OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of Huayu Tongluo (transforming stasis and unblocking collaterals) moxibustion on cognitive function and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and cognitive decline. METHODS: Ninety patients with T2DM and cognitive decline were randomly divided into a moxibustion group (n=45, 3 cases dropped out, 2 cases were eliminated) and a waiting moxibustion group (n=45, 2 cases dropped out). Both groups received routine hypoglycemic treatment for 12 weeks. The moxibustion group additionally received Huayu Tongluo moxibustion at Baihui (GV20), Shenting (GV24), and Dazhui (GV14). Pressing moxibustion was applied to Baihui (GV20) for 20 min, while suspended moxibustion was applied to Shenting (GV24) and Dazhui (GV14) for 20 min each. Treatments of moxibustion were administered every other day (three times per week) for 12 weeks. All patients were followed up for 12 weeks, during which their original hypoglycemic medication regimen was maintained. Before treatment, after 12 weeks of treatment, and at the 12-week follow-up, the scores of Montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini-mental state examination (MMSE), Addenbrooke's cognitive examination Ⅲ (ACE-Ⅲ), symbol digit modalities test (SDMT), and Athens insomnia scale (AIS) and the insulin resistance index (HOMA-IR) were observed in the two groups. RESULTS: Compared with before treatment, the MoCA scores, MMSE scores, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (attention, memory, language fluency, language, visuospatial ability) and total scores, and SDMT scores were increased (P<0.01), while the AIS scores were decreased (P<0.05) in the moxibustion group after treatment and at follow-up. Compared with before treatment, the MMSE score, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (memory, attention) and total score after treatment, as well as the ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (language, memory, attention) and total score, and SDMT score at follow-up were increased (P<0.05, P<0.01) in the waiting moxibustion group. Compared with before treatment, HOMA-IR was decreased in both groups after treatment and at follow-up (P<0.01). At follow-up, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (attention, memory), and the total score in the moxibustion group were lower than those after treatment (P<0.05, P<0.01), and the ACE-Ⅲ language subscale score, total ACE-Ⅲ score, and SDMT score in the waiting moxibustion group were higher than those after treatment (P<0.01, P<0.05). After treatment and at follow-up, compared with the waiting moxibustion group, the moxibustion group had higher MoCA scores, MMSE scores, SDMT scores, ACE-Ⅲ subscale scores (attention, memory, language fluency) and total scores (P<0.05, P<0.01), and lower HOMA-IR (P<0.05). CONCLUSION Huayu Tongluo moxibustion can effectively improve cognitive function in patients with T2DM and cognitive decline. This improvement may be associated with the reduction in insulin resistance.
Humans ; Insulin Resistance ; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2/complications* ; Male ; Female ; Moxibustion ; Middle Aged ; Aged ; Cognition ; Acupuncture Points ; Adult ; Cognitive Dysfunction/therapy*

Objective To investigate the prognostic value of atherogenic index of plasma(AIP)for the occurrence of major adverse cardiovascular events(MACE)in elderly patients with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction(STEMI).Methods A total of 355 elderly patients with acute STEMI who received coronary interventional therapy in Department of Cardiology,Affilia-ted Hospital of Hebei University from January to May 2023 were recruited retrospectively,and fi-nally 343 of them with complete telephone follow-up data were included in this study.According to their AIP quartile level,they were divided into A1 group(＜0.212,84 cases),A2 group(0.212-0.339,87 cases),A3 group(0.339-0.434,86 cases)and A4 group(≥0.434,86 cases).The incidences of cardiac death,nonfatal myocardial infarction,ischemia-driven target vessel re-modeling and heart failure re-hospitalization were observed during 1-year follow-up.Kaplan-Meier survival curve was plotted to compare the incidence of MACE in the 4 groups.ROC curve analysis was employed to determine the predictive value of AIP.Results During 1-year follow-up,signifi-cant differences were observed in the proportions of ischemia-driven target vessel revasculariza-tion,heart failure re-hospitalization and non-fatal acute myocardial infarction among the 4 groups(P＜0.05,P＜0.01),and such difference was also seen in the cumulative survival rate among them(log rankx2=8.528,P=0.036).Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis showed that gender,hypertension,atrial fibrillation,multi-vessel disease,left main artery disease,number of stents,SYNTAX score,Killip grade,BNP,HbA1c,TC,LDL-C and HDL-C levels,and AIP were independent predictors of MACE.The AUC value of AIP in predicting MACE in elderly patients with acute STEMI was 0.855(95％CI:0.776-0.933),with a sensitivity of 66.7％and a specificity of 93.0％.When the above indicators combined together,the AUC value was 0.907(95％CI:0.954-0.987),and the sensitivity and specificity was 100.0％and 90.7％,respectively.The AUC value of combined prediction was significantly better than that of single indicator(P＜0.05).Conclusion AIP is a powerful biomarker,and can be used to predict the prognosis of elderly acute STEMI after coronary interventional therapy,and it combined with Killip grade,SYNTAX score,HbA1c,and number of stents shows better predictive efficacy.

Objective:To analyze the phenotypes and genetic etiology of microcephaly- seizures-development delay (MCSZ) syndrome.Methods:The patient was diagnosed with MCSZ syndrome in June 2018 at Shenzhen Maternity and Child Healthcare Hospital. She was the couple's first child, and the mother conceived a second child in 2020. The clinical data of the proband were retrospectively analyzed, and the bioinformatics analysis and whole-exome sequencing (WES) were performed on the proband and her parents to identify the pathogenic variants, which were further validated using Sanger sequencing. The prenatal genetic diagnosis of the second fetus was performed following the molecular diagnosis of the proband was confirmed. The clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of MCSZ syndrome were summarized by reviewing related literature.Results:(1) Case report: The patient, an eight-month-old girl, was admitted to our hospital due to microcephaly and repeated seizures. Another clinical characteristic was mental retardation. Auditory evoked potential detected moderate impairment of the left auditory nerve pathway. WES showed a compound heterozygous variation in the PNKP gene of the proband. Moreover, the pathogenic variation, c.199-10_203delinsTCTGAGGGGT, was inherited from the father, and the likely pathogenic variation, c.1505C>T(p.P502>L), was inherited from the mother, which was both de novo mutations. The compound heterozygous variation in the PNKP gene was considered genetic etiology based on the genetic testing and clinical features. Prenatal diagnosis showed that the second fetus did not inherit the PNKP gene variants from the parents and the couples chose to continue the pregnancy. A girl was born, and her psychomotor development and occipitofrontal size circumference were normal at 13 months old. (2) Literature review: 39 MCSZ syndrome cases were retrieved, including the present case and 38 cases from 12 relevant literature. The clinical characteristics were microcephaly (91.7%, 33/36), seizures (88.2%, 30/34), development delay (96.4%, 27/28), hyperactivity (25.6%, 9/39), gastroesophageal reflux (10.3%, 4/39), and hearing loss (7.7%, 3/39). Most patients' first onset of epilepsy was in infancy (96.3%, 26/27). Cranial MRI examination showed brain dysplasia in 31 cases (91.2%, 31/34). Conclusions:When the fetal head circumference is smaller than normal and is progressively reduced combined with postnatal microcephaly, epilepsy, developmental retardation, hyperactivity disorder, gastroesophageal reflux, and hearing loss, MCSZ syndrome should be considered. The prognosis varies widely, and genetic testing facilitates the early diagnosis and genetic counseling of MCSZ syndrome.

Objective:To summarize clinical characteristics of and treatment experience with patients with critical illnesses in a dermatological ward.Methods:All patients with serious or life-threatening conditions, who were hospitalized at the dermatological ward of the Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University from July 9, 2011 to December 31, 2020, were collected, and their clinical data were retrospectively analyzed. Demographic characteristics, disease types and proportions, main complications, causes of serious or life-threatening conditions, important treatment measures and outcomes were summarized, and causes of death were also analyzed and discussed.Results:A total of 1 057 patients with critical illnesses were collected, with a male-to-female ratio of 1∶1.11, and 64.81% of them aged 18 to 65 years. The types of diseases mainly included drug eruptions (332 cases) , connective tissue diseases (226 cases) , bullous skin diseases (104 cases) , psoriasis (57 cases) , erythroderma (45 cases) , infectious skin diseases (67 cases) , etc. Among them, psoriasis (39 cases) and erythroderma (32 cases) mostly occurred in males, and connective tissue diseases (168 cases) mostly occurred in females. Common complications mainly involved infections, important organ damage or dysfunction, hypoalbuminemia, and fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalances. A total of 94 patients were diagnosed with life-threatening conditions, which were found to be mainly caused by primary skin diseases, hematologic abnormalities, respiratory failure, nervous system abnormalities, renal failure, sepsis, fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalances, etc. During the management of critical illnesses, 43 patients were treated with high-dose glucocorticoid pulse therapy, 264 were treated with gamma-globulin pulse therapy, 355 were transfused with other blood products, and 34 received special therapies such as hemoperfusion/immunoadsorption therapy, plasma exchange, dialysis, artificial liver support therapy; 42 patients were transferred to the intensive care unit (ICU) , 12 were transferred to the department of surgery for operations, and 12 were transferred to the department of obstetrics and gynecology for delivery or induction of labor. After treatment, 989 patients (93.57%) achieved improvement and were discharged. A total of 14 patients (1.32%) died, of whom 7 died of secondary sepsis, 2 died of severe pulmonary infections, 2 died of asphyxia caused by respiratory mucosa shedding-induced airway obstruction, the other 3 died of gastrointestinal hemorrhage, cerebral hemorrhage and neuropsychiatric systemic lupus erythematosus, respectively.Conclusions:Critical cases in the dermatological ward mainly suffered from serious skin diseases such as severe drug eruptions, connective tissue diseases and bullous skin diseases, as well as complications such as severe underlying diseases, severe organ dysfunction, sepsis or severe fluid, electrolyte and acid-base imbalances. In terms of treatment, it is of critical significance to make a clear diagnosis and assess the severity of disease as early as possible, monitor and prevent possible complications, and to consult with specialists in relevant disciplines in time.

Objective:To investigate the association between the pathogenesis of hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg)-positive chronic hepatitis B and the frequency and function of plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC) in patients HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B virus infection.Methods:A total of 49 HBeAg (+ ) patients with chronic hepatitis B virus infection in immune tolerance phase (IT) and 100 patients in immune clearance phase (IC) were enrolled. The viral serological indicators and liver function were detected. Peripheral venous blood samples were collected. The peripheral blood pDC frequency and the quantitative expression of co-stimulatory molecule CD86 were detected by flow cytometry, and the correlation between the onset of chronic hepatitis B and the frequency and function of pDC was analyzed.Results:In IC group, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) levels, HBeAg levels and hepatitis B virus (HBV) DNA loads were significantly lower than those in IT group, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in IC group were significantly higher than that in IT group; pDC% in IC group was significantly lower than that in IT group; CD86 + pDC% and CD86 mean fluorescentintensity (MFI) showed no significant difference between the two groups. In the IC group, the baseline pDC% was negatively correlated with ALT levels, while CD86 + pDC%, CD86MFI, and CD86 antibody binding capacity (ABC) had no remarkable correlation with ALT levels. Conclusions:The frequency of pDC was correlated with the pathogenesis of CHB. The lower the frequency of pDC in patients with CHB, the more prone to hepatitis. Therefore, increasing the frequency of pDC may inhibit the occurrence of hepatitis.

Objective: To investigate the baseline characteristics of HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B patients with poor response to entecavir (ETV). Methods: A retrospective study of 70 patients who were partial virologic responders to ETV in Beijing Ditan Hospital from January 2016 to January 2019 was conducted. Data of HBeAg quantification, HBV DNA quantification, value of alanine amimnotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and creatinine (Cre) levels at baseline and follow-up point were collected. According to HBV DNA level after 48 weeks, patients were divided into high response group (2 log₁₀ IU/ml≤HBV DNA≤3 log₁₀ IU/ml) and low response group (HBV DNA>3 log₁₀ IU/m). The independent sample t test was used to compare the measurement data between the two groups; the χ² test was used to compare the categorical data between the two groups. Results: There were significant differences in the level of TBIL between the two groups before initiating the antiviral treatment (P<0.05). The difference of HBV DNA quantification and TBIL decline degree at 12 weeks were statistically significant (P<0.05). Comparison of HBV DNA quantification, ALT level, ALT decline degree and TBIL decline degree at 24 weeks were also statistically significant (P< 0.05). Conclusions Baseline TBIL levels, HBV DNA levels and ALT decline degree after 24 weeks are influencing factors that affect the efficiency of antiviral response.

Objective: To investigate the correlation between the frequency and function of early plasmacytoid dendritic cells (pDC) and the treatment response in patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B receiving entecavir (ETV). Methods: Patients with HBeAg-positive chronic hepatitis B were enrolled. Antiviral therapy with ETV, serum serological markerso hepatitis B virs (HBV) infection and liver function (HBV DNA load, HBsAg/anti-HBs, HBeAg and anti-HBe levels, and ALT levels) were monitored every three months before and during treatment; the efficacy of ETV was assessed by changes in the level of HBV DNA. Peripheral venous blood was collected before treatment, at 12 weeks and 24 weeks, respectively. Flow cytometry was used to detect the frequency of peripheral blood pDC and the surface co-stimulatory molecule CD86. The baseline and early treatment (12 weeks and 24 weeks) pDC frequency and functional changes were analyzed. Results: Of the 100 patients with chronic hepatitis B, 45 patients received ETV treatment and 48 weeks of follow-up. Within 48 weeks of ETV treatment, HBsAg levels decreased by 0.53±0.78 log IU/mL; HBeAg decreased by 816.61S/CO, and HBeAg seroconversion occurred in 4 cases; HBV DNA content decreased by 6.04±1.12 log IU/mL, in 33 cases (73%) the HBV DNA became undetectable, in 43 cases ALT kept normal continuously for more than 3 months. In the early stage of ETV treatment, pDC% increased significantly, CD86+ pDC%, CD86MFI and CD86ABC showed no significant changes. In ETV-treated HBV DNA responders, pDC% increased significantly, CD86+ pDC%, CD86MFI and CD86ABC showed no significant changes; HBV DNA non-responders had a significant increase in pDC%, but CD86+ pDC% decreased significantly, and CD86MFI and CD86ABC showed no significant changes. The decrease in HBsAg and HBeAg levels in ETV treated patients was not significantly associated with early pDC%, CD86+ pDC%, CD86MFI and CD86ABC changes. Conclusions ETV treatment can directly inhibit the replication of HBV DNA, but does not enhance the function of immune cells.

Objective To evaluate the effectiveness of spatio-temporal image correlation with M-mode display ( STIC-M ) in monitoring fetal left ventricular systolic function in fetuses with congenital heart disease(CHD) . Methods Five hundred and thirty-six normal fetuses and 34 fetuses with CHD( 29 without hydrops and 5 with hydrops) were involved in the study . Left ventricular fractional shortening ( LVFS) was measured using STIC-M . The data of normal fetuses was used to construct reference ranges of LVFS for assessment of fetuses with CHD . Results The LVFS of the normal fetuses [ range :26 .8％ - 42 .9％ , mean :( 34 .9 ± 4 .1) ％ ] was negatively correlated with gestational age ( r = - 0 .16 , P < 0 .001) . Compared with the normal controls ,LVFS was significantly decreased in CHD fetuses with hydrops ( P < 0 .001) . However ,there was no significant difference in LVFS between normal controls and CHD fetuses without hydrops ( P > 0 .05) . Conclusions STIC-M is a new method that can be used to measure LVFS to evaluate fetal ventricular systolic function . The fetal ventricular contractile function of CHD fetuses without hydrops may not be damaged or is in compensation stage . The fetuses with cardiac hydrops generally become lower .

Objective To express UL148 RNA of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) clinical strains in vitro and to study its functions. Methods Urine of a newborn with HCMV infection was inocula-ted into human embryo lung cells. HCMV clinical strain was isolated and identified by multiplex PCR. UL148 gene was amplified and cloned into pGEM-T-Easy plasmid after double enzyme digestion. A recombi-nant plasmid was constructed and located at the downstream of the T7 promoter. The recombinant plasmid was identified by electrophoresis of the recombinant plasmid,PCR product and double enzyme product. Se-quencing analysis was used for final confirmation. UL148 was transcribed into RNA by 32P labeling. Post-translational modification sites were analyzed by bioinformatics method based on UL148 sequence characteris-tics. Results The clinical strain of HCMV was obtained in vitro. Electrophoresis and sequencing analysis confirmed the successful construction of the recombinant plasmid. UL148 RNA was transcribed in vitro by T7RNA polymerase. Post-translational modification sites showed that UL148 gene contained one cell adhe-sion sequence, one legume lectins beta-chain signature, two N-myristoylation sites, one casein kinase Ⅱphosphorylation site,seven protein kinase C phosphorylation sitse, one cAMP/cGMP-dependent protein ki-nase phosphorylation site, two N-glycosylation sites and one transmembrane region. Conclusion UL148 gene might encode a viral adhesion molecule involving in the signal transduction in host cells.

Objective To investigate the effect of Osthole on memory function of sleep deprivation(SD) mice. Methods Forty-eight male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups;normal control group(NC group ), large platform control group(TC group),sleep deprivation group(M group)and Osthole group(Ost group). The model of SD in mice was estabished by using improved multi platform method. The ability of learning and memory was tested by using Morris water maze test and pathological changes of hippocampal neurons in mice were observed by HE staining. The serum,hippcampus malondialdehyde(MDA)contents and superoxide dismutase(SOD)activity, so as the hippocampus No content,were detected. Results Compared with NC group and TC group,the escape la-tency of M group increased significiantly and the number of crossing platform decreased significantly. There were in-creased levels hippocampus tissue,serum MDA level,hippocampal SOD activity and NO content. After supplemen-tation of Osthole,the escape latency significantly shortened in mice. The number of crossing platform was increased while the contents of MDA both in hippocampus and serum were decreased,and the SOD activity in hippocampus re-turned to normal. However,the level of NO in hippocampus was not decreased. Conclusion Osthole can protect the memory function of SD mice by reducing the the damage of hippocampal neurons through antioxidant stress.