ObjectiveTo characterize the systemically absorbed components of Zhengqi prescription （ZQP） and investigate its therapeutic effects and mechanisms against cancer-related fatigue （CRF） through an integrated approach of network pharmacology and animal experiments. MethodsThe systemically absorbed components of ZQP were identified by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometry （UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS）. Network pharmacology was employed to predict the potential targets and signaling pathways involved in the anti-CRF effects of ZQP. A mouse model of paclitaxel-induced CRF， mimicking breast cancer-related fatigue， was established. Mice were administered different doses of ZQP extract. The therapeutic efficacy was evaluated based on fatigue-related indicators， behavioral test results， and energy metabolism parameters. Western blot analysis was conducted to validate the regulation of core signaling pathways. ResultsA total of 48 systemically absorbed components were identified. Network pharmacology analysis revealed 124 intersecting targets （including Akt1） and implicated signaling pathways such as phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase （PI3K/Akt）. Pharmacodynamic studies with the established CRF model demonstrated that ZQP alleviated fatigue symptoms. Specifically， ZQP-treated mice exhibited increased exhaustive swimming time （P<0.05）， prolonged struggling time in the tail suspension test， and enhanced movement duration and distance in the open field test （P<0.05， P<0.01）. Furthermore， ZQP treatment decreased serum lactate and blood urea nitrogen levels （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased liver and muscle glycogen content （P<0.05， P<0.01）， and upregulated the expression of phosphorylated （p）-Akt and p-PI3K in the gastrocnemius muscle （P<0.05， P<0.01）. ConclusionZQP exerts significant therapeutic effects on paclitaxel-induced breast cancer-related fatigue by regulating the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway. Furthermore， this study provides a preliminary foundation for subsequent quality control of the formula and further investigation into its mechanism against CRF.

Purpose To investigate the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and analyze their associations with clinicopathological features.Methods Bioinformatics was used to assess the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in pan-cancer and ESCC.Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate their expression and distribution in ESCC tissues,and correlations clinicopathological features were analyzed.Follow-up data were collected to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves,and Cox regression analysis was proformed to determine their prognostic significance.Results Bioinformatics analysis showed that LAMB3 and ITGB4 were highly expressed in ES-CC tissues(P＜0.001).Immunohistochemistry confirmed that both proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of tumor cells.High LAMB3 expression was significantly associated with poor differentiation(P＜0.001),lymph node metastasis(P=0.015),and T staging(P＜0.001).High ITGB4 expression was significantly correlated with poor differentiation(P=0.004)and advanced T staging(P=0.004).Cox regression analysis identified high ex-pression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 as independent prognostic factors for overall survival[HR=4.97(95％CI:2.73-9.02);HR=2.33(95％CI:1.36-3.99)].Conclusion LAMB3 and ITGB4 are highly expressed in ESCC.High LAMB3 expression is associated with tumor differentiation,lymph node metastasis,and T staging,while high ITGB4 expression is correlated with tumor differentiation and T staging.Patients with high expression of LAMB3 or ITGB4 have poorer overall survival,suggesting that these proteins may serve as prognostic biomarkers for unfavorable outcome in ESCC.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of an aMAP score for the occurrence risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving antiviral therapy.Methods:The medical records of 508 CHB patients who started receiving antiviral treatment in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2001 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups according to the aMAP, AASL-HCC, PAGE-B, mPAGE-B, and CAMD scoring criteria. At the end of follow-up, they were divided into HCC (33 cases) and non-HCC group (475 cases) according to whether HCC occurred. The occurrence risk factors for HCC were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The cumulative incidence of HCC at different time points was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank method. The HCC prediction performance of the aMAP score was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and compared with other scores. The Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher test, was used to compare the non-normally distributed quantitative data between groups. The χ2 test was used to compare the count data between groups. Results:A total of 33 cases (6.5%) developed HCC during the median follow-up period of 8.7 (6.8-8.9) years. Multivariate analysis showed that age＞50 years ( HR=2.804, 95% CI 1.332-5.902; P=0.007) and liver cirrhosis ( HR=11.808, 95% CI 4.360-31.976; P<0.001) were independent risk factors for HCC occurrence. The cumulative incidence of HCC defined by the aMAP score at 3 and 5 years was significantly lower in the low-risk group (0, 0) than that in the intermediate-risk group (4.4%, 5.4%) and the high-risk group (10.8%, 18.5%), P<0.001. The aMAP score performed similarly to the AASL-HCC score, mPAGE-B score, and CAMD score [area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.863, 0.900, 0.851, and 0.886, respectively], with P＞0.05 in terms of the 3-year HCC prediction performance; and was equally superior with the PAGE-B score (AUC was 0.732), with P<0.05. The aMAP score was not worse than the AASL-HCC score and CAMD score (AUC was 0.890, 0.894, and 0.882, respectively), with P＞0.05 in terms of the 5-year HCC prediction performance; however, it was significantly superior to the PAGE-B score and mPAGE-B score (AUC was 0.795 and 0.875, respectively), with P<0.05. In addition, the AUC of the aMAP score for predicting HCC occurrence at baseline, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years of antiviral treatment was＞0.9. Conclusions:The aMAP score can accurately assess the risk of HCC in CHB patients receiving antiviral therapy.

Purpose To investigate the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma(ESCC)and analyze their associations with clinicopathological features.Methods Bioinformatics was used to assess the expression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 in pan-cancer and ESCC.Immunohistochemistry was performed to evaluate their expression and distribution in ESCC tissues,and correlations clinicopathological features were analyzed.Follow-up data were collected to construct Kaplan-Meier survival curves,and Cox regression analysis was proformed to determine their prognostic significance.Results Bioinformatics analysis showed that LAMB3 and ITGB4 were highly expressed in ES-CC tissues(P＜0.001).Immunohistochemistry confirmed that both proteins were localized in the cytoplasm and membrane of tumor cells.High LAMB3 expression was significantly associated with poor differentiation(P＜0.001),lymph node metastasis(P=0.015),and T staging(P＜0.001).High ITGB4 expression was significantly correlated with poor differentiation(P=0.004)and advanced T staging(P=0.004).Cox regression analysis identified high ex-pression of LAMB3 and ITGB4 as independent prognostic factors for overall survival[HR=4.97(95％CI:2.73-9.02);HR=2.33(95％CI:1.36-3.99)].Conclusion LAMB3 and ITGB4 are highly expressed in ESCC.High LAMB3 expression is associated with tumor differentiation,lymph node metastasis,and T staging,while high ITGB4 expression is correlated with tumor differentiation and T staging.Patients with high expression of LAMB3 or ITGB4 have poorer overall survival,suggesting that these proteins may serve as prognostic biomarkers for unfavorable outcome in ESCC.

Objective:To evaluate the predictive value of an aMAP score for the occurrence risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB) receiving antiviral therapy.Methods:The medical records of 508 CHB patients who started receiving antiviral treatment in the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University and the Fifth Hospital of Shijiazhuang from January 2001 to November 2021 were retrospectively analyzed. They were divided into low-, intermediate-, and high-risk groups according to the aMAP, AASL-HCC, PAGE-B, mPAGE-B, and CAMD scoring criteria. At the end of follow-up, they were divided into HCC (33 cases) and non-HCC group (475 cases) according to whether HCC occurred. The occurrence risk factors for HCC were analyzed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis. The cumulative incidence of HCC at different time points was estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method and compared by the log-rank method. The HCC prediction performance of the aMAP score was evaluated by the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and compared with other scores. The Mann-Whitney U test, or Fisher test, was used to compare the non-normally distributed quantitative data between groups. The χ2 test was used to compare the count data between groups. Results:A total of 33 cases (6.5%) developed HCC during the median follow-up period of 8.7 (6.8-8.9) years. Multivariate analysis showed that age＞50 years ( HR=2.804, 95% CI 1.332-5.902; P=0.007) and liver cirrhosis ( HR=11.808, 95% CI 4.360-31.976; P<0.001) were independent risk factors for HCC occurrence. The cumulative incidence of HCC defined by the aMAP score at 3 and 5 years was significantly lower in the low-risk group (0, 0) than that in the intermediate-risk group (4.4%, 5.4%) and the high-risk group (10.8%, 18.5%), P<0.001. The aMAP score performed similarly to the AASL-HCC score, mPAGE-B score, and CAMD score [area under the ROC curve (AUC) was 0.863, 0.900, 0.851, and 0.886, respectively], with P＞0.05 in terms of the 3-year HCC prediction performance; and was equally superior with the PAGE-B score (AUC was 0.732), with P<0.05. The aMAP score was not worse than the AASL-HCC score and CAMD score (AUC was 0.890, 0.894, and 0.882, respectively), with P＞0.05 in terms of the 5-year HCC prediction performance; however, it was significantly superior to the PAGE-B score and mPAGE-B score (AUC was 0.795 and 0.875, respectively), with P<0.05. In addition, the AUC of the aMAP score for predicting HCC occurrence at baseline, 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years of antiviral treatment was＞0.9. Conclusions:The aMAP score can accurately assess the risk of HCC in CHB patients receiving antiviral therapy.

Objective To develop a novel transcatheter tricuspid valve replacement device and test its performance. Methods The transcatheter tricuspid valve stent consisted of double-layer self-expanding nitinol stent, biotissue-derived bovine pericardial leaflets, and PTFE woven. The delivery system, mainly consisting of a handle control unit and a delivery sheath, was sent to the correct position via right atrium or jugular vein. The sheath had a visualization feature, and the handle control unit could realize the functions of stable release and partial recovery of the interventional valve. In addition, this study performed animal survival experiments on the basis of in vitro experiments. A large-white pig was used as the experimental animal. Cardiopulmonary bypass was established through median thoracotomy, then the right atrium was opened, and the interventional valve was released under direct vision without cardiac arrest. Approximately 1 month after interventional valve implantation, the maneuverability and stability of the interventional tricuspid device were evaluated by autopsy. Results Through the animal experiment, the interventional valve was successfully released, and the anchoring was satisfactory. Postoperative transthoracic echocardiography showed that the interventional valve opened and closed well, the flow rate of tricuspid valve was 0.6 m/s, and there was no obvious tricuspid regurgitation. One month after the operation, we dissected the large-white pig and found the interventional valve was not deformed or displaced, the leaflets were well aligned, and there was thrombus attachment in the groove between the inner and outer layers of the interventional valve. Conclusion Animal experiment shows that the novel device can stably and firmly attach to the tricuspid annulus, with good anchoring effect, and effectively reduce paravalvular leakage.

The concept,connotation and extension,goals and tasks of the discipline of Chinese medicinal materials resource chem-istry have been proposed and developed for 20 years.Looking back at the 20-year construction and development process,continuous exploration and innovative practice have been carried out around the scientific production and effective utilization of traditional Chinese medicinal materials.The theoretical connotation has been further enriched,the research mode has been further improved,and the tech-nical system has been further expanded.A series of research results have been formed and promoted for application,serving the high-quality development of the traditional Chinese medicinal materials industry,and contributing to the improvement of quality,efficiency,and green development of the entire industry chain of Chinese medicinal resources.However,with the rapid growth of Chinese medici-nal materials industry and the continuous expansion and extension of the industry chain,the waste and by-products generated in the production process of Chinese medicinal agriculture and industry are increasing day by day,causing resource waste and environmental pollution,which has become a new major problem facing the development of the industry.This article focuses on the establishment and case analysis of a model for the full industry chain recycling and low-carbon green development of Chinese medicinal materials,as well as the creation of an ecological industry demonstration park for the recycling of Chinese medicinal materials.It showcases the phased a-chievements made in recent years,aiming to provide demonstration and reference for the low-carbon and green transformation of the Chinese medicinal materials industry from a linear economy model to a circular economy model.It provides reference for improving the efficiency of Chinese medicinal materials utilization and creating new quality productivity,and helps promote low-carbon and green de-velopment in the field of Chinese medicinal materials industry.

Objective:To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors.Method:In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents.Results:A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers′ preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions.Conclusion:Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

Objective:To employ qualitative research methods to evaluate the sustainability of the Shandong-Ministry of Health Action on Salt and Hypertension (SMASH) interventions and their influencing factors.Method:In September 2023, interviewees meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through purposive sampling in Jinan, Shandong Province. A semi-structured interview guide was designed based on the CFIR and RE-AIM frameworks. Personal in-depth interviews and focus group discussions were conducted to gather insights on the feasibility, effectiveness, and sustainability of the project interventions from various stakeholders, including representatives from the government, food manufacturers, restaurants, academia, and residents.Results:A total of 15 individuals participated in in-depth interviews, involving six representatives from food manufacturers, four from restaurants, three from the government, and two from academia. There were four focus group discussions with 30 residents. The study found that at the individual resident level, health awareness and the availability of sodium reduction tools in the market could affect their salt reduction practices. For food manufacturers and restaurants, consumers′ preferences, technical challenges in reformulation, and government support were key factors determining the smooth progress of their salt reduction efforts. At the governmental level, multi-sectional coordination, chronic disease management demonstration areas, and the impact of the pandemic were the main factors influencing the implementation of sodium reduction interventions.Conclusion:Future endeavours should strengthen long-term management and optimise the complex influencing factors associated with intervention measures. This will be essential in sustaining and expanding the positive health outcomes achieved through the Shandong population sodium reduction strategy.

BACKGROUND: The effect of arteriosclerotic intracranial arterial vessel wall enhancement (IAVWE) on downstream collateral flow found in vessel wall imaging (VWI) is not clear. Regardless of the mechanism underlying IAVWE on VWI, damage to the patient's nervous system caused by IAVWE is likely achieved by affecting downstream cerebral blood flow. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of arteriosclerotic IAVWE on downstream collateral flow. METHODS: The present study recruited 63 consecutive patients at the Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University from January 2021 to November 2021 with underlying atherosclerotic diseases and unilateral middle cerebral artery (MCA) M1-segment stenosis who underwent an magnetic resonance scan within 3 days of symptom onset. The patients were divided into 4 groups according to IAVWE and the stenosis ratio (Group 1, n = 17; Group 2, n = 19; Group 3, n = 13; Group 4, n = 14), and downstream collateral flow was analyzed using three-dimensional pseudocontinuous arterial spin labeling (3D-pCASL) and RAPID software. The National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) scores of the patients were also recorded. Two-factor multivariate analysis of variance using Pillai's trace was used as the main statistical method. RESULTS: No statistically significant difference was found in baseline demographic characteristics among the groups. IAVWE, but not the stenosis ratio, had a statistically significant significance on the late-arriving retrograde flow proportion (LARFP), hypoperfusion intensity ratio (HIR), and NIHSS scores ( F = 20.941, P <0.001, Pillai's trace statistic = 0.567). The between-subject effects test showed that IAVWE had a significant effect on the three dependent variables: LARFP ( R2 = 0.088, F = 10.899, P = 0.002), HIR ( R2 = 0.234, F = 29.354, P <0.001), and NIHSS ( R2 = 114.339, F = 33.338, P <0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Arteriosclerotic IAVWE significantly reduced downstream collateral flow and affected relevant neurological deficits. It was an independent factor affecting downstream collateral flow and NIHSS scores, which should be a focus of future studies. TRIAL REGISTRATION ChiCTR.org.cn, ChiCTR2100053661.
Humans ; Constriction, Pathologic/pathology* ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging/methods* ; Middle Cerebral Artery/pathology* ; Tomography, X-Ray Computed