alternative means of fertility for such families.