ObjectiveTo elucidate the effects of autonomic neuromodulators [calcium chloride (CaCl₂)-acetylcholine (ACh)] on atrial electrical remodeling and histopathological changes in rats, thereby providing evidence for further investigation into the pathological mechanisms by which autonomic imbalance induces atrial fibrillation (AF). MethodsTen 8-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into experimental and control groups, with 5 rats in each group. The experimental group received daily tail vein injections of a CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days, while the control group received an equal volume of saline. Surface electrocardiograms were recorded before and after daily administration. On day 28 of administration, under isoflurane inhalation anesthesia, echocardiography was performed, and then the rats were euthanized by exsanguination under isoflurane anesthesia for tissue collection. Body weight and heart weight of rats were measured, and electrophysiological parameters including AF inducibility, conduction velocity, and conduction dispersion in isolated rat hearts were monitored using the MappingLab multichannel electrophysiological mapping system. HE staining was performed to evaluate atrial tissue architecture and inflammatory cell infiltration. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) were analyzed by Western blotting. Masson staining was used to quantitatively analyze the proportional distribution of collagen fibers and myocardial fibers, and to calculate the area of collagen deposition, thereby evaluating the degree of myocardial fibrosis. Wheat germ agglutinin (WGA) staining was used to evaluate morphological changes of cardiomyocytes. Dihydroethidium (DHE) staining was used to detect the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) staining was used to detect atrial cell apoptosis. ResultsCompared with the control group, the experimental group showed obvious arrhythmias on electrocardiograms. Echocardiography after 28 days of administration revealed significant structural remodeling in the experimental group, with a marked increase in left atrial anteroposterior diameter (P < 0.05), and also showed cardiac dysfunction, with significant decreases in left ventricular ejection fraction and left ventricular fractional shortening (P < 0.01). Compared with the control group, the experimental group showed a significantly increased heart weight-to-body weight ratio (P < 0.05), a markedly higher AF inducibility (P < 0.001), a significantly slowed atrial conduction velocity (P < 0.05), an uneven isochronal map with irregular directions, and a significantly increased conduction dispersion (P < 0.01). HE staining showed that atrial myocytes in the experimental group were disorganized, with slight inflammatory cell infiltration. Western blotting showed that the expression levels of MMP-9 and IL-1β in the atrial tissue of the experimental group were significantly upregulated (P < 0.05). Masson staining showed a significant increase in collagen deposition and a significant increase in fibrosis area in the atrial tissue of the experimental group (P < 0.001). WGA staining showed that cardiomyocytes in the experimental group were significantly hypertrophied compared with the control group (P < 0.05). DHE staining and TUNEL staining revealed that the level of oxidative stress in atrial myocytes (P < 0.001) and the apoptotic rate (P < 0.01) were both significantly increased. Conclusion Daily tail vein injections of the autonomic neuromodulator CaCl₂-ACh mixed solution for 28 days can successfully induce AF in rats, accompanied by significant atrial structural remodeling, electrical remodeling, and oxidative stress.

As the core vehicle for preserving and transmitting traditional Chinese medicine（TCM） academic thought and clinical experience， the establishment of a robust quality evaluation system for TCM clinical case reports is a crucial component in the current standardization and modernization of TCM. Based on the practical experience of constructing the China Clinical Cases Library of Traditional Chinese Medicine by the China Association of Chinese Medicine， this study conducted a comprehensive analysis of critical challenges， including insufficient authenticity and unfocused evaluation criteria. It proposed a three-dimensional evaluation framework grounded in the structure-process-outcome logic， encompassing three dimensions of authenticity and standardization， characteristics and advantages， application and translational impact. This framework integrated 12 key evaluation indicators in a systematic manner. The model preserved the academic characteristics of TCM syndrome differentiation and treatment， while aligning with modern scientific research standards， achieving a balance between individualized TCM experience and standardized evaluation. Concurrently， this study provided theoretical foundations and methodological guidance for evaluating the quality of TCM clinical cases， contributing significantly to the inheritance of TCM knowledge， evidence-based practice， and the reform of talent evaluation mechanisms.

Background: High-mobility group box protein 1 (HMGB1) is a chromatin-binding protein involved in arthritis, ischemia, sepsis, atherosclerosis, neurodegenerative disorders, meningitis, and cancer. HMGB1 exhibits dual roles in cancer, acting as either a tumor suppressor or oncoprotein depending on context. Objective: This research aimed to elucidate HMGB1’s functional significance in cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). Methods: We overexpressed HMGB1 in cSCC cell lines using recombinant adenovirus and examined its effects on cell proliferation, colony formation, and cell migration. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis revealed elevated HMGB1 expression levels in cSCC tissue relative to normal epidermis. To assess the influence of HMGB1, we employed recombinant adenoviruses expressing HMGB1 to transduce SCC cell lines (SCC12 and SCC13). Enhanced HMGB1 expression significantly promoted cellular proliferation and colony formation capacity.Notably, HMGB1 overexpression elevated the levels of proliferation regulators, including P63, SOX2, CDK4 and CDK6. Furthermore, HMGB1 overexpression substantially enhanced tumor invasiveness, accompanied by upregulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) biomarkers. Mechanistically, overexpression of HMGB1 enhanced transforming growth factor-β signaling by increasing phosphorylation of SMAD2/3, the key mediators of EMT. Conclusion These data imply that HMGB1 acts as a tumor-promoting factor in cSCC.

Objective:To evaluate the clinical significance of morular metaplasia (MM) in fertility-preserving treatment for young patients with endometrial hyperplasia and grade 1 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma.Methods:Clinical data was retrospectively collected from patients diagnosed with endometrial hyperplasia or grade 1 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma under 40 years old who underwent progestin-based fertility-sparing treatmentat in Tianjin Medical University General Hospital between January 2018 and November 2022.Patients were divided into the MM group (37 cases) and the non-MM group (63 cases) based on pathological findings. Clinical characteristics, hysteroscopic features, treatment efficacy and fertility outcomes were compared between the two groups. The MM group was further stratified into three subgroups based on the timing of MM occurrence:(1) MM-Bef group ( n=10): MM was present in the initial endometrial curettage or hysteroscopic biopsy pathology before fertility-sparing treatment and disappeared after treatment; (2) MM-Sus group ( n=14): MM persisted consistently before and after therapy;(3) MM-Aft group ( n=13): MM was absent before therapy but appeared after treatment. The risk factors which had impact on the treatment outcomes of the patients were analyzed using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. Results:The rate of polycystic ovary syndrome were higher in the MM group than the non-MM group [51% (19/37) vs 27% (17/63), P=0.014]. The complete response (CR) rate was significantly lower in the MM group than in the non-MM group [73% (27/37) vs 95% (60/63), P=0.006], and the median time to CR was significantly longer in the MM group (6.0 vs 5.0 months, P=0.005).Multivariate analysis identified that MM-Sus ( HR=0.355, 95% CI:0.174-0.723; P=0.004) and MM-Aft ( HR=0.314, 95% CI:0.145-0.681; P=0.003) were independent risk factors for delayed CR in fertility-sparing treatment. The patients in the MM group and non-MM group underwent hysteroscopic biopsy for 76 and 131 times. "Gravel-like change" was a more frequent hysteroscopic manifestation in the MM group than that in the non-MM group [18% (14/76) vs 2% (2/131), P<0.001]. Conclusions:Patients in the MM group have poorer treatment outcomes than patients in the non-MM group. MM-Sus and MM-Aft are risk factors for fertility-preserving treatment in young patients with endometrial hyperplasia or grade 1 endometrial endometrioid carcinoma. "Gravel-like change" is the characteristic hysteroscopic manifestations of MM.

Objective:To evaluate the safety and efficacy of the probiotic Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21 (BL21) in preventing radiation-induced diarrhea (RID) in cervical cancer patients during radiotherapy (RT) and to investigate the intestinal microbiota in the patients. Methods:This study was a prospective, single-arm, phase Ⅱ clinical trial, involving cervical cancer patients treated with radical and adjuvant RT. From the first day of RT, participants took one pack of BL21 powder (containing 20 billion colony-forming unit(CFU) of Bifidobacterium longum subsp. longum BL21) orally every day until the end of RT. The occurrence of adverse events and RID during RT were assessed as per Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events ( CTCAE) v5.0. In this way, the safety and efficacy of BL21 in preventing RID were evaluated. Additionally, the intestinal microbiota in fecal samples collected from the patients before and after RT were analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing. Results:A total of 35 cervical cancer patients were enrolled in this study, with 29 cases incorporated for the final analysis. No serious adverse event related to the administration of BL21 was observed. The patients exhibited slight RID, with the majority (22/29) developing no or grade 1 RID during RT. The microbiota in the fecal samples showed decreased alpha diversity after RT, as indicated by the Chao1 ( P = 0.002) and Shannon ( P = 0.005) indices. Furthermore, these samples exhibited a notably higher abundance of genus Clostridium (LDA score = 3.98). The fecal samples from patients with grade 1 RID or no RID post-RT exhibited higher alpha diversity than those from patients with grade 2 RID or above post-RT (Chao1: P = 0.07, Shannon: P = 0.28), as well as a high abundance of genera Gemmiger (LDA score = 4.48) and Dorea (LDA score = 3.83). Conclusions:The administration of BL21 to cervical cancer patients during RT is simple, convenient, safe, and effective in preventing RID, thus warranting further investigation.

Objective:To investigate the nutritional risk status of children in PICU and analyze its influencing factors.Methods:From July 2021 to February 2023,all children aged 1 to 18 years admitted to PICU of Beijing Children's Hospital were investigated by using the pediatric Yorkhill Malnutrition Scoring tool(PYMS)and the clinical data questionnaire.Results:A total of 492 children in PICU were enrolled.The first nutritional risk screening results showed that there were 32 cases of no/low nutritional risk(6.5%),76 cases of medium risk(15.4%),and 384 cases of high risk(78.1%).The incidence of medium/high nutritional risk was as high as 93.5%.The PYMS score of nutritional risk in PICU was(2.61±1.42).The results of multiple linear regression analysis showed that weight,fever time before admission,white blood cells,body mass index,primary diagnosis,father's education,and diet before illness were the main influencing factors of nutritional risk of children in PICU(P<0.05).Conclusion:Children in PICU are in a state of high nutritional risk.It is suggested that children in PICU should carry out nutritional screening in a standardized manner,identify children with high nutritional risk and its influencing factors early.To actively conduct nutritional assessment and nutritional intervention could improve the clinical outcome of children in PICU.

Radiation-induced intestinal injury (RIII), a common intestinal adverse reaction to radiotherapy in patients with abdominal and pelvic malignant tumors, affects the quality of life of patients and limits the clinical efficacy of radiotherapy. However, there is no breakthrough in the prevention and treatment of RIII in clinical practice. Natural plant products generally have the advantages of mild effects and few adverse reactions, providing abundant potential active ingredients for the prevention and treatment of RIII, including polyphenols, alkaloids, polysaccharides, and saponins. The underlying mechanism includes inhibiting oxidative stress, inhibiting cell apoptosis, regulating the expression of inflammatory factors, protecting intestinal crypt stem cells, and regulating intestinal flora. The review summarized these natural plant products against RIII and explored its mechanisms of action, in order to provide a theoretical basis for future drug development based on natural plant products.

Objective To compare the accuracy and clinical application value of contrast-induced fractional flow reserve(cFFR),resting full-cycle ratio(RFR),and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions,using fractional flow reserve(FFR)as the gold standard.Methods A retrospective study was conducted including 143 patients with 143 lesions who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and were tested for cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR at Peking University Third Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022.Clinical data,CAG lesion anatomical data,and target vessel cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR measurements were collected.The correlation and diagnostic concordance of cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR were analyzed.Results The mean age of the 143 patients was 66(58,71)years,with 90(62.9％)being male.Among them,60(42.0％)patients were diagnosed with unstable angina,and 115(80.4％)target lesions were located in the left anterior descending artery.Correlation analysis showed that RFR,QFR,and cFFR were all significantly correlated with FFR(r=0.956,r=0.861,r=0.751,P＜0.001).Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated high agreement between cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for RFR corresponding to FFR ≤0.80 was 0.92(95％CI 0.87-0.96),for QFR was 0.89(95％CI 0.83-0.95),and for cFFR was 0.96(95％CI 0.94-0.99).Conclusions cFFR,RFR,and QFR show high concordance with FFR,with similar diagnostic consistency between the three methods and FFR.

AIM To study the chemical constituents from Dictamni Cortex.METHODS The 70％ethanol extract from Dictamni Cortex was isolated and purified by HP-20 macroporous resin,silica gel,MCI,ODS and preparative HPLC,then the structures of obtained compounds were identified by physicochemical properties and spectral data.RESULTS Thirty-three compounds were isolated and identified as rutin(1),apigenin(2),catechin(3),hesperetin(4),leonuriside A(5),androsin(6),2-methoxy-4-acetylphenol-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-(1"-6')-β-glucopyranoside(7),vanillic acid(8),gallic acid(9),4-hydroxybenzoic acid(10),benzoic acid(11),involcranoside B(12),benzyl β-D-glucopyranoside(13),bphenylethyl-rutinoside(14),1-bromonaphthalene(15),cimifugin(16),9(S),12(S),13(S)-trihydroxyoctadeca-10(E),15(Z)-dienoic acid(17),methyl-9,12,13-trihydroxyoctadeca-10,15-dienoate(18),7,8-dihydroxy-9,12(Z,Z)-octadecadienoic acid(19),vernolic acid(20),9,10(erythro)-dihydroxy-11 E-octadecadienoic acid methyl ester(21),(7Z,9E,13Z)-11-hydroxyhexadeca-7,9,13-trienoic acid(22),(7Z,10Z,14E,16Z,19Z)-13-hydroxydocosa-7,10,14,16,19-pentaenoic acid(23),(9E)-8,11,12-trihydroxyoctadecenoic acid methyl ester(24),n-hexanol-O-rutinoside(25),hexyl β-sophoroside(26),3-pentyl 6'-(3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl)-β-D-glucopyranoside(27),3-methylbut-3-enyl-6-O-β-D-glucopyranosyl-β-D-glucopyranoside(28),3-methyl-but-2-en-1-yl β-D-glucopyranoside(29),3-methylbutan-1-ol-β-D-glucopyranoside(30),pregnenolone(31),2-butoxytetrahydrofuran(32),psydrin(33).CONCLUSION Compounds 2-4,8-13,15-16,25-28 and 32-33 are isolated from Rutaceae family for the first time.

Objective To compare the accuracy and clinical application value of contrast-induced fractional flow reserve(cFFR),resting full-cycle ratio(RFR),and quantitative flow ratio(QFR)in evaluating coronary artery borderline lesions,using fractional flow reserve(FFR)as the gold standard.Methods A retrospective study was conducted including 143 patients with 143 lesions who underwent coronary angiography(CAG)and were tested for cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR at Peking University Third Hospital from September 2020 to January 2022.Clinical data,CAG lesion anatomical data,and target vessel cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR measurements were collected.The correlation and diagnostic concordance of cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR were analyzed.Results The mean age of the 143 patients was 66(58,71)years,with 90(62.9％)being male.Among them,60(42.0％)patients were diagnosed with unstable angina,and 115(80.4％)target lesions were located in the left anterior descending artery.Correlation analysis showed that RFR,QFR,and cFFR were all significantly correlated with FFR(r=0.956,r=0.861,r=0.751,P＜0.001).Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated high agreement between cFFR,RFR,QFR,and FFR.Receiver operating characteristics(ROC)curve analysis showed that the area under the curve(AUC)for RFR corresponding to FFR ≤0.80 was 0.92(95％CI 0.87-0.96),for QFR was 0.89(95％CI 0.83-0.95),and for cFFR was 0.96(95％CI 0.94-0.99).Conclusions cFFR,RFR,and QFR show high concordance with FFR,with similar diagnostic consistency between the three methods and FFR.