Introduction: Itch, an uncomfortable sensation leading to the urge to scratch, is often inadequately managed by conventional antihistamine drugs, which can be ineffective in certain pruritic conditions and cause undesirable side effects. Therefore, there is a need to identify new pharmacologically potent antipruritic compounds with fewer side effects. A synthetic curcuminoid analogue, 2,6-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzylidene)-cyclohexanone (BHMC), a derivative of curcumin - a bioactive compound found in turmeric - has demonstrated various pharmacological ac-tivities. Previous studies have shown that BHMC possesses antinociceptive and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the antipruritic effects of BHMC in mice models of induced pruritus. Materials and Meth-ods: The pruritus in mice was induced using compound 48/80, substance P, histamine, and serotonin to establish an itch-induced mouse model. BHMC was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) at doses of 0.1, 0.3, and 1.0 mg/kg. Results: BHMC significantly reduced pruriceptive responses in all models tested and notably inhibited compound 48/80 and substance P-induced mast cell degranulation in skin tissues. Conclusions: These findings suggest that BHMC inhibits pruriceptive responses in mice, likely through the inhibition of mast cell degranulation and/or direct antagonism of peripheral histamine and serotonin receptors. This may warrant further exploration of the antipruritic effect of BHMC in clinical trials for the betterment of animal and human health.

Objective: To identify early clinical predictors associated with dysphagia and delayed swallowing recovery in patients with traumatic brain injury (TBI). Methods: In this retrospective study, we enrolled adult TBI patients admitted to the rehabilitation unit of a tertiary medical center between June 2019 and June 2023. Data on baseline characteristics, neurological status, imaging findings, and rehabilitation-related variables were collected. Swallowing function was assessed using two indicators: (1) nasogastric (NG) tube retention and (2) the Functional Oral Intake Scale (FOIS) scores at 1, 4, and 12 weeks post-injury. Regression analyses were conducted to identify predictors associated with dysphagia and swallowing recovery. Results: A total of 160 patients were included. At 1 week post-injury, longer intensive care unit (ICU) stay, poor initial sitting balance and use of sedative medication in ICU were associated with NG tube retention. At 4 weeks, lower initial Rancho Los Amigos Scale (RLAS) scores, immobility-related complications, longer hospitalization, and temporal lobe hematomas were associated with persistent NG tube dependence. By 12 weeks, older age, delayed ability to follow commands, and poor initial sitting balance remained associated with NG tube retention. FOIS outcomes were also associated with older age, delayed time to follow commands, impaired initial sitting balance, prolonged ICU stay, temporal lobe hematomas, lower initial RLAS scores, immobility-related complications, prolonged endotracheal tube placement and extended hospital stays. Conclusion Impaired cognitive status, poor physical function, immobility-related complications, and temporal lobe hematomas were key factors associated with dysphagia and delayed oral intake in individuals with TBI.

Licochalcone E is a chalcone isolated from Glycyrrhiza uralensis and G. inflata Batal. This study explored the effect of licochalcone E on improving hepatic steatosis in obese mice and evaluated the role of licochalcone E in regulating lipid accumulation in hepatocytes. In vitro, oleic acid–induced hepatocytes were treated with licochalcone E to investigate its effect on lipid metabolic pathways. In animal experiments, male C57BL/6 mice were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with licochalcone E by intraperitoneal injection for 12 weeks to assess its effects on biochemical indexes and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, mice were fed a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet and administered licochalcone E, followed by evaluation of liver fibrosis. Licochalcone E effectively reduced body weight, epididymal and inguinal fat weight, and adipocyte size in HFD-induced obese mice. Licochalcone E treatment of obese mice also reduced hepatic lipid accumulation and improved hepatocyte steatosis. Licochalcone E regulated the expression of lipogenesis- and lipolysis-related genes in the livers of obese mice and increased AMPK phosphorylation and Sirt1 expression in the liver. Licochalcone E also attenuated hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress in obese mice. Furthermore, treatment of MCD-induced mice with licochalcone E reduced the number of lipid vacuoles and the extent of fibrosis and inhibited liver inflammation. In FL83B hepatocytes, licochalcone E could regulate lipogenesis and lipolysis, and increase the phosphorylation of AMPK and ACC. These findings provide new insights into the role of licochalcone E in regulating lipid metabolism and preventing hepatic steatosis.

ObjectiveTo observe the clinical efficacy of electroacupuncture in treatment of simple obesity patients and its effects on the metabolism-inflammation network. MethodsSeventy-two patients with simple obesity were randomly divided into a electroacupuncture group and a sham electroacupuncture group， with 36 patients in each group. In the electroacupuncture group， conventional acupuncture was applied at Zhongwan （CV 12）， bilateral Tianshu （ST 25）， bilateral Daheng （SP15）， Qihai （CV 6）， Guanyuan （CV 4）， bilateral Zusanli （ST 36） and Fenglong （ST 40）. The sham electroacupuncture group used placebo needle at same acupoints as the electroacupuncture group. Both groups were given sparse-dense waves with a frequency of 2/10 Hz， 30 minutes per session， 3 times a week， for a total of 8 weeks of treatment. The changes of human body parameters including body weight， body mass index （BMI）， waist circumference， and body fat percentage （BFP）， metabolic factors including serum fasting blood glucose （FBG）， triglyceride （TG）， total cholesterol （TC）， high density lipoprotein （HDL）， low density lipoprotein （LDL）， leptin， and ghrelin， and inflammatory factors including interleukin-6 （IL-6） and tumor necrosis factor α （TNF-α） were compared before and after treatment. Correlations between changes in leptin， ghrelin and inflammatory factors were further analyzed. ResultsWaist circumference was significantly reduced after treatment in both groups compared with baseline （P＜0.05）， and the post-treatment waist circumference was lower in the electroacupuncture group than in the sham electroacupuncture group （P＜0.05）； body weight， BMI and BFP decreased significantly after treatment compared to pretreatment levels in the electroacupuncture group （P＜0.05）. Serum leptin， IL-6 and TNF-α declined significantly after treatment in both groups versus baseline （P＜0.05）； the electroacupuncture group had lower post-treatment levels of leptin， IL-6 and TNF-α as well as larger pre-post changes than the sham group （P＜0.05）； ghrelin increased markedly after treatment in both groups （P＜0.05）， with higher post-treatment ghrelin and greater pre-post variation observed in the electroacupuncture group （P＜0.05）. In the electroacupuncture group， changes in ghrelin were negatively correlated with IL-6 and positively correlated with TNF-α （P＜0.01）； in the sham electroacupuncture group， ghrelin changes were negatively correlated with both IL-6 and TNF-α， whereas leptin changes were positively correlated with the two inflammatory markers （P＜0.01）. ConclusionElectroacupuncture can effectively improve clinical manifestations， as well as regulate serum metabolic and pro-inflammatory factors in patients with simple obesity， and discrepant correlation patterns of metabolism-inflammation are observed between the two groups.

Lactate, with a chemical formula of C₃H₆O₃, is an intermediate product of glucose metabolism in the body and a raw material for hepatic gluconeogenesis. Under physiological resting conditions, the body mainly relies on aerobic oxidation of sugar and fat for energy supply, so the blood lactate concentration is lower. However, during exercise, the enhanced glycolysis in skeletal muscles leads to the significant release of lactate into the bloodstream, causing a marked increase in blood lactate concentration. Traditionally, lactate has been regarded as a metabolic waste product of glycolysis and a contributor to exercise-induced fatigue. Nevertheless, recent studies have revealed that, in humans, lactate is a major vehicle for carbohydrate carbon distribution and metabolism, serving not only as an energy substance alongside glucose but also as a vital component in various biological pathways involved in cardiac energetics, muscle adaptation, brain function, growth and development, and inflammation therapy. Two primary pathways can elevate lactate levels in neurons during exercise. One is peripheral skeletal muscle-derived lactate, which can enter the bloodstream and cross the blood-brain barrier into the brain with the assistance of monocarboxylate transporters (MCTs) from the solute carrier family 16 (SLC16). The other is the central brain-derived pathway. During exercise, neuronal activity is enhanced, promoting the secretion of neuroactive substances such as glutamate, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. This activates astrocytes to break down glycogen into lactate and stimulates glutamate from the presynaptic terminal into the synaptic cleft. It upregulates the glucose transport protein-1 (GLUT-1) expression, allowing astrocytes to convert glucose into lactate through glycolysis. The lactate is produced via peripheral pathways and central pathways during exercise are transported by astrocyte membrane monocarboxylate transporters MCT1 and MCT4 to the extracellular space, where neurons take it up through neuronal cell membrane MCT2. The lactate in neurons can serve as an alternative energy source of glucose for neuronal functional activities, meeting the increased energy demands of synaptic activity during exercise, and maintaining energy balance and normal physiological function in the brain. Additionally, acting as a signaling molecule lactate can enhance synaptic plasticity through the SIRT1/PGC-1α/FNDC5 and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, lactate can promote angiogenesis by upregulating VEGF-A expression through the PI3K/Akt and ERK1/2 signaling pathways, stimulate neurogenesis via the Akt/PKB signaling pathway, and reduce neuroinflammation through activation of the “lactate timer”. Overall, lactate contributes to the protection of neurons, the promotion of learning and memory, the enhancement of synaptic plasticity, and the reduction of neuroinflammation in the nervous system. While lactate may serve as a potential mediator for information exchange between the peripheral and central nervous systems during exercise, further experimental research is needed to elucidate its action mechanisms in the nervous system. In addition, future studies should utilize advanced neurophysiological and molecular biology techniques to uncover the importance of lactate in maintaining brain function and preventing neurological diseases. Accordingly, this article first reviews the historical research on lactate, then summarizes the metabolic characteristics and neuronal sources of lactate, and finally explores the role and mechanisms of exercise-induced lactate in the nervous system, aiming to provide new perspectives and targets for understanding the mechanisms underlying exercise promotion of brain health.

Objective To investigate the effects of transcutaneous auricular vagus nerve stimula-tion(taVNS)on preoperative anxiety and sleep quality in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomecto-my.Methods A total of 106 patients scheduled for elective laparoscopic myomectomy were randomly divided into active stimulation group(a-taVNS group,n=53)and sham stimulation group(s-taVNS group,n=53).Trait Anxiety Inventory(TAI)scores,State Anxiety Inventory(SAI)scores,Hos-pital Anxiety and Depression Scale-anxiety(HADS-A)scores,Amsterdam Preoperative Anxiety and Information Scale-anxiety(APAISa)scores,Athens Insomnia Scale(AIS)scores,hemodynamic parameters,and adverse reactions were evaluated before intervention(T0),30 min after interven-tion(T1),and the next morning(T2).The degrees of anxiety improvement(△SAI=SAIT0-SAIT1;△HADS-A=HADS-AT0-HADS-AT1;△APAISa=APAISaT0-APAISaT1)and sleep improvement(△AIS=AIST0-AIST2)were calculated,and their correlations were assessed.Results At T0,there were no significant differences in SAI,HADS-A,and APAISa scores between the two groups(P=0.376,0.682,0.144).At T1,there were significant differences in SAI and HADS-A scores between the two groups(adjusted P＜0.05),while there was no significant difference in APAISa scores(P=0.141).Compared with the s-taVNS group,the a-taVNS group had higher improvement values of △SAI,△HADS-A,and △APAISa(P＜0.001).Compared with T0,the AIS score de-creased and the incidence of sleep disorders decreased at T2 in the a-taVNS group(P＜0.05).Compared with the s-taVNS group,the AIS score and the proportion of patients with sleep disorders decreased at T2 in the a-taVNS group(P＜0.05).There was a positive correlation between the de-gree of anxiety improvement and the degree of sleep improvement in the a-taVNS group(P＜0.05),while there was no significant correlation in the s-taVNS group(P＞0.05).Compared with T0,sys-tolic blood pressure,diastolic blood pressure,and heart rate decreased at T1 in both groups,but there were no significant differences in these parameters between the two groups(P＞0.05).During the study period,no adverse events such as tinnitus,dizziness,headache,nausea,vomiting,or fa-cial flushing occurred in either group.Conclusion The method taVNS can improve preoperative anxiety and reduce the incidence of sleep disorders in patients undergoing laparoscopic myomectomy.

ObjectiveObesity has been identified as one of the most important risk factors for cognitive dysfunction. Physical exercise can ameliorate learning and memory deficits by reversing synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus and cortex in diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease. In this study, we aimed to determine whether 8 weeks of treadmill exercise could alleviate hippocampus-dependent memory impairment in high-fat diet-induced obese mice and investigate the potential mechanisms involved. MethodsA total of sixty 6-week-old male C57BL/6 mice, weighing between 20-30 g, were randomly assigned to 3 distinct groups, each consisting of 20 mice. The groups were designated as follows: control (CON), high-fat diet (HFD), and high-fat diet with exercise (HFD-Ex). Prior to the initiation of the treadmill exercise protocol, the HFD and HFD-Ex groups were fed a high-fat diet (60% fat by kcal) for 20 weeks. The mice in the HFD-Ex group underwent treadmill exercise at a speed of 8 m/min for the first 10 min, followed by 12 m/min for the subsequent 50 min, totally 60 min of exercise at a 0° slope, 5 d per week, for 8 weeks. We employed Y-maze and novel object recognition tests to assess hippocampus-dependent memory and utilized immunofluorescence, Western blot, Golgi staining, and ELISA to analyze axon length, dendritic complexity, number of spines, the expression of c-fos, doublecortin (DCX), postsynaptic density-95 (PSD95), synaptophysin (Syn), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and the number of major histocompatibility complex II (MHC-II) positive cells. ResultsMice with HFD-induced obesity exhibit hippocampus-dependent memory impairment, and treadmill exercise can prevent memory decline in these mice. The expression of DCX was significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group (P<0.001). Treadmill exercise increased the expression of c-fos (P<0.001) and DCX (P=0.001) in the hippocampus of the HFD-induced obese mice. The axon length (P<0.001), dendritic complexity (P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P<0.001) in the hippocampus were significantly decreased in the HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise increased the axon length (P=0.002), dendritic complexity(P<0.001), the number of spines (P<0.001) and the expression of PSD95 (P=0.001) of the hippocampus in the HFD-induced obese mice. Our study found a significant increase in MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of HFD-induced obese mice compared to the control group. Treadmill exercise was found to reduce the number of MHC-II positive cells (P<0.001) and the concentration of IL-1β (P<0.001) in the hippocampus of obese mice induced by a HFD. ConclusionTreadmill exercise led to enhanced neurogenesis and neuroplasticity by increasing the axon length, dendritic complexity, dendritic spine numbers, and the expression of PSD95 and DCX, decreasing the number of MHC-II positive cells and neuroinflammation in HFD-induced obese mice. Therefore, we speculate that exercise may serve as a non-pharmacologic method that protects against HFD-induced hippocampus-dependent memory dysfunction by enhancing neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in the hippocampus of obese mice.

Objective To investigate the effects of glycerol ingestion on pure tone audiometry(PTA),distor-tion products otoacoustic emission(DPOAE),and electrocochleography(ECochG)in patients with Ménière disease(MD).Methods Glycerol test was conducted in 50 patients with MD.PTA was performed in four series:before glycerol intake,1,2 and 3 hours after intake.DPOAE and ECochG were performed before glycerol intake and 2 hours after intake.All results were analyzed to assess the effect of glycerol on cochlear function of patients with MD.Results ① 55％of MD patients tested positive in PTA glycerol test,and the positive rate increased gradually after 1-3 hours of glycerin ingestion(P＜0.05).For the 33 positive ears,the pure tone threshold decreased the most between 1-2 hours and reached the lowest thresholds at 3 hours.Thresholds at 0.5 kHz,1 kHz,2 kHz dropped the most.② The positive rate of DPOAE glycerol test was 56.67％,with 34 positive ears showing a sig-nificant increase in amplitude between 0.75-2 kHz of f2.③ The positive rate of ECochG glycerin test was 13.64％.The decrease of-SP/AP ratio was not statistically significant before and after ingestion of glycerin(P＞0.05).Conclusion Ingestion of glycerin could alter to varying degrees of the results of PTA,DPOAE and ECo-chG,and influence the cochlear function to some extent.

Thoracolumbar spine fracture often leads to severe pain, functional impairments, and neurological deficits, for which open reduction and internal fixation can effectively restore the spinal structural stability. Open decompression and reduction with internal fixation can help relieve spinal cord compression and improve spinal function in cases of concomitant cord injury. Although spinal stability can be restored through surgery, patients often face chronic pain and functional impairments postoperatively. A postoperative rehabilitation program is critical in optimizing therapeutic outcomes, reducing complications, and minimizing the risk of secondary injuries. However, current rehabilitation methods, such as physical therapy, functional training, and pain management, are confronted with problems in clinical practice, including significant variation in efficacy, poor patient adherence, and prolonged rehabilitation period. There is an urgent need for a unified rehabilitation strategy to address these problems. To this end, the Spinal Trauma Group of the Orthopedic Physicians Branch of the Chinese Medical Association and the Spine Health Professional Committee of the Chinese Human Health Technology Promotion Association organized experts from relevant fields to formulate Evidence-based guidelines for rehabilitation treatment after internal fixation of thoracolumbar spine fracture in adults ( version 2025) by integrating evidences from clinical researches and advanced rehabilitation concepts at home and abroad. A total number of 14 recommendations concerning the rehabilitation treatment with multimodal analgesia, psychological intervention, deep vein thrombosis prevention, core muscle and extremity exercise, appropriate use of braces, early weight-bearing, device-aided rehabilitation exercise, neuroregulatory therapy, rehabilitation team were put forward, aiming to standardize the post-operative rehabilitation process following internal fixation, promote the functional recovery, and enhance patients′ quality of life.