Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is an increasingly widespread sleep-breathing disordered disease, and is an independent risk factor for many high-risk chronic diseases such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, stroke, arrhythmias and diabetes, which is potentially fatal. The key to the prevention and treatment of OSA is early diagnosis and treatment, so the assessment and diagnostic technologies of OSA have become a research hotspot. This paper reviews the research progresses of severity assessment parameters and diagnostic technologies of OSA, and discusses their future development trends. In terms of severity assessment parameters of OSA, apnea hypopnea index (AHI), as the gold standard, together with the percentage of duration of apnea hypopnea (AH%), lowest oxygen saturation (LSpO₂), heart rate variability (HRV), oxygen desaturation index (ODI) and the emerging biomarkers, constitute a multi-dimensional evaluation system. Specifically, the AHI, which measures the frequency of sleep respiratory events per hour, does not fully reflect the patients’ overall sleep quality or the extent of their daytime functional impairments. To address this limitation, the AH%, which measures the proportion of the entire sleep cycle affected by apneas and hypopneas, deepens our understanding of the impact on sleep quality. The LSpO₂ plays a critical role in highlighting the potential severe hypoxic episodes during sleep, while the HRV offers a different perspective by analyzing the fluctuations in heart rate thereby revealing the activity of the autonomic nervous system. The ODI provides a direct and objective measure of patients’ nocturnal oxygenation stability by calculating the number of desaturation events per hour, and the biomarkers offers novel insights into the diagnosis and management of OSA, and fosters the development of more precise and tailored OSA therapeutic strategies. In terms of diagnostic techniques of OSA, the standardized questionnaire and Epworth sleepiness scale (ESS) is a simple and effective method for preliminary screening of OSA, and the polysomnography (PSG) which is based on recording multiple physiological signals stands for gold standard, but it has limitations of complex operations, high costs and inconvenience. As a convenient alternative, the home sleep apnea testing (HSAT) allows patients to monitor their sleep with simplified equipment in the comfort of their own homes, and the cardiopulmonary coupling (CPC) offers a minimal version that simply analyzes the electrocardiogram (ECG) signals. As an emerging diagnostic technology of OSA, machine learning (ML) and artificial intelligence (AI) adeptly pinpoint respiratory incidents and expose delicate physiological changes, thus casting new light on the diagnostic approach to OSA. In addition, imaging examination utilizes detailed visual representations of the airway’s structure and assists in recognizing structural abnormalities that may result in obstructed airways, while sound monitoring technology records and analyzes snoring and breathing sounds to detect the condition subtly, and thus further expands our medical diagnostic toolkit. As for the future development directions, it can be predicted that interdisciplinary integrated researches, the construction of personalized diagnosis and treatment models, and the popularization of high-tech in clinical applications will become the development trends in the field of OSA evaluation and diagnosis.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Yishen Tongluo prescription in protecting mice from oxidative stress injury in diabetic kidney disease （DKD） via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 （Nrf2）/heme oxygenase-1 （HO-1）/NAD（P）H quinone oxidoreductase 1 （NQO1） signaling pathway. MethodsSpecific pathogen-free （SPF） male C57BL/6 mice were assigned into a control group （n=10） and a modeling group （n=50）. The DKD model was established by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The mice in the modeling group were randomized into a model group， a semaglutide （40 μg·kg^-1） group， and high-， medium-， and low-dose （18.2， 9.1， 4.55 g·kg^-1， respectively） Yishen Tongluo prescription groups， with 10 mice in each group. The treatment lasted for 12 weeks. Blood glucose and 24-h urine protein levels were measured， and the kidney index （KI） was calculated. Serum levels of creatinine （SCr）， blood urea nitrogen （BUN）， alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， and aspartate aminotransferase （AST） were assessed. The pathological changes in the renal tissue were evaluated by hematoxylin-eosin， periodic acid-Schiff， periodic acid-silver methenamine， and Masson’s trichrome staining. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits were used to measure the levels of β2-microglobulin （β2-MG）， neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin （NGAL）， kidney injury molecule-1 （KIM-1）， liver fatty acid-binding protein （L-FABP）， nitric oxide synthase （NOS）， glutathione （GSH）， total antioxidant capacity （T-AOC）， and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine （8-OHdG）. Immunohistochemical staining was performed to examine the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 （Keap1） and malondialdehyde （MDA）. Real-time fluorescence quantitative polymerase chain reaction (Real-time PCR） and Western blot were employed to determine the mRNA and protein levels， respectively， of factors in the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway. ResultsCompared with the control group， the DKD model group showed rises in blood glucose， 24-h urine protein， KI， SCr， BUN， and ALT levels， along with glomerular hypertrophy， renal tubular dilation， thickened basement membrane， mesangial expansion， and collagen deposition. Additionally， the model group showed elevated levels of β2-MG， NGAL， KIM-1， L-FABP， NOS， and 8-OHdG， lowered levels of GSH and T-AOC， up-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1， and down-regulated expression of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1， and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit （GCLC） （P<0.05）. Compared with the model group， the semaglutide group and the medium- and high-dose Yishen Tongluo prescription groups showed reductions in blood glucose， 24-h urine protein， KI， SCr， BUN， and ALT levels， along with alleviated pathological injuries in the renal tissue. In addition， the three groups showed lowered levels of β2-MG， NGAL， KIM-1， L-FABP， NOS， and 8-OHdG， elevated levels of GSH and T-AOC， down-regulated expression of MDA and Keap1， and up-regulated expression of Nrf2， HO-1， NQO1， and GCLC （P<0.05）. ConclusionYishen Tongluo prescription exerts renoprotective effects in the mouse model of DKD by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 signaling pathway， mitigating oxidative stress， and reducing renal tubular injuries.

BACKGROUND:The phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase(PI3K/AKT)signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating osteoclast activation,which is essential for maintaining bone homeostasis.Bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis is caused by aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.However,the role of the PI3K signaling pathway in Mycobacterium tuberculosis-induced aberrant osteoclastogenesis remains unclear. OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effects and mechanisms of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway inhibitor BYL-719 on aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. METHODS:RAW264.7 cells were infected with bovine Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacillus calmette-cuerin vaccine,and Ag85B was used for cellular immunofluorescence staining.The cell counting kit-8 assay was employed to determine the safe concentration of BYL-719.There were four groups in the experiment:blank control group,BYL-719 group,BCG group,and BCG+BYL-719 group.Under the induction of receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa-B ligand,the effects of BYL-719 on post-infection osteoclast differentiation and fusion were explored through tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and phalloidin staining.RT-PCR and western blot were used to detect the expression of osteoclast-related genes and proteins,and further investigate the mechanism of action. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION:Immunofluorescence staining showed that RAW264.7 cells phagocytosed Mycobacterium tuberculosis.Cell counting kit-8 data indicated that 40 nmol/L BYL-719 was non-toxic to cells.Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase staining and phalloidin staining showed that BYL-719 inhibited the generation and fusion ability of osteoclasts following infection.RT-PCR and western blot results also indicated that BYL-719 suppressed the upregulation of osteoclast-specific genes(including c-Fos,NFATc1,matrix metalloproteinase 9,and CtsK)induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection(P<0.05).Western blot and immunofluorescence staining revealed that BYL-719 inhibited excessive osteoclast differentiation induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis by downregulating the expression of IκBα-p65.To conclude,BYL-719 inhibits aberrant osteoclastogenesis induced by Mycobacterium tuberculosis through the downregulation of IκBα/p65.Therefore,the IκBα/p65 signaling pathway is a potential therapeutic target for osteoarticular tuberculosis,and BYL-719 holds potential value for the preventing and amelioration of bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis.BYL-719 has the potential to prevent and ameliorate bone destruction in osteoarticular tuberculosis.

With the widespread adoption of low-dose CT screening and the extensive application of high-resolution CT, the detection rate of sub-centimeter lung nodules has significantly increased. How to scientifically manage these nodules while avoiding overtreatment and diagnostic delays has become an important clinical issue. Among them, lung nodules with a consolidation tumor ratio less than 0.25, dominated by ground-glass shadows, are particularly worthy of attention. The therapeutic challenge for this group is how to achieve precise and complete resection of nodules during surgery while maximizing the preservation of the patient's lung function. The "watershed topography map" is a new technology based on big data and artificial intelligence algorithms. This method uses Dicom data from conventional dose CT scans, combined with microscopic (22-24 levels) capillary network anatomical watershed features, to generate high-precision simulated natural segmentation planes of lung sub-segments through specific textures and forms. This technology forms fluorescent watershed boundaries on the lung surface, which highly fit the actual lung anatomical structure. By analyzing the adjacent relationship between the nodule and the watershed boundary, real-time, visually accurate positioning of the nodule can be achieved. This innovative technology provides a new solution for the intraoperative positioning and resection of lung nodules. This consensus was led by four major domestic societies, jointly with expert teams in related fields, oriented to clinical practical needs, referring to domestic and foreign guidelines and consensus, and finally formed after multiple rounds of consultation, discussion, and voting. The main content covers the theoretical basis of the "watershed topography map" technology, indications, operation procedures, surgical planning details, and postoperative evaluation standards, aiming to provide scientific guidance and exploration directions for clinical peers who are currently or plan to carry out lung nodule resection using the fluorescent microscope watershed analysis method.

Objective: To investigate the mechanism of Yishen Tongluo Formula in ameliorating renal pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Methods: Sixty C57BL/6 male mice were randomly divided into control (10 mice) and intervention groups (50 mice) using random number table method. The diabetes nephropathy model was established by intraperitoneally injecting streptozotocin(50 mg/kg). After modeling, the intervention group was further divided into model, semaglutide (40 μg/kg), and high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups (15.6, 7.8, and 3.9 g/kg, respectively) using random number table method. The high-, medium-, and low-dose Yishen Tongluo Formula groups were administered corresponding doses of medication by gavage, the semaglutide group received a subcutaneous injection of semaglutide injection, and the control group and model groups were administered distilled water by gavage for 12 consecutive weeks. Random blood glucose levels of mice in each group were monitored, and the 24-h urinary protein content was measured using biochemical method every 4 weeks; after treatment, the serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels were measured using biochemical method. The weight of the kidneys was measured, and the renal index was calculated. Hematoxylin and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, periodic Schiff-methenamine, and Masson staining were used to observe the pathological changes in renal tissue. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect urinary β2-microglobulin (β2-MG), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) levels. Western blotting and real-time fluorescence PCR were used to detect the relative protein and mRNA expression levels of nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat and pyrin domain-containing receptor 3 (NLRP3), Caspase-1, gasdermin D (GSDMD), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-18 (IL-18) in renal tissue. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the proportion of protein staining area of the TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in renal tissue. Results: Compared with the control group, the random blood glucose, 24-h urinary protein, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index of the model group increased, and the urine β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels increased. The relative protein and mRNA expression levels of NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1β, and IL-18 in renal tissue increased, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas increased (P<0.05). Pathological changes such as glomerular hypertrophy were observed in the renal tissue of the model group. Compared with the model group, the Yishen Tongluo Formula high-dose group showed a decrease in random blood glucose after 12 weeks of treatment (P<0.05). The Yishen Tongluo Formula high- and medium-dose groups showed a decrease in 24-h urinary protein, creatinine, urea nitrogen, and renal index, as well as decreased β2-MG, NGAL, and KIM-1 levels. NLRP3, Caspase-1, GSDMD, IL-1 β, and IL-18 relative protein and mRNA expression levels were also reduced, and the proportion of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein positive staining areas was reduced (P<0.05). Pathological damage to renal tissue was ameliorated. Conclusion Yishen Tongluo Formula may exert protective renal effects by inhibiting renal pyroptosis and alleviating tubular interstitial injury in diabetic nephropathy mice by regulating the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway.

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide on vascular endothelial injury in hypertension and its molecular mechanism. MethodsC57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into saline group （Saline） and hypertension group （Ang Ⅱ， which were infused with Ang Ⅱ via subcutaneously implanted osmotic pumps）， and supplemented daily with nicotinamide mononucleotide （300 mg/kg）， a precursor of NAD⁺. Blood pressure， endothelial relaxation function and pulse wave velocity were measured after 4 weeks. Wound healing assay and adhesion assay were used to evaluate the function of endothelial cells in vitro. mtROS levels were detected by immunofluorescence staining. RT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of mtDNA， SIRT3 and isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 （IDH2）. 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine levels were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The protein expression levels of p-eNOS， eNOS， SIRT3 and IDH2 were detected by Western blot. ResultsNMN supplementation reduced blood pressure （P<0.001） and improved endothelial function and arterial stiffness （P<0.001） in hypertensive mice. In vitro， NMN improved endothelial function in AngII-stimulated endothelial cells （P<0.05） and attenuated mitochondrial oxidative stress levels （P<0.001）. Mechanistically， NMN elevated SIRT3 activity （P<0.001）， which subsequently enhanced IDH activity （P<0.001） and reduced oxidative stress levels in endothelial cells. Conversely， knockdown of IDH2 would reverse the effect of SIRT3 in improving endothelial function （P<0.001）. ConclusionNAD⁺ lowers blood pressure and enhances vascular function in hypertension by reducing the level of oxidative stress in endothelial cells through activation of the SIRT3/IDH2 signal pathway.

Yin-yang, visceral manifestation, and ti-yong theories are the core theories of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and play a crucial role in its formation and development. With the continuous evolution of Chinese philosophy, TCM philosophy and theories have undergone significant influence, resulting in differing interpretations of the visceral manifestation of liver and mingmen across various historical periods by different medical practitioners. This paper focuses on the different understandings of the position of liver and mingmen, combining relevant philosophical images and TCM anatomical illustrations to deeply explore ancient medical theorists′ concepts regarding the four spatial directions of left, right, up, and down. The research reveals that ancient medical theorists′ conceptualization of spatial theory transitioned from an initial circular motion to a vertical movement, with the focus shifting from the upper part to the lower part. The primary reasons for these differences and changes could be explained by the varying emphasis on the ti-yong theory and differing focal points within the yin-yang theory. This study systematically examines the evolution of visceral manifestation theories related to liver and mingmen, highlights the shifts in physicians′ perspectives on spatial theory, and analyzes the influence of the ti-yong theory and yin-yang theory on these changes. The findings aim to provide a theoretical guide for advancing research and clinical application of spatial theory in TCM, thereby fostering the integration of TCM philosophy with medical theory.

The organization of the brain follows a topological hierarchy that changes dynamically during development. However, it remains unknown whether and how cognitive training administered over multiple years during development can modify this hierarchical topology. By measuring the brain and behavior of school children who had carried out abacus-based mental calculation (AMC) training for five years (starting from 7 years to 12 years old) in pre-training and post-training, we revealed the reshaping effect of long-term AMC intervention during development on the brain hierarchical topology. We observed the development-induced emergence of the default network, AMC training-promoted shifting, and regional changes in cortical gradients. Moreover, the training-induced gradient changes were located in visual and somatomotor areas in association with the visuospatial/motor-imagery strategy. We found that gradient-based features can predict the math ability within groups. Our findings provide novel insights into the dynamic nature of network recruitment impacted by long-term cognitive training during development.
Child ; Humans ; Cognitive Training ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Brain ; Brain Mapping ; Motor Cortex

Objective To investigate the relationship between aspartate aminotransferase-platelet ratio index(APRI)and hepatocellular carcinoma(HCC)recurrence after radiofrequency ablation(RFA),and to construct a nomogram model for predicting the prognosis.Methods The clinical data of a total of 204 patients,whose initial diagnosis was HCC and received RFA at the Wujin Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University of China between January 2017 and December 2020,were retrospectively analyzed.The optimal cut-off value of APRI was determined using receiver operating characteristic(ROC)curve.Kaplan-Meier curves were plotted to estimate the recurrence-free survival(RFS)of high-APRI group patients and low-APRI group patients.The independent predictors of HCC recurrence after RFA were identified by using univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis,and significant variables were selected to construct a nomogram model.The predictive ability of the nomogram model for HCC recurrence was evaluated by the consistency index(C-index)and calibration curves.Results The incidence of HCC recurrence after RFA was 57.4%(117/204),the optimal cut-off value of APRI for predicting HCC recurrence was 0.501,and the area under curve(AUC)value was 0.678(95%CI=0.603-0.752).High-APRI group(≥0.501)had 121 patients and low-APRI group(＜0.501)had 83 patients.High APRI index was significantly correlated with low RFS(χ2=12.929,P＜0.01).The univariate and multivariate Cox regression analysis revealed that the number of tumors(HR=1.541,95%CI=1.039-2.286,P=0.031),maximum tumor diameter(HR=1.461,95%CI=1.011-2.112,P=0.044),serum AFP level(HR=2.286,95%CI=1.576-3.318,P＜0.01)and APRI index(HR=1.873,95%CI=1.257-2.790,P=0.002)were the independent risk factors for HCC recurrence.Based on the above four variables,a nomogram model for predicting HCC recurrence after RFA was constructed,the C-index was 0.769(95%CI=0.676-0.862),and the AUC values for 1-,2-,and 3-year RFS prediction were 0.707,0.719,and 0.707,respectively.The calibration curves showed that a good consistency existed between the predicted probability and actual probability.Conclusion The nomogram model based on APRI and tumor biological characteristics has an excellent predictive ability for HCC recurrence after RFA.(J Intervent Radiol,2024,32:38-43)

Surgical operation is the main treatment of oral and maxillofacial tumors.Dysphagia is a common postoperative complication.Swal-lowing disorder can not only lead to mis-aspiration,malnutrition,aspiration pneumonia and other serious consequences,but also may cause psychological problems and social communication barriers,affecting the quality of life of the patients.At present,there is no systematic evalua-tion and rehabilitation management plan for the problem of swallowing disorder after oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery in China.Combining the characteristics of postoperative swallowing disorder in patients with oral and maxillofacial tumors,summarizing the clinical experience of ex-perts in the field of tumor and rehabilitation,reviewing and summarizing relevant literature at home and abroad,and through joint discussion and modification,a group of national experts reached this consensus including the core contents of the screening of swallowing disorders,the phased assessment of prognosis and complications,and the implementation plan of comprehensive management such as nutrition management,respiratory management,swallowing function recovery,psychology and nursing during rehabilitation treatment,in order to improve the evalua-tion and rehabilitation of swallowing disorder after oral and maxillofacial tumor surgery in clinic.