Objective To investigate the efficacy and safety of the Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system in patients with end-stage heart failure. Methods A retrospective study was conducted on patients with end-stage heart failure who were treated with Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system from March 2022 to June 2024 in 4 hospitals in Jiangsu Province. The efficacy of the device was evaluated by comparing changes in clinical indicators at preoperative, discharge, 3-month postoperative, and 6-month postoperative timepoints, including the New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional classification, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), and left ventricular end-diastolic diameter (LVEDD). The safety of the device was assessed by analyzing the intraoperative position and orientation of the blood pump inlet cannula, as well as the incidence of adverse events. Results In this study, 39 patients were collected, including 34 males and 5 females with a mean age of (56.4±12.5) years, ranging from 20 to 75 years. There was no operative death. There was no death in postoperative 3 months with a survival rate of 100.0%. There were 3 deaths in 6 months postoperatively, with a survival rate of 92.3%. All patients had a preoperative NYHA cardiac function classification of class Ⅳ. The NYHA cardiac function class of the patients improved (P<0.05) at discharge, 3 and 6 months after surgery when compared to the preoperative period. LVEF was significantly higher at 3 months after surgery than that during the preoperative period (P<0.05). LVEDD was significantly smaller at discharge, 3 and 6 months after surgery than that during the preoperative period (P<0.05). The safety evaluation's findings demonstrated that all 39 patients' intraoperative blood pump inlet tubes were oriented correctly, the artificial blood vessel suture sites were appropriate, there were no instances of device malfunction or pump thrombosis, or instances of bleeding or hemolysis, and the rate of the remaining adverse events was low. Conclusion With a low rate of adverse events and an excellent safety profile, the Corheart 6 left ventricular assist system can efficiently enhance cardiac function in patients with end-stage heart failure. It also has considerable clinical uses.

T7 RNA polymerase (T7 RNAP) is one of the simplest known RNA polymerases. Its unique structural features make it a critical model for studying the mechanisms of RNA synthesis. This review systematically examines the static crystal structure of T7 RNAP, beginning with an in-depth examination of its characteristic “thumb”, “palm”, and “finger” domains, which form the classic “right-hand-like” architecture. By detailing these structural elements, this review establishes a foundation for understanding the overall organization of T7 RNAP. This review systematically maps the functional roles of secondary structural elements and their subdomains in transcriptional catalysis, progressively elucidating the fundamental relationships between structure and function. Further, the intrinsic flexibility of T7 RNAP and its applications in research are also discussed. Additionally, the review presents the structural diagrams of the enzyme at different stages of the transcription process, and through these diagrams, it provides a detailed description of the complete transcription process of T7 RNAP. By integrating structural dynamics and kinetics analyses, the review constructs a comprehensive framework that bridges static structure to dynamic processes. Despite its advantages, T7 RNAP has a notable limitation: it generates double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) as a byproduct. The presence of dsRNA not only compromises the purity of mRNA products but also elicits nonspecific immune responses, which pose significant challenges for biotechnological and therapeutic applications. The review provides a detailed exploration of the mechanisms underlying dsRNA formation during T7 RNAP catalysis, reviews current strategies to mitigate this issue, and highlights recent progress in the field. A key focus is the semi-rational design of T7 RNAP mutants engineered to minimize dsRNA generation and enhance catalytic performance. Beyond its role in transcription, T7 RNAP exhibits rapid development and extensive application in fields, including gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccines. This review systematically examines the structure-function relationships of T7 RNAP, elucidates the mechanisms of dsRNA formation, and discusses engineering strategies to optimize its performance. It further explores the engineering optimization and functional expansion of T7 RNAP. Furthermore, this review also addresses the pressing issues that currently need resolution, discusses the major challenges in the practical application of T7 RNAP, and provides an outlook on potential future research directions. In summary, this review provides a comprehensive analysis of T7 RNAP, ranging from its structural architecture to cutting-edge applications. We systematically examine: (1) the characteristic right-hand domains (thumb, palm, fingers) that define its minimalistic structure; (2) the structure-function relationships underlying transcriptional catalysis; and (3) the dynamic transitions during the complete transcription cycle. While highlighting T7 RNAP’s versatility in gene editing, biosensing, and mRNA vaccine production, we critically address its major limitation—dsRNA byproduct formation—and evaluate engineering solutions including semi-rationally designed mutants. By synthesizing current knowledge and identifying key challenges, this work aims to provide novel insights for the development and application of T7 RNAP and to foster further thought and progress in related fields.

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers in women,but there is currently a lack of accurate prognos-tic assessment systems.The Naples Prognostic Score(NPS)is a prognostic prediction system that incorporates inflammatory and nutritional indicators.It has been proven to have important clinical utility in predicting the prognosis of patients with malignancies such as colon cancer,gallbladder cancer,endometrial cancer,and lung cancer.In recent years,research has found that NPS may be superior to TNMstaging in predicting the prognosis of breast cancer patients.It is an independent predictor of overall sur-vival(OS)and progression-free survival(PFS)in breast cancer patients.This suggests that NPS has great potential for applica-tion in predicting the prognosis of breast cancer.

Objective To design an experimental device for simulating the interface micro motion of bone trabecular prosthesis and carry out the finite element analysis.Methods The experimental device was composed of a screw-in cylinder with threads,a flexible hinge,a micro-motion rod,a trabecular prosthesis,a connecting rod and a fixation post.A model of the experimental device was constructed with SolidWorks software,and then imported into ABAQUS software to establish a finite element model.An axial displacement load was applied to the femur to analyze the effects of the position of the flexible hinge,the gap between the prosthesis and the femur and the length of the connecting rod on the micro motion.Results The interface micro motion produced by the experimental device increased with the distance of the flexible hinge from the lower end of the screwed-in cylinder;the gap between the prosthesis and the femur did not affect the interface micro motion when the gap was not lower than 20 μm;the interface micro motion rose with the length of the connecting rod.Conclusion The experimental device can accurately simulate the micro motion of different bone trabecular prosthesis interfaces,and can be used for studying the effect of the interface micro motion on osseointegration.[Chinese Medical Equipment Journal,2024,45(1):25-30]

Objective To observe the effect of catgut implantation at acupoint(CIAA)on the learning and memory function,hippocampal microangiogenesis,and the mRNA and protein expression of angiopoietin-1(Ang-1)/vascular endothelialgrowth factor(VEGF)and its receptor TEK tyrosine kinase(TIE2)/VEGF receptor 2(VEGFR2)in rats with vascular dementia(VD).To explore the mechanism of catgut implantation at acupoint in preventing and treating VD.Methods Using a random number table,VD rats were divided into a model group,a nimodipine group,and an catgut implantation at acupoint group,and a sham operation group was set up,with 10 rats in each group.On the 7th day after surgery,the treatment groups were given catgut implantation at acupoint and nimodipine gastric lavage for 21 days.After treatment,Morris water maze behavioral test was performed.HE staining was used to observe hippocampal CA1 tissue.CD34 immunohistochemical staining was used to detect hippocampal microvascular density(MVD).Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2 in the hippocampus.Results Compared with the model group,the average escape latency of the other groups was significantly shortened,and the target quadrant residence time was significantly prolonged(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,the number of nucleolus and well-formed pyramidal cells in hippocampal CA1 area of the catgut implantation at acupoint group and the nimodipine group increased in varying degrees,and they were arranged more closely,with only a few cells scattered and swollen.In the sham surgery group,a few CD34 positive cells were scattered.The treatment groups had more closely distributed CD34 positive cells with significant staining compared to the model group.The MVD of the model group was significantly higher than that of the sham surgery group(P<0.01).Both nimodipine group and catgut implantation at acupoint group had higher MVD than the model group(P<0.05,P<0.01).Compared with the sham surgery group,the mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2 in the model group increased significantly(P<0.01,P<0.05).Compared with the model group,both nimodipine group and catgut implantation at acupoint group had higher mRNA and protein expression of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2(P<0.01,P<0.05).Conclusion Catgut implantation at acupoint can improve the learning and memory abilities in VD rats,promote hippocampal microvascular angiogenesis,which may be related to the up-regulation of Ang-1/VEGF and its receptor TIE2/VEGFR2 mRNA and protein expression.

Objective The contents of 11 nucleosides and base components in 10 batches of samples from 5 provinces(cities)including Chongqing,Yunnan and Shaanxi were determined,and the differences in nucleosides and base components in Fritillaria taipaiensis were compared by chemometric analysis,and the quality was comprehensively evaluated,so as to provide a reference for the cultivation of excellent varieties and the selection of medicinal materials.Methods Nucleoside and base components were extracted from Fritillaria taipaiensis by ultrasonication in aqueous solutions,and the content of each component was determined by HPLC-DAD method.The origin was classified by principal component analysis(PCA)and hierarchical cluster analysis(HCA).Partial least squares discriminant analysis(PLS-DA)was used to determine the differentiated index components in Fritillaria taipaiensis.Then the differences in the contents of the index components among samples from different origins were compared.Results It was found that 11 nucleoside and base components differed significantly among different origins of Fritillaria taipaiensis.Principal component analysis and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that all samples could be clustered into 4 categories.Five characteristic components,including uracil,cytosine,uridine,inosine,and adenosine,were identified by PLS-DA.The nucleosides and bases in samples from Chongqing and Hubei were relatively high,and the quality of the samples was comparatively superior.Conclusion This method is simple,reproducible,accurate and reliable.It has screened out the index nucleoside and base components in the identification of Fritillaria taipaiensis of different origins,which can be used to initially elucidate the differences of samples between different origins.Additionally,it can better reflect the quality of Fritillaria taipaiensis,and can provide reference for the selection of procurement origin and the quality control for Fritillaria taipaiensis.

Objective To explore the perioperative safety of video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) in Day Care Unit and the risk factors for delayed discharge under centralized management model. Methods The patients with VATS managed by the Day Care Unit of the Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School in 2021 were retrospectively collected. The patients’ postoperative data and risk factors for delayed discharge were analyzed. Results A total of 383 patients were enrolled, including 179 males and 204 females with an average age of 46.09±14.82 years. Eleven (2.87%) patients developed grade 3-4 postoperative complications during the hospitalization. Eighteen (4.70%) patients visited unscheduled outpatient clinic within 7 days, and 6 (1.57%) patients were re-hospitalized within 30 days after discharge. The remaining patients had no significant adverse events during the 30-day follow-up. The average length of hospital stay was 2.27±0.35 d. The length of hospital stay was over 48 h in 48 (12.53%) patients. The independent risk factor for delayed discharge was lobectomy or combined resection (OR=3.015, 95%CI 1.174-7.745, P=0.022). Conclusion VATS can be safely conducted under the centralized management in Day Care Unit. The risk factor for delayed discharge is the extent of surgical resection.

Background::Bladder cancer, characterized by a high potential of tumor recurrence, has high lifelong monitoring and treatment costs. To date, tumor cells with intrinsic softness have been identified to function as cancer stem cells in several cancer types. Nonetheless, the existence of soft tumor cells in bladder tumors remains elusive. Thus, our study aimed to develop a microbarrier microfluidic chip to efficiently isolate deformable tumor cells from distinct types of bladder cancer cells.Methods::The stiffness of bladder cancer cells was determined by atomic force microscopy (AFM). The modified microfluidic chip was utilized to separate soft cells, and the 3D Matrigel culture system was to maintain the softness of tumor cells. Expression patterns of integrin β8 (ITGB8), protein kinase B (AKT), and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) were determined by Western blotting. Double immunostaining was conducted to examine the interaction between F-actin and tripartite motif containing 59 (TRIM59). The stem-cell-like characteristics of soft cells were explored by colony formation assay and in vivo studies upon xenografted tumor models. Results::Using our newly designed microfluidic approach, we identified a small fraction of soft tumor cells in bladder cancer cells. More importantly, the existence of soft tumor cells was confirmed in clinical human bladder cancer specimens, in which the number of soft tumor cells was associated with tumor relapse. Furthermore, we demonstrated that the biomechanical stimuli arising from 3D Matrigel activated the F-actin/ITGB8/TRIM59/AKT/mTOR/glycolysis pathways to enhance the softness and tumorigenic capacity of tumor cells. Simultaneously, we detected a remarkable up-regulation in ITGB8, TRIM59, and phospho-AKT in clinical bladder recurrent tumors compared with their non-recurrent counterparts.Conclusions::The ITGB8/TRIM59/AKT/mTOR/glycolysis axis plays a crucial role in modulating tumor softness and stemness. Meanwhile, the soft tumor cells become more sensitive to chemotherapy after stiffening, that offers new insights for hampering tumor progression and recurrence.

Objective To assess the risk factors for carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii(CRAB)bloodstream infection(BSI)and 28-day short-term mortality in elderly patients,and provide reference for the pre-vention and treatment of CRAB BSI.Methods Clinical data of patients aged ≥60 years and diagnosed with AB BSI in a hospital in Yulin City from January 2013 to December 2022 were retrospectively analyzed,including demogra-phic and microbiological characteristics,as well as clinical outcomes of the patients.Variables which were significant in univariate analysis were selected for multivariate analysis using binary logistic regression model and Cox propor-tional hazards model.Independent risk factors for infection were further determined,and survival analysis was per-formed using Kaplan-Meier curve.Results A total of 150 patients were included in the study,out of which 16 pa-tients(10.7％)had CRAB BSI and 134 had carbapenem-sensitive AB(CSAB)BSI.The 28-day short-term mortali-ty of AB BSI in elderly patients was 15.3％(23/150,95％CI:9.6％-21.1％),and the short-term mortality of CRAB BSI was higher than that of CSAB([56.3％,9/16]vs[10.4％,14/134]).Deep venous catheterization(OR:15.598,95％CI:1.831-132.910)and combined infections of other sites(OR:15.449,95％CI:1.497-159.489)were related to CRAB BSI in elderly patients.The independent risk factors for 28-day mortality in elderly patients with AB BSI were hemodialysis(OR:11.856,95％CI:2.924-48.076),intensive care unit admission(OR:9.387,95％CI:1.941-45.385),and pulmonary infection being suspected source of bacteremia(OR:7.019,95％CI:1.345-36.635).Conclusion The occurrence of CRAB BSI in elderly patients is related to the combined infection of other sites and deep vein catheterization.Hemodialysis,admission to ICU,and pulmonary infection being suspected source of bacteremia are independent risk factors for the prognosis of AB BSI in elderly patients.

Objective To evaluate the value of miniprobe endoscopic ultrasound(EUS)in guiding endoscopic treatment of small-diameter(maximum diameter less than 1 cm)and low-grade(G1 grade)rectum neuroendocrine neoplasm(R-NEN),and to provide evidence and clues for its clinical application and further research.Methods The clinical data of 85 cases of low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN with a maximum diameter of less than 1 cm who underwent endoscopic treatment in our center from January 2014 to December 2020 were retrospectively analyzed.The patients were divided into the EUS group(37 cases)and control group(48 cases)according to whether EUS was performed before endoscopic treatment.The positive rate of incision margin,the incidence of complications,the recurrence rate,the hospital stay,the cost of hospitalization and endoscopic therapy were compared between the two groups.Results The positive rate of incision margin in the EUS group was significantly lower than that in control group(P<0.05).There was no significant difference in the incidence of complications,tumor recurrence rate,hospital stay or hospital costs between the two groups(P>0.05).There was statistically significant difference in the endoscopic therapy between the two groups(P<0.05).Conclusion Evaluating the lesion depth of small-diameter and low-grade(G1 grade)R-NEN before surgery by miniprobe EUS and selecting endoscopic surgery according to its results of can significantly reduce the residual risk of resection margin tumors.