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.

Objective This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of modified endoscopic autologous cartilage eustachian tube pharyngeal orifice tuboplasty(MEACETT)in patients with patulous eustachian tube(PET).Meth-ods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 27 patients(30 ears)diagnosed with PET who underwent MEACETT.Autologous cartilage was used through the incision at the posterior end of the inferior turbi-nate and filled into the lateral wall of the pharyngeal orifice of the eustachian tube.Without affecting the movement function of the eustachian tube during swallowing,the collapse of the pharyngeal orifice was fully filled.Before and after the surgery,the visual analogue scale(VAS),the eustachian tube dysfunction questionnaire-7(ETDQ-7)and hospital anxiety and depression scale(HADS)was used for assessment to evaluate the surgical efficacy.Results There was no significant difference in depression scores before and after surgery(P＞0.05).However,postopera-tive anxiety scores,ETDQ-7 scores,and VAS scores were significantly lower than preoperative scores(P＜0.05).Among the 27 patients,9 showed significant symptom relief,13 exhibited partial relief,and 5 had no significant change compared to preoperative symptoms.The overall response rate of the treatment(significant relief and partial relief)was 81.48％(22/27).All surgeries were successfully performed.Except for secretory otitis media occurring in 2 cases,no major complications were observed.Conclusion MEACETT demonstrates significant symptom relief in PET patients,with high surgical safety and low complication rates,making it worthy of clinical promotion.

Objective To evaluate the diagnostic efficacy of the R value in tubomanometry(TMM)for the di-agnosis of patulous eustachian tube(PET).Methods The clinical data of 58 patients with PET and 65 controls were retrospectively analyzed.TMM was performed on both groups under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar respectively.The diagnostic efficacy of the R value for PET was evaluated through receiver operating char-acteristic(ROC)curves.Results In the control group,the average R values under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar were 0.86±0.50,0.76±0.41,and 0.68±0.34 respectively.In contrast,the corresponding R values in the PET group were significantly lower,which were 0.56±0.38,0.50±0.36,and 0.46±0.38 respec-tively.According to the ROC curve analysis,the areas under the curve(AUC)at these pressures were 0.62,0.74,and 0.74 respectively.The specificity and sensitivity of the R value under nasopharyngeal pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar were 76.90％and 54.30％,74.60％and 68.10％,86.90％and 54.30％,respectively.Under pressures of 30,40,and 50 mbar,the incidence rates of R＞1 in the control group and the PET group were 29.23％(38/130)and 12.77％(12/94)(x2=8.69,P=0.003),20.00％(26/130)and 6.38％(6/94)(x2=7.20,P=0.007),10.00％(13/130)and 3.19％(3/94)(x2=2.87,P=0.09)respectively.Conclusion Although the low R value in TMM reflects the presence of PET to some extent,it does not provide adequate sensitivity and specificity to serve as an independent diagnostic criterion for PET.

Objective To compare the ability of single-phase,dual-phase,and triphasic models in forecasting postoperative pancreatic fistula(POPF)after pancreaticoduodenectomy(PD)using radiomics based on triphasic enhanced CT.Methods A total of 181 patients who underwent multi-phase enhanced CT prior to PD were retrospectively selected,and the collection phase included non-contrast,arterial phase(AP),and equilibrium phase(EP).3D Slicer software was utilized to segment the region of interest(ROI)for the postoperative pancreatic remnant on each phase.Radiomics feature extraction was performed using R software,followed by feature selection through least absolute shrinkage and selection operator(LASSO)regression with five-fold cross-validation to prevent model overfitting.The effective features selected were combined in a weighted linear manner to obtain a Radiomics score(Radscore).The patients were divided into training set and test set in a 7︰3 ratio.Logistic regression was employed to construct seven POPF prediction models(three single-phase,three dual-phase,and one triphasic models)based on different phase combinations.The diagnostic performance of the models was evaluated using the area under the curve(AUC)of receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve,accuracy(ACC),sensitivity(SEN),and specificity(SPE).The DeLong test was applied to compare the differences in AUC among different models.Results After LASSO regression,24 effective features associated with POPF were selected from different phases.In the test set,the triphasic model exhibited the highest AUC and ACC(AUC=0.76,ACC=0.808).The calibration curve demonstrated the strongest agreement between the estimated probabilities and observed probabilities for the triphasic model.The decision curve analysis(DCA)curve indicated that the triphasic model had the largest threshold range with a higher net benefit.Conclusion Compared with single-phase and dual-phase models,the triphasic model based on enhanced CT provides better prediction of POPF after PD,aiding clinical decision-making and improve prognosis.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of dual-modality ultrasound,incorporating conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography,in combination with S-Detect for cervical lymph node metastasis(CLNM)in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 135 patients diagnosed with PTC who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University between November 2023 and August 2024.For all patients,clinical baseline characteristics,conventional ultrasound findings,ultrasound elastography results,and S-Detect analysis data were collected.Independent predictors of CLNM in PTC were identified,and predictive models were developed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated to compare the area under the curve(AUC)of the models.The most effective predictive model was selected to construct a risk probability nomogram,and the predictive performance and clinical applicability of this nomogram were subsequently evaluated.Results Age,maximum nodule diameter,boundary characteristics,capsular invasion,transverse-sectional morphological findings assessed by S-Detect,and ECI-based elasticity grading were identified as independent predictors of CLNM in PTC(all P<0.05).The AUC of the predictive model constructed using these six variables was 0.890(95%CI:0.835～0.945).The calibration curve demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed outcomes,and decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram provided a favorable net clinical benefit within a threshold probability range of 2%to 91.5%.Conclusions Age,maximum nodule diameter,boundary characteristics,capsular invasion,sonographic features assessed by S-Detect in the transverse plane,and ECI-based elasticity grading are independent predictors of CLNM in PTC.A nomogram model incorporating these parameters demonstrates effective performance in predicting the likelihood of CLNM.

Objective To study the impact of tympanic membrane opening on respiratory-driven middle ear pressure in patients with patulous eustachian tube(PET),using a simplified in vitro model.Methods CT imaging data from a PET patient(with full-length eustachian tube opening observed during a Valsalva maneuver followed by breath-holding)were used to design a simplified eustachian tube model.Two simplified in vitro models of the eusta-chian tube were constructed using silicone-based 3D printing technology and connected to a pressure controller and pressure sensors.The pressure controller was activated to introduce negative-pressure airflow into the nasopharyn-geal model to simulate respiratory-induced middle ear pressure fluctuations.A hemostat was used to alternately open and close the external interface of the middle ear chamber,simulating conditions of an open and intact tympanic membrane,while middle ear pressure was continuously monitored using pressure sensors.Results In the first mod-el,with-800 mbar negative pressure applied at the nasopharynx,the middle ear pressure stabilized between-3.9 mbar and-4.3 mbar with tympanic membrane opening,and between-7.9 mbar and-8.2 mbar with intact tym-panic membrane.In the second model,under the same pressure setting,middle ear pressure stabilized between-2.7 mbar and-3.1 mbar with tympanic membrane opening,and between-5.0 mbar and-7.7 mbar with intact tympanic membrane.Conclusion This study,based on a simplified in vitro model,demonstrates that tympanic membrane opening can effectively reduce respiratory-driven pressure in the middle ear.This phenomenon may partly explain the clinical efficacy of tympanostomy tube insertion in certain PET patients.

Objective To evaluate the predictive value of dual-modality ultrasound,incorporating conventional ultrasound and ultrasound elastography,in combination with S-Detect for cervical lymph node metastasis(CLNM)in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma(PTC).Methods A retrospective analysis was conducted on the clinical data of 135 patients diagnosed with PTC who received treatment at the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University between November 2023 and August 2024.For all patients,clinical baseline characteristics,conventional ultrasound findings,ultrasound elastography results,and S-Detect analysis data were collected.Independent predictors of CLNM in PTC were identified,and predictive models were developed.Receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curves were generated to compare the area under the curve(AUC)of the models.The most effective predictive model was selected to construct a risk probability nomogram,and the predictive performance and clinical applicability of this nomogram were subsequently evaluated.Results Age,maximum nodule diameter,boundary characteristics,capsular invasion,transverse-sectional morphological findings assessed by S-Detect,and ECI-based elasticity grading were identified as independent predictors of CLNM in PTC(all P<0.05).The AUC of the predictive model constructed using these six variables was 0.890(95%CI:0.835～0.945).The calibration curve demonstrated strong agreement between predicted and observed outcomes,and decision curve analysis indicated that the nomogram provided a favorable net clinical benefit within a threshold probability range of 2%to 91.5%.Conclusions Age,maximum nodule diameter,boundary characteristics,capsular invasion,sonographic features assessed by S-Detect in the transverse plane,and ECI-based elasticity grading are independent predictors of CLNM in PTC.A nomogram model incorporating these parameters demonstrates effective performance in predicting the likelihood of CLNM.

Objective: To explore the assocation of the family environment and depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students, so as to provide suggestions for further maximizing the utility of family environment in the growth of primary and secondary school students, as well as prevention and intervention of depressive symptoms among children and adolescents. Methods: From June to July 2024, through a multistage cluster random sampling method, 8 800 primary and middle school students aged 10 to 18 from 36 schools in 3 cities (Datong, Lvliang, Linfen) in Shanxi Province. A self designed questionnaire was used to conduct a family environment survey, including family socioeconomic conditions, family structure, family parenting behavior, family member health behavior, etc; and the depression symptoms of primary and secondary school students were investigated by Patient Health Questionnaire-9. The χ 2 test and binary Logistic regression to method were used to analyze the association of the family environment with depressive symptoms among primary and secondary school students, and to analyze gender and urban-rural heterogeneity in this association. Results: The detection rate of depressive symptoms among primary and middle school students was 46.7% ( n = 4 111 ). Among them, the detection rates of depressive symptoms for male and female students were 45.7% and 47.7% respectively, and the detection rates for rural and urban students were 48.0% and 44.9% respectively. The results of binary Logistic regression model showed that in the family environment, factors such as the father s education level (junior high school: OR =0.84), self assessed family socio economic status (average: OR =0.78, good: OR =0.80), parental support and understanding (yes: OR = 0.55 ), family atmosphere (harmonious: OR =0.66), living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.31, living with parents and grandparents: OR =1.19), and family rearing style (combining punishment and reward: OR =1.42, punishment only: OR =1.25) were related to depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students in Shanxi Province ( P <0.05). From the perspective of gender heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.67, others: OR =1.67) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in male students ( P <0.05). From the perspective of urban rural heterogeneity, the living arrangement (living only with father or mother: OR =1.38) had a statistically significant association with depressive symptoms in rural primary and middle school students ( P <0.05). Conclusions The family environment has an important impact on depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students. Family functioning should be fully exerted to prevent depressive symptoms in primary and middle school students.

BACKGROUND:Traditional Chinese medicine has been proved to have a significant role in anti-osteoporosis,and the effectiveness and mechanism of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and its the active ingredients against osteoporosis have gradually gained the attention of scholars.OBJECTIVE:To analyze and summarize the research progress of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus and its active ingredients against osteoporosis in vitro and in vivo.METHODS:We searched the relevant literature included in CNKI and PubMed databases using the search terms of"Osteoporosis,Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells,Osteoblast,Osteoclast,Ligustri Lucidi Fructus,Signal path"in Chinese and English,respectively.According to the needs of the research,we established the corresponding criteria and screened the literature.A total of 82 papers were included in the final review.RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:(1)The active ingredients of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus that exert anti-osteoporotic effects in vitro and in vivo mainly involve the following:Salidroside activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway by inhibiting the expression of Sclerostin and Dickkopf-related protein 1.This activation process enhances the expression of phosphorylated low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 in ovariectomized rats and primary osteoblasts,while decreasing the expression of glycogen synthase kinase 3β.Further,it promotes the expression of β-catenin,runt-related transcription factor 2 and cellular myelocytomatosis oncogene in the nucleus,thereby promoting the bone formation capacity of osteoblasts.The advantage is that it acts directly on osteoblasts to promote bone formation,which provides a new strategy for the treatment of osteoporosis.(2)Olive bittersweet significantly increases bone mineral density and regulates bone metabolism by decreasing terminal interleukin-6 and alkaline phosphatase concentrations in Sprague-Dawley rats.In vitro experiments showed that olive bittersweet promotes the proliferation of osteoblasts and up-regulates the protein and mRNA expression of osteoprotegerin,while inhibiting the protein and mRNA expression of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand.This mechanism of action is closely related to the regulation of the balance of the osteoprotegerin/receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand system,demonstrating the advantage of increasing bone mineral density and maintaining bone health by regulating factors related to bone metabolism,but there is no significant effect on Ca2+concentration,which may limit its use in some specific types of osteoporosis.(3)By decreasing the expression of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase,reducing the phosphorylation of protein kinase B and the expression of osteoclast-specific marker protein c-Fos,pineconiferin effectively inhibits the activation of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B/c-Fos pathway in osteoclasts.This inhibition reduces the proliferation and maturation of osteoclasts,which can help to reduce bone resorption.The advantage of this inhibition is that it can directly target osteoclasts,which provides a new target for osteoporosis treatment.However,the specific regulatory mechanism of osteoclasts needs to be studied in depth,and its long-term effect and safety need to be further evaluated.(4)The active ingredients of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus have shown good therapeutic effects on osteoporosis,but their mechanism of action is complex,involving the interaction of multiple genes,proteins and signaling pathways.In the future,large-scale clinical trials need to be carried out to verify its effectiveness and safety,and the strategy of combining the active ingredients of Ligustri Lucidi Fructus with other drugs needs to be further explored in order to obtain better therapeutic effects.

Objective:To compare the efficacy of posteromedial combined with lateral Frosch approach versus anterior medial and lateral dual incision approach in open reduction and internal fixation for Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures.Methods:A retrospective cohort study was conducted to analyze the clinical data of 41 patients with Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures, who were admitted to the 940th Hospital of the Joint Logistics Support Force of the PLA from January 2018 to May 2024, including 23 males and 18 females, aged 34-79 years [(50.7±7.7)years]. Twenty-three patients underwent open reduction and internal fixation via the posteromedial combined with lateral Frosch approach (posterior approach group), while 18 patients underwent the same procedure via the anterior medial and lateral dual incision approach (anterior approach group). The following parameters were compared between the two groups: operation duration, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative drainage volume, depth of articular surface depression and tibial plateau width measured preoperatively, at 7 days, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, medial proximal tibial angle (MPTA) and posterior proximal tibial angle (PPTA) measured at 7 days, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, visual analogue scale (VAS) scores assessed preoperatively, at 7 days postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, American Knee Society (KSS) score and knee flexion range of motion assessed at 7 days, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, fracture healing status at the last follow-up, and incidence of postoperative complications.Results:All the patients were followed up for 12-16 months [(14.3±2.1)months]. The operation duration was (119.6±11.8)minutes in the posterior approach group, which was significantly shorter than (140.3±10.6)minutes in the anterior approach group ( P<0.05). There were no statistically significant differences in intraoperative blood loss or postoperative drainage volume between the two groups ( P>0.05). No significant differences were found in the preoperative depth of articular surface depression or tibial plateau width between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 7 days, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the depth of articular surface depression was 0.8(0.6, 1.0)mm, 0.6(0.5, 0.8)mm, and 0.6(0.5, 0.7)mm in the posterior approach group, which were significantly shorter than 1.1(0.9, 1.3)mm, 0.8(0.7, 1.0)mm, and 0.8(0.7, 1.0)mm in the anterior approach group ( P<0.05). The tibial plateau width at the same time points was 71.0(69.1, 73.5)mm, 70.5(69.2, 72.9)mm, and 70.5(69.3, 72.5)mm in the posterior approach group, which were significantly shorter than 73.0(72.3, 74.2)mm, 71.5(71.0, 73.0)mm, and 71.5(71.1, 72.6)mm in the anterior approach group ( P<0.05). At 7 days, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the MPTA values were (87.4±0.7)°, (87.7±0.6)°, and (87.9±0.5)° in the posterior approach group, which were significantly larger than (85.2±2.5)°, (86.0±2.2)°, and (86.3±2.0)° in the anterior approach group ( P<0.01). The PPTA values at the same time points were (9.5±0.7)°, (9.0±0.5)°, and (8.6±0.4)° in the posterior approach group, which were significantly smaller than (11.2±1.0)°, (10.3±0.8)°, and (9.8±0.7)° in the anterior approach group ( P<0.01). There was no significant difference in the preoperative VAS score between the two groups ( P>0.05). At 7 days postoperatively and at the last follow-up, the VAS scores were 4.0(3.0, 5.0)points and 0.5(0.0, 2.0)points in the posterior approach group, which were significantly lower than 5.0(4.0, 5.0)points and 1.0(1.0, 3.0)points in the anterior approach group ( P<0.05). At 7 days, 3 months postoperatively, and at the last follow-up, the KSS scores were 62.5(57.0, 67.5)points, 75.5(72.0, 82.5)points, and 87.0(82.5, 93.5)points in the posterior approach group, which were significantly higher than 61.5(54.5, 63.0)points, 74.0(68.0, 79.0)points, and 85.5(78.0, 88.5)points in the anterior approach group ( P<0.05). The knee flexion range of motion was 90.0(85.0, 95.0)°, 115.0(109.0, 122.0)°, and 126.0(120.0, 130.0)° in the posterior approach group, which were significantly greater than 80.5(75.2, 85.8)°, 110.0(104.0, 115.0)°, and 119.0(113.0, 122.0)° in the anterior approach group ( P<0.05). At the last follow-up, all the fractures were healed in both groups. No statistically significant difference was found in the incidence of postoperative complications between the two groups ( P>0.05). Conclusion:Compared to the anterior medial and lateral dual incision approach, the posteromedial combined with lateral Frosch approach demonstrates superior advantages in operation duration, reduction quality, pain relief, functional recovery in the treatment of Schatzker type VI tibial plateau fractures, while the incidence of complications is comparable.