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.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

BACKGROUND:Muscle aging is closely related to various epigenetic changes,and exercise has a certain regulatory effect on these epigenetic changes.However,the specific mechanism is not fully understood. OBJECTIVE:To review the epigenetic mechanisms of skeletal muscle and how exercise can improve skeletal muscle aging and promote adaptive changes in muscle through these epigenetic mechanisms,aiming to provide a more comprehensive understanding of skeletal muscle aging and disease mechanisms. METHODS:During the period from June 1st to August 1st,2023,literature searches were conducted for relevant literature published from database inception to August 2023 in databases including Web of Science,PubMed,CNKI,WanFang,and VIP.The search terms used included"skeletal muscle,""muscle,""aging,""older adult,""aging,""exercise,""physical exercise,""epigenetic,"and"epigenetics"in Chinese as well as"skeletal muscle,muscle,aging,older adult,senescence,age,exercise,sports,physical activity,epigenetic,epigenetics"in English.Boolean logic operators were used to connect the search terms for retrieval,and corresponding strategies were developed.According to the predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria,70 eligible articles were selected. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Epigenetics refers to the phenomenon where gene expression and function are regulated without changes in gene sequence,and epigenetic changes in skeletal muscle are an important field.The epigenetic mechanisms of skeletal muscle play an important role in muscle aging,mainly involving DNA methylation,histone modification,regulation of non-coding RNAs,chromatin remodeling,changes in mitochondrial function and expression changes of aging-related genes.Exercise significantly regulates the epigenetics of skeletal muscle,including promoting DNA methylation,muscle histone modification,regulating miRNA expression,and regulating lncRNA expression,regulating muscle factors(such as interleukin-6),regulating mitochondrial function(such as peroxisome proliferators-activated receptors γ co-activator 1α).Future studies are recommended for long-term,cross-diverse population-based exercise interventions;the application of multi-omics techniques such as proteomics and metabolomics;strengthening the understanding of epigenetic changes at the single-cell level;cross-species comparative studies as well as human clinical trials for the translation of animal model findings to humans;strategies for combining exercise and pharmacological interventions to assess their synergistic effects;and epigenetic studies of crosstalk interactions between skeletal muscle and different organs.

Tracheobronchial adenoid cystic carcinoma （TACC） is a low-grade malignant tumor originating from the airway mucosa. Despite its slow progression，it is characterized by high invasiveness，frequent recurrence，and a strong tendency for metastasis. Preclinical studies have shown that vascular-targeted therapy holds significant potential. However，an effective systemic treatment for TACC has not been established yet. This study explored TACC from the perspective of "Feiji" in traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） as the starting point. It deeply investigated the mechanisms of abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment and further elaborated on the theoretical connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment. Firstly，collateral hyperactivity led to disordered and erratic pulmonary collaterals. Their abnormal structures were similar to the disorderly and tortuous nature of tumor （pseudo）angiogenesis. This resulted in imbalances in the functions of circulation，perfusion，and reverse injection of the pulmonary collaterals，and then led to unrestrained collateral dysfunction and the accumulation of pathogenic factors. Secondly，the remodeling of the extracellular matrix （ECM） and epithelial-mesenchymal transition （EMT） in TACC were critical processes in vascular co-option （VCO），representing the micro-level manifestation of the displacement of nutrient and defense. During this process，ECM remodeling made TACC cells more likely to hijack normal blood vessels，creating a complex vascular microenvironment conducive to tumor growth. In terms of treatment，this study proposed a TCM strategy of "regulating collaterals to expel pathogenic factors and nourishing collaterals to strengthen the healthy Qi"，and listed potential TCM. These were intended to regulate the Qi and blood in the collaterals，repair the functions of abnormal collaterals，and intervene in the vascular recruitment process of TACC. Future research should focus on improving the TCM clinical syndrome characteristics of TACC. Through modern molecular biology techniques，it is necessary to deeply analyze the micro-level pattern of vascular recruitment in TACC. This would enrich the understanding of the profound connection between abnormal collaterals and tumor vascular recruitment，providing empirical evidence for TCM-targeted therapies for vascular recruitment in TACC.

Background: s/Aims: Non-invasive models stratifying clinically significant portal hypertension (CSPH) are limited. Herein, we developed a new non-invasive model for predicting CSPH in patients with compensated cirrhosis and investigated whether carvedilol can prevent hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified using the new model. Methods: Non-invasive risk factors of CSPH were identified via systematic review and meta-analysis of studies involving patients with hepatic venous pressure gradient (HVPG). A new non-invasive model was validated for various performance aspects in three cohorts, i.e., a multicenter HVPG cohort, a follow-up cohort, and a carvediloltreating cohort. Results: In the meta-analysis with six studies (n=819), liver stiffness measurement and platelet count were identified as independent risk factors for CSPH and were used to develop the new “CSPH risk” model. In the HVPG cohort (n=151), the new model accurately predicted CSPH with cutoff values of 0 and –0.68 for ruling in and out CSPH, respectively. In the follow-up cohort (n=1,102), the cumulative incidences of decompensation events significantly differed using the cutoff values of <–0.68 (low-risk), –0.68 to 0 (medium-risk), and >0 (high-risk). In the carvediloltreated cohort, patients with high-risk CSPH treated with carvedilol (n=81) had lower rates of decompensation events than non-selective beta-blockers untreated patients with high-risk CSPH (n=613 before propensity score matching [PSM], n=162 after PSM). Conclusions Treatment with carvedilol significantly reduces the risk of hepatic decompensation in patients with high-risk CSPH stratified by the new model.

ObjectiveTo explore the sequential effects of hypoxic exercising on miR-27/PPARγ and lipid metabolism target gene and protein expression levels in the obesity rats’ liver. Methods13-week-old male diet-induced obesity rats were randomly divided into three groups (n＝10): normal oxygen concentration quiet group (N), hypoxia quiet group (H), hypoxic exercise group (HE). Exercise training on the horizontal animal treadmill for 1 h/d, 5 d/week for a total of 4 week, and the intensity of horizontal treadmill training was 20 m/min (hypoxic concentration was 13.6%). Comparison of the weights of perirenal fat and epididymal fat in rats across different groups and calculation of Lee’s index based on body weight and body length of rats in each group were done. And the serum concentrations of total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels were detected. RT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the levels of miR-27, PPARγ, CYP7A1 and CD36. ResultsHypoxic exercise decreased the expression levels of miR-27 in the obese rats’ liver, however, the expression level of PPARγ was gradually increased. The expression levels of miR-27 in HE group were significantly lower than N group (P<0.05). The expression levels of PPARγ mRNA in N group were significantly lower than H group (P<0.05), especially lower than HE group (P<0.01). The protein expression of PPARγ protein in N group was significantly lower than that other groups (P<0.01). The expression of lipid metabolism-related genes and proteins increased in the obese rats’ liver. The expression of CYP7A1 mRNA in N group was significantly lower than H group (P<0.05), especially lower than HE group (P<0.01). The expression of CYP7A1 protein in the obese rats’ liver in N group was extremely lower than H group and HE group (P<0.01). The protein expression of CD36 in N group was significantly lower than that in HE group (P<0.05). Hypoxia exercise improved the related physiological and biochemical indexes of lipid metabolism disorder. The perirenal fat weight of obese rats in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01), and the perirenal fat weight in N group was significantly higher than H group (P<0.05). The epididymal fat weight in N group was significantly higher than H group (P<0.05), and extremely higher than HE group (P<0.01). The Lee’s index in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of TC in obese rats in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of TG in HE group was extremely lower than N group and H group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of LDL-C in N group was extremely higher than HE group (P<0.01). The serum concentration of HDL-C in N group was extremely lower than H group (P<0.01). ConclusionHypoxia and hypoxia exercise may negatively regulate the levels of PPARγ by inhibiting miR-27 in the obese rats’ liver, thereby affecting the expression of downstream target genes CYP7A1 and CD36, and promoting cholesterol, fatty acid oxidation and HDL-C transport in the liver, and ultimately the lipid levels in obese rats were improved. The effect of hypoxia exercise on improving blood lipid is better than simple hypoxia intervention.

Objective To assess the efficacy of endoscopic ultrasound-guided enteroenterostomy(EUS-EE)in the management of malignant bowel obstruction(MBO).Methods Retrospective analysis was conducted on clinical data from 14 patients who underwent EUS-EE for MBO from June 2022 to December 2023.A modified intestinal preparation protocol was employed prior to the procedure,and the resolution of symptoms,improvement in nutritional status,and occurrence of complications were statistically analyzed post-EUS-EE.Results EUS-EE was successfully performed in all 14 cases.The Colorectal obstruction scoring system(CrOSS)was used to evaluate preoperative and postoperative symptom relief and alleviation of bowel obstruction.One week after the procedure,CrOSS scores increased from 1 to 2 before surgery to 2～4.The patient-generated subjective global assessment(PG-SGA)score for malignancy patients demonstrated a mean score of(9.64±3.13)one week after surgery among the study cohort of 14 patients.This score showed a significant decrease compared to their preoperative PG-SGA score(12.36±3.22),with a statistical difference(t=2.26,P=0.032).Postoperatively,five patients experienced elevated body temperature,three had pneumoperitoneum,and two developed short bowel syndrome;However,these complications were effectively managed through symptomatic treatment resulting in recovery or relief thereof.At one-year follow-up,the median survival time was recorded as 81(41,500)d with a one-year survival rate at 64.29％.Conclusion EUS-EE offers advantages such as high remission rates for symptoms,minimal trauma,and low reintervention rates.For patients with poor baseline conditions or limited life expectancy,EUS-EE can alleviate physical discomfort symptoms,improve quality of life,and prolong survival period.

Objectives:To explore the changes of some peripheral blood cells related to inflammation in patients with non-arteritis central retinal artery occlusion (NA-CRAO).Methods:A retrospective clinical study. From July 2019 to July 2021, a total of 218 patients with NA-CRAO hospitalized (NA-CRAO group) in Department of Ophthalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) and 218 patients with routine physical examination (control group) during the same period were included in the study. There were no significant differences in age ( t=0.60), sex composition ratio ( χ2=0.83) and body mass index ( t=0.77) between the two groups ( P>0.05). 0.2 ml fasting peripheral blood was collected from the subject, and white blood cells (WBC), neutrophils (NEUT), lymphocytes (LYMPH), red blood cells (RBC), RBC distribution width (RDW), platelets (PLT), mean PLT volume (MPV), and large PLT ratio (PLCR) were detected. The NEUT/LYMPH ratio (NLR) and PLT/LYMPH ratio (PLR) were calculated. t test was used to compare measurement data between groups. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed for blood cells with P <0.05. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC curve) was used to calculate the area under the curve (AUC) and 95% confidence interval (95% CI) of each inflammatory indicator, and the optimal cutoff value was determined according to the Jorden index (sensitivity+specificity-1). Results:Compared with control group, WBC, NEUT, NLR, RDW, PLR were increased in NA-CRAO group, while RBC and LYMPH were decreased, with statistical significance ( t=9.68, 12.43, 9.47, 3.64, 5.54, 5.18, 0.46; P<0.001). There was no significant difference in PLT, MPV and PLCR between the two groups ( t=0.32, 1.56, 0.84; P>0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that NLR was a possible risk factor for the occurrence of NA-CRAO (odds ratio=2.51, 95% CI 0.780-0.859, P=0.031). ROC curve analysis showed that the AUC predicted by NLR was 0.819, the optimal critical value was 3.05, and the sensitivity and specificity were 59.2% and 92.7%, respectively. Conclusions:In peripheral blood cells of NA-CRAO patients, NEUT is significantly increased and LYMPH is decreased. NLR is a possible risk factor for NA-CRAO.

Objective:To observe the clinical and imaging features of non-arteriotic central retinal artery occlusion (NA-CRAO) with internal boundary membrane detachment (ILMD), and to analyze its relationship with visual prognosis.Methods:A retrospective clinical study. A total of 88 patients with NA-CRAO hospitalized in Department of Ophtalmology, Xi'an People's Hospital (Xi'an Fourth Hospital) from January 2014 to June 2023 were included in the study. Best corrected visual acuity (BCVA), optical coherence tomography (OCT) and fluorescein fundus angiography (FFA) were performed. The BCVA test used the international standard visual acuity chart, which was statistically converted to the logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution (logMAR) visual acuity. OCT observed the presence of ILMD and the thickening of the inner retina and the disappearance of anatomical stratification. FFA recorded arm-retinal circulation time (A-Rct) and retinal arterion-distal filling time (FT), and observed ciliary retinal artery, fluorescein retrograde filling, cotton spots, luciferin nodal filling, macular non-perfusion, capillary fluorescein leakage, optic disc strong fluorescence, choroidal background weak fluorescence and other characteristics. According to whether there was ILMD, the patients were divided into ILMD group and non-ILMD group, with 44 cases and 44 eyes respectively. The two groups received the same treatment. The follow-up time was 30 days after treatment. The clinical, FFA characteristics and BCVA before and after treatment were compared between the two groups. t-test was used for comparison between groups. Results:In ILMD group and non-ILMD group, there were 43 cases of male and 1 case of female, respectively, and the proportion of male was significantly higher than that of female. Before and after treatment, the logMAR BCVA of ILMD group and non-ILMD group were 2.35±0.42, 2.01±0.46, 1.47±0.60, 0.77±0.49, respectively. There were significant differences in logMAR BCVA between the two groups before and after treatment ( t=8.025, 12.358; P<0.001). Before treatment, A-Rct and FT in ILMD group were longer than those in non-ILMD group, and the difference was statistically significant ( t=3.052, 3.385; P<0.05). After treatment, there was no significant difference ( t=1.040, 1.447; P >0.05). The proportion of ciliary retinal artery and cotton plaque in ILMD group was lower than that in non-ILMD group. There was no significant difference in ciliary retinal artery between the two groups ( χ2=-0.961, P>0.05), but there was a significant difference in cotton wool plaque between the two groups ( χ2=-3.364, P <0.05). Compared to the non-ILMD group, The proportion of retrograde fluorescein filling in retinal artery ( χ2=-2.846), segment filling ( χ2=-3.907), macular non-perfusion ( χ2=-6.656), capillary fluorescein leakage ( χ2=-4.367), optic disc strong fluorescence ( χ2=-3.525) and choroidal background weak fluorescence ( χ2=-2.276) increased, the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusions:In patients with NA-CRAO, compared with those without ILMD, those with ILMD have more severe retinal ischemia and worse BCVA before and after treatment. ILMD is one of the poor prognostic markers of NA-CRAO vision.