Recurrence rates and risk factors in obscure gastrointestinal bleeding.

Obscure gastrointestinal bleeding (OGIB), defined in 2010, involves bleeding from the GI tract that remains unexplained after standard diagnostic procedures. OGIB, which accounts for about 5% of all GI bleeds, poses diagnostic and management challenges, particularly due to the anatomical features of the small intestine. Advances in capsule endoscopy (CE) and balloon-assisted endoscopy have improved the diagnostic and therapeutic landscape for small intestinal lesions. Objective: To determine the recurrence rate and identify risk factors for recurrence following diagnostic and therapeutic interventions using CE and balloon-assisted endoscopy in patients with OGIB. Methods: A retrospective cohort study at Gifu University Hospital analyzed CE procedures for patients with OGIB from 2008 to 2022. Patients underwent CE with subsequent treatments based on the findings. Statistical analyses, including Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional hazards models, were used to estimate cumulative recurrence rates and identify recurrence risk factors. Results: Out of 417 patients, 65.2% had positive CE findings, leading to therapeutic interventions in 16.3% of cases. The cumulative recurrence rates at 12, 24, and 36 months were 4.3%, 9.0%, and 13.9%, respectively. Liver cirrhosis (hazard rate: 4.15, 95% confidence interval 1.88-9.18, p < 0.01) was identified as a significant risk factor for recurrence. Conclusions: A significant recurrence rate in OGIB patients, with liver cirrhosis being a major risk factor. Despite diagnostic and therapeutic advances, a comprehensive approach including careful follow-up and consideration of risk factors is essential for management.

Clinical usefulness and acceptability of small-bowel capsule endoscopy with panoramic imaging compared with axial imaging in Japanese patients.

Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the usefulness and acceptability of CapsoCam Plus (CapsoCam) in Japanese patients. Methods: This retrospective single-center study enrolled 930 patients with suspected small-bowel bleeding (SSBB) who underwent capsule endoscopy. Thirty-three patients using CapsoCam and PillCam SB3 (SB3) were matched using propensity score matching. The diagnostic yield and the acceptability of CapsoCam were evaluated. Results: There was no SSBB case where capsule endoscopy was performed within 48 h of bleeding. CapsoCam had a significantly higher observation rate of the entire small bowel (97% vs. 73%, p = 0.006) and Vater's papilla (82% vs. 15%, p < 0.001) than SB3. The reading time of CapsoCam was significantly longer than that of SB3 (30 vs. 25 min, p < 0.001), and CapsoCam's time from the capsule endoscopy swallowing to read completion was longer than that of SB3 (37 vs. 12 h, p < 0.001). The two groups showed no difference in the capsule endoscopy findings according to the P classification. Notably, 85% of the patients using CapsoCam reported examination distress as "not at all" or "almost not," and 94% reported swallowing difficulty as "very easy" or "easy." Conclusions: CapsoCam took time to read; however, it is a well-tolerated examination with a high observation rate of Vater's papilla and entire small-bowel mucosa. Detectability of bleeding sources was comparable in both modalities for cases of occult SSBB and overt SSBB more than 48 h after bleeding. CapsoCam is a useful modality for patients with SSBB.

Naoxintong capsule accelerates mitophagy in cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury via TP53/PINK1/PRKN pathway based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: The incidence and mortality of cerebrovascular diseases are increasing year by year. Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is common in patients with ischemic stroke. Naoxintong (NXT) is composed of a variety of Chinese medicines and has the ability to treat CIRI. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study is to investigate whether NXT regulates mitophagy in CIRI based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Oxygen and glucose deprivation/re-oxygenation (OGD/R, 2/22 h) model of PC12 cells and transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO, 2/22 h) model of rats were established. Pharmacodynamic indicators include neurological deficit score, 2,3,5-triphenyte-trazoliumchloride (TTC) staining, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and cell viability. Network pharmacology was used to predict pharmacological mechanisms. Pharmacological mechanism indexes include transmission electron microscopy (TEM), drug affinity responsive target stability (DARTS), cellular thermal shift assay (CETSA), immunohistochemistry (IHC), western blot (WB) and immunofluorescence (IF). Kevetrin (an agonists of p53) and pifithrin-α (an inhibitor of p53) used to detect the key role of p53 in mitophagy of NXT. RESULTS: NXT (1% serum containing NXT and 110 mg/kg) improved the damage of OGD/R PC12 cells and tMCAO rats, and this protective effect was related to the anti-oxidation and ability to promote mitophagy of NXT. NXT and pifithrin-α increased the expression of promoting-mitophagy targets (PINK1, PRKN and LC3B) and inhibited the expression of inhibiting-mitophagy targets (p52) via restraining p53, and finally accelerated mitophagy caused by CIRI. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that NXT promotes mitophagy in CIRI through restraining p53 and promoting PINK1/PRKN in vivo and in vitro.

Study on the underlying mechanism of Huachansu Capsule induced cardiotoxicity of normal rat by integrating transcriptomics, metabolomics and network toxicology.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Huachansu Capsule (HCSc) is a simple enteric-coated capsule refined from the skin of the dried toad, a traditional medicinal herb. It has been used clinically for many years to treat a variety of malignant tumors with remarkable efficacy. To date, a number of main components of HCSc have been reported to be cardiotoxic, but the specific mechanism of cardiotoxicity is still unknown. AIM OF THE STUDY: The aim of this study was to elucidate the possible cardiotoxic symptoms caused by high-doses of HCSc and to further reveal the complex mechanisms by which it causes cardiotoxicity. MATERIALS AND METHODS: UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS and network toxicology were used to identify and predict the potential toxic components, related signaling pathways. Then, we used acute and sub-acute toxicity experiments to reveal the apparent phenomenon of HCSc-induced cardiotoxicity. Finally, we combined transcriptomics and metabolomics to elucidate the potential mechanism of action, and verified the putative mechanism by molecular docking, RT-qPCR, and Western blot. RESULTS: We found 8 toad bufadienolides components may be induced cardiac toxicity HCSc main toxic components. Through toxicity experiments, we found that high dose of HCSc could increase a variety of blood routine indexes, five cardiac enzymes, heart failure indexes (BNP), troponin (cTnI and cTnT), heart rate and the degree of heart tissue damage, while low-dose of HCSc had no such changes. In addition, by molecular docking, found that 8 kinds of main toxic components and cAMP, AMPK, IL1ß, mTOR all can be a very good combination, especially in the cAMP. Meanwhile, RT-qPCR and Western blot results showed that HCSc could induce cardiotoxicity by regulating a variety of heart-related differential genes and activating the cAMP signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS: In this study, network toxicology, transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to elucidate the complex mechanism of possible cardiotoxicity induced by high-dose HCSc. Animal experiments, molecular docking, Western blot and RT-qPCR experiments were also used to verify the above mechanism. These findings will inform further mechanistic studies and provide theoretical support for its safe clinical application.

Hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells via CD44 and TGF-β2

ABSTRACT Purpose: The epithelial-mesenchymal transition of human lens epithelial cells plays a role in posterior capsule opacification, a fibrotic process that leads to a common type of cataract. Hyaluronic acid has been implicated in this fibrosis. Studies have investigated the role of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition. However, the role of TGF-β2 in hyaluronic acid-mediated fibrosis of lens epithelial cell remains unknown. We here examined the role of TGF-β2 in the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells. Methods: Cultured human lens epithelial cells (HLEB3) were infected with CD44-siRNA by using the Lipofectamine 3000 transfection reagent. The CCK-8 kit was used to measure cell viability, and the scratch assay was used to determine cell migration. Cell oxidative stress was analyzed in a dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate assay and by using a flow cytometer. The TGF-β2 level in HLEB3 cells was examined through immunohistochemical staining. The TGF-β2 protein level was determined through western blotting. mRNA expression levels were determined through quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Results: Treatment with hyaluronic acid (1.0 μM, 24 h) increased the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of HLEB3 cells. The increase in TGF-β2 levels corresponded to an increase in CD44 levels in the culture medium. However, blocking the CD44 function significantly reduced the TGF-β2-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition response of HLEB3 cells. Conclusions: Our study showed that both CD44 and TGF-β2 are critical contributors to the hyaluronic acid-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells, and that TGF-β2 in epithelial-mesenchymal transition is regulated by CD44. These results suggest that CD44 could be used as a target for preventing hyaluronic acid-induced posterior capsule opacification. Our findings suggest that CD44/TGF-β2 is crucial for the hyaluronic acid-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition of lens epithelial cells.

Risk factors of delayed upper gastrointestinal transit in capsule endoscopy.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose was to investigate the risk factors for delayed upper gastrointestinal transit (DUGT) in small bowel capsule endoscopy (SBCE) and to improve the efficacy of SBCE. METHODS: The medical records of patients who underwent SBCE in Renji hospital between January 2015 and January 2023 were retrospectively reviewed. Data collection included patient demographics and potential risk factors for DUGT such as indications for the examination, underlying diseases, hospitalization status, anemia, inflammation. Risk factors were analyzed using univariable and multivariable logistic regression models. DUGT was defined as failure of a capsule to pass through the pylorus within 1 h. RESULTS: A total of 1459 patients who underwent SBCE were included in the study. 306 Cases (21%) experienced DUGT and all received conservative observation, medication treatment, endoscopic intervention, and other measures based on specific circumstances. The overall completion rate (CR) of the examination was 95.5% (1394/1459). Logistic regression analysis showed that hospitalization status (p = 0.030), diarrhea (p = 0.017), diabetes (p = 0.027) and cerebrovascular disease (p = 0.038) were significant risk factors for DUGT. CONCLUSIONS: In our study, DUGT of SBCE was associated with hospitalization status, diarrhea, diabetes and cerebrovascular disease. Therefore, for the patients with the above risk factors, we should closely check the capsule status during the examination process, in order to take appropriate intervention measures as soon as possible.

Cell wall melanin impedes growth of the Cryptococcus neoformans polysaccharide capsule by sequestering calcium.

Cryptococcus neoformans has emerged as a frontrunner among deadly fungal pathogens and is particularly life-threatening for many HIV-infected individuals with compromised immunity. Multiple virulence factors contribute to the growth and survival of C. neoformans within the human host, the two most prominent of which are the polysaccharide capsule and melanin. As both of these features are associated with the cell wall, we were interested to explore possible cooperative or competitive interactions between these two virulence factors. Whereas capsule thickness had no effect on the rate at which cells became melanized, build-up of the melanin pigment layer resulted in a concomitant loss of polysaccharide material, leaving melanized cells with significantly thinner capsules than their nonmelanized counterparts. When melanin was provided exogenously to cells in a transwell culture system we observed a similar inhibition of capsule growth and maintenance. Our results show that melanin sequesters calcium thereby limiting its availability to form divalent bridges between polysaccharide subunits required for outer capsule assembly. The decreased ability of melanized cells to incorporate exported polysaccharide into the growing capsule correlated with the amount of shed polysaccharide, which could have profound negative impacts on the host immune response.

BIOACTIVE CONSTITUENTS AND ACUTE TOXICITY OF BLIGHIA SAPIDA CAPSULE EXTRACTS USING WISTAR RATS.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Blighia sapida, commonly known as Ackee, is a plant native to West Africa, with great cultural and therapeutic value, particularly in Western Nigeria. Traditionally, Blighia sapida capsule is used in western Nigeria to treat ecthyma in sheep and goats by heating it in hot ash. This process causes the capsule to release a liquid, which is then directly applied to the entire affected area of the skin. However, there is limited information available on its phyto-constituents and medicinal effects. AIM OF THE STUDY: This work examined the bioactive constituents, acute toxicity, and sub-acute toxicity of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Extraction of phytochemical constituents was carried out with distilled water and ethanol and was concentrated at 40ºC. The phytochemical constituents were determined using a variant 3800/4000 gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) machine. Lorke's method was employed to determine the acute toxicity of the aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule. RESULTS: The GC-MS analysis revealed 15 bioactive compounds in both extracts, with kaempferol being the most abundant. Notable pharmacologically active compounds included pyrrolidin-2-ylmethanol, rutin, quinoline, apigenin, and naringenin. The study observed distinctive differences in aqueous and ethanolic extracts compound weights and peak areas. Acute toxicity study depicts that the lethal dose of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule is above 5000 mg/kg as no mortality was recorded in the oral administration of 10, 100, 1000, 1600, 2900, and 5000 mg/kg of aqueous and ethanolic extracts. Sub-acute toxicity results indicated no significant adverse effects on kidney and liver function, although some variations in biochemical parameters were observed. Histological analysis showed normal renal and hepatic architecture in treated animals. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that aqueous and ethanolic extracts of Blighia sapida capsule exhibited no acute toxicity and minimal sub-acute toxicity, suggesting they are safe for consumption at the tested doses.

Exploring arterial anatomy of the internal capsule: an analysis of the deep vascular structures and related white matter pathways.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The internal capsule is supplied by perforators originating from the internal carotid artery, middle cerebral artery, anterior choroidal artery and anterior cerebral artery. The aim of this study is to examine the vascular anatomy of the internal capsule, along with its related white matter anatomy, in order to prevent potential risks and complications during surgical interventions. METHODS: Twenty injected hemispheres prepared according to the Klingler method were dissected. Dissections were photographed at each stage. The findings obtained from the dissections were illustrated to make them more understandable. Additionally, the origins of the arteries involved in the vascularization of the internal capsule, their distances to bifurcations, and variations in supplying territories have been thoroughly examined. RESULTS: The insular cortex and the branches of the middle cerebral artery on the insula and operculum were observed. Following decortication of the insular cortex, the extreme capsule, claustrum, external capsule, putamen and globus pallidus structures were exposed. The internal capsule is shown together with the lenticulostriate arteries running on the anterior, genu and posterior limbs. Perforators supplying the internal capsule originated from the middle cerebral artery, anterior cerebral artery, internal carotid artery and anterior choroidal artery. The internal capsule's vascular supply varied, with the medial lenticulostriate arteries (MLA) and lateral lenticulostriate arteries (LLA) being the primary arteries. The anterior limb was most often supplied by the MLA, while the LLA and anterior choroidal artery dominated the genu and posterior limb. The recurrent artery of Heubner originated mostly from the A2 segment. The distance from the ICA bifurcation to the origin of the first LLA on M1 is 9.55 ± 2.32 mm, and to the first MLA on A1 is 5.35 ± 1.84 mm. MLA branching from A1 and proximal A2 ranged from 5 to 9, while LLA originating from the MCA ranged from 7 to 12. CONCLUSION: This study provides comprehensive understanding of the arterial supply to the internal capsule by combining white matter dissection. The insights gained from this study can help surgeons plan and execute procedures including oncological, psychosurgical, and vascular more accurately and safely. The illustrations derived from the dissections serve as valuable educational material for young neurosurgeons and other medical professionals.

Longxuetongluo Capsule alleviate ischemia/reperfusion induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis through modulating oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

BACKGROUND: Chinese dragon's blood, the red resin of Dracaena cochinchinensis (Lour.) S. C. Chen., is widely used to treat cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. Longxuetongluo Capsule (LTC) is a total phenolic compound extracted from Chinese dragon's blood, currently used in treating ischemic stroke. Myocardial injury can be aggravated after reperfusion of ischemic myocardium, which is called myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI), and the mechanism of MIRI is complex. However, the exact effect and mechanism of LTC on MIRI are still unclear. We explore the effect of LTC on alleviating MIRI based on mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. AIM OF THE STUDY: To explore the cardioprotective mechanism of LTC against MIRI. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A rat MIRI model was constructed through ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery, and LTC was given continuously for 28 days before surgery. The H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury model was induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation/reperfusion (OGD/R), and LTC was given 24 h before OGD. Myocardial ischemia areas were detected with 2,3,5-triphenyltetrazolium chloride (TTC) staining. Cardiac histopathological changes were detected with hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. And biochemical indexes were detected with serum biochemical kit. Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labelling (TUNEL) staining and flow cytometry were used to detect apoptosis. Fluorescent probes were used to observe reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm), Ca2+and other indexes. MitoTracker staining and immunofluorescence were used to observe the morphology of mitochondria and translocation of dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1). Finally, immunohistochemistry and Western blotting were used to examine the expression of proteins related to apoptosis, mitochondrial fission and fusion and oxidative stress. RESULTS: LTC could ameliorate cardiac pathological changes, decrease myocardial infarct area and the content or level of relevant serum cardiac enzymes, indicating that LTC could alleviate MIRI. Meanwhile, LTC could inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis via regulating apoptosis-related protein expression, and it could restore mitochondrial morphology, maintain ΔΨm, inhibit mitochondrial ROS generation and Ca2+ accumulation, increase the expression of mitochondrial fusion protein 2 (Mfn2), decrease the level of phosphorylation dynamin-related protein 1 (p-Drp1), and regulate ATP synthesis, thereby significantly ameliorating mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, LTC significantly reduced the expression of NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2), NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4) and neutrophil cytosolic factor 2 (NOXA2/p67phox), and reduced ROS production. CONCLUSION: The study demonstrated that LTC could inhibit MIRI induced cardiomyocyte apoptosis by inhibiting ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction, and these fundings suggested that LTC can be used to alleviate MIRI, which provides a potential therapeutic approach for future treatment of MIRI.

Comparing Postoperative Proprioception of the Glenohumeral Joint Between the Open and the Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure.

BACKGROUND: Shoulder proprioception, in which the anterior glenohumeral capsule plays a major role, is critical to the functioning of the shoulder. Consequently, most surgeons either do not resect or reinsert the anterior capsule in shoulder stabilization surgery. In the original Open Latarjet Procedure (OLP), the anterior capsule is preserved. However, in the all-Arthroscopic Latarjet Procedure (ALP), complete anterior capsule resection is recommended for better view and access to the coracoid. This raises the question if there is a postoperative difference in proprioception between these two procedures. Therefore, the aims of this study are (1) to assess the difference in postoperative proprioception between the operated and healthy sides after the OLP and ALP, and (2) to compare the difference in postoperative proprioception on the operated side between the OLP and ALP. METHODS: We conducted a retrospective analysis including all patients who underwent a proprioception test after an OLP or ALP at our center. Collected baseline characteristics included sex, age at surgery, operated side, hand dominance, presence of a Hill-sachs lesion, and time between surgery and the proprioception test. For the test, patients were positioned 1 meter from a wall. They were blindfolded and had to point at a target with a laser pointer taped to their index finger. The laser point was marked and the errors were measured horizontally and vertically and categorized as < 4 centimeters, 4-8 centimeters, 8-16 centimeters, and >16 centimeters. RESULTS: Between April 2022 and April 2024, 91 cases were identified, of which 24 underwent an OLP and 67 underwent an ALP. No significant difference was found in error distribution between the healthy and operated side after both the OLP (p = 0.30 horizontally, p = 0.67 vertically) and ALP (p = 0.20 horizontally, p = 0.34 vertically). Moreover, there was no significant difference in error distribution between the operated sides after the OLP versus ALP (p= 0.52 horizontally, p = 0.61 vertically). CONCLUSION: Our data suggests that postoperative proprioception is not significantly different between the operated and healthy sides after both the OLP and ALP, nor between the operated sides after the OLP versus after the ALP. This might imply that completely resecting the anterior glenohumeral capsule does not have a detrimental effect on shoulder proprioception. However, these results are multifactorial and prospective studies are needed to better understand the regeneration potential of glenohumeral capsule mechanoreceptors and the importance of the anterior capsule for shoulder proprioception.

Species-specific model based on sequence and structural information for ubiquitination sites prediction.

Ubiquitination is a common post-translational modification of proteins in eukaryotic cells, and it is also a significant method of regulating protein biological function. The use of computational methods for predicting ubiquitination sites can replace costly and time-consuming experimental methods. Existing computational methods often build classifiers based on protein sequence information, physical and chemical properties of amino acids, evolutionary information, and structural parameters. However, structural information about most proteins cannot be found in existing databases directly. The features of proteins differ among species, and some species have small amounts of ubiquitinated proteins. Therefore, it is necessary to develop species-specific models that can be applied to datasets with small sample sizes. To solve these problems, we propose a species-specific model (SSUbi) based on a capsule network, which integrates proteins' sequence and structural information. In this model, the feature extraction module is composed of two sub-modules that extract multi-dimensional features from sequence and structural information respectively. In the submodule, the convolution operation is used to extract encoding dimension features, and the channel attention mechanism is used to extract feature map dimension features. After the multi-dimensional features of the two kinds of information are integrated, the species-specific capsule network further converts the features into capsule vectors and classifies species-specific ubiquitination sites. The experimental results show that SSUbi can effectively improve the prediction performance of species with small sample sizes and outperform other models.

Smart and robust phase change cellulose fibers from coaxial wet-spinning of cellulose nanofibril-reinforced paraffin capsules with excellent thermal management.

Phase change fibers (PCFs), incorporating with diverse phase change materials (PCMs) such as paraffin wax (PW), have been recognized as one of the effective strategies for fabricate smart thermoregulatory textiles. However, some fatal defects exist in traditional paraffin-cellulose-based PCFs, including the paraffin leakage and the low fiber strength. In this work, we herein propose a facile method to prepare uniform and stable paraffin emulsions stabilized by cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), followed by a simple coaxial wet spinning to develop smart and robust cellulose-based PCFs for human body temperature management. Benefiting from the CNF-reinforced encapsulation, the stability of paraffin capsules and the compatibility of cellulose and paraffin are indeed promoted, thus allowing the cellulose-based PCF with excellent mechanical strength, leakage prevention, and thermal regulation. As a result, the as-prepared PCF, namely CNF1-PE/PW with optimal 1 wt% CNF1 loading, features a high tensile stress of 10.95 MPa at a strain of 111.2 % and a phase-change enthalpy value of 140.24 J/g with a slight paraffin leakage rate of 0.9 %. Moreover, the corresponding wearable fabric exhibits an excellent thermal storage and release recyclability even after 50 cycles. Therefore, this study provides a new idea for the development of intelligent cellulose-based phase change fiber materials.

Shensong yangxin, a multi-functional traditional Chinese medicine for arrhythmia: A review of components, pharmacological mechanisms, and clinical applications.

As a common cardiovascular disease (CVD), Arrhythmia refers to any abnormality in the origin, frequency, rhythm, conduction velocity, timing, pathway, sequence, or other aspect of cardiac impulses, and it is one of the common cardiovascular diseases in clinical practice. At present, various ion channel blockers are used for treatment of arrhythmia that include Na+ ion channel blockers, K+ ion channel blockers and Ca2+ ion channel blockers. While these drugs offer benefits, they have led to a gradual increase in drug-related adverse reactions across various systems. As a result, the quest for safe and effective antiarrhythmic drugs is pressing. Recent years have seen some advancements in the treatment of ventricular arrhythmias using traditional Chinese medicine(TCM). The theory of Luobing in TCM has proposed a new drug intervention strategy of "fast and slow treatment, integrated regulation" leading to a shift in mindset from "antiarrhythmic" to "rhythm-regulating". Guided by this theory, the development of Shen Song Yang Xin Capsules (SSYX) has involved various Chinese medicinal ingredients that comprehensively regulate the myocardial electrophysiological mechanism, exerting antiarrhythmic effects on multiple ion channels and non-ion channels. Similarly, in clinical studies, evidence-based research has confirmed that SSYX combined with conventional antiarrhythmic drugs can more effectively reduce the occurrence of arrhythmias. Therefore, this article provides a comprehensive review of the composition and mechanisms of action, pharmacological components, network pharmacology analysis, and clinical applications of SSYX guided by the theory of Luobing, aiming to offer valuable insights for improved clinical management of arrhythmias and related research.

Thiel cadaver eye as a training model for sub-Tenon's blocks: a feasibility study.

BACKGROUND: Regional anaesthesia education, especially for ocular procedures, necessitates reliable surgical training models. While cadaveric models offer anatomical fidelity, conventional embalming methods may compromise tissue integrity. We aimed to assess the effectiveness of Thiel cadavers for training in sub-Tenon's blocks by evaluating ocular tissues and measuring insertion forces. METHODS: Experimental design, using twenty eyes from ten Thiel cadaver heads. These cadavers were specifically prepared to test the administration of sub-Tenon's blocks. The research was conducted in a controlled laboratory setting appropriate for handling cadaveric materials and conducting precise measurements. Each cadaver eye underwent an initial ultrasound examination, and its axial length was noted. An intravitreal injection of heptastarch solution followed, to re-establish the eye's sphericity. After this volume injection, the axial length and intraocular pressure were measured again. Mock sub-Tenon's blocks were administered in 2 separate quadrants of the eye, with insertion forces measured using a pressure gauge. These were compared to a data set of insertion forces measured in a series of isolated pig's eyes on which STBs had been performed. Main outcome measurements were macroscopic assessment of the ocular tissue layers and the insertion forces required for the sub-Tenon's blocks. In a second set of 10 Thiel cadaver heads, 5 ml of sodium chloride were injected as sub-Tenon's blocks and the emergence of a periocular "T-sign" ascertained and measured by ultrasound. RESULTS: Four of twenty eyes (20%) retained near-natural sphericity, with the remaining requiring volume injection to approximate physiological shape and pressure. The conjunctiva and Tenon's layer were intact, and correct cannula placement was achieved in all cases. In 16 of 20 eyes where T-signs could be measured, the median thickness of the T-sign amounted to 2.72 mm (range 1.34 mm-5.28 mm). The average maximum cannula insertion force was 2.92 Newtons. Insertion forces in intact Thiel cadaver heads were consistently higher than in isolated pig's eyes (3.6 N vs 2.0 N). CONCLUSION: These findings suggest that Thiel cadavers are a promising model for training in sub-Tenon'sblocks, despite the challenge of often desiccated and involuted eyes.

Hydrodissection and femtosecond laser assisted surgery in posterior polar cataract.

PURPOSE: To present our clinical experience using femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery (FLACS) and cortical cleavage hydrodissection in eyes with posterior polar cataract. METHODS: Medical records of consecutive10 eyes of 6 patients with clinical diagnosis of posterior polar cataract (PPC), were retrospectively reviewed. All surgeries were done by using femtosecond laser-assisted cataract surgery. In all cases careful hydrodissection was done to separate the lens material from the posterior capsule. RESULTS: There were 3 males and 3 females, ages 39-73 years (average 52.5 years), two of them were implanted with toric lenses. In all eyes hydrodissection was successfully performed and the lens material was separated from the lens capsule. The posterior capsule remained intact during nucleus removal in all cases. In one eye the posterior capsule broke during cortical cleaning and the tear was converted to posterior capsulorhexis (PCCC). No postoperative complications were recorded during follow-up in all eyes. CONCLUSIONS: Hydrodissection can be safely performed in combination (but not exclusively) with FLACS, in eyes with posterior polar cataract with no evidence of a preexisting posterior capsule rent. Hydrodissection is regarded by most surgeons as contraindicated in these eyes however apparently it is more gentile to the capsule than any other surgical maneuver and allows clean and efficient separation of the lens material from the thinned posterior capsule. Femtosecond laser capsulotomy and lens fragmentation is effective and may further assist surgery by pneumo-separation of the lens material. Anterior chamber maintainer may further aid to the stability of the chamber and safety of surgery.

[Comparative assessment of the state of the cornea after YAG-laser interventions on anterior segment structures]. / Sravnitel'naya otsenka sostoyaniya rogovitsy posle YAG-lazernykh vmeshatel'stv na strukturakh perednego segmenta glaza.

YAG-laser interventions are associated with the risk of complications, including in the cornea. PURPOSE: This study evaluates the condition of the cornea after laser discission (LD) of secondary cataracts (SC) and laser iridectomy (LI) using corneal confocal microscopy (CCM). MATERIAL AND METHODS: Group 1 included patients with the diagnosis "Pseudophakia, secondary cataract", they underwent LD of SC. Patients of group 1 were divided into 2 subgroups depending on the initial state of the cornea: group 1A included patients with unaltered corneas; group 1B - with changes in the corneas. Group 2 included patients diagnosed with angle-closure glaucoma (ACG) or suspected ACG, they underwent LI. CCM was performed on the Heidelberg HRT-III system. Laser treatment was performed using the Nd:YAG-laser LPULSA SYL-9000, λ=1.064 µm. RESULTS: Immediately after treatment, subgroup 1A exhibited singular hyperreflective deposits and negligible endothelial cell loss (ECL). After 1 month, CMM findings revealed no changes in this subgroup. In subgroup 1B, a post-LD reduction in endothelial cell density led to increased polymegathism, decreased pleomorphism, heightened endothelial cell nucleus reflectivity, and moderate hyperreflective deposits after 1 month. In the second group, significant hyperreflective deposits of various sizes, increased nucleus reflectivity, and notable endothelial cell density reduction were observed immediately and 1 month after LI. CONCLUSION: The results of this study show that the possibility of developing corneal complications after photo destructive laser interventions is to a certain extent related to the initial state of the cornea. The risk of developing corneal damage increases with decreasing distance between the cornea and the irradiated structure. An increase in the level of laser radiation energy and its total values also contributes to damage to the cornea, which is possible with dense secondary cataracts and thick irises.

Does the timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery affect flexion contracture formation in rats?

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament injuries are commonly treated with ligament reconstruction surgery, but post-operative joint contracture is a major complication. The optimal timing for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction remains controversial, with some clinical studies suggesting that early surgery may increase the risk of joint contractures, while others have found no such association. To clarify this, we investigated the effects of the timing of reconstruction surgery on contracture formation using a rat model. METHODS: Anterior cruciate ligament-transected rats were divided into groups based on the timing of reconstruction: immediate, early, and delayed (1, 14, and 28 days after transection, respectively). Some anterior cruciate ligament-transected rats did not receive reconstruction surgery. Untreated rats served as controls. At 56 days after ligament transection, we assessed knee extension range of motion before (including both myogenic and arthrogenic factors) and after myotomy (arthrogenic factor only), as well as fibrotic changes in the joint capsule. FINDING: Anterior cruciate ligament transection alone significantly decreased range of motion before myotomy, but not after myotomy. In all reconstructed groups, both range of motions before and after myotomy were significantly reduced compared to the control, indicating the induction of arthrogenic contracture by reconstruction surgery. Fibrotic changes in the joint capsule were observed in all reconstructed groups, contributing to arthrogenic contracture formation. However, the timing of reconstruction had no effect on range of motions and fibrotic changes in the joint capsule. INTERPRETATION: Our findings may help guide clinical decision-making regarding the timing of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction surgery.

Traditional Chinese medication Qili qiangxin capsule protects against myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury through suppressing autophagy via the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein kinase B/Forkhead box O3 axis.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Positive evidence from clinical trials highlights the promising potential of traditional Chinese medication, Qili qiangxin capsule (QLQX), on chronic heart failure; however, limited data are available regarding its effects and mechanism in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). Herein, we aimed to explore cardioprotective effects and the underlying mechanism of QLQX in MIRI in vivo and in vitro. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Mice were subjected to left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 30 min followed by 24 h of reperfusion with or without 7-day pretreatment with QLQX (0.234, 0.468, or 0.936 g/kg). Cardiac function, myocardial infarction, and morphological changes were evaluated. The mechanism underlying the cardio-protection of QLQX on MIRI was determined by network pharmacology based on the common genes of potential targets of QLQX and MIRI-related genes, further validated by H9c2 cardiomyocytes exposing hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R). The viability, apoptosis, as well as autophagy and relevant signaling proteins in H9c2 were analyzed. RESULTS: QLQX pretreatment markedly improved cardiac function and decreased myocardium infarct size, apoptotic cardiomyocyte number, and LHD, CK-MB, and TnT levels in MIRI mice. QLQX could mitigate H/R-induced H9c2 cardiomyocyte injury, as evidenced by decreased cell apoptosis and LDH release and increased ATP production. QLQX effectively attenuates excessive autophagy in cardiomyocytes both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanically, network pharmacology analysis demonstrated the cardio-protection of QLQX on MIRI involving in PI3K/Akt signaling; the effects of QLQX on H/R-induced H9c2 cardiomyocytes were abolished by a specific PI3K inhibitor. CONCLUSION: QLQX protects against cardiomyocyte apoptosis and excessive autophagy via PI3K/Akt signaling during MIRI.