ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

ObjectiveCerebrospinal fluid (CSF) plays a crucial role in maintaining the homeostasis of the central nervous system (CNS). CSF rapidly exchanges with interstitial fluid (ISF) via the glymphatic system within the brain parenchyma. CSF-ISF circulation and its associated mechanisms are often referred to as the brain lymphatic system. This system is connected directly to meningeal lymphatic vessels (mLVs), jointly performing the function of clearing metabolic waste from the CNS. Emerging evidence indicates that this system is closely associated with the onset and progression of neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) such as Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Importantly, abnormal CSF circulation is not only a downstream consequence of AD pathology, but also a risk factor. In AD, the dynamics of CSF flow within the CNS are diminished, immune dysregulation occurs, and this may increase the risk of AD by exacerbating the burden of amyloid β-protein (Aβ). In the mouse model of AD, impaired CSF flow compromises this clearance function, leading to cognitive deficits. Clinically, acupuncture at cognition-related acupoints is commonly used for the prevention and treatment of AD. However, whether its therapeutic effects are mediated through the modulation of CSF dynamics remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of acupuncture on CSF flow and investigate its acupoint specificity. MethodsMice were randomly assigned to experimental groups for the different electroacupuncture groups with the following acupoints: Baihui point (GV 20), Ear point, Neiguan point (PC 6), and Tianshu point (ST 25). Wild-type mice on a C57BL/6J background were used as controls. Fluorescent tracer was injected into the cisterna magna to label CSF flow. Fluorescence imaging was employed to assess the distribution of CSF within the brain before and after acupuncture stimulation. ResultsFollowing tracer injection into the cisterna magna, fluorescence signals rapidly reached the cerebellum and medulla—the regions closest to the injection site. Fluorescence intensity was higher in ventral brain regions compared to dorsal regions, likely due to greater vascular density in ventral areas facilitating CSF-ISF exchange. Electroacupuncture at the GV 20 produced the most pronounced enhancement of CSF across the whole brain, while stimulation at the ST 25 primarily augmented flow within subcortical regions. In contrast, electroacupuncture at the Ear point or the PC 6 had no observable effect on CSF in mice. ConclusionElectroacupuncture promotes CSF flow into the brain parenchyma in an acupoint-specific manner, with GV 20 exhibiting the most pronounced enhancement of CSF dynamics. These findings suggest that acupuncture-mediated facilitation of CSF flow may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing or delaying age-related cognitive decline.

Objective To investigate the mammographic imaging features of breast cancer and its correlation with microvascular density(MVD).Methods A total of 86 patients with breast cancer confirmed by surgical pathology in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps 7th Division Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects.According to the modified Bloom Richard-son scoring system,the breast cancer patients were classified into histological grade Ⅰ(n=22),grade Ⅱ(n=25)and grade Ⅲ(n=39).All patients underwent preoperative mammographic imaging examination.Immunohistochemistry staining was performed and MVD count was conducted after operation.Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between MVD of breast cancer with different histo-logical grades and mammographic imaging features.Results The microvascular positive expression rate of breast cancer lesions was 100%,the MVD counts per visual field were 14～276 vessels,with an average of(72.58±16.37)vessels,of which the MVD counts of patients with histological grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ were 14 to 175 vessels,with an average of(42.10±13.51)vessels;the MVD counts of patients with histological grade Ⅲ was 22～276 vessels,with an average of(93.82±22.17)vessels.The MVD counts of patients with histological grade Ⅲ was signifi-cantly higher than that of patients with histological grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ,with statistically significant difference(t=19.627,P<0.001).The incidences of irregular margin,spicular sign,axillary lymph node metastasis and fine particle calcification in patients with histological gradeⅢ were higher than those in patients with histological grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ,with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).The MVD counts of breast cancer patients with irregular margin,spicular sign,axillary lymph node metastasis and fine particle calcification were higher than those of patients with smooth margin and without spicular sign,axillary lymph node metastasis or fine particle calcification,which was positively correlated with histological grades(P<0.05).Conclusion Some mammographic imaging features of breast cancer can reflect tumor angiogenesis to a certain extent,which can provide important reference for the treatment and prognosis of the disease,with certain clinical value.

Objective:To analyze the awareness of HCV infection status and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases in four provinces in China and to provide a reference for adjusting HCV prevention and control strategies.Methods:From September 2021 to September 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified random cluster sampling in four provinces (Jiangsu, Henan, Hubei, and Yunnan) in China, with an estimated sample size of 6 468 participants. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information, HCV infection awareness, willingness for HCV-RNA testing, and history of high-risk behaviors from the survey participants. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with HCV infection awareness and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases. Statistical analysis was performed using R 4.1.3 software.Results:A total of 10 563 hepatitis C cases were surveyed. The awareness rate of HCV infection was 86.74% (9 162/10 563), and the willingness rate for HCV-RNA testing was 85.21% (9 001/10 563). Multivariate logistic regression models analysis showed that the awareness rate of HCV infection was lower among individuals aged ≥60 years, urban residents (with New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance ), those without a history of blood transfusion, those without a history of paid blood donation, those without a history of injection drug use, and those without a family member with hepatitis C case.The awareness rate was higher among individuals with high or technical secondary school education, college education or above, and those married with a spouse (all P<0.05). In terms of willingness for HCV-RNA testing, it was lower among females, individuals aged ≥60 years, and those without a history of blood transfusion, paid blood donation, or injection drug use. The willingness was higher among farmers or migrant workers, employees of enterprises or institutions, and those in other occupations (all P<0.05). Conclusions:There was room for improvement in the awareness proportion of HCV infection and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases in the four provinces of China. More convenient policies and measures should be provided to increase the awareness rate of HCV infection and the willingness to undergo HCV-RNA testing in this population.

Objective To determine the knee joint cartilage thickness using different methods and explore the feasibility of mathematical statistical models of dataset for the prediction of cartilage thickness.Methods A total of 304 patients diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis(OA)combined with varus deformity and undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study.All patients had complete preoperative and postoperative clinical data.The healthy cartilage at four anatomical sites of patients,including the distal femur lateral condyle,lateral tibial plateau,posterior medial femoral condyle,and posterior lateral femoral condyle were selected,and the knee joint cartilage thickness was determined based on preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen and digital vernier caliper.The baseline indicators of demographics,disease and imaging ffor patients were collected to construct a dataset,and four models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO)regression analysis,and K-nearest neighbors(KNN)analysis were established for predicting the accuracy,determination coefficient(R2)and root mean square error(RMSE),and the regression equation for predicting cartilage thickness was established.Results The knee joint cartilage thicknesses determined by preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen had no statistically significant difference with that by digital vernier caliper(P>0.05).The predictive efficiencies of models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,and LASSO regression analysis for the knee joint cartilage thickness all failed to meet the expectations(R2<0.3,RMSE>0.03).The predictive effect of KNN model on the cartilage thickness of the distal femur lateral condyle and lateral tibial plateau was not ideal(R2=0.23,RMSE=0.29),while it had potential predictive value(accuracy=0.21,accuracy=0.15).Conclusion The prediction model of knee joint cartilage thickness based on individual parameters has certain scientificity,and the feasibility of KNN model is relatively high.However,due to insufficient sample size and unclear individual parameter weight,the efficiencies of the four established prediction models are not ideal,which fails to provide definite prediction equations.Therefore,the construction scheme of the prediction model still needs to be further optimized.

Aim To investigate the therapeutic effects of a newly developed Tadalafil tablet on pulmonary fi-brosis induced by paraquat(PQ)in rats,as well as its impact on histone acetylation levels in epithelial cells.Methods SD rats were randomly divided into four groups:the control group(control),the model group(PQ),the Tadalafil new tablet treatment group(N-Tad,1 mg·kg-1),and the positive control drug treatment group(Cialis,5 mg·kg-1).The model group and treatment group rats were intraperitoneally injected with PQ(30 mg·kg-1).Two hours after the initial treatment,the rats in the treatment group re-ceived N-Tad or Cialis via gavage,while the control and model groups were administered an equal volume of physiological saline by gavage once daily for 28 days.The weight gain rate and lung tissue index for each group of rats were calculated.Additionally,the effects of N-Tad treatment on lung tissue structural damage and collagen deposition in rats with PQ-in-duced pulmonary fibrosis were observed using HE stai-ning,Masson trichrome staining,and immunohisto-chemical techniques.By employing the Western blot technique,the effects of Tadalafil intervention on the expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin(E-Cad),the stromal marker fibronectin(Fn),and the histone acetylation marker acetylated histones(Ac-his-tones)in A549 cells were observed.Results Com-pared to the control group,rats with PQ-induced pul-monary fibrosis exhibited a significant decrease in the rate of body weight growth,an increase in lung tissue index(P＜0.05),and a notable increase in the expression and distribution of the fibrosis marker alpha-smooth muscle actin(α-SMA)in lung tissue.The structure of the lung tissue was disrupted,accompanied by the deposition of interstitial collagen fibers.Both N-Tad and Cialis treatments could significantly enhance the rate of weight gain,decrease the lung tissue index,inhibit the expression of α-SMA,and reduce the depo-sition of interstitial collagen in the lung tissue of rats with pulmonary fibrosis.Notably,low-dose N-Tad treatment was comparable to high-dose Cialis treat-ment.At the cellular level,Tadalafil significantly in-hibited the high expression of Fn induced by transfor-ming growth factor beta 1(TGF-β1)in A549 cells.It also upregulated the expression of E-cadherin and sig-nificantly increased the levels of acetylated histones(P＜0.05).Conclusions N-Tad promotes histone acetylation in alveolar epithelial cells,significantly in-hibits epithelial-mesenchymal transition,increases E-cadherin expression,and improves lung tissue structur-al damage and collagen deposition caused by PQ.Ad-ditionally,it offers the advantage of a lower effective dose compared to Cialis,providing a new option for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Objective To investigate the mammographic imaging features of breast cancer and its correlation with microvascular density(MVD).Methods A total of 86 patients with breast cancer confirmed by surgical pathology in Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps 7th Division Hospital from January 2019 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects.According to the modified Bloom Richard-son scoring system,the breast cancer patients were classified into histological grade Ⅰ(n=22),grade Ⅱ(n=25)and grade Ⅲ(n=39).All patients underwent preoperative mammographic imaging examination.Immunohistochemistry staining was performed and MVD count was conducted after operation.Spearman rank correlation was used to analyze the correlation between MVD of breast cancer with different histo-logical grades and mammographic imaging features.Results The microvascular positive expression rate of breast cancer lesions was 100%,the MVD counts per visual field were 14～276 vessels,with an average of(72.58±16.37)vessels,of which the MVD counts of patients with histological grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ were 14 to 175 vessels,with an average of(42.10±13.51)vessels;the MVD counts of patients with histological grade Ⅲ was 22～276 vessels,with an average of(93.82±22.17)vessels.The MVD counts of patients with histological grade Ⅲ was signifi-cantly higher than that of patients with histological grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ,with statistically significant difference(t=19.627,P<0.001).The incidences of irregular margin,spicular sign,axillary lymph node metastasis and fine particle calcification in patients with histological gradeⅢ were higher than those in patients with histological grade Ⅰ to Ⅱ,with statistically significant difference(P<0.05).The MVD counts of breast cancer patients with irregular margin,spicular sign,axillary lymph node metastasis and fine particle calcification were higher than those of patients with smooth margin and without spicular sign,axillary lymph node metastasis or fine particle calcification,which was positively correlated with histological grades(P<0.05).Conclusion Some mammographic imaging features of breast cancer can reflect tumor angiogenesis to a certain extent,which can provide important reference for the treatment and prognosis of the disease,with certain clinical value.

Objective To determine the knee joint cartilage thickness using different methods and explore the feasibility of mathematical statistical models of dataset for the prediction of cartilage thickness.Methods A total of 304 patients diagnosed as knee osteoarthritis(OA)combined with varus deformity and undergoing unilateral total knee arthroplasty at the Second Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from March 2023 to March 2024 were selected for the study.All patients had complete preoperative and postoperative clinical data.The healthy cartilage at four anatomical sites of patients,including the distal femur lateral condyle,lateral tibial plateau,posterior medial femoral condyle,and posterior lateral femoral condyle were selected,and the knee joint cartilage thickness was determined based on preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen and digital vernier caliper.The baseline indicators of demographics,disease and imaging ffor patients were collected to construct a dataset,and four models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator(LASSO)regression analysis,and K-nearest neighbors(KNN)analysis were established for predicting the accuracy,determination coefficient(R2)and root mean square error(RMSE),and the regression equation for predicting cartilage thickness was established.Results The knee joint cartilage thicknesses determined by preoperative MRI analysis,robotic navigation system tracing,tissue section of surgical specimen had no statistically significant difference with that by digital vernier caliper(P>0.05).The predictive efficiencies of models of linear regression analysis,principal component analysis,and LASSO regression analysis for the knee joint cartilage thickness all failed to meet the expectations(R2<0.3,RMSE>0.03).The predictive effect of KNN model on the cartilage thickness of the distal femur lateral condyle and lateral tibial plateau was not ideal(R2=0.23,RMSE=0.29),while it had potential predictive value(accuracy=0.21,accuracy=0.15).Conclusion The prediction model of knee joint cartilage thickness based on individual parameters has certain scientificity,and the feasibility of KNN model is relatively high.However,due to insufficient sample size and unclear individual parameter weight,the efficiencies of the four established prediction models are not ideal,which fails to provide definite prediction equations.Therefore,the construction scheme of the prediction model still needs to be further optimized.

Objective:To investigate the changes in brain functional network and structural-functional network coupling in children with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE), and to analyze their correlation with cognitive function, disease duration, and age of onset.Methods:This study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 19 children with DRE who received consultation and treatment at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University from August 2021 to August 2023 (DRE group) were prospectively included. Another 27 age-and sex-matched healthy children were collected as the healthy control group. All subjects had 3D-T 1WI, T 2 fluid-attenuated inversion recovery, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI), resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scans and Wechsler Intelligence Scale assessments. Independent sample t-test and Mann-Whitney U test were used to analyze the global and local topological attributes, as well as the structural-functional coupling (SFC) values at the whole brain and modular levels in two groups. Correlations between abnormal resting state brain functional network indicators and the Wechsler Intelligence Scale score [verbal comprehension index (VCI), perceptual reasoning index (PRI), working memory index (WMI), processing speed index (PSI), full scale intelligence quotient (FSIQ)], disease duration and age of onset was evaluated using a Spearman or Pearson correlation analysis. Results:Compared to the healthy control group, DRE group exhibited decreased VCI, PRI, WMI, PSI, FSIQ and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). Both brain functional networks had small world attributes. There was a statistically significant difference in the area under the curve of sparsity of degree centrality (DC) in the left pallidum between the DRE group and healthy control group (2.998±0.942, 4.992±1.945, t=-4.07, FDR corrected P<0.05). Compared with the control group, the DRE group had decreased SFC within the limbic network (LN) ( P<0.05), increased SFC within the sensorimotor (SMN) ( P<0.05), decreased SFC between the default mode network-LN ( P<0.05), and increased SFC between the SMN-attentional network (AN) ( P<0.05). There was no statistically significant difference in SFC at the whole brain level between the two groups. Correlation analysis indicated that DC in left pallidum in DRE group negatively correlated with the PSI ( r=-0.537, P=0.018), and SFC between the SMN and AN demonstrated a negative correlation with age of onset ( r=-0.537, P=0.018). Conclusion:The altered DC in left pallidum may be related to cognitive impairment in children with DRE, providing biomarker information for the study of neural mechanisms in children with DRE.

Objective:To analyze the awareness of HCV infection status and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases in four provinces in China and to provide a reference for adjusting HCV prevention and control strategies.Methods:From September 2021 to September 2022, a cross-sectional survey was conducted using stratified random cluster sampling in four provinces (Jiangsu, Henan, Hubei, and Yunnan) in China, with an estimated sample size of 6 468 participants. The questionnaire included sociodemographic information, HCV infection awareness, willingness for HCV-RNA testing, and history of high-risk behaviors from the survey participants. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the factors associated with HCV infection awareness and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases. Statistical analysis was performed using R 4.1.3 software.Results:A total of 10 563 hepatitis C cases were surveyed. The awareness rate of HCV infection was 86.74% (9 162/10 563), and the willingness rate for HCV-RNA testing was 85.21% (9 001/10 563). Multivariate logistic regression models analysis showed that the awareness rate of HCV infection was lower among individuals aged ≥60 years, urban residents (with New Rural Cooperative Medical Insurance ), those without a history of blood transfusion, those without a history of paid blood donation, those without a history of injection drug use, and those without a family member with hepatitis C case.The awareness rate was higher among individuals with high or technical secondary school education, college education or above, and those married with a spouse (all P<0.05). In terms of willingness for HCV-RNA testing, it was lower among females, individuals aged ≥60 years, and those without a history of blood transfusion, paid blood donation, or injection drug use. The willingness was higher among farmers or migrant workers, employees of enterprises or institutions, and those in other occupations (all P<0.05). Conclusions:There was room for improvement in the awareness proportion of HCV infection and willingness for HCV-RNA testing among hepatitis C cases in the four provinces of China. More convenient policies and measures should be provided to increase the awareness rate of HCV infection and the willingness to undergo HCV-RNA testing in this population.