OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of Polygala tenuifolia compatibility on toxicity， anti-inflammatory and analgesic efficacy of sand-ironing Strychnos nux-vomica （SS）. METHODS The preparation of SS single decoction， SS-P. tenuifolia core-removed （PC） （1∶2.5） or （1∶5） combined decoction， and SS-PC （1∶5） mixture were carried out to investigate their median lethal dose （LD50）. Using aspirin as positive control， the number of writhing movements， analgesic rate， pain latency， ear swelling degree and inflammation inhibition rate induced by the above-mentioned medicinal liquids in mice were compared. The contents of the active and toxic components， strychnine and brucine， in the above-mentioned medicinal liquids were also determined. RESULTS The LD50 values of SS single decoction， SS-PC （1∶2.5） combined decoction， SS-PC （1∶5） combined decoction and SS- PC （1∶5） mixture were 302.00， 614.47， 1 445.44 and 1 778.28 mg/kg， respectively. Compared with control group， the number of writhing movements and ear swelling degree in the mice of the above-mentioned medicinal liquid groups were reduced or decreased significantly （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； pain latency [at 90 and 120 minutes in the SS single decoction group， at 60 and 90 minutes in the SS-PC （1∶2.5） combined decoction group， and at 60，90， 120 minutes in the SS-PC （1∶5） combined decoction group and SS-PC （1∶5） mixture group] was significantly prolonged （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）； analgesic rates of the respective medicinal liquids were 39.30%， 70.87%， 80.00% and 82.46%， and inflammation inhibition rates were 38.08%，TD 57.89%， 76.47% and 50.46%； analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of combined decoction and mixture were generally better than those of the single decoction （P＜0.05 or P＜0.01）. In the above-mentioned four medicinal liquids， the total contents of strychnine were 0.71%， 0.42%， 0.47% and 0.64%， and the total contents of brucine were 0.88%， 0.63%， 0.57% and 0.88%， respectively. CONCLUSIONS The combination of P. tenuifolia can reduce the toxicity of SS and enhance its anti-inflammatory and analgesic effects. Moreover， there is a tendency for the toxicity-reducing and efficacy-enhancing effects to increase with the increasing dosage of P. tenuifolia. Additionally， the combined decoction of SS and P. tenuifolia can reduce the contents of the active and toxic components， strychnine and brucine， in SS.

Objective:To propose a deep learning（DL）-based ultrasound imaging auxiliary tool for automatic segmentation and recognition of the brachial plexus（BP），and to enhance the accuracy and safety of clinical procedures.Methods:It was a multicenter study that collected 773 healthy subjects from Peking University Third Hospital and its branch campuses，the Third Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital，and Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital between August 2024 and February 2025. Brachial plexus（BP）images in the interscalene groove were captured used high-frequency ultrasound by senior sonographers，a dataset comprising 1 289 standardized images were constructed and the improved model（CHA-TransUNet）was trained. The test set was input into 6 different models（CHA-TransUNet，R50-Unet，TransUnet，SegFormer，SwinUnet，MISSFormer）for segmentation. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated using metrics including the Dice similarity coefficient（DSC），95% Hausdorff distance（HD95）and mean intersection over union（mIoU），and was compared with the segmentation results of 3 ultrasound physicians with varying experience levels（junior physicians and senior physicians）to validate the model's segmentation efficacy.Results:The CHA-TransUNet model established based on a dataset of 1 289 standardized images achieved segmentation results for the BP with a DSC of 90.15%，mIoU of 91.02%，and HD95 of 8.08. Its accuracy was higher than other mainstream models（DSC：90.15% vs. 87.60%，87.77%，81.35%，84.78%，84.55%），significantly better than junior physicians（DSC：90.15% vs. 68.73%， Z=-127.76， P<0.001），and approached the level of senior physician（DSC：90.15% vs. 86.15%， Z=-31.33， P=0.549）. The model demonstrated superior boundary recognition in complex anatomical structures（e.g.，C6/C7 nerve roots）compared to ultrasound physicians（junior and senior）（HD95：8.08 vs. 26.34，17.44，56.80）. Conclusions:This study proposes an analysis model for BP ultrasound images，CHA-TransUNet. This model achieves segmentation and recognition of the BP with relatively complex pathways and structures. The model exhibits high accuracy and stability，outperforming current mainstream network models and junior physicians while approaching the performance level of senior physicians. It assists junior physicians or trainees in more accurately identifying and localizing the BP.

Objective:To propose a deep learning（DL）-based ultrasound imaging auxiliary tool for automatic segmentation and recognition of the brachial plexus（BP），and to enhance the accuracy and safety of clinical procedures.Methods:It was a multicenter study that collected 773 healthy subjects from Peking University Third Hospital and its branch campuses，the Third Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital，and Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital between August 2024 and February 2025. Brachial plexus（BP）images in the interscalene groove were captured used high-frequency ultrasound by senior sonographers，a dataset comprising 1 289 standardized images were constructed and the improved model（CHA-TransUNet）was trained. The test set was input into 6 different models（CHA-TransUNet，R50-Unet，TransUnet，SegFormer，SwinUnet，MISSFormer）for segmentation. Segmentation accuracy was evaluated using metrics including the Dice similarity coefficient（DSC），95% Hausdorff distance（HD95）and mean intersection over union（mIoU），and was compared with the segmentation results of 3 ultrasound physicians with varying experience levels（junior physicians and senior physicians）to validate the model's segmentation efficacy.Results:The CHA-TransUNet model established based on a dataset of 1 289 standardized images achieved segmentation results for the BP with a DSC of 90.15%，mIoU of 91.02%，and HD95 of 8.08. Its accuracy was higher than other mainstream models（DSC：90.15% vs. 87.60%，87.77%，81.35%，84.78%，84.55%），significantly better than junior physicians（DSC：90.15% vs. 68.73%， Z=-127.76， P<0.001），and approached the level of senior physician（DSC：90.15% vs. 86.15%， Z=-31.33， P=0.549）. The model demonstrated superior boundary recognition in complex anatomical structures（e.g.，C6/C7 nerve roots）compared to ultrasound physicians（junior and senior）（HD95：8.08 vs. 26.34，17.44，56.80）. Conclusions:This study proposes an analysis model for BP ultrasound images，CHA-TransUNet. This model achieves segmentation and recognition of the BP with relatively complex pathways and structures. The model exhibits high accuracy and stability，outperforming current mainstream network models and junior physicians while approaching the performance level of senior physicians. It assists junior physicians or trainees in more accurately identifying and localizing the BP.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term results of bipolar radiofrequency(BRF) ablation in restoring sinus rhythm in patients with permanent atrial fibrillation(AF) undergoing surgery for cardiac surgery.Methods:This retrospective study sample consisted of 268 patients with LSP-AF underwent cardiac operations concomitant BRF maze Ⅳ procedure. Data were collected prospectively on perioperative outcomes, rhythm status, survival, and clinical events.Results:15 patients died in the early postoperative period, perioperative mortality rate was 5.5%. The rate of stable sinus rhythm(sSR)was 86.6%, 75.4%, 67.7%, 57.8% in 1, 2, 5, 8 years after operation. Multivariate analysis proved the size of the left atrium( HR=1.073, P<0.001) and duration of AF( HR=1.070, P=0.025) to be an independent predictor of the radiofrequency ablation outcome. Conclusion:Bipolar radiofrequency maze procedure can effectively eliminate AF, maintain long-term of sinus rhythm. Bipolar radiofrequency maze procedure is a safe, easy and effective surgical option for the treatment of AF, with satisfactory long-term results, is worthy of promotion.

Objective:To evaluate the long-term results of combined ganglion plexus ablation(GPA) during radiofrequency ablation(RF) with long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation(LSP-AF).Methods:This retrospective study sample consisted of 268 patients with LSP-AF underwent valve operations concomitant RF maze Ⅳ procedure. Data were collected prospectively on perioperative outcomes, rhythm status, survival, and clinical events. Propensity score matching conducted by RF and RF+ GPA resulted in 102 patients per group.Results:Independent predictors for rhythm success at 1 year were combined GPA( OR=0.205, P=0.005), smaller left atrium size( OR=1.091, P=0.000); at 5-year and 8-year were a shorter history of AF( OR=1.069, P=0.023; OR=1.066, P=0.030), and smaller left atrium size( OR=1.091, P=0.000; OR=1.086, P=0.000). After matching, RF+ GPA group had significantly higher sinus rhythm(SR) without antiarrhythmic drugs(AADs) at 6 months(91.3% vs. 79.8%, P=0.026), 1-year(90.2% vs. 78.5%, P=0.028), but there were no difference between the two groups at 5-year(64.8% vs. 64.4%, P=0.956), and 8-year(53.3% vs. 50.6%, P=0.711). During the 6 postoperative months, fewer patients in the RF+ GPA group underwent follow-up cardioversions(2.0% vs. 8.8%, P=0.030). Actuarial survival curves did not differ significantly between the 2 groups( HR=1.327, 95% CI 0.4633-3.802, P=0.598). Conclusion:The combination of GPA can be effective at the early postoperative stage for SR restoration in Maze Ⅳ procedures for the treatment of LSP-AF in heart valve surgeries, particularly for lower AADs use and lower cardioversions. However, this effect will gradually diminish after one year.

Objective:To observe the effect of computerized cognitive remediation therapy(CCRT) in the patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized, single-blinded clinical study was carried out from the April to June in 2019. 46 patients who met MCI criteria were randomly allocated into a CCRT group ( n=24) and a control group ( n=22). In CCRT group, the CCRT was conducted five times a week (30 minutes each time) for a total of 8 weeks (40 times), while a natural observation was performed in the control group. All the subjects were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA) before and after the treatment. The Wilcoxon test in the paired rank-sum test of two related samples was used to evaluate the effect of CCRT on MCI before and after the intervention, and the Mann-Whitney U test in the rank-sum test of two independent samples was used to compare the differences in MMSE and MoCA scores between the two groups. Results:Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in MMSE, MoCA total scores and each factor between the CCRT group and the control group ( P>0.05). A total of 21 patients in CCRT group completed CCRT treatment. After 8 weeks of treatment, the difference between two groups in the total score of MMSE ( Z=-2.83), attention and calculation( Z=-2.58), time orientation( Z=-2.00) and visual spatial function ( Z=-2.45) scores were higher than those before the treatment ( P<0.05); the difference between two groups in MoCA total score ( Z=-3.40), visual space and executive function( Z=-3.41), attention ( Z=-3.09) were higher than those before the treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusion:CCRT may improve the cognitive function of MCI patients, especially the attention and visuospatial functions.

Objective:To observe the effect of computerized cognitive remediation therapy(CCRT) in the patients with mild cognitive impairment (MCI).Methods:A randomized, single-blinded clinical study was carried out from the April to June in 2019. 46 patients who met MCI criteria were randomly allocated into a CCRT group ( n=24) and a control group ( n=22). In CCRT group, the CCRT was conducted five times a week (30 minutes each time) for a total of 8 weeks (40 times), while a natural observation was performed in the control group. All the subjects were assessed by the Mini-Mental State Examination(MMSE) and the Montreal Cognitive Assessment(MoCA) before and after the treatment. The Wilcoxon test in the paired rank-sum test of two related samples was used to evaluate the effect of CCRT on MCI before and after the intervention, and the Mann-Whitney U test in the rank-sum test of two independent samples was used to compare the differences in MMSE and MoCA scores between the two groups. Results:Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in MMSE, MoCA total scores and each factor between the CCRT group and the control group ( P>0.05). A total of 21 patients in CCRT group completed CCRT treatment. After 8 weeks of treatment, the difference between two groups in the total score of MMSE ( Z=-2.83), attention and calculation( Z=-2.58), time orientation( Z=-2.00) and visual spatial function ( Z=-2.45) scores were higher than those before the treatment ( P<0.05); the difference between two groups in MoCA total score ( Z=-3.40), visual space and executive function( Z=-3.41), attention ( Z=-3.09) were higher than those before the treatment ( P<0.05). Conclusion:CCRT may improve the cognitive function of MCI patients, especially the attention and visuospatial functions.

Objective To investigate the effects of Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) on cardiac protection in diabetic rats and the expression of TGF-1/Smad3 signaling pathway. Methods The influence of clean level 40 SD rats, weight 200-220 g, divided into four random groups:control (Sham) group, diabetic cardiomyopathy model (DC) group, EGCG group, and metformin positive control group (Met).Post 8 weeks of high-fat-diet administration, the rats were injected intraperitoneally with STZ to establish the diabetes cardiomyopathy model. Upon successful model establishment, the EGCG group was intraperitoneally injected with EGCG and the cardiac function of the rats was measured after 28 days of drug administration. Then, the pathological results of the myocardial tissue were analyzed. Triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1 c), and blood glucose (FBG) concentrations were also measured. Further, the concentrations of superoxide dismutases (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) in serum were measured by ELISA. The expression of TGF-β1 and Smad3 in kidney tissues of the rats was measured by Western blotting analysis. Results EGCG could reduce the glucose, lipid, and MDA levels in the blood of the diabetic rats, enhance cardiac systolic and diastolic functions, inhibit TGF-β1 and Smad3 protein expression, enhance the activity of SOD, CAT and GPX, and reduce myocardial tissue fibrosis. Conclusion EGCG can protect diabetic rat hearts by improving metabolic disorder, and its mechanism may be related to the oxidative-stress mediated by the TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling pathway.

Objective To investigate the MR imaging features and changes of arterial walls at the beginning of the middle cerebral artery in patients with moyamoya disease during the natural course.Methods Nineteen patients with moyamoya disease,admitted to our hospital from January 2014 to December 2015,were chosen prospectively in the study.The MR imaging manifestations and clinical symptoms of the initial vascular walls of the unilateral middle cerebral artery in each patient were observed.Results Two patients were classified as Suzuki grading Ⅱ,9 were classified as Suzuki grading Ⅲ,and 8 were classified as Suzuki grading Ⅳ.The maximum cross-sectional area of patients with moyamoya disease was (5.7±1.4) mm2,and the maximum thickness was (0.9±0.2) mm;15 patients showed wall non-enhancement,two showed wall slight enhancement,and two showed wall obvious enhancement.Concentric thickening was noted in 17 patients and eccentric thickening in two.Two patients with Suzuki grading Ⅲ presented concentric thickening and slight enhancement;two patients with Suzuki grading Ⅲ presented concentric thickening and obvious enhancement;one patient with Suzuki grading Ⅱ and one with Suzuki grading Ⅳ presented eccentric thickening and non-enhancement;one patient with Suzuki grading Ⅱ,5 with Suzuki grading Ⅲ and 7 with Suzuki grading Ⅳ presented concentric thickening and non-enhancement.After the follow up for a median time of 38.7 months,the maximum cross-sectional area was (5.5±1.2) mm2 and the maximum thickness was (1.0±0.3) mm,which showed no significant differences as compared with those at admission (P＞0.05).Two patients with Suzuki grading Ⅱ progressed to Suzuki grading Ⅲ (the vessel wall developed from non-enhancement to slight or obvious enhancement).No obvious differences in Suzuki grading,enhancement or thickening styles were noted in the other patients during the follow up.Six patients had recurrent cerebral ischemia during follow-up,4 were with wall enhancement,and two were with wall non-enhancement.Conclusions Patients with moyamoya disease at Suzuki grading Ⅱ-Ⅳ commonly present concentric thickening without enhancement.Moyamoya disease progresses slowly,a few patients with moyamoya disease may present enhancement when it is in progress,and patients with wall enhancement are more likely to have recurrent attack of cerebral ischemia.