Abnormal synaptic plasticity is an early pathological feature of Alzheimer disease (AD). Synaptic damage and dysfunction initiate neuronal degeneration and death, ultimately leading to cognitive impairment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) can effectively ameliorate cognitive dysfunction through multitarget regulation of synaptic plasticity. This review summarizes the mechanisms by which TCM, including active components, single herbs, and classical formulas, modulates synaptic plasticity, offering new insights for future research and clinical applications. Relevant experimental studies published between 2020 and 2024 were retrieved from major databases, including China National Knowledge Infrastructure, the National Science and Technology Library, Wanfang Data, Elsevier, ScienceDirect, PubMed, SpringerLink, and Web of Science. Network pharmacology and bioinformatics approaches were used to predict the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of TCM on AD-related synaptic plasticity. In total, 15 TCM single herbs and 11 TCM formulas were identified as enhancing AD-related synaptic plasticity. Additionally, 15 active ingredients targeting synaptic plasticity in AD were retrieved from TCM databases over the past decade. This review provides novel perspectives and strategic directions for future AD research and therapeutic development.

Objective:To compare the survival outcomes of different subsequent treatment regimens in patients with locally advanced hypopharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (HPSCC) who achieved partial response (PR) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy based on the gross tumor volume regression rate (GTVRR).Methods:This retrospective study included patients with locally advanced HPSCC treated at the Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Beijing Tongren Hospital, from January 2011 to December 2023. The cohort included 135 males and 3 females, aged from 35 to 77 years. All patients received 2-3 cycles of TPF regimen (paclitaxel+cisplatin+5-fluorouracil) neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Subsequent treatments included concurrent chemoradiotherapy or surgery combined with postoperative adjuvant radiotherapy. The impacts of different subsequent treatment modalities on the survivals and prognoses of patients were compared based on GTVRR thresholds of 50% and 70%. The χ 2 test was used to analyze influencing factors; survival analysis and intergroup comparisons were performed using the Kaplan-Meier method and Log-rank test; prognostic factors were assessed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. Results:The 5-year OS and PFS rates were 56.5% and 47.9%, respectively, while, the 10-year OS and PFS rates were 25.8% and 21.2%, respectively. The median OS was 75 months, and the median PFS was 48 months. The laryngeal function preservation rate for the entire cohort was 83.3%. The patients who underwent surgery combined with postoperative radiotherapy had significantly better OS and PFS outcomes than those treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy ( P<0.05). Stratification based on GTVRR revealed that the surgery plus postoperative radiotherapy regimen was particularly effective for PR patients with a GTVRR of 30%-70%, showing significantly better OS and PFS compared to the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The optimal subsequent treatment for PR-HPSCC may be surgery-based comprehensive treatment, particularly for patients with a GTVRR of 30%-70%. This study offers valuable insights for the stratified treatment of HPSCC, which could contribute to improving overall patient prognosis.

Objective:To investigate the correlation between carotid-femoral pulse wave velocity(cfPWV)and carotid artery structural,hemodynamic,and cardiac functional parameters.Methods:A total of 420 healthy volunteers who underwent neck ultrasound,cardiac ultrasound,and cfPWV examination at Kailuan General Hospital from June 2022 to February 2023 were selected,and they were divided into two groups based on the atherosclerosis threshold value of cfPWV>10 m/s,which included high cfPWV group(140 cases,cfPWV>10 m/s)and low cfPWV group(280 cases,cfPWV≤10 m/s).The demographic data(age,sex)of 420 persons were collected,and the common carotid artery diameter(CCAD),common carotid artery intima-media thickness(CIMT),plaque status,peak systolic velocity(PSV),end-diastolic velocity(EDV)and mean flow velocity(MFV)were compared between two groups.Then,the differences of interventricular septal thickness(IVST)of heart,left ventricular posterior wall thickness(LVPWT),the ratio of blood flow velocity at early stage to that at advanced stage in mitral valve(E/A)and stroke volume(SV)were analyzed.Multivariate logistic regression was adopted to analyze the independent influence factors of cfPWV enhancement.Results:The average age of high cfPWV group was(61.31±9.66)years old,which was significantly higher than(51.06±10.47)years old of low cfPWV group,and the difference of that was significant(t=-9.56,P<0.01).In the parameters of common carotid artery,63 persons(45.0%)occurred plaque in 140 persons of high cfPWV group,which was significantly lower than 50 persons(17.86%)in 280 persons of low cfPWV group,and the difference of that between two groups was significant(x2=34.97,P<0.05).The differences of CCAD,CIMT,PSV,EDV and MV of common carotid artery at right side of persons between two groups were significant(t=-2.16,-5.40,4.52,5.59,5.04,P<0.05),respectively.The parameters of heart showed that the LVPWT thickness increased(9.35±1.13)mm,and the ratio of E/A<1 increased 77.86%in high cfPWV group,which were significantly related to the increase of cfPWV(r=0.27,0.38,P<0.01).Multivariate logistic regression analysis indicated that age(OR=1.05,95%CI:1.02-1.08),CCAD(OR=1.63,95%CI:1.22-2.16),plaque presence(OR=1.84,95%CI:1.07-3.17),LVPWT(OR=1.35,95%CI:1.05-1.72),and the ratio of E/A<1(OR=2.37,95%CI:1.32-4.26)were independent predictors of cfPWV enhancement.Conclusion:The enhancement of cfPWV is closely related to high age,the reconstruction of common carotid artery(widening of inside diameter,and plaque formation),left ventricular hypertrophy,and diastolic abnormality,which indicates it is possible that atherosclerosis process accompanies by the change of interaction mechanism of blood vessels-heart.

Objective:To develop and assess a three-class machine learning model for predicting wild-type, 19 del, and 21 L858R mutations of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in lung adenocarcinoma using 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomic features and clinical features. Methods:The retrospective data was collected from 703 patients (346 males, 357 females; age (64.3±9.0) years) with lung adenocarcinoma at the First People′s Hospital of Changzhou from January 2018 to June 2023. Patients were divided into the training set (563 cases) and test set (140 cases) at the ratio of 8∶2. Clinical features were selected using recursive feature elimination (RFE). Radiomic features were extracted from PET and CT images, and the optimal feature sets were selected using minimum redundancy maximum relevance (mRMR) and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) methods. Base models were constructed by using random forest (RF), logistic regression (LR), support vector machine (SVM), K-nearest neighbors (KNN), and multi-layer perceptron (MLP), and the stacking method was applied to establish the CT and PET ensemble models. Delong test was used to compare the AUC differences between the PET/CT combined model and the clinical + PET/CT integrated model.Results:Among 703 patients, 273 were with EGFR wild-type, 202 were with 19 del mutation, and 228 were with 21 L858R mutation. In the single-modal analysis, the AUCs of CT ensemble model in the training and test sets were 0.893 and 0.667, respectively, while the AUCs of PET ensemble model were 0.692 and 0.660. The AUC of PET/CT combined model were 0.897 in training set and 0.672 in test set. The AUC of clinical + PET/CT integrated model showed further improvement, with AUCs of 0.902 and 0.721 in training and test sets, respectively. Notably, the clinical + PET/CT integrated model outperformed PET/CT combined model in predicting wild-type EGFR (test set AUC: 0.784 vs 0.707; Z=3.28, P=0.001). Conclusion:The three-class model (clinical + PET/CT integrated model) based on 18F-FDG PET/CT radiomics and clinical features effectively predicts EGFR mutation subtypes in lung adenocarcinoma.

In recent years, the novel tracer mitoxantrone hydrochloride has been increasingly applied in thyroid cancer surgery. As a safe tracer, mitoxantrone hydrochloride enables the detection of more lymph nodes and better protection of the parathyroid glands during thyroid cancer surgery. It assists surgeons in achieving more precise treatment, thereby improving the prognosis of patients. However, research on the use of mitoxantrone in thyroid cancer surgery remains limited, and standardized operating protocols are lacking. This article explores the current applications and future development of mitoxantrone in thyroid cancer surgery, aiming to provide a reference for clinical practice.

Objective:To analyze the key β-amyloid protein (Aβ) deposition in brain regions affecting the progression from mild cognitive impairment (MCI) to Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods:Based on the positron emission tomography data of Aβ in the Alzheimer's disease neuroimaging initiative database, the penalized generalized estimating equation (PGEE) and the mixed effects regression forest algorithm (MERF) were used to conduct dimensionality reduction analysis on 164 brain regions with Aβ deposition. Additionally, a multivariate longitudinal data joint model was used to screen the key Aβ deposition brain regions that influence the progression from MCI to AD.Results:Five key brain regions were commonly screened out by the PGEE and MERF models, they were the right prefrontal orbital cortex, the left superior temporal sulcus shore cortex, the right medial orbitofrontal cortex, the left putamen, and the right transverse temporal cortex, respectively. The results of the multivariate longitudinal data joint model based on these 5 Aβ deposition brain regions showed that, except the left superior temporal sulcus shore cortex, the longitudinal change trajectories of the other 4 Aβ deposition brain regions all affected the progression from MCI to AD ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The Aβ deposition in the right prefrontal orbital cortex, right medial orbitofrontal cortex, left putamen and right transverse temporal cortex affect the progression from MCI to AD.

Objective:To investigate the role of ubiquitin-specific protease 21 (USP21) in enterovirus group A type 71 (EV-A71) infection.Methods:Peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) were obtained from a cohort of 24 children infected with EV-A71 and 24 healthy children. Expression of USP21 was determined by real-time fluorescence quantitative PCR (qPCR). Additionally, the impact of USP21 overexpression or knockout on EV-A71 replication was evaluated using a combination of qPCR and western blot (WB) analysis. Furthermore, WB was employed to measure the levels of EV-A71 structural protein VP1, phosphorylated interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3) and other key molecules in the RIG-I-like receptor (RLR) signaling pathway. Co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP) was utilized to investigate the effects of USP21 on the ubiquitin levels of EV-A71 nonstructural protein 2A protease (2A pro). Results:In comparison to healthy children, the expression of USP21 mRNA in PBMC of children infected with EV-A71 was notably elevated. The overexpression of USP21 significantly enhanced the cytopathic effects induced by EV-A71, upregulated levels of VP1 mRNA and protein, and facilitated EV-A71 replication, leading to a decrease in cell activity with increasing levels of USP21 transfection. Following the knockout of the USP21 gene, the VP1 mRNA levels were significantly declined in comparison to the control group. Furthermore, the overexpression of USP21 was found to have no impact on the transcriptional activity of EV-A71 2A pro. However, it was observed to enhance the expression of 2A pro protein, reduce the ubiquitination of 2A pro, suppress the protein levels of mitochondrial antiviral signaling protein (MAVS) and melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), as well as decrease the phosphorylation of IRF3. Additionally, the induction of IFN-β mRNA by EV-A71 infection was downregulated. Conclusions:USP21 has been shown to enhance the replication of EV-A71 through the downregulation of 2A pro ubiquitination, suppression of MAVS and MDA5 protein expression, and inhibition of the interferon signaling pathway.

Objective:To explore the predictive factors for ureteral stone impaction preoperatively and to construct a nomogram prediction model for impacted ureteral stones.Methods:A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 209 patients with ureteral stones treated at The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from July 2023 to June 2024. There were 164 males（78.5%）and 45 females（21.5%）. The age was 49（47，57）years，and the body mass index（BMI）was 25.10（23.55，27.24）kg/m2. Of the patients，85（40.7%）had comorbid hypertension and 85（40.7%）had comorbid diabetes. Stones were located on the left side in 124 patients（59.3%）and on the right side in 85 patients（40.7%）. Hydronephrosis was present in 169 patients（80.9%），and urine culture was positive in 29 patients（13.9%）. Patients were divided into impacted and non-impacted groups based on the presence or absence of ureteral stone impaction. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine independent predictive factors for impacted ureteral stones. A nomogram model was constructed based on these results. The performance of the predictive model was evaluated using receiver operating characteristic（ROC）curves，calibration plots，and decision curve analysis（DCA）.Results:Among the 209 patients in this study，85（40.7%）experienced ureteral stone impaction. The impacted group had a significantly higher neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio（NLR）than the non-impacted group（3.91 ± 2.05 vs. 3.25 ± 2.10， P = 0.024），a higher rate of hydronephrosis［81.2%（69/85）vs. 80.6%（100/124）， P = 0.002］，larger stone surface area［（64.96 ± 39.96）mm2 vs.（51.86 ± 39.80）mm2， P = 0.021］，greater ureteral wall thickness（UWT）［（3.96 ± 1.37）mm vs.（3.06 ± 1.33）mm， P < 0.001］，and a higher ratio of the upper ureter diameter（D1）to the lower ureter diameter（D2）（DDR）（2.87 ± 1.58 vs. 2.00 ± 0.99， P < 0.001）. Univariate analysis showed that NLR，hydronephrosis，stone length，stone surface area，UWT，D1，D2，and DDR were statistically significant（ P < 0.05）. After multivariate logistic regression analysis，the following items were identified as independent predictors of impacted ureteral stones：NLR（ OR = 1.205，95% CI 1.026 - 1.415， P = 0.023），hydronephrosis（ OR = 1.840，95% CI 1.236 - 2.740， P = 0.003），stone length（ OR = 1.587，95% CI 1.142 - 2.206， P = 0.006），ureteral wall thickness（UWT）（ OR = 1.643，95% CI 1.263 - 2.136， P < 0.001），and DDR（ OR = 2.907，95% CI 1.040 - 8.130， P = 0.042）.Based on these independent predictive factors，a nomogram prediction model for impacted ureteral stones was constructed. The area under the ROC curve was 0.797（95% CI 0.737 - 0.858），and the calibration curve showed good consistency. The decision curve suggested that the model had good clinical net benefit. Conclusions:NLR，hydronephrosis，stone length，UWT，and DDR are all independent predictors for impacted ureteral stones. The nomogram model constructed based on these factors has good predictive performance.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effectiveness of single three-dimensional (3D)-printed microporous titanium prostheses and flap combined prostheses implantation in the treatment of large segmental infectious bone defects in limbs. METHODS: A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 76 patients with large segmental infectious bone defects in limbs who were treated between January 2019 and February 2024 and met the selection criteria. Among them, 51 were male and 25 were female, with an age of (47.7±9.4) years. Of the 76 patients, 51 had no soft tissue defects (single prostheses group), while 25 had associated soft tissue defects (flap combined group). The single prostheses group included 28 cases of tibial bone defects, 11 cases of femoral defects, 5 cases of humeral defects, 4 cases of radial bone defects, and 3 cases of metacarpal, or carpal bone defects, with bone defect length ranging from 3.5 to 28.0 cm. The flap combined group included 3 cases of extensive dorsum of foot soft tissue defects combined with large segmental metatarsal bone defects, 19 cases of lower leg soft tissue defects combined with large segmental tibial bone defects, and 3 cases of hand and forearm soft tissue defects combined with metacarpal, carpal, or radial bone defects, with bone defect length ranging from 3.8 to 32.0 cm and soft tissue defect areas ranging from 8 cm×5 cm to 33 cm×10 cm. In the first stage, vancomycin-loaded bone cement was used to control infection, and flap repair was performed in the flap combined group. In the second stage, 3D-printed microporous titanium prostheses were implanted. Postoperative assessments were performed to evaluate infection control and bone integration, and pain release was evaluated using the visual analogue scale (VAS) score. RESULTS: All patients were followed up postoperatively, with an average follow-up time of (35.2±13.4) months. In the 61 lower limb injury patients, the time of standing, walk with crutches, and fully bear weight were (2.2±0.6), (3.9±1.1), and (5.4±1.1) months, respectively. The VAS score at 1 year postoperatively was significantly lower than preoperative one ( t=-10.678, P<0.001). At 1 year postoperatively, 69 patients (90.8%) showed no complication such as infection, fracture, prosthesis displacement, or breakage, and X-ray films indicated good integration at the prosthesis-bone interface. According to the Paley scoring system for the healing of infectious bone defects, the results were excellent in 37 cases, good in 29 cases, fair in 3 cases, and poor in 7 cases. In the single prostheses group, during the follow-up, there was 1 case each of femoral prostheses fracture, femoral infection, and tibial infection, with a treatment success rate of 94.1% (48/51). In lower limb injury patients, the time of fully bear weight was (5.0±1.0) months. In the flap combined group, during the follow-up, 1 case of tibial fixation prostheses screw fracture occurred, along with 2 cases of recurrent foot infection in diabetic patients and 1 case of tibial infection. The treatment success rate was 84.0% (21/25). The time of fully bear weight in lower limb injury patients was (5.8±1.2) months. The overall infection eradication rate for all patients was 93.4% (71/76). CONCLUSION The use of 3D-printed microporous titanium prostheses, either alone or in combination with flaps, for the treatment of large segmental infectious bone defects in the limbs results in good effectiveness with a low incidence of complications. It is a feasible strategy for the reconstruction of infectious bone defects.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Printing, Three-Dimensional ; Titanium ; Retrospective Studies ; Surgical Flaps ; Adult ; Prosthesis Implantation/methods* ; Plastic Surgery Procedures/methods* ; Treatment Outcome ; Prostheses and Implants ; Bone Diseases, Infectious/surgery* ; Extremities/surgery* ; Prosthesis Design

Hearing loss is the most prevalent disabling disease. Cochlear implantation（CI） serves as the primary intervention for severe to profound hearing loss. This consensus systematically explores the value of genetic diagnosis in the pre-operative assessment and efficacy prognosis for CI. Drawing upon domestic and international research and clinical experience, it proposes an evidence-based medicine three-tiered prognostic classification system（Favorable, Marginal, Poor）. The consensus focuses on common hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss（such as that caused by mutations in genes like GJB2, SLC26A4, OTOF, LOXHD1） and syndromic hereditary hearing loss（such as Jervell & Lange-Nielsen syndrome and Waardenburg syndrome）, which are closely associated with congenital hearing loss, analyzing the impact of their pathological mechanisms on CI outcomes. The consensus provides recommendations based on multiple round of expert discussion and voting. It emphasizes that genetic diagnosis can optimize patient selection, predict prognosis, guide post-operative rehabilitation, offer stratified management strategies for patients with different genotypes, and advance the application of precision medicine in the field of CI.
Humans ; Cochlear Implantation ; Prognosis ; Hearing Loss/surgery* ; Consensus ; Connexin 26 ; Mutation ; Sulfate Transporters ; Connexins/genetics*