OBJECTIVE: Patients with severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) infection frequently develop central nervous system damage, yet the mechanisms driving this pathology remain unclear. This study investigated the primary pathways and key factors underlying brain tissue damage induced by the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant (lineage B.1.351). METHODS: K18-hACE2 and C57BL/6 mice were intranasally infected with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant. Viral replication, pathological phenotypes, and brain transcriptomes were analyzed. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis was performed to identify altered pathways. Expression changes of host genes were verified using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. RESULTS: Pathological alterations were observed in the lungs of both mouse strains. However, only K18-hACE2 mice exhibited elevated viral RNA loads and infectious titers in the brain at 3 days post-infection, accompanied by neuropathological injury and weight loss. GO analysis of infected K18-hACE2 brain tissue revealed significant dysregulation of genes associated with innate immunity and antiviral defense responses, including type I interferons, pro-inflammatory cytokines, Toll-like receptor signaling components, and interferon-stimulated genes. Neuroinflammation was evident, alongside activation of apoptotic and pyroptotic pathways. Furthermore, altered neural cell marker expression suggested viral-induced neuroglial activation, resulting in caspase 4 and lipocalin 2 release and disruption of neuronal molecular networks. CONCLUSION These findings elucidate mechanisms of neuropathogenicity associated with the SARS-CoV-2 beta variant and highlight therapeutic targets to mitigate COVID-19-related neurological dysfunction.
Animals ; COVID-19/genetics* ; Mice ; Brain/metabolism* ; Apoptosis ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; SARS-CoV-2/physiology* ; Pyroptosis ; Gene Expression Profiling ; Transcriptome ; Male ; Female

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to explore the association between body mass index (BMI) and mortality based on the 10-year population-based multicenter prospective study. METHODS: A general population-based multicenter prospective study was conducted at four sites in rural China between 2013 and 2023. Multivariate Cox proportional hazards models and restricted cubic spline analyses were used to assess the association between BMI and mortality. Stratified analyses were performed based on the individual characteristics of the participants. RESULTS: Overall, 19,107 participants with a sum of 163,095 person-years were included and 1,910 participants died. The underweight (< 18.5 kg/m ²) presented an increase in all-cause mortality (adjusted hazards ratio [ aHR] = 2.00, 95% confidence interval [ CI]: 1.66-2.41), while overweight (≥ 24.0 to < 28.0 kg/m ²) and obesity (≥ 28.0 kg/m ²) presented a decrease with an aHR of 0.61 (95% CI: 0.52-0.73) and 0.51 (95% CI: 0.37-0.70), respectively. Overweight ( aHR = 0.76, 95% CI: 0.67-0.86) and mild obesity ( aHR = 0.72, 95% CI: 0.59-0.87) had a positive impact on mortality in people older than 60 years. All-cause mortality decreased rapidly until reaching a BMI of 25.7 kg/m ² ( aHR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.92-0.98) and increased slightly above that value, indicating a U-shaped association. The beneficial impact of being overweight on mortality was robust in most subgroups and sensitivity analyses. CONCLUSION This study provides additional evidence that overweight and mild obesity may be inversely related to the risk of death in individuals older than 60 years. Therefore, it is essential to consider age differences when formulating health and weight management strategies.
Humans ; Body Mass Index ; China/epidemiology* ; Male ; Female ; Middle Aged ; Prospective Studies ; Rural Population/statistics & numerical data* ; Aged ; Follow-Up Studies ; Adult ; Mortality ; Cause of Death ; Obesity/mortality* ; Overweight/mortality*

Based on whole-genome identification of the TPS gene family in Perilla frutescens and screening, cloning, bioinformatics, and expression analysis of the synthetic enzyme for the insect-resistant component germacrene D, this study lays the foundation for understanding the biological function of the TPS gene family and the insect resistance mechanism in P. frutescens. This study used bioinformatics tools to identify the TPS gene family of P. frutescens based on its whole genome and predicted the physicochemical properties, systematic classification, and promoter cis-elements of the proteins. The relative content of germacrene D was detected in both normal and insect-infested leaves of P. frutescens, and the germacrene D synthase was screened and isolated. Gene cloning, bioinformatics analysis, and expression profiling were then performed. The results showed that a total of 99 TPS genes were identified in the genome, which were classified into the TPS-a, TPS-b, TPS-c, TPS-e/f, and TPS-g subfamilies. Conserved motif analysis showed that the TPS in P. frutescens has conserved structural characteristics within the same subfamily. Promoter cis-element analysis predicted the presence of light-responsive elements, multiple hormone-responsive elements, and stress-responsive elements in the TPS family of P. frutescens. Transcriptome data revealed that most of the TPS genes in P. frutescens were highly expressed in the leaves. GC-MS analysis showed that the relative content of germacrene D significantly increased in insect-damaged leaves, suggesting that it may act as an insect-resistant component. The germacrene D synthase gene was screened through homologous protein binding gene expression and was found to belong to the TPS-a subfamily, encoding a 64.89 kDa protein. This protein was hydrophilic, lacked a transmembrane structure and signal peptide, and was predominantly expressed in leaves, with significantly higher expression in insect-damaged leaves compared to normal leaves. In vitro expression results showed that germacrene D synthase tended to form inclusion bodies. Molecular docking showed that farnesyl pyrophosphate(FPP) fell into the active pocket of the protein and interacted strongly with six active sites. This study provides a foundation for further research on the biological functions of the TPS gene family in P. frutescens and the molecular mechanisms underlying its insect resistance.
Perilla frutescens/chemistry* ; Plant Proteins/chemistry* ; Multigene Family ; Sesquiterpenes, Germacrane/metabolism* ; Alkyl and Aryl Transferases/chemistry* ; Phylogeny ; Gene Expression Regulation, Plant

Objective:To integrate the best available evidence regarding the management of perinatal intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) in preterm infants.Methods:Using keywords such as "intracranial hemorrhage", "intraventricular hemorrhage", "germinal matrix hemorrhage", and their Chinese equivalents, we systematically searched for clinical decisions, guidelines, expert consensuses, evidence summaries, group standards, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses related to IVH management in preterm infants. Data sources included BMJ Best Practice, UpToDate, World Health Organization website, Guidelines International Network, National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network, Registered Nurses' Association of Ontario, National Guideline Clearinghouse, American Academy of Pediatrics, Canadian Paediatric Society, European Foundation for the Care of Newborn Infants, British Association of Perinatal Medicine, Yiigle, Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs Institute, PubMed, Web of Science, CINAHL, MEDLINE, Embase, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Data, and SinoMed. The search period spanned from January 2015 to December 2024. Literature screening, quality appraisal, evidence extraction, and synthesis were performed independently according to uniform standards.Results:A total of 12 publications were included, comprising three clinical decisions, three evidence-based guidelines, and six expert consensuses. Thirty-seven best evidence statements were synthesized across four domains: risk factor identification, diagnosis and monitoring, antenatal and delivery room management, and neonatal intensive care unit management. These included 28 strong recommendations (Grade A) and nine weak recommendations (Grade B).Conclusion:The 37 summarized best evidence statements provide an evidence-based foundation for developing clinical management protocols for perinatal IVH in preterm infants.

Objective To summarize the imaging characteristics of occult rib fracture(ORF),analyze the causes of missed diagnosis and misdiagnosis of ORF,and explore strategies to improve the detection rate of ORF.Methods A total of 142 patients with rib fractures who underwent multi spiral computed tomography(MSCT)were selected.The initial examination was conducted within 1 week after the injury,and follow-up examinations were performed at multiple time points after 1 week post-injury.A retrospective analysis was conducted to review the fracture detection and locations during the follow-up period.The time of fracture edge sclerosis or callus growth was observed in the young group(17 cases),middle-aged group(64 cases),and elderly group(61 cases).Results The anterior segment of the ribs was the predilection site for occult fractures,with 199 cases(53.4％).The missed diagnosis rates of fracture were higher for fractures near the costal cartilage segment and the posterior segment of the ribs,with missed diagnosis rates of 49.4％and 58.8％,respectively.Compared with the number of rib fractures identified in the initial examination,there was a statistically significant difference in the number of rib fractures at 3-6 weeks after injury(P＜0.05).The time of local sclerosis or callus growth in the young,middle-aged and elderly groups was(18.76±3.849)d,(26.14±6.597)d,and(37.69±5.726)d,respectively,with statistically significantl differences between the groups(P＜0.05).Conclusion MSCT has certain limits in diagnosing ORF in the short term after injury.Primarily observing the predilection sites and missed sites of occult fractures,systematically recognizing the imaging characteristics of ORF,and adopting the optimal detection-time window for patients of different age groups can reduce the missed diagnosis rate and misdiagnosis rate of ORF and improve the detection rate of fractures.This provides accurate and objective basis for clinical and forensic identification,with significant clinical importance and application value.

For middle-aged and elderly patients with conditions such as spinal fractures and degenerative spinal diseases, spinal internal fixation is a core surgical procedure for reconstructing spinal stability, heavily relying on the biomechanical stability provided by pedicle screw systems. Whereas, these patients are often complicated by osteoporosis that can significantly compromise the stability of the bone-pedicle screw interface, leading to a marked increase in pedicle screw loosening and surgical failure rates. The bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique, which involves injecting bone cement into the vertebral body or screw trajectory to optimize the mechanical properties of the bone-pedicle screw composite, has been proven to significantly enhance fixation strength and effectively prevent screw-related failures, thereby reducing the incidence of internal fixation failure in high-risk populations undergoing spinal fusion. However, the widespread clinical application of this technique has faced challenges such as inaccurate clinical decision-making (indication and contraindication selection), non-standardized operative practices, and insufficient awareness of complication prevention, resulting in considerable variability in clinical outcomes and even severe complications. To address this, Prof. Luo Fei from First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University initiated the project and the Chinese Association Orthopaedic Surgeons organized relevant experts to develop the Evidence-based clinical practice guideline for bone cement-augmented pedicle screw technique ( version 2025), based on current evidence. The guidelines put forward 8 recommendations regarding the clinical value, scope of application, and operational standards of the technique, aiming to provide evidence-based medical support and technical standardization for clinical decision-making.

Objective To analyze the specific reasons for the suspension and termination of domestic medical device clinical trial projects.Based on the analysis results,provide reference suggestions and improvement measures for all parties in-volved in the trials.Methods Data collection method was used to collect samples of domestic medical device clinical trials,and visits were made to multiple medical institutions.For projects that were suspended or terminated,specific reasons were obtained through on-site interviews with research teams and clinical trial institution staff,reviewing"Project Suspension/Termination Let-ters"stored in the investigator's folder,and telephone consultations with clinical research associates(CRAs)of the projects.A contract research organization(CRO)commercial company was also visited,and specific reasons for project suspension or termi-nation were obtained through on-site interviews or telephone consultations with project managers,CRA-related personnel,etc.Descriptive analysis was used to summarize the reasons for suspension and termination and their rates.Results Statistical analy-sis showed that the suspension and termination rate of medical device clinical trials in China was 17.30％,with a rate of 16.04％in samples collected from medical institutions and 21.30％in samples collected from CRO companies.The reasons leading to the overall suspension and termination of domestic medical device clinical trials included sponsor strategy adjustments,medical insti-tution or research team issues,product or design defects,switching to registration using data from similar products,trial result-re-lated factors,third-party service provider issues,other reasons,safety-related factors,pandemic reasons,regulatory updates,and difficulties in obtaining informed consent.Conclusion The reasons for the suspension and termination of domestic medical de-vice clinical trial projects are complex and diverse,with a statistical analysis showing a rate of 17.30％in China.

Approximately 30%-40% of epilepsy patients do not respond well to adequate anti-seizure medications (ASMs), a condition known as pharmacoresistant epilepsy. The management of pharmacoresistant epilepsy remains an intractable issue in the clinic. Its early prediction is important for prevention and diagnosis. However, it still lacks effective predictors and approaches. Here, a classical model of pharmacoresistant temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) was established to screen pharmacoresistant and pharmaco-responsive individuals by applying phenytoin to amygdaloid-kindled rats. Ictal electroencephalograms (EEGs) recorded before phenytoin treatment were analyzed. Based on ictal EEGs from pharmacoresistant and pharmaco-responsive rats, a convolutional neural network predictive model was constructed to predict pharmacoresistance, and achieved 78% prediction accuracy. We further found the ictal EEGs from pharmacoresistant rats have a lower gamma-band power, which was verified in seizure EEGs from pharmacoresistant TLE patients. Prospectively, therapies targeting the subiculum in those predicted as "pharmacoresistant" individual rats significantly reduced the subsequent occurrence of pharmacoresistance. These results demonstrate a new methodology to predict whether TLE individuals become resistant to ASMs in a classic pharmacoresistant TLE model. This may be of translational importance for the precise management of pharmacoresistant TLE.
Epilepsy, Temporal Lobe/diagnosis* ; Animals ; Drug Resistant Epilepsy/drug therapy* ; Electroencephalography/methods* ; Rats ; Anticonvulsants/pharmacology* ; Neural Networks, Computer ; Male ; Humans ; Phenytoin/pharmacology* ; Adult ; Disease Models, Animal ; Female ; Rats, Sprague-Dawley ; Young Adult ; Convolutional Neural Networks

The angiogenic response is essential for the repair of ischemic brain tissue. Integrin α6 (Itga6) expression has been shown to increase under hypoxic conditions and is expressed exclusively in vascular structures; however, its role in post-ischemic angiogenesis remains poorly understood. In this study, we demonstrate that mice with endothelial cell-specific knockout of Itga6 exhibit reduced neovascularization, reduced pericyte coverage on microvessels, and accelerated breakdown of microvascular integrity in the peri-infarct area. In vitro, endothelial cells with ITGA6 knockdown display reduced proliferation, migration, and tube-formation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that ITGA6 regulates post-stroke angiogenesis through the PI3K/Akt-eNOS-VEGFA axis. Importantly, the specific overexpression of Itga6 in endothelial cells significantly enhanced neovascularization and enhanced the integrity of microvessels, leading to improved functional recovery. Our results suggest that endothelial cell Itga6 plays a crucial role in key steps of post-stroke angiogenesis, and may represent a promising therapeutic target for promoting recovery after stroke.
Animals ; Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III/metabolism* ; Mice ; Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism* ; Integrin alpha6/genetics* ; Endothelial Cells/metabolism* ; Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinases/metabolism* ; Stroke/pathology* ; Vascular Remodeling/physiology* ; Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor A/metabolism* ; Mice, Knockout ; Signal Transduction/physiology* ; Mice, Inbred C57BL ; Male ; Neovascularization, Physiologic/physiology*

WDFY1 is a member of the protein family containing the WD repeat and FYVE structural domains,acting as a junction that assists the recruitment of downstream molecules by Toll-like receptor 3/4(TLR3/TLR4)and promotes the body's natural anti-viral and anti-bacterial immune response.In recent years,the role of WDFY1 has been successively reported in various disease models,such as neurological diseases,autophagy and tumors.This paper aims to provide a comprehensive review of the current state of WDFY1 research,encompassing its expression distribution,cell biological function and its role in disease development,and take a prospect on the potential of WDFY1 as a target in rheumatoid arthritis.