Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block for postoperative analgesia in lower limb arterial occlusive disease after bypass grafting and the underlying mechanisms.Methods:This prospective study included 120 patients with grade C and D lower limb arterial occlusive disease who were treated at Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from March 2021 to January 2024. The patients were randomly assigned to either the control group or the observation group using a computer-generated randomization method, with 60 patients in each group. Both groups underwent lower limb arterial bypass grafting under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia and received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after surgery. The observation group received ultrasound-guided femoral nerve combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block 15 minutes before surgery. The changes in pain response at 48 hours post-surgery were evaluated in each group. Serum levels of stress response factors (including serum norepinephrine, cortisol, angiotensin II, and malondialdehyde) at 12 and 48 hours post-surgery were measured in each group. The duration of the first press of the patient-controlled analgesia pump and the number of effective presses within 48 hours after surgery were recorded in each group. The incidences of adverse reactions and complications related to postoperative analgesic medications were calculated.Results:The Visual Analog Scale scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 5.52-24.68, all P < 0.001). The duration of the first press of the patient-controlled analgesia pump in the observation group [(9.25 ± 1.16) hours] was significantly longer compared to the control group [(4.46 ± 0.72) hours, t = 16.84, P < 0.001]. The number of effective presses within 48 hours after surgery in the observation group [(3.84 ± 0.62) times] was significantly lower than in the control group [(7.21 ± 0.87) times, t = 12.53, P < 0.001]. The serum levels of norepinephrine, cortisol, angiotensin II, and malondialdehyde at 12 and 48 hours post-surgery in the observation group were also significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 10.44-21.64, all P < 0.001). The overall incidences of adverse drug reactions and complications in the observation group [5.00% (3/60), 6.67% (4/60)] were significantly lower compared to the control group [16.67% (10/60), 21.67% (13/60), χ2 = 4.22, 5.55, both P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block can alleviate pain responses after bypass grafting in patients with lower limb arterial occlusive disease by downregulating the synthesis and secretion levels of stress response factors. This technique can delay the timing of postoperative analgesic administration, reduce the frequency of postoperative analgesic medication, and lower the risk of adverse drug reactions and postoperative complications.

Objective To explore the value of deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR)algorithm to improve the quality of low keV monochromatic portal vein images of energy spectrum CT.Methods Fifty patients who underwent enhanced upper abdominal energy spectrum CT scan were selected.Mixed-model adaptive statistical iterative reconstruction-Veo(50%ASIR-V)algorithm and high-deep learning image reconstruction(DLIR-H)algorithm were used to obtain monochromatic images at 40-70 keV(with intervals of 10 keV).The CT and standard deviation(SD)values of the portal vein trunk,left and right branches,and erector spinae muscle were measured in the transverse position,and the signal-to-noise ratio(SNR)and portal vein contrast-to-noise ratio(CNR)were calculated for objective evaluation.The portal vein image quality between the two algorithms and different energy was subjectively scored by two physicians.Results In terms of objective evaluation:compared with 50%ASIR-V,the CNR and SNR of portal vein in monochromatic DLIR-H images at the same keV between 40-70 keV energy levels were increased while the SD value was decreased(P＜0.05),and the CT value was unchanged;there was no statistical difference in the magnitude of change in CNR between the two algorithms at different energy levels(P＞0.05);there was a statistically significant difference in the magnitude of change in SNR and SD value(P＜0.05)and the magnitude of change was the largest at 40 keV;comparison between different energy levels of DLIR-H,the CNR and SD value of 40 keV DLIR-H were the highest(P＜0.05),and there was no significant difference in the SNR(P＞0.05).In terms of subjective evaluation:there was no significant difference between the subjective scores of the two algorithms at the same keV from 40-70 keV(P＞0.05),and the two reconstruction algorithms at 40 keV and 50 keV had the highest subjective scores between different keV.Conclusion The DLIR algorithm can reduce the noise of low keV monochromatic images,improve the image quality of portal vein.

Objective:To investigate the clinical efficacy of ultrasound-guided femoral nerve combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block for postoperative analgesia in lower limb arterial occlusive disease after bypass grafting and the underlying mechanisms.Methods:This prospective study included 120 patients with grade C and D lower limb arterial occlusive disease who were treated at Jinhua Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University from March 2021 to January 2024. The patients were randomly assigned to either the control group or the observation group using a computer-generated randomization method, with 60 patients in each group. Both groups underwent lower limb arterial bypass grafting under combined spinal-epidural anesthesia and received intravenous patient-controlled analgesia after surgery. The observation group received ultrasound-guided femoral nerve combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block 15 minutes before surgery. The changes in pain response at 48 hours post-surgery were evaluated in each group. Serum levels of stress response factors (including serum norepinephrine, cortisol, angiotensin II, and malondialdehyde) at 12 and 48 hours post-surgery were measured in each group. The duration of the first press of the patient-controlled analgesia pump and the number of effective presses within 48 hours after surgery were recorded in each group. The incidences of adverse reactions and complications related to postoperative analgesic medications were calculated.Results:The Visual Analog Scale scores at 6, 12, 24, and 48 hours post-surgery in the observation group were significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 5.52-24.68, all P < 0.001). The duration of the first press of the patient-controlled analgesia pump in the observation group [(9.25 ± 1.16) hours] was significantly longer compared to the control group [(4.46 ± 0.72) hours, t = 16.84, P < 0.001]. The number of effective presses within 48 hours after surgery in the observation group [(3.84 ± 0.62) times] was significantly lower than in the control group [(7.21 ± 0.87) times, t = 12.53, P < 0.001]. The serum levels of norepinephrine, cortisol, angiotensin II, and malondialdehyde at 12 and 48 hours post-surgery in the observation group were also significantly lower than those in the control group ( t = 10.44-21.64, all P < 0.001). The overall incidences of adverse drug reactions and complications in the observation group [5.00% (3/60), 6.67% (4/60)] were significantly lower compared to the control group [16.67% (10/60), 21.67% (13/60), χ2 = 4.22, 5.55, both P < 0.05]. Conclusions:Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve combined with popliteal sciatic nerve block can alleviate pain responses after bypass grafting in patients with lower limb arterial occlusive disease by downregulating the synthesis and secretion levels of stress response factors. This technique can delay the timing of postoperative analgesic administration, reduce the frequency of postoperative analgesic medication, and lower the risk of adverse drug reactions and postoperative complications.

OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of Yiqi Wenyang Recipe in the intervention of allergic rhinitis(AR)mice.METHODS C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank,model,Yiqi Wenyang Recipe and Yiqi Wenyang Recipe+EX-527[Sirtuin 1(SIRT1)inhibitor]groups.The AR model of mice was established by ovalbumin based challenge sensitization method,each group received corresponding intervention measures.Assessment of behavioral changes in mice;nasal mucosal lesions were observed by HE and toluidine blue staining;the serum levels of interleukin-4(IL-4),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and immunoglobulin E(IgE)were measured by ELISA;the expression levels of phospho-Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6),phospho-dynamin-related protein 1(p-Drp1),SIRT1,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha(PGC-1α)in nasal mucosa were determined by Western blot combined with immunofluorescence;reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were detected by fluorescent probe method;the morphological changes of mitochondria in the microstructure of na-sal mucosa were observed by transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the frequency of scratch-ing and sneezing in the model group was significantly increased,and a large number of eosinophils and mast cells were found in the na-sal mucosa(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the nasal allergic symptoms and the level of nasal mucosal inflammatory reaction in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group were significantly improved(P<0.05);compared with the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group,the scratch-ing and sneezing of mice in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe+EX-527 group increased again,and the counts of eosinophils and mast cells in nasal mucosa increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the levels of serum IL-4 and IgE in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group decreased,while the level of serum IFN-γ increased(P<0.05);the serum IL-4 and IgE of mice in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe+ex-527 group were significantly higher than those in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group(P<0.05).Western blot and immunofluo-rescence showed that Yiqi Wenyang Recipe could effectively inhibit the increase of p-JAK2,p-STAT6,p-Drp1(ser616)levels induced by ovalbumin sensitization,as well as the decrease of SIRT1 and PGC-1 α expression(P<0.01);however,the intervention of EX-527 significantly blunted the regulatory effect of Yiqi Wenyang Recipe on the above signaling molecules(P<0.05,P<0.01).The results of transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent probe showed that in the model group,a large number of spherical mitochondria were found in the mitochondria of nasal mucosa,and the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01);;the intervention of Yiqi We-nyang recipe effectively restored the long tubular morphology of mitochondria and reduced ROS level(P<0.01);,while the intervention of EX-527 weakened the above improvement effect(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Wenyang Recipe can regulate SIRT1 to activate PGC-1α,and then inhibit Drp1 mediated excessive mitochondrial fission to intervene AR;SIRT1 may be one of the important targets of Yiqi Wenyang Recipe in the intervention of AR.

OBJECTIVE To explore the potential mechanism of Yiqi Wenyang Recipe in the intervention of allergic rhinitis(AR)mice.METHODS C57/BL6 mice were randomly divided into blank,model,Yiqi Wenyang Recipe and Yiqi Wenyang Recipe+EX-527[Sirtuin 1(SIRT1)inhibitor]groups.The AR model of mice was established by ovalbumin based challenge sensitization method,each group received corresponding intervention measures.Assessment of behavioral changes in mice;nasal mucosal lesions were observed by HE and toluidine blue staining;the serum levels of interleukin-4(IL-4),interferon-γ(IFN-γ),and immunoglobulin E(IgE)were measured by ELISA;the expression levels of phospho-Janus kinase 2(p-JAK2),phospho-signal transducer and activator of transcription 6(p-STAT6),phospho-dynamin-related protein 1(p-Drp1),SIRT1,peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha(PGC-1α)in nasal mucosa were determined by Western blot combined with immunofluorescence;reactive oxygen species(ROS)levels were detected by fluorescent probe method;the morphological changes of mitochondria in the microstructure of na-sal mucosa were observed by transmission electron microscopy.RESULTS Compared with the blank group,the frequency of scratch-ing and sneezing in the model group was significantly increased,and a large number of eosinophils and mast cells were found in the na-sal mucosa(P<0.05);compared with the model group,the nasal allergic symptoms and the level of nasal mucosal inflammatory reaction in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group were significantly improved(P<0.05);compared with the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group,the scratch-ing and sneezing of mice in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe+EX-527 group increased again,and the counts of eosinophils and mast cells in nasal mucosa increased significantly(P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the levels of serum IL-4 and IgE in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group decreased,while the level of serum IFN-γ increased(P<0.05);the serum IL-4 and IgE of mice in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe+ex-527 group were significantly higher than those in the Yiqi Wenyang Recipe group(P<0.05).Western blot and immunofluo-rescence showed that Yiqi Wenyang Recipe could effectively inhibit the increase of p-JAK2,p-STAT6,p-Drp1(ser616)levels induced by ovalbumin sensitization,as well as the decrease of SIRT1 and PGC-1 α expression(P<0.01);however,the intervention of EX-527 significantly blunted the regulatory effect of Yiqi Wenyang Recipe on the above signaling molecules(P<0.05,P<0.01).The results of transmission electron microscopy and fluorescent probe showed that in the model group,a large number of spherical mitochondria were found in the mitochondria of nasal mucosa,and the level of ROS was significantly increased(P<0.01);;the intervention of Yiqi We-nyang recipe effectively restored the long tubular morphology of mitochondria and reduced ROS level(P<0.01);,while the intervention of EX-527 weakened the above improvement effect(P<0.01).CONCLUSION Yiqi Wenyang Recipe can regulate SIRT1 to activate PGC-1α,and then inhibit Drp1 mediated excessive mitochondrial fission to intervene AR;SIRT1 may be one of the important targets of Yiqi Wenyang Recipe in the intervention of AR.

Objective To investigate the global burden of visceral leishmaniasis (VL) from 1990 to 2021 and predict the trends in the burden of VL from 2022 to 2035, so as to provide insights into global VL prevention and control. Methods The global age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) rates of VL and their 95% uncertainty intervals (UI) were captured from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 (GBD 2021) data resources. The trends in the global burden of VL were evaluated with average annual percent change (AAPC) and 95% confidence interval (CI) from 1990 to 2021, and gender-, age-, country-, geographical area- and socio-demographic index (SDI)-stratified burdens of VL were analyzed. The trends in the global burden of VL were projected with a Bayesian age-period-cohort (BAPC) model from 2022 to 2035, and the associations of age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality, and DALYs rates of VL with SDI levels were examined with a smoothing spline model. Results The global age-standardized incidence [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)], prevalence [AAPC = -0.06%, 95% CI: (-0.06%, -0.06%)], mortality [AAPC = -0.25%, 95% CI: (-0.25%, -0.24%)] and DALYs rates of VL [AAPC = -2.38%, 95% CI: (-2.44%, -2.33%)] all appeared a tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, and the highest age-standardized incidence [2.55/10⁵, 95% UI: (1.49/10⁵, 4.07/10⁵)], prevalence [0.64/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.37/10⁵, 1.02/10⁵)], mortality [0.51/10⁵, 95% UI: (0, 1.80/10⁵)] and DALYs rates of VL [33.81/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.06/10⁵, 124.09/10⁵)] were seen in tropical Latin America in 2021. The global age-standardized incidence and prevalence of VL were both higher among men [0.57/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.45/10⁵, 0.72/10⁵); 0.14/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.11/10⁵, 0.18/10⁵)] than among women [0.27/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.21/10⁵, 0.33/10⁵); 0.06/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.05/10⁵, 0.08/10⁵)], and the highest mortality of VL was found among children under 5 years of age [0.24/10⁵, 95% UI: (0.08/10⁵, 0.66/10⁵)]. The age-standardized incidence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), prevalence (r = -0.483, P < 0.001), mortality (r = -0.511, P < 0.001) and DALYs rates of VL (r = -0.514, P < 0.001) correlated negatively with SDI levels from 1990 to 2021. In addition, the global burden of VL was projected with the BAPC model to appear a tendency towards a decline from 2022 to 2035, and the age-standardized incidence, prevalence, mortality and DALYs rates were projected to be reduced to 0.11/10⁵, 0.03/10⁵, 0.02/10⁵ and 1.44/10⁵ in 2035, respectively. Conclusions Although the global burden of VL appeared an overall tendency towards a decline from 1990 to 2021, the burden of VL showed a tendency towards a rise in Central Asia and western sub-Saharan African areas. The age-standardized incidence and prevalence rates of VL were relatively higher among men, and the age-standardized mortality of VL was relatively higher among children under 5 years of age. The global burden of VL was projected to continue to decline from 2022 to 2035.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.

Objective:To evaluate the effectiveness and safety of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) in children with stage 4/M neuroblastoma (NB).Methods:This study was a prospective, single-arm, multicenter clinical trial conducted by Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Children′s Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Children′s Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine. From March, 2019 to August, 2023, 25 children with confirmed with stage 4/M NB and received allo-HSCT were enrolled. The patients received either unrelated cord blood transplantation (UCBT) or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation (PBSCT). Conditioning regimens for UCBT was fludarabine+busulfan+cyclophosphamide+topotecan, and for PBSCT was fludarabine+busulfan+melphalan+thiotepa+antithymocyte globulin, respectively. Until the last follow-up date of September, 2023, the overall survival (OS) rate and event free survival (EFS) rate were analyzed to evaluate efficacy. The engraftment rate and transplant-related complications were statistically assessed to evaluate safety. Survival analysis was performed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results:Of the 25 patients, there were 15 males and 10 females. The age at transplantation was 5.7 (3.8, 7.3) years. The engraft rate was 100%, with recovery time of neutrophil as 15.7 (12.5, 17.0) d, and the recovery time of platelets as 33.5 (18.0, 48.0) d. Seventeen of the 25 children (68%) developed acute graft versus host disease (aGVHD), occurred at 18.0 (13.0, 22.5) d after transplantation, including 13 of grade Ⅲ-Ⅳ cases. The main sites of aGVHD were skin and intestinal tract. After treatment, 13 cases improved, 4 patients developed chronic graft-versus-host disease (cGVHD). After allo-HSCT, 14 children received maintenance therapy. Twenty of the 25 patients survived, the 2-year cumulative OS rate was (80±9)%, and 2-year EFS rate was (56±11)%. Nine cases (36%) relapsed, the time from allo-HSCT to disease relapse was 10.9 (5.5, 16.0) months. Five cases (20%) died. The hematopoietic stem cell transplantation associated mortality rate was 4% (1/25).The 2-year OS rate of patients who had partial remission prior to allo-HSCT was significant lower than those who had complete remission prior to allo-HSCT ((33±25)% vs. 100%, P=0.037). Conclusion:allo-HSCT is an effective treatment for patients with stage 4/M NB.

Background: and Purpose This study aimed to investigate the association between residual inflammatory risk (RIR) and vulnerable plaques using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging (HRMRI) in symptomatic intracranial atherosclerotic stenosis (ICAS). Methods: This retrospective study included 70%–99% symptomatic ICAS patients hospitalized from January 2016 to December 2022. Patients were classified into four groups based on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C): residual cholesterol inflammatory risk (RCIR, hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), RIR (hs-CRP ≥3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L), residual cholesterol risk (RCR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C ≥2.6 mmol/L), and no residual risk (NRR, hs-CRP <3 mg/L and LDL-C <2.6 mmol/L). Vulnerable plaque features on HRMRI included positive remodeling, diffuse distribution, intraplaque hemorrhage, and strong enhancement. Results: Among 336 included patients, 21, 60, 58, and 197 were assigned to the RCIR, RIR, RCR, and NRR groups, respectively. Patients with RCIR (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 3.606; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.346–9.662; P=0.011) and RIR (aOR, 3.361; 95% CI, 1.774–6.368, P<0.001) had higher risks of strong enhancement than those with NRR. Additionally, patients with RCIR (aOR, 2.965; 95% CI, 1.060–8.297; P=0.038) were more likely to have intraplaque hemorrhage compared with those with NRR. In the sensitivity analysis, RCR (aOR, 2.595; 95% CI, 1.201–5.608; P=0.015) exhibited an additional correlation with an increased risk of intraplaque hemorrhage. Conclusion In patients with symptomatic ICAS, RIR is associated with a higher risk of intraplaque hemorrhage and strong enhancement, indicating an increased vulnerability to atherosclerotic plaques.