This review described the potential health threats to the cardiovascular system from micro-nano plastics (MNPs) and their multifaceted toxicity mechanisms. The article reviewed the environmental distribution of MNPs, exposure pathways, and their toxic effects on the cardiovascular system, and summarized the specific mechanisms of MNPs involving oxidative stress, inflammatory response, mitochondrial damage, apoptosis, pyroptosis, and autophagy dysregulation. Meanwhile, the combined toxic effects of MNPs with other environmental pollutants (e.g., heavy metals and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons), including synergistic, antagonistic, and dual effects, were analyzed, and the potential risks of MNPs as carriers of microorganisms and toxic chemicals were pointed out. The widespread presence of MNPs and their complex toxicity mechanisms may make them important triggers for cardiovascular diseases, but current research still suffers from unbalanced studies across environmental systems, incomplete understanding of plastic properties, and limited knowledge of long-term biological effects. Future research should focus on the long-term effects of MNPs, the joint toxicity mechanisms with other pollutants, and the differential effects across population subgroups. It is suggested to accelerate plastic recycling technology innovation, promote biodegradable materials, and optimize waste treatment process to mitigate the potential threat of MNPs pollution to human health. Through multidisciplinary collaboration and in-depth research, combining innovative concepts from toxicology, public health policy, and environmental science, it is expected to provide new methods and approaches for the prevention and treatment of cardiovascular diseases associated with MNPs.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the acupoint selection patterns and core prescriptions of acupuncture for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) using data mining, and to explore the molecular mechanisms of core acupoints through network acupuncture medicine. METHODS: The randomized controlled trials (RCTs) on acupuncture for PCOS published from January 1, 2004 to July 21, 2024 were retrieved from CNKI, VIP, Wanfang, PubMed, and Web of Science databases. R software (version 4.4.0) was used for acupoint frequency and association rule analysis to identify core acupoint prescriptions. Potential targets were predicted via the STITCH and Swiss Target Prediction databases, and a "core prescription-active compounds-targets- PCOS" network was constructed. Cytoscape 3.7.1 was applied to build protein-protein interaction (PPI) networks of potential targets of core acupoint prescriptions. Key therapeutic targets were subjected to gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses using the DAVID and Microbioinformatics platforms. RESULTS: A total of 176 RCTs were included, covering 208 prescriptions and 89 acupoints. The five most frequently used acupoints were Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zigong (EX-CA1), Zusanli (ST36) and Zhongji (CV3). Association rule analysis yielded 13 core acupoint combinations, with Guanyuan (CV4), Sanyinjiao (SP6), Zigong (EX-CA1) and Zusanli (ST36) as the core prescription. Twenty-seven active compounds were involved, with 852 potential therapeutic targets, among which 208 targets overlapped with PCOS-related targets. Network acupuncture medicine analysis suggested that the core prescription may act through targets such as estrogen receptor 1 (ESR1), proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src (SRC), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARG), and RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase (AKT1). GO and KEGG analyses indicated that the main pathways included the hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) signaling pathway, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-protein kinase B (PI3K-AKT) signaling pathway, and advanced glycation end products-receptor for advanced glycation end products (AGE-RAGE) signaling pathway, involving processes such as signal transduction, receptor complex formation, and cytokine activity. CONCLUSION The core acupoint prescription for PCOS might exert therapeutic effects through multiple targets and pathways, providing a theoretical basis for mechanistic research on acupoint prescriptions.
Humans ; Acupuncture Therapy ; Data Mining ; Acupuncture Points ; Polycystic Ovary Syndrome/metabolism* ; Female ; Protein Interaction Maps ; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic

The incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD) together with their associated risk factors increasingly impact public health. According to the data provided in the 2024 Annual Report on Cardiovascular Health and Diseases in China, the crude incidence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases among Chinese residents aged ≥18 years, including acute myocardial infarction (AMI), angina pectoris treated by percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty/stent implantation and/or coronary artery bypass grafting, stroke, and sudden cardiac death was 620.33 per 100,000 population, with 87.6 for AMI. Stroke had an incidence of 491.0 per 100,000 population. The prevalence of adult coronary heart disease (CHD, aged ≥18 years) was 758 per 100,000 population. The CVD mortality in 2021 remained the highest, exceeding that of cancer and other causes. The crude mortality rate of CVD in 2021 was 364.16 per 100,000 population in rural areas and 305.39 per 100,000 population in urban areas. The crude mortality rates of cerebrovascular diseases and CHD among urban and rural residents in 2021 were 140.02 and 175.58, 135.08 and 148.19 per 100,000 population, respectively. In addition to interpreting the key findings of CVD incidence and mortality in China, we also update the data of associated risk factors, including tobacco use, physical activity, diet and nutrition, overweight and obesity, hypertension, dyslipidemia, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, sleep and psychological factors, environmental factors, and the diagnostic conditions of CVD diseases, aiming to provide a scientific foundation for advancing CVD prevention and control, and to inform relevant public health policy development.
Humans ; China/epidemiology* ; Cardiovascular Diseases/mortality* ; Risk Factors ; Adult ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Incidence ; Cerebrovascular Disorders/epidemiology* ; Aged

OBJECTIVES: To analyze sex and age distribution of global disease burden of calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) from 1990 to 2021. METHODS: CAVD data during 1990-2021 were obtained from the IHME website for Global Burden of Disease (GBD). The prevalence, mortality, years lived with disability (YLDs), and disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) were analyzed by gender and age groups. Joinpoint regression was used to calculate annual percentage change (APC) and average annual percentage change (AAPC). RESULTS: In 2021, there were 13.32 million CAVD patients and 142 000 deaths caused by CAVD globally. Age-standardized prevalence was higher in males (193.2/10⁵) than that in females (128.9/10⁵). Patients in 65-<85 age group accounted for 64.0% of total cases, while those ≥85 years old accounted for 16.1%. From 1990 to 2021, prevalence increased in both sexes with an AAPC of 0.72% for males and 0.57% for females, respectively. Prevalence grew fastest from 2000 to 2010, slowed thereafter, and declined from 2015 to 2021. In <65 years old, the mortality of males was 2.4 times higher than that of females, while in ≥85 years old, mortality of females (117.3/10⁵) exceeded that of males (99.1/10⁵). YLD rates increased with age, and were higher in males for all age groups. DALY rates decreased overall but increased in ≥85 years old, with a greater increase in females. CONCLUSIONS There are significant gender and age disparities in global disease burden of CAVD, with the elderly, especially super-elderly females deserving particular attention. It is recommended to develop personalized intervention strategies for these populations.
Humans ; Male ; Female ; Aged ; Calcinosis/mortality* ; Prevalence ; Global Burden of Disease ; Aged, 80 and over ; Middle Aged ; Aortic Valve/pathology* ; Aortic Valve Stenosis/epidemiology* ; Age Distribution ; Adult ; Disability-Adjusted Life Years ; Sex Distribution ; Global Health ; Aortic Valve Disease/epidemiology* ; Sex Factors

Amoenucles A-F (1-6), six previously undescribed nucleoside derivatives, and two known analogs (7 and 8) were isolated from the culture of Aspergillus amoenus TJ507. Their structures were elucidated through spectroscopic analysis, single-crystal X-ray crystallography, and chemical reactions. Notably, 3 and 4 represent the first reported instances of nucleosides with an attached pyrrole moiety. Of particular significance, the absolute configuration of the sugar moiety of 1-4 was determined using nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), electric circular dichroism (ECD) calculations, and a hydrolysis reaction, presenting a potentially valuable method for confirming nucleoside structures. Furthermore, 1, 2, and 5-8 exhibited potential tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitory activities, which may provide a novel chemical template for the development of agents targeting autoimmune and inflammatory diseases.
Aspergillus/chemistry* ; Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha/antagonists & inhibitors* ; Molecular Structure ; Nucleosides/isolation & purification* ; Crystallography, X-Ray ; Animals ; Humans ; Mice ; Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy

Objective:To investigate the arsenic metabolism pattern and possible influencing factors in the population in drinking-water-borne endemic arsenic poisoning (drinking-water-borne arsenic poisoning for short) areas.Methods:In December 2004, a cluster sampling method was used to select arsenic poisoning population (arsenic poisoning group) and healthy population (control group) in drinking-water-borne arsenic poisoning area of Bayannur City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region as the survey subjects. A questionnaire survey was conducted. Arsenic content in drinking water at home of survey subjects, the levels of urinary arsenic and its metabolites, including [trivalent arsenic (As Ⅲ), inorganic arsenic (iAs), monomethylarsenic acid (pentavalent, MMA V), dimethylarsenic acid (pentavalent, DMA V), total arsenic (tAs), percentage of inorganic arsenic (iAs%), percentage of monomethylarsenic acid (MMA%), percentage of dimethylarsenic acid (DMA%), primary methylation index (PMI), secondary methylation index (SMI)] were tested using high performance liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry; nail arsenic and nail selenium levels were tested using atomic fluorescence spectrometer. The influencing factors of arsenic metabolism pattern were analyzed by multiple linear regression. Results:A total of 536 survey subjects were included, including 155 individuals in the arsenic poisoning group and 381 in the control group. The water arsenic level ranged from 0.0 to 825.7 μg/L. Compared with the control group, there was no significant difference in the distribution of gender, education level and dental fluorosis in the arsenic poisoning group ( P > 0.05), but there were significant differences in the distribution of age, marital status, smoking, drinking and water arsenic ( P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the levels of urinary As Ⅲ, iAs, MMA V, DMA V, tAs, MMA%, MMA/DMA and nail arsenic in the arsenic poisoning group were higher ( P < 0.05), while the levels of urinary DMA%, SMI and nail selenium were lower ( P < 0.05); but there was no statistically significant difference in the levels of urinary iAs% and PMI ( P > 0.05). Gender, education level, depth of wells, water arsenic, total number of wells and nail arsenic were the influencing factors of urinary As Ⅲ (β = - 19.82, - 23.83, 0.61, 0.21, 7.26, 2.98, P < 0.05). Age, depth of wells, water arsenic and nail arsenic were the influencing factors of urinary tAs (β = 3.18, 3.25, 1.31, 15.59, P < 0.05). Gender, education level, depth of wells, water arsenic, total number of wells and nail arsenic were the influencing factors of urinary iAs (β = - 20.47, - 25.90, 0.64, 0.25, 7.87, 3.11, P < 0.05). Age, gender, education level, water arsenic and nail arsenic were the influencing factors of urinary MMA V (β = 0.52, - 17.07, - 21.84, 0.22, 2.77, P < 0.05). Age, depth of wells, water arsenic and nail arsenic were the influencing factors of urinary DMA V (β = 2.35, 2.47, 0.85, 9.22, P < 0.05). Conclusions:Compared with healthy individuals, there are differences in arsenic metabolism pattern among individuals with drinking-water-borne arsenic poisoning. Age, gender, education level, depth of wells, water arsenic, total number of wells and nail arsenic may be influencing factors of different arsenic metabolism patterns.

A dose reconstruction algorithm for electrionic portal imaging device(EPID)based on calibration and calculation is developed.The raw data of EPID in continuous acquisition mode are corrected for dark field and gain,and the gray level features of bright field are used to determine the field boundary.Subsequently,MU calibration,off-axis calibration and field size calibration are performed on the EPID data,and dose reconstruction is carried out based on the calibrated superimposed flux and the Monte Carlo model of the linac head.Nine cases of IMRT plans are selected for verification and measurement using EPID and MapCheck separately,and the passing rates between the two tools are compared under different gamma criteria(3%/3 mm and 2%/2 mm).For a planned case,the average passing rates of multiple cases verified by MapCheck under the two criteria were 99.02%±1.28%and 90.84%±4.49%,and the average passing rates of the EPID reconstruction models were 98.86%±1.19%and 91.39%±4.80%.Compared with MapCheck,the EPID reconstruction algorithm based on calibration and calculation has no significant difference in the passing rate of IMRT plan verification(P＞0.05),which meets the clinical requirements of dose verification.

Objective:To investigate the prediction of the tumor proliferation antigen(Ki-67) expression status in breast cancer patients based on ultrasound radiomics combined with clinicopathologic features.Methods:Breast cancer patients who underwent 2D ultrasound and Ki-67 examination from January 2018 to February 2022 in Changzhou Second People′s Hospital, Nanjing Medical University were retrospectively analyzed. Among them, 427 patients from Chengzhong campus were randomly divided into training and validation sets in the ratio of 8∶2, and 229 patients from Yanghu campus were used as an independent external test set. Radiomics features were extracted from the region of interest of 2D ultrasound images, and the Mann-Whitney U test, recursive feature elimination, and minimum absolute shrinkage and selection operators were used to perform feature dimensionality reduction and to establish a radiomics score(Rad-score). Subsequently, single/multifactor logistic regression regression analyses were used to construct a joint prediction model based on Rad-score and clinicopathological features. Model performance and utility were assessed using the subject operating characteristic area under the curve (AUC), calibration curve, and decision curve analyses. Results:The AUCs of the joint model for predicting Ki-67 expression status in breast cancer in the training, validation, and test sets were 0.858, 0.797, and 0.802, respectively, which were superior to those of the radiomics (0.772, 0.731, and 0.713) and clinical models (0.738, 0.750, and 0.707). Calibration curve and decision curve analyses indicated that the joint model had good calibration and clinical value.Conclusions:A joint model based on ultrasound radiomics and clinicopathological features can effectively predict the Ki-67 expression status of breast cancer, which is expected to become a non-invasive tool for Ki-67 detection and provide clinicians with an important auxiliary diagnostic and therapeutic decision-making basis.

Objective:To evaluate the feasibility of 3D reconstruction techniques based on multi-depth cameras for daily patient positioning in radiotherapy.Methods:Through region of interest (ROI) extraction, filtering, registration, splicing and other processes, multi-depth cameras (Intel RealSense D435i) were used to fuse point clouds in real-time manner to obtain the real optical 3D surface of patients. The reconstructed surface was matched with the external contour of the localization CT to complete the positioning. In this article, the feasibility of the system was validated by using multiple models. Clinical feasibility of 5 patients with head and neck radiotherapy, 10 cases of chest radiotherapy and 5 cases of pelvic radiotherapy was also validated. The data of each group were analyzed by paired t-test. Results:The system running time was 0.475 s, which met the requirement of real-time monitoring. The six-dimensional registration errors in the model experiment were (1.00±0.74) mm, (1.69±0.69) mm, (1.36±0.87) mm, 0.15°±0.14°, 0.25°±0.20°, 0.13°±0.13° in the x, y, z, rotational, pitch and roll directions, respectively. In the actual patient positioning, the mean positioning errors were (0.77±0.51) mm, (1.24±0.67) mm, (0.94±0.76) mm, 0.61°±0.41°, 0.69°±0.55°, and 0.52°±0.35° in the x, y, z, rotational, pitch and roll directions, respectively. The translational error was less than 2.8 mm, and the positioning error was the largest in the pelvic region. Conclusions:Real-time 3D reconstruction techniques based on multi-depth cameras is applicable for patient positioning during radiotherapy. The method is accurate in positioning and can detect the small movement of the patient's position, which meets the requirements of radiotherapy.

Objective:To explore the cost control effect and cost-shifting effect of Diagnosis-Intervention Packet(DIP)payment reform on inpatient coronary heart disease patients.Methods:Z City,a national pilot city for DIP,is taken as a case study.It utilizes inpatient claims data and the propensity scoring matching-difference in differences method to evaluate the impact of DIP payment reform on total medical expenses,Out-of-Pocket(OOP),the OOP proportion,self-paid Category B expenses,the proportion of self-paid Category B expenses,Category C expenses,and the proportion of Category C expenses for coronary heart disease inpatients.Results:After the DIP reform,the total medical expenses per inpatient coronary heart disease patient significantly decreased(β=-0.127,P＜0.01).Regarding cost-shifting,the OOP expenses(β=0.108,P＜0.05),the OOP proportion(β=0.055,P＜0.01),self-paid Category B expenses(β=0.239,P＜0.01),the proportion of self-paid Category B expenses(β=0.030,P＜0.01),and the proportion of Category C expenses significantly increased(β=0.026,P＜0.01),while there was no significant change in Category C expenses.Conclusion:The DIP reform significantly reduced the total medical expenses per inpatient case of coronary heart disease.At the same time,the reform shifted costs from within the scope of the insurance policy to outside the policy's coverage,with a stronger shift observed from Category B to Category C expenses.