Objective To explore the predictive value of the classification of carotid plaque reporting and data system (Plaque-RADS) and ultrasound features for the severity of coronary artery stenosis. Methods This was a single-center prospective observational study. Patients with suspected coronary artery disease or at high cardiovascular risk, who were hospitalized in the Department of Cardiology of Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University from July 2023 to June 2024, were consecutively enrolled and divided into mild-to-moderate stenosis group and severe stenosis group according to the degree of coronary artery stenosis. Clinical parameters, carotid ultrasound features, and Plaque-RADS classification were compared between the two groups. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed, and its predictive performance was assessed using receiver operating characteristic curve. Results A total of 271 patients were included, with age of (65.49±9.44) years. The proportion of males, patients with diabetes and hyperlipidemia, and smokers was significantly higher in the severe stenosis group, accompanied by greater plaque thickness as well as lower maximum elasticity (E_max) and mean elasticity (E_mean; P＜0.05). Statistically significant differences were also observed between the two groups in target plaque location, Plaque-RADS classification, and plaque stability distribution (P＜0.05). Specifically, type Ⅱ plaques predominated in the mild-to-moderate stenosis group, whereas the severe stenosis group had a higher proportion of type Ⅲ plaques and vulnerable plaques. Multivariate logistic regression analysis demonstrated that male, diabetes, and type Ⅲ–Ⅳ plaques were risk factors for severe coronary artery stenosis, while E_max served as a protective factor. The predictive model constructed by the above indicators exhibited favorable predictive performance (AUC＝0.838). Conclusions The combination of Plaque-RADS classification, E_max, sex, and comorbid diabetes has certain predictive value for the severity of coronary artery stenosis.

Objective To investigate the post-discharge exercise behavior and factors influencing moderate to vigorous intensity physical activity (MVPA) in patients undergoing lung surgery. Methods A total of 2874 patients from the large prospective, observational perioperative lung symptom study cohort (CN-PRO-Lung 3) in the Department of Thoracic Surgery at Sichuan Cancer Hospital between April 7, 2021, and January 31, 2024, were selected as the survey subjects. A survey was conducted using the Investigation of Exercise Behavior after Lung Surgery questionnaire and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF) among patients who underwent lung surgery. Binary logistic regression was used to analyze the factors influencing patients’ engagement in MVPA. Results A total of 702 patients were surveyed, including 252 males and 450 females, with an average age of (52.4±10.2) years. Patients with lung cancer accounted for 85.9%. Only 36.0% of the patients had regular exercise habits, while 42.3% did not engage in any physical activity. The three main barriers for postoperative exercise were physical discomfort (pain, coughing, shortness of breath, etc, 54.7%), lack of professional guidance (41.7%), and concerns about the surgical wound (28.9%). The proportions of patients engaging in vigorous, moderate, and low-intensity physical activity were 5.7%, 28.2%, and 66.1%, respectively. Multivariate analysis showed that patients with a personal annual income ≥50000 yuan (OR=1.52, 95%CI 1.01-2.29, P=0.044), high school education or above (OR=1.92, 95%CI 1.33-2.76, P<0.001), and lobectomy (OR=1.44, 95%CI 1.02-2.03, P=0.037) engaged in more MVPA. Conclusion Patients undergoing lung surgery have inadequate physical activity after discharge, particularly lacking in MVPA. Patients with higher income, higher educational levels, and lobectomy are more frequently engaged in MVPA. Measures such as symptom control, providing exercise guidance, and enhancing education on wound care may potentially improve the inadequate physical activity in lung surgery patients after discharge.

Chronic heart failure （CHF） is the final stage of cardiovascular diseases. It is a complex syndrome， with dyspnea and edema as the main clinical manifestations， and it is characterized by complex disease conditions， difficult cure， and high mortality. Ferroptosis， a new type of programmed cell death， is different from other types of programmed cell death. Ferroptosis is iron-dependent， accompanied by lipid peroxide accumulation and mitochondrial shrinkage， becoming a hot research topic. Studies have confirmed that ferroptosis plays a key role in the occurrence and development of CHF. The regulation of ferroptosis may become a potential target for the treatment of CHF in the future. The theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation refers to the pathological state of original Qi deficiency and abnormal transportation and distribution of Qi， blood， and body fluid， which has guiding significance for revealing the pathogenesis evolution of some chronic diseases. We believe that Qi deficiency and stagnation is a summary of the pathogenesis of ferroptosis in CHF. Deficiency of Qi （heart Qi） is the root cause of CHF， and stagnation （phlegm turbidity and blood stasis） is the branch of this disease. The two influence each other in a vicious circle to promote the development of this disease. Traditional Chinese medicine （TCM） plays an important role in the treatment of CHF， improving the prognosis and quality of life of CHF patients. This paper explores the correlation between the theory of Qi deficiency and stagnation and the mechanism of ferroptosis in CHF. Furthermore， this paper reviews the mechanism of Chinese medicines and compound prescriptions in preventing and treating CHF by regulating ferroptosis according to the principles of replenishing Qi and dredging to remove stagnation， aiming to provide new ideas and methods for the treatment of CHF with TCM.

BackgroundIn recent years， the incidence of non-suicidal self-injury （NSSI） behaviors among adolescents has been increasing annually. Self-esteem and alexithymia are strongly associated with NSSI behaviors， and alienation is closely linked to both self-esteem and alexithymia. However， there is limited research on the relationship between alienation and NSSI behaviors among adolescents in China. ObjectiveTo analyze the relationship between alienation and NSSI behaviors among adolescents， and to explore the factors influencing NSSI behaviors in this population， so as to provide insights for the prevention and treatment of NSSI behaviors in adolescents. MethodsAdolescents admitted to the Department of Psychiatry and Psychology at the 923^rd Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the Chinese People's Liberation Army from September 1， 2021 to March 1， 2023， who met the diagnostic criteria for NSSI in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders， fifth edition （DSM-5）， were selected as the study group （n=60）. Concurrently， middle school students from Nanning were recruited as the control group （n=60）. Participants were assessed using Adolescent Self Harm Scale （ASHS）， Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale （RSES）， Toronto Alexithymia Scale （TAS） and Adolescent Students′ Alienation Scale （ASAS）. Pearson correlation analysis was employed to examine the relationships between scale scores in the study group， and Logistic regression analysis was used to identify the influencing factors of NSSI behaviors among adolescents. ResultsThe RSES score of the study group was significantly lower than that of the control group （t=-7.033， P<0.01）. The TAS and ASAS scores of the study group were significantly higher than those of the control group （t=5.591， 8.124， P<0.01）. The ASHS score was negatively correlated with RSES score （r=-0.410， P<0.01） and positively correlated with ASAS score （r=0.555， P<0.01）. The RSES scores of the study group were negatively correlated with TAS and ASAS scores （r=-0.317， -0.590， P<0.05 or 0.01）. Logistic regression analysis showed that being female （OR=0.714， 95% CI： 0.042~0.709） was a protective factor for NSSI behaviors among adolescents， while high alienation （OR=1.028， 95% CI： 1.013~1.043） and residing in rural areas （OR=6.692， 95% CI： 2.038~21.967） were risk factors for NSSI behaviors among adolescents. ConclusionAlienation was positively correlated with NSSI behaviors in adolescents. Female adolescents had a lower risk of NSSI behaviors， while those with higher levels of alienation or residing in rural areas were more prone to NSSI behaviors. ［Funded by Self-financed Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region （number， Z20210656）； Self-financed Scientific Research Project of the Health Commission of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region （number， Z-A20231057）］

Objective : To analyze the differential expression profile of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes of fetu- ses with Down syndrome (DS) and provide insights for identifying novel biomarkers for the prenatal diagnosis of DS . Methods : Amniotic fluid samples were collected from fetuses with DS and chromosomally normal fetuses . Exo- somes were isolated from the amniotic fluid and subjected to high-throughput sequencing. Differentially expressed miRNAs were identified , and target genes were predicted using TargetScan and miRanda. Target genes located on chromosome 21 were selected , and their biological functions and associated diseases were analyzed using Gene- Cards , HGNC , NCBI Gene , UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot , Ensembl , and OMIM databases . GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed to investigate the biological functions of the enriched genes . Results : A total of 59 differ- entially expressed miRNAs were identified , including 31 upregulated and 28 downregulated miRNAs . Based on a fold change > 2 and P < 0. 05 , 10 upregulated and 9 downregulated miRNAs with the highest expression levels were selected . Key miRNAs included hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , hsa-let-7b-3p _ 1ss22CT , and hsa-miR-199b-5p , with BACH1 and IFNAR1 identified as their shared target genes . GO analysis revealed that the enriched target genes were primarily involved in protein binding , metal ion binding , transferase activity , DNA binding , transcriptional regulation by RNA polymerase Ⅱ , and nucleotide binding. KEGG pathway analysis indicated that the target genes were mainly associated with metabolic pathways , cancer-related pathways , the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway , and the Rap1 signaling pathway . Conclusion Differential expression of miRNAs in amniotic fluid exosomes was ob- served between DS fetuses and those with normal karyotypes . Combined analysis with placental miRNAs revealed hsa-miR-199b-5p as a common differentially expressed miRNA in both DS amniotic fluid and placenta. It is hypoth- esized that BACH1 and IFNAR1 , shared target genes of hsa-miR-199b-5p , hsa-let-7b-5p , hsa-let-7c-5p , and hsa- let-7b-3p_1ss22CT , may play a role in the pathogenesis of DS .

Benzylisoquinoline alkaloids (BIAs) are a structurally diverse group of plant metabolites renowned for their pharmacological properties. However, sustainable sources for these compounds remain limited. Consequently, researchers are focusing on elucidating BIA biosynthetic pathways and genes to explore alternative sources using synthetic biology approaches. CYP80B, a family of cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes, plays a crucial role in BIA biosynthesis. Previously reported CYP80Bs are known to catalyze the 3'-hydroxylation of (S)-N-methylcoclaurine, with the N-methyl group essential for catalytic activity. In this study, we successfully cloned a full-length CYP80B gene (StCYP80B) from Stephania tetrandra (S. tetrandra) and identified its function using a yeast heterologous expression system. Both in vivo yeast feeding and in vitro enzyme analysis demonstrated that StCYP80B could catalyze N-methylcoclaurine and coclaurine into their respective 3'-hydroxylated products. Notably, StCYP80B exhibited an expanded substrate selectivity compared to previously reported wild-type CYP80Bs, as it did not require an N-methyl group for hydroxylase activity. Furthermore, StCYP80B displayed a clear preference for the (S)-configuration. Co-expression of StCYP80B with the CYP450 reductases (CPRs, StCPR1, and StCPR2), also cloned from S. tetrandra, significantly enhanced the catalytic activity towards (S)-coclaurine. Site-directed mutagenesis of StCYP80B revealed that the residue H205 is crucial for coclaurine catalysis. Additionally, StCYP80B exhibited tissue-specific expression in plants. This study provides new genetic resources for the biosynthesis of BIAs and further elucidates their synthetic pathway in natural plant systems.
Cytochrome P-450 Enzyme System/chemistry* ; Benzylisoquinolines/chemistry* ; Hydroxylation ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Alkaloids/metabolism* ; Stephania tetrandra/genetics*

OBJECTIVE: To compare the clinical efficacy of jingjin needling combined with rehabilitation training and conventional acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training for post-stroke spastic paralysis. METHODS: A total of 60 patients with post-stroke spastic paralysis were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, 30 cases in each one. Both groups received conventional rehabilitation training. In the observation group, jingjin needling was applied at tendon blockage points of the shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle. In the control group, conventional acupuncture was applied at Jianyu (LI15), Quchi (LI11), Hegu (LI4), Biguan (ST31), Fengshi (GB31), Taichong (LR3), etc. on the affected side. Treatment was given once daily, 5 days a week for 4 weeks in both groups. The scores of clinical spasticity index (CSI), modified Ashworth scale, modified Barthel index (MBI), and Fugl-Meyer assessment scale (FMA) were evaluated before and after treatment, and the onset time was compared between the two groups. RESULTS: After treatment, the scores of CSI and modified Ashworth scale were decreased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001), while the scores of MBI and FMA were increased compared with those before treatment (P<0.001) in the two groups. After treatment, the scores of CSI and modified Ashworth scale in the observation group were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05), the MBI score in the observation group was higher than that in the control group (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in FMA scores between the two groups (P>0.05). The onset time of the observation group was earlier than that in the control group (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Both jingjin needling combined with rehabilitation training and conventional acupuncture combined with rehabilitation training can effectively treat post-stroke spastic paralysis, jingjin needling combined with rehabilitation training exhibits better therapeutic effect and rapider onset.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Stroke/complications* ; Adult ; Acupuncture Points ; Muscle Spasticity/etiology* ; Treatment Outcome ; Stroke Rehabilitation ; Paralysis/therapy* ; Combined Modality Therapy

BACKGROUND: Inflammation plays a critical role in severe cerebral venous thrombosis (CVT) pathogenesis, but the benefits of anti-inflammatory therapies remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the association between steroid therapy combined with anticoagulation and the prognosis of acute/subacute severe CVT patients. METHODS: A prospective cohort study enrolled patients with acute/subacute severe CVT at Xuanwu Hospital (July 2020-January 2024). Patients were allocated into steroid and non-steroid groups based on the treatment they received. Functional outcomes (modified Rankin scale [mRS]) were evaluated at admission, discharge, and 6 months after discharge. Serum high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) IL-6, and intracranial pressure were measured at admission and discharge in the steroid group. Fundoscopic Frisén grades were assessed at admission and 6 months after discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to evaluat associations between steroid use and favorable outcomes (mRS ≤2) at the 6-month follow-up. Paired tests assessed changes in hs-CRP and other variables before and after treatment, and Spearman's correlations were used to analyze relationships between these changes and functional improvements. RESULTS: A total of 107 and 58 patients in the steroid and non-steroid groups, respectively, were included in the analysis. Compared with the non-steroid group, the steroid group had a higher likelihood of achieving an mRS score of 0-2 (93.5% vs . 82.5%, odds ratio [OR] = 2.98, P  = 0.037) at the 6-month follow-up. After adjusting for confounding factors, the result remained consistent. Pulsed steroid therapy did not increase mortality during hospitalization or follow-up, nor did it lead to severe steroid-related complications (all P  >0.05). Patients in the steroid group showed a significant reduction in serum hs-CRP, IL-6, CSF IL-6, and intracranial pressure at discharge compared to at admission, as well as a significant reduction in the fundoscopic Frisén grade at the 6-month follow-up compare to at admission (all P  <0.001). A reduction in serum inflammatory marker levels during hospitalization positively correlated with improvements in functional outcomes ( P  <0.05). CONCLUSION: Short-term steroid use may be an effective and safe adjuvant therapy for acute/subacute severe CVT when used alongside standard anticoagulant treatments, which are likely due to suppression of the inflammatory response. However, these findings require further validation in randomized controlled trials. TRAIL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov , NCT05990894.
Adult ; Aged ; Female ; Humans ; Male ; Middle Aged ; Anticoagulants/therapeutic use* ; C-Reactive Protein/metabolism* ; Interleukin-6/metabolism* ; Intracranial Thrombosis/drug therapy* ; Prospective Studies ; Steroids/therapeutic use* ; Venous Thrombosis/drug therapy*

OBJECTIVE To analyze clinical switching patterns and reasons between bevacizumab biosimilar and originator drugs. METHODS The data were collected from 1 175 cancer patients treated with bevacizumab at Ruijin Hospital， Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine from January 1， 2018， to December 31， 2023. The patients were divided into originator group （n＝250） and biosimilar group （n＝925）. The switching rate， switching type and reasons of the two groups were compared. RESULTS There were no statistically significant differences in the switching rate， switching types， and the number of switches between the two groups （P＞0.05）. Single， one-way switches were the switching type in both groups. The proportion of patients in the biosimilar group who switched due to adverse events was significantly higher than originator group， while the proportion of patients who switched due to treatment costs was significantly lower than originator group （P＜0.05）. There were no statistically significant differences in the proportions of patients who switched due to efficacy and drug accessibility between the two groups （P＞0.05）. CONCLUSIONS The switching between bevacizumab biosimilar and the originator drugs mainly involves single， one- way switches. Treatment costs and drug accessibility are the main factors for the switches among users of originator drugs， while drug accessibility and adverse events are the main factors for the switches among users of biosimilar.

Background::Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) is associated with adverse metabolic outcomes during adulthood. Histone modifications and changes in DNA methylation-affected genes are important for fetal development. This study aimed to investigate the epigenetic mechanisms in IUGR.Methods::IUGR models were established in Sprague–Dawley rats using a maternal nutritional restriction approach during pregnancy. The abundance of insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), AKT serine/threonine kinase 2 (AKT2), and peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha (PGC-1α) was examined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and Western blotting analysis. Chromatin immunoprecipitation RT-PCR was employed to analyze histone modification in CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) 1–4 binding sites of the Igf2/H19 imprinting control region (ICR). The methylation states of CTCF1–4 binding sites were studied by pyrosequencing. Results::The IUGR models were constructed successfully. Igf2 mRNA abundance in the placenta, fetal liver, and newborn liver was decreased in the IUGR group ( P <0.01). Meanwhile, as compared with the control group, the expression levels of AKT2, PI3K, and PGC-1α were lower in newborn and 8-week-old livers in the IUGR group ( P <0.05). In addition, knocking down Igf2 reduced the protein expression levels of AKT2-phosphorylation and PGC-1α ( P <0.05). In CTCF binding sites 1-4 of the Igf2/ H19 ICR, acetylated histones H3 (AcH3) enrichment was significantly lower in CTCF1-3 in newborn and 8-week-old IUGR rats. Histone H3 tri-methylated lysine 4 (H3K4me3) enrichment was significantly lower in the CTCF1–4 of newborn and 8-week-old IUGR groups ( P <0.01). H3K9me2 enrichment was significantly higher in the IUGR group ( P <0.01). The CpG dinucleotide methylation levels of CTCF1 and CTCF3, but not those of CTCF2 and CTCF4 binding sites in IUGR rat fetal, 4-week old, and 8-week-old livers decreased significantly ( P <0.05). Conclusion::The methylation status and histone modification in the Igf2/H19 ICR are related to growth and lipid metabolism via the PGC-1α/PI3K/AKT2 pathway in IUGR rats.