Patients with Takayasu arteritis combined with aortic valve disease often have a poor prognosis following surgical valve replacement, frequently encountering complications such as perivalvular leakage, valve detachment, and anastomotic aneurysm. This article presents a high-risk case wherein severe aortic valve insufficiency associated with Takayasu arteritis was successfully managed through transcatheter aortic valve implantation via the transapical approach. The patient had satisfactory valve function with no complications observed during the six-month postoperative follow-up. This case provides a minimally invasive and feasible alternative for the clinical management of such high-risk patients.

Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is an autosomal dominant genetic disorder primarily caused by pathogenic variants in the TSC1 or TSC2 genes. It is characterized by multisystem hamartomatous lesions and neuropsychiatric manifestations. Here we report a young male patient with TSC involving multiple organs, caused by a heterozygous frameshift mutation in TSC2 (c.2071delC, p.Arg691Alafs^*7). The patient initially presented with classic facial angiofibromas and hypomelanotic macules, and subsequently developed psychiatric and behavioral disturbances with auditory hallucinations. Neuroimaging revealed an intracranial mass lesion, which was confirmed as a subependymal giant cell astrocytoma on postoperative histopathology following surgery performed at an outside institution. After admission, the patient underwent a comprehensive diagnostic workup, and multidisciplinary treatment evaluation revealed extensive multisystem involve-ment, including the nervous system, skin, kidneys, lungs, heart, eyes, pancreas, liver and bones. Combined with relevant literature, this article discusses the molecular mechanisms, clinical phenotypes, and comprehensive management of TSC, in order to provide a reference for the standardized and individualized management of this disease.

Objective:To construct a combined prediction model based on dual-layer detector spectral CT radiomics features and quantitative parameters, and to evaluate its value in preoperative prediction of serosal invasion in gastric cancer.Methods:This case-control study retrospectively analyzed data from 253 gastric cancer patients confirmed by postoperative pathology at the First Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University (Center 1) and Changshu No.2 People′s Hospital (Center 2) from January 2022 to December 2023. Patients from Center 1 ( n=157) were randomly divided into training set ( n=110) and test set ( n=47) in a 7∶3 ratio, while patients from Center 2 ( n=96) served as an external validation set. Based on postoperative pathological serosal invasion status, patients were classified into serosal invasion group ( n=164) and non-serosal invasion group ( n=89), with distributions of 70/40, 30/17, and 64/32 in the training, test, and external validation sets, respectively. Spectral CT quantitative parameters, including arterial and venous phase iodine concentration (IC), normalized iodine concentration (NIC), arterial-venous IC differences, arterial-venous NIC differences (NIC pa), arterial enhancement fraction (AEF), and effective atomic number (Z eff), were measured. Radiomics features were extracted from venous-phase 40 keV monochromatic images. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used for feature selection. The logistic regression classifier (LR-LASSO) was applied to construct the radiomics model. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses identified independent risk factors for serosal invasion, including the radiomics signature (RadScore) and quantitative parameters. A clinical model was built using significant quantitative parameters, and a combined model integrated RadScore. An artificial model was based on cT4 staging assessed by two radiologists using venous-phase CT. The diagnostic performance of each model was evaluated using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration curves, and decision curve analysis (DCA). Results:A total of six radiomics features were selected to establish the radiomics model. RadScore ( OR=7.598, 95% CI 2.259-25.562, P=0.001) and NIC pa ( OR=4.598, 95% CI 1.404-15.050, P=0.012) served as independent risk factors. The NIC pa served as the clinical model. The AUCs (95% CI) of the combined model in the training, test, and external validation sets were 0.984 (0.969-1.000), 0.855 (0.728-0.982), and 0.773 (0.665-0.882), respectively. The AUCs of the artificial model were 0.741, 0.670, 0.644; of the clinical model were 0.709, 0.633, 0.626. The AUCs of the radiomics model were 0.963, 0.824, 0.741, respectively. Calibration curves showed good agreement between predicted probability and observed probability. The DCA confirmed higher clinical net benefits for the combined model. Conclusion:The combined model integrating dual-layer detector spectral CT radiomics features and quantitative parameters exhibits high efficacy for preoperative prediction of gastric cancer serosal invasion.

Objective:Exploring the safety and efficacy of intermittent theta rhythm stimulation on cortical excitability and upper limb motor function in patients with stroke at recovery stage.Method:From January,2022 to April 2023,30 patients with stroke at recovery stage who received rehabilita-tion treatment were randomly divided into the experimental group(n=15)and the control group(n=15)using the random number method.Both groups were subjected to routine rehabilitation training.The experimental group was given additional intermittent theta rhythm stimulation on the basis of routine rehabilitation,and the control group added intermittent theta rhythm sham stimulation,5 times a week for 4 weeks.Neurophysiologic indexes were tested on both the healthy and affected sides of the patients in the 2 groups before and after the intervention,as well as the assessment of upper limb motor function.Result:After 4 weeks of intervention,there were no statistical differences in MEP maximum wave ampli-tude,MEP latency,CMCT value,CSP value and RMT value of the healthy side between before and after in-tervention and between the groups(P>0.05);MEP maximum wave amplitude of the affected side of the experi-mental group was higher than before intervention(P<0.05);the affected side of the experimental group had a low-er MEP latency,CSP value,and RMT value than before intervention and the control group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Fugl-Meyer upper limb function scores,MBI scores,grip strength on the affected side,and nine-hole post time spent in the experimental group improved after the intervention compared to before the intervention(P<0.01,P<0.05).Fugl-Meyer upper extremity function scores,MBI scores,and time spent on the affected side of the nine-hole column improved in the experimental group after the intervention compared to the control group(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion:Intermittent theta rhythm stimulation combined with conventional rehabilitation training did not show significant effects on the cortical excitability of the healthy side of patients with stroke at recovery stage.However,it could improve the cortical excitability of the affected side of patients with stroke at recovery stage and improve the motor function of the upper limbs.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical efficacy of mitral valve transcatheter edge-to-edge repair (TEER) in patients with non-central degenerative mitral regurgitation (DMR).Methods:This retrospective study included patients with non-central DMR who underwent TEER at Fuwai Hospital between January 2021 and February 2024. Patients were categorized into two groups: the commissure-involved group and the non-commissure group, based on whether the mitral valve commissures were involved. Clinical data, surgical outcomes, and echocardiographic findings at 3 months postoperatively were collected and compared, and patients were followed up. The primary endpoint was the procedural success rate at discharge.Results:A total of 59 patients were included, aged (68.6±9.3) years, including 23 females (39%). In the overall study population, 78% (46/59) of patients had severe mitral regurgitation. Forty-two cases were in the non-commissure group, and 17 cases were in the commissure-involved group. Patients in the non-commissure group mainly had lesions in the A1/P1 region, while patients in the commissure-involved group mainly had lesions in the A3/P3 region. There was no significant difference in the procedural success rate at discharge (93% vs. 88%, P=0.95) and the incidence of postoperative complications (5% vs. 6%, P=1.00) between the two groups. Two patients in the commissure-involved group experienced single leaflet device attachment, with one of them requiring conversion to surgical mitral valve surgery; In the non-commissure group, two patients experienced single-valve clamping, and one of them was converted to surgical mitral valve surgery. The follow-up time of the entire cohort was (15.5±10.3) months. In the non-commissure group, 2 patients died and 2 were readmitted. While in the commissure-involved group, no patients died and only 1 patient was readmitted. Conclusion:TEER is an effective treatment for patients with non-central DMR involving the commissures, without increasing the incidence of postoperative complications.

ObjectiveTo explore the potential mechanism of acupuncture with the method of soothing the liver and regulating the mind in improving depressive disorder. MethodsEighteen C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into blank group， model group， and acupuncture group， with 6 mice in each group. The model group and the acupuncture group were subjected to depression induction by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide （LPS）， while the blank group received an equal volume of normal saline once daily for seven consecutive days. Concurrently， the acupuncture group received "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" acupuncture intervention starting from the first day of modeling， once daily for 14 days； whereas the blank group and the model group were only restrained without acupuncture. The sucrose preference test was used to assess sucrose preference rate， the open-field test to measure center stay time and total travel distance， and the forced swim test to evaluate immobility time. Hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining was performed to observe hippocampal morphological changes. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay （ELISA） was used to detect levels of interleukin-1β （IL-1β）， interleukin-6 （IL-6）， and tumor necrosis factor-α （TNF-α） in hippocampal tissue. Western blot analysis was conducted to examine the protein expression levels of Toll-like receptor 4 （TLR4） and nuclear factor-κB （NF-κB） in the hippocampus. ResultsCompared to the blank group， the model group showed a significant reduction in sucrose preference rate， center stay time， and total travel distance， along with a significant increase in immobility time in the forced swim test， hippocampal IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， as well as TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression （P＜0.01）， and the histological examination revealed blurred hippocampal neuronal boundaries， loose arrangement， and some neurons exhibiting nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. Compared to the model group， the acupuncture group demonstrated a significant increase in sucrose preference rate， center stay time， and total travel distance， along with a significant reduction in immobility time in the forced swim test， hippocampal IL-1β， IL-6， and TNF-α levels， and TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression （P＜0.01）， and the histological analysis showed that hippocampal neurons in the acupuncture group were more tightly arranged， with reduced nuclear pyknosis and deep staining. ConclusionAcupuncture with the "soothing the liver and regulating the mind" method can significantly improve depression-like behavior， potentially by inhibiting the hippocampal TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway and alleviating inflammatory responses.

Objective: To investigate the effects of "liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture on the intestinal flora, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and the hippocampal toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/ transcription factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway in depressive disorder mouse model, and to explore its underlying mechanisms. Methods: Eighteen male SPF-grade C57BL/6J mice were randomly assigned to the control, model, and acupuncture groups using a random number method, with six mice in each group. The depression disorder model was induced in mice from both the acupuncture and model groups using CUMS. The mice in the acupuncture group were treated with acupuncture at the acupoints of "Baihui" (DU20), "Yintang" (DU29), "Hegu" (LI4), and "Taichong" (LR3) on the 15th day of modeling, with a duration of 20 min per session, once per day, for 2 consecutive weeks. Behavioral differences were assessed using the sucrose preference test, open field test, and forced swim test. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was used to observe pathological changes in the hippocampus and colon. The levels of the inflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon were measured using Enzyme-linked Immunosorbent Assay. Western blotting was used to detect the expression of TLR4 and NF-κB protein in the hippocampus. Changes in gut microbiota structure and abundance were analyzed by 16 S rDNA sequencing. Results: Compared to the control group, the model group showed reduced sucrose preference rate, time in the center area, and total distance, with an increase in immobility time (P<0.01). Inflammatory pathological changes were observed in the hippocampal CA1 region and colon. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon increased (P<0.01). The protein expression levels of hippocampal TLR4 and NF-κB were increased (P<0.01). The Chao1 index was increased (P<0.01). The relative abundances of Pseudomonadales, Acinetobacter, Moraxellaceae, Solibacillus, Escherichia_shigella, Enterobacteriaceae, Enterobacterales, Dubosiella, and Erysipelottichales were decreased, while the relative abundances of Alloprevotella and gram_negative_bacteriurh_cTPY_13 were increased (P<0.05). The pathways of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were upregulated, and the pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was downregulated (P<0.01). Compared to the model group, the acupuncture group showed increased sucrose preference, time in the center area, and total distance, with a decrease in immobility time (P<0.01). The inflammatory pathological changes in the hippocampal CA1 region and colon were alleviated. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and LPS in the hippocampus and colon were reduced(P<0.01). The protein expression levels of hippocampal TLR4 and NF-κB were reduced (P<0.01). The Chao1 index was decreased (P<0.05), and the relative abundances of Dubosiella and Erysipelotrichaceae were increased, while the relative abundance of Rikenellaceae, Alloprevotella, and gram_negative_bacteriuch_cTPY_13 were decreased(P<0.05). The pathways of lipopolysaccharide biosynthesis and pathogenic Escherichia coli infection were significantly downregulated, and the pathway of terpenoid backbone biosynthesis was upregulated (P<0.01). Conclusion " Liver-smoothing and spirit-regulating" acupuncture can improve depressive symptoms in depressive disorder mice, potentially through regulating the LPS and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway mediated by intestinal flora, reducing the inflammatory response of the hippocampus, and improving the pathological injury of the hippocampus.

Glioma is the most common primary malignant tumor of the central nervous system in adults. Despite the standard treatment of surgery combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy, the prognosis for high-grade glioma patients remains poor, highlighting the urgent need to further explore its pathogenesis and develop new therapeutic strategies. This article reviews the research progress in the field of glioma in China in 2024, covering tumorigenesis mechanisms, tumor immune microenvironment composition, advances in imaging techniques and novel imaging agents, improvements in surgical approaches, mechanisms of radio- and chemoresistance, and explorations of new therapeutic modalities. These studies provide a solid theoretical foundation for advancing clinical diagnosis and treatment of gliomas and may offer new opportunities to improve patient outcomes.

The phrase"wood element characterized by spreading harmony"from the Huangdi Neijing five-phase theory summarizes the fundamental nature and functions of the wood element,emphasizing the crucial significance of the harmonious virtue of wood in promoting the generation and transformation of all things.In human physiology,"wood element characterized by spreading harmony"corresponds to the harmonious spreading of liver-gallbladder qi,ensuring smooth liver qi regulation and proper functioning of the ascending-descending movement mechanisms.Bipolar disorder,categorized in traditional Chinese medicine as"depression"or"manic depressive psychosis,"primarily arises from hepatic wood dysfunction.Insufficient wood qi dispersion typically manifests as a depressive phase,whereas excessive dispersion leads to a manic phase,with alternating manic-depressive phase indicating qi movement disorder.By integrating wood qi characteristics,disease pathogenesis of bipolar disorder,and our team's clinical experience in treating emotional disorders,this study developed an integrated acupuncture and moxibustion diagnosis and treatment approach for bipolar disorder,focusing on soothing the liver and regulating spirit,structured as"acupuncture-moxibustion-consolidation."Based on the physiological characteristics of"wood element characterized by spreading harmony,"from liver failing to controll conveyance and dispersion:depressive phase should apply warm-nourishing growth method,manic phase should suppress hyperactive liver for tranquillizing mind method,and alternating manic-depressive phase should apply harmonized rigidity-flexibility method.These methods aim to regulate the spirit of the heart and brain,harmonize the qi movement of the spleen and stomach,and replenish the essence and blood of the liver and kidney.Clinical application through syndrome differentiation has demonstrated satisfactory therapeutic outcomes.