Objective To investigate the mechanism by which angiopoietin-like protein 8(ANGPTL8)regulates vascular smooth muscle cell(VSMCs)apoptosis.Methods An in vitro abdominal aortic aneurysm cell model was established by stimulating human VSMCs(HUSMCs)with angiotensin Ⅱ(AngⅡ).Stable ANGPTL8 knockdown and over-expression VSMC cell strains were generated using lentiviral transfection.TUNEL staining was used to de-tect apoptosis.Western blot analysis was performed to measure the protein expression of ANGPTL8,caspase9,caspase3,Bcl-2,Bax,p53,and PUMA,while RT-qPCR was used to assess mRNA expression of ANGPTL8,Bcl-2 and Bax.Results AngⅡ significantly induced ANGPTL8 expression in HVSMCs in a time-and dose-de-pendent manner(P＜0.05).ANGPTL8 knockdown significantly reduced the expression of apoptosis-related proteins caspase9,caspase3,and Bax,while increased the expression of the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2(P＜0.05).Con-versely,ANGPTL8 over-expression markedly induced HVSMCs apoptosis,which was significantly suppressed by treatment with the p53 pathway inhibitor pifithrin-α(PFT-α).Conclusions ANGPTL8 may promote VSMC apop-tosis by activation of p53 signaling pathway.

Objective:By combining image memory with educational games, electrocardiogram (ECG) images were integrated with card games to simplify complex ECG knowledge and visualize abstract concepts. This approach stimulated students' motivation to learn within the game, thereby enhancing their cognitive abilities and aiding them in mastering ECG-related knowledge.Methods:Through literature search and brainstorming, ECG learning flash cards and game process were designed. Using the convenience sampling method, 55 medical students from a university were selected to conduct the self-designed questionnaire before and after using ECG flash cards to evaluate the efficacy of flash cards in enhancing ECG learning outcomes. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted on the satisfaction with the flash cards.Results:Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the score of students from different majors. For students who had studied ECG within 1 month and 6 months, the difference in correct recognition rate between them was relatively small, which were 57.50% and 54.51%, respectively. For students who had not studied ECG, the correct recognition rate after training was only 18.06%. After the intervention, 42 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall correct rate of ECG recognition increased by 17.86%. The correct recognition rate of ventricular fibrillation increased significantly from 30.91% to 64.29%; the correct recognition rate of supraventricular tachycardia was improved only by 5.50%. The correct ECG recognition rate was significantly higher after the intervention than before the intervention ( P<0.01). The results of qualitative interviews indicated that the ECG game cards were interesting, practical, and generalizable. However, there was room for improvement in the distinctiveness of key graphics, the richness of information on cards, and the diversity of rule design. Conclusions:ECG recognition is hard to master for beginners. The use of ECG flash cards simplifies the process of ECG recognition and stimulates students' initiative in learning, thus improving the overall correct ECG recognition rate.

Objective:By combining image memory with educational games, electrocardiogram (ECG) images were integrated with card games to simplify complex ECG knowledge and visualize abstract concepts. This approach stimulated students' motivation to learn within the game, thereby enhancing their cognitive abilities and aiding them in mastering ECG-related knowledge.Methods:Through literature search and brainstorming, ECG learning flash cards and game process were designed. Using the convenience sampling method, 55 medical students from a university were selected to conduct the self-designed questionnaire before and after using ECG flash cards to evaluate the efficacy of flash cards in enhancing ECG learning outcomes. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted on the satisfaction with the flash cards.Results:Before the intervention, there was no significant difference in the score of students from different majors. For students who had studied ECG within 1 month and 6 months, the difference in correct recognition rate between them was relatively small, which were 57.50% and 54.51%, respectively. For students who had not studied ECG, the correct recognition rate after training was only 18.06%. After the intervention, 42 valid questionnaires were collected. The overall correct rate of ECG recognition increased by 17.86%. The correct recognition rate of ventricular fibrillation increased significantly from 30.91% to 64.29%; the correct recognition rate of supraventricular tachycardia was improved only by 5.50%. The correct ECG recognition rate was significantly higher after the intervention than before the intervention ( P<0.01). The results of qualitative interviews indicated that the ECG game cards were interesting, practical, and generalizable. However, there was room for improvement in the distinctiveness of key graphics, the richness of information on cards, and the diversity of rule design. Conclusions:ECG recognition is hard to master for beginners. The use of ECG flash cards simplifies the process of ECG recognition and stimulates students' initiative in learning, thus improving the overall correct ECG recognition rate.

Polycystic ovary syndrome（PCOS） is a common reproductive endocrine and metabolic disorder， affecting about 6%-10% of women of childbearing age worldwide， and has always been a major challenge in clinical treatment. Guizhi Fulingwan， derived from the Synopsis of the Golden Chamber（《金匮要略》）， has the effect of promoting blood circulation， removing blood stasis， and alleviating blockages. In recent years， many studies have found that it has a good therapeutic effect on PCOS. By sorting out the research literature on the mechanism of Guizhi Fulingwan treating PCOS， it is found that this formula can decrease the autophagy and apoptosis of ovarian granulosa cells， correct endocrine hormone disorder， improve the inflammatory environment， alleviate oxidative stress. Moreover， it regulates phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase（PI3K）/protein kinase B（Akt）/mammalian target of rapamycin（mTOR）， lncRNA H19/miR-29b-3p， nuclear factor E₂-related factor 2（Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1（HO-1）， PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor-κB（NF-κB）， and other signaling pathways. And also effects the regulator expression of matrix metallopeptidase-9（MMP-9）， matrix metalloproteinase inhibitor-1（TIMP-1）， cytochrome P45019A1 enzyme（CYP19A1）， glucose transporter protein 4（GLUT4）， regulated on activation normal T cell expressed and secreted（RANTES）， monocyte chemoattractant protein-1（MCP-1）. Thus， Guizhi Fulingwan is confirmed to treat PCOS based on these molecular mechanisms. Besides， the main active ingredients of the formula such as cinnamic aldehyde， （+）-catechin， stigmasterol， also have the effect of anti-oxidant， anti-inflammatory， regulating mitochondrial function， regulating endocrine， and regulating metabolism. According to the summary of clinical literature on Guizhi Fulingwan， it is found that the use of the formula alone or in combination with other drugs can significantly alleviate the clinical symptoms and complications of PCOS. Thus， it is safe with no adverse reactions in long-term use， which is worthily further promoted in clinical application. This paper comprehensively analyzed the current research status of Guizhi Fulingwan for the treatment of PCOS through the mechanism and clinical studies， summarized the limitations in current research， and put forward suggestions， aiming to provide the strong literature support for the future in-depth research on and clinical application of the formula.

Objective To elucidate the influence of two procedures aortic root remodeling using a straight tubular artificial vessel while preserving the aortic valve and the Florida sleeve procedure on the biomechanics of the aortic root.Methods Five finite element models of the aortic root were reconstructed using computed tomography angiography images,including two cases of aortic root remodeling(A1 and A2),two cases of the Florida sleeve procedure(B1 and B2),and one control group without aortic root pathology(C).Numerical simulations were performed to obtain the blood flow and pressure distribution result to assess the differences in the hemodynamics of the aortic root.Results There were no significant differences in the peak systolic velocity between the two procedures and the control.However,the flow velocity after aortic root remodeling was smoother,similar to the model of the control group,with a more stable average aortic pressure and wall shear stress.In the Florida sleeve procedure,high-speed blood flow affected the vessel wall,leading to various degrees of wall shear stress and pressure concentrations along the aortic wall.Conclusions After aortic root replacement with valve preservation,blood flow patterns in the reconstructed aortic root depended on postoperative changes in sinus geometry.Both surgical procedures showed favorable blood flow patterns;however,the flow pattern after aortic root remodeling was more stable than that after the Florida sleeve procedure.

Objective:To investigate the levels of sex hormone and fertility in female patients after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), as well as their correlation with conditioning regimens, and analyse the effect of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in young women after HSCT.Methods:Retrospective case series study. The clinical data of 147 women who underwent HSCT in the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University from January 2010 to January 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. The sex hormone levels were measured and followed-up, and the survival, menstrual fertility and the use of HRT of the patients were also followed-up. The sex hormone levels were measured after transplantation, and the ovarian function was evaluated. Independent sample t test and χ2 test were used for comparison between the two groups. Results:The median age of the 147 patients was 26 (range, 10-45) years. Of them, 135 patients received allogeneic HSCT and 12 patients received autologous HSCT. Furthermore, 129 patients received myeloablative conditioning, and 18 patients received reduced conditioning dose. The median follow-up time was 50 months (range, 18-134 months). Five patients died of disease recurrence during follow-up. Of the 54 patients with subcutaneous injection of zoladex, three recovered menstruation spontaneously after transplantation, and all of them were myeloablative conditioning patients, one patient gave birth to twins through assisted reproductive technology. Ninety-three patients did not use zoladex before conditioning, two patients with aplastic anemia with non-myeloablative transplantation resumed menstruation spontaneously, and conceived naturally. The level of follicle stimulating hormone after transplantation in patients receiving myeloablative conditioning regimen was significantly higher than that in patients receiving reduced-dose conditioning regimen [(95.28±3.94) U/L vs. (71.85±10.72) U/L, P=0.039]. Among 147 patients, 122 patients developed premature ovarian failure, 83 patients received sex hormone replacement therapy after transplantation, and 76 patients recovered menstruation and improved endocrine function. Conclusions:The incidence of premature ovarian failure is high in female patients after HSCT, and patients have a chance at natural conception. Reducing the dose of conditioning regimen and the application of zoladex before transplantation can reduce ovarian of conditioning drugs. HRT after transplantation can partially improve the endocrine function of patients.

Areca catechu L. medicinal materials and their preparations are widely used in clinical practice. Betelnut polyphenol is one of the main chemical components with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial effects. With continuous increase of high altitude activities, tissue oxidative damage caused by high altitude hypoxia seriously affects the ability to work, and the studies on anti-hypoxia drugs are particularly important. Recent studies have shown that betelnut polyphenols have protective effects on oxidative stress injury caused by hypoxia via improving blood gas index of hypoxic organism, increasing superoxide dismutase glutathione catalase activity, and scavenging excessive free radicals. The effects of betelnut polyphenols against hypoxia and oxidative damage protection suggest that betelnut polyphenols can be used as potential anti-hypoxia drugs and posses clinical prospects.
Antioxidants/pharmacology* ; Areca/chemistry* ; Humans ; Hypoxia ; Oxidative Stress ; Polyphenols/pharmacology* ; Superoxide Dismutase/metabolism*

Deep brain disease stimulation (DBS) is commonly used to treat movement disorders such as Parkinson disease,and current evidence suggests that DBS may also be useful for refractory epilepsy and is affected by a variety of factors.Studies show that stimulation of the anterior nucleus of the thalamus and hippocampus may decrease the frequency of refractory seizures.The efficacy of stimulating other targets remains inconclusive.An absence of structural abnormality on imaging and electrode position are associated with stimulation efficacy.Certain seizure types may respond more favorably to specific targets.There are several factors that potentially predict seizure outcome following DBS,but more large-scale clinical trials are needed.

BACKGROUND:Bismth-doped iron nanoparticles modified by hyaluronic acid (HA-BiIOPs) not only act as an effective MRI contrast agent, but also as a radiotherapy sensitizer.OBJECTIVE:To fabricate the HA-BiIOPs and to observe its effect to enhance the radiosensitivity of glioblastoma cells U87MG under X-ray radiation.METHODS:HA-BiIOPs were synthesized using hydrothermal polyol method. (1) Cytotoxicity: A cytotoxicity test was carried out on U87MG cells and rat vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs). Cell proliferation rate of two kinds of cells cultured with different concentrations of HA-BiIOPs (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, 400 mg/L) at 24 hours after culture were determined by cell counting kit-8 assay. (2) Histological analysis: ICR mice were sacrificed after intravenous injection of HA-BiIOPs, and pathological changes of mouse visceral organs were observed under an optical microscope. (3) Cellular uptake: The HA-BiIOPs after entered into the cytoplasm were observed by Prussian blue staining. (4) Radiosensitization test: U87MG cells at Logarithmic growth stage were cultured in culture medium as control group, subjected to X-ray irradiation (0, 3, 6, 9 Gy) as radiotherapy group, cultured in HA-BiIOPs (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200 and 400 mg/L) as HA-BiIOPs group or subjected to HA-BiIOPs culture plus X-ray irradiation as combined therapy group. Then, the cell proliferation rate and cloning efficiency were measured at 24 hours after treatment.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1) The HA-BiIOPs at different concentrations were non-cytotoxic for VSMC and U87MG cells. (2) After intravenous injection of HA-BiIOPs, there was no obvious toxicity to the mouse susceptible organs. (3) After 6 hours of culture, the HA-BiIOPs could be internalized by U87MG cells. (4) The proliferation rate of U87 cells was negatively correlated with the concentration of HA-BiIOPs (0-200 mg/L) and X-ray dose (0-9 Gy). Especialy, the combination of 6 Gy X-ray irradiation with 200 mg/L HA-BiIOPs dramatically decreased the cell viability that was decreased to (41±7)%. In the combined therapy group with 6 Gy X-ray and 100 mg/L HA-BiIOPs, the cells proliferation rate was significantly lower than that in the control and radiotherapy groups (P < 0.05). These results indicate that HA-BiIOPs have a radiosensitizative effect on glioblastoma cells U87MG.

Objective To investigate whether the single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) in DNA repair gene XRCC1(X-ray repair cross-complementing 1) were associated with the survival of cisplatin based combination concurrent chemoradiotherapy in esophagus cancer. Methods Overall 286 esophagus cancer patients receiving cisplatinum based chemotherapy were investigated. 5' nuclease allelic discrimination assay (TaqMan) and real-time PCR were taken to assess XRCC1 genotypes. Efficacies and adverse-effects were analyzed individually according to their genotype. Results Short-time effects showed the RR rate in patients with Arg/Arg and Arg/GIn genotypes(A group) was 93.56 %, significantly higher than 69.81% (P<0.05) in patients with GIn/GIn genotype (B group). The 1-year and 3-year survival rates were 82.8 %, 41.2 % in A group, significantly (P<0.05) different from 58.5 %, 26.4 % in B group, respectively. No statistically differences were found on adverse effects. Conclusion Significant relationships are found between single nucleotide polymorphisms in XRCC1 and outcome in esophagus cancer receiving cisplatin based concurrent chemoradiotherapy.