Vascular cognitive impairment (VCI), caused by cerebrovascular dysfunction, severely impacts the quality of life in the elderly population, yet effective therapeutic approaches remain limited. Mitophagy, a selective mitochondrial quality-control mechanism, has emerged as a critical focus in neurological disease research. Accumulating evidence indicates that mitophagy modulates oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and neuronal apoptosis. Key signaling pathways associated with mitophagy—including PINK1/Parkin, BNIP3/Nix, FUNDC1, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, and AMPK—have been identified as potential therapeutic targets for VCI. This review summarizes the mechanistic roles of mitophagy in VCI pathogenesis and explores emerging therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways, aiming to provide novel insights for clinical intervention and advance the development of effective treatments for VCI.

Debates persist regarding the efficacy and safety of azvudine, particularly its real-world outcomes. This study involved patients aged ≥60 years who were admitted to 25 hospitals in mainland China with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infection between December 1, 2022, and February 28, 2023. Efficacy outcomes were all-cause mortality during hospitalization, the proportion of patients discharged with recovery, time to nucleic acid-negative conversion (T _NANC), time to symptom improvement (T _SI), and time of hospital stay (T _HS). Safety was also assessed. Among the 5884 participants identified, 1999 received azvudine, and 1999 matched controls were included after exclusion and propensity score matching. Azvudine recipients exhibited lower all-cause mortality compared with controls in the overall population (13.3% vs. 17.1%, RR, 0.78; 95% CI, 0.67-0.90; P = 0.001) and in the severe subgroup (25.7% vs. 33.7%; RR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.66-0.88; P < 0.001). A higher proportion of patients discharged with recovery, and a shorter T _NANC were associated with azvudine recipients, especially in the severe subgroup. The incidence of adverse events in azvudine recipients was comparable to that in the control group (2.3% vs. 1.7%, P = 0.170). In conclusion, azvudine showed efficacy and safety in older patients hospitalized with COVID-19 during the SARS-CoV-2 omicron wave in China.

This research study focuses on addressing the limitations of current neuropathic pain (NP) treatments by developing a novel dual-target modulator, E0199, targeting both Na_V1.7, Na_V1.8, and Na_V1.9 and K_V7 channels, a crucial regulator in controlling NP symptoms. The objective of the study was to synthesize a compound capable of modulating these channels to alleviate NP. Through an experimental design involving both in vitro and in vivo methods, E0199 was tested for its efficacy on ion channels and its therapeutic potential in a chronic constriction injury (CCI) mouse model. The results demonstrated that E0199 significantly inhibited Na_V1.7, Na_V1.8, and Na_V1.9 channels with a particularly low half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) for Na_V1.9 by promoting sodium channel inactivation, and also effectively increased K_V7.2/7.3, K_V7.2, and K_V7.5 channels, excluding K_V7.1 by promoting potassium channel activation. This dual action significantly reduced the excitability of dorsal root ganglion neurons and alleviated pain hypersensitivity in mice at low doses, indicating a potent analgesic effect without affecting heart and skeletal muscle ion channels critically. The safety of E0199 was supported by neurobehavioral evaluations. Conclusively, E0199 represents a ground-breaking approach in NP treatment, showcasing the potential of dual-target small-molecule compounds in providing a more effective and safe therapeutic option for NP. This study introduces a promising direction for the future development of NP therapeutics.

Increasing evidence showed that histone deacetylase 6 (HDAC6) dysfunction is directly associated with the onset and progression of various diseases, especially cancers, making the development of HDAC6-targeted anti-tumor agents a research hotspot. In this study, artificial intelligence (AI) technology and molecular simulation strategies were fully integrated to construct an efficient and precise drug screening pipeline, which combined Voting strategy based on compound-protein interaction (CPI) prediction models, cascade molecular docking, and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. The biological potential of the screened compounds was further evaluated through enzymatic and cellular activity assays. Among the identified compounds, Cmpd.18 exhibited more potent HDAC6 enzyme inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 5.41 nM) than that of tubastatin A (TubA) (IC₅₀ = 15.11 nM), along with a favorable subtype selectivity profile (selectivity index ≈ 117.23 for HDAC1), which was further verified by the Western blot analysis. Additionally, Cmpd.18 induced G2/M phase arrest and promoted apoptosis in HCT-116 cells, exerting desirable antiproliferative activity (IC₅₀ = 2.59 μM). Furthermore, based on long-term MD simulation trajectory, the key residues facilitating Cmpd.18's binding were identified by decomposition free energy analysis, thereby elucidating its binding mechanism. Moreover, the representative conformation analysis also indicated that Cmpd.18 could stably bind to the active pocket in an effective conformation, thus demonstrating the potential for in-depth research of the 2-(2-phenoxyethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one scaffold.

Objective:To investigate the effects of extracorporeal carbon dioxide removal (ECCO 2R) combined with continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT) on respiratory efficiency and diaphragm function in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) received mechanical ventilation. Methods:A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted. Sixty patients with mild to moderate ARDS admitted to the department of respiratory and critical care medicine of Henan Provincial People's Hospital from January 2019 to January 2021 were enrolled, and they were divided into observation group and control group according to the random number table method, with 30 cases in each group. All patients received antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, and mechanical ventilation therapy. On this basis, the observation group received ECCO 2R and CRRT, while the control group received bedside CRRT. Baseline data including gender, age, etiology, acute physiology and chronic health evaluationⅡ(APACHEⅡ), etc., were recorded. Arterial blood gas analysis [including arterial partial pressure of oxygen (PaO 2), arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide (PaCO 2), and oxygenation index (PaO 2/FiO 2)] was performed at 12 hours and 24 hours during the treatment, and respiratory mechanics parameters [including tidal volume, respiratory rate, maximum expiratory pressure (MEP), and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP)] were recorded, and rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was calculated. The levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in serum were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Diaphragm thickness and diaphragm activity were measured by ultrasonography at 24 hours during the treatment. Results:There were no significantly differences in age, gender, etiology, and APACHEⅡ score between the two groups, indicating that the baseline data of the two groups were balanced and comparable. Compared with the 12 hours after treatment, the PaO 2 and PaO 2/FiO 2 in the observation group significantly increased, PaCO 2 significantly decreased, RSBI significantly decreased, MEP and MIP significantly increased, and serum GSH-Px and MDA significantly decreased, while SOD significantly increased at 24 hours during the treatment. In the control group, only PaCO 2 significantly decreased. Compared with the control group, the PaCO 2 significantly decreased in the observation group at 12 hours and 24 hours [mmHg (1 mmHg≈0.133 kPa): 55.05±7.57 vs. 59.49±6.95, 52.77±7.88 vs. 58.25±6.92, both P < 0.05], but no significantly differences in PaO 2 and PaO 2/FiO 2. Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significant decreases in RSBI at 12 hours and 24 hours (times·min -1·L -1: 85.92±8.83 vs. 90.38±3.78, 75.73±3.86 vs. 90.05±3.66, both P < 0.05), significant increases in MEP and MIP [MEP (mmH 2O, 1 mmH 2O≈0.01 kPa): 86.64±5.99 vs. 83.88±4.18, 93.70±5.59 vs. 85.04±3.73; MIP (mmH 2O): 44.19±6.66 vs. 41.17±3.13, 57.52±5.28 vs. 42.34±5.39, all P < 0.05], and significant decreases in serum GSH-Px and MDA [GSH-Px (mg/L): 78.52±8.72 vs. 82.10±3.37, 57.11±4.67 vs. 81.17±5.13; MDA (μmol/L): 7.84±1.97 vs. 8.71±0.83, 3.67±0.78 vs. 8.41±1.09, all P < 0.05], as well as a significant increase in SOD (U/L: 681.85±49.24 vs. 659.40±26.47, 782.32±40.56 vs. 676.65±51.97, both P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, the observation group showed significant increases in diaphragm thickness and diaphragm activity at 24 hours of treatment [diaphragm thickness (cm): 1.93±0.28 vs. 1.40±0.24, diaphragmatic thickening fraction: (0.22±0.04)% vs. (0.19±0.02)%, quiet breathing diaphragm displacement (cm): 1.42±0.13 vs. 1.36±0.06, deep breathing diaphragm displacement (cm): 5.11±0.75 vs. 2.64±0.59, all P < 0.05]. Conclusion:ECCO 2R combined with CRRT can reduce work of breathing and oxidative stress levels in ARDS patients receiving non-invasive ventilation, and protect diaphragm function.

As the global population continues to age,the incidence of neurodegenerative diseases has seen a constant increase in the elderly.Research indicates that neuroinflammation is a significant pathological mechanism in neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease,Parkinson's disease,amyotrophic lateral sclerosis,multiple sclerosis and Huntington's disease.Astrocytes are key glial cells involved in the regulation of neuroinflammation.More studies have revealed that astrocytes closely interact with other glial cells,neurons and peripheral immune cells to regulate synaptic plasticity,neuronal function,glutamate cycling and energy metabolism in the central nervous system,which shows notable therapeutic effects on neurodegenerative diseases.This paper aims to further explore specific manifestations and potential molecular mechanisms of astrocyte-mediated inflammatory processes in neurodegenerative diseases through interactions of astrocytes and other cells,therefore to identify new therapeutic targets from the perspective of astrocytes and then improve the symptoms.

Objective:To discuss their effects of PLA(polylactic acid)/PTMC(polytrimethylene carbonate)and PLA/PTMC-calcium phosphate[Ca3(PO4)2]composite porous scaffolds prepared by 3D printing technology on bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs)of the rabbits,and to clarify their application values in bone defect repairment.Methods:After mixing the materials,PLA/PTMC and PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 filaments were prepared by desktop filament extruder.The scaffolds were designed by CATIA V5-6R2019 modeling software and fabricated using CreatBot F430 3D printer.The chemical structure of the PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 scaffold was detected by infrared spectroscopy.In vitro degradation experiments were used to detect the degradation weight loss rates and pH values of the two scaffolds.A contact angle measuring instrument was used to detect the hydrophilicities of the two scaffolds.The BMSCs were extracted from three newborn New Zealand white rabbits(2-5-day-old);CCK-8 method was used to detect the proliferation activities of the cells co-cultured with two scaffolds,and Alizarin red staining was used to observe the osteogenic differentiation of the cells co-cultured with two scaffolds.Results:Infrared spectroscopy confirmed the successful preparation of composite scaffolds containing PLA,PTMC,and β-Ca3(PO4)2.During degradation for 6-14 weeks,compared with PLA/PTMC scaffold,the degradation rates of the PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 scaffold in lipase solution and phosphate-buffered saline(PBS)were significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).During degradation for 8-14 weeks,compared with PLA/PTMC scaffold,the pH value of the PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2scaffold in lipase solution was significantly increased(P<0.01).Compared with PLA/PTMC scaffold,the contact angle of the PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 scaffold was significantly decreased(P<0.01).On days 5 and 7 of cell co-culture,compared with PLA/PTMC scaffold,the proliferation activity of the cells co-cultured with PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 scaffold was significantly increased(P<0.05 or P<0.01).After 21 d of co-culture,both scaffolds overlapped with BMSCs and locally formed calcified nodules,which were stained orange by Alizarin red.Compared with PLA/PTMC scaffold,the number of mineralized calcium nodules in the cells co-cultured with PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 scaffold was increased,with greater density and deeper color.Conclusion:The PLA/PTMC-Ca3(PO4)2 composite porous scaffolds containing PLA,PTMC,and β-Ca3(PO4)2 are successfully prepared by 3D printing technology.These scaffolds exhibit good degradation properties and show advantages in biocompatibility,hydrophilicity,and osteogenic induction;they are excellent materials for the bone defect repairment.

The human immune system plays a key role in maintaining tissue homeostasis and disease progression. The development of biomaterials that can regulate the innate immune system and adapt to the immune system has great application prospects in the field of tissue engineering. This paper discusses how to design the surface interface topographies or the physicochemical properties of biomaterials, to regulate the fate of macrophages, such as activation, polarization, adhesion, migration, proliferation, and secretion. At the same time, the application of these biomaterials with immunoregulation function in the field of wound healing is discussed. In addition, this paper also put forward the limitations of biomaterials in immunoregulation applications and prospected the future development directions.

Objective:To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics of rashes in monkeypox patients through a series of skin biopsies, and examine their pathological features and the most effective tests.Methods:Patients with monkeypox virus infection admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital from June to August 2023 were identified. Among them, 24 patients underwent skin biopsies for clinical pathological study that were included in this study. Clinical information, rash pictures, and nucleic acid test results were analyzed using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, RNAscope ? hybridization and electron microscopy. Results:All 24 patients were male, including 14 patients with concurrent human immunodeficiency virus infection. Their average age was (32.3±5.4) years. The nucleic acid test confirmed monkeypox virus infection. The clinical feature of monkeypox rashes was solitary rather than clustered distribution, with rashes occurring in similar phase, distinguishing it from herpesvirus. The rashes in these patients were mostly scattered, with an average of (13.0±11.8) rashes, and most commonly present in the perineum, face, limbs, and trunk. The three main pathological features of these rashes were ballooning degeneration of the epidermal spinous cell layer, the characteristic intra-cytoplasmic Guarnieri′s bodies and significant infiltration of inflammatory cells in whole dermal layer. Immunohistochemistry, RNAscope ? hybridization, and electron microscopy can all effectively detect the monkeypox virus. Electron microscopy showed viral replication in various types of skin cells. Conclusions:The study describes the pathological features of monkeypox virus rashes. Pathological examination of skin biopsy samples is helpful to diagnose these rashes. The study suggests that the monkeypox virus has a unique epitheliotropic affinity and can infect various types of cells in the skin.

Objective:To explore the abnormalities of functional brain networks and their relationship with behavioral scale scores in patients with spinal cerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 3 using MRI.Methods:The study was a cross-sectional study. Clinical and imaging data of 52 patients with SCA type 3 (SCA type 3 group) and 55 normal control group admitted to the First Affiliated Hospital of Army Medical University from May 2017 to May 2023 were prospectively analyzed. All participants underwent structural and resting-state functional MRI. Graph theory analysis assessed global and nodal properties of brain network connectivity, including clustering coefficient (Cp), characteristic path length (Lp), normalized clustering coefficient (γ), normalized characteristic path length (λ), small-world index (σ), global efficiency (Eglob), local efficiency (Eloc), assortativity, and nodal efficiency. The area under the curve (AUC) for global attribute parameters was calculated and a two-sample t-test was used to compare the AUC values of the global attribute parameters between the 2 groups, and corrected for false discovery rate correction (FDR). A two-sample t-test was used to compare the node efficiencies of the 2 groups, corrected for network-based statistics (NBS), and the brain regions with significant differences in node efficiencies between the 2 groups were selected as the brain regions of interest, and a two-sample t-test was used to compare the differences in resting state functional connectivity (rsFC) values between the brain regions of interest and other brain regions in the SCA type 3 group and the normal control group, corrected for NBS. Spearman test was used to correlate significantly different rsFC values ( P<0.01) between the 2 groups and their clinical behavioral scores. Results:Compared with the normal control group, the AUC value of Cp for brain network connectivity was significantly increased in the SCA type 3 group ( Z=2.05, P=0.043), whereas the differences in γ, λ, σ, Eglob, Eloc, Lp, and homozygosity were not statistically significant between the 2 groups (all P>0.05). The SCA type 3 group had significantly lower nodal efficiency in the left precuneus ( t=-2.16, NBS corrected P=0.033) and left inferotemporal gyrus ( t=-2.25, NBS corrected P=0.027), and significantly higher nodal efficiency in the right lentiform nucleus ( t=2.05, NBS corrected P=0.043) and left middle temporal gyrus ( t=2.25, NBS corrected P=0.027) compared to normal control group. Significant alterations in rsFC values were found between multiple brain regions in SCA type 3 patients, correlating with clinical data and behavioral assessment scores. Conclusions:SCA type 3 patients exhibit specific alterations in brain functional networks, including changes in clustering coefficient and nodal efficiency. Furthermore, rsFC between brain regions correlates with behavioral abnormalities.